Four candidates seeking two seats on the Wayzata City Council discussed taxes, development, downtown businesses, short-term rentals, public safety and housing during a candidate forum Thursday, Sept. 24, at Wayzata City Hall.
Adam Elg, Dan Koch, Molly MacDonald and David Struck participated in the forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Lake Minnetonka Plymouth Area in partnership with the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The candidates are seeking two four-year City Council terms beginning in January. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Taxes and city revenue
How to limit the burden on Wayzata property taxpayers emerged as a recurring issue.
Koch said the city should exercise fiscal discipline and seek to hold increases in the general fund levy to 5% or less while continuing to adequately fund public safety and infrastructure.
Elg advocated diversifying city revenue, including consideration of app-based parking, fees for nonresident commuters using municipal parking and a food-and-beverage sales tax.
MacDonald also supported increasing revenue from sources other than property taxes, arguing that Wayzata’s popularity brings visitors who use city streets, sidewalks, parking and other infrastructure.
Struck said the city should look for additional revenue from existing assets, particularly the Wayzata Bar & Grill and municipal liquor operation.
The candidates split more sharply when specifically asked whether they support a food-and-beverage sales tax.
MacDonald said yes. Koch said he supports exploring the idea but wants additional study, including input from restaurants and hotels. Elg supported the concept but said revenue should provide specifically prioritized relief for businesses, commercial property owners and residents.
Struck opposed it.
“Food and beverage, I got to be honest, that’s a non-starter for me,” Struck said.
Development and downtown businesses
On development, Koch called for a more proactive approach, particularly along the east side of Wayzata Boulevard, rather than considering redevelopment only as individual projects are proposed.
Elg focused on residential design standards and suggested measures such as recessed, side-loading or rear-loading garages and porches to maintain the scale and character of neighborhoods.
MacDonald said the city’s upcoming 2050 comprehensive planning process will provide an opportunity to address development. She also called for examining permitted uses along Lake Street.
Struck said future development decisions should account for their effect on traffic and infrastructure throughout the city, not just conditions on an individual development site.
All four candidates identified the high cost of doing business in Wayzata as a concern.
MacDonald, who owns a Lake Street retail business, cited rent as a major obstacle. Elg pointed to commercial rents, property taxes, parking and year-round foot traffic. Koch discussed the property-tax component of commercial rents and the need for parking and traffic circulation. Struck also cited high rents and suggested the city explore ways to encourage businesses that fill unmet needs downtown.
Short-term rentals
The candidates also differed over short-term rentals. Wayzata adopted a one-year moratorium on new short-term residential rentals in March.
Elg said he opposes an outright prohibition and favors licensing, enforcement through nuisance regulations and revocation of licenses for violations.
Struck likewise favored licensing and inspections and suggested a tax on short-term rentals.
Koch said he does not support a citywide ban but believes the number of short-term rentals should be limited, with property owners held responsible for their guests and repeat violations potentially resulting in loss of a license.
MacDonald took a different position, saying her view had changed after listening to residents concerned about neighborhood character.
“The residents want to maintain their neighborhood character and that’s done by actually having neighbors,” MacDonald said.
She said she hopes the Minnesota Supreme Court will hear the city’s case and uphold its ban.
Flock cameras divide candidates
Candidates were also asked about public safety and Wayzata’s use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras.
Koch said he is comfortable with the Police Department’s current use of the cameras after discussing the system with Police Chief Jamie Baker.
MacDonald described herself as a skeptic and called for more public engagement, particularly over privacy concerns, while saying she believes the Wayzata Police Department has used the technology responsibly.
Elg opposed the cameras, citing privacy, data-sharing and what he called the potential for “mission creep.”
Struck also strongly opposed them and called for the city to end its use of the system.
Housing and other priorities
Affordable and workforce housing also drew attention. Elg and Koch emphasized preserving Wayzata’s existing naturally occurring affordable housing. MacDonald pointed to the city’s approval of accessory dwelling units and zoning changes intended to encourage preservation of existing homes.
Struck spoke personally about the issue, telling the audience he rents a two-bedroom apartment in Wayzata for $1,450 per month and worries that older apartment buildings could eventually be sold and replaced with more expensive housing.
Asked to identify their top priorities, MacDonald emphasized diversifying city revenue and protecting neighborhoods. Koch cited fiscal discipline and property taxes. Struck identified roads and traffic. Elg discussed revenue diversification before identifying the Wayzata Boulevard/County Road 101 corridor as a longer-term priority.
The approximately hour-long forum was moderated by Jackie Wells, a certified League of Women Voters moderator. Questions came from the public and forum organizers, with candidates generally given one minute to respond.
The League said the forum was intended to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and that it does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.
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