The Wayzata City Council will convene Thursday, February 5, for a workshop session to review internal and external pre-screened candidates and select semi-finalists in the search for Wayzata’s next city manager.
During the workshop, councilmembers will meet with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC, the executive search firm assisting the City with recruitment. Consultants will present an overview of the qualifications of nine candidates who advanced through initial screening, along with summarized feedback from reference and media checks.
To protect applicant confidentiality, candidates will be identified only numerically during public discussion. Names and identifying details—including current employers—will not be disclosed. City officials emphasized that the redaction of names is being done out of courtesy to the applicants, many of whom are currently serving in senior leadership roles elsewhere.
Former City Manager Jeffrey Dahl resigned effective July 17, 2025, prompting the Council to initiate a national search. A subcommittee consisting of Andrew Mullin and Councilmember Ken Sorensen has been working closely with MGT consultants Ellen Hiniker and Pam Dmytrenko to guide the process.
Following Wednesday’s presentation, the Council is expected to select a smaller group of semi-finalists to advance to first-round interviews scheduled for February 12. Final interviews are planned for February 24.
City officials noted that maintaining confidentiality throughout the early stages of the search is considered best practice in municipal recruitment, particularly when candidates are actively employed in other communities.
The Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce has announced a key leadership transition, naming longtime Membership Services Director Judy Johnson as its next president following a comprehensive selection process by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. (submitted image.)
Johnson will succeed Becky Pierson, who is stepping down after 13 years of service leading the organization. Pierson will remain in her role through mid-March to support a smooth transition.
In a message to Chamber members, Board Chair Matt Schadow said the Board is confident Johnson is the right leader to guide the organization forward, citing her experience, strategic vision, and collaborative approach.
“We are thrilled to welcome her to this role,” the Board shared in its announcement, noting that Johnson’s leadership is expected to strengthen the Chamber’s team, support its members, and amplify the collective voice of the west metro business community.
Pierson reflected on her tenure and the transition ahead, saying, “It has been an honor to serve this Chamber and work alongside such dedicated members and partners. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships built over the years, working alongside an amazing team supporting our members, and for the opportunity to work with Judy during this transition. I know the Chamber is in excellent hands as it moves into its next chapter.”
Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm for the work ahead.
“I am truly honored to step into this role and lead the Wayzata West Metro Chamber into its next chapter,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working closely with our members, Board, team, and community partners to build on the Chamber’s past successes and strong foundation, and to create new opportunities for growth, connection, and impact.”
The Chamber’s Board indicated it will begin evaluating next steps to fill Johnson’s former position as Membership Services Director, with additional information to be shared in the coming weeks.
Members are encouraged to thank Pierson for her years of service and to welcome Johnson as she begins this new chapter in Chamber leadership.
“Bridger Nelson of Hopkins and Lila Golomb of Wayzata won the pursuit race titles Tuesday at the Lake Conference Nordic ski championships. Nelson won the boys title with a combined freestyle and classic race time of 24 minutes and 51 seconds. Connor Viera of Wayzata placed second for the boys. Golomb, the top-ranked girl in Minnesota, won the girls Lake title for a third straight season with a time of 28:55. Meredith Gundale of Wayzata finished third in the pursuit format. Section meets for Nordic skiing are scheduled for next week.” via CCX Media.
WAYZATA — One of Minnesota’s most beloved winter traditions returns to the ice next month as the Wayzata Chilly Open tees off on Wayzata Bay Saturday, Feb. 7, marking its 41st year of turning the frozen surface of Lake Minnetonka into a full-scale celebration of winter, community, and creativity.
What began four decades ago as a quirky mid-winter diversion has grown into the largest and most well-known golf tournament played on ice anywhere in the world. Each year, more than 2,000 participants from near and far bundle up, don themed costumes, and take to the lake to putt tennis balls across four imaginative nine-hole courses using golf clubs and hockey sticks.
This year’s theme — Live from Wayzata… It’s the Chilly Open! — draws inspiration from Saturday Night Live, encouraging teams to lean into comedy, characters, and over-the-top flair. Golfers can register as a traditional foursome or assemble larger crews of 20 or more, transforming the bay into a lively stage of laughter and friendly competition.
Chilly Open
Tee times are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with limited tickets available. Amateur golfers may register for $60, while Pro tickets are $115. All participants receive a signature Chilly Open hat and unlimited chili throughout the day.
Following their round, golfers and spectators alike are invited into the heated 19th Hole Tent for live music by PowerTap and the always-anticipated Chili Cookoff. More than 10 local restaurants will compete, with entries judged by a panel that includes Twin Cities food personalities, local chefs, and Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The festivities extend well beyond the ice. The day begins with free Snowga — snow yoga — at 9 a.m., offering an energetic and lighthearted start to the morning. As the sun sets, the celebration continues throughout downtown Wayzata, where restaurants and bars host after-parties, inviting visitors to dine, shop, and linger as part of this signature winter weekend.
Presented by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, the Chilly Open is supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible year after year.
Tickets and event details are available at WayzataChillyOpen.com. Updates, photos, and announcements can also be found on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Christian Wiggins’ 33 points and late side-step three helped carry Wayzata boys basketball to an 80-76 win over Hopkins. The Royals led for most of the first half and got up by as many as seven points. Jayden Moore (17 points) and Tre Moore (15) led the Royals in scoring. Along with Wiggins’ game-high 33, Nolen Anderson added 20 points, and Isaac Olmstead netted 13. The Trojans are now 15-2 on the season and Hopkins drops to 10-6.” via CCX Media.
“The Wayzata wrestling team jumped out to a quick 24-0 lead on the way to a 52-18 win over Buffalo in a Lake Conference match Thursday night. The Trojans recorded four pins along the way. Wayzata also beat Eden Prairie 60-9 in the tri-meet. Buffalo also beat Eden Prairie.” via CCX Media.
“Four Wayzata players scored in double figures to help lead the Trojans girls’ basketball team to a 61-52 win over top-ranked Hopkins. Wayzata, ranked third in the state in Class AAAA, took a one-point lead into halftime on Sawyer Backer’s buzzer-beating three pointer, and expanded the lead in the second half. Maren Day led the Trojans with 17 points while Mallory McBeth scored 16. Backer and Kate Amelotte added 10 points each. Ava Cupito scored 14 for the Royals with Erma Walker netting 12. Walker passed 1000 career points with a basket in the first half. Wayzata is now 14-3 overall, 5-0 in the Lake Conference. Hopkins drops to 15-2 in all games, 5-1 in the Lake. The teams play again February 17th at Wayzata.” via CCX Media.
The Wayzata Police Department responded to a wide range of calls throughout December, including traffic enforcement, thefts, disturbances, and several arrests related to impaired driving, according to the department’s December 2025 Activity Report.
Police investigated multiple thefts from vehicles and garages, primarily involving overnight incidents in Wayzata and Long Lake. Items reported stolen included knives, loose change, sunglasses, wallets, and credit cards. Several cases involved unlocked vehicles, while others occurred despite vehicles being locked. Officers also investigated residential garage burglaries on Brown Road in Long Lake and a fourth-degree commercial burglary at an abandoned building on East Lake Street in Wayzata, where property damage was reported. Most of these cases remain under investigation.
Fraud and Scams
December saw continued reports of financial fraud, including credit card fraud, cloned cards, spoofed text messages, and scams impersonating technology support. In several cases, fraudulent charges were identified and canceled, with investigations ongoing to determine jurisdiction and loss amounts.
Traffic Enforcement and DWIs
Wayzata police made several arrests for driving while impaired during the month. Arrests included second-, third-, and fourth-degree DWI offenses, some involving refusal to submit to chemical testing, open containers, cannabis possession, and driving after revocation. Blood alcohol concentrations recorded ranged from 0.11 to 0.20. In addition, officers impounded a vehicle after discovering license plates expired for more than two years, with the case forwarded to the Wayzata City Attorney for review of a potential gross misdemeanor motor vehicle tax offense.
Disturbances and Domestic Calls
Officers responded to disturbances at apartments, hotels, and public areas. In one case, intoxicated individuals causing a disturbance in a hotel lobby were advised to leave and arranged for a sober ride. Police also responded to reports of verbal domestic disputes; no physical assaults were reported in those incidents.
Suspicious Activity and Welfare Checks
Police investigated numerous reports of suspicious persons, vehicles, and activity around residences and businesses. Several calls were resolved after officers were unable to locate suspects or determined there was no criminal activity. The department also conducted multiple adult and juvenile welfare checks and assisted with mental health–related calls.
Animals, Fire, and Public Assistance
Officers assisted with animal-related calls, including an injured coyote and a rabid raccoon, both of which were dispatched. Police also assisted the Wayzata Fire Department with a house fire on Ferndale Woods Road and responded to numerous fire and carbon monoxide alarms, traffic hazards, and motorist assists during winter conditions.
By the Numbers
During December, Wayzata police issued 98 citations and 92 verbal warnings. Officers handled dozens of medical calls, public assists, business checks, alarms, and traffic complaints, reflecting a steady level of day-to-day service activity across the community.
The full December 2025 Activity Report is available through the Wayzata Police Department for residents seeking additional detail on individual incidents and enforcement activity.
The Wayzata City Council voted this week to approve the final plat and development agreement for the Ferndale Bluffs project at 565 Ferndale Road West, marking a key milestone for the three-lot residential subdivision following months of review and negotiations.
Alex Sharpe, the city’s Community Development Director, presented the item to the council, outlining the procedural history and the reason the final plat appeared as a standalone agenda item rather than on the consent calendar. While final plats are typically routine, Sharpe explained that this application included a revised preliminary plat—an uncommon step—prompted by earlier conditions placed on the project, including flexibility related to roadway width. To ensure transparency, staff brought the matter forward for full council discussion.
The approved plan includes three single-family lots and associated outlots, with elements of the outlots incorporated into the primary parcels as outlined in the development agreement. Council members reviewed the final configuration, which reflects the revised preliminary plat previously requested by the city.
As part of the approval, the council formally acknowledged that the applicant has filed a notice of dispute regarding the proposed park dedication fee. The approval apparently allows the project to move forward while directing city staff to continue working with the applicant to resolve that issue at a later date.
The council approved Resolution 05-2026 on a 3–1 vote, with MacDonald dissenting. No discussion or questions of staff preceded the vote.
In parallel with the land use action, the Ferndale Bluffs matter has also seen a settlement reached between the parties involved, bringing closure to outstanding disputes connected to the project. City officials noted that the agreement clears the way for the development to proceed under the approved terms, subject to final resolution of the park dedication issue.
With final plat approval now in place, the Ferndale Bluffs development moves from the entitlement phase toward implementation, adding to the evolving residential landscape along Ferndale Road West.
At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Mullin formally entered into the record a city statement clarifying the role of local law enforcement amid ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity across the Twin Cities metro and Minnesota.
“The Wayzata Police Department enforces only Minnesota state law and the City of Wayzata and the City of Long Lake ordinances,” Mullin read. He emphasized that local officers “do not enforce federal immigration law, do not inquire about immigration status, and do not collect that information.”
The statement further noted that enforcement of federal immigration law is conducted exclusively by federal agencies. Wayzata police do not participate in or collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement, are not notified in advance of federal activity, and have no authority to direct, control, or interfere with federal agencies carrying out their lawful duties.
According to the statement, if Wayzata police are called to respond to a disturbance or enforcement activity involving federal agencies, their role is limited to de-escalation and public safety—not immigration enforcement. “The Wayzata Police Department’s primary responsibility is protecting public safety and the well-being of all individuals within the city,” Mullin read.
Mullin continued, “For the record, there have been reports of federal immigration activity in the city of Wayzata for several weeks now. The chief of police, the city manager and I, the mayor have been directly involved in working with impacted stakeholders, including local businesses to address concerns that were brought to our attention.” He also noted that, to date, there have been no magnified issues associated with the federal activity in Wayzata.
Mullin said the decision to release the statement was driven by the ongoing nature of the situation and a desire by city leadership, including the full council, to provide clear guidance on the city’s role and the role of its police department.
Mullin closed his remarks by acknowledging that federal immigration enforcement activity is affecting a broad range of stakeholders in the community. He said city leadership remains available to hear concerns from residents, businesses, and others impacted, both now and going forward, and emphasized that the city will continue to listen as the situation evolves. He added that, if appropriate, the city is prepared to adjust its approach and communication to respond to changing circumstances.
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