The Wayzata City Council convened on September 16, 2008, addressing various matters affecting the community.
Milfoil-Free Lake Minnetonka:
Dick Osgood, Executive Director of the Lake Minnetonka Association, presented the Milfoil-Free program to the Wayzata City Council. The program, a collaboration between the Lake Minnetonka Association and Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, executed herbicide treatments in Gray’s Bay, Carmen’s Bay, and Phelps Bay. Osgood highlighted both achievements and areas for improvement in the program’s first year of a five-year plan to combat milfoil and preserve native plants.
Osgood also addressed concerns about zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, hydrilla, Brazilian elodea, rusty crayfish, and viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Seeking funding from the City of Wayzata for prevention, education, and managing aquatic invasive species, Osgood proposed potential user fees for Lake Minnetonka access, a suggestion likely to spark controversy.
Amendments of Various TIF Districts and Termination of TIF District:
Jeanie Vanda presented amendments to Tax Increment Financing Districts, including #2 Central Redevelopment Authority, #3 Widsten, #4 West Lake. District #2, with projected funds of $5.5 million by 2013, allows flexibility in fund usage. The council authorized TIF district pooling of 25% of funds and approved the termination of TIF district #4 with a $235,000 escrow.
Council Continued a Variance for Two Curb Cuts on a Half-Circle Driveway:
The council considered a variance for two curb cuts on a half-circle driveway at 195 Lakeview Lane. Despite the absence of a hardship for the property owner, the council expressed a desire to allow the half-circle driveway. Concerns about setting a precedent without demonstrating a hardship led to the recommendation for applicants to amend the variance to a conditional use permit.
Skate Park:
City engineer Mike Kelly presented three options for the Skate Park at Wayzata West, but the council deferred approval due to budgetary concerns. The preferred option, costing $180,000, exceeded the $150,000 budget. The council decided to revisit the Skate Park discussion during the capital improvement budget deliberations to prioritize city projects.
Wayfinding Signs Update:
Phase I of Wayfinding Signs, featuring blade signs identifying cultural and civic areas, was approved by the City Council. The $57,000 project will include signs hung on existing light poles. The council also approved Contract Documentation for New Signs.
An open house on October 14th will address connecting the Dakota Rail Trail and Luce Line Trail on Ferndale, with wayfinding signs likely marking the connecting path.
Municipal Licenses:
The City Council unanimously approved all municipal licenses before it, concluding the meeting.
