WAYZATA — Residents of the central core gathered at The Wayzata Depot on Monday evening for a public listening session led by Mayor Andrew Mullin, City Manager Jeff Dahl, and members of the Wayzata City Council and staff. The event aimed to deepen community engagement and foster direct dialogue on key city priorities, including revenue diversification, public safety, and lakefront improvements.
“Our brand new mayor has made engagement a top priority,” said City Manager Jeff Dahl in his opening remarks. “Events like this show how seriously our elected officials take that responsibility.”
Among those present were longtime Councilmember Molly MacDonald, owner of Highcroft on Lake Street, and Councilmember Ken Sorensen, the council’s newest member, who brings a background in development.
Dahl also introduced key city staff, including Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker, Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager, Community Development Director Alex Sharp, Public Works Director and City Engineer Mike Kelly, Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich—who was recognized for over 46 years of service—and Communications Coordinator Liv Marandino.
The city’s legislative priorities took center stage as Dahl outlined plans for a local option sales tax and a potential food and beverage tax to reduce dependency on property taxes. “We’re working to capture some of the revenue generated by visitors to help offset the cost of police, public works, and keeping our city safe and clean,” said Dahl. He noted that state approval would be required and that upcoming engagement sessions will be held next week to gather feedback from residents and business owners.
Other discussion topics included updates to Wayzata’s short-term rental ordinance, with the city now exploring additional regulations following concerns about neighborhood disruption.
On the Panoway front, Dahl provided an update on the lake walk, noting that redesigned dock bumpers will be piloted in coming weeks to better protect boats. He also announced that long-anticipated step-down platforms—allowing public access to the lake—will be installed shortly.
City Manager Jeff Dahl shared an encouraging update on the Section Foreman House restoration, describing it as “the most shovel-ready project we have.” According to Dahl, all design work is complete, and a significant portion of the necessary funding has already been secured. The city is currently awaiting additional private contributions or the approval of a state bonding bill to move forward. Once finalized, the long-anticipated project would restore the historic lakefront structure as a public asset, reinforcing Wayzata’s commitment to preservation and placemaking.
Public Safety
Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker concluded the session by addressing seasonal public safety concerns as summer activity ramps up in Wayzata.
Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker addressed current staffing levels, enforcement priorities, and ongoing public safety efforts as Wayzata enters the busy summer season.
“I’m Jamie Baker, the Interim Police Chief for the City of Wayzata,” she said. “I’ve been with the department for about three years and bring 21 years of prior law enforcement experience.”
Baker reported that the department currently has 15 sworn officers, with a full complement of 18 positions. “Due to recent retirements—including our former chief and a sergeant—we’re temporarily below full strength, but we’re actively working to fill those roles,” she said. “That includes the hiring of a new sergeant and a permanent Police Chief.”
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In addition, the city is onboarding three new Community Service Officers (CSOs), with training expected to be completed by early summer.
Baker emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety. “While our officers are committed and responsive, they can’t be everywhere at once,” she said. “We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears. If there are recurring issues, especially in specific locations, please call us with details like dates and times. That makes all the difference in how effectively we can respond.”
A growing concern across the metro, she noted, is the misuse of electric bikes and scooters—particularly among juveniles. “We’re not alone in this,” she said. “Every agency in the area is dealing with it. That’s why we’re drafting a citywide ordinance tailored to e-bikes and e-scooters. It’s critical we get the language right so we can enforce it properly.”
Chief Baker also reminded residents to call 911—not the city’s non-emergency number or email—for anything that seems suspicious or requires a timely response. “It might seem unusual, but the same dispatchers answer both lines,” she explained. “911 ensures your concern is prioritized and acted on immediately. Emails, on the other hand, are not monitored in real time.”
She closed with an update on a new security feature coming to the Mill Street parking ramp. “For those who live above the ramp, you’ve likely noticed some late-night activity over the years. We’ve approved and ordered a security gate to limit access after hours. It should be installed within the next month.”
City Engineer on Infrastructure
City Engineer Mike Kelly provided a brief update on key infrastructure projects underway in Wayzata this season, most of which are focused on maintenance. “Most of what we’re doing this year involves mill and overlay work—removing the surface layer of the street and repaving it,” Kelly explained.
One active project includes a water main replacement and resurfacing in the East Neighborhood—specifically on Hampton Street, LaSalle Street, Wise Avenue, and Central Avenue. Broadway Avenue, north of Wayzata Boulevard, is also undergoing improvements. “If you experienced delays last week, it was related to that intersection project and the installation of a new traffic signal,” he noted, estimating completion in about three weeks.
Looking ahead, Kelly flagged a major Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project scheduled for next year: resurfacing Highway 12 from I-494. “There will be delays, and we want residents to be aware that it will impact travel through the area,” he said.
Quality of Life Issues Addressed by Mayor Mullin
Mayor Andrew Mullin took the mic to thank residents for showing up. “It’s encouraging to see so many people here,” he said. “We’ve heard that formal community meetings can feel intimidating, so we’re trying new formats like this one—and others across neighborhoods—to make it easier for residents to speak up.”
Mullin also highlighted his informal monthly meetups at Wayzata Bar & Grill. “On the second Monday of each month, I’ll be there for anyone who wants to talk—whether over a beer or water,” he said.
Mullin addressed the community’s growing frustration with traffic, noise, public disturbances, and late-night behavior. “We’re hearing you loud and clear,” he said. “More people bring more problems, and we’re taking it seriously.” He pointed to new investments in police staffing, including increased patrols, community service officers on foot and bike, and even a reserve officer scheduled to start this summer. “He’s actually a urologist by profession, and he’ll be helping report issues while biking the city,” Mullin added.
In addition to increased staffing, the city has raised fines for various ordinance violations. “Exhibition driving, public drinking, noise—if you get cited twice for something like exhibition driving, it’s now a mandatory court appearance and a $1,000 fine,” Mullin said. “We’re sending a clear message that we will not tolerate behavior that degrades quality of life in Wayzata.”
Mullin concluded with a candid acknowledgment: “I’m not going to pretend we’ve solved it all. But we’re taking specific, meaningful steps to address your concerns.”
Public Engagement and Resident Feedback
Following city updates, the evening transitioned into an open forum where residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns directly with city staff and councilmembers. Community members raised a range of issues—many focused on livability, enforcement, and neighborhood integrity. Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Ken Sorensen remained on hand to field questions, while staff members provided clarification on policies, ongoing projects, and next steps.
Following city updates, the evening transitioned into an open forum where residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns directly with city staff and councilmembers. Community members raised a range of issues—many focused on livability, enforcement, and neighborhood integrity. Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Ken Sorensen remained on hand to field questions, while staff members provided clarification on policies, ongoing projects, and next steps.
City leaders reiterated their commitment to transparency and responsiveness. Residents were encouraged to attend upcoming meetings, submit feedback through official channels, and continue participating in the city’s evolving engagement efforts.
