WAYZATA — A resident’s inquiry into a large boat parked at the City of Wayzata’s Public Works facility has sparked questions about the line between public oversight and small-town courtesy.
Greg Flannigan noticed a 40-foot vessel in the city’s “boneyard,” an area behind Public Works used to store boulders, fencing, and surplus materials.
Flannigan said he first wanted to determine the facts, noting that when city-owned facilities are used for personal purposes, it can raise questions about whether policies are being followed and whether taxpayer-supported assets are being properly safeguarded. “City residents pay for all these things,” Flannigan said in a text message.
In an email to Interim City Manager Mike Kelly, Flannigan pressed city staff for clarification on ownership of the boat, whether the city was collecting fees for its storage, and if insurance coverage applied.
Mayor Andrew Mullin responded, confirming the boat does not belong to the city and that the situation is an exception.
“I can confirm that a temporary exception has been granted for a contractor to store a boat on-site at the City of Wayzata Public Works facility. This arrangement was made to help the individual with a logistical challenge related to transporting the vessel to its winter storage,” Mullin said.
He emphasized that the accommodation is limited:
“This is a temporary measure. As a general rule, City employees, contractors and elected officials are not allowed to store personal property on City grounds. As a small town, we do our best to assist our residents, businesses, City employees, and contractors when possible.”
City officials noted that the boat belongs to a contractor who has served Wayzata for more than 40 years. The vessel was temporarily placed at the site after his truck broke down, preventing its transport to winter storage. It is expected to remain only until repairs are complete.
The incident highlights the balance between public accountability and Wayzata’s tradition of neighborly assistance — a reminder that even in a lakeside town, questions about how city property is used can surface in unexpected ways.
