Brunken Consulting to assist with newsletters, social media, and website updates during staffing transition
The Wayzata City Council approved a professional services agreement with Brunken Consulting, LLC for temporary communications support as part of its consent agenda at the April 21, 2026, council meeting.
The agreement is intended to help fill a short-term staffing gap in the city’s Administration Department. According to the agenda report prepared by City Manager Aurora Yager, the department currently has vacancies in the Deputy City Manager, HR Generalist, and Communications Coordinator positions. While those roles are expected to be filled, staff indicated there is an immediate need for day-to-day communications support that cannot be effectively absorbed by the city manager or existing staff.
Under the agreement, Brunken Consulting will provide approximately 10 hours of support per week for about 16 weeks. The work is expected to include assistance with the Wayzata Weekly, Portal Newsletter, social media posts, and website updates.
The contract authorizes payment of $5,800 per month, with a total not to exceed $29,000. The agenda report states that the estimated cost is about $3,300 less than what the city had budgeted for the Communications Coordinator position over the same period.
The professional services agreement became effective April 22, 2026. Michelle Brunken is listed as the contractor’s main point of contact, while the city manager is listed as the city’s main point of contact.
Because the item was approved on the consent agenda, it passed without separate council discussion during the meeting. Staff had recommended approval of the agreement as presented.
