The Wayzata City Council approved utility franchise fee ordinances, additional repairs to the historic Trappers Cabin in Shaver Park and assessments for delinquent utility bills during its October 20, 2026, meeting.
The council adopted electric and gas franchise fee ordinances affecting Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. It also authorized a mural for the Klapprich Park warming house and a call for artists to provide rotating sculptures at Panoway.
Trappers Cabin repairs and public access
Council members questioned a roughly $22,000 change order on a Trappers Cabin restoration contract originally valued at a little more than $30,000. Public Works Director Mike Kelly explained that additional rotten logs were discovered only after contractors removed chinking between the logs.
Council Member Molly MacDonald asked whether the restored cabin would be usable by the public. Kelly explained that the local historical society occasionally holds events there, but the cabin is generally kept closed for its protection.
MacDonald said she hoped the public would get “a bit more use out of it than just visual” given the cost of the repairs.
MacDonald encouraged the Historical Society and Parks and Trails Board to consider ways to increase public use. Mayor Andrew Mullin said the feedback could also be shared with the Heritage Preservation Board.
Delinquent utility assessments
Following a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 50-2026, covering approximately $29,245 in delinquent utility assessments and associated charges across 24 properties. Property owners can still pay before the assessments are certified to Hennepin County.
During the public forum, resident Chad Whitley thanked the council for neighborhood improvements and encouraged restrictions on new short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Mayor remembers Kent Howe
Mullin also paid tribute to longtime Planning Commission and Charter Commission member Kent Howe, whose passing the mayor recognized at the meeting.
Mullin recalled Howe as an especially pleasant presence at city meetings, with “a twinkle in his eye,” and said he would be greatly missed.
The city announced that Light Up the Lake will return to Lake Street on November 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. The next City Council meetings are scheduled for November 10 and 24.