In our ongoing news coverage, we spotlight Alex Plechash, now in his second term on the Wayzata City Council.
A dedicated community figure, Plechash recently retired from a remarkable 16-year stint as a volunteer Wayzata firefighter, showcasing his unwavering commitment to public service. Beyond his civic contributions, Plechash is a passionately committed business executive, bringing a history of performance-oriented leadership to the forefront.
Notably, he’s a former TOPGUN Marine fighter pilot, reflecting his strategic approach and disciplined mindset. Join us as we track the journey of this multifaceted leader, offering insights into his continued impact on Wayzata‘s growth and development.
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Wayzata City Council Denies Retail Variance at 401 Lake Street East
Council cites zoning standards, downtown retail policy as factors in 5–0 vote The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to deny a request to further reduce required ground-floor retail space at 401 Lake Street East, affirming a recommendation from the Planning Commission and reinforcing long-standing retail policies for the downtown core. The application, submitted…
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Council Splits 3-2 on Harrington Road Variance Request
The Wayzata City Council narrowly approved a controversial variance request Tuesday evening, voting 3-2 to grant a shoreland setback variance at 547 Harrington Road, a peninsula property on Browns Bay owned by Dick and Elaine Swanson. The action, adopted under Resolution 35-2025, reduces the required setback from Lake Minnetonka from 260.5 feet to 108 feet—a variance of 152.5…
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Wayzata Council Passes First Reading of Short-Term Rental Ban
On Tuesday, September 9, the Wayzata City Council passed the first reading of Ordinance 852, a measure that would prohibit short-term rentals across the city. The action follows years of discussion dating back to 2018 and builds on the city’s 2024 licensing ordinance, which had required all short-term rental operators to obtain a license. Mayor…
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Wayzata Council Creates Public Art Committee to Guide City’s Cultural Future
The Wayzata City Council voted unanimously on August 19 to approve Resolution 20-2025, officially creating a permanent Public Art Committee to oversee and advise on art installations throughout the city. The decision follows nearly a year of work by the Public Art Steering Committee, established in September 2024 to explore whether a standing body should…
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WAAM Fest Denied: Wayzata City Council Says No to EDM Concert, Citing Noise, Timing, and Format Concerns
WAYZATA – The Wayzata City Council voted 3-1 Tuesday night to deny a special event permit for the proposed WAAM Fest, an electronic dance music (EDM) concert planned for September 5–6 in conjunction with James J. Hill Days. Despite a long track record of concerts hosted by applicant Rick Born and RBA Productions, council members…
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Wayzata Grants Full Tree Ordinance Exemption to Golf Courses, Citing Stewardship and Safety
WAYZATA — In a unanimous vote on July 1, the Wayzata City Council approved a full exemption for golf courses from the city’s Tree Preservation Ordinance, clearing a regulatory path for ongoing renovations at both Woodhill Country Club and Wayzata Country Club. The decision follows nearly two years of dialogue between Woodhill officials and city staff. Golf course…
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Wayzata Sailing Center to Host Open House June 10: Community Invited to Experience Life on the Water
WAYZATA — The Wayzata Sailing Center will open its lakeside campus to the public on Tuesday, June 10, for a family-friendly open house celebrating its mission of making sailing accessible to all. The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include food, games, boat tours, and hands-on opportunities to learn more about the…
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Wayzata Council Moves to Approve Controversial Variance at 617 Park Street East
WAYZATA — Despite a Planning Commission recommendation to deny the request, the Wayzata City Council voted 4–1 on May 20 to move forward with approving a variance for a home under construction at 617 Park Street East. Councilmember Molly MacDonald cast the only vote against the measure. The variance relates to a one-foot encroachment by roof…
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Wayzata Passes Emergency Helmet Ordinance for Youth Riders of Motorized Bikes and Scooters
WAYZATA — With summer approaching and scooter use surging along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, the Wayzata City Council has unanimously adopted Emergency Ordinance 850, requiring all persons under the age of 18 to wear helmets while riding electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized foot scooters within city limits. The new rule, introduced at the…
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Wayzata Receives Clean Audit for 2024 Financials
WAYZATA — The City of Wayzata has once again earned top marks in its annual financial audit, with no compliance findings and strong performance across its operating and enterprise funds. The report was presented at the May 2025 City Council meeting by Bill Lauer of LB Carlson, the city’s independent auditor. “This is about as…
