Sunlight shimmers across Wayzata Bay as an unseasonably warm day draws neighbors out in full force—sidewalks bustling, storefront doors swinging open, and a steady hum of traffic along Lake Street. From the Depot docks to the heart of downtown, it’s the kind of February afternoon that feels borrowed from April, with the whole town happily out and about, soaking it in.
Wayzata residents planning to attend this month’s Mayor Meetup should note a change in location. Andrew Mullin announced in a Facebook post that the informal community gathering will be held at Wayzata City Hall rather than its usual venue.
The meetup is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, with Mullin sharing the update directly with residents and encouraging continued community participation.
The change follows a temporary adjustment in hours at Wayzata Bar + Grill, which shared an update on social media outlining its weekend and upcoming schedule. The restaurant reported it will be open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, January 10–11, closing at 4 p.m. both days. It will be closed all day Monday, January 12. Beginning Tuesday, January 13, the restaurant will resume normal business hours but remain closed on Mondays until further notice.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the 2026 gubernatorial race, saying the political climate surrounding an ongoing fraud crisis has made it impossible for him to both campaign and govern at the level Minnesotans deserve.
Walz opened his press conference by framing the decision against what he described as a dual challenge facing the state: organized criminal fraud and escalating political opportunism.
“For the last several years, organized groups of criminals have sought to take advantage of this state’s generosity,” Walz said. “And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of a crisis.”
The governor criticized Donald Trump and Republican allies, accusing them of using the fraud issue to inflame divisions and undermine Minnesota’s social safety net, including attempts to withhold funding meant to help families afford child care.
Walz emphasized that concerns about fraud in state government are legitimate, but said his administration has already taken substantial action, citing systemic reforms, staffing changes, criminal prosecutions, cooperation with federal authorities, and the appointment of a new head of program integrity.
“A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud should be intolerable,” Walz said, adding that while responsibility ultimately rests with him, political gamesmanship has complicated efforts to restore public trust.
The turning point, Walz said, came as he reflected on the demands of an election year.
“In September, I announced that I would seek a historic third term as Minnesota’s governor,” he said. “And I have every confidence that if I gave it my all, we would win that race. But I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all.”
Walz said campaigning would divert time and energy away from governing at a moment he believes requires singular focus.
“Every minute that I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on our differences,” he said. “So I’ve decided to step out of this race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work in front of me.”
He said he is leaving the race “with zero sadness and zero regret.”
“I did not run for this job to have the job,” Walz said. “I ran for the job to do the job.”
Walz’s decision immediately reshapes the 2026 political landscape and opens the door to a wide-open Democratic field. Among the names quickly circulating is U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a longtime statewide officeholder with deep Minnesota roots — including a direct connection to Wayzata.
Walz met with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Sunday, Jan. 4 to discuss his political future just before announcing he would step out of the governor’s race, and sources say Klobuchar is now seriously considering a bid for governor herself in the wake of his decision.
Klobuchar is a graduate of Wayzata High School, a fact that has renewed local interest as political observers speculate about her future plans. While she has not announced any intention to run for governor, her name emerged quickly following Walz’s announcement, reflecting both her statewide profile and longstanding ties to the area.
Walz expressed confidence that Democrats will retain the governor’s office in 2026, saying he is “absolutely confident a Democratic and a DFLer will hold this seat come November.”
Looking beyond the campaign, Walz highlighted what he views as the accomplishments of his administration, including paid family and medical leave, child tax credits, and universal school meal programs. He thanked state employees for their work and said he intends to remain fully engaged in governing through the end of his term.
“I’m on the job,” Walz said. “I’m focused on making sure that we stay America’s best place to live and raise kids. Minnesota has always come first and always will.”
As 2025 comes to a close, Wayzata reflects on a year that shaped the community in visible and lasting ways. From City Hall decisions and public safety milestones to school achievements, business openings, and moments that brought residents together, these stories defined the year along the north shore. This roundup highlights the top Wayzata stories of 2025 — the developments, debates, and celebrations that captured attention and helped set the tone for the year ahead.
The City of Wayzata held a special ceremony on Monday evening to swear in newly elected officials, including Mayor Andrew Mullin, Council Member Alex Plechash, and Council Member Ken Sorensen. The event, filled with optimism and enthusiasm, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the community.
The Lothenbach Family Office, a prominent property at 401 East Lake Street in Wayzata, has been sold for $17,475,000, marking a significant transaction in the city’s commercial real estate landscape. The property, had been owned by 401 Lake, LLC, and was purchased by Fish Base LLC, based in Plymouth, Minnesota. The deal, finalized on December 20, 2024, includes both the land and the 10,594-square-foot building, which has been used for general retail purposes.
Merrily Borg Babcock has announced her retirement from her most recent volunteer role with the Wayzata Parks & Trails Board, capping a remarkable career of service to the city she has passionately helped shape. Over decades of devoted advocacy, Babcock’s work has touched nearly every corner of Wayzata, from preserving its rich history to championing its green spaces, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
The February 13 matchup between the Wayzata Trojans and Hopkins Royals featured two of the top Class 4A teams in Minnesota, with Hopkins escaping with a 77-76 victory. However, the game’s heated conclusion, including a post-game confrontation between coaches, fans storming the court, and a video showing a garbage can being thrown at Wayzata players and coach, has overshadowed the action on the floor. Now, the contrasting responses from both schools are drawing significant attention.
One of the key updates addresses massing breaks in buildings located between Lake Street and Wayzata Bay. The new language ensures that these breaks serve as midblock connections, offering pedestrian views of Lake Minnetonka when possible. This amendment allows developers to demonstrate whether such views are feasible based on site conditions.
The Wayzata City Council has approved the first reading of Ordinance 847, introducing amendments to the city’s design standards and zoning ordinance. The proposed updates, which follow a comprehensive rewrite in 2021, aim to clarify regulations, enhance administrative efficiency, and refine existing urban design principles.
During the most recent session, heated debate ensued over whether to adopt a policy mandating that every board meeting commence with the pledge. The proposal, initially introduced by Board Member of Valentina Eyres in June 2024, sought to instill a sense of unity and purpose. Supporters argued that reciting the pledge could serve as a cornerstone for community building and instill shared values among board members and, by extension, the school community.
The Wayzata Planning Commission has voted to recommend approval of Lake West Development’s proposal to redevelop the long-vacant TCF Bank site at 200 Lake Street East, with a key condition: the building’s massing breaks must be brought into compliance with city design standards.
At a well-attended public hearing on March 18, commissioners reviewed detailed presentations from city staff and the development team, heard from nearby residents and community members, and deliberated over the plan’s merits and areas of concern.
Developer Curt Fretham, owner of Lake West Development, opened the presentation by acknowledging the long road to this moment. “Although this development approval process has been lengthy,” Fretham said, “we remain enthusiastic about this redevelopment.”
MINNEAPOLIS — The term “dynasty” is often overused in sports, but for the Wayzata Boys Basketball program, it fits perfectly.
On a chilly March evening inside the historic Williams Arena, the Trojans showcased their dominance. With precision shooting, relentless defense, and composure beyond their years, No. 2 Wayzata dismantled top-seeded Cretin-Derham Hall 80-55 to capture the 2025 Class AAAA state title—their third in just five seasons. Adding to their accolades are state runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024, solidifying their status as a high school basketball powerhouse in Wayzata.
Once a bustling corporate hub, the former TCF Headquarters in downtown Wayzata now stands as a magnet for vandals and trespassers. Property owner Curt Fretham of Lakewest Development says the vacant building has been broken into approximately 20 times in recent years, despite repeated efforts to secure it.
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 on April 16 to move forward with a revised version of the Landmark Wayzata redevelopment proposal, requiring the developer to include five full-height massing breaks—completely open from ground to sky—before final approval can be granted. The decision marked a turning point in the city’s multi-year consideration of redeveloping the prominent TCF Bank site at 200 Lake Street East, a highly visible stretch of downtown Wayzata along Lake Minnetonka.
WAYZATA, MN — The Wayzata City Council voted 3-2 to deny the proposed Ferndale Bluffs subdivision at 565 Ferndale Road West on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a lengthy and contentious discussion that raised critical issues about the proposed road’s impact on the neighborhood, its compliance with city codes, and the potential legal ramifications of the decision. The project, which sought to subdivide an 11.87-acre lot into three residential lots, faced a variety of concerns from both city officials and local residents, and the failure to approve the subdivision sets the stage for potential litigation.
The City of Wayzata formally presented its request to the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee this week, seeking nearly $15 million in state bonding support to complete the final phase of its transformative Panoway project along Lake Minnetonka’s shoreline.
Council Member Ken Sorensen, City Manager Jeffrey Dahl, and Wayzata’s State Representative Patty Acomb testified before the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee at the State Capitol, advocating for the city’s $15 million bonding request to fund future park improvements and the design of a new public safety facility.
At its regular meeting Tuesday night April 1st, the Wayzata City Councilunanimously approved Resolution 08-2025, greenlighting grading modifications, a structural encroachment, and a sidewalk improvement plan for two residential parcels at 109 and 115 Minnetonka Avenue South.
The applicant, Rachel Development, plans to build two new single-family homes on the west side of Minnetonka Avenue, near the intersection with Wayzata Boulevard. To prepare the sites for construction, the developer requested permission to significantly regrade the properties—raising the average grade of 109 Minnetonka Avenue by 2.81 feet and 115 Minnetonka Avenue by 4.97 feet. City code requires Council approval for any average grade alteration exceeding two feet.
WAYZATA — At its March 25 meeting, the Wayzata City Council voted unanimously to authorize the solicitation of construction bids for the long-planned Klapprich Park improvements — a multi-year project aimed at revitalizing the city’s signature community park. But Mayor Andrew Mullin made clear he’s not ready to sign off on the full $2.6 million price tag.
The comprehensive plan includes ADA-compliant playgrounds and trails, new plaza areas, parking upgrades, and renovations to the warming house — with several items bid as alternates, including a hillside slide and stairway, a Minnetonka Avenue sidewalk, and a refreshed Bell Courts cabana.
MINNEAPOLIS — A shooting outside Mariucci Arena Friday night disrupted what had been a proud milestone for Wayzata High School’s Class of 2025. Two people were hospitalized following the incident, which took place just minutes after the graduation ceremony concluded. One suspect is in custody.
According to the University of Minnesota, the shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. on May 30 outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, where more than 900 Wayzata students had just crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Wayzata — A year after boaters first raised concerns about damage sustained while docking at Wayzata’s Panoway, the City is piloting a fix: vertical dock bumpers designed to better protect vessels from rubbing or striking against exposed edges during waves or wind.
The trial comes after a full season of feedback and growing frustration. “Last summer, we heard feedback that the original dock bumper design does not serve our boaters well,” the City wrote in a recent social media update. “The City’s dock working group, which includes boaters and users of Lake Minnetonka, reviewed the feedback and came up with a new design.”
These new vertical bumpers have now been installed on select slips for a short-term trial. The goal is to evaluate how they perform across a variety of boat sizes and weather conditions. Boaters using the trial slips are encouraged to scan a QR code and provide feedback to the dock masters. If the design proves effective, the remaining slips will be updated—or an alternative solution will be implemented.
WAYZATA — The City of Wayzata has been formally served in a forthcoming lawsuit related to the Lakewest development at 200 East Lake Street, Mayor Andrew Mullin confirmed Thursday.
“The City was just served,” Mullin told Wayzata.com late Thursday afternoon via a telephone call. Mullin said he hadn’t seen it personally but was informed by City staff.
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 eaves into the east side yard setback. Under city code, eaves are allowed to extend two and a half feet into a side yard; in this case, they extend three and a half feet. While the home’s walls meet the required 10-foot setback, the overhanging eaves exceed the allowed projection.
Wayzata business leaders gathered Wednesday morning at City Hall for an early discussion on a potential 1% food and beverage sales tax, a concept the city is exploring as part of a long-term funding strategy to maintain public safety and park operations. The session was part of a renewed effort to engage business owners before any legislative request is made.
Mayor Andrew Mullin opened the meeting with a frank acknowledgment of past mistakes. “Nobody likes to be taxed. Nobody likes to have their ticket price increased,” Mullin said. “But my hope is that when you listen to Mr. Parkhill and you listen to our staff, you understand sort of how we might use those funds.”
He added that the city’s previous attempts to pursue such a tax “just didn’t do a very good job of actually talking to people,” noting that some businesses only learned of it “at the Capitol, which is not the right way for the city to conduct its business.”
WOODBURY, Minn. — Jeff Dahl, City Manager of Wayzata since 2016, is one of five finalists for the City Administrator position in Woodbury.
The City of Woodbury is conducting a national search to replace Clint Gridley, who is set to retire on June 6 after more than two decades of service. Finalists will take part in interviews with the City Council, staff, and community stakeholders later this month.
Jeff Dahl acknowledged the announcement in a brief statement to Wayzata.com, saying, “I’m honored to be a finalist and consider this career opportunity but also continue to be grateful to have the privilege to serve our Council, staff, and community.”
PLYMOUTH — More than 100 residents gathered Monday evening at Gleason Lake Elementary for a community safety meeting focused on pedestrian and traffic concerns along County Road 101 between Highway 12 and Gleason Lake Elementary, near the Wayzata–Plymouth border. The event brought together a wide range of public officials and agency staff, signaling renewed momentum toward collaborative solutions for a complex, multi-jurisdictional area.
Neighborhoods represented included Hollybrook, Shady Lane, Harmony Circle, Pond Ridge, and Waycliffe in Wayzata, along with Kingswood Farms in Plymouth. Together, these communities share school zoning, trail access, and traffic corridors—yet they’ve long faced challenges tied to speed, volume, and infrastructure inconsistencies across city lines.
The Woodbury City Council has selected Jeffrey Dahl as its next City Administrator, concluding a nationwide search led by executive search firm Baker Tilly.
Dahl, who currently serves as City Manager for Wayzata, was chosen following a comprehensive interview process with council members, city staff, and community stakeholders in late May. His appointment is set to be finalized with City Council approval of his contract on June 11. He is scheduled to begin his new role on July 28.
WAYZATA – The City of Wayzata has officially appointed Jamie Baker as its new Chief of Police, effective June 1. Baker, who has served as interim chief since December 2024, steps into the permanent role following unanimous support from city leadership and the community.
“Chief Baker has demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs,” said Wayzata City Manager Jeffrey Dahl. “Her dedication during her interim role earned the confidence and respect of both our officers and our residents. We’re proud to officially welcome her as our next Chief of Police, serving Wayzata and Long Lake.”
During her interim tenure, Baker oversaw departmental transitions and led efforts to recruit and retain officers, emphasizing transparency and community connection. She is recognized for her calm presence, strategic insight, and collaborative approach to law enforcement.
WAYZATA — Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace B. Anderson released a letter Sunday afternoon addressing a shooting incident that occurred shortly after the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony at 3M Arena at Mariucci on Saturday, June 1.
The letter, shared with families and staff, confirmed that both individuals injured in the shooting have been released from the hospital. One of the victims is a parent of a Wayzata graduate, according to Anderson. The identity of the second individual has not been publicly disclosed.
WAYZATA – In a remarkable show of civic continuity, five of Wayzata’s seven living mayors gathered this week for a special lunch and filming session at the Muni, hosted by current Mayor Andrew Mullin. Together, they represent nearly six decades of leadership in the lakeside city.
“What an incredible gathering!” Mullin wrote in a Facebook post celebrating the event. “I had 5 out of 7 living mayors of the City of Wayzata around one table yesterday, representing a whopping 57 years of public service to our amazing city!”
WAYZATA – After 40 years of service with the City of Wayzata, Kurt Klapprich has retired from his role in public works but will continue as a volunteer firefighter.
Klapprich began working for the city on March 18, 1985. A lifelong Wayzata resident and third-generation public servant, he brought to the role not just skill, but heart.
“I grew up here in Wayzata, so it was something I cared about—my community,” he said. “And it seemed like a good job.”
Asked if he ever imagined staying with the city for four decades, Klapprich smiled.
“I really did not,” he said. “I thought I was just going to work there for a while and then move on to something else. But it just fulfilled everything that I like. I like my town, and I love working and helping people.”
Council Member Jeff Parkhill has announced he will be stepping down from the Wayzata City Council, with his final meeting slated for September 23. The decision comes as Parkhill and his family prepare for a relocation to Park City, Utah following a new professional opportunity for his wife.
“We are looking forward to spending summers in Wayzata.” Parkhill said in an interview. “We’ve never been happier anywhere else. Wayzata is our forever summer community.”
Parkhill’s civic contributions span nearly eight years, including 5 years of prior service on the Planning Commission before joining the City Council in 2021. He has also served on the Design Review Committee, Zoning Task Force, and Dock Committee His involvement in key development discussions and community planning efforts has left a lasting mark on the city’s evolving landscape.
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 and city staff raised concerns about the timing, neighborhood impact, and—most notably—the musical format itself. Mayor Andrew Mullin was the dissenting vote.
City staff expressed concern that the late submission of the WAAM Fest permit—received just 60 days before the proposed event—did not meet the 90-day advance requirement outlined in Wayzata’s updated special event ordinance. Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker noted that the compressed timeline could make it difficult to adequately staff the event, particularly in coordinating police and public safety personnel.
While the public works team indicated they could manage setup logistics due to prior experience with similar events, the reduced lead time posed significant challenges for ensuring public safety coverage, especially given the expected crowd size of up to 2,500 attendees per night.
A legal battle that has been unfolding for months stems from the Wayzata City Council’s 3-2 vote on April 16, 2025, to deny a proposed three-lot subdivision at 565 Ferndale Road West—a decision that sparked both support and opposition, and ultimately led to a lawsuit now working its way through the courts.
The property owners—sisters Samantha Capen Muldoon, Allison Capen, and Heather Capen Cox—filed suit on May 15 through Dray Trustee, LLC, the legal entity representing the family. Their complaint alleges that the city’s denial was “arbitrary and capricious” and in violation of Minnesota law. The plaintiffs are seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the city to approve the project or, alternatively, monetary damages.
Mike Kelly has agreed to a verbal offer from the City of Wayzata to serve as interim City Manager, according to Mayor Andrew Mullin. The City Council will meet in a special open session on Tuesday, July 8 at 5:30 p.m. to formalize the agreement by resolution.
While the vote is considered a formality, it is a necessary step to ratify the appointment. If approved as expected, Kelly is anticipated to begin his duties as interim City Manager once outgoing City Manager Jeff Dahl officially departs for his new position in Woodbury.
The Wayzata City Council voted 3–2 on Tuesday, July 1, to approve a concept plan for a boutique Lamborghini dealership at 1022 and 1042 Wayzata Boulevard East. While the project drew support from adjacent neighbors and some council members, others raised concerns about its numerous design variances and compatibility with the city’s long-term vision for the Wayzata Boulevard corridor.
Walser Automotive Group is proposing a small, appointment-based dealership that would sell just 50 Lamborghinis per year—most already spoken for. According to Paul Walser, who addressed the council personally, “We get a total of 50 Lamborghinis a year, and those are all pre-sold… You’re never sitting there with a lot of inventory.” He described the operation as “boutique,” with only 7 to 9 employees on site and a quiet, low-traffic atmosphere. “This is not your typical dealership,” he said.
Wayzata is entering a carefully managed leadership transition as City Manager Jeff Dahl prepares to step down this summer. Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager is on maternity leave through early fall, and Public Works Director Mike Kelly has been offered the interim title to guide city operations in the meantime.
Mayor Andrew Mullin confirmed the offer on Wednesday. “The offer was made last night verbally and will go to an email this morning,” he told Wayzata.com. “We will know by end of day Thursday. So a formal offer’s been made. He’s noodling it, and we continue to interview outside candidates as an alternative.”
WAYZATA — One of Minnesota’s top basketball prospects is staying home. Nolen Anderson, the 6-foot-7 senior wing from Wayzata High School, has officially committed to the University of Minnesota, becoming the latest in-state standout to pledge to new Gophers head coach Niko Medved.
Anderson made his announcement on July 31, following a breakout summer with D1 Minnesota on the AAU circuit and a dominant junior season in which he led the Trojans to a Class 4A state championship. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, high IQ off the ball, and versatility on both ends, Anderson averaged 17.5 points per game last season and earned All-State honors.
In choosing the Gophers, Anderson turned down offers from Virginia Tech, Drake, Northern Iowa, and others. His decision continues a trend of top Minnesota players staying in-state under Medved, who took over the program earlier this year after coaching at Colorado State.
“I really connected with the staff and believe in what they’re building,” Anderson told reporters. “They stayed in contact consistently, and I love the direction of the program.”
The $2.68 million Klapprich Park improvement plan has become defined by a single feature: a 40-foot embankment slide celebrated by many families but opposed by neighbors who say it doesn’t fit the park. City Council will revisit the project Tuesday, August 19, to consider added landscaping and screening.
City leaders note that the hillside slide was part of the Klapprich Park design approved in early 2023, alongside other renovations. But for many neighbors, the scale and exact hillside placement only became clear once construction began this summer. That disconnect has fueled frustration, with opponents saying they should have been given another chance to weigh in before the project advanced.
The Wayzata City Council held a well-attended workshop Wednesday to evaluate the city’s regulatory approach to short-term rentals (STRs). While no final decisions were made, the purpose of the meeting was to inform future policy direction and provide guidance to city staff.
Councilmembers and attendees were reminded that no public testimony would be taken during the session, although extensive input had already been received through emails, calls, and one-on-one meetings. That record was acknowledged as part of the council’s deliberative process.
Staff and leadership emphasized the importance of approaching the conversation with open minds, respectful tone, and a commitment to community-first solutions. The workshop was framed as a forum for shared understanding—not final judgment—on an increasingly contentious issue.
WAYZATA — The November 2025 Wayzata School Board election will feature a competitive field, with six candidates filing for three open seats.
The terms currently held by Milind Sohoni, Heidi Kader, and Sarah Johansen are set to expire at the end of the year. All three seats carry four-year terms.
The Wayzata City Council approved two major change orders for the Klapprich Park improvement project on August 19, 2025—one required by state fire code and another responding to neighborhood concerns over tree removal, hillside slides, and park access.
The first change order addressed the warming house renovation. During building permit review, staff determined that a fire suppression system is required for any public building over 2,000 square feet, a standard adopted in 2005. With the renovated warming house expanding to 2,226 square feet, sprinklers became mandatory.
The second change order focused on the north hillside of the park, where neighbors expressed concern after trees were cleared to make way for a large slide and stairway. Residents cited loss of screening, increased noise, and traffic pressures.
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 be formed. That group—chaired by Councilmember Alex Plechash and including Councilmember Molly MacDonald along with residents Joanie Cunningham, Roger Miller, and Judd Nelson—met five times in 2025 before unanimously approving draft bylaws for the new committee.
City staff highlighted that the initiative was included in the 2024–2026 Strategic Plan as a priority under the goal of sustaining community character and safety. Interim City Manager Mike Kelly and Parks and Environment Planner Nick Kieser explained that, until now, Wayzata relied on a 2015 policy that created ad hoc art committees for individual projects, such as the “Big Water” sculpture at the Lake Street roundabout. The new committee will provide ongoing guidance and a more cohesive approach.
The City of Wayzata is inviting residents to apply for a vacant seat on the City Council following the resignation of Councilmember Jeff Parkhill, who will step down September 23, 2025, as his family relocates out of state. The appointed councilmember will serve the remainder of Parkhill’s term, concluding December 31, 2026.
Applications are due by Monday, September 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The Council anticipates making the appointment in October.
Councilmembers help shape the future of Wayzata by setting policies and priorities on matters ranging from public safety and development to sustainability and city services. The role requires a commitment of time, collaboration with fellow councilmembers and staff, and a focus on serving the community. Prior government experience is not required.
Jim Wilson and I recently met for lunch at the Muni, the kind of place where the servers know your name. Wilson ordered a cup of chili. I went with the BLT and a Diet Coke. At first, it was small talk — the kind of easy back-and-forth that helps two people find their footing.
But when the conversation turned to August 31, 1982, Jim’s face changed. His voice dropped, and there was a pause before he finally said: “That was J.W.’s birthday. He wasn’t even supposed to be working that day.”
Wilson remembers finishing a shift on the dog watch — “from eleven p.m. to seven a.m., overnight,” as he put it. His wife, Gayle, shook him awake to the thrum of helicopters and a surge of sirens pouring into town. Wilson phoned Hennepin County dispatch and was told Sgt. Anderson had been shot.
As Wayzata moves from Summer into Fall, our community pauses to reflect on a solemn anniversary. This season marks the tragic loss of two Wayzata Police officers—lives taken 35 years apart, but forever linked in service and sacrifice.
Among them, we especially remember Officer William “Bill” Mathews, who was killed in the line of duty on September 8, 2017. Mathews, a nine-year veteran of the Wayzata Police Department, was struck and killed by a distracted and impaired driver while assisting a stalled vehicle on Highway 12. He was just 47 years old.
Mathews was known not only for his professionalism but for his kindness and compassion. A husband and father, he lived out the values of community policing—greeting residents by name, mentoring youth, and ensuring that the badge he wore represented trust and safety.
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 Andrew Mullin began the evening by acknowledging the strong feelings surrounding the issue. He urged residents to keep their testimony respectful and emphasized that all perspectives would be heard.
Wayzata’s civic life continues to move forward following the resignation of Council Member Jeff Parkhill. The City confirmed that five residents have formally filed to be considered for the open seat.
The applicants are:
Each will now be reviewed through the city’s appointment process, which includes interviews by the sitting council. The selected candidate will serve out the remainder of Parkhill’s term.
For Bob and Terrisa Fisher, the Wayzata City Council’sdecision to ban short-term rentals isn’t just a licensing issue. It’s a $30,000–$35,000 annual lifeline they say has allowed them to stay rooted in the community they’ve called home for over half a century.
Bob, 77, is known around town as “Shoe Bob,” the cobbler who mended soles for decades before selling his shop. His career began in the 1970s when he worked for the Engel family at The Foursome, eventually taking over their shoe repair department. When the Engels offered to sell him the business, he struck out on his own, opening Bob’s Shoe Repair in the old Wayzata Bay Center. For decades he fixed boots, heels, and handbags for neighbors, earning a reputation as both craftsman and community fixture.
Federal prosecutors have charged Robert Phillip Ivers, 72, with threatening to assault and murder a federal judge. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced the complaint Tuesday, noting Ivers’s prior federal conviction for threatening to kill a judge.
“At a time when Minnesota is reeling from acts of violence, the last thing we need is someone spreading fear into our churches, libraries, and courts,” Thompson said. “Ivers’s threats are bone chilling. After the past few months, we are not taking chances. When someone threatens our community, we believe them, and we will act swiftly to protect Minnesotans.”
According to the complaint, on September 3 law enforcement responded to the Wayzata Library after staff reported that Ivers was seen copying and distributing a manifesto titled “How to Kill a Federal Judge.” He allegedly showed pages of the writings to staff, including disturbing passages about children and a sketch of a gun, and handed out flyers promoting the manifesto.
The flyer warned it was “designed to teach extremists on how to plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone including judges, their family members, politicians and more.” It added: “the harsh reality is that judges are going to die.”
Under the bright lights of Homecoming at Wayzata High School Stadium on Friday, October 3, the Trojans fell to their rivals, the #2 ranked Minnetonka Skippers in the annual Battle for the Bay Bell. Skipper quarterback Caleb Francois rushed for four touchdowns in a commanding performance. The loss dropped Wayzata to 1–5 on the season.
Wayzata defense showed promise early, forcing punts on Minnetonka’s first two possessions and drawing energy from a packed Homecoming crowd. But late in the first quarter, the momentum shifted. The Skippers struck quickly on an 82-yard drive that took just two plays, capped by a long touchdown run from Francois. Minnetonka added another score before halftime to take a 14–0 lead into the break.
Offensively, Wayzata struggled to find rhythm throughout the night. Minnetonka’s defense pressured Trojan quarterback Thor Soukup on many drop-backs, collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws. Compounding the issue, Wayzata had trouble with the snap exchange from center at several key moments, stalling drives before they could take shape.
The owner of 549 Harrington Road has filed a civil lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court challenging the City of Wayzata’s approval of a major lakeshore setback variance granted for the neighboring property at 547 Harrington Road.
The lawsuit, filed October 2, 2025, names the City of Wayzata, Kyle Hunt & Partners Artisan Homes, and property owners Laurie Headrick, Karin Webster, and Craig Swanson as defendants. The plaintiff, the DLC 2020 Revocable Trust—represented by Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP—is owned or controlled by Dan Cosentino (according to the complaint), who spoke in opposition to the variance at the September 17th council meeting.
The lawsuit stems from the City Council’s September 2025 decision to approve a variance reducing the required lakeshore setback from 260.5 feet to 108 feet—a reduction of more than 150 feet from the city’s ordinance standard. The vote to approve passed 3–2, with Council Members Alex Plechash and Molly MacDonald dissenting.
Interim City Manager Mike Kelly administers the oath of office to newly appointed Council Member Dan Koch during the Wayzata City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 7. Koch was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Jeff Parkhill, who resigned after announcing plans to move out of state.
The Wayzata City Council on Oct. 7, 2025, formally appointed Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager as Interim City Manager, effective October 8, with outgoing interim Mike Kelly—the city’s longtime Public Works Director—continuing to assist through October 15 as part of a planned one-week overlap. The appointment was approved as part of the Council’s consent agenda during its Oct. 7 meeting.
The leadership transition fulfills a framework first set in motion this summer, when Kelly stepped in after the prior city manager’s resignation. According to Resolution 40-2025, both Kelly and Yager were deemed “well-qualified and experienced to lead the City in the interim.” The new arrangement allows the two senior administrators to share executive duties for one week, ensuring uninterrupted operations across departments.
Under the city charter’s Section 26, the Council is authorized to designate a qualified person to perform the city manager’s duties in the event of an absence or vacancy. The Oct. 7 vote officially shifts that responsibility to Yager, who returned from leave earlier this month.
Once the hand-off is complete, Kelly will resume his role overseeing Public Works, while Yager leads city administration on an interim basis. They both remain eligible for consideration in the nationwide search for a permanent manager—should either or both of them choose to apply.
Mayor Andrew Mullin, hosting Tuesday’s Braver Angels workshop at City Hall, recalled how a coffee conversation with longtime resident Elaine Ambrose led to an evening devoted to “calling in” rather than “calling out.” The event, Bridging the Political Divide, drew elected officials, business leaders, and residents from across the west metro to talk openly about polarization—and how to heal it one conversation at a time.
The workshop brought together an unusually broad cross-section of civic and community leaders. Representatives from the Metropolitan Council; the Minnetonka, Orono, Long Lake, and Plymouth city councils; and members of both the Wayzata and Orono school boards joined residents in the audience. State Representative Patty Acomb, Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash, and members of several local faith communities also attended, underscoring a shared desire among public officials, educators, and spiritual leaders to model respectful dialogue at a time when polarization often dominates public life.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Andrew Mullin recounted how the idea for the workshop began over coffee with Elaine Ambrose, who arrived in tears and admitted, “I’m part of the problem.” Though they’d known each other for years, she confessed she had “never had dinner with Republicans.” Mullin, an independent and “radical optimist,” said her honesty moved him and inspired the effort to bring Braver Angels to Wayzata.
A “happy grandmother” and longtime community volunteer, Ambrose told the packed room she was moved to act after the tragic deaths of her friend Melissa Hartman, her husband, and their daughter last June. Seeking a healthier way forward, she invited Mullin and later Council Member Alex Plechash to join her in exploring Braver Angels’ approach to rebuilding trust. “They said yes,” Ambrose recalled. “So, gratefully, we are here to relearn how to speak to each other in an honest and productive way.”
The Wayzata girls’ cross country team ran away with the Lake Conference Championship Wednesday at Gale Woods Farm, placing five runners in the top eleven and finishing well ahead of the field.
Senior Maddie Gullickson set the pace from start to finish, winning the 5,000-meter race in 17:27.8. Teammates Lila Golomb (third, 17:53.2) and Jazleen Malherek-Osorio (fourth, 18:11.6) kept the Trojans at the front throughout the race. Miley Clark finished seventh in 18:22.0, and Alissa Ledman rounded out the scoring five in eleventh place at 18:39.6.
The Wayzata City Council has sent a formal letter to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty expressing opposition to a new county policy that limits prosecution of cases arising from what are deemed non-public-safety traffic stops.
The letter, signed by Mayor Andrew Mullin and Council Members Dan Koch, Molly MacDonald, Alex Plechash,and Ken Sorensen, was transmitted October 14 by Interim City Manager Aurora Yager. It warns that the policy change could undermine local public safety and was developed “without any meaningful collaboration or conversation with local law enforcement agencies.”
A group of Wayzata property owners has filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court challenging the City of Wayzata’s recently adopted short-term rental ban. The case, filed October 17 under Court File No. 27-CV-25-18923, names the City as the sole defendant and seeks to block enforcement of Ordinance 852, which prohibits the use of homes for short-term rentals (STRs) within city limits beginning April 1, 2026.
The plaintiffs — Adlon C. Adams, 225 Manitoba Ave LLC, Olivia A. Adams, Wayzata Cottage LLC, and Robert C. Fisher, as trustee of the Robert C. Fisher Trust — collectively own several single-family homes in downtown Wayzata, including properties on Central Avenue, Manitoba Avenue, and Lake Street East. Each property has been used as a short-term rental through platforms such as Airbnb, and the owners allege they purchased and improved the homes specifically for that purpose.
The Wayzata City Council approved a new two-year labor agreement Monday night with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local No. 37, representing the city’s police officers.
The contract covers 2026–2027 and includes wage and benefit updates aimed at maintaining competitive compensation as part of the city’s Operational Excellence strategic goal. Interim City Manager Aurora Yager said the deal follows six months of negotiation between staff and union representatives.
“The Wayzata boys and girls cross country teams each defended their titles Wednesday at the Section 6AAA meet. The Wayzata boys placed four runners in the top six and five in the top 12 to win the team championship, ahead of Minneapolis Washburn who also qualify for state as team runner-up. Thomas Berndt was the Trojans top runner, placing second in a time of 16:06 while Will Chabot, Matthew Jenneke, and Connor Viera finished fourth through sixth. Armstrong’s Benaiah Breker finished ninth to grab an individual state qualifier spot. In the girls’ meet, Wayzata was even more dominant getting in the first four and five of the top six runners. Trojans’ senior Maddie Gullickson won the 5K in a time of 17:26.5 while teammates Jazleen Malharek-Osorio, Alissa Ledman, and Miley Clark finished second through fourth and Addison Neitz was sixth. Naomi Dybvig of Armstrong placed seventh and qualified for state as did team runner-up Hopkins with Morgan Waechter and Sam Fuller leading the Royals with eighth and ninth place finishes. The state meet is November 1st at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course.” via CCX Media.
After 13 years of leadership marked by growth, collaboration, and community pride, Wayzata West Metro Chamber of CommercePresident Becky Pierson has announced plans to retire in early 2026.
In a message to members, Pierson reflected on her tenure with gratitude and emotion, writing that she “truly loves what she does, feels blessed to work alongside such amazing people, and is proud to serve this wonderful community.”
Pierson, who has led the Chamber since 2013, said she believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the organization into its next chapter. “The Chamber stands on a strong foundation,” she wrote, “and thanks to our talented staff, dedicated volunteers, and engaged members, it remains vibrant and well-positioned for continued success.”
The City of Wayzata has prevailed in a legal dispute with Lake West Development LLC over redevelopment plans for the former TCF Bank property at 200 Lake Street East.
In an order filed October 30, Hennepin County District Court Judge Joseph R. Klein granted summary judgment in favor of the City on all counts, ruling that Wayzata complied with Minnesota’s 60-day rule for land-use decisions and acted lawfully in conditioning approval of Lake West’s three-story Planned Unit Development application. The court also denied Lake West’s request for a writ of mandamus that sought automatic approval of its separate four-story proposal.
“The Wayzata girls cross country team captured their program’s four straight Class 3A state championship. The Trojans scored a low total of just 27 points, with four runners finishing in the top ten. Maddie Gullickson won the state meet with a time of 16:44.3. Jazleen Malherek-Osorio (5th, 17:48.8), Lila Golomb (8th, 17:56.9), and Miley Clark (9th, 18:05.0) were the other Trojan runners who placed in the top ten. Morgan Waechter of Hopkins took 23rd with a time of 18:39.9. Maple Grove’s April Watson placed 28th in a time of 18:47.6. Naomi Dybvig of Armstrong clocked an 18:53.9, good for 32nd. On the boys side, Wayzata’s Thomas Berndt took 12th with a time of 15:49.6. Lucas Capistrant of Maple Grove was the Crimson’s top runner, finishing 28th with a time of 16:04.8. Champlin Park’s top runner was Zakariya Mohamed, taking 34th with a time of 16:10.0. The Wayzata boys finished second overall as a team, only behind the Class 3A state champions, Blaine.” via CCX Media.
Voters in the Wayzata School District have re-elected two incumbents and chosen one new member to serve on the Wayzata School Board.
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s unofficial results, Milind Sohoni (4,776 votes) and Heidi Kader (4,332 votes) will return to the board, while Alicia Liddle (4,693 votes) joins as its newest member.
The newly elected board members will be sworn in at the January 12, 2026 organizational meeting.
With enrollment continuing to surge across the district and school buildings projected to exceed capacity as soon as the 2027–28 school year, the Wayzata School Board voted 6–1 on November 10 to advance long-range facilities planning toward a potential 2026 bond referendum, with Valentina Eyres casting the lone dissenting vote.
The discussion marked the culmination of more than a year of study by district leadership, architects from Wold, construction partners from Kraus-Anderson, and a 20-member Community Task Force representing a cross-section of parent, advisory, and civic groups.
Blue Water Theatre Company has launched a $500,000 capital campaign to stabilize operations, repair its 109-year-old former church building on Rice Street, and preserve a youth-led arts community that serves families throughout the west metro.
Board Chair Janessa Prawer said the campaign, called Raise the Roof, is intended to give the organization enough runway to complete a financial turnaround already underway. “We have a rockstar board and a plan,” she said, “but what we need now is time and we may not have that.”
Blue Water’s home is itself a piece of Wayzata history. The building originally served as the Wayzata Congregational Church, a congregation established in 1881 as one of the earliest anchors of community life on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka. The church’s 1911 structure—designed by noted Minneapolis architect Harry Wild Jones—stood on this site until a fire destroyed it in 1916. Remarkably, the congregation rebuilt the sanctuary the very same year, continuing its role as the cornerstone of religious life in early Wayzata. Today, the building is recognized as a Wayzata Historic Landmark, one of the few remaining examples of the town’s early civic and architectural heritage.
Members of the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee visited Wayzata on Wednesday, November 13, arriving on time for a scheduled stop at Depot Park to learn more about the City’s $9 million state bonding request. The visit allowed legislators to hear directly from Wayzata leadership about future phases of Panoway and the need for public safety facility design work.
Wayzata is seeking $9 million in State support to continue its long-planned Panoway improvements and to complete design work for future police and fire upgrades. The City walked lawmakers through the broad vision: expanding public access to Lake Minnetonka, strengthening environmental protections along the shoreline, and preparing for facility needs tied to modern public safety operations.
Depot Park—anchored by the historic James J. Hill Depot—served as the setting for the visit, blending Wayzata’s past with its long-range waterfront planning.
Wayzata High School head football coach Lambert Brown has resigned from his position, closing a remarkable chapter defined by championship success, personal mentorship, and a deep investment in the lives of student-athletes.
Brown took over the Wayzata program in 2016 after longtime head coach Brad Anderson stepped down following 18 seasons and three state championships. He arrived with a strong coaching résumé, having previously led programs at Fridley and Chaska and serving on staff at White Bear Lake. A former Concordia University–St. Paul player and All-Conference selection, Brown brought both experience and a steady, relationship-driven leadership style to one of Minnesota’s premier football schools.
Rustica Bakery & Café is holding a soft open today—Thursday, November 20—until 2 p.m. at 795 E. Lake Street, offering Wayzata an early taste of one of the Twin Cities’ most admired bakeries. The café officially opens tomorrow morning, Friday, November 21, at 7am marking a homecoming for Chef and Partner Mike DeCamp, who grew up just blocks from Lake Minnetonka and now returns as the local leader behind Rustica’s newest location.
“I grew up out here across from Bell Park,” DeCamp said. “I went to Widsten Elementary School… I was in like sixth grade when Gleason Lake Elementary opened.” He eventually attended West Middle School and the former Wayzata High School, now Central Middle School. “That’s where I grew up,” he said.
WAYZATA — The City of Wayzata has been hit with its second lawsuit over its recent ban on short-term rentals, marking another significant legal chapter in a community long shaped by questions of land use, property rights, and the evolving character of lakeside living.
A group of five property owners — Jeffrey Lee Holmers; 306 Barry Ave N LLC; Scott Tripps; 1020 Lake Street E LLC; and Anna Ovsyannikova & Yevgeniy Ogranovich — filed a mandamus and declaratory judgment action in Hennepin County District Court on November 21, 2025, asserting that the City’s new short-term-rental prohibition violates state law, deprives them of vested property rights, and was adopted without the public-process safeguards required of zoning ordinances.
After holding its annual Truth-in-Taxation hearing, the Wayzata City Council voted to adopt the 2026 final property tax levy and budget, closing out a months-long process that balances rising service demands with a continued commitment to fiscal restraint.
The Council approved Resolution 53-2025, certifying a final levy of $7,241,697, and Resolution 54-2025, establishing a total 2026 budget of $23,120,220. The action reduces the levy increase from the 7.5% reflected on residents’ preliminary notices down to 4.9%, a notable adjustment achieved through targeted refinements to the General Fund levy.
On December 2, 2025, the Wayzata City Council voted 4–1 to adopt Resolution 45-2025, formally supporting a private application to the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund (ERF) for the cleanup of 200 Lake Street East. The measure advances a request for $1,772,590 in environmental remediation funding for the downtown redevelopment site. Councilmember Alex Plechash voted against the resolution.
The applicant, 200 Lake St. LLC on behalf of Lake West Development, LLC, has completed extensive environmental investigation work and received MPCA approval of a Response Action Plan, which outlines excavation of contaminated soils and placement of clean fill to establish a protective barrier across the property. According to the city’s agenda materials, the contamination stems from historic petroleum uses and other legacy industrial activity at the site.
Wayzata High School has hired veteran coach Derrin Lamker as the next head coach of the Trojans football program according to CCX Media, bringing decades of experience across both high school and collegiate levels — and a clear focus on student-athletes and culture.
Lamker said the decision to come to Wayzata aligned closely with his personal values after meeting with district and school leadership.
“They’re unbelievable. They work well together,” Lamker said. “They have clear and concise goals and what they want to do and excellence and give you a great experience for the student-athletes is what they want to do and it just fit my values and what I was looking for,” he stated in a CCX interview.
As we turn the page on 2025, we want to thank our readers, residents, local leaders, first responders, educators, business owners, and community organizations for their engagement, trust, and willingness to participate in the civic life of Wayzata. Your readership, feedback, and involvement are what make local journalism meaningful and relevant. We’re grateful to serve this community, and we look forward to continuing to tell Wayzata’s stories — thoughtfully, accurately, and with care — in the year ahead.
As always, we welcome conversation. If a story resonated with you — or if you think an important moment, issue, or achievement deserves more attention — we invite you to share it with us. Thoughtful agreement and respectful disagreement are both part of a healthy community, and Wayzata is strongest when residents are willing to engage, listen, and speak up. Your perspectives help shape our coverage, and we value the dialogue that continues beyond the page.
WAYZATA — Just over a month after Wayzata City Hall filled to capacity for a community conversation on political polarization, residents will gather again tonight for the second installment of the Braver Angels series: Skills for Disagreeing Better.
The workshop, hosted by Mayor Andrew Mullin in partnership with Braver Angels Minnesota, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Community Room. While October’s session focused on understanding polarization and building empathy across differences, tonight’s program turns toward practical, hands-on tools for communicating constructively—especially when conversations become tense.
To help orient residents attending for the first time, Wayzata.com’s October coverage is included below as background:
Tonight’s workshop is designed as the practical companion to the October event, which featured Braver Angels co-founder Dr. Bill Doherty and drew one of the broadest cross-sections of civic leaders Wayzata has seen in recent years.
Where the October dialogue explored polarization—how it rises, what fuels it, and how it shapes our relationships—the Skills for Disagreeing Better program focuses on what residents can do next:
how to listen when emotions run high, when to pause before responding, and how to ask questions that open a conversation rather than close it.
Participants will practice specific techniques used by Braver Angels volunteers nationwide, including “searching questions,” “humanizing statements,” and structured listening exercises modeled on Doherty’s family therapy background. The evening follows a step-by-step curriculum used in communities across the country.
Wayzata has always been a place defined by civic participation—from its earliest days as a lakeside settlement shaped by Dakota homelands, to the logging and railroad era, to its modern role as a regional hub for business, philanthropy, and public service. Tonight’s workshop continues a long tradition of local leadership stepping toward, rather than away from, difficult conversations.
Mayor Mullin has emphasized that this series is not about agreeing on politics, but about strengthening the civic fabric. His invitation frames it simply: if neighbors can learn to communicate across differences here, Wayzata can model something much larger than itself.
Participants can anticipate a more interactive format than October’s lecture-style session. Exercises will involve:
The program lasts approximately 90 minutes and is free and open to the public.
Depending on community interest—and early indicators suggest enthusiasm is high—a third workshop may be scheduled in early 2026, potentially focusing on “Depolarizing Within,” an internal-skills session that helps participants examine their own reactions, biases, and triggers.
For now, tonight’s gathering represents Wayzata’s continued commitment to civil dialogue and community leadership at a time when many cities struggle to create space for it.
Skills for Disagreeing Better
Thursday, November 20, 2025
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Wayzata City Hall – Community Room
Free and open to the public
WAYZATA — A new text-based community engagement pilot launched by Mayor Andrew Mullin in October is giving Wayzata residents a clearer voice in City Hall—and the early results show four issues dominating public concern.
In his recently published update, “Listening to You: Update on Community Engagement,” Mullin explained that the pilot, called the Serve Poll, was designed to reach residents who don’t typically participate in public meetings. “I partnered with GoodParty.org to launch a survey called the Serve Poll,” he wrote, noting that the October test was aimed at learning whether texting could help the city hear from a broader spectrum of residents.
Traditional meetings, he said, tend to “attract the same participants,” leaving out working families, seniors who avoid crowds, and residents who want to weigh in but cannot attend evening sessions. The new tool produced “a participation rate of 8%”—a strong response for a first-time civic survey.
Mullin closed his update by reaffirming that the results of the pilot will shape the city’s work in the months ahead. “I look forward to taking these direct insights from the community and translating them into action. My commitment is to you, the residents of Wayzata.”
This text-based pilot may represent one of the more innovative approaches to community engagement now emerging in cities. By meeting residents where they already are—on their phones—the Serve Poll bypasses the traditional barriers of evening meetings, crowded hearing rooms, and limited participation. The early response suggests that this new tool could broaden civic involvement, bring in voices that rarely appear at City Hall, and give local government a clearer, more immediate understanding of what residents are experiencing in their daily lives.
Residents are encouraged to attend Mullin’s monthly Mayor Muni Meetup or contact his office directly to continue the conversation.
“Morgan Bryant’s goal in the third minute of overtime gave the Wayzata girls soccer team the only goal of the match in the Trojans 1-0 win over St. Michael-Albertville in the state tournament Class AAA quarterfinals. Wayzata goalie Sophia Alvarez and STMA keeper Sam Hartnett each had several big saves to keep the match scoreless through regulation. Lauren Craig’s corner kick sent to the front of the Knights’ net was deflected in by Bryant for her second goal of the season. Wayzata (15-0-2) plays in the state semifinals Wednesday October 29th at 8:00 am at US Bank Stadium.” via CCX Media.
The Wayzata City Council approved a new two-year labor agreement Monday night with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local No. 37, representing the city’s police officers.
The contract covers 2026–2027 and includes wage and benefit updates aimed at maintaining competitive compensation as part of the city’s Operational Excellence strategic goal. Interim City Manager Aurora Yager said the deal follows six months of negotiation between staff and union representatives.
Under the approved terms:
The 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and other anticipated changes were already included in the city’s 2026 budget.
Yager noted that retaining and attracting top law enforcement talent remains critical to Wayzata’s public safety mission. The city has three collective bargaining units: Public Works, Police Officers, and Police Sergeants.
With approval of the 2026–2027 contract, the council reaffirmed its support for the Wayzata Police Department and its commitment to maintaining high-quality local service in a competitive hiring environment.
The Wayzata City Council signaled its intent to make one last round of small landscaping adjustments at Klapprich Park following continued feedback from nearby residents. The discussion, held during a workshop session this week, centered on whether to close several remaining “visual gaps” between the park and adjacent homes before declaring the project complete.
Community Development Director Alex Sharpe and Council Members Molly MacDonald and Andrew Mullin outlined that while most feedback on the renovated park has been positive, a few neighbors—particularly along Park Street—have continued to raise concerns about visibility into the park and beyond to Wayzata Boulevard.
Discussion occurred around adding several mid-size balled-and-burlap trees to fill in the open spots where feasible, and revisiting the cap on the larger slide. Preliminary expectations for the additional work could range from a few thousand dollars up to the lower $20,000s at most. Council members were open to the idea, emphasizing that this would be the city’s final effort to address the screening issue.
“This would be a good-faith step to finish things off,” one council member summarized, while noting that the city has already invested in earlier landscape adjustments to respond to neighborhood input.
The consensus from the workshop was for staff to return with a final plan outlining the added trees and costs before bringing the item back to the council for formal approval in the coming weeks. Once complete, the additional landscaping will mark the end of the city’s long-running efforts to balance the park’s open design with nearby residents’ privacy concerns.
WAYZATA — In an Oct. 21 workshop, the City Council reviewed a draft 2025 legislative agenda that narrows the city’s bonding request, seeks a fix to Panoway sales-tax timing, and opens the door to a regional coalition focused on protecting local control. A formal agenda will return for adoption at a regular meeting.
$9 million state bonding package. Staff recommended a streamlined ask:
Notably, Klapprich Park, Wayzata Beach, and Shaver Park are not included this year to keep the package targeted.
Extend the Panoway construction-materials sales-tax exemption. Wayzata previously secured a sales-tax exemption on construction materials, but the window for eligible purchases expires Jan. 1, 2025. With Phase 3 spending still ahead, the city will seek an extension so those materials stay tax-exempt.
Council also discussed whether to pursue special local taxation authority if the Legislature reopens the door next session. Two concepts were weighed:
There’s has been a moratorium on new local sales-tax approvals statewide, and committee leaders reportedly hold divergent views on what (if anything) to allow next session. Staff and lobbyists advised remaining open to any viable path and deciding later whether to proceed.
Council members asked for hard numbers—revenues, impacts, timelines, and statutory constraints—before signaling a preference. Concerns surfaced about retail competitiveness under a general sales tax, alongside interest in a visitor-focused food & beverage approach if that option becomes available. The consensus: bring back data with the lobbyist present before giving direction.
Wayzata is being invited to join a Lake Minnetonka Area Legislative Coalition of cities to defend local control on issues like zoning, assessing, and tax authority. After success working together last session, lake-area mayors are organizing a small, shared lobbying effort to speak as a regional block. The Council asked staff to bring materials and a presenter (expected later this year) before deciding whether to join.
Staff will return with a complete package—bonding bill language, the sales-tax exemption extension ask, TIF 6 eligibility language, the e-mobility request, and side-by-side analysis of food & beverage vs. general local option sales tax (revenues, constraints, and political viability). The coalition invitation will also come back with details on scope and cost. At that time, the Council will finalize its 2025 legislative agenda and authorize its lobbyist strategy.
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