At the October 7 Wayzata City Council meeting, Community Development Director Alex Sharpe introduced the city’s newest staff member, Haily Hedblom, who recently joined the Community Development Department as a city planner.
Sharpe praised Hedblom’s ability to read and interpret site plans—one of the more challenging aspects of municipal planning work. “Haley has been able to step into a role that can be both dynamic and ever-changing,” he said. “She’s been able to read these plans, navigate the public process, go through presentations before the Planning Commission every couple of weeks, and do so flawlessly. She’s been a great hire.”
Hedblom shared a few personal remarks, noting her enthusiasm for joining the team and her gratitude for the warm welcome. She also took a moment to acknowledge what she called “the little elephant in the room”—she and her partner are expecting a baby boy later this month. She plans to take maternity leave over the winter and return in the spring.
Mayor Andrew Mullin commended Hedblom for the professionalism she has already displayed. “Despite your short tenure, you stepped into a complicated, high-pressure situation a couple of weeks ago and executed flawlessly,” Mullin said. “You’ve set the bar high for yourself, and I have supreme confidence you’ll be a strong contributor to our planning department. Congratulations on the baby boy, and we look forward to your return.”
With Hedblom’s addition, the planning team continues to strengthen its capacity amid a busy schedule of development reviews and code updates.
The Wayzata Fire Department welcomed three new firefighters — James Botham, Mickey Leius, and Cooper Rasmus — during a swearing-in ceremony at the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting. Their appointments bring the department’s active roster to 27 of 30 authorized positions.
Cooper Rasmus, Mickey Leius, and James Botham.
Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich introduced each recruit as Interim City Manager Mike Kelly administered the oath of office.
James Botham
A second-generation Wayzata firefighter, Botham grew up around the station watching his father, Brian Botham, serve more than 35 years with the department. He first joined the ranks in 2008 after high school and returned in 2023 “with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the fire service.”
Botham resides in Wayzata with his girlfriend Sarah, their puppy Amber, and cat Finch. He is actively working toward a full-time fire service career and enjoys hiking, traveling, and weekends at the family cabin.
Mickey Leius
A lifelong member of the Wayzata community, Leius is the son of Scott and Maryland Leius and a graduate of Wayzata High School. He went on to Des Moines Area Community College and Concordia University – St. Paul, earning a degree in Sports Management while playing college baseball.
Leius has served as a volunteer firefighter since April 2024 and works as a property manager for Boulevard Management and Advisory in Minneapolis. He also coaches baseball as an assistant varsity coach at Wayzata High School and previously coached at Edina High School. Known for his team-first attitude, Leius said he is honored to continue serving the community he calls home.
Cooper Rasmus
A 2024 Wayzata High School graduate, Rasmus grew up in Wayzata and Minnetonka with parents Colleen and Joe and siblings Emerson, Easton, Porter, and Vincent — the youngest of whom, he joked, “is pretty sure to be a firefighter one day.”
A 14-year veteran of Wayzata hockey, Rasmus brings youthful energy and a long-term commitment to the department, quipping that he hopes “to serve the City of Wayzata for the next 72 years.” He enjoys time outdoors, fishing, hunting, and being on the lake with friends and family.
Chief Klapprich thanked the new members for their service and reaffirmed the department’s goal of maintaining a full complement of 30 firefighters to meet the community’s growing needs.
Those interested in joining the department should reach out to 952-404-5338.
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.
Wayzata Staff and Council review the selections for the Wayzata Bar & Grill.
The Wayzata City Council held a workshop Tuesday evening to review progress on the Wayzata Bar & Grill interior remodel—better known to locals as the Muni. The discussion focused on refining the project’s budget and scope, preparing for bid authorization, and confronting the long-standing HVAC and moisture problems that have challenged the building for years.
Interim City Manager Mike Kelly led the update alongside Bar and Grill Manager Jeff Pietrini and representatives from Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group, who presented updates on design documents, scheduling, and cost projections.
The latest estimate places the interior remodel at approximately $468,000, which includes design, finishes, and new furnishings such as booths, tables, and chairs. With contingencies and related improvements, the total project could near $650,000.
However, the council’s discussion turned pointed when it came to the building’s mechanical system. Earlier projections had hoped to cap HVAC work at $200,000, but a new mechanical engineering review suggested a more comprehensive fix could cost about $375,000.
Mayor Andrew Mullin and Council Member Ken Sorensen voiced serious reservations about proceeding with the remodel without fully addressing the source of moisture buildup and climate control issues that have plagued the facility for years. Both cautioned against what Mullin described as “another band-aid approach,” urging the city to invest in a long-term solution rather than temporary patchwork as has been done over the life of the building.
Council members agreed the issue warranted additional technical review and a potential rebid based on the mechanical engineer’s recommendation. The consensus was to refine the specifications before authorizing any construction contracts, ensuring that the renovation not only updates the interior but also stabilizes the building’s systems for the future. The council agreed that the HVAC and remodel must be done at the same time.
While the HVAC questions added complexity, council members expressed enthusiasm for the refreshed look and layout planned for the restaurant. The remodel will introduce a modernized interior design, new booth seating, and updated tables and chairs, aiming to enhance comfort and preserve the Muni’s warm, community-oriented atmosphere.
Staff will bring updated project documentation and cost comparisons to upcoming meetings on October 12 and October 26, when the council is expected to consider formal bid authorization.
Since 1947, the Muni has been one of the few municipally operated bars in the state, with profits reinvested into Wayzata’s parks, events, and public spaces. Council members emphasized that this project represents not just a physical renovation, but a renewal of a community landmark that continues to define Wayzata’s civic identity.
WAYZATA — 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.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff contends that the city acted “arbitrarily, capriciously, and unreasonably” in granting the variance, arguing that the proposal did not meet the mandatory criteria laid out in Wayzata’s zoning code. Those criteria require that any variance demonstrate unique property circumstances, compliance with the intent of the ordinance, and mitigation of environmental and visual impacts through a formal shoreland plan.
The lawsuit seeks declaratory and equitable relief, asking the court to void the city’s variance approval and to prohibit further development based on that decision. It also requests nominal damages and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
The disputed parcel, located along the lake side of Harrington Road near Ferndale, sparked considerable debate from those both supporting and opposing the variance. During the City Council’s September 17 meeting, several residents voiced concern that granting such a significant setback reduction could set an undesirable precedent for future variance requests along Wayzata’s shoreline. Others spoke in full support of the proposal.
The City of Wayzata has not yet issued a statement regarding the lawsuit. The case will proceed through the Fourth Judicial District’s civil division, where initial responses and scheduling orders are expected in the coming weeks.
Wayzata.com will provide updates as the case moves forward.
One of the questions Mayor Andrew Mullin says he hears most often is simple: What’s it really like to serve in local government?
The latest episode of Mayor About Town dives right in—featuring candid conversations with:
Jeff Parkhill, former Wayzata City Council Member
Ken Sorensen, current City Council Member
Blake Cameron, Planning Commission Chair and Parks & Trails Board Member
Together, they share what it means to serve, lead, and shape the future of Wayzata.
If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in city decisions, now is the time. The City currently has openings on several commissions and boards, including:
WAYZATA — For longtime resident Elaine Ambrose, the call to bring more civility into public life began close to home. After four decades of community involvement—from serving on the Wayzata Charter Commission to years as an election judge—she’s now helping convene an evening of dialogue aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring the kind of respectful conversation that once defined civic life here.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Ambrose and Mayor Andrew Mullin will co-host “Bridging the Political Divide: How Local Leaders Can Help” at Wayzata City Hall.
The free, public forum will feature Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels and emeritus professor at the University of Minnesota, who will lead an interactive 90-minute discussion on how neighbors can “disagree better” through structured, civil dialogue.
A Life Rooted in Civic Service
Elaine and her husband, Bob Ambrose, moved to Wayzata in 1984 after years of public service and state policy work. Bob, a native of Woodstock, Vermont, worked for the Minnesota Senate and the lieutenant governor’s office before becoming a lobbyist for Great River Energy, a regional electric cooperative.
“When we first came here, we were drawn to its small-town feel,” Elaine said. “It reminded us of Woodstock—physically beautiful, civically engaged, and filled with people who care about their neighbors.”
Over the years, Bob Ambrose served on the Wayzata City Council and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, while Elaine contributed through election work and civic boards. “We’re very grateful to live here,” she reflected. “People are civil, the schools are strong, and there’s a real spirit of participation.”
She says those experiences deepened her respect for public service. “For a while I thought every person in the United States should have to do a year or two of civic responsibility—run for office, serve in the Peace Corps—something that teaches how hard, and how important, it is.”
From Frustration to Hope
Ambrose said her decision to partner with Braver Angels arose from a period of deep frustration and helplessness following the killing of her friend and former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
“I was heartbroken and frustrated—and I didn’t know what to do with those feelings,” she said in a follow-up message. “My hope is that introducing the Braver Angels way of having conversations between people who disagree, especially about politics, will open up a new avenue to move away from the hateful rhetoric.”
She believes many Americans share that exhaustion. “Most of us want to change this dynamic but don’t know how,” Ambrose said. “Braver Angels is one of many organizations working to help people bridge divides. It’s not easy work, but it matters.”
A Shared Concern Across the Aisle
That realization took on added urgency after a candid conversation with Alex Plechash, both a Wayzata City Council member and the current chair of the Minnesota Republican Party.
“I told Alex that I was so frustrated I was having physical problems,” Ambrose recalled. “And he said, ‘I feel the same way. I’m having difficulty sleeping. I’ve had death threats.’”
She said that exchange underscored how widespread the strain of polarization has become—even among public servants trying to do their jobs. “I told him, ‘No one should be threatened or afraid because of what they believe.’ It made me realize how important it is to start rebuilding trust right here in our own small town.”
Listening First
Ambrose describes the Braver Angels framework as “courageous conversation.”
“One person speaks, the other listens, and then repeats back what they heard before responding,” she explained. “That simple act of reflection changes the tone completely.”
Her hope is that the October 9 gathering will be just the beginning. “I’m so grateful that Mayor Mullin and Bill Doherty are partnering on this first conversation,” she said. “If we can start this in Wayzata, maybe other communities will follow.”
Media Spotlight and Broader Reach
Interest in the effort has already extended beyond the lakefront. Ambrose confirmed that she and Mayor Mullin have been invited to appear on TPT’s Almanac with longtime political reporter Mary Lahammer later in October to discuss Bridging the Political Divide and the broader Braver Angels movement.
“Mary told me she wants to focus on news that speaks to solutions, not just loud noise,” Ambrose said. “She wants to highlight examples of people trying to bring back respectful dialogue and common ground.”
The planned segment will showcase Wayzata as a model for how small communities can lead the way in rebuilding civic trust across Minnesota.
Strong Regional Interest
The event has already drawn interest from a wide range of local and regional leaders who have registered to attend. Confirmed participants include Judy Johnson of the Metropolitan Council; Jake Beard of Morgan Stanley; Becky Pierson, president of the Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce; John Ross of St. John’s University; Bob Tunheim, Mayor of Orono; Charlie Miner, Mayor of Long Lake; Ann Johnson Stewart, Minnesota State Senator; Dario Anselmo of the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition; Milind Sohoni, Chair of the Wayzata School Board; and School Board candidates Kate Knight and Laura Conway, and others.
Event Details
Bridging the Political Divide: How Local Leaders Can Help 🗓 Thursday, October 9, 2025 ⏰ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 📍 Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street East 🎟 Free Admission – Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome
Front row: Cali Mitchell, Zoe Ryan, Ellen Hanson. Middle row: Nikki Gustafson, Grayce Daniels-Parks, Ava Totoe. Back row: Brielle Denkman, Naya Kouvalis, Kylie Englund, and Eva Afzal.
A group of Wayzata High School freshmen gathered along the Lakewalk on Saturday evening, bracing against the breeze coming off Wayzata Bay. The girls, dressed beautifully for the night, stopped to take photos at the docks as parents and friends snapped pictures against the lake. Laughter carried over the wind as hair and dresses shifted in the gusts, but no one seemed to mind—the moment felt like a rite of passage, framed by the glow of downtown lights and the familiar calm of the water.
The presentation will explore the remarkable life and legacy of entrepreneur John F. Wilcox, whose ventures included the Wilcox Motor Car Company, Wilcox Trux, and the early Wilcox fire engine still owned by the City of Wayzata. Descendant KC Stabeck will lead the discussion, tracing the evolution of the Wilcox family’s Old Orchard estate in Tonka Bay’s Wildhurst neighborhood—from its early days as a 1920s–30s summer resort, to its return to the family, and eventual redevelopment.
In addition to the Wilcox story, the program will touch on the broader history of Tonka Bay, including the State Fruit Farm, Wildhurst, Birch Bluff, and Lockes Point—landmarks that helped define the south shore of Lake Minnetonka during the region’s early years of resort and agricultural development.
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (LMHS) was formed in October 2023 through the merger of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Museum of Lake Minnetonka, the Wayzata Historical Society, and the Westonka Historical Society. Together, they have created one of the largest collections of Lake Minnetonka history—spanning archives, artifacts, and restored vessels such as the 1906 streetcar steamboat Minnehaha, which the Society is working to return to active operation.
The organization now maintains research archives in Wayzata and operates museums in Excelsior, Mound, and Wayzata. Through lectures, exhibits, publications, and lakewide initiatives, LMHS continues to preserve and share the intertwined histories of the communities surrounding Lake Minnetonka.
PLYMOUTH — 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.
Coming off a strong win over Park of Cottage Grove, the Trojans entered the game with optimism, but the Skippers’ physical play on both sides of the ball proved decisive. Francois continued to find seams in the second half, adding two more rushing touchdowns as Minnetonka pulled away to reclaim the traveling Bay Bell trophy.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, Wayzata now prepares to host #1-ranked Maple Grove on Friday, October 10—a formidable challenge as the Trojans look to regroup, clean up execution, and restore confidence heading into the closing weeks.
The Bay Bell will stay in Minnetonka until the rivals meet again next fall.
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