Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chace B. Anderson has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, concluding an 18-year tenure in Wayzata and a 43-year career in public education.
In a letter to families, Anderson shared his “many mixed emotions” about the decision, while expressing gratitude to the Wayzata community, staff, and families who have supported him since he began as superintendent in 2008.
“I have had the good fortune of serving in this role since July 1, 2008. At the conclusion of this school year, I will have enjoyed 18 wonderful years serving this community,” Anderson wrote.
Anderson began his career in 1983 as a middle school science teacher, football coach, and track coach in Bellevue, Nebraska. Before coming to Wayzata, he served in a variety of leadership roles across other districts. In his letter, he emphasized that even as an administrator, he always sought to carry himself like a teacher and counselor—focused on helping others reach their potential.
During his time in Wayzata, Anderson cited several accomplishments achieved in collaboration with teachers, staff, and school boards. These include strategic planning for district growth, the construction of new schools, facility improvements, financial stewardship, the hiring of strong staff, enhanced student experiences, and strengthened community partnerships.
His leadership years also overlapped with his time as a Wayzata parent. Both of Anderson’s children graduated from Wayzata Public Schools, a perspective he described as uniquely rewarding.
“My wife and I are very proud that both of our kids are graduates of Wayzata Public Schools. Serving the triple role of superintendent, school district parent, and school district resident has been rewarding in every regard,” Anderson noted.
In reflecting on his career, Anderson shared that he never imagined, growing up in rural Iowa, that he would someday lead a district like Wayzata. A fortune cookie message he received just before interviewing for the role—“You are about to embark upon a most delightful journey”—proved prophetic, he said.
As he enters his final year, Anderson pledged to continue working hard and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve this school community in this capacity,” Anderson wrote. “This has truly been a wonderful professional experience for me.”
The Wayzata City Council voted 3-1 on Tuesday to appoint former council member Dan Koch to fill the vacancy created by Jeff Parkhill’s recent resignation.
The council interviewed four candidates in the council workshop—Adam Elg, Dan Koch, Bonnie Schwalbe, and Charles Yancy—all of whom brought highly skilled and qualified backgrounds to the process. Claudio Hofstadter was unavailable due to travel.
Image courtesy Dan Koch.
Koch previously served on the council from 2016 to 2020 and has remained active in civic roles, including the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Interfaith Outreach Finance Committee, and as treasurer of the Wayzata Conservancy Board. He also served as board chair of the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce.
In his interview with the council, Koch laid out three top priorities for the city. “Number one, I think, is to hire a … long-term city manager. That’s extremely important as we look to the future”. He also underscored the importance of growth management: “Development and thoughtful development has always been an issue here … there’s a lot of different opportunities with the east side of Wayzata Boulevard.” Finally, Koch pointed to city finances. “There’s been a lot of growth, a lot of changes. It’s put some strains on the budget … and so you’re always trying to balance.”
Koch told the council that his prior experience brings consistency during a time of transition. “I hope that my experience of time speaks for itself. You know what you’re getting. There’s not a lot of surprises.”
He added that he has not yet decided whether to seek a full term once the seat is up for election, noting that family circumstances will guide that decision.
Koch will serve out the remainder of Parkhill’s term, which runs through the end of 2026.
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 feet. While no redevelopment plans are on file, the variance establishes a larger buildable area should a future owner demolish the existing home and construct a new residence.
Mayor Andrew Mullin and Councilmembers Jeff Parkhill and Ken Sorensen supported the request, while Alex Plechash and Molly MacDonald opposed it. The applicant, represented by Kyle Hunt, argued the lot’s unusual shape, narrow width, topography, and position on a sharp bend of the shoreline created “practical difficulties” under city code.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 18 and later recommended approval of the request, subject to conditions. Those included a requirement that a shoreland impact plan be submitted with any future building permit, and that certain non-buildable wedge areas offered by the applicant be permanently recorded to protect neighboring sight lines.
Swansons Seek Variance to Preserve Future Use of Property
Property owners Dick and Elaine Swanson, who have lived at 547 Harrington Road for decades, are preparing to sell their nearly century-old family home. To aid in that transition, the couple hired builder Kyle Hunt of Kyle Hunt Partners to act as a consultant in seeking a variance that would preserve the lot’s usability for future owners.
Hunt told the Council the application was not tied to a specific redevelopment plan, but rather to establishing a reasonable building envelope so the property could be marketed and eventually rebuilt. Without a variance, he explained, the lot’s pie-shaped layout and position on a sharp bend of Browns Bay—combined with the unusual 299-foot setback of the neighboring Leavenworth home to the north—would push most of the buildable area toward Harrington Road, leaving the site effectively unbuildable.
Image source: Swanson narrative.
City code required a 260.5-foot shoreline setback at the site, yet the existing home sits just 91.9 feet from the water. The variance reduces that requirement by 152.5 feet, establishing a new setback line of 108 feet. That would still move any future home about 16 feet farther from the lake than the current structure.
To address concerns from neighbors, the Swansons also offered to record non-buildable “red triangle” areas on the lot to preserve lake views from adjacent homes.
Red triangles, courtesy of the Swansons.
As Hunt explained in his presentation to council: “The reason why we introduced the idea of the red triangles was to honor and take into consideration the neighboring properties when you look through the lens of sight lines from their structures to the lake and from the interior of their homes looking lakeside or lake setback side. In both cases, we’ve tried to look at that triangulation and offered that under free will.”
Public Hearing Brings Sharp Divide on Shoreline Impact
Neighbors Tracy and Dan Cosentino of 549 Harrington Road opposed the request. Their attorney, Jack Perry, urged the Council to deny the variance, warning it would invite litigation and stall any redevelopment of 547 Harrington Road.
“The reality is that 108 feet versus 175 feet is a major, major, major change — a major blockage of the lake for 549,” Perry said. “And 549 is going to [assert] rights. If you say yes, that will cause litigation. Litigation will hold this thing up for 12 months at a minimum, which no buyer is going to pay because of the setback until that’s resolved.”
Perry explained that his clients had worked with attorney Chris Pierson to develop an alternative method of measuring the setback, disregarding the unusually deep setback at 543 Harrington Road and instead using the next-nearest home to the north. That calculation produced a 175-foot shoreline setback and a 45-foot side yard setback, which the Cosentinos argued was “almost as close to the lake as possible” while still protecting their views.
In August 2025, Pierson also submitted a formal letter during the Planning Commission review, pressing for denial. “The Application does not satisfy the conditions for approval required … by Chapter 991,” Pierson wrote. “Granting the sought variance would severely adversely impact the shoreline and lake views of the Cosentinos. In addition, the Application is motivated solely by economic considerations … and granting the variance without construction and other required plans is likely to lead to problems the City should seek to avoid.” He urged commissioners to reject the request.
The Council also heard directly from Dan Cosentino, who said he was surprised to learn that the Swansons’ application sought a 108-foot setback “shaped kind of like a hexagon” without building plans, architectural drawings, or a shoreline impact assessment. Cosentino explained that he had retained Pierson and the architectural firm Mohagen Hansen to prepare 3D models showing how potential homes could affect his family’s views. Both concluded the variance would have an adverse impact.
In response, Cosentino said he directed Pierson to craft what he considered a fair compromise: a 175-foot shoreline setback with a 40-foot side yard, compared with the 188-foot setback of his own home. He described this as a “very generous variance proposal” aimed at avoiding conflict.
Not all neighbors opposed the request. Several letters of support were submitted, urging the Council to allow the variance.
Ted Bigos, a longtime property owner in the community, wrote that the application aligned with Wayzata’s residential character. “I am writing in support of the variance request for 547 Harrington Road. Based on my review, the proposed variance is both reasonable and consistent with the character of the surrounding neighborhood,” Bigos said.
Tom and Lindsay Pohlad also submitted a letter backing the request. They argued that the strict shoreline setback stems from rules dating back more than a century and would effectively prevent any new home from being built on the site today. “The requested variance, as we understand it, does not impact views of neighboring properties, and should be considered for approval,” they wrote.
David Erickson, a neighbor on Harrington Road, described the proposal as fair and forward-looking. “The proposed variance by the owners of 547 Harrington Road, as requested, is more than generous to existing neighbors and appears to solve the problems created by what may now be an outdated practice given the circumstances at the site. As neighbors on Harrington Road, we favor City approval,” Erickson wrote.
Anne Johnson, another Harrington Road resident, called the request both reasonable and appropriate for the site. “As a resident of Harrington Road, I can confirm that the variance requested regarding 547 Harrington Road is very reasonable and does not impact any neighbors. I am familiar with the property and also believe that the existing setback no longer makes any sense due to the site’s topography,” Johnson wrote.
From just down the street, James E. Johnson and Lucy Rosenberry Jones expressed their backing for the application. “We live at 562 Harrington Road and fully support the Swanson’s request for a variance,” they wrote.
Hans and Carolyn Hagen, neighbors on Harrington Road, urged the Council not only to approve the variance but to make it permanent. “As neighborhood residents, we support the Wayzata Planning Commission resolution granting the variance to the shoreline setback requested by the owner of Tract B, the Swanson family,” they wrote. The Hagens emphasized that the Swansons’ proposed setback and view corridor matched existing conditions established by adjacent homes to the north and south, and argued that the family would face “an unusual hardship” if the variance were denied.
John Nolan, who lives nearby on Harrington Road, said he carefully reviewed the Swansons’ application before weighing in. “After reviewing their request, I feel the request is reasonable, appropriate and meets both the spirit and the technical requirements for variance relief for all the reasons expressed in their variance application. I am in support of the city approving this request,” Nolan wrote.
Carole Hunter added her voice in favor of the application. “Hello – we are fine with the variance request for the Swansons,” she wrote.
Joann W. Leavenworth, whose family home at 543 Harrington Road sits immediately north of the Swansons, pointed to the site’s natural challenges. “Because of the topography of this property, the existing 1920s house is located where it is. It would not meet the current ‘lakeshore set back’ code. Please take this into consideration … One look and the situation would be very apparent to you,” Leavenworth wrote.
Council Discussion
Councilmember Alex Plechash gave a detailed critique of the application, saying he recognized the property’s unique challenges but felt the requested relief went too far. “The fact that the residence to the north was built so far back creates a setback requirement that is skewed and untenable in my opinion. I think everyone agrees on that … As it is, an appropriately sized house would be unbuildable within the constraints delineated and begs for a variance,” he said.
Even so, Plechash argued the proposal was “granting a variance in a vacuum” without construction plans and could set a troubling precedent. He said the request would still adversely affect views from 549 Harrington Road and was not in harmony with the intent of the ordinance. “The letter of the law on a setback requirement for this property is draconian, but the requested variance goes too far, I think … The bottom line is that for all the reasons stated, I will be voting to deny the variance tonight.”
Councilmember Molly MacDonald echoed many of Plechash’s concerns, while adding that the city’s focus on preservation was being overlooked. “Our comp plan does value a diverse housing stock and neighborhood charm … maybe someone would appreciate a beautiful 100-year-old well-built home to not be just thrown away,” she said. MacDonald agreed a variance was needed but felt the Swansons’ request went too far. She also questioned claims that the proposal would preserve trees and concluded it would negatively affect shoreline views. “With all of that said, I will not be voting to support this variance request,” she said.
Councilmember Ken Sorensen said he saw strong arguments on both sides but ultimately leaned toward approval. He noted the property’s unusual topography and shoreline bend created genuine practical difficulties. Sorensen said that while a home built at 108 feet might be partially visible from 549 Harrington Road, “to me, [that’s] not adverse, not significant,” especially given that mature trees already obscure the shoreline from that vantage point.
He also pointed out that pushing construction farther back would force a new house into steep ravines and heavily wooded areas, creating other challenges. Reviewing the variance standards, Sorensen concluded the request was in harmony with the ordinance and comprehensive plan, and not driven solely by economics. He added that the Council should not base its decision on litigation threats. “I’m inclined to approve this variance,” he said.
Councilmember Jeff Parkhill acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that both the Swansons and the Cosentinos had strong arguments. He said the property’s topography created an “insurmountable burden” under the code, making a variance necessary. Parkhill praised the Swansons’ approach of shaping the building envelope with “red triangles” to protect views, calling it considerate.
After visiting both homes, he concluded any obstruction to 549 Harrington’s lake view would be minor and not significantly adverse. “There may be minor and inconvenient and distant view obstructions of the lake, but not something that I believe to have a significant adverse effect,” he said. While he wished the neighbors had reached a compromise privately, Parkhill stated he was inclined to support the variance as a reasonable solution to a difficult situation.
Mayor Andrew Mullin said the Council’s role was not to redraw a different setback line but to decide on the application before them. He noted the challenge of weighing subjective criteria like views and neighborhood character alongside objective standards.
Mullin pointed to several factors that led him to support approval: the setback would remain more than 75 feet from the water, satisfying the base ordinance; the Planning Commission had found no adverse impact on shoreline or lake views; and a shoreline impact plan would be required to address erosion and tree loss.
He also stressed that the property’s difficulties were unique and not created by the Swansons, and that economic considerations could not be the sole reason to grant or deny relief. “I’m a very pro property rights individual,” he said. “I’m leaning in support of this variance for all the reasons I’ve stated.”
In the end, the Council split 3–2, with Mayor Andrew Mullin, Jeff Parkhill, and Ken Sorensen voting in favor of the variance, while Alex Plechash and Molly MacDonald opposed. The decision allows Dick and Elaine Swanson to move forward with a shoreline setback of 108 feet at 547 Harrington Road, though any future redevelopment will still require a shoreline impact plan and compliance with all other city codes. The debate underscored the tension between preserving neighbor views, respecting property rights, and applying ordinances to unusual sites along Wayzata’s shoreline—questions the city is likely to face again as more historic lake homes come up for reinvention.
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 (MacDonald opposing) on September 23 to approve the preliminary plat for Ferndale Bluffs at 565 Ferndale Road West, reversing its April denial. In contrast to April’s decision, council members proceeded directly to the vote without any discussion.
Applicant Draycott DST has been working for years to subdivide its 11.67-acre parcel into three single-family lots with a new access road. The Planning Commission recommended approval in February by a 6-0 vote. But in April, the City Council rejected the request on a 3-2 vote, citing concerns about grading, tree removal, and the disruptive effect of a new public roadway.
That denial did not end the matter. Shortly after, the applicant filed suit against the city (Dray Trustee LLC v. City of Wayzata), arguing that the project met city code. While the lawsuit was pending, the Council adopted Ordinance 853, amending Wayzata’s subdivision code to allow lower-impact roadways in small subdivisions. The ordinance created new flexibility for narrower right-of-way, steeper grades, and private roadway options, provided state fire code is met.
With that ordinance in place, the project returned to the Council under Resolution 36-2025. The resolution grants preliminary plat approval, contingent on the applicant amending its plans to conform to the new roadway standards.
What was notable Tuesday night was not the outcome but the silence. Council members offered no discussion before voting to approve. The lack of debate stood in contrast to the hours of deliberation in earlier meetings, and it underscored what many observers saw as a legal reality: the applicant’s lawsuit may well have prevailed in court had the Council not reconsidered.
What’s the Difference Between a Preliminary and Final Plat?
Preliminary Plat
Concept-level approval showing how land will be divided and accessed.
Conditions can be attached that must be met before moving forward.
Approval allows the project to advance, but construction cannot begin.
Final Plat
Detailed engineering, grading, and utility plans completed.
Must comply with all conditions from preliminary approval.
Includes a binding development agreement with the city.
Only after final plat approval and recording can lots be sold or built upon.
Bottom Line:
The September 23 vote advances Ferndale Bluffs, but it is not the last word. The project must return to the Council for final plat approval before any development can proceed. Watch for the final plat to be approved in the future.
Wayzata Musicales is opening its 2025–26 season with a performance by some of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished jazz musicians. On Friday evening, audiences will gather at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth to hear the Bone Chance Jazz Quintet, led by celebrated trombonist Dave Graf.
Graf has long been a cornerstone of the Minnesota jazz community. Known for his versatile sound and technical mastery, he has performed with ensembles ranging from JazzMN to Broadway touring productions. His career includes sharing the stage with an extraordinary roster of performers—Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick, Jr., Julie Andrews, and many others.
For this concert, Graf has assembled a quintet of equally renowned colleagues: Doug Haining on alto saxophone, Adi Yeshaya on piano, Phil Hey on drums, and Matt Peterson on bass. Together, their collaboration promises an evening of inventive interplay and sophisticated swing.
This season marks a new chapter for Wayzata Musicales, with performances now held at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Road in Plymouth. The program begins at 7 p.m. and will run approximately 75 minutes without intermission.
Tickets are available online at wayzatamusicales.org or by scanning the event’s QR code. Pricing is set at $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $16 for students.
Major funding for this concert is provided by the Rotary Club of Wayzata, continuing a tradition of civic groups supporting arts and culture in the lakeside community.
A boat parked at public works has sparked some questions.
WAYZATA — A resident’s inquiry into a large boat parked at the City of Wayzata’s Public Works facility has sparked questions about the line between public oversight and small-town courtesy.
Greg Flannigan noticed a 40-foot vessel in the city’s “boneyard,” an area behind Public Works used to store boulders, fencing, and surplus materials.
Flannigan said he first wanted to determine the facts, noting that when city-owned facilities are used for personal purposes, it can raise questions about whether policies are being followed and whether taxpayer-supported assets are being properly safeguarded. “City residents pay for all these things,” Flannigan said in a text message.
In an email to Interim City Manager Mike Kelly, Flannigan pressed city staff for clarification on ownership of the boat, whether the city was collecting fees for its storage, and if insurance coverage applied.
Mayor Andrew Mullin responded, confirming the boat does not belong to the city and that the situation is an exception.
“I can confirm that a temporary exception has been granted for a contractor to store a boat on-site at the City of Wayzata Public Works facility. This arrangement was made to help the individual with a logistical challenge related to transporting the vessel to its winter storage,” Mullin said.
He emphasized that the accommodation is limited:
“This is a temporary measure. As a general rule, City employees, contractors and elected officials are not allowed to store personal property on City grounds. As a small town, we do our best to assist our residents, businesses, City employees, and contractors when possible.”
City officials noted that the boat belongs to a contractor who has served Wayzata for more than 40 years. The vessel was temporarily placed at the site after his truck broke down, preventing its transport to winter storage. It is expected to remain only until repairs are complete.
The incident highlights the balance between public accountability and Wayzata’s tradition of neighborly assistance — a reminder that even in a lakeside town, questions about how city property is used can surface in unexpected ways.
The Wayzata Trojans endured another tough Friday night, falling 28–27 to the Moorhead Spuds in a back-and-forth battle on September 19 at Moorhead High School. The loss drops the Trojans to 0–4 on the season.
After a scoreless first quarter, Moorhead struck first with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Dryburgh to David Mack. Wayzata answered with a 17-yard scoring strike from Trojans quarterback Ty Soukup to John Evans to tie the game at 7–7. The Spuds then surged ahead before halftime with two touchdown runs by Taye Reich, taking a 21–7 lead into the break.
Wayzata regrouped in the second half behind running back Jaxon Brown, who had a night to remember. Brown powered in a 7-yard touchdown in the third quarter, then added two more scores in the fourth—a 7-yard reception from Soukup and a 1-yard run—that gave the Trojans a 27–21 lead with just three minutes remaining.
But Moorhead responded in dramatic fashion. With 1:15 left, Dryburgh connected again with Mack, this time on a 30-yard touchdown pass. The extra point by Isaac Abdi proved decisive, lifting the Spuds to a 28–27 victory.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, Wayzata showcased individual highlights. Brown accounted for all three Trojan touchdowns in the second half, while defensive back Max Beninga continued his strong season by snagging another interception.
Wayzata Football will look to regroup and chase their first win of the season next week, hoping to turn close losses into breakthroughs as the schedule continues.
In a market where most homes around Lake Minnetonka are multi-level designs built on large lots, true one-level living is hard to find. That scarcity is exactly what makes Daniel Gustafson’s new Coldwell Banker listing at 6040 Oakview Court in Shorewood notable.
The home offers the convenience of a main-floor primary suite, open living spaces, and a finished walkout lower level—all set within the Minnetonka School District. Vaulted ceilings, Brazilian cherry floors, and a stone fireplace with built-ins anchor the main level, while a spacious kitchen and deck overlooking a wooded backdrop highlight the property’s sense of comfort and connection.
Downstairs, two additional bedrooms, a full bath, a den, and a family room with a second fireplace expand the living options. A front porch, patio, and deck provide multiple ways to enjoy the outdoors. Recent updates—including a new roof, driveway, and mechanicals—make the home move-in ready.
For Gustafson, a Realtor specializing in the 14 communities and 4 school districts surrounding Lake Minnetonka, the home underscores how rare one-level layouts are in this area. “Most of the land around the lake was developed decades ago, which means we don’t see many new one-level homes being built here,” Gustafson said. “If you go to places like Chanhassen, Chaska, St. Michael, or Albertville, single-level layouts are much easier to come by. Around Lake Minnetonka, it’s rare—and that makes this Shorewood property stand out.”
Location adds to the home’s appeal. From Oakview Court, downtown Excelsior is just minutes away. The Commons park and beach, Maynards on the water, the historic Dock Theater, and community favorites like Dunn Brothers Coffee and Haskell’s are all within a short drive or bike ride. Lake access, boutique shopping, and dining are at your fingertips—while Wayzata’s lakefront and Panoway are only a few miles in the other direction.
Shorewood itself has a distinctive history. Incorporated in 1956, the community evolved from farmland and summer cottages into a wooded residential city, retaining a quiet character while offering quick access to Excelsior, Wayzata, and regional trails. The Oakview Court home reflects that balance—peaceful, practical, and deeply connected to the Lake Minnetonka lifestyle.
For Gustafson, the listing illustrates what continues to draw people to the lake. “It’s about quality of life,” he said. “One-level living here isn’t just convenience—it’s about staying connected to the communities and history that make Lake Minnetonka one of the most desirable places to live.”
For a private showing, reach out to Daniel Gustafson at 952-473-1000.
Editor’s note: Daniel Gustafson is the publisher of Wayzata.com and is affiliated with Coldwell Banker in Wayzata.
WAYZATA — For Bob and Terrisa Fisher, the Wayzata City Council’s decision 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.
Editor’s Note: The video above features a 30-minute conversation with Bob and Terrisa Fisher, offering readers a chance to hear their stories in their own words.
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.
In 1976, Bob moved into his house in Wayzata’s Frog Hollow, where he and Terrisa still live today. When a longtime renter moved out in 2018, just months before the Super Bowl, they transformed their lower-level walkout into a short-term rental. They invested nearly $80,000 to gut and remodel the 700-square-foot space, quickly earning “Superhost” status on Airbnb. Guests have included former Wayzata residents returning to visit aging parents, as well as snowbirds escaping Arizona’s heat. Reviews consistently praised their hospitality.
“We’ve always been responsible hosts,” Terrisa said. “Our guests have never created a problem.”
A household budget under strain
In recent years, Bob has faced a string of health challenges — strokes, a carotid stent, surgery for infection, and an ablation for atrial fibrillation. Terrisa has managed the care, while continuing to teach and trying to reach her pension milestone.
The short-term rental has been a crucial piece of their financial puzzle. “We’ve been using that money to pay off the mortgage and hoping that we could eventually have that money as profit instead of just putting it right back toward our loan,” Terrisa explained.
The rental now brings in about $35,000 a year — income that goes directly to cover their $2,400 monthly mortgage and escrow payment, along with steadily climbing property taxes.
“For people in this area, $30,000 is a drop in the bucket, but it’s not a drop in the bucket to us,” she said. “Life will just be harder — and it’s already hard. I live paycheck to paycheck. It will make a daily, monthly impact on my choices.”
Fighting with limited strength
Terrisa said she only had the energy to attend one council meeting this spring while Bob was in a care facility. Mayor Andy Mullin called to warn her the vote didn’t look good. “He was advocating and trying to get the City Council to have some leeway,” she said. “But they looked hard pressed from the beginning just to totally ban short-term rentals. And no one else ever reached out.”
That silence, combined with the sense that minds were already made up, deepened her feeling of being left out of the conversation.
East Neighborhood realities
The Fishers’ East Neighborhood home sits on a cut-through route for drivers heading downtown. Delivery trucks, tour buses, and heavy construction vehicles rumble past daily, along with commuters racing the stoplight at the top of the hill — people not from the neighborhood cutting through. “It’s just constant,” Bob said. “When we redesigned this level, we put our bedroom on the back of the house, because it’s nonstop.”
Despite those challenges, Bob says he has never complained. “I never said anything, you know. Somebody building in their backyard or community or whatever — I just thought, well, that’s cool,” he said.
That’s why the short-term rental debate feels so different. As yard signs declaring “neighborhoods are for neighbors” appeared, Terrisa felt stung. “I’ve been a neighbor for longer than the people with those signs up,” she said. “They didn’t come to me like a neighbor. They put up a sign. Should I put up a sign in my yard to talk back to them and say, hey, neighborhoods are also for property rights?”
Bob was more blunt: “It hasn’t changed my love for this community. This can’t possibly, no matter how many a**holes get in the way, people that aren’t involved with the community really, you know, I just, I love Wayzata…”.
A life of giving, rooted in Wayzata
The sting is sharper, the Fishers say, because of how much they’ve tried to give back. In the mid-1990s, Bob pitched a tent in his yard to raise money for Thanksgiving meals for families in need. That modest idea grew into the “Sleep Out” campaign with Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, a tradition that has drawn churches, businesses, schools, and executives into action each November.
Bob’s Sleep Out Kick Off event from years past. File photo.
“I think it’s pretty close to $50 million,” Bob said of the money raised over nearly three decades.
IOCP’s records show the Sleep Out had raised more than $27 million by 2018, with annual goals of $2–3 million in recent years — meaning the verified total is somewhat lower than Bob’s recollection. But the scale is undeniable: tens of millions of dollars funneled into housing, food, child care, and transportation, and thousands of families kept in stable housing because of a movement he started with one tent in his front yard.
Now, the man who once led a campaign to keep other families in their homes faces the possibility of struggling to keep his own.
Ripple effects
The ban doesn’t just touch their household. The cleaner who services their rental will lose work as well. “It’s like she loses her job too,” Terrisa noted.
For the Fishers, their home has long symbolized permanence. “You’re taking away our house,” Terrisa said quietly. “Bob calls this his toe tag house, but it’s going to be difficult to make that dream happen if it’s hard thing after hard thing like this.”
What’s next
If the ban stands, the Fishers say they will comply. But they expect it to leave a monthly gap in their budget at precisely the time when Bob’s care demands more of Terrisa’s energy.
“We’re going to be impacted by this,” she said. “I’m on the side of, let’s find a reasonable response to the problems. The problems can be addressed. Wiping the whole thing out is not.”
For Bob Fisher, that irony runs deep. The man who once helped raise millions to keep other families in their homes now wonders if he will be able to keep his own.
The Wayzata Trojans came up just short Friday night, falling 15-14 to Saint Michael-Albertville after a missed two-point conversion in the final minute sealed their third straight loss to open the season.
The Knights struck first following a turnover on downs by Wayzata on its opening drive. STMA marched 82 yards in 10 plays, capping the possession with a two-yard touchdown run by senior running back Wyatt Mosher. The extra point made it 7-0 with 5:04 remaining in the first quarter.
Wayzata answered early in the second quarter with a drive of its own. Quarterback Thor Soukup engineered an eight-play, 66-yard series, finishing it off with a three-yard touchdown run. The Trojans opted for two and converted, taking an 8-7 lead at the 7:55 mark of the second.
But just before halftime, STMA capitalized on field position and swung the momentum back its way. After taking over deep in Wayzata territory, the Knights needed only five plays to cover 15 yards. Mosher again powered in, this time from the one-yard line, and the Knights converted their two-point try. That put Saint Michael-Albertville up 15-8 heading into the break.
Wayzata’s defense gave the Trojans multiple chances to stay in the game, coming up with three interceptions on the night. Senior defensive back Max Beninga snagged two, while Jaxon Brown added another takeaway, keeping the Knights from extending their lead in the second half.
Despite the turnovers, the Trojans struggled to finish drives until the final minute of the game. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, quarterback Thor Soukup connected with wide receiver John Evans on a long strike from midfield, pulling Wayzata within a single point at 15-14.
Head coach Lambert Brown elected to go for two and the win, putting the ball back in Soukup’s hands. But Saint Michael-Albertville defensive back Beckett Young leapt to deflect the pass attempt, preserving the Knights’ narrow victory.
The loss drops Wayzata Football to 0-3 on the season, while STMA improves to 2-1.
Looking ahead, Wayzata returns home to face Moorhead, who enter the matchup sitting at 2-1 on the season. The Spuds dropped their most recent game to Minnetonka by a 47-21 margin but come in with solid wins over Rogers and Woodbury.
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