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.
Four Issues Dominated Resident Feedback
Traffic & Noise: A Daily Quality-of-Life Issue Residents described traffic-related disturbances—especially loud mufflers and exhaust systems along Lake Street—as a “constant issue” that is disrupting peace in the city’s core. Concerns about unsafe driving were equally strong, with repeated complaints about “speeding, aggressive driving, and ignoring stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks,” raising safety fears across town.
Property Tax Burden & Transparency Real estate taxes were described as “ever increasing” and a “real problem” for residents who want the city to “hold the line or decrease” local tax levels. The pilot also surfaced a desire for more clarity on how tax dollars are used, with some expressing worry that funds may not remain focused on local needs.
Preserving Wayzata’s Unique Character Residents continue to express unease about the pace and style of recent development. Large condominium projects—especially the redevelopment of the former Wells Fargo site—and the construction of so-called “McMansions” have created fears that Wayzata is drifting from its identity as a small lakeside community. Mullin summarized the feedback: many residents feel the town is turning into a destination rather than maintaining the charm that defines Wayzata’s legacy.
Traffic Congestion & Roadway Safety Traffic congestion on major routes—Wayzata Boulevard and County Road 101—was described repeatedly as overwhelming and dangerous. According to one respondent, it is “amazing that there aren’t people killed on a daily basis.” Residents also warned that proposed developments—including a Lamborghini dealership and a large apartment project—could further strain the road network. One message urged the city to “slow down on the building” until infrastructure catches up.
Mayor Says Resident Input Will Drive Action
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.”
An Innovative Approach
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.
WAYZATA — One of Wayzata’s most beloved celebrations returns earlier than usual this year, as Light Up the Lake welcomes residents and visitors to Lake Street on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The annual gathering — a hallmark of Wayzata’s lakeside charm and community spirit — takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving this season, offering families and friends a festive kickoff before the holiday week.
Along the newly reimagined Lake Street and the Panoway shoreline, guests will enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, real reindeer, holiday refreshments, live music, and the much-anticipated Town Lighting Ceremony. As always, the evening concludes with the spectacular Parade of Lights featuring area fire departments — a tradition that brings children and adults alike to the water’s edge each November.
Mayor Andrew Mullin invited the community to gather for the celebration, writing that he’s “so excited to invite you to join me for our cherished annual tradition” as Wayzata lights the lakefront and welcomes the season together.
Give Back This Season
In keeping with Wayzata’s long legacy of generosity, the event includes two holiday drives:
IOCP Food Drive — Please bring a non-perishable item to the Panoway collection area.
Toys for Tots — A new, unwrapped toy may be placed beneath the community tree.
These contributions support families across the community during the holidays — a reminder that Wayzata’s celebrations are rooted not only in tradition, but in shared care for neighbors.
A Tradition on the Shoreline
From its earliest days as Dakota homeland to its rise as a steamboat and rail resort town, Wayzata’s shoreline has always been a gathering place. Light Up the Lake carries that heritage forward each year, inviting the community to return to the water’s edge for an evening of warmth, music, and lights.
This year’s celebration promises to be another magical Wayzata moment — a simple, joyful pause before winter settles in.
After drawing questions from residents, the boat once stored at Wayzata’s Public Works facility has been removed. Mayor Andrew Mullin confirmed in an October 2 statement that the vessel was “removed as planned,” effectively closing the matter.
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.
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.
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.
Staff Presentation
Community Development Director Alex Sharpe then introduced the staff presentation. “This has been a process where we have wanted to ensure that engagement with all parties can be heard,” Sharpe said, noting that the city created a dedicated short-term rental webpage with council packets, engagement session notes, and background research.
Sharpe also reminded the council that the proposed ordinance reflects clear direction given at a recent workshop. “Short-term rentals should be prohibited for all residential housing types,” he said. “Neighborhood character was disrupted by short-term rental operations, which negatively impacted neighbors, and regulations should serve current residents first and foremost rather than visitors.”
During the council’s questioning, Councilmember Alex Plechash raised a scenario: what if a landlord drafted a 31-day lease but in practice only rented a property for a long weekend?
Sharpe acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement in such cases. “First, we would work off of a complaint basis. We would need to know that this is occurring,” he said. “Every case like that is going to end up being a relatively weak case. Are we determining it from the parking? Are we determining it from finding it online? Seeing it posted through a website? That’s a kind of choose-your-own-adventure style of violation.”
City Attorney input followed, clarifying that even if a lease were written for 31 days, the substance of the rental would control. In other words, if evidence showed a three-day stay, it would still be a violation of the ordinance.
Public Input
The first resident to speak was Penny Sherry of Lake Street East, who lives next door to a short-term rental and said five such properties now cluster within a block of her home. With a three-day minimum stay, she noted, “we for sure see new people every three days for many weeks.”
With her husband often traveling for work, Sherry said the constant turnover has left her feeling unsettled: “We’ve started closing our blinds for privacy on that side of the house and setting the alarm every night… they’re tourists, it feels like we live next door to a mini hotel.”
While most guests have been respectful, she argued the model is commercial in nature. One nearby property, she said, charges $2,100 for a four-day stay — potentially $15,000 a month if booked continuously. “This is not a homeowner renting out their house occasionally. This is a full-scale commercial operation in a residential area,” Sherry said.
She urged the council to act without exceptions: “Wayzata has a designated business district. Our residential streets were never intended to be part of it.”
Dave Larson of Benton Avenue also spoke in favor of the ban, drawing on more than 20 years in Wayzata.
“I’ve lived in Wayzata for 7,390 days — that’s over 20 years,” Larson said. “What I think is so incredibly valuable about being a citizen of this community are our neighborhoods.”
He praised the sense of connection on his block but said that trust has been eroded by short-term rentals at the end of his street. “The reality is that change has not been a positive one. We don’t know these people. They don’t have a strong commitment to the community and certainly not to the neighborhood.”
Larson urged the council to act: “We take pride in our history and we relish our neighborhoods. I believe short-term rentals are deteriorating them. I really hope the council does not go forward with short-term rentals.”
Jeff Nelson of Lake Street East, who moved to Wayzata three years ago, said the house next door recently shifted from a longtime neighbor to a short-term rental. “It’s a very different feeling when you are sandwiched between two businesses,” he said.
Nelson urged the council to consider what kind of community Wayzata wants to be: “Will it be a place where people feel comfortable living, or will it be a place where it’s business across the entire community?”
He stressed his support for Wayzata’s downtown businesses but opposed them operating within residential districts. “You see somebody different every day and you don’t have any idea if they should be there or not,” Nelson said, calling the issue one of safety and comfort.
Amid the many residents speaking in favor of a ban, Scott Tripps stood out as one of the few to urge a different approach. Tripps, who owns and operates a short-term rental adjacent to his home, acknowledged the challenges but argued that outright prohibition would go too far.
“I’m sorry for those who have not had a good experience, but what I can guarantee is that it’s possible to have a good experience,” Tripps said. He noted that his family lives next door to their own short-term rental and, aside from a single complaint early on that was quickly resolved, they have had no further issues.
Tripps cautioned that Ordinance 852 risked swinging “from one extreme to the other.” He reminded councilmembers that in private conversations, many had previously expressed a desire for a balanced solution. “You would prefer to find a win-win solution, that you don’t necessarily think this is the ideal solution to prohibit,” he said.
He framed the issue as one of principle. “Integrity is doing the hard things that are right,” Tripps told the council. “Right now, I don’t think we’re doing what’s right. We’re doing what’s reactive.”
Instead of banning short-term rentals outright, Tripps urged the council to expand the regulatory framework. He suggested that stronger licensing requirements, inspections, and oversight could address neighborhood concerns while still allowing responsible operators to continue. “The list of regulations for long-term rentals is actually too short,” he said, arguing that applying a more robust set of standards to short-term rentals would ensure quality and accountability.
“My ask would be that the council press pause on saying no,” Tripps concluded, “and have a good discussion on finding ways to address the challenges.”
Bruno Silikowski focused on the legal framework, noting that Minnesota law defines short-term rentals as lodging, a category already recognized by the Department of Health and Department of Revenue as a retail service operation.
“From Wayzata’s own code, lodgings are prohibited in R-3A districts,” Silikowski said, pointing out that most short-term rentals are clustered in those residential zones.
He argued that enforcement costs fall unfairly on taxpayers. “We should be charging the people who are profiting from these operations,” he said. “It’s costing every taxpayer in Wayzata money for somebody else’s profits.”
Silikowski concluded by supporting the ban: “I don’t agree with the STRs, and I think going forward with the approach you’re taking will help eliminate them and bring control.”
Councilmember Sorensen: Neighborhood Character Over Compromise
Councilmember Ken Sorensen spoke at length during Tuesday’s debate, framing his remarks as a balance of perspectives while ultimately leaving little room for middle ground.
A commercial builder and developer by trade, Sorenson said he has “great respect for property rights” and is not typically one to favor more regulation. Still, he argued that short-term rentals are a commercial use inconsistent with residential zoning. “We don’t allow hotels in residential areas,” Sorenson said, in a carefully framed back-and-forth exchange with Community Development Director Alex Sharpe that underscored his analogy between STRs and “mini hotels.”
Sorenson acknowledged that short-term rentals bring some positives, including housing diversity and income for operators, but said those benefits are outweighed by the impact on neighbors. “If you don’t live near one, it’s kind of like, what’s the big deal?” he said. “But it’s significantly different if you live next to one.”
He listed two sets of concerns: nuisance issues such as parking, noise, and weekly maintenance visits, and what he called the greater loss of neighborhood character. Citing a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case, Sorenson warned that short-term tenants “are here today and gone tomorrow,” and do not contribute to the fabric of community life.
“I think what we’re talking about is an operating business in a residential neighborhood,” Sorenson said. “That was never the intent of our zoning plan.”
Looking to peer cities, Sorenson noted that communities such as Deephaven, Greenwood, Edina, and Woodland have already imposed outright bans or minimum stays of 60 days. He said attempts at compromise had proven “too complicated” and costly elsewhere.
Sorenson opposed grandfathering existing operators, saying that would only prolong a problem the city has faced for years. He suggested one narrow exception — allowing short-term rentals in homesteaded homes — but even then expressed doubt about whether it could work.
“Our highest priority and our most sacred issue is to do what’s best for those who live here,” Sorenson said.
Councilmember MacDonald: From Regulation to Prohibition
Councilmember Molly MacDonald described her thinking on short-term rentals as an evolution. When the topic first emerged several years ago, she said she believed STRs might support downtown businesses by drawing more visitors. “I thought, great, this is a great town and great for downtown business,” she recalled. “This community will be in favor of it.”
Since then, after workshops, engagement sessions, and many conversations with residents, MacDonald said her perspective had shifted. “I haven’t heard from any of my peers on Lake Street that this is moving the needle in their business. I have heard from more residents,” she said. One resident’s account of living next to a short-term rental especially struck her, leading her to conclude that she would not want to be in the same situation.
In 2023, MacDonald supported additional regulation, but she said attempts to identify workable rules proved unsatisfying. “I wished I could just pick a winner and a loser and say you’re okay but you’re not, and that is just not our role up here,” she said.
She emphasized that residents have property rights too, including the right to feel safe in their homes and know their neighbors. “You have the right to live in a residential neighborhood and know your neighbors and feel really safe and not feel like you have to hide behind closed blinds,” she said.
MacDonald expressed caution about creating exceptions for homesteaded properties, saying the details could be difficult to define and enforce. “Bringing it on the fly or day of isn’t something I’m looking at,” she noted. At this point, she said she was not comfortable with carveouts.
MacDonald concluded by supporting the ordinance as written, siding with residents who had urged the council to prioritize neighborhood stability over further attempts at regulation.
Councilmember Plechash: Weighing Pros and Cons
Councilmember Alex Plechash prefaced his remarks by noting his long tenure in the city. “I have now lived in Wayzata for 31 years. It is my home, this is the place I intend to stay,” he said.
Reading from notes he had taken during the evening, Plechash said the fundamental question was whether short-term rentals benefit the city or not. He described having spoken with many residents, operators, and visitors in the lead-up to the vote, hearing good arguments on both sides.
On the positive side, he said short-term rentals offer larger families or senior citizens visiting relatives a more convenient and economical alternative to hotels. They can provide financial benefits to owner-occupants and add to the city’s diversity and vibrancy.
But he also emphasized the downsides. “A good renter one weekend could be followed by a bad renter the following week,” he said, citing concerns about safety, security, parking, and loss of community feel.
Plechash questioned whether Wayzata wanted to become more of a tourist town, saying the views of those living closest to short-term rentals should weigh most heavily. “Those views represent the people who are most affected by what we do here tonight, and that matters,” he said.
While he acknowledged the dramatic shift from licensing to prohibition, Plechash signaled that the cumulative weight of concerns led him to side with residents who favored a ban.
Councilmember Parkhill: From Seeking Compromise to Supporting the Ban
Councilmember Jeff Parkhill began his comments by thanking residents who spoke, acknowledging the difficulty of addressing such a contentious issue in public. He also praised staff for their extensive work in processing complaints and researching the matter.
Parkhill said he came into the meeting hoping to find middle ground. “I came here tonight thinking that I wanted to find a compromise,” he said, noting that he uses short-term rentals himself and initially thought they could work in Wayzata with tighter rules. He floated ideas such as two-week minimum stays, limits on the number of rentals per month, and even a self-governing association of operators.
But after listening to his colleagues and reflecting on years of debate, Parkhill said no workable compromise had been presented. “We’ve been talking about a solution for several years, and there hasn’t been a viable presentation of that. I even requested from several people that they present one tonight, and I didn’t hear it,” he said.
While acknowledging the role STRs have played in supporting visitors and local businesses, Parkhill said the balance had shifted too far toward tourism at the expense of neighborhood life. “We are a beautiful, nostalgic, and charming community,” he said. “I believe we are on the precipice of becoming a community that is really focused on tourism versus on the community. And that concerns me greatly.”
Parkhill concluded that Wayzata needed to “solidify our community and get back to the neighborhoods,” siding with the motion to prohibit STRs.
Mayor Mullin: Property Rights, Regulation, and Legal Risk
Mayor Andrew Mullin reflected on his own experience living on multiple Wayzata streets over the past 30 years, noting that he has seen both the positives and negatives of rental properties firsthand. “I’m generally a pro–property rights individual. My position on this has stayed consistent, and it’s going to stay consistent tonight,” he said.
Mullin reiterated his support for allowing short-term rentals in Wayzata, but only under “common sense regulation.” He emphasized his responsibility as mayor to provide a balanced perspective and placed several ideas into the record that had been suggested by operators, including capping the number of licenses, limiting stays to a set number of days per month, and requiring annual training or orientation for hosts.
While acknowledging that a ban appeared likely, Mullin raised concerns about fairness and legal exposure. He cautioned that abruptly eliminating licenses after March 31, 2026 could leave the city vulnerable in court. “I’m not afraid of litigation,” Mullin said. “I’m afraid of litigation where you’re going to go in the ditch and lose and make it worse for the community.” He urged the council to consider extending the sunset period and to think carefully about how the ordinance might be interpreted if challenged.
Mullin also suggested the council might explore a narrowly defined allowance for on-site, homesteaded operators, though he did not press the point to a vote. “If there’s consensus for that, I’m going to recommend it,” he said.
Though in the minority on this issue, Mullin framed his position around two themes: that property rights deserved weight in the discussion, and that the city had a responsibility to regulate thoughtfully rather than act in a way that could backfire in court.
The council voted to adopt the first reading of the short-term rental license ordinance, 4-1 with Mullin against. The second reading is scheduled for consideration at its next meeting.
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.”
Image courtesy Sherburne County Jail.
Wayzata Library Incident
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.”
Church Concerns in Minnetonka
Days earlier, on August 28, Ivers had drawn concern at an Episcopal church in Minnetonka, where he attended services and spoke of plans to be present at upcoming events including a family picnic and a blessing of children. After learning of his criminal history, church staff alerted law enforcement.
Arrest and Re-Arrest
On the evening of September 3, the Wayzata Police Department located and arrested Ivers. During transport, he claimed to be suffering a heart attack and was transferred to a hospital before being released later that night.
Following additional investigation, the Wayzata Police Department re-arrested Ivers on September 5. In an interview, he admitted showing his manifesto to library staff. When asked if he thought the book would have scared anyone, Ivers shouted: “It was supposed to!”
Evidence Collected
According to the press release, a search of Ivers’s vehicle uncovered:
Twenty spiral-bound copies of “How to Kill a Federal Judge”
Flyers promoting the book
Lists of federal judges
A copy of the Anarchist Cookbook
A photo of the former Pope with crosshairs drawn on his head
A toy replica firearm with CO₂ cartridges and pellets
A box of fireworks
An online search of public records lists Ivers’s residence in Hopkins.
History of Threats
The 236-page manifesto allegedly details Ivers’s grievances against the judicial system, with handwritten threats to kill judges, their families, and even pets. He named specific judges, including one he was previously convicted of threatening in 2019 (United States v. Robert Ivers, 18 CR 90).
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on March 1, 2019, Ivers was convicted by a federal jury of threatening to murder a federal judge and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release (DOJ source).
He has faced similar charges before, including the 2018 arrest reported by the Star Tribune. Today’s press release again confirms Ivers’s 2019 conviction for threatening to kill a federal judge.
InForum of Fargo-Moorhead also reported on Ivers being charged “again” with threatening to kill a U.S. official, underscoring a repeated pattern of threats against judges and public officials (InForum report).
Local Response
The Wayzata Police Department played a central role in this case. Officers responded promptly to the Wayzata Library call on September 3, located Ivers, and took him into custody. After his release from the hospital, they continued investigating and moved quickly to re-arrest him on September 5 when more evidence came to light.
That persistence ensured the federal complaint could be brought forward. The case file from the U.S. Attorney’s Office specifically credits the Wayzata Police Department alongside the FBI, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their investigative efforts.
Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin acknowledged the seriousness of the case while deferring media questions to federal authorities. “We are aware of the situation and at this time, all public inquiries will be handled by the United States Attorney General’s Office and the FBI for media usamn.pressoffice@usdoj.gov for the public fbi (763) 569-8000 or the DOJ US Attorney (612) 664-5600,” Mullin said.
Federal Case Moving Forward
Ivers is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. Prosecutors will request that he be detained pending trial.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda A. Williams and is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Wayzata Police Department, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 fire protection work includes a new 4-inch water service line from Park Street and a dry-pipe sprinkler system inside the building. Odesa II will handle the utility connection, while Ebert Companies will complete the interior fire system. The total cost is $132,698.08, funded from the project’s contingency budget.
“This is not optional,” said Council Member Jeff Parkhill, while voicing frustration with consultants who had missed the code requirement. Council members directed staff to explore whether the city could recover costs through the architects’ errors-and-omissions insurance.
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.
To address these issues, the council approved Option Two, which adds significant new landscaping, including spaded trees up to 20 feet tall, arborvitae, deciduous trees, and saplings, supported by a small retaining wall. The landscaping change order totals $34,730, with spaded trees estimated at $10,080.
Public testimony reflected a divided but engaged community.
Tory Schalkle suggested a middle ground to reduce conflict.
Fred Geyen urged more compromise between neighbors and the city.
Bob Fisher, whose home faces the hillside, described the shock of losing mature tree cover and headlights now shining into his property.
Jenny Sargent, a mother of four, supported the playground improvements and urged balance: “This park will be used for years to come for kids that have not been born yet.”
Gareth Goodall framed the project in civic terms: “There’s a famous proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. I would ask that we keep that in mind when we make this decision.”
After lengthy deliberation, the council voted unanimously to approve the fire suppression change order, and 3–1 to approve the landscaping compromise with two modifications: removing the small roof structure planned at the top of the slide to reduce visibility from Park Street, and retaining the stairway connection for neighborhood access.
Mayor Andrew Mullin emphasized the importance of civil dialogue, noting that while public input often divides, “embracing competing perspectives makes our community stronger.”
The two approvals will consume nearly all of the project’s $170,549 contingency, leaving about $37,850 for any future unforeseen costs.
Monthly Muni Meetup graphic courtesy City of Wayzata.
Mayor Andrew Mullin will host his next “Mayor Muni Meetup” event on Monday, August 11, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Wayzata Bar & Grill. These informal gatherings, held the second Monday of each month, are open to all and offer a chance to connect with the mayor, share ideas, and enjoy casual conversation.
“So far I have had as few as four people or as many as 40, ranging in age from 9 to 99,” Mullin said. “These meetups are a great way to connect. All are welcome, and I hope to see you there!”
Hosted by the City of Wayzata and the Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition, Night to Unite—formerly known as National Night Out—brings neighbors together with local police, firefighters, and city officials to build stronger community connections and promote public safety. On Tuesday evening, dozens of block parties were held across Wayzata, with city leaders rotating between them to listen, answer questions, and share updates.
At one particularly engaged gathering, conversation turned to familiar concerns: enforcement of e-bike regulations, exhibition driving, overgrown city landscaping, and the long-standing frustration over the neglected Wayzata Post Office lawn. Many quieter conversations also unfolded around the city’s pending short-term rental ordinance discussions—some supportive, others opposed—underscoring the range of resident perspectives as the issue moves closer to a council decision.
“We’re here to answer your questions.”
Police Chief Jamie Baker introduced herself to residents as Wayzata’s newly appointed top law enforcement officer, sharing that he brings over two decades of policing experience, including three years as Deputy Chief in New York. “I was Deputy Chief for three years… I [have] 21 years of law enforcement with another agency. So that’s me in a nutshell,” he said, speaking plainly and without fanfare. Mayor Andrew Mullin, known for his dry wit and easy rapport with residents, followed with a smile: “What she said. I’m the mayor.”
Post Office Lawn Sparks Frustration
The first question echoed a long-running complaint: the Wayzata Post Office’s lawn is overgrown and neglected. “Why they don’t take care of or maintain their grass or their lawn?” one resident asked.
Mayor Mullin acknowledged the frustration, saying: “We are actively policing from an inspection standpoint and trying to enforce our local ordinances as little tiny Wayzata against the federal government, which is not an easy thing to do… we understand how it looks, how it’s kept, and it’s not acceptable, and we will not stop until they do their job”.
He encouraged residents to contact Rep. Kelly Morrison, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Sen. Tina Smith directly, noting, “…citizens are really going to be the driving force… ” .
Gardens Overgrown, but Ideas Take Root
A resident who jokingly referred to herself as “the number one street walker in Wayzata” expressed concern about declining upkeep in landscaped public spaces, especially along Panoway.
Mullin responded, “You’re not alone in that point of view… The shadow side of what you’re asking for costs a lot of money… I hear you loud and clear. You’re not saying do more, you’re saying do less with higher quality”.
Several residents proposed reviving the city’s Adopt-a-Garden program. Mullin was receptive, noting its history and challenges, “Part of what has challenged the volunteer program is the volunteers to administer the volunteer program… I’d welcome investing in it more” .
He also floated a sponsorship idea, “Otten Brothers and some of these other businesses would gladly spend the money to outsource the upkeep—as long as they get to put a little sign in there. Could you sponsor a garden for $5,000 a year and just write the check?.”
E-Bikes and Teen Safety
One of the most urgent topics raised was the rise of e-bikes on sidewalks and paths. A resident asked about motorized bikes racing past walkers along the lakefront. Mullin and Baker were direct, “They’re not supposed to be on the sidewalks or the bike path… They need to follow all the same rules and regulations as regular, normal, non-motorized bikes” .
Mullin described enforcement measures already in place, “We passed a local ordinance that if you’re under 18 and you’re not wearing a helmet, we can stop you without cause and we can seize your bike and we can send your mom and dad a $200 fine… which is new on the books as of May 1st.”
Efforts to regulate high-powered throttle e-bikes—many of which can reach speeds comparable to mopeds—as motorcycles failed at the Minnesota Legislature last session. Mayor Mullin explained that while Wayzata and other cities have taken local action, broader regulation at the state level has been difficult to advance.
“…being a little naive and only in the chair for seven months, we got buzz-sawed by the lobbyists,” Mullin said, referring to the strong travel, leisure, and recreational bike industry that pushed back against proposed restrictions. “They killed our bill probably within four days of it hitting the floor.”
Despite the setback, Mullin said the city is not backing down. He’s working with legislators, to reintroduce a revised version of the bill in the upcoming session—this time with broader regional support. “We’re trying to get all 14 mayors [around Lake Minnetonka] to sign on to that bill to try to get action. I can’t promise it, but I can play you what we’re doing.”
The aim of the legislation is to reclassify throttle-assisted e-bikes in a way that gives law enforcement more tools to address safety concerns—especially around youth riders and pedestrian-heavy areas like Panoway.
Exhibition Driving Crackdown
A resident praised the city’s progress on curbing exhibition driving, saying, “It’s not perfect but it’s much better than it was.” Mullin confirmed the policy change, “If you have a second offense… it’s a $1,300 fine and you have to appear before a judge. That was not on the books last year” .
Parking on Hills Raises Alarms
One of the most personal and emotional moments of the evening came from a resident concerned about cars parked on both sides of a steep hill on Walker Avenue. “People gun it up the hill and all these kids… we’ve seen a lot of really, really close calls, and it freaks us out… In the winter it’s even worse because it’s very narrow. It’s dangerous,” stated a resident.
Chief Baker acknowledged the challenge: “It’s really difficult for us to address that if they’re parked legally,” but encouraged residents to call 911 during the incidents—even if it’s a non-emergency—so officers can document it live .
Good News on Home Burglaries
An attendee asked for an update on residential burglaries. Chief Baker reported improvement, “Those have calmed down… basically a ring that was out of the country. And so they’ve been charged federally.”
Budget Growth Draws Scrutiny
One resident asked Mayor Mullin about a previous reference to a 50% increase, prompting a pointed discussion about the city’s operating budget. Mullin clarified that while individual taxes hadn’t risen by that amount, the city’s overall operating expenses had grown significantly.
“The operating expenses of the city have gone up 50% over the past four years,” he said. “Public safety is going to be [the top] driver. Second would be inflation… and third, administration.”
He then made it clear he was speaking personally—not on behalf of the full council or city staff. “From my chair, my political answer is: we don’t have a money problem—we have a money management problem. And I will again only speak for myself. We’ve got to get our budget under control and we’ve got to get the levy [increase] to 5% or less.”
Mullin, who has lived in Wayzata for over 30 years, said he finds it “unconscionable” that the city’s spending has grown at that rate over just four years. He’s advocating for a target levy increase of 3–5%, tied more closely to inflation, and encouraged residents to ask other elected officials where they stand. “It means taking things off the list before you keep adding things on the list,” he added.
The exchange underscored the balancing act between maintaining service levels, managing growth, and respecting the tax burden on longtime residents.
One Night, Many Voices
As the event wrapped up, city officials were off to the next stop. “We appreciate it. Thank you,” said Mullin. “Great party, as always.” Officers were encouraged to grab a bite before hitting the road. The open dialogue underscored one of Wayzata’s key civic values: not just listening to residents—but acting on their words.
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