The City of Wayzata formally presented its request to the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee this week, seeking nearly $15 million in state bonding support to complete the final phase of its transformative Panoway project along Lake Minnetonka’s shoreline.
Council Member Ken Sorensen, State Representative Patty Acomb, and City Manager Jeffrey Dahl. Submitted photo.
Council Member Ken Sorensen, City Manager Jeffrey Dahl, and Wayzata’s State Representative Patty Acomb testified before the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee at the State Capitol, advocating for the city’s $15 million bonding request to fund future park improvements and the design of a new public safety facility.
Wide Range of Lakefront Improvements
House File 1064, authored by Rep. Patty Acomb (DFL–Minnetonka), outlines the appropriation of $14,915,000 in bond proceeds to fund a wide range of lakefront improvements. These include the construction of a new eco park, the restoration and preservation of the historic Section Foreman House and Wayzata Depot, shoreline stabilization, upgrades to Wayzata Beach and Klapprich Park, and the design of a future public safety facility.
Wayzata City Manager Jeffrey Dahl testified at the hearing and emphasized the regional impact of the project, noting that much of the foot traffic and recreational use in Wayzata’s parks and trails comes from visitors outside city limits.
Regional Need According to City
“We were asking the state for funds because a significant majority of the folks that are using our parks and community spaces are from outside the city,” said Dahl in an interview via telephone the day after. “We think it really meets the test of being a regional need.”
The Panoway on Wayzata Bay—a multi-phase initiative to reclaim and enhance the city’s historic lakefront—has already transformed how residents and visitors interact with the shoreline. The initial phases of the project included the reimagining of Lake Street into a pedestrian-friendly promenade, improved parkland access, and ecological restoration efforts. This final phase, officials say, is essential for completing the city’s long-term vision for public access, sustainability, and safety.
“The city summarized its bonding request of $15 million to enhance the lakefront—essentially the remaining phases of the Panoway and Wayzata Bay park improvements,” Dahl added. “That includes funding for parking, improvements at Klapprich Park and Shaver Park, which are all projects within our capital improvement plan.”
James J. Hill vs Wayzata
The city’s efforts to restore public access to its shoreline are rooted in a century-old conflict. In the 1890s, railroad magnate James J. Hill rerouted his Great Northern Railway tracks along Wayzata’s lakefront, severing the town’s connection to the water and igniting a decades-long battle over public access.
Image courtesy Wayzata Historical Society.
At one point, Hill moved the town’s depot a mile east, famously saying, “Let them walk a mile for the next twenty years.” Generations later, the completion of the Panoway—including the recently finished lakewalk—has reversed that legacy. Wayzata’s lakefront is now a welcoming public space once again, where residents and visitors can stroll the shoreline, connect with the water, and reflect on how far the town has come.
Public Safety Building Future Needs
While the future public safety facility is still years away, the city is seeking support for design costs now, hoping to remain proactive as infrastructure demands evolve.
If approved by the Legislature, the funds would be granted through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and used to complete the city’s downtown lakefront restoration effort.
The bonding request builds upon a prior allocation received during the 2020 Special Session, further cementing the Panoway project as one of the state’s most significant small-town lakefront redevelopments.
A decision on whether the project will be included in this year’s bonding bill is expected later this session.
A high-profile land use proposal on one of Wayzata’s most iconic streets is testing the balance between property rights and neighborhood character.
The owners of 565 Ferndale Road West are seeking to subdivide their 12-acre estate into three buildable lots, prompting months of public feedback, detailed staff analysis, and a split vote by the Wayzata City Council. The outcome could shape future development along the city’s prized western shoreline—and it’s not yet final.
The Wayzata City Council took up the agenda item on March 25th, 2025.
Planner Outlines Scope and Standards of 565 Ferndale Subdivision Proposal
Wayzata City Planner Valerie Quarles delivered a comprehensive overview of the 565 Ferndale Road West subdivision application, outlining the project’s history, compliance with zoning standards, and environmental review process.
Quarles noted that the current application differs from an earlier version that proposed four lots and a longer road requiring a variance. That plan was withdrawn in 2024 after the Planning Commission recommended denial. The revised proposal now includes three riparian lots and a 526-foot public cul-de-sac that meets city code.
“The only request in front of us is the preliminary plat for three R-1A lots,” Quarles explained, adding that the project meets requirements for lot size, density, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The site includes steep slopes, bluff setbacks, wetlands, and over 600 significant trees, including 24 heritage trees. While the road construction would result in some tree loss, Quarles clarified that it would not affect any heritage trees. She also noted that proposed home sites appear to avoid grading in sensitive bluff impact zones.
The project includes two stormwater holding ponds and two retaining walls—one as tall as eight feet on the west side and another up to seven feet on the east. “The street meets the City’s subdivision standards for width, right-of-way, and fire access,” she said.
Outlots will be created to ensure future maintenance of the retaining walls remains a private responsibility, not the City’s.
Quarles acknowledged the public concern around the project. “As of this afternoon, we’ve received 39 public comments,” she said. “Supporters say the plan is aligned with the comprehensive plan and is reasonable. Opponents cite environmental impacts, tree loss, and the overall land disturbance.”
She concluded by noting that the Planning Commission voted 6–0 to recommend approval of the preliminary plat.
Samantha Capen Muldoon Emphasizes Family Legacy, Environmental Care in Subdivision Proposal
Samantha Capen Muldoon. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
Samantha Capen Muldoon, one of the property owners and a lifelong member of the Wayzata community, addressed the City Council to explain the background and intentions behind the proposal to subdivide her family’s land at 565 Ferndale Road West.
“This is not a commercial developer,” she said. “It’s a family that has lived here for over 60 years.” Muldoon shared that her parents bought the property in 1964 and raised their family on Ferndale Road. She and her sisters—an architect and a landscape architect—have shaped the plan alongside a team of local environmental and engineering experts.
The current proposal, she explained, is the product of years of collaboration with city staff, environmental consultants, and neighbors. The family originally explored a four-lot layout, but after listening to concerns about density, slope impact, and neighborhood character, they revised the plan to three riparian lots and a shorter road.
“This is a 100% compliant, variance-free subdivision,” Muldoon said. “It reduces the number of lots, protects the most significant trees, avoids wetlands and bluffs, and is consistent with both zoning and the comprehensive plan.”
She stressed that the proposed road is shorter than many in the neighborhood, follows much of the existing driveway, and is designed to minimize visibility and tree loss. “Our goal has always been a thoughtful, small-scale development that brings vitality and new families to Ferndale,” she said. “Not seasonal homes that sit empty.”
Muldoon also addressed what she believed were public misconceptions. She clarified that the retaining walls are largely cut into the hill, not built above grade, and that the stormwater features are rain gardens designed to hold water temporarily after major storms. “The walls won’t be visible from Peavey Pond,” she said. “They’ll be hidden behind trees and topography.”
In closing, she reiterated the family’s pride in the plan: “This isn’t complicated—it’s detailed. Three lots on 12 acres, fully compliant, and designed to be sensitive to the land and community we care so much about.”
Neighbors Weigh In on Ferndale Subdivision: Concerns Over Trees, Topography, and Neighborhood Character
The proposed subdivision of 565 Ferndale Road West—an approximately 12-acre parcel on the western shore of Peavey Pond—has generated strong reaction from the Wayzata community. While a handful of residents expressed support, the overwhelming majority of public comments submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council voiced concerns.
Opponents cite environmental disruption, safety, and aesthetics.
Many residents took issue with the proposed construction of a 526-foot public road and cul-de-sac, the removal of more than two acres of trees, and the introduction of large retaining walls and stormwater holding ponds.
“This road is the same length as one and three-quarters football fields,” wrote Phil Soran of 532 Ferndale Road West. “It entails digging…with a 50-60 foot width. This is an enormous amount of earth and tree removal.”
His wife, Margaret Soran, added that while the applicants may have met objective zoning requirements, “this project will have a significant negative impact on the character of our neighborhood.”
Longtime Wayzata resident Donald MacMillan echoed those sentiments in a brief letter: “A whole new road is disruptive to the overall aesthetic of the current landscape and neighborhood. It is very impactful to the natural habitat of the marshland.”
Many neighbors pushed for a more scaled-back alternative. Geoff and Stephanie Martha of 520 Ferndale Road West called the proposal “excessive and detrimental,” urging the City to consider limiting the site to two homes accessed by a private lane.
Others, like Steve and Rita Howarth, questioned whether the development aligns with Wayzata’s long-term vision: “The proposed plan is too aggressive and does not align with the values and aesthetics that Wayzata is known for.”
Don and Penney Birdsong, who own the property immediately west of the site, described the plan as overly invasive, citing the proximity of new infrastructure to their lot line. “We’re not trying to block development,” they wrote, “but asking the City Council to consider ways to mitigate the invasive nature of the proposed road.”
A few voices in support
Not everyone opposed the plan. Bruce and Martha Atwater, longtime residents with deep roots on Ferndale Road, said the proposal was consistent with the area’s history and character. “This thoughtful and well-designed project is ready for approval now,” they wrote, noting that the lot density is well below the maximum allowed.
Bill and Kathleen Wanner also expressed support, stating that the homes “would be barely visible from Ferndale Road” and were appropriate for the heavily wooded site.
Frankie and Taylor Bennett, prospective buyers hoping to build their family home on one of the lots, described the location as “the ideal environment to establish permanent roots.” They emphasized a desire to be “responsible stewards of the land and active participants in the community.”
City Council Deliberates Ferndale Subdivision, Decision Tabled After Deadlock
Toward the end of the agenda item, the Wayzata City Council discussed the contentious proposal to subdivide 565 Ferndale Road West but ultimately tabled the decision after a 2–2 vote.
Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the applicants’ detailed planning, lengthy engagement with city staff, and responsiveness to neighborhood feedback. “There is much about this plan that was painstakingly crafted with a great deal of sensitivity by everyone involved,” said Councilmember Alex Plechash. However, he and Councilmember Molly MacDonald both cited concerns about the visual and physical impact of the proposed 526-foot public road and cul-de-sac.
“I believe this does adversely affect the character of the neighborhood,” MacDonald said. “Our community values character over cars and roads and garages.”
Plechash concurred, referencing the city’s subdivision ordinance which states that new lots should not adversely impact the scale, pattern, or character of existing neighborhoods. “That’s in the code,” he said, “and in my opinion, this plan does just that.”
Councilmember Ken Sorensen acknowledged the proposal’s compliance with zoning and comprehensive plan requirements but questioned whether the road design could be improved. “It’s clear the applicant has a right to develop,” he said. “But is there a better way to build this road that’s less invasive?”
MayorAndrew Mullin noted that while she empathized with concerned neighbors, the plan met all objective city standards. “My job is to evaluate based on the code,” she said. “And this plan does that. It is compliant, and I support it.”
When a motion to deny was introduced and seconded, it failed in a 2–2 vote with Plechash and MacDonald voting to deny. A subsequent motion to approve the application with a condition that staff work with the applicant to explore less impactful road options also resulted in a deadlock with Mullin and Sorensen voting to approve. Councilmember Jeff Parkhill was absent.
Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to table the decision until April 15, when all five councilmembers are expected to be present. During that time, city staff will work with the applicant to assess whether any changes can be made to reduce the road’s environmental and visual impact.
“This has been one of the most engaged applications we’ve seen,” said Plechash. “We owe it to the public—and to the applicant—to get this right.”
City Manager Jeff Dahl, Council member Jeff Parkhill, Council member Molly MacDonald, Mayor Andrew Mullin, Council member Alex Plechash, Council member Ken Sorensen, and Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager pose for a photo. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.
The City of Wayzata held a special ceremony on Monday evening to swear in newly elected officials, including MayorAndrew Mullin, Council Member Alex Plechash, and Council Member Ken Sorensen. The event, filled with optimism and enthusiasm, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the community.
Jeff Dahl, Administrator for the City of Wayzata, gave the oath of office to the elected officials, and kicked off the ceremony by stating, “Our beautiful and historic community was founded in 1854, and Mayor Mullin, you are now the city’s 25th mayor,” Dahl said. “We are thrilled to have you as part of this well-respected legacy.”
Ken Sorensen is sworn in.
Ken Sorensen, the first to take the oath of office, expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to continue serving on the city council. “I’m thrilled and excited to continue my role on the city council,” Sorensen said. “I think we have a wonderful group of people prepared to make good decisions to move our city forward.” He shared his enthusiasm for working on land use issues, adding that he and his wife thoroughly enjoy living in Wayzata.
Alex Plechash is sworn in.
Next, Alex Plechash was sworn in. He took a moment to reflect on his recent election to Chair of the Minnesota GOP, and the challenges he had faced. “In light of my more recent election, the drama that I used to experience here in Wayzata is now going to be very much a respite for me,” he remarked. Plechash also humorously recalled his time as a firefighter, saying, “I thought my election was going to get me into the business of politics… it got me into the business of fire hose drinking.”
Andrew Mullin is sworn in.
In his remarks, Mayor Andrew Mullin thanked his family for their unwavering support. “I first want to recognize my parents, 90 and 85 years young, and thank them for being here tonight as well as my daughter, Paige, and my wife, Kristen,” Mullin said. “Without their support, I couldn’t do this job.” Mullin went on to emphasize his commitment to the community, promising to collaborate with his colleagues, staff, and local boards. “I will do my best of ability to serve this community that I love. I pledge to collaborate with my colleagues here, with our staff and with our boards and commissions to do the best job we can,” he said. “Let’s get on to getting the work done.”
The swearing-in ceremony ended with a short recess, allowing family and friends to celebrate the occasion. As the new mayor and council members look forward to the next four years, the city of Wayzata anticipates continued growth and positive change under their leadership.
Additionally, Mullin acknowledged and expressed gratitude to former Mayor Johanna Mouton and former Mayor Ken Willcox during the Council meeting. He also noted that others stepping down would be formally thanked and recognized at an upcoming Council meeting.
The City of Wayzata has released the agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting on January 7th, 2025, highlighting several key items of interest for the community.
The Council will begin with a workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and engage in a discussion regarding Phase 2 of the Municipal Cannabis Dispensary Feasibility Study. The study, conducted by Point Seven Group, continues to explore the potential for cannabis dispensaries within the city. This ongoing discussion is expected to shed light on the feasibility of either moving forward with or abandoning municipal dispensary plans for Wayzata.
In addition to the study discussion, the meeting will feature the swearing-in of newly elected city officials, including MayorAndrew Mullin, Council Member Alex Plechash, and Council Member Ken Sorensen.
In another notable item, the council will consider the approval of Wayzata’s 2025 Legislative Priorities. These priorities will outline the city’s key policy goals for the upcoming legislative year, guiding its advocacy efforts at the state level, including a bonding request that includes an additional $2 million for public safety, a continued sales tax exemption for City construction projects including Panoway, Klapprich Park, Wayzata Beach, and Shaver Park; pursuit of a potential food and beverage tax / local sales tax, and local control on fines and fees to mitigate nuisances brought by visitors. See the attached draft of priorities here:
Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings or follow along remotely for updates on these important discussions and decisions.
The Council and City Staff may gather at the Wayzata Bar & Grill immediately after the meeting for a social gathering, all residents are invited to attend.
The Wayzata City Council, in a 3-1 split vote, approved $165,830.98 in change orders for the PanowayLakewalk project during their November 12 meeting. The vote highlighted ongoing concerns about project oversight, contingency planning, and the transparency of financial decisions.
Change Orders and Costs
The approved change orders addressed unforeseen construction issues, including:
Pile Obstruction ($18,498.15): Removal of a boulder obstructing pile installation.
Ice Breaking ($22,228.93): Clearing ice to allow for precast beam placement during winter.
Hydrocrane Setup ($23,091.97): Required crane work to place beams near the railroad due to winter conditions.
Remaining Acceleration ($60,441.93): Costs tied to an additional barge and crane to expedite work.
Railing Stiffeners ($41,570): Reinforcements added to address structural concerns with cable rail tensioning.
These costs pushed the project beyond its contingency funds, raising questions among council members about planning and accountability.
Budget Overview
City staff reported that the Panoway project remains $55,436 under budget, aided by a $258,971 sales tax credit and reallocated resources. However, the original contingency—a modest 3.8% of the total budget—was exhausted early, necessitating council approval for subsequent expenses.
Some council members questioned the decision-making process, with Council Member Ken Sorensen stating, “If this is work that wasn’t in the contractor’s contract, and it should be very clear if it was or wasn’t, the city probably owes them that money.” Sorensen continued, “I think the issue is, why do we incur these change orders and have they been appropriately scrutinized?”
Discussion on Accountability
Concerns were raised about the transparency of decision-making, particularly regarding the responsibilities of designers and contractors.
Council Member Jeff Parkhill remarked, “I think maybe we were a little optimistic on the 4% contingency. That may have been oversight by anybody involved with this. I’m feeling the same way about not being involved in some of these decisions, and for example maybe we could have gotten rid of the step downs if we knew they were going to cost us, x amount per year, an amount that wasn’t budgeted for and an additional $63,000. I know in building there is always unforeseeable things…“
“At this point I don’t think we have a choice, I think we have to pay for this but I think my biggest request is some transparency and clarity. We are up here forced to make a decision after the fact and it’s really not fair to us, it’s not fair to the community either,” continued Parkhill. “Watching some of these budgets go through it’s like holy smokes… it’s a bureaucracy.”
City staff acknowledged that some issues stemmed from unforeseen conditions, such as DNR permitting delays and deeper-than-expected piling requirements. Bob Janssen from Kraus-Anderson added that the project’s unique nature introduced risks that were difficult to anticipate.
Council Member Molly MacDonald questioned the step down change orders and work that appears to have been stopped, “I’ve noticed some of this skeleton down there that has been started, there’s a large piece of equipment that is sitting behind a sidewalk closed sign for quite some time.” MacDonald continued, “These design changes have not been seen by this body, will that skeleton down there, will that always be there?“
Mouton stated in response, “Decisions are being made outside of the purview of the council, I think is what I am hearing from council member MacDonald, and this council will be asked to approve the cost, we haven’t seen the design revisions, we don’t know any information about it, again, seems like there is a bit of a disconnect, being asked to approve something after the fact… it’s too little too late.“
Future Implications
The council also discussed pending change orders, particularly related to step-down adjustments for seasonal removability, which are under review. Council members expressed frustration at not being consulted earlier, with Mayor Mouton stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this process play out this way.” Mounton continued, “I’m not comfortable saying yes to $165,000, this is work that is already done.“
Council Vote
The motion passed 3-1, with Mayor Mouton opposing. She expressed concerns about relying on funds not yet received and criticized the piecemeal presentation of information. Council Member Parkhill supported the motion but shared dissatisfaction with the process, saying, “We’re left to approve bills for work already completed, and that’s a difficult position to be in.”
Despite the challenges, the council remains committed to completing the Panoway project within budget and delivering a high-quality public space for Wayzata residents. This decision underscores the need for improved planning and communication as the project enters its final phases.
This article has been updated to reflect broader comments by the council members.
As the general election approaches, Wayzata voters have a full ballot with a variety of races and decisions to make on both the state and local levels. Here’s a summary of what’s on the ballot:
Federal Offices
President and Vice President: Voters can select from nine teams, including notable pairs like Kamala Harris & Tim Walz (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) and Donald Trump & JD Vance (Republican). Other candidates represent the Libertarian, Green, and Justice For All parties, among others.
U.S. Senate: Incumbent Amy Klobuchar (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) is challenged by Royce White (Republican), Joyce Lynne Lacey (Independence-Alliance), and Rebecca Whiting (Libertarian).
U.S. Representative, District 3: The race is between Kelly Morrison (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) and Tad Jude (Republican).
State Offices
Special Election for State Senator, District 45: Voters will choose between Ann Johnson Stewart (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) and Kathleen Fowke (Republican).
State Representative, District 45B: Incumbent Patty Acomb (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) is unopposed.
Constitutional Amendments
One constitutional amendment proposal is on the ballot:
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal: This amendment would extend lottery proceeds to fund conservation efforts for clean water, wildlife habitats, air quality improvements, and access to parks and trails. Voters can select “Yes” to approve or “No” to oppose.
County and City Offices
County Commissioner, District 6: The candidates are Heather Edelson and Marisa Simonetti.
Voters will also decide on a series of judicial races, including:
Minnesota Supreme Court: Chief Justice and Associate Justices for seats 5 and 6.
Minnesota Court of Appeals: Eight seats, including Judge positions for incumbents like Diane B. Bratvold and Jon Schmidt.
4th District Court: Several incumbents, including Matthew Frank, Francis Magill, and Sarah E. Hudleston, are up for re-election.
This election offers Wayzata residents the chance to make important decisions that affect both local governance and national representation. Be sure to review the ballot, and make your selections on November 5th!
In a pivotal decision, the Wayzata City Council has voted down a proposed moratorium on redevelopment in the R-3A zoning district, a measure intended to give city officials time to evaluate the district’s redevelopment guidelines.
The moratorium, outlined in Ordinance 842A, would have temporarily halted projects in the district, but the second reading failed to pass during Monday night’s council meeting due to opposition from two members and the absence of a third.
Council Members Jeff Parkhill and Ken Sorenson voted against the measure, expressing concerns that a temporary freeze could result in unintended consequences for residents, property owners, and developers.
They argued that the moratorium might disrupt property sales, increase fees paid to architects, and impose holding costs on property owners, creating unnecessary burdens. Without Council Member Alex Plechash in attendance, the ordinance failed to secure the three votes needed for approval.
While concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and preserving the character of Wayzata’s neighborhoods have driven the conversation, Parkhill and Sorenson noted that they believed the moratorium was too extreme.
Both council members, along with their colleagues, acknowledged that redevelopment rules in the R-3A district should be reviewed, but they disagreed with halting all projects while that review is conducted.
Adding to the complexity, the Wayzata Planning Commission is already discussing broader redevelopment concerns within the R-3A district. The City has indicated that property owners potentially affected by any future policy changes may not be limited to the area near the Bell Tennis Courts, where recent attention has focused, but could include R-3A property owners city-wide.
This development broadens the scope of the discussion, raising new questions about how potential changes to zoning regulations may impact a larger group of stakeholders in Wayzata.
While the moratorium has been halted for now, the issue of redevelopment in the R-3A district remains at the forefront of city planning discussions, with further deliberation expected in the coming weeks.
At the October 8th meeting, the Wayzata City Council voted against enacting an emergency moratorium, opting instead for a standard zoning ordinance that will impose a 90-day moratorium on new development in the R-3A district after two readings and publication–sometime in November. This decision primarily revolves around the exploration of garage placement, particularly the trend of constructing front-load garages with short driveways versus traditional back-load garages with longer driveways.
Moratorium Area. City of Wayzata.
Council member Molly Macdonald has been a key proponent of this initiative, voicing concerns about the impact of front-load garage designs on her neighborhood and the surrounding R-3A district north of Wayzata Boulevard. She emphasized the importance of examining how these design choices affect hardcover calculations, home sizes, and the overall character of the community.
While those with pending permit applications may continue with their plans, residents should note that the average building permit review process takes approximately six weeks. Consequently, a significant influx of new applications prior to the moratorium taking effect is not expected. The city plans to utilize the upcoming 90-day period to thoroughly assess zoning regulations related to garage placement and ensure that future developments align with the desired neighborhood character.
Public Input
KC Chermak voiced concerns about the moratorium. City of Wayzata.
KC Chermak, a seasoned local homebuilder and resident of Wayzata, addressed the City Council during a recent meeting to discuss the proposed moratorium on development in the community. With nearly three decades of experience in homebuilding and having worked under four different mayors and numerous council members, Schermack brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.
He expressed concerns that the moratorium might be a “knee-jerk reaction,” indicating that such a significant measure should be carefully considered. “If you do decide to do some sort of a moratorium, please state that you’re being very serious about it and you’re trying to send a message to people on the other side,” he urged the council.
Chermak emphasized the thorough evaluations conducted by previous city leaders, asserting, “The system has been heavily evaluated by your predecessors… and they’ve done a wonderful job.” He stressed that the current regulatory framework has been developed with the community’s best interests in mind and that changes should be based on concrete evidence of problems rather than assumptions or complaints.
Instead of halting development, Chermak advocated for a more constructive approach to improve architectural standards in the city. “We cannot mandate good architecture…, but we have plenty of rules that help us get to a good finish line,” he explained, suggesting that incentives could be offered to encourage better design and more thoughtful construction. He argued that the focus should be on fostering community engagement to identify and solve potential issues rather than resorting to a moratorium, which he felt could be counterproductive. “If there is [a problem], let’s find it… not just the stopgap that really doesn’t… solve anything,” he stated, urging the council to explore long-term solutions that would benefit the community.
Chermak concluded by expressing his commitment to improving the city and his pride in being part of the Wayzata community. He encouraged the council to consider alternative methods that would engage the community and enhance the overall living experience in the area. “I just want you to hopefully take what I’m saying to heart… I believe there’s other ways to get an outcome that would be much more appealing and come across much more engaged with the community,” he remarked.
Council Discussion
Ken Sorensen had reservations. City of Wayzata.
Council member Ken Sorensen voiced a cautious stance during the discussion of the proposed moratorium on redevelopment in the R-3A district. After personally touring the affected neighborhood, he acknowledged the contrasting appearances between new and older homes and the importance of preserving neighborhood character. However, he expressed concerns over the severity of the proposed action. “I’m very supportive of the study that we’re doing… but it does seem reactive,” he remarked, hinting that a moratorium might be an extreme measure to address the issue.
Sorensen questioned whether an emergency moratorium was necessary, pointing out that the neighborhood’s development trends are not new. “The declaration in front of us states that there is an immediate pressing and emergency need to impose a moratorium. I’m not sure I agree with that,” he said, casting doubt on whether the issue truly warranted halting all development.
He also highlighted the potential unintended consequences of freezing development, such as financial impacts on residents and property investors. “If you made an investment to purchase one of these properties, sell one of these properties, invest in one of these properties… the monthly load on that is pretty significant,” he stated. Ultimately, he expressed reservations about supporting the moratorium, citing the possibility of broader, unintended impacts and the optics of singling out one neighborhood for such a drastic measure. “It feels a little heavy-handed to me,” Swanson concluded.
Alex Plechash supported the moratorium. City of Wayzata.
Council member Alex Plechash expressed strong support for the proposed moratorium, emphasizing the broader impact of new developments on surrounding neighbors. He pointed out that while developers may build and move on to their next project, the effects of those developments remain long-term for the neighborhood. “When a home is put there that is dramatically different than the other homes surrounding it, it changes the character of the neighborhood,” the council member stated, underscoring the ripple effect that a single development can have on the community.
Reflecting on past decisions, Plechash admitted that while zoning regulations were originally put in place with good intentions, unforeseen consequences have emerged over time, particularly in more compact areas. “I think we have made mistakes in the past, unintentional,” he acknowledged, noting that those mistakes have now played out and highlighted the need for reassessment.
Despite a general aversion to moratoriums, Plechash saw this as an opportunity to prevent further harm, explaining, “As much as I hate moratoriums, in this case, I would be in favor of it because I think we could stop a wrong before it happens.” He recommended the moratorium take effect immediately, while offering a small concession to a developer who had a pending permit, suggesting the moratorium begin at the close of business the following day to give the developer a chance to finalize their paperwork. In their view, 90 days was a reasonable period to sort out the issues, particularly with winter approaching, which would naturally slow development activities. He concluded by expressing full support for the moratorium as a necessary step to protect the character of the neighborhood while the city reconsiders its zoning regulations.
Molly MacDonald supported the moratorium. City of Wayzata.
Council member Molly MacDonald emphasized that the push for the moratorium is rooted in real concerns, stating, “This issue and these ideas haven’t come from nowhere.” MacDonald highlighted the significant changes in their neighborhood, noting that 17 homes have been torn down in the last five years, prompting a deeper examination of community impacts. She acknowledged the need to balance the rights of property owners with the experiences of current residents who are witnessing substantial alterations to their surroundings.
MacDonald expressed a desire to look at the building code more holistically, suggesting it might be too restrictive and could encourage less desirable types of construction. “I want to look at it and say, okay, we made these determinations in ’08… so that’s not that recent,” she stated, advocating for a review of zoning regulations that could foster better architectural outcomes. She concluded by expressing optimism that the 90-day moratorium would serve as a catalyst for discussions on improving the building code to benefit both developers and the community.
Mayor Johana Mouton supported the moratorium. City of Wayzata.
MayorJohanna Mouton reflected on her long-term experience in the neighborhood, stating, “I too have seen just a staggering amount of change.” She noted that while lot sizes remain the same, the desires of homeowners have evolved significantly over the years, leading to a need for a reassessment of zoning regulations.
Expressing support for the moratorium, they acknowledged the financial implications for homeowners looking to build new homes, saying, “I’m very sympathetic to that.” Mayor Mouton emphasized that the goal of the moratorium is not merely to impose restrictions but to explore various solutions, including potential accommodations like water credits and permeable pavers, while striking a balance between being restrictive in some areas and less so in others. She concluded by noting that the 90-day period would allow the council to assess whether they are moving in the right direction.
Ken Sorensen was officially sworn in to the Wayzata City Council on Tuesday, marking the start of his service in the city’s leadership.
In a statement following his swearing-in, Sorensen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Wayzata. “First of all, thank you for the confidence, for the call, Mayor, a couple of weeks ago when we had this discussion,” Sorensen said. “Thank you, council members, thank you staff, I know there were others that supported me for this appointment. I believe it’s an honor and a privilege to serve.”
Sorensen, who has lived in Wayzata for eight years, reflected on the positive reception his family has received from the community and his desire to give back.
He also highlighted his experience in the development and construction sectors, as well as his time serving on the Planning Commission for over three years, which he believes will guide him in making informed and transparent decisions.
“I’m excited, I’ve got a lot to learn in a short period of time,” Sorensen said. “My intent is to spend the next several months during this campaign to listen and learn and know what is on the mind of our citizens.”
Sorensen will serve on the council until the end of the year, and will win election as a Council member as he is running unopposed, along with Alex Plechash.
In a dramatic turn of events on the final day of candidate filings, MayorJohanna Mouton has withdrawn from the mayoral race, paving the way for a three-way contest between former Council Member Jeff Buchanan, former MayorBarry Petit, and former Council Member Andy Mullin.
Mouton filed her affidavit of candidacy on July 30th as well.
Buchanan and Petit filed their affidavits of candidacy on August 13., before the 5 p.m. deadline.
Their last-minute entries have set the stage for a competitive race for Wayzata’s mayoral seat.
Asked why she withdrew her name from the race, Mouton stated, “The choice stems from a desire to embrace new professional opportunities that have recently presented themselves. With the new opportunities that lie ahead, I no longer feel that I can provide the level of time that is required.”
Meanwhile, the two open City Council seats will be filled by Council Member Alex Plechash and soon-to-be sworn-in Council Member Ken Sorensen, as they were the only candidates to file for the positions.
Both will be officially elected to the Wayzata City Council in November.
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