WAYZATA — Mayor Andrew Mullin has released the latest episode of Mayor About Town, a video series aimed at engaging the community and celebrating the people and organizations that make Wayzata thrive.
“As part of my ongoing effort to engage with our wonderful community, I am thrilled to share the latest episode of Mayor About Town,” Mullin said in the introduction.
The May 2025 edition features three local leaders:
“This show is dedicated to lifting up the people, places, and organizations that make Wayzata so special,” said Mullin. “I hope you enjoy getting to know them and learning more about their contributions to the greater Wayzata area community.”
WAYZATA – In a wide-ranging discussion at the May 6th council workshop, Mayor Andrew Mullin outlined concerns with how information surfaces to the Wayzata City Council, raising questions about transparency, responsiveness, and early engagement on major development projects.
Mullin called for a more inclusive process that would allow individual councilmembers—or a minority of two—to more easily bring forward items for discussion, even if they fall outside the city’s annual strategic work plan. Currently, Mullin said, staff often require a majority of the council to approve such requests before allocating time or resources.
“That’s not how we operated under Mayor Wilcox,” Mullin said, referring to a prior administration. “It’s not what I’m used to, and it’s not what I’m comfortable with. In many cities, it doesn’t require a majority position to request information—it requires a minority to take action.”
The mayor cited best practices from cities including Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Orono, and Long Lake, noting that several of them use a “form system” that logs councilmember requests and places them into the staff queue once two members sign on.
The workshop item was presented as informational only, with no immediate action required. Mullin said the topic will be brought back during the council’s upcoming strategic planning sessions in June for further discussion.
Rethinking Development Reviews
Mullin also introduced the idea of holding early-stage public workshops—sometimes called “sketch plan workshops”—to vet major land use proposals before applicants spend significant resources on engineering and detailed plans. He argued that recent developments such as the Ferndale Bluffs subdivision and Woodhill Country Club’s tree management plan became mired in technical details before broader policy questions were addressed.
“We start designing pipes and streets before we’ve even decided what the policy decision is,” he said. “It’s a disservice to applicants, staff, and the community when we get to conflict late in the process.”
Concept Plan Discussions
One recent example was a request from the CoV restaurant ownership group for an informal review of a proposed bar addition extending into the public right of way. “We’d rather have a no than a maybe—it’s especially a lot cheaper for us,” said John Davis, who represented the group during the workshop discussion.
Under Mullin’s proposal, the Planning Commission, Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and City Council could jointly host preliminary workshops to identify major concerns and provide directional feedback before staff and applicants dive into technical work.
“We’d rather have a no than a maybe—it’s especially a lot cheaper for us…”
John davis, Cov Restaurant Group
“We’re not looking to take action in those settings,” he said. “We’re just trying to align earlier.”
Planning Commission Chair Cameron, Vice Chair Platton, and HRA Chair Tom Shaver were all said to be supportive of exploring such a process, which Mullin emphasized is used by many Minnesota cities as a best practice.
Other communities regularly engage with developers prior to any formal application so as to provide guidance to applicants without unnecessary investments in staff time, consulting, and holding costs.
One such example occurred recently in Plymouth, where a developer informally presented a proposal for a 200-unit apartment complex at the corner of County Road 6 and Highway 101 to gather early feedback—well before submitting a formal application. This approach allowed city staff and stakeholders to provide guidance without expending unnecessary resources on a fully developed submittal.
Council Response: Cautious, Curious, Divided
Reactions from councilmembers were mixed. While some expressed openness to further discussion, others questioned whether a problem truly exists.
“I’ve been on the council now for over eight years, and I haven’t seen any change in this process,” said Councilmember Alex Plechash. “It seems like we’re making a problem where there isn’t a problem.”
Mullin pushed back. “It’s a problem to me,” he said. “And I have every right—as you do—to bring it up for the group’s consideration.”
Councilmember Molly MacDonald raised concerns about side conversations or process transparency, saying that the existing “New Agenda Items” section at the end of council meetings already offers a clear venue to surface ideas. Mullin countered that this approach still requires majority agreement to move forward.
“This isn’t about taking action. It’s about how we get something on the table in the first place,” he said.
In closing, the mayor reaffirmed that the ultimate decision rests with the council as a group.
“I’ve shared my observations,” he said. “If the will of the council is no change, then we won’t change. But I think we owe it to ourselves—and to the public—to talk about how we lead together.”
The council will revisit the discussion during strategic planning sessions scheduled for June.
City Manager Jeff Dahl, Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker, Community Development Director Alex Sharp, Councilmember Molly MacDonald, Public Works Director Mike Kelly, Councilmember Ken Sorensen, Mayor Andrew Mullin, and Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich.
WAYZATA — Residents of the central core gathered at The Wayzata Depot on Monday evening for a public listening session led by MayorAndrew Mullin, City Manager Jeff Dahl, and members of the Wayzata City Council and staff. The event aimed to deepen community engagement and foster direct dialogue on key city priorities, including revenue diversification, public safety, and lakefront improvements.
“Our brand new mayor has made engagement a top priority,” said City Manager Jeff Dahl in his opening remarks. “Events like this show how seriously our elected officials take that responsibility.”
Among those present were longtime Councilmember Molly MacDonald, owner of Highcroft on Lake Street, and Councilmember Ken Sorensen, the council’s newest member, who brings a background in development.
Dahl also introduced key city staff, including Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker, Deputy City Manager Aurora Yager, Community Development Director Alex Sharp, Public Works Director and City Engineer Mike Kelly, Fire Chief Kevin Klapprich—who was recognized for over 46 years of service—and Communications Coordinator Liv Marandino.
The city’s legislative priorities took center stage as Dahl outlined plans for a local option sales tax and a potential food and beverage tax to reduce dependency on property taxes. “We’re working to capture some of the revenue generated by visitors to help offset the cost of police, public works, and keeping our city safe and clean,” said Dahl. He noted that state approval would be required and that upcoming engagement sessions will be held next week to gather feedback from residents and business owners.
Other discussion topics included updates to Wayzata’s short-term rental ordinance, with the city now exploring additional regulations following concerns about neighborhood disruption.
On the Panoway front, Dahl provided an update on the lake walk, noting that redesigned dock bumpers will be piloted in coming weeks to better protect boats. He also announced that long-anticipated step-down platforms—allowing public access to the lake—will be installed shortly.
City Manager Jeff Dahl shared an encouraging update on the Section Foreman House restoration, describing it as “the most shovel-ready project we have.” According to Dahl, all design work is complete, and a significant portion of the necessary funding has already been secured. The city is currently awaiting additional private contributions or the approval of a state bonding bill to move forward. Once finalized, the long-anticipated project would restore the historic lakefront structure as a public asset, reinforcing Wayzata’s commitment to preservation and placemaking.
Public Safety
Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker concluded the session by addressing seasonal public safety concerns as summer activity ramps up in Wayzata.
Interim Police Chief Jamie Baker addressed current staffing levels, enforcement priorities, and ongoing public safety efforts as Wayzata enters the busy summer season.
“I’m Jamie Baker, the Interim Police Chief for the City of Wayzata,” she said. “I’ve been with the department for about three years and bring 21 years of prior law enforcement experience.”
Baker reported that the department currently has 15 sworn officers, with a full complement of 18 positions. “Due to recent retirements—including our former chief and a sergeant—we’re temporarily below full strength, but we’re actively working to fill those roles,” she said. “That includes the hiring of a new sergeant and a permanent Police Chief.”
Join the Wayzata Police Department: Now Hiring Officers
In addition, the city is onboarding three new Community Service Officers (CSOs), with training expected to be completed by early summer.
Baker emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety. “While our officers are committed and responsive, they can’t be everywhere at once,” she said. “We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears. If there are recurring issues, especially in specific locations, please call us with details like dates and times. That makes all the difference in how effectively we can respond.”
A growing concern across the metro, she noted, is the misuse of electric bikes and scooters—particularly among juveniles. “We’re not alone in this,” she said. “Every agency in the area is dealing with it. That’s why we’re drafting a citywide ordinance tailored to e-bikes and e-scooters. It’s critical we get the language right so we can enforce it properly.”
Chief Baker also reminded residents to call 911—not the city’s non-emergency number or email—for anything that seems suspicious or requires a timely response. “It might seem unusual, but the same dispatchers answer both lines,” she explained. “911 ensures your concern is prioritized and acted on immediately. Emails, on the other hand, are not monitored in real time.”
She closed with an update on a new security feature coming to the Mill Street parking ramp. “For those who live above the ramp, you’ve likely noticed some late-night activity over the years. We’ve approved and ordered a security gate to limit access after hours. It should be installed within the next month.”
City Engineer on Infrastructure
City Engineer Mike Kelly provided a brief update on key infrastructure projects underway in Wayzata this season, most of which are focused on maintenance. “Most of what we’re doing this year involves mill and overlay work—removing the surface layer of the street and repaving it,” Kelly explained.
One active project includes a water main replacement and resurfacing in the East Neighborhood—specifically on Hampton Street, LaSalle Street, Wise Avenue, and Central Avenue. Broadway Avenue, north of Wayzata Boulevard, is also undergoing improvements. “If you experienced delays last week, it was related to that intersection project and the installation of a new traffic signal,” he noted, estimating completion in about three weeks.
Looking ahead, Kelly flagged a major Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project scheduled for next year: resurfacing Highway 12 from I-494. “There will be delays, and we want residents to be aware that it will impact travel through the area,” he said.
Quality of Life Issues Addressed by Mayor Mullin
Mayor Andrew Mullin took the mic to thank residents for showing up. “It’s encouraging to see so many people here,” he said. “We’ve heard that formal community meetings can feel intimidating, so we’re trying new formats like this one—and others across neighborhoods—to make it easier for residents to speak up.”
Mullin also highlighted his informal monthly meetups at Wayzata Bar & Grill. “On the second Monday of each month, I’ll be there for anyone who wants to talk—whether over a beer or water,” he said.
Mullin addressed the community’s growing frustration with traffic, noise, public disturbances, and late-night behavior. “We’re hearing you loud and clear,” he said. “More people bring more problems, and we’re taking it seriously.” He pointed to new investments in police staffing, including increased patrols, community service officers on foot and bike, and even a reserve officer scheduled to start this summer. “He’s actually a urologist by profession, and he’ll be helping report issues while biking the city,” Mullin added.
In addition to increased staffing, the city has raised fines for various ordinance violations. “Exhibition driving, public drinking, noise—if you get cited twice for something like exhibition driving, it’s now a mandatory court appearance and a $1,000 fine,” Mullin said. “We’re sending a clear message that we will not tolerate behavior that degrades quality of life in Wayzata.”
Mullin concluded with a candid acknowledgment: “I’m not going to pretend we’ve solved it all. But we’re taking specific, meaningful steps to address your concerns.”
Public Engagement and Resident Feedback
Following city updates, the evening transitioned into an open forum where residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns directly with city staff and councilmembers. Community members raised a range of issues—many focused on livability, enforcement, and neighborhood integrity. Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Ken Sorensen remained on hand to field questions, while staff members provided clarification on policies, ongoing projects, and next steps.
Following city updates, the evening transitioned into an open forum where residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns directly with city staff and councilmembers. Community members raised a range of issues—many focused on livability, enforcement, and neighborhood integrity. Councilmembers Molly MacDonald and Ken Sorensen remained on hand to field questions, while staff members provided clarification on policies, ongoing projects, and next steps.
City leaders reiterated their commitment to transparency and responsiveness. Residents were encouraged to attend upcoming meetings, submit feedback through official channels, and continue participating in the city’s evolving engagement efforts.
WAYZATA — In response to persistent concerns over safety and congestion along Central Avenue North (County Road 101), the City of Wayzata and Hennepin County will hold a public listening event on Monday, May 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Gleason Lake Elementary School.
The session invites residents to share firsthand experiences related to traffic volumes, turning behaviors, and pedestrian safety between Highway 12 and Wayzata Boulevard—a corridor that has drawn increasing scrutiny from families, commuters, and school officials alike.
MayorAndrew Mullin says the issue has been a consistent topic of concern since the beginning of his mayoral campaign.
“From the very start of my campaign last October, residents—especially those in neighborhoods like Hollybrook—have made it clear this corridor poses real safety challenges,” Mullin said. “It’s not just about traffic. The bigger issue is safety.”
Many Wayzata residents live in neighborhoods directly impacted by traffic along Central Avenue, including Shady Lane, Harmony Circle, Pond Ridge, Hollybrook, Waycliffe, and Kingswood Farms in Plymouth. This stretch of road serves as a key connector to Wayzata Boulevard, Highway 12, and the Luce Line Trail—a heavily used route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Concerns have intensified around student safety at Gleason Lake Elementary, which sits near the corridor. The Luce Line State Trail crosses just west of the school, and while a tunnel beneath the road connects students and trail users under Central Avenue, access from the school and from the neighborhoods east of the highway remains problematic. The pedestrian crossing at Wayzata Boulevard and Central Avenue is also seen as hazardous, particularly during high-volume periods.
A focal point of concern is the removal of a static “No Turn on Red” sign at the Highway 12 off-ramp. “When the electronic no-turn-on-red sign is off, traffic pours off the freeway,” Hollybrook resident Austin Ditzler told the Star Tribune in February of 2024. “It makes it dangerous and difficult for us to exit Hollybrook”.
In emails to Mayor Mullin, residents have described near-misses and collisions resulting from drivers ignoring lane markings and red lights.
“There is no sign about not crossing the solid line exiting 394,” wrote one resident. “I’ve been side-swiped twice from people doing that and they don’t think they did anything wrong”.
Another resident added, “We spoke when you were on the campaign trail last fall. I believe it is just a matter of time before there is a serious accident at this turn… even during the window of time when there is a no-turn sign at the stoplight, it is ignored”.
Among the potential short-term fixes under consideration:
Restoring a permanent “No Turn on Red” sign at the Highway 12 off-ramp (MnDOT)
Reducing the current 45 mph speed limit (MnDOT)
Enhancing the Luce Line Trail crossing near Gleason Lake Elementary (Three Rivers Park District)
Reducing the corridor from four lanes to three, pending final results of a Hennepin County traffic study
Mullin emphasized the city’s desire to work collaboratively across jurisdictions: “We’ve heard you, and now we want to listen more closely to shape action.”
Residents are strongly encouraged to attend the session and share their stories. City officials hope the collective input will help guide near-term improvements and longer-term planning for one of Wayzata’s most critical and heavily used roadways.
If you go:
Monday May 5th, 2025 7pm – 8pm Gleason Lake Elementary 310 County Road 101 Plymouth MN 55447
Future Klapprich Park warming house design. City of Wayzata.
WAYZATA — At its March 25 meeting, the Wayzata City Council voted unanimously to authorize the solicitation of construction bids for the long-planned Klapprich Park improvements — a multi-year project aimed at revitalizing the city’s signature community park. But MayorAndrew Mullinmade clear he’s not ready to sign off on the full $2.6 million price tag.
The comprehensive plan includes ADA-compliant playgrounds and trails, new plaza areas, parking upgrades, and renovations to the warming house — with several items bid as alternates, including a hillside slide and stairway, a Minnetonka Avenue sidewalk, and a refreshed Bell Courts cabana.
Parks and Environment Planner Nick Kieser, who’s led the effort, said the project is organized into two primary bid packages: one for all site work and another for the warming house. A trio of alternate bids will give the Council flexibility to scale up or down depending on the final numbers.
Base improvements include:
Site grading, drainage, and irrigation
An 18-stall parking lot with grass pavers
A new natural-themed 4,800-square-foot playground
A landscaped outdoor patio with fire pits and seating near the warming house
The warming house renovation — budgeted at just over $800,000 — would nearly double the usable interior space, add air conditioning, a gas fireplace, direct restroom access, and expanded equipment storage.
Council Discussion: Options and Oversight
Councilmember Molly MacDonald requested the hillside slide and stairs be split into separate alternates, noting their differing functions. “They are two different priorities,” she said, adding she’d prefer to preserve stair access even if the slide had to be scrapped.
The project team expects to receive 6 to 8 bids from contractors, with construction beginning as early as spring 2025. Major site and warming house work is scheduled for completion ahead of the winter skating season.
Mayor Mullin Voices Budget Concerns
Despite voting in favor of going to bid, Mayor Andrew Mullin voiced serious reservations about the financial scope.
“No matter what these bids come back, I’m not supportive of the full engagement of draining the parks fund to whatever the number is,” he said.
He also expressed skepticism about relying too heavily on city estimates, saying:
“We don’t have a very good track record, even using a construction manager, ever coming with a bid in anywhere near staff’s personal estimate — which is why we’re doing this, right?”
Mullin emphasized that the next stage — evaluating actual bids — would be the true decision point for determining what components can realistically move forward.
Next Steps
The Council voted unanimously to authorize the bid solicitation, incorporating Councilmember Molly MacDonald’s recommendation to separate the hillside stairs and slide into two distinct alternates. This adjustment gives the City greater flexibility to prioritize access and manage costs once bids are returned. With all members in agreement, the project now moves forward to the bidding phase, with final decisions on construction to follow based on actual pricing and available funding.
The bid documents will be published in early April, with bids due later in the month. Council is expected to review the bids at its May 6 meeting.
Construction would be phased:
Spring: Site grading and irrigation to allow for grass establishment
Summer: Playground, parking, and warming house work
Fall: Completion of all priority items before winter
The vision for Klapprich Park remains ambitious — but final decisions will rest on actual bid results and the Council’s willingness to balance community enhancements with financial restraint.
Andrew Mullin speaks at the State of the City Address.
MayorAndrew Mullin delivered his first State of the City address since returning to the City Council—this time as Mayor—highlighting Wayzata’s strengths while acknowledging the challenges ahead.Speaking to residents and city leaders, Mullin outlined key accomplishments from 2024, upcoming projects, and his vision for maintaining the town’s small-town charm amid ongoing growth.
Balancing Growth with Community Character
Mullin, a longtime Wayzata resident, emphasized the city’s unique character, describing it as a place that “punches above its weight.” While acknowledging Wayzata’s appeal as a regional destination, he stressed the importance of preserving the close-knit feel, strong civic engagement, and small-town values that have long defined the community.
“The success of our city isn’t just about buildings or tax revenue,” Mullin said. “It’s about protecting the culture of our small town. That’s what’s most important to me…”
Central to this vision is an unwavering focus on quality of life, with safety, natural beauty, and a vibrant sense of place being top priorities. Mullin emphasized that a thriving community doesn’t just happen; it requires active civic engagement.
“Residents should have access to their leaders,” he said, emphasizing the importance of easy communication with city officials and transparency in decision-making. Looking ahead, Mullin envisions a Wayzata where small-town values—honesty, integrity, compassion, and personal responsibility—continue to guide the community’s growth and development.
Financial Responsibility and Future Planning
Mullin detailed the city’s financial standing, noting significant growth in property values, city operations, and infrastructure investment over the past decade. He expressed concern over rising property taxes, calling the current system “unsustainable” for residents.
To ease the tax burden on homeowners, Mullin and the City Council are considering a food and beverage tax that could generate $400,000 annually. The city is also pursuing state funding and grants to support parks and public safety without additional tax increases and may discuss other sales tax options in the future as well.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
The mayor highlighted the city’s commitment to public safety, including 9,442 police calls and 329 fire department responses in 2024. He noted that while Wayzata remains a safe community, increasing visitor traffic has led to “big city problems,” including speeding, noise complaints, and public disturbances. The city is reviewing ordinances and increasing police presence to address these concerns.
Infrastructure investments remain a priority, including upcoming improvements to Wayzata Boulevard to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Mullin also acknowledged the need to evaluate long-term facility improvements for the police and fire departments, noting that the police station was built 30 years ago and does not fully meet today’s needs.
Development and Growth: A Measured Approach
While Wayzata has seen a surge in high-end housing developments, Mullin underscored the need for balance. Over 50% of Wayzata residents live in apartments, a statistic that surprised some in attendance.
“We need a full range of housing options,” Mullin said. “We need to ensure that we maintain a full range of housing options—not just high-end residential homes or luxury condos, but also apartments and affordable housing for people with average incomes.”
The city is also focused on revitalizing commercial spaces, including filling vacant retail areas in the Presbyterian Homes development. Mullin and the council member Jeff Parkhill are working closely with new leadership at Presbyterian Homes to attract tenants and bring vibrancy back to the space.
Panoway: A Pause for Reflection
One of Wayzata’s most ambitious public projects—the Panoway on Wayzata BayLakewalk—was completed last year without raising property taxes, thanks to a combination of state funding, private donations, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). However, Mullin signaled a pause on future Panoway phases, allowing time to evaluate its impact and explore funding options before moving forward, with the exception of the Section Foreman House which has received significant contributions to it’s budget.
“We need to digest what we’ve built,” he said. “We’re taking a deep breath, listening to the community, and ensuring that future projects align with our long-term vision—without burdening taxpayers.”
Keeping Wayzata a True Small Town
As he looks ahead, Mullin reiterated that his guiding principle is protecting Wayzata’s small-town identity, ensuring that growth and progress do not come at the expense of the city’s core values of honesty, community, safety, civic pride reasonable governance and good leadership.
“What I hope people talk about after I’m gone is that we protected the heart of Wayzata,” he said. “That we prioritized our residents first, kept our city safe, and made thoughtful decisions that will benefit generations to come.”
To strengthen local engagement, Mullin has launched Mayor’s Muni Meetups, informal gatherings at the city-owned Muni bar, where residents can ask questions and share concerns. The city will also hold neighborhood meetings to provide a more relaxed setting for community discussions.
Mullin closed his address with a Greek proverb: “Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” He encouraged residents to stay involved, helping shape a future that honors Wayzata’s past while ensuring its small-town spirit thrives.
Newly elected Mayor Andrew Mullin wasted no time connecting with residents, hosting the city’s first-ever “Mayor Meetup” at Wayzata Bar & Grill. The casual gathering on Monday February 10th, drew a lively crowd eager to engage with the new mayor over drinks and conversation.
Attendees engaged in lively conversation as Mullin fielded a wide range of questions in an informal, open-discussion format. Topics spanned from local development projects and city services to questions about the police and fire departments, upcoming road construction on I-394 at I-494, the city budget, property taxes, a potential sales tax initiative, and much more. Residents appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the mayor in a relaxed setting.
“This is exactly what I hoped for—open, honest dialogue with the people of Wayzata,” Mullin said. “I want to make city leadership more accessible, and this is just the start.”
The event’s success signals that future meetups could become a staple for Wayzata residents looking to stay informed and engaged with their city’s leadership.
The next Mayor Meetup is scheduled for Monday, March 10th at the Wayzata Bar & Grill from 7pm to 9pm.
One of the major issues addressed at the January 7, 2025, Wayzata City Council meeting was the approval of the city’s legislative priorities, which centered on infrastructure improvements, local tax proposals, and considerations for future public safety needs. While most priorities advanced with ease, some council members raised questions about the inclusion of design costs for a potential new public safety facility in the city’s bonding request.
The council approved a $15 million bonding request covering Panoway’s next phase, improvements to Klapprich Park, Wayzata Beach, and Shaver Park, as well as $2 million for public safety facility design. However, the inclusion of the latter sparked concerns about readiness.
Council Member Jeff Parkhill remarked, “The public safety facility is not something the council has discussed. I think we should address it before we begin lobbying for it. Right now, I don’t know much about it—just that it’s apparently in the capital plan for 10 years down the road or so. It’s important for us to dig into these capital expenditures before we lobby for them.”
Council Member Alex Plechash added, “I think that’s a reasonable point to note. It probably doesn’t change the fact that we’d still like to request $15 million from the state and then decide how to allocate it. That said, we’re unlikely to get the full $15 million—probably something less, if anything at all. However, he makes a valid point: we haven’t discussed this in depth. We should address it before listing it as a legislative priority for our lobbyists.”
City Manager Jeff Dahl explained the request, “…that’s exactly what we started to discuss in December—can it hurt to leave it on the list? We acknowledged that we don’t yet know what the needs assessment will reveal, so it might be premature. However, removing it now would mean reducing the bonding request by two million dollars, as every part of the request must be allocated to a specific expense. While we could revisit this next year, leaving it on for now provides flexibility, even though we still need significant engagement with the council and the community to refine the details.”
Despite these reservations, the council opted to keep the item in the bonding request to maintain flexibility.
Local Sales Tax and Community Engagement
The council also supported lifting the state’s moratorium on local sales taxes, advocating for a food and beverage tax to offset operational and capital costs. The proposed tax would primarily target visitors, with minimal impact on residents.
Engagement with the local business community remains a priority. Council members discussed the importance of explaining the tax’s purpose and benefits to restaurant owners and other stakeholders before advancing the proposal, indicating that City staff should meet with all restaurant owners willing to meet so as to have the support of the community in place.
Advocating for Local Control of Fees and Fines
A final priority emphasized the city’s desire for greater local control over fines and fees for nuisance issues, such as noise and e-bike violations. This measure would address challenges caused by Wayzata’s influx of visitors.
Next Steps
The council unanimously approved the draft priorities, directing staff and lobbyists to advocate during the upcoming legislative session.
“This list ensures that Wayzata’s long-term needs remain front and center as we engage with state lawmakers,” MayorAndrew Mullin concluded.
Wayzata’s newly elected mayor, Andrew Mullin, will deliver his first State of the City address on Tuesday, February 25th. The event, which is expected to outline Mayor Mullin’s vision for the future of Wayzata, marks a significant moment in his tenure as the city’s leader.
“With a commitment to fostering unity, collaboration, and innovation, I aim to pave the way for a more vibrant future for our community,” Mayor Mullin shared in a recent announcement. Mullin will be sworn in during tonight’s City Council meeting, and has emphasized his mission to restore faith in local government and inspire a new era of engagement and collaboration.
The February 25th address will provide an opportunity for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to hear firsthand about the mayor’s priorities for Wayzata. Key themes are expected to include enhancing communication between city leadership and the community, fostering innovative solutions to local challenges, and continuing efforts to ensure Wayzata remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
In addition to his upcoming address, Mayor Mullin is introducing several new initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and dialogue with residents. Starting February 10th, he will host Monthly Muni Meetups at the Wayzata Bar & Grill. These informal gatherings are designed to connect with the public, foster unity, and exchange ideas in a casual setting. The mayor will also be featured regularly in The Portal and Wayzata Weekly, providing updates and insights on city projects and initiatives.
“As your Mayor, I believe in being accessible to all Wayzata stakeholders,” Mullin stated. “I’m excited to explore new ways to engage with our community and work together to achieve our shared goals.”
The February 25th State of the City address promises to be an important milestone in Mayor Mullin’s leadership. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this pivotal moment for Wayzata’s future.
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.
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