WAYZATA — A proposed subdivision at 190 Gleason Lake Road and 121 Gleahaven Road will return to the Wayzata City Council next month after the developer requested additional time to work with nearby residents and address concerns raised during the review process.
During a recent council meeting, city officials noted that the applicant’s attorney had requested the item be tabled until April 21, 2026, postponing consideration of Resolution 14-2026, which would formally deny the preliminary plat. The council amended its agenda to reflect the request.
Lake West Development has proposed a 4 lots subdivision off of Gleason Lake Road.
The proposal, submitted by Lake West Development, seeks to subdivide two existing residential parcels near the entrance to Gleahaven Road into four single-family home sites. According to the developer’s attorney, the proposal complies with the dimensional standards of Wayzata’s R-3 zoning district, including requirements for lot size, width, density, and impervious surface coverage.
In a letter to the city, attorney Megan C. Rogers of Larkin Hoffman, representing the applicant, wrote that the proposed subdivision satisfies the objective requirements of the zoning code and aligns with the density framework outlined in Wayzata’s Comprehensive Plan.
The four proposed parcels would average approximately 15,363 square feet, which the applicant argues falls within the range of existing lot sizes in the surrounding neighborhood.
Despite those arguments, the Wayzata Planning Commission has recommended denial of the preliminary plat, citing concerns tied to the city’s subdivision ordinance. Those concerns include the project’s relationship to the character of the surrounding neighborhood, as well as questions related to grading, topography, and preservation of natural features on the site.
Developer Seeks Time for Dialogue
The request to delay the council vote was made through the applicant’s attorney and provides time for the developer to continue discussions with neighbors and consider whether modifications could address concerns raised during the public review process.
Subdivision proposals in established neighborhoods often involve multiple layers of review, including both the measurable standards contained in the zoning code and broader planning considerations outlined in the city’s subdivision ordinance.
Neighborhood Residents Voice Opposition
Several residents of Gleahaven Road submitted written comments and a petition asking the city to deny the proposal.
The petition argues that replacing two existing homes with four new residences could significantly change the character of the small cul-de-sac neighborhood and require the removal of mature trees. Petitioners also raised concerns about drainage, grading, and the overall scale of the development compared with surrounding properties.
In a letter to the city, Ryan Schultz of 108 Gleahaven Road wrote that his family chose the neighborhood because of its quiet setting and mature tree canopy, stating that replacing two homes with four would permanently alter the feel of the street.
Other residents cited traffic and safety concerns near the intersection of Gleahaven Road and Gleason Lake Road, where sight lines are limited by the hill and curve along the roadway and where children often wait for school buses.
In a separate letter, Pete Trinh and Morgan Kaufman of 167 Gleahaven Road said the addition of four homes could increase traffic and change the established character of the cul-de-sac.
Residents Kumar and Kathy Das Gupta of 110 Gleahaven Road also expressed concerns about potential impacts to neighborhood safety and property values if the subdivision were approved.
Recent Decisions Provide Context
The debate over the Gleason Lake Road subdivision comes amid several recent land-use decisions in Wayzata where questions about zoning standards and subdivision review have drawn public attention.
Taken together, those cases illustrate the balance cities often weigh between objective zoning requirements—such as lot size and density—and broader planning considerations, including neighborhood character and natural site conditions.
Next Step
With the Gleason Lake Road proposal now tabled, the Wayzata City Council is expected to revisit the preliminary plat on April 21.
In the interim, the developer and nearby residents may continue discussions about the proposal and whether revisions could address the concerns raised during the public review process.
The council will ultimately determine whether to uphold the Planning Commission’s recommendation of denial or allow the subdivision to proceed.
Wayzata’s two charitable gambling organizations — the Wayzata Lions Club and Wayzata American Legion Post 118 — reported strong financial performance and growing community impact during an update to the Wayzata City Council on March 10.
Leaders from both groups described how charitable gambling revenues are helping fund local nonprofits, youth programs, veteran services, and community improvements across the region.
Wayzata Lions report record year
Tim Anderson of the Wayzata Lions Club opened the presentation with a review of the club’s community service work over the past year.
The Lions continue a long list of local initiatives, including Salvation Army bell ringing — an effort the club has supported for 15 to 20 years.
The club also participates in Wayzata’s Light Up the Lake event and organizes a popular Letters to Santa station, where children write holiday messages that Lions members later respond to. Anderson said the club collected 155 letters from children this year.
Other volunteer efforts include helping at Special Olympics events in Stillwater, supporting the Tour de Tonka diabetes fundraiser, and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, where members pack meals for international hunger relief.
The Lions also continue their longstanding eyeglass collection program, gathering 4,239 pairs of glasses last yearthrough a network of about 24 collection sites across the region.
Beyond volunteer work, the club distributes significant charitable donations each year. Anderson said recent contributions included:
Equipment funding for the Wayzata Fire Department
Support for Interfaith Outreach, Hammer Residences, and The Retreat
Donations to the Ridgedale Library and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Funding for the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra and Blue Water Theatre
Four $1,000 scholarships for Wayzata High School students through the Wayzata Education Fund
The club also partners with Senior Community Services and hosts holiday events for residents at Boardwalk Apartments, which Anderson noted is one of Wayzata’s Section 8 housing properties.
Looking ahead, the Lions plan to assist with improvements at Gullickson Field near Gleason Lake, including new paint, rock work, and signage.
Gambling revenue drives charitable giving
Nancy Nelson, the Lions Club’s lawful gambling manager, reported that the club’s charitable gambling operation posted record results during its most recent fiscal year.
Gross gambling revenue reached $5.3 million, the first time the organization has surpassed the $5 million mark.
Those revenues allowed the Lions to distribute $150,500 in charitable donations, also a record for the organization. Nelson said the previous high had been around $109,000.
Since the club’s founding in 1954, Nelson said the Wayzata Lions have now donated more than $4 million to charitable causes.
Nine months into the current fiscal year, operations remain strong. Nelson said electronic pull tabs and E-Link Bingo have helped boost revenue while traditional paper games remain a core part of the operation.
The Lions currently hold a five-star rating from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board, a designation awarded to organizations that direct more than 50 percent of net proceeds to charitable purposes. Nelson also noted the club has maintained clean regulatory audits.
Legion gambling supports veterans and community
Doug Carter, the relatively new commander of Wayzata American Legion Post 118, also provided an update on the Legion’s charitable gambling program.
Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran who served alongside Marine units at Camp Huntington and during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, said the organization has benefited significantly from the addition of electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs.
Historically, the Legion relied primarily on bingo and meat raffles, which Carter said barely covered operational costs as membership declined and the organization’s veteran base aged.
“With the diminishing membership and increasing member age, by adding electronic pull tabs and paper pull tabs our membership benefits have increased and the benefits to the community have increased as well,” Carter told the council.
For the current fiscal year, which runs July 1 through June 30, the Legion has generated approximately $1.86 million in gross revenue through February, averaging about $240,000 per month.
If the pace continues, Carter said the organization expects to reach about $2.82 million in revenue for the fiscal year, roughly a 15 percent increase compared with the prior year.
The Legion currently distributes about 84 percent of its net proceeds to charitable causes, which also qualifies the organization for a five-star rating with the state.
Carter said roughly 60 percent of the Legion’s charitable giving supports veterans organizations, while about 40 percent goes to community causes.
Recent recipients include:
Plymouth–Wayzata Youth Baseball and Softball
D.A.R.E. programs
Gillette Children’s Hospital
HopeKids
The Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund
Sharing and Caring Hands
Wayzata Crime Prevention Coalition
Gambling revenues have also helped fund improvements to the Legion building itself. Carter said the organization recently added a third ADA-accessible restroom to better accommodate aging members and guests.
Partnership across the community
Both organizations emphasized their cooperative relationship with the city and with one another.
Mayor Andrew Mullin noted that when Wayzata allowed multiple charitable gambling licenses in the city, some had feared the organizations would compete for limited revenue.
Instead, he said, both groups appear to be thriving.
“We appreciate the relationship that we have with the city and with the Lions,” Carter said. “We look at it as a team to benefit the community, and we’re all working well together.”
City council members thanked both organizations for their service and contributions to the community.
Between the Lions and Legion operations, charitable gambling continues to generate millions of dollars in local economic activity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations each year, supporting a wide range of programs across the Wayzata area.
Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson presents details of the district’s proposed April 14 referendum during a community information session March 4 at the Creekside building in Plymouth. About 20 residents attended the two-hour meeting and asked questions about the proposal.
Wayzata Public Schools officials outlined details of a proposed facilities referendum during a March 4 community information session at the district’s Creekside building in Plymouth. The proposal, which voters will decide April 14, could invest nearly half a billion dollars in new school construction, facility improvements, and a new swimming pool across the district.
Wayzata Public Schools serves one of the fastest-growing areas in the Twin Cities metro. The district currently enrolls roughly 13,000 students across eight elementary schools, three middle schools and Wayzata High School. District leaders say continued residential development and family turnover in western Hennepin County have steadily added students in recent years, putting pressure on classroom space and shared learning areas in several buildings.
According to the district’s FY 2024–25 audited financial statements, Wayzata Public Schools currently reports approximately $411 million in land and building assets. Because school district property is tax-exempt, those facilities do not carry the same taxable market value assigned to residential or commercial properties. The $411 million figure also reflects accounting depreciation of existing buildings rather than their full replacement cost. If approved, the proposed referendum — which approaches $500 million in new construction and improvements — would represent a major expansion of the district’s physical infrastructure relative to the depreciated value currently reported on its balance sheet.
Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson led the presentation and answered questions from residents during the two-hour session. Attendance appeared modest, with roughly 20 community members present for the meeting.
Dr. Chace Andeson.
The Referendum Overview
Voters in the Wayzata Public Schools district will be asked to decide three separate questions on the April 14 ballot, each addressing different aspects of district funding and facilities.
Question 1 asks voters to renew the district’s existing technology levy. District officials said this renewal would maintain current funding levels for technology, safety, and security systems without increasing property taxes and is worth about $15 per month on a typical $650,000 home or $1,800 over 10 years.
Question 2 is the largest portion of the proposal and focuses on facilities and capacity needs. The request would fund construction of a new elementary school and a new middle school, an expansion at Wayzata High School designed to accommodate additional students and support career and technical education programs, and a range of improvements to existing school buildings across the district. The district estimates the facilities request would add about $29 per month in property taxes for a typical $650,000 home or $8,700 over 25 years.
Question 3 asks voters to approve construction of a new eight-lane swimming pool at Wayzata High School. This question is contingent on approval of Question 2. If approved, the district estimates the pool would add about $4 per month to the property taxes of a typical home or $1,200 over 25 years.
Taken together, the proposed investments represent nearly $500 million in construction and improvements across the district’s facilities, making it one of the larger school referendum proposals in Minnesota in recent years.
District’s Case for the Referendum
In his presentation, Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson said the district’s referendum request is rooted in continued resident enrollment growth and the need to add space before schools become overcrowded. Wayzata Public Schools currently serves about 13,000 K-12 students, and Anderson said capacity pressures are expected to intensify quickly. “By the 27-28 school year we’re anticipating that the elementary, middle school and high school will be beyond that capacity to accommodate the number of students that we’ll have, so it’s only two years out,” he said.
Anderson argued that the district cannot wait until buildings are already over capacity to act. He said planning, design, construction, and attendance boundary changes take years, making advance action necessary. He also pointed to the district’s earlier efforts to expand existing buildings before proposing new construction, including additions at several elementary schools and the opening of Meadow Ridge Elementary in 2016 and North Woods Elementary in 2019.
A second major point in Anderson’s remarks was that the district’s planning is tied to resident growth, not open enrollment. “We have been building to accommodate our resident students,” he said, pushing back on the idea that the district is proposing new facilities to serve students from outside district boundaries.
Anderson also emphasized the district’s financial position, noting that Wayzata is one of only a few school districts in Minnesota with a AAA bond rating. He said that rating reflects financial stability and allows the district to borrow at lower interest rates, helping reduce long-term costs for both residential and commercial taxpayers.
Beyond capacity, Anderson said the referendum is intended to support broader educational goals across the district. Those include creating additional career and technical education space at the high school, updating classrooms and shared learning areas, improving safety and security systems, and renewing the district’s technology levy so devices, software, internet access, and technical support can continue without a tax increase under Question 1.
Audience Questions Focus on Cost, Growth, and Communication
Communication and Enrollment Questions
One attendee, who said her children had been educated in Wayzata Public Schools, opened her remarks by noting that she believed the district had served families well but raised several concerns about the referendum process. “My kids were well served in this district,” she said.
She questioned whether the referendum had been widely communicated across the district, saying she had only recently learned about the proposal after receiving a mailed flyer. “I very much disagree that it was well communicated,” she said. She also raised questions about the district’s community survey, asking what percentage of households were represented by the approximately 400 responses referenced in the presentation.
The attendee further questioned the district’s enrollment projections, noting that while the district expects continued growth, some projections suggest enrollment could begin leveling off within the next decade. She also expressed skepticism about relying on outside consultants involved in construction planning, arguing that firms connected to building projects may have financial incentives that favor expansion.
Cost, Growth and Long-Term Planning
Former Wayzata School Board member Greg Baufield raised a series of questions focused on the scale of the proposal, long-term financial obligations, and infrastructure concerns.
Baufield noted that the combined ballot questions would represent one of the largest school bonding requests in Minnesota history and asked district leaders to consider the cumulative impact of rising taxes, insurance costs, and other household expenses facing residents.
He also questioned the timing of the April referendum and whether the district had coordinated with local governments, noting that property taxes are influenced by decisions made by school districts, cities, and counties simultaneously.
Baufield also raised a practical concern about the proposed Medina-area site: transportation safety. He noted that Highway 55 serves as the primary corridor in the area and runs alongside a railroad line, creating a potentially difficult traffic pattern for school transportation. Baufield warned that buses approaching the crossings would need sufficient room to come to a complete stop and queue safely, saying, “The challenge is of course is that 55 is a state highway,” and later adding that “there’s not enough space to prepare or stop across the tracks safely” if multiple buses are arriving at once.
Medina site that shows the railroad tracks to the north of the property.. Image courtesy of Hennepin County.
In follow-up responses, district officials said a traffic study had been conducted in collaboration with the City of Medina, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota. Potential solutions include extended turn lanes on Highway 55 and enhanced railroad crossing safety measures.
Baufield also questioned the proposal to build a new eight-lane swimming pool at Wayzata High School, expressing concern about the long-term operational costs of maintaining athletic facilities and warning that those expenses can place financial pressure on future school boards.
More broadly, Baufield said he was concerned about relying too heavily on long-range enrollment projections, noting that other districts have experienced declining enrollment after expanding facilities.
Other Questions About Cost, Scope and Long-Term Planning
Another attendee said the overall proposal felt too large for many residents to absorb, repeatedly returning to the fact that the combined package approaches half a billion dollars. She questioned whether the district had done enough to separate essential educational needs from what she viewed as lower-priority improvements, suggesting the facilities request could have been broken into smaller pieces so voters could weigh them individually. She also voiced concern about rising property taxes and broader household financial pressures, and wondered whether the district had fully explored ways to make better use of existing space before asking voters to fund so much new construction.
That same speaker also raised broader skepticism about long-term spending commitments, including the ongoing cost of maintaining new facilities such as a swimming pool, and questioned whether future policy shifts — including school-choice trends — could affect enrollment assumptions over time.
Later in the meeting, additional questions focused on providing clearer context for taxpayers. One question asked district officials to explain what the estimated monthly tax impact would represent as a percentage increase for a typical homeowner, rather than only presenting the change as a dollar amount. Another question asked how the value of the proposed improvements compares to the district’s existing land and buildings, noting that such context could help residents better understand the overall scale of the investment.
Overall, beyond the more detailed questions raised earlier in the meeting, the remaining comments reflected a common theme: residents wanted clearer financial context, more distinction between core needs and optional projects, and greater confidence that the size of the referendum matches the district’s long-term needs.
Superintendent Responds to Questions
In responding to questions from residents, Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson emphasized that the district’s facilities planning is based primarily on continued growth in the number of resident students.
Anderson said Wayzata Public Schools has historically exceeded enrollment projections, noting that past forecasts have often underestimated how quickly new housing and family turnover bring additional students into the district.
He pointed to the district’s two newest elementary schools as examples. Meadow Ridge Elementary, which opened in 2016, and North Woods Elementary, which opened in 2019, both filled quickly after opening. Anderson said the district now has roughly 800 students in each of those schools, adding that without those facilities the district would have struggled to accommodate the additional enrollment.
Anderson said the district is trying to avoid waiting until schools are already overcrowded before beginning construction. Planning, design, and construction can take several years, he noted, meaning decisions must be made well in advance of when additional classroom space is needed.
He also stressed that the referendum process is the primary mechanism available to public school districts in Minnesota to fund new construction and major facility improvements. District leaders, he said, are responsible for planning ahead to ensure adequate space for students as the community continues to grow.
Follow up Questions
In follow-up questions after the meeting, Wayzata.com asked district officials how confident they are that residents across the district fully understand the scope of the referendum and its potential tax impact.
District leaders said it is difficult to measure whether the community “fully understands” a proposal of this scale, but noted that the district has attempted to provide information through multiple channels. Officials said the district has mailed referendum information to every household in the district, posted detailed materials online, and conducted presentations at schools and community meetings in the months leading up to the April vote.
In follow-up information provided after the meeting, district officials said the projected school district property tax on a $650,000 home would be about $2,826 annually in 2026. If both the facilities referendum and swimming pool question are approved, the district estimates the tax impact would increase by about $33 per month, or $396 per year for that same home.
In contrast, many homeowners across western Hennepin County have experienced double-digit increases in total property tax bills in multiple recent years, driven by rising assessed values and levies from multiple taxing jurisdictions, including cities, counties, and special districts. District officials said they are not able to calculate a comprehensive “all-in” tax bill for residents because the Wayzata school district spans multiple cities and overlapping taxing authorities, resulting in at least 20 different combinations of total property tax rates.
When asked whether existing buildings such as Armstrong High School could potentially be purchased or leased to add capacity, district officials said they were not aware that the building is available and noted that most enrollment growth is occurring on the western side of the district, particularly in Medina and Corcoran.
Conclusion
Despite the scale of the proposal, attendance at the information session appeared modest, with roughly 20 community members present for the two-hour meeting at the district’s Creekside facility in Plymouth.
The proposal now moves to voters across the Wayzata Public Schools district, who will decide the outcome when the referendum appears on the ballot in a special election scheduled for April 14.
How to Vote
Residents of the Wayzata Public Schools district will vote on the referendum in a special election on April 14, 2026.
Vote early by mail: Voters may request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Applications and additional information are available at mnvotes.org.
Vote early in person: Early in-person voting is available at the Wayzata Public Schools District Service Center 13305 12th Avenue N, Plymouth, MN 55441
Feb. 27 – April 13: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 11: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vote on Election Day: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Wayzata School Board has selected Dr. Robb Virgin as the next superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools, pending successful contract negotiations. If finalized, Virgin is expected to begin his role on July 1, 2026.
School Board Chair Dr. Milind Sohoni said the board focused on identifying a leader who reflects the district’s long-standing commitment to excellence.
“We were focused on finding a leader who shares our community’s commitment to student success, strong partnerships with staff and families, and continued excellence in our schools,” Sohoni said. “We look forward to working together to build on the district’s strong foundation, and support every student in reaching their full potential.”
Virgin currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Eden Prairie Schools, where he oversees principals and district directors responsible for programs serving students from Pre-K through age 22. Eden Prairie Schools enrolls approximately 9,400 students.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Wayzata Public Schools community,” Virgin said. “This is a district with an extraordinary reputation that has been so well cared for, and I’m excited to partner with students, staff, families, and the School Board to continue building on its legacy of excellence. I look forward to listening, learning, and moving forward together.”
In his current role, Virgin is a member of Eden Prairie’s Executive Cabinet, helping align district budgets, staffing, and strategic initiatives with school board priorities and long-term goals. The district recently reached its highest enrollment in 15 years, according to school officials.
Over more than 20 years in public education, Virgin has served in multiple leadership roles, including high school principal, executive director of learning and innovation, assistant principal, teacher, and instructional coach. As principal of a high school serving roughly 3,000 students, he led efforts that improved graduation rates and expanded access to advanced coursework.
At the district level, his work has included oversight of curriculum and instructional systems, special services, technology integration, multilingual programming, and learning analytics. He has also supported strategic initiatives related to campus expansion and long-term district planning.
Virgin has served as Acting Superintendent during superintendent absences, providing continuity in executive leadership.
He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, along with a superintendent license from the university. He also earned a Master of Education and a Pre-K–12 Administration Certificate from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in History, Education Studies, and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
The School Board will now begin negotiating a contract with Virgin. District leaders said additional details will be shared in the coming months as the transition process moves forward.
Wayzata Public Schools serves roughly 13,000 students across eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and Wayzata High School.
Mayor Andrew Mullin congratulates Aurora Yager on being selected as the Wayzata City Manager.
WAYZATA — Mayor Andrew Mullin said Wayzata remains financially strong and well positioned for the future, even as the city faces the growing pains that come with being one of the most popular destinations on Lake Minnetonka.
Delivering his annual State of the City address, Mullin described a community experiencing both opportunity and pressure. Wayzata’s restaurants, parks, and lakefront amenities continue to draw visitors from across the metro, bringing energy and economic activity — but also traffic, noise, and new demands on city services.
Mullin recalled a recent conversation with a resident during one of his monthly “Mayor Meetup” sessions at the Wayzata Bar and Grill.
The resident, he said, summed up the moment by describing Wayzata’s popularity as a blessing that can sometimes feel like a headache.
“As I stand before you today, reflecting on our progress over the last year, I’m proud to report that the state of our city remains strong,” Mullin said.
The past year has brought significant transition in city leadership. The Wayzata City Council currently includes Molly MacDonald, Alex Plechash, and Ken Sorensen, along with Dan Cook, who returned to the council following the departure of Jeff Parkhill.
The city also recently concluded a national search for a new city manager, selecting Aurora Yager for the role. Mullin described the leadership changes as part of a broader period of renewal at City Hall.
Public safety leadership also saw changes, with Jamie Baker now leading the police department and Kevin Klapprich continuing to oversee the city’s fire service as the city prepares to create its first full-time fire chief position.
Despite its small size, Wayzata manages a substantial tax base. The city has roughly 4,500 residents but a taxable market value of about $3.6 billion. Its consolidated budget across all funds totals roughly $23.1 million, with a general fund of about $9.8 million. City officials approved a 4.9 percent levy increase for 2026, which Mullin said was the lowest increase in the past five years.
Mullin also reminded residents that only a portion of their property taxes remain in Wayzata. Of every property tax dollar collected, about 37 percent goes to schools, 37 percent goes to Hennepin County, 19 percent goes to the city itself, and the remaining share goes to other jurisdictions.
Education remains one of the largest drivers of local taxes. Mullin encouraged residents to learn more about the upcoming referendum proposed by Wayzata Public Schools, which voters will consider April 14. The proposal totals $561 million and includes renewal of a technology levy, major facility improvements across the district, and a potential aquatic facility at Wayzata High School if the broader measure is approved.
Public safety was another major focus of the mayor’s remarks. Wayzata’s police department now includes 18 sworn officers along with community service officers and records staff. Mullin said the city has strengthened enforcement of nuisance behaviors tied to increased downtown activity, including exhibition driving and unsafe e-bike use. New ordinances allow stronger penalties and give officers additional tools to address issues that have become more common as the city attracts more visitors.
On the fire side, the city is making new investments aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention. Wayzata is increasing firefighter pension contributions, raising wages, and preparing to hire its first full-time fire chief. Fire calls have risen sharply, reaching 385 in 2025, a 36 percent increase since 2023. The city also recently financed a new ladder truck while maintaining its AAA bond rating, the highest credit rating available to municipalities.
Several visible public improvements were completed over the past year as well. The city invested about $1 million in upgrades to Klapprich Park, including an expanded warming house, a new playground, improved drainage for skating and recreation, and better parking access. Improvements also continued along the Wayzata Lakewalk, where the city added step-down access to the water, upgraded transient dockage, and installed marine-grade electrical service.
Development remains a major topic in the community, with several high-profile projects still evolving. The former Moments of Wayzata senior housing proposal site has changed ownership and will no longer proceed as senior housing. The 201 Lake Street redevelopment project remains on hold while developers work through financing challenges, while the redevelopment of the former TCF Bank site remains tied up in litigation. Meanwhile, the Wells Fargo redevelopment project at 900 Wayzata Boulevard is nearing completion.
Residents should also prepare for significant highway construction in the coming months. The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans a $50 million reconstruction and resurfacing project along the U.S. Highway 12 and Interstate 394 corridor between Shoreline Drive and Interstate 494. The project is expected to run from April through the fall, bringing lane reductions and ramp closures that could affect travel to and from Wayzata throughout the summer.
Looking ahead, city leaders are studying long-term facility needs for police and fire services, exploring potential new revenue sources such as a local food and beverage sales tax, and expanding opportunities for residents to engage with city government through community meetings and outreach.
Despite the challenges that accompany growth, Mullin said Wayzata’s strong financial footing and active civic culture position the city well for the future.
“The Hopkins girls basketball team earned their twelfth straight trip to the Class AAAA state tournament with a 78-59 win over Wayzata. The Royals have now defeated the Trojans in eight Section 6AAAA finals in a row. Ava Cupito shot lights out from three and led the Royals with 24 points. Hopkins also got offensive production from Jaliyah Diggs and Erma Walker – scoring 18 and 17 points. The Trojans were led by senior Kate Amelotte, who put up 20 points. Wayzata ends its season with a 22-6 record.” via CCX Media.
The Wayzata School Board on Monday night unanimously selected three finalists to interview for the district’s next superintendent, narrowing a pool of 20 applicants after weeks of screening and community engagement.
The finalists are:
Dr. Rainey Briggs, Chief Operations Officer, Des Moines Public Schools
Dr. Robb Virgin, Assistant Superintendent, Eden Prairie Schools
Six semi-finalists were interviewed by a School Board subcommittee on February 25 and 26 before the board advanced the final three.
Community Engagement Built Into the Process
Each finalist will take part in “A Day in the District” on Thursday, March 5. The schedule includes tours of four Wayzata school buildings and a large-group interview with a representative cross-section of the school community.
District employees, parents, and members of advisory groups—drawn from earlier superintendent search focus groups—will participate. Wayzata students will assist principals in leading the building tours, offering candidates a firsthand look at classrooms and school culture.
Feedback gathered during Thursday’s events will be summarized and shared with the School Board following the final interviews.
Final Interviews Friday at Creekside
The board’s formal interviews with each candidate will begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, at the District’s Creekside Building (16000 41st Ave. N., Plymouth). The interviews are open to the public.
To ensure a fair and consistent process, the district will not livestream the interviews. Recordings will be posted after the interviews conclude and will remain available through Sunday, March 15. The lone finalist’s interview will stay posted indefinitely.
“Our community’s voice is an essential part of this process,” said School Board Chair Dr. Milind Sohoni. “We look forward to engaging staff, students, families and community members on March 5, as we move forward to selecting the next leader of Wayzata Public Schools.”
What Comes Next
Following Friday’s interviews and review of community feedback, the board is expected to name a lone finalist in the coming days. The selection will mark a pivotal transition for one of Minnesota’s highest-performing school districts—and for the thousands of students and families who call Wayzata Public Schools home.
“The Wayzata boys swimming and diving team finished third at the state Class AA meet, trailing only Lake Conference opponents Edina and Minnetonka. It is the third straight state championship for Edina. Wayzata’s Nathan Carr, Noah Landry, Jerry Lou and Benjamin Pei won the 200 Yard Medley Relay to start the meet with the Trojans earning top eight finishes in several other races. Osseo’s Mason Krings had two top-six finishes in swimming. Champlin Park freshman Pengzu Lor won the diving competition with 536.30 points, just three points off the state record. In Class A, Breck/Blake finished second behind St. Thomas Academy.” via CCX Media.
At his State of the City address Thursday evening, Mayor Andrew Mullin announced that the Wayzata City Council has selected Aurora Yager as the city’s next City Manager.
“Earlier this week with the city council, and the vital support of our designated community and employee panels met with our finalists, and after this rigorous process I am proud to announce that Aurora Yager has been selected as our next city manager,” Mullin said to a round of applause.
After the applause subsided, Mullin added with a smile, “Thank you Aurora, for good or bad, we will be partners in crime for the next several years.”
The appointment follows a national search process that drew more than 30 applicants. The City Council reviewed nine semi-finalists before narrowing the field to three finalists, each of whom participated in multiple rounds of interviews involving councilmembers, senior staff, and community representatives.
Yager, who has served as Interim City Manager since October 2025 and previously as Deputy City Manager since 2019, ultimately emerged as the council’s choice.
In her role as Deputy City Manager, Yager served as Director of the Administration Department with oversight of Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and DMV services. She partnered closely with the City Manager and City Council to advance strategic priorities and organizational performance.
Her portfolio has included leading Wayzata’s annual budget process for an approximately $23 million consolidated budget and overseeing updates to the city’s 10-year, $47 million Capital Improvement Plan. She has also directed debt issuance processes and led bond rating calls to maintain the city’s AAA bond rating.
Yager has supervised department heads and administrative staff while supporting the management of roughly 175 employees citywide. Her work has included negotiations on collective bargaining agreements, long-range financial forecasting, and implementation of strategic initiatives such as the city’s first Quality of Life Community Survey.
Before joining Wayzata, Yager served as Assistant City Administrator in Howard Lake, where she managed public works operations along with finance, HR, and communications functions . She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas.
Reached by email Friday morning, Yager shared the following statement:
“I am truly honored to continue serving the Wayzata community as its next City Manager. Over the past six years as Deputy City Manager, I have developed a deep appreciation for Wayzata’s strong sense of community, its outstanding City staff, and its dedicated City Council. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead Wayzata into its next chapter.”
Having observed a portion of the finalist interviews firsthand, it was clear Yager brought both command of operational detail and a steady, composed presence to the process. Her familiarity with Wayzata’s ongoing initiatives and institutional knowledge stood out during questioning.
With the council’s selection now formalized, Yager transitions from interim leadership into the permanent role as the city continues navigating major development discussions, infrastructure planning, and long-term strategic priorities.
Stay tuned for more on the State of the City Address from Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The Wayzata Lions’ annual waffle breakfast at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church drew a strong crowd Saturday morning, with neighbors lining up for hot waffles, coffee, and conversation.
Photos from the event show a full gymnasium, busy volunteers behind the griddles, and families gathered at tables throughout the morning — a clear sign the longtime fundraiser was both well attended and warmly received.
Lion Tim Anderson said, “We had a great time at the Wayzata Lions annual waffle breakfast. Thanks for coming out!”
Organizers called the event a success, with proceeds staying in the local community.
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