Precinct Caucuses Set For Tuesday

The 2020 precinct caucuses will be held Tuesday Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

The locations have been set by each party.

You can find your caucus location here.

$100k Proposed For Valet To Help Businesses During Wayzata Lake Street Construction

At a Feb. 18 Wayzata City Council workshop, city officials reported an update on the first phase of the Panoway Project funding.

Courtesy Panoway Project/City of Wayzata

There is $200 thousand budgeted for mitigation efforts - to help local businesses during the Lake Street construction.

$100 thousand of that will be designated to a potential valet parking system to help get customers to and from restaurants, shops and other businesses. 

The valet system would be available for a three-month period. 

The hub of the valet system would be centered at the intersection of Lake Street and Broadway Avenue.

"That needs to be presented, assuming that we are generally supportive of that dollar amount, to the businesses to get their feedback," said City Manager Jeff Dahl at the Feb. 18 workshop.

Increased communication, inventory, and additional risk insurance would make up the other $100 thousand for mitigation.

The initial phase includes Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza, and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.

The Panoway Project is a part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as its own fund (officially named the Lakefront Improvement Fund).

Courtesy Panoway Project/City of Wayzata

Overall construction cost is projected at $9,049,790. 

A re-bid for the construction work that is a part of Phase 1 of the Panoway Project went out January 30.

The bids are due Thursday, Feb. 20.

A special city council meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 27 primarily to review and potentially approve bids for Phase 1 of the Panoway Project.

At the Nov. 19 city council meeting (Nov. 19), a professional services agreement with Stahl Construction for construction management services for Lake Effect’s first phase was approved.

The agreement includes $25,200 pre-construction services, approximately $100,000 for construction management, $50,000/month for construction services and $4,260/month for reimbursable expenses.

The expectation is that the Stahl expenses will decrease the overall project costs.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

 Stahl was brought in after bids for the first phase came in double the estimated costs earlier this year. The city council rejected those bids in July.

Stahl has been gathering feedback from Lake Street businesses and other stakeholders that will be impacted by the construction which is expected to last from March until September.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is recommending $10 million for a grant to the City of Wayzata for a boardwalk and for ecological restoration along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as a part of the Panoway Project’s Phase 2.

The money is a part of a $300 million proposed investment in water quality and infrastructure projects.

The Governor’s office announced the recommendation in a news release.

The new Minnesota legislative session is scheduled to go through mid-May. The bonding bill will be one of the big talking points.

Wayzata is like many communities asking for the state's help with locally-based projects.

  

---------------

RELATED CONTENT: City of Wayzata Introduces Lake Effect Construction Manager Stahl Construction

RELATED CONTENT: Business Feedback On Lake Street Development Discussed

RELATED CONTENT: Gov. Walz Recommends $10M for Wayzata Lake Effect

Earl Hebeisen, Longtime Wayzata School Teacher, Dies

Earl Hebeisen, a longtime teacher in the Wayzata School District, died at the age of 88 on Feb. 14.

Longtime Wayzata School Teacher Earl Hebeisen/Courtesy Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels

Hebeisen was an elementary teacher at Widsten, Gleason Lake and Oakwood schools for more than 30 years.

He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Debbie; parents, Fred and Lydia; brothers, Chester, Marvin, Fritz, Alloyd, and Floyd; and sisters, Violet, Valeria, Myra, and Marion.

Hebeisen is survived by his wife of 63 and a half years, Clara; sons, David (Pat), Mark (Diane), Dan (Tammy), and Jim (Sue); grandchildren, Jacob, Jessica, Eric (Karla), Jennifer, Adam, Joe, Ian, Alex; great-granddaughters, Katya and Pearl Ann; sister, Dorothy; and brother, Dick.

His interment will take place at St. Barnabas Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred to Hopkins Educational Foundation, Wayzata Education Fund, and Interfaith Outreach.

Wayzata To Update Panoway Funding At Tuesday’s City Council Workshop

On Tuesday, Wayzata city officials will give an update of the latest funding plan for the first phase of the Panoway Project (Lake Effect) which includes Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza, and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, prior to consideration of bids.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy/City of Wayzata

This will take place at the city council workshop at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The Panoway Project is a part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as its own fund (officially named the Lakefront Improvement Fund).

Overall construction cost is projected at $9,049,790. Staff will go over the updated CIP in more detail at the meeting.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy/City of Wayzata

A re-bid for the construction work that is a part of Phase 1 of the Panoway Project went out January 30.

A special city council meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 27 primarily to review and potentially approve bids for Phase 1 of the Panoway Project.

At the Nov. 19 city council meeting (Nov. 19), a professional services agreement with Stahl Construction for construction management services for Lake Effect’s first phase was approved.

The agreement includes $25,200 pre-construction services, approximately $100,000 for construction management, $50,000/month for construction services and $4,260/month for reimbursable expenses.

The expectation is that the Stahl expenses will decrease the overall project costs.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

 Stahl was brought in after bids for the first phase came in double the estimated costs earlier this year. The city council rejected those bids in July.

Stahl has been gathering feedback from Lake Street businesses and other stakeholders that will be impacted by the construction which is expected to last from March until September.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is recommending $10 million for a grant to the City of Wayzata for a boardwalk and for ecological restoration along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as a part of the Panoway Project’s Phase 2.

The money is a part of a $300 million proposed investment in water quality and infrastructure projects.

The Governor’s office announced the recommendation in a news release.

Minnesota lawmakers went back to work on Tuesday. The new session is scheduled to go through mid-May. The bonding bill will be one of the big talking points.

Wayzata is like many communities asking for the state's help with locally-based projects.

There will be plenty of back and forth in St. Paul in developing what the final bonding bill will comprise.

  

---------------

RELATED CONTENT: City of Wayzata Introduces Lake Effect Construction Manager Stahl Construction

RELATED CONTENT: Business Feedback On Lake Street Development Discussed

RELATED CONTENT: Gov. Walz Recommends $10M for Wayzata Lake Effect

Planning Commission To Review New Boatworks Application

The Wayzata Planning Commission will review a new Boatworks Development Application during a public hearing March 4.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

The application proposes the construction of a new four-story, 49-foot tall, mixed-use building at 294 Grove Lane East.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

Boatworks owner Rick Born submitted the new application February 3.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

The previous proposal for a 58-foot tall building was rejected when the Wayzata City Council passed Resolution 50-2019 denyingthe PUD Concept Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments for the redevelopment of Boatworks.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

The change in height from 49 feet to 58 feet is not the only change made in the new proposal. 

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

According to the application other changes include: removal of the roof top patio and mechanical equipment, elimination of the mezzanine level parking deck, addition of public inside seating area, redesigned northeast entry area providing ADA accessibility.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

The main discussion points about the project at previous planning commission and city council meetings were the height of the building, exterior design, pedestrian access to docks and lakeshore and the proposed public benefits.

Courtesy Boatworks II, LLC

You can review the Boatworks Proposed Development Application here.

Crews Battle House Fire On Wayzata Bay

A home under construction caught fire on the 2700 block of Gale Road on Wayzata Bay in the town of Woodland Wednesday night.

Courtesy Mike Wilson

The Wayzata Fire Department, which services Woodland, faced several challenges.

According to Chief Kevin Klapprich, there were no fire hydrants closely available.

Crews had to bring in a water tanker.

Courtesy Mike Wilson

Firefighters also had to contend with the frigid temperatures.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

From Wayzata to St. Paul to New Hampshire

Two significant political events take place today that have ties to the Wayzata community.

One is happening in St. Paul - the other in New Hampshire. Minnesota lawmakers open the 2020 legislative session. Meanwhile, New Hampshire is holding its presidential primary.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar rally Monday in Manchester, New Hampshire/Courtesy amyklobuchar.com

New Hampshire

Wayzata native Sen. Amy Klobuchar is among several Democratic presidential candidates vying for the party's nomination.

Some polls suggest an uptick for her since a debate this past Friday.

The New Hampshire primary follows confusion at the Iowa Caucuses last week in which issues with a mobile app delayed results.

Mark Zdechlik with Minnesota Public Radio is traveling with Sen. Klobuchar along the campaign trail. Zdechlik took a moment to share his insights with Wayzata.com.

“If you look at fundraising alone, they claim $3 million since the last debate that’s not a huge amount of money for some of the other candidates but it is a lot of money for Klobuchar,” said Zdechlik. “The crowds at Klobuchar events are getting bigger and she’s doing better in polls in New Hampshire but ultimately the voters will let us know.” 

Nevada and South Carolina's primaries occur later this month followed by Super Tuesday (March 3) in which a number of states hold their primaries - including Minnesota.

“She has put out a new television ad featuring remarks from that debate that she got so much attention for her doing well in,” said Zdechlik. “She’s just going with a sort of full court press trying to do the best she can to turn out voters.”

State Capitol, St. Paul/Courtesy mn.gov

St. Paul

As the ballots are tabulated in New Hampshire, Minnesota lawmakers get back to work at the Capital today.

A new session is scheduled to go through mid-May.

A bonding bill will be one of the big talking points.

In January, Gov. Tim Walz sent lawmakers his proposed $2 billion list of infrastructure projects he wants included in the bonding bill.

Wayzata's Lake Effect Project made his list. 

Walz is recommending $10 million for a grant to the City of Wayzata for a boardwalk and for ecological restoration along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as a part of the Lake Effect project.

Wayzata is like many communities asking for the state's help with locally-based projects.

There will be plenty of back and forth in St. Paul in developing what the final bonding bill will comprise.

Republicans have stated they would like to trim the governor's $2 billion proposal down.

We'll have to see if Wayzata makes the final cut.

It's not only a bonding bill year, but it's also an election year.

There are a total of 201 seats up for reelection (134 in the House and 67 in the Senate).

This includes District 33A Rep. Jerry Hertaus and District 33 Sen. David Osmek who both represent Wayzata.

Wayzata City Council: Alex Plechash, Johanna McCarthy, Ken Willcox, Dan Koch, Jeff Buchanan

It's also important to note that three city council seats (mayor Ken Willcox, council member Dan Koch and council member Alex Plechash) are up for reelection in Wayzata this November. 

Storm Sewer Repairs Begin Along Wayzata Blvd & Grand Ave

Storm sewer pipe repairs begin this week in Wayzata along the south side of Wayzata Boulevard to the east of Grand Avenue South.

There will be a lane restriction for eastbound traffic on Wayzata Boulevard.

The City of Wayzata hired Widmer Construction, LLC to do the work.

Ice Fishing On Lake Minnetonka

When most people think of Lake Minnetonka, perhaps a warm, sun-splashed day crawling with boats comes to mind. 

Ice Fishing Houses In The Distance On Grays Bay, Lake Minnetonka

No doubt the lake is a big draw when the days are long, but when the north wind blows fiercely and the temperatures plummet, lake activity doesn’t hibernate – it simply takes a different shape.

A great example of this weekend's Wayzata's Chilly Open. The community has hosted the event since 1984. Nearly 2,000 people are likely to take part in the unique frozen golf event.

Another example of winter lake activity is ice fishing which has a long history on Lake Minnetonka.

Thelma Jones documented ice fishing on Lake Minnetonka in the early 1900s in her 1957 book Once Upon a Lake. Jones told the stories of many of the early settlers of the area. 

William A. Gonyea was 90 years old when he looked back on a lifetime of ice fishing. 

Gonyea was quoted in the book, “It’s the excitement. There’s something about ice fishing if you have the patience. You sit there watching the bobber. There’s something about it. Maybe today they’ll bite.”

Despite improvements in clothing and equipment, the number of people ice fishing each year continues to drop.

In the past, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted aerial surveys of the number of fish houses on Lake Minnetonka. In 1961, the DNR spotted 2,125 houses from above. During the last year of aerial surveys, 2003, only 242 were recorded.

Warmer temperatures and thinner ice have had an impact over the years.

But the lake is still full of fish. And for those who brave the elements, it can be very rewarding.

There’s less competition than in the old days and less worry that your fellow angler will move in and crowd your lucky spot. 

So, make a seat on your bucket or cozy up in that fancy fish house and enjoy the peaceful quiet of a lake that can be enjoyed all through the year.

3 Wayzata City Council Seats Up In 2020

Monday's Iowa Caucuses have squarely fixed the nation's political focus on our border state to the south. Wayzata native, Amy Klobuchar, and several other Democratic presidential candidates are hoping to win over the Hawkeye State.

A month from now, Minnesota will participate in Super Tuesday. Minnesotans and people living in 13 other states will take part in their own presidential primaries.

Wayzata City Council: Alex Plechash, Johanna McCarthy, Ken Willcox, Dan Koch, Jeff Buchanan

At a local level, let's fast forward to November - three members of the Wayzata city council will be up for re-election: Mayor Ken Willcox, council member Dan Koch and council member Alex Plechash.

Willcox was elected mayor in 2008 after serving on the city council and the city planning commission. He ran unopposed in 2008, 2012 and 2016. He told Wayzata.com that he is "undecided" as to whether he will run again for mayor in 2020.

Council members Koch and Plechash are currently in their first four-year term. Both ran unopposed in 2016.

Pleschash told Wayzata.com that he intends to run for re-election this year. And so did Koch.

“I really enjoy being on the council and enjoy serving with my fellow colleagues on the council,” stated Koch in an email to Wayzata.com. “I would like to continue serving and currently plan to run for re-election, barring any unforeseen circumstances that would make me change my mind leading up to the filing deadline.”

Considering Mayor Willcox said he is undecided about running for mayor again, Wayzata.com asked the other two council members, Johanna McCarthy and Jeff Buchanan if they would consider running for mayor should Willcox not seek another term.

“I am unsure at this time,” stated Buchanan in an email to Wayzata.com.

“I haven't thought about it,” stated McCarthy. “I'd want to confer with my colleagues on the council and others, especially Mayor Willcox, before making that decision. It is a big responsibility that I don't take lightly and would want to ensure that whoever is in that role, that person is the best one to represent all constituents in Wayzata.”

That's where things stand here in February.

Wayzata.com will continue to track the city council race as we march toward the November 3rd election.

There are a couple of dates to circle on your calendar before then.

Filing for the mayor and the two council member seats begin on July 28. That window closes on August 11.

Below is a list of city council election results since 2000.

Source: Minnesota Secretary of State/City of Wayzata

(* = winner)

2000

Mayor

*Barry Petit 1,194 (votes)

Sue Bangert 1,129

City Council (two seats)

*Robert (Bob) Ambrose 1,372

*Robyn Cook 1,190

Lynn Gruber 1,020

2002

City Council (two seats)

*Andrew Humphrey 1,028

*Sue Bangert 1022

Barry Birkholz 763

Gayle Wilson 677

2004

Mayor

*Andrew Humphrey 1,989 (unopposed)

City Council (two seats)

*Ken Willcox 1,244

*John Berns 1,211

Jim Gooley 933

2006

City Council (two seats)

*Sue Bangert 1,126
*Jack Amdal 758
Tom Tanner 695
Doug Hudson 539

2008

Mayor

*Ken Willcox 1,803 (unopposed)

City Council (two seats)

*Andrew Mullin 1,210
*Mary Bader 1,196
Tom Tanner 948

2010

City Council (two seats)

*Tom Tanner 898
*Jack Amdal 861
Jim Wilson 749

2012

Mayor

*Ken Willcox 1,842 (unopposed)

City Council (two seats)

*Andrew Mullin (re elected) 1261
*Bridget Anderson 1079
Alex Plechash 1076


2014

City Council (two seats)

*Steven Tyacke 865
*Johanna McCarthy 799
Alex Plechash 789
Jack Amdal 730


2016

Mayor

*Ken Willcox 2,226 (unopposed)

City Council (two seats)

*Dan Koch 1,718 (unopposed)
*Alex Plechash 1,715 (unopposed)

2018

City Council (two seats)

*Johanna McCarthy ,1337
*Jeff Buchanan 1,028
Cathy Iverson 956
Barry Petit 821

Eibensteiner Retires From Public Works After Nearly 33 Years

Wayzata Public Works Superintendent Jim Eibensteiner retired Friday after nearly 33 years of service.

Courtesy City of Wayzata

Eibensteiner was involved in managing the city’s infrastructure including sewer lining, water main breaks, street repairs and general customer service.

Congrats on your retirement Jim!

Ready To Win The (Boat Slip) Lottery?

The deadline for the boat slip renewal and lottery application is this coming Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Courtesy City of Wayzata

The city of Wayzata maintains a 100-slip marina near the beach.

All permits will be issued in the following order of priority:

• Class 1 – Residents of Wayzata
• Class 2 – Persons owning real property in Wayzata who do not reside in Wayzata
• Class 3 – Persons who work in Wayzata
• Class 4 – All other applicants

You can find out more information here.

Wayzata’s Klapprich Field

In the summer, it’s the “ping” of an aluminum bat hitting a baseball and dogs barking in a seasonal dog park. This time of year, it’s the sound of a hockey stick slapping a hockey puck and the sound of skates on ice. We’re talking about the sounds of Wayzata’s Klapprich Field.

Skaters play pick up hockey at Klapprich Park. Photo by Nate Leding. © 2020 Wayzata.com.

If you grew up in Wayzata or are currently living in Wayzata, you know exactly where Klapprich Field is located. 

It’s been there for decades along Wayzata Boulevard between Minnetonka and Barry Avenues.

And hockey enthusiasts play between boards that are used as a dog park enclosure during warmer weather.

Klapprich Field was featured nationally when Coors Light shot a hockey commercial in early 2017.

OK, so that’s the here and now. But what was the genesis of this cherished local gathering place?

Klapprich Field is named after a local man Ed Klapprich. The Wayzata City Council passed a resolution back in 1955 to name the recreation area in honor of Klapprich for his efforts to make the field what it is today.

In the early 1940s, Klapprich rounded up a crew of volunteers loading wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of dirt into a marsh.

 They spread the dirt with shovels.

A hockey rink was completed on the east end of the marsh by the mid-1940s. The boards surrounding the rink stood only 18 inches high. The warming house was a donated garage.

By 1947, a team of 14-year-olds from Wayzata, Hamel, Sunset Hill, Minnetonka Beach, the Woodhill Club and Medicine Lake was formed. Klapprich was the coach.

In 1955, Klapprich and others passionate about hockey went before the school board to ask for a hockey program for Wayzata High School. 

The board agreed and the team would play at the rink on the marsh with Klapprich as the head coach.

In the late 1950s, a cement block warming house was constructed on the northwest corner of the rink.

 

While the hockey rink kept kids busy during the winter, the baseball field provided hours of summer fun.

In July of 1948, the ball field was ready for games.

The local team, the Little Giants, beat a South Minneapolis team in the first game.

Klapprich Field was added to the Wayzata Parks System in 1986.

In 2005, the old warming house made way for a new one.

One man’s vision of year-round fun for local children more than seven decades ago lives on today.

Special City Council Meeting Scheduled For Feb. 27

The Wayzata City Council will hold a special city council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27.

City staff told Wayzata.com that the special city council meeting was primarily scheduled to review and potentially approve bids for Phase 1 of the Lake Effect (Panoway) project.

Stahl Construction was retained by the city to manage the bidding process.

Bids are set to go out on Thursday.

Wayzata Head Football Coach Lambert Brown Going To Super Bowl!

Wayzata head football coach Lambert Brown is going to the Super Bowl next Sunday in Miami.

Wayzata Trojans Head Football Coach Lambert Brown

Brown was selected as the Minnesota Vikings' high school football coach represented at the Pro Bowl in Orlando.

"I'm one of the two semifinalists, which means that we're going to the Super Bowl next week," said Brown.

The NFL will announce the winner of the 2019 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award at Sunday's Pro Bowl.

Brown lead the Trojans to a state football title last season.

Lake Street Construction Bids Scheduled To Go Out Thursday

A re-bid for the construction work that is a part of Phase 1 of the Wayzata Lake Effect (Panoway) Project will go out next week.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy/City of Wayzata

“We’re going to plan on moving forward with the solicitation of bids on the 30th (of January),” said city manager Jeff Dahl at Tuesday’s city council workshop.

Previously, the re-bids for the project were scheduled to go out in mid-February. 

The new January 30 bid solicitation date will afford more time for the bidding process.

At the Nov. 19 city council meeting (Nov. 19), a professional services agreement with Stahl Construction for construction management services for Lake Effect’s first phase was approved.

The agreement includes $25,200 pre-construction services, approximately $100,000 for construction management, $50,000/month for construction services and $4,260/month for reimbursable expenses.

The expectation is that the Stahl expenses will decrease the overall project costs.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy/City of Wayzata

Stahl was brought in after bids for the first phase came in double the estimated costs earlier this year. The city council rejected those bids in July.

“We have targeted a construction open house at the end of February,” said Stahl Construction President Jessie Houlihan.

Stahl has been gathering feedback from Lake Street businesses and other stakeholders that will be impacted by the construction which is expected to last from March until September.

“Get in, get out and do whatever it takes to get it done as quickly as possible,” said Gianni’s owner Terri Huml. “The thing that concerns me the most is that intersection (Lake Street & Broadway Avenue). That’s going to be closed during Mother’s Day and Easter.”

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is recommending $10 million for a grant to the City of Wayzata for a boardwalk and for ecological restoration along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as a part of the Lake Effect project’s Phase 2.

The money is a part of a $300 million proposed investment in water quality and infrastructure projects.

The Governor’s office announced the recommendation in a news release.

---------------

RELATED CONTENT: City of Wayzata Introduces Lake Effect Construction Manager Stahl Construction

RELATED CONTENT: Business Feedback On Lake Street Development Discussed

RELATED CONTENT: Gov. Walz Recommends $10M for Wayzata Lake Effect

Wayzata Early Kindergarten Entrance Applications Accepted Through May 1

Children who are five years old by September 1 are eligible to begin kindergarten.

Wayzata Public Schools offers early kindergarten entrance for children who turn five between September 2 and October 15 and reside in Wayzata Public Schools at the time of application.

Children who demonstrate superior intellectual ability, high levels of academic achievement, and social/emotional development well-advanced for their age may be considered for early kindergarten entrance.

Applications will be accepted through May 1.

District staff will evaluate eligible students from mid-May through June and will make a decision by June 30.

Visit www.wayzataschools.org/district/teaching-learning/gifted-talented to view the early kindergarten entrance criteria and complete the application.

City Council Approves Section Foreman House Preservation Site Designation

At Tuesday’s Wayzata city council meeting, the council unanimously approved a motion to place an Historic Preservation Site designation on the Section Foreman House.

Courtesy City of Wayzata

The Section Foreman House was built in 1902 to support the section foremen and their families.

Resolution 03-2020

The section foreman was in charge of a section gang tasked with making sure the railroad tracks were in good repair.

The Wayzata Section Foreman House is believed to be the only section house in Minnesota still standing at its original location.

The Section Foreman House is located along the railroad tracks on Lake Minnetonka just east of where the Great Northern Depot stands. The depot was built in 1906.

With a Heritage Preservation Site designation in place, a site alteration permit will be need to be approved by the City Council.

The main reason for the site alteration permit  is to ensure that no changes will be made that will impair the historical integrity of the structure. The process allows for more public input and transparency around proposed changes to historic house.

Disclaimer: Dan Gustafson, owner of Wayzata.com, serves as chair of the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board.

2020 Wayzata Art Experience Cancelled

The annual Wayzata Art Experience has been cancelled for 2020.

Courtesy Wayzata Art Experience

The Wayzata Chamber of Commerce announced the cancellation in a news release.

The two-day celebration was established in 2004.

It was scheduled for Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23.

This year’s Art Experience was cancelled due to construction scheduled  for Lake Street as a part of the Lake Effect (Panoway) Project. 

The construction is scheduled to begin in March.

Wayzata City Council To Review Section Foreman House Preservation Site Designation Request

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, the council will review a preservation site designation request for the Wayzata’s Section Foreman House.

Courtesy City of Wayzata

On Monday, Dec. 16, the Wayzata Planning Commission reviewed a request from the Heritage Preservation Board to designate the Section Foreman House as a Heritage Preservation Site.

Courtesy City of Wayzata/WCTV

The commissioners unanimously approved a motion to direct staff to prepare a draft Planning Commission report and recommendation for approval that the Section Foreman House be designated as a Historic Preservation Site to be reviewed and adopted at the next Planning Commission meeting.

According to city code, the designation requires a public hearing with the Planning Commission and approval by City Council.

The Section Foreman House was built in 1902 to support the section foremen and their families.

The section foreman was in charge of a section gang tasked with making sure the railroad tracks were in good repair.

The Wayzata Section Foreman House is believed to be the only section house in Minnesota still standing at its original location.

The Section Foreman House is located along the railroad tracks on Lake Minnetonka just east of where the Great Northern Depot stands. The depot was built in 1906.

With a Heritage Preservation Site designation in place, a site alteration permit will be need to be approved by the City Council.

The main reason for the site alteration permit  is to ensure that no changes will be made that will impair the historical integrity of the structure. The process allows for more public input and transparency around proposed changes to historic house.

Disclaimer: Dan Gustafson, owner of Wayzata.com, serves as chair of the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board.

Business Feedback On Lake Street Development Discussed Tuesday

On Tuesday, the Wayzata city council will discuss the Panoway On Wayzata Bay plan at a workshop prior to the city council meeting.

Tuesday's workshop is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. followed by the regular city council meeting at    7 p.m.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy

You can read the city council workshop packet here.

Stahl Construction, the company authorized to rebid Phase I of the Panoway construction project, will summarize the feedback it received recently from Lake Street businesses.

Stahl was introduced at a city council meeting in December.

Courtesy City of Wayzata/WCTV

At a previous city council meeting (Nov. 19), a professional services agreement with Stahl Construction for construction management services for Lake Effect’s first phase was approved.

The agreement includes $25,200 pre-construction services, approximately $100,000 for construction management, $50,000/month for construction services and $4,260/month for reimbursable expenses.

The city stated these costs will be paid out of the Lake Effect Fund and were previously unplanned.

The expectation is that the Stahl expenses will decrease the overall project costs.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

Stahl was brought in after bids for the first phase came in double the estimated costs earlier this year. City council rejected those bids in July.

Courtesy City of Wayzata/WCTV

On Tuesday, Stahl and city staff will discuss valet parking, construction work during off hours and increased signage.

In addition to discussing the construction project, the city council will talk about the marketing and communications plan.

According to the city council workshop packet, the marketing and communications plan will cost $100,000. The city will pay for $70,000 and the Lake Effect Conservancy will pay for $30,000.

Goff Public, True Voice Communications and Fuzzy Duck created a proposal for the work.

You can read more about the proposal in the city council workshop packet beginning on page 13.

The proposal comprises the following:

• Messaging and training - $5,000
• Philanthropy fact sheets - $3,500
• Website - $4,500
• Social media - $5,500
• Owned channels - $4,000
• Media relations - $4,000
• Stakeholder/donor meetings - $1,000
• Brand ambassador training - $7,500
• Groundbreaking event - $21,000
• Ongoing communications and strategy - $44,000

Back in July, the city council approved a $40,000 Business District Initiative Agreement with Hennepin County. 

That money was designated for the Navigate Wayzata campaign.

The marketing initiative as aimed at informing the public about Wayzata/Superior Boulevard and Highway 101 bridge construction. 

Goff and Fuzzy Duck were hired to work on that initiative.

You can read about this project in the July 2, 2019 city council packet beginning on page 258. 

Wayzata Public Schools Dismissing Early Ahead Of Winter Storm

A significant winter storm will arrive Friday afternoon. 

Wayzata Public Schools will be dismissing school two hours early on Friday, Jan. 17. 

This means your school will dismiss two hours earlier than the normal dismissal time. All students will take the bus home or will need to be picked up at the earlier dismissal time. Home Base and Bright Start will be closed Friday afternoon.

All after-school and evening activities at elementary and middle schools (including the Central Middle School dome and arena) are canceled on Friday.

The National Weather Service is predicting 7-10 inches for Wayzata.

Blowing and drifting snow could be an issue on Saturday.

When big snow comes, the city of Wayzata has a specific protocol it follows.

If the snowfall is two or more inches by 8 p.m., the snow parking regulations kick in at 2 a.m. the following morning.

That means any vehicles parked on unplowed city streets will be tagged and possibly towed.

Residents can call (952) 404-5369 after 8 p.m. to find out if the parking ordinance is in effect.

Gov. Walz Recommends $10M for Wayzata Lake Effect

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is recommending $10 million for a grant to the City of Wayzata for a boardwalk and for ecological restoration along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka as a part of the Lake Effect project.

This is a part of a $300 million proposed investment in water quality and infrastructure projects.

The Governor’s office announced the recommendation in a news release.

In November, City Manager Jeff Dahl stated that he and other city officials met with the Governor’s office to discuss bonding bill funding for the Lake Effect Project.

“This is all in preparation for our ask of $10 million to help with this overall project,” said Dahl at a city council meeting in November. “In late winter, early spring we will be active again in trying to leverage our community support in getting regional support. While it’s for the residents of the city of Wayzata, certainly people come from outside Wayzata and we think it’s appropriate the state pay its fair share.”

On Nov. 14, The City of Wayzata hosted the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee to learn about the Lake Effect Project.

This follows a visit from a similar committee from the Minnesota Senate a few weeks prior.

The state portion would come from an upcoming legislative bonding bill.

Now, state legislators in St. Paul will review the Governor’s recommendations when the next legislative session begins next month.

The $10 million ask of the state is to fund later stages of the Lake Effect Project. The initial phase will be paid for by the city.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of LakeStreet, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

A groundbreaking  is scheduled for March.

Wayzata High School Seeking Professionals As Mentors

The school is looking for mentors in Business Management and Economics as well as Cybersecurity and Applied Mathematics.

Mentors and students are expected to communicate at least once a week and meet four to five times between February and May.

You can find more information at: wayzataschools.org/whs/academics/compass.

Contact Miriam Lejonvarn – Miriam.legonvarn@wayzataschools.org or 763.745.6884 – if interested.

Wayzata Welcomes Back Firefighter Chris Mattson

The Wayzata Fire Department welcomed back firefighter Chris Mattson at Tuesday's City Council Meeting.

Mattson had been with the WFD years ago, moved out of town and then moved back.

Jan. 7, 2020 City Council Meeting (Courtesy WCTV)

"To get back with the band of brothers," said Mattson. "And get around some positive people again, was really a desire for me and my family."

City Hall Remodel Project Moving Forward Amid Higher Than Anticipated Bids

At Tuesday’s Wayzata City Council meeting, city staff recommended authorizing RJM Construction to award the bids and approve the proposal with Henricksen for the City Hall remodel project.

Jan. 7, 2020 City Council Meeting (Courtesy WCTV)

In 2019, the city identified approximately $318,000 in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for the project.

You can review the project notes in the city council packet beginning on page 138 here.

RJM Construction is the project manager for the project.

The bids RJM received totaled more than $518,000.

City Hall would make up most of the cost of the remodel at an approximate price of $334,000. 

Police, motor vehicles and furniture comprise the balance of the total.

According to the city, the overall goals of the project were to create additional work spaces for employees, improve visibility and safety and increased efficiency for DMV and city hall lobbies.

Current market conditions contributed to why the bids received were $200,000 more than anticipated.

City staff stated that the $200,000 gap could be reduced by value engineering ($50,000) and the General Fund Capital Improvements Plan ($150,000).

The city council motioned to have staff authorize RJM to award bids and approve the contract with Henricksen by removing any new office furniture from the project that can be delayed without adding future costs and a reduction of construction management fees based on an updated project.

A phased construction plan would begin in February and finish in April.

The city hall front office and police department would be a part of the first phase.

The second phase would include motor vehicles and back offices.

Wayzata.com: A Commitment To Journalism Excellence

Happy New Year,

My name is Nate Leding and my hometown is Wayzata.

I spent two decades as a journalist working throughout the country behind the scenes in television news. I obtained my Masters in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.

My wife and I met in kindergarten at Widsten Elementary in Wayzata. We have a 12-year-old daughter.

I am thrilled to be writing for Wayzata.com and covering the news in my hometown.

I believe every community deserves great journalism and that's what Wayzata.com is all about.

We want to cover the news that matters to this community.

Our mission is to create a more informed public by collecting and distributing high-quality news and information.

We hold those who serve and influence this community to a high standard.

We also hold ourselves to a high standard and expect excellence in journalism based on honest, fair and ethical reporting.

If you have a news tip, letter to the editor or would like to see something covered - email me at nate@wayzata.com.

Here's to a great 2020!

-Nate

City Council To Discuss Panoway (Lake Effect) Phasing and Logistics Plan

The Wayzata City Council will get an update on the Panoway on Wayzata Bay (Lake Effect) phasing and logistics plan at Tuesday's city council workshop.

Courtesy Lake Effect Conservancy

The construction project includes Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and Dakota Rail Trail Regional Extension. 

According to the city council workshop agenda, Stahl Construction, the company hired by the city to handle the bidding process, has met with business owners along the 600 block of Lake Street.

The Panoway (Lake Effect) portion of the workshop is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

Stahl Construction President Jessie Houlihan addresses city council Dec. 3, 2019

Stahl will hold an open house on Tuesday with construction project stakeholders, according to the workshop agenda.

At the Nov. 19 city council meeting, a professional services agreement with Stahl Construction for construction management services for Lake Effect’s first phase was approved.

The agreement includes $25,200 pre-construction services, approximately $100,000 for construction management, $50,000/month for construction services and $4,260/month for reimbursable expenses.

The city stated these costs will be paid out of the Lake Effect Fund and were previously unplanned.

The expectation is that the Stahl expenses will decrease the overall project costs.

Lake Effect’s first phase essentially consists of Lake Street, Lake Street Plaza and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Extension.

Stahl was brought in after bids for the first phase came in double the estimated costs earlier this year. City council rejected those bids in July.

Stahl Wayzata Lake Street Communications Timeline

According to Stahl’s Wayzata Lake Street Communications Timeline provided in the city workshop agenda, there will be monthly updates on the Lake Street Project including an open house in January.

The regular monthly updates will include: construction updates, social media content, dedicated construction website and newsletter content, and neighborhood/local business meetings, according to the timeline.

The timeline also states that there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of construction in March. There will be substantial completion prior to James J. Hill Days according to the timeline.

Stahl offered other marketing ideas for consideration including: promoting local businesses, Chamber of Commerce cross promotions, engagement of local media, as well as print materials including yard signs, postcards, billboards and brochures.

Stahl High Level Project Pull Plan

According to Stahl’s High Level Project Pull Plan, bids for the project are scheduled to go out Feb. 13, 2020. The selection of bids and bid approval are scheduled for the Feb. 18, city council meeting. 

The plan states that an open house and groundbreaking will take place in February. 

Construction is slated to begin in March according to Stahl’s plan.

Legislative Bonding Bill

On Nov. 14, The City of Wayzata hosted the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee to learn about the Lake Effect Project.

This follows a visit from a similar committee from the Minnesota Senate a few weeks prior.

The city is asking the state for $10 million of an estimated $20 million to complete the Lake Effect Project.

The state portion would come from an upcoming legislative bonding bill.