Thank You Mayor Willcox

This summer, Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox announced that after 12 years as Mayor he was not running for re-election.

During the last 20 years, he has served the City of Wayzata through a variety of roles, with the last 12 years as Mayor. 

Willcox has committed over 50 years of his life to public service and nearly three decades specifically to local governments. 

Willcox was born in New York City, but has lived in the Twin Cities since he was five or six. He grew up in Southwest Minneapolis.

He later got a degree in economics from Williams College and later went to the University of Minnesota to gain his MBA.

Willcox served in the Navy and was stationed on a ship off the coastal waters in Vietnam. After his tour, he remained in the Navy reserves for another 24 years and retired as a Captain.

Willcox then got involved in the trucking business – big and small. He spent time as the head of strategic planning for Tonka Toys and remembers attending toy fairs all over the world.

Later, he and a friend got a patent and went into business together.

"We got in a business that made air ride upper couplers for semis."

He and his business partner became aware of another company that was for sale in southern Minnesota making truck bodies.

“That's kind of what we did. We manufactured air suspensions and truck bodies and did that for the next 25 plus years."

While living in Minnetonka, he became interested in city government.

“There was going to be a bridge built over the railroad tracks near our house and I didn't know how that decision got made. I started tuning in to what the Minnetonka City Council was talking about."

He wanted to become involved and served on Minnetonka’s Planning Commission.

“After you're in city government it is fascinating."

Willcox and wife Winnie moved to Wayzata, and in 2000, he got on the Planning Commission.

He served one term and was then elected to city council for one term and then ran for mayor when Andrew Humphrey stepped down as mayor.

"There were a lot of difficult, big projects and challenges that we had. First, was trying to get Wayzata to pull out of the recession 2008-2010. We were in tough shape.”

The next big issue was what to do with the Bay Center. It sat on a swamp and would require thousands of pilings to build anything there.

Two developers were approved, but after further cost analysis, could not afford to build.

"By the time Presbyterian Homes came around, we knew we had to be very flexible with our ordinances. And that's why it looks the way it does."

When Presbyterian Homes was set to build, a decision had to be made about the old city’s municipal liquor store, bar and restaurant which was located in the path of the development.

"Staying in the liquor business was a big project. It was controversial whether we build a new Muni. We did that and that's been a success."

Willcox was mayor when the Bushaway Road construction took place.

"We battled the County for five years to preserve the charm. We finally got that to a point where we were satisfied.”

And of course, there is there’s Lake Street, specifically Broadway Avenue and west.

"I was door knocking for my first run for City Council, back in 2004, and a guy said why do you have a parking lot in a key part of town (adjacent to Cov). He said you can't even see the lake. I said that's a good question. That started the whole process."

After a decade of planning, construction began this summer, and a plaza has replaced the parking lot.

But development in Wayzata is not welcome with open arms and Willcox acknowledges that.

"Almost every time you see a developer’s drawings or renderings, the actual building comes out looking much bigger than what it appeared on paper. Almost everything we approved over the years came out bigger than I thought it would be. I would have preferred we didn't have to build a five-story building in the Promenade area. In retrospect, I don't think we had any choice. Of course, we passed an ordinance right after it was approved that basically prevented anyone else from ever doing that anywhere else in town."

What does the outgoing mayor wish for the incoming mayor, Johanna McCarthy?

"I was blessed with a lot of talent around me. We've got that talent here in town. I would hope for Johanna that the community come forward to help her."

When 2021 rolls around, Willcox and his wife plan on traveling a lot. But, the pandemic has put those plans on ice.

"We planned on traveling our brains out, but that's not happening. We have reservations in Hawaii that aren't going to happen."

As Willcox looks ahead, he hopes the city hangs on to what makes it so special.

"The future of Wayzata, what I hope for, is to fight the development pressures and try to preserve the small-town scale and charm of the place. It's one of the only organic, natural downtowns in all the suburbs. We are so lucky to have that. We can't let it become Miami beach."

Wayzata Christmas Tree Pickup Starts January 4

Wayzata Public Works will start curbside pick up of Christmas trees and spruce tops the week of January 4. 

City officials ask that before placing your tree at the curb, remove all nails, screws, wires, tree stands, tinsel, plastic bags, glass, and metal decorations. 

Wreaths are not accepted. 

Gov. Walz Extends Indoor Dining Restrictions, Outdoor Dining Option Begins Saturday

Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that the indoor dining restrictions will be extended through the holiday season. The current order was set to expire at midnight Friday.

Gov. Tim Walz addresses the media Dec. 16, 2020

The new order will allow outdoor dining at bars and restaurants with a capacity of 50% and a maximum of 100 people.

Bars and restaurants can start to open outdoor dining on Saturday.

Indoor seating will not be allowed until at least Jan. 10.

Meanwhile, health clubs can reopen on Saturday with a 25% capacity limit and a 100-person maximum.

Youth and high school sports teams can begin practicing on Jan. 4.

You can read the entire executive order here:

https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2020-103%20Final_tcm1055-458404.pdf

Wayzata Vape Store Denied License Amid Underage Sales Violations

On Tuesday, the Wayzata City Council voted unanimously to deny the 2021 tobacco sales license for North Shore Vape, LLC on Wayzata Boulevard. City staff recommended the action based on the applicant’s pattern, over several years, of lacking compliance controls and multiple illegal sales of vaping products to individuals under 21.

In 2020, Wayzata Police received four complaints of underage person purchasing vaping products from North Shore Vape.

Additional reports of underage person inside the store were made by both parents and officers.

One report from a parent indicated an 8th grade student, their child's classmate, was seen leaving North Shore Vape with vaping products. Officers also observed children inside the business who they identified as being as young as 16 years old on multiple occasions, although store management (and signage) indicates no one under 18 is allowed in the store.

According to the city, the manager of the store failed a compliance check in September 2020 when he sold vaping products to an underage person.

"He passed two, failed one (compliance checks). (The city) waited 45 days to notify him of it. 45 days,” said the owner’s attorney James Ventura during the city council meeting. “I can’t understand the purpose or reason unless it was to have this day, to try to punish him by denying his license and it is the only business he does out of that shop.”

Wayzata Police identified a former employee who indicated, in a recorded statement, that the owner encouraged them to "sell to everyone regardless of age."

“I am confident in the Chief’s report and disappointed to see what I saw and as a parent in this community,” said Councilmember Johanna McCarthy.

Local Restaurant Servers Optimistic Despite Pandemic’s Impact

One week ago, the National Restaurant Association sent a letter to Congressional leadership emphasizing that the restaurant industry needs assistance.

According to the letter, “more than 500,000 restaurants of every business type – franchise, chain, and independent – are in economic free fall.”

Eighty-seven percent of full-service restaurants (independent, chain, and franchise) report an average 36% drop in sales revenue, according to the survey.

6Smith Server Amanda Arnold and her dog Charlie

And with every restaurant trying to make ends meet, there are dozens of employees impacted.

“Although the restaurant certainly suffered lost revenue, my hours were not impacted during the summer months as 6Smith has a gorgeous lakeside patio and rooftop bar for outdoor dining,” said 6Smith server and Wayzata resident Amanda Arnold. “However, as summer came to an end and things moved back to limited indoor dining, my hours were drastically reduced. The combination of restrictions on indoor dining capacity along with a seasonal reduction in business levels (which is to be expected during the fall months at a lakeside restaurant) reduced my hours from a full time forty hour per week schedule to a part time fifteen hour per week schedule.”

Arnold moved to Minnesota from Colorado and her job in the service industry is not just a gig, it is a career and a passion.

“I have been in the service industry for almost fifteen years. Not only do I love doing what I do, I am also very good at it,” said Arnold. “I have a double major in Accounting and Finance and paid for my Bachelors Degree with the money I made waiting tables. After college, I spent two years as an auditor in public accounting and quickly came to terms with the reality that I was miserable. My return to the service industry was one of the best decisions I made and I am not considering another occupation anytime soon. Furthermore, it took years of hard work to get where I am in this industry, including tenure at the Ritz Carlton in Denver and years working at fine dining establishments in Aspen, Colorado.”

Amanda Arnold & Cam Schaefer

 Arnold’s boyfriend, Cam Schaefer, also works at 6Smith.

“And just as 6smith relies on us to deliver a fantastic experience to our fabulous guests, we rely on 6smith not only for income but for a sense of family and community,” said Schaefer. “6smith has been feeding all of its employees and their families throughout the shutdown, via a daily meal available for pickup around lunchtime. It is this spirit which makes me proud to be an employee. ‘We are all in this together’ - that's our motto this pandemic. “

Despite of the challenges facing the service industry, Schaefer, like Arnold, would not want to work in a different industry.

“Absolutely not,” said Schaefer. “Being a career server at a high-end establishment is not something you stumble into. It took years of hard work to get to where I am at.” 

Unemployment has helped, but it only goes so far.

“I am currently using unemployment,” said Arnold. “Although the money I receive is only a small fraction of what I make at 6Smith, it is just enough to pay my bills and feed my family until the restaurant is able to reopen for indoor dining. However, many of my coworkers that have mortgages, car payments, and children are in a more precarious predicament.”

Both Arnold and Schaefer understand the health concerns that led to the current restrictions on Minnesota restaurants, but they believe more needs to be done to support the establishments.

“It would be nice if Congress passed a bill to provide stimulus for those in need as state unemployment is not enough for many,” said Arnold.

Until then, shop local and support local.

“You have heard it a million times but it couldn’t be more true! Support local! Buy gift-cards, order takeout, tip well,” said Schaefer.

“Restaurants may be temporarily closed for indoor dining but they are still open for takeout. You can support your local businesses by ordering your favorite food curbside,” said Arnold. “If takeout food isn’t for you, purchase some gift cards! For every $100 you spend on gift cards at 6Smith you will receive a free $25 gift card for yourself this holiday season. Once we reopen, get excited, make a reservation, and let us do what we do best which is providing an exceptional dining experience.”

6Smith Server Amanda Arnold and her dog Charlie

“I feel lucky and blessed to be where I am,” said Schaefer. “I live here in Wayzata, a town that I have come to adore, with my beautiful girlfriend Amanda and her doodle Charlie. I ride my bike to work every day, along Minnetonka’s glistening shores. I work outside almost every day all summer and get to connect with so many of you. I couldn’t be prouder of the way you are all handling this pandemic! In spite of everything you all come to our restaurant in great spirits and share your wonderful energy with all of us. Minnesota you are fabulous and thank you for taking care of us! People helping people, it's a beautiful thing.”

Wayzata Post Office To Carry Ramstad’s Name

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Dean Phillips introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Minnesota Rep. Jim Ramstad who passed away last month. 

Sen. Tina Smith and Rep. Tom Emmer, Rep. Jim Hagedorn, Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Collin Peterson, and Rep. Pete Stauber have also sponsored the legislation.

Rep. Phillips holds the seat Ramstad once held. 

“Minnesota has lost a friend and hero - former Representative Jim Ramstad. He was a faithful public servant whose personal struggle with addiction guided his life’s work to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health,” Klobuchar said. “He was a true mentor to me on how to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. Renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim’s name will allow Minnesotans to remember Jim for generations to come.”

“Jim Ramstad served the people of Minnesota’s Third District – first as a citizen, then as a state Senator, then as a U.S. Congressman – for three decades,” Phillips said. “I am humbled to serve the very same community as he once did,  and continue to look to his example for inspiration. His work leading the passage of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Act was a powerful display of bipartisan leadership that has helped millions of families access the health care they need. Renaming the Wayzata Post Office in his name is a small gesture, but one I hope will add to the growing symphony of affection for the man who left a remarkable legacy in our community, our state, and our country.”

Ramstad served in Congress from 1991 until 2009. He was a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health and Trade Subcommittees and Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee. Ramstad also served on the House Small Business Committee and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, Medical Technology Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus and Disabilities Caucus.

Ramstad was co-sponsor of the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act which became law in 2008.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jim Ramstad,” Omar said.  “I applaud his years of service to our state and his commitment to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I’m glad to join my colleagues in support of renaming the Wayzata post office in Jim Ramstad’s name. May this renaming provide a smile to all those who knew and loved him.”

“Jim Ramstad believed in and embodied the best of Minnesota values. As a State Senator and as a member of Congress he served with dignity and pragmatism, and he worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get things accomplished for our state,” Smith said. “Because he reached across the aisle to solve problems, many of his accomplishments are long lasting and touched the lives of people, not only in Minnesota, but across our country. Naming the Wayzata Post Office in his honor is a fitting tribute to his important legacy.”

“Rep. Ramstad, who was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, served in Congress for nearly 20 years,” Hoeven said. “Renaming the Wayzata post office is one way that we can honor his many years of public service.”

“As a young politico in North Dakota, I was always proud of Congressman Ramstad’s political accomplishments and prowess. A native of Jamestown, ‘Rammer’ demonstrated how to carry that North Dakota work ethic to Congress and represent his constituents well,” Cramer said. “I am grateful to have gotten to know him over the years and to be a part of this effort to honor his memory and time in public service.”

“Rep. Jim Ramstad was a friend, a role model, and an incredible advocate for Minnesotans.” Emmer said. “His work on mental health care and addiction recovery are the inspirations for the work I do today. I hope to honor his legacy by serving Minnesotans with the same integrity that he did. Renaming the Wayzata post office for Rep. Ramstad will continue to secure his rightful place in Minnesota history.”

“Jim Ramstad served Minnesota and the nation honorably for nearly three decades and his dedication to increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment was nothing short of heroic,” Hagedorn said. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman Ramstad.”

“I’m proud to join the full Minnesota delegation in an effort to rename the Wayzata post office in honor of former Rep.  Jim Ramstad,” Craig said. “His years of dedicated public service and his passionate advocacy for folks struggling with addiction made our state a better place and earned him this recognition.”

“Congressman Jim Ramstad was a champion for Minnesota and someone I worked with on public education and women’s reproductive health,” McCollum said. “Jim was an effective, respected leader who will be missed by many, and this is one way we can honor his legacy.”  

“I served with Jim Ramstad in both the Minnesota Senate and in Congress,” Peterson said. “Jim was an outstanding public servant. He left an impact on his district and renaming the Wayzata Post Office for him is a fitting tribute to his service to his constituents.”

“Jim Ramstad was an effective leader whose advocacy helped countless Americans struggling with addiction,” Stauber said. “Although I did not know Jim personally, his strong legacy of bipartisanship and dedicated service to our state serves as an inspiration to me and countless others. His incredible work has made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come, so I am honored to help ensure the Wayzata post office is renamed in his honor.”

Wayzata BrewWorks Closes After Nearly Five Years In Business

Wayzata BrewWorks announced it has closed in the following release:

Wayzata, Minnesota — (December 8, 2020) – After almost five years of having a lot of fun brewing and serving beer, and providing a venue for many to listen to fantastic music on Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata BrewWorks has announced their plan to close immediately, after never having any Coronavirus cases traced to the BrewWorks.

Wayzata BrewWorks opened in April 2015, almost instantly became well known for the view of Lake Minnetonka, live music, exceptional craft beer and great pizzas.  The likes of Don Felder (Eagles), Big and Rich band members, local celebrities of Chris Hawkey, Kat Perkins and Marshall Charloff have all played at the brewery along with hundreds of other local talented musicians.

After enduring the spring shutdown, imposed by the Governor, and then managing thru the Governor’s mandated reduction of capacity during our most profitable part of the year on Lake Minnetonka.  We are now faced with a second shut down imposed by Governor Walz, a shutdown that doesn’t involve any sustainable relief from the Governor in order to help alleviate the economic calamity brought to our industry as a result of his decision.   We have many thoughts around the Governor’s actions; we will leave it at this; Until the governor and others making the decisions around shutdowns and restrictions are personally financially affected by those decisions, those decisions will continue to cause unnecessary financial hardship. 

We would like to thank all our customers over the years, and most importantly our employees, who were the absolute best employees anyone could ask for. 

Wayzata BrewWorks.

Buying Local: Wayzata’s Holiday Shopping History

Cyber Monday helped U.S. retailers in an otherwise down year. A click of a mouse can give you same-day gift delivery.  We live in a world of convenience and instant gratification.  

The holiday shopping season took on a different form decades ago. 

Let’s turn back the clock seven decades. It’s December 1949. Gene Autry’s “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer” debuted that year. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was still a popular tune seven years after it hit the airwaves. 

The ghosts of holiday shopping past are preserved in archived editions of Wayzata-based newspaper The Minnetonka Herald. 

Its pages in early December of 1949 were filled with holiday sales advertisements. 

Two major themes emerged from the black and white pages: 1.) Shop Local and 2.) Plan Ahead. 

The Louise Shop promoted a variety of clothing for women and a late closing time of 9 p.m.on Fridays. 

 The Foursome, still going strong today, featured clothing but also offered “the Finest Toys we’ve seen since pre-war days”. The toys included a train set and a hospital set for a Jr. Doctor or Nurse. 

Modern day smartphones might be the equivalent to what the Wayzata Pharmacy was showcasing 70 years ago. It sold Brownie Cameras for $2.75 and 8-mm Movie Cameras for $147. 50 ($1,500 in today’s dollars). 

Rettinger Motors’ was promoting the new 1950 Fords. And for your current vehicle, Dickey and Milbert was selling signal lights for $12.50 completely installed. Yes, there were cars on the road back then without blinkers. 

Need a tree? August Frick was selling “Top Quality Fresh Cut Spruce, Western and Native Balsam”.

 

And what would the holidays be without food and drink. 

A Sween Bros. Dairy Farms ad promoted “Toast the season with Egg Nog”. Vodegal’s Supervalu was selling fruit baskets for $4.95 and Wayzata Food Store offered order forms for your Christmas turkey. “We’ll bake them but please order early” – stated an Olsen’s Bakery holiday pastries advertisement. 

Your holiday dinners will be a hit as long as you plan well in advance. You get the picture. Back then you could take care of all your holiday shopping within your own community. 

Shopping local was the norm, not the exception. 

You might expect that the last newspaper edition before Christmas (December 22, 1949) would be filled with advertisements for last-minute deals. Nope. 

Instead, businesses took out ads thanking their customers and wishing them a festive holiday and a happy New Year.

A lot has changed through the years, but you can still support your community the old fashioned way by shopping local.

Wayzata's Artsy Lake Street

 Wayzata's Lake Street has become a showcase for artist work and other interesting sights.

Freelance artist Allison Hunsley with her Mural at Lake Street & Walker Avenue

Artist Maxwell McInnis' woodwork dome creation

Area Behind Wayzata Post Office Pocket Park Center of Debate

Editor's Note: The initial Post Office Pocket Park headline and story implied that that there was debate whether the park was public or private. That is not true. The Post Office Pocket Park is public. At issue is the area behind the pocket park where Garrison Landing residents use outdoor grills. Wayzata.com regrets this error.

The Wayzata City Council discussed the use of space behind the Post Office Pocket Park during a workshop Dec. 1.

In this map, the Post Office Pocket Park is bordered in green.

Garrison Landing property is bordered in blue. 

The area at the center of the debate is directly behind the pocket park to the east.

Post Office Pocket Park with Garrison Landing property in the background

The park is across the street from the post office and is in the northeast corner of the Garrison Landing Planned Unit Development at 240 Minnetonka Avenue

The city states that the area behind the pocket park is public. The Garrison Landing property owner’s association says it is a private park space for Garrison Landing residents.

On Oct. 21, the Wayzata Parks And Trails Board passed a resolution 5-0 recommending to the city council to resolve the situation by the end of the year. According to the Parks and Trails board, it brought the issue to the city council in the Spring of 2019.

The city has put together a possible fee that could be paid as part of a compromise agreement to allow the space behind the park to be private.

Wayzata’s city attorney stated that if a compromise can be met a new city council  resolution and addendum to the development agreement that the planned unit development has a combination of dedicated land for private recreational use and has paid a cash fee.

If the two sides can’t come to terms, the city attorney has stated that the city may seek legal action against the property owners.

Wayzata State Bank Remembered

The Wayzata State Bank was the first financial institution on Lake Minnetonka to have a building exclusively for its own use.

                          Courtesy Wayzata Historical Society

According to Census data, Wayzata's population was 276 in 1900. By 1910 it had grown to 492 people.

As the population grew, so did the community's need for a local bank.

Five businessmen put up $10,000 in capital in the summer of 1908 to start the Wayzata State Bank, which included a construction cost of $2,246.50.

The building was designed by Lowell A. Lamoreau, a Minneapolils architect, and the contract was taken by Allen T. Dart, of Wayzata. The design was colonial. The large columns and exterior walls were finished in rough cast concrete.

Courtesy Wayzata Historical Society

It stood across the street from the Great Northern railroad station on the northeast corner of Lake Street and Barry Avenue.

The bank had three brass teller’s cages, a small walk-in vault, and an office.

There was a buzzer under one of the teller’s cages could be rung next door at Pettitt & Kysor Grocery to alert them in the event of a robbery.

When it officially opened for business on January 18, 1909, the bank was manned by just two employees: a cashier and a bookkeeper.

Courtesy Wayzata Historical Society

Resident boat builder Royal C. Moore served as its first president from 1908 to 1912, and for decades the bank helped Wayzata’s economy grow by providing loans to local businesspeople and homeowners.

By 1950, however, it had outgrown the original building and moved to a new location.

Courtesy Wayzata Historical Society

Several other businesses subsequently occupied the original building, including Five Swans gifts.

The original structure stood until 2019.

Wayzata’s Energy Action Plan Moving Toward Final Approval

Wayzata’s Energy and Environment Committee will update the city council on a draft of the city’s Energy Action Plan (EAP) at a workshop meeting Tuesday.

The city has been accepted into the Partners in Energy Program with Xcel Energy.

So far, the focus of the group was to create an EAP with the overall goal of energy efficiency and conservation.

An Energy Action Team was formed and created the following vision statement:

"Wayzata is a forward-thinking community on the forefront of sustainability. We will lead by example to reduce our energy use through conservation and increase access to renewable energy sources for all residents, businesses, and institutions. Our community and its members will thrive and become more resilient through promoting values of energy stewardship and supporting everyone in our community in our work".

City staff and Xcel Energy will be present at the workshop to provide any additional information or answer any questions of Council.

This portion of Tuesday’s city council workshop meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Members of the public can participate two ways:

 Online – log into Zoom.com and enter meeting ID 990 7934 0498 and passcode 448733.

       Phone – call (312) 626-6799, enter meeting ID 990 7934 0498 and passcode 448733

Nominate A Local Business To Receive Free Ad In Wayzata.com Newsletter

Local businesses are the backbone of our community. The pandemic and restrictions have really hurt them. A way you can support them is to nominate them for free advertising.

Beginning with our Nov. 30 newsletter, Wayzata.com will offer business card-sized ad space in our publication - free of charge. We will do this for five weeks - essentially until the end of the year.

These newsletters are available throughout Wayzata at Lunds & Byerly's, Walgreens, the Wayzata Bar & Grill, Wuollet Bakery, Caribou Coffee and newsstands along Lake Street, at the Post Office and at City Hall.

If you are a Wayzata business impacted by COVID-19 and would like to use the newsletter to promote your business or you are a resident who would like to nominate a business, click on the link below: 

Shop Local Wayzata Form

Questions? Contact nate@wayzata.com or 612.221.4646.

#WayzataTogether

Wayzata.com Newsletter Offering Free Ad Space To Help Wayzata Businesses

Shop local.

We've heard this phrase for quite some time. But it hasn't ever meant so much as now.

For some, like me, 2020 can't end fast enough. But we have more than a month to go and it is a crucial time for local businesses.

As you know, new COVID-related restrictions order that bars and restaurants stop in-person service (both indoor and outdoor). Take out is allowed. The current order will remain in effect until Dec. 18.

Shop local.

There are discussions happening in Washington and at the state level which could lead to economic assistance for small businesses, but that will take time and the time is now.

These businesses are doing their part. They are taking extra precautions to make shopping safe. They are finding creative ways to reach their customers. They are offering gift card deals.

But we all must do our part.

Wayzata.com must do its part too. Beginning with our Nov. 30 newsletter, we will offer business card-sized ad space in our publication - free of charge. We will do this for five weeks - essentially until the end of the year.

These newsletters are available throughout Wayzata at Lunds & Byerly's, Walgreens, the Wayzata Bar & Grill, Wuollet Bakery, Caribou Coffee and newsstands along Lake Street, at the Post Office and at City Hall.

If you are a Wayzata business and would like to use the newsletter to promote your business or you are a resident who would like to nominate a business, click on the link below: 

Shop Local Wayzata Form

Questions? Contact nate@wayzata.com or 612.221.4646.

#WayzataTogether

Wayzata Football season finale: Trojans 28, Blaine Bengals 42

Your Wayzata Football Trojans traveled to Blaine to take on the Bengals in Section 6A play. While the team played some of their best football of the season, the Bengals scored 4 touch downs in the 3rd quarter and that was the difference. Watch the video for highlights and interview with Coach Brown. 

Sponsor: WayzataRealEstate.com

Wayzata DMV Closed Until Further Notice

The Wayzata DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) will be closed to the public until further notice.

The city says it is due to unforeseen circumstances related to COVID-19 and the closing is a precautionary measure.

Wayzata Volleyball finishes 13-0 on the season, ranked #1 by Coaches Poll

Wayzata High School Volleyball finished the abbreviated season 13-0 by defeating Maple Grove in 3 sets: 25-20, 25-23, 25-20. The Trojans also finished the season ranked #1 by the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association.

The 2020 Wayzata Volleball team was undefeated in 13 contests and ranked #1 by the Coaches Poll.

Gov. Unveils Tougher COVID-19 Restrictions: Bars & Restaurants, Health Clubs, Youth Sports Impacted

On Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced new restrictions due to the increasingly alarming spread of COVID-19.

Walz announced that there will no longer be indoor service at bars and restaurants effective Friday at midnight. 

Other restrictions include:

• Social gatherings outside of the household prohibited.
• Health clubs will be closed to the public.
• Youth sports prohibited.
• Entertainment venues like bowling alleys will be closed to the public.
• Wedding receptions and life celebrations are on hold.
• Out-of-state travel is discouraged.

The new executive order is set to last until Dec. 18.

Below is a portion of the executive order. You can read it in its entirety here:

https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2020-99%20Final%20%28002%29_tcm1055-454239.pdf

Social gatherings prohibited. 

Except as specifically permitted in this Executive Order, social gatherings are prohibited. Social gatherings are groups of individuals, who are not members of the same household, congregated together for a common or coordinated social, community, or leisure purpose—even if social distancing can be maintained. This prohibition includes indoor and outdoor gatherings, planned and spontaneous gatherings, and public and private gatherings. Organizers of prohibited social gatherings may be subject to appropriate enforcement action by city, county, and/or state authorities pursuant to paragraph 10 of this Executive Order.

Certain Places of Public Accommodation Closed to Members of the Public. 

The following Places of Public Accommodation are closed to members of the public as set forth below. “Members of the public” means people who are not workers affiliated with the Place of Public Accommodation. A. Restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, bars, taverns, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, brewer taprooms, micro distiller cocktail rooms, tasting rooms, wineries, cideries, clubhouses, dining clubs, tobacco product shops, hookah bars, cigar bars, vaping lounges, and other Places of Public Accommodation offering food, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), or tobacco products for on-premises consumption are closed to ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public, except as set forth below.

The above establishments may, and are encouraged to, offer food and beverage using delivery services, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service. In offering food or beverage service under this paragraph, a Place of Public Accommodation may permit up to five members of the public at one time in the place of public accommodation for the purpose of picking up their food or beverage orders.

Organized Youth Sports. 

Organized Youth Sports organizations and programs must stop all in-person activities—including practices, group workouts, games, and tournaments. i. “Organized Youth Sports” means any sports activity, where participants are children or adolescents, organized by an entity, association, club, or organization providing for registration of participants and oversight on a regular basis for a defined period of time. Sports activities within this definition include all sports offered by schools (public and nonpublic), the Minnesota State High School League, or similar organizations, as well as dance, cheerleading, and other sports traditionally offered by supplemental associations or organizations.

Celebrations and receptions. 

Individuals, venues, and businesses must not host celebrations, receptions, private parties, or other social gatherings, including but not limited to those connected to weddings, funerals, life milestones (such as birthdays or retirements), family reunions, planned religious services, and other similar occasions.

At Least 12 Vehicles Broken Into Overnight In Wayzata

The Wayzata Police Department received multiple reports Tuesday of thefts from vehicles overnight.

At least 12 vehicles were entered at multiple locations throughout the city, including an underground garage.

In addition, two vehicles were reported stolen.

None of the vehicles that were entered appeared to have been locked.

The two vehicles that were reported stolen were not locked with keys inside.

TCF Building Condo Plan Up For Review

The Wayzata Planning Commission will review a proposed project that would convert the existing former TCF Headquarters Building at 200 East Lake Street in Wayzata to a 10-unit condominium building.

Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

Two new structures would be added to east and west of the current building. The proposed eastern building would include 10 condominiums and the proposed western building would include 18 town homes. 

The entire project would stretch from Barry Avenue to Ferndale Road along the south side of Lake Street.

Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

 

Small "pocket parks" would be developed on the far east and west ends of the property.

Existing TCF Building

 

The current structure was build in 1990. It served as the corporate office for TCF National Bank. TCF employees moved to other offices and the building was listed for sale. 

The existing building would not change. It has a legal non-conforming height of 52 feet to the top of the gable and 60 feet to the top of the spire.

 

 Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

Under the proposal, the property is envisioned as entirely residential. No commercial or other office uses are planned.

One question the Planning Commission will consider is whether an all-residential use of the property be appropriate for the site.

 

 Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

The Planning Commission could direct staff to prepare a draft Planning Commission Report and Recommendation. 

This would then be reviewed at the following Planning Commission meeting.

 

 Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

Minnetonka-based Lake West Development, LLC and Minneapolis-based ESG Architects are working on the project. Lake West Development has a signed purchase agreement for the property that would allow it to redevelop the property as it proposes.

 Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design

 

The City of Wayzata only allows buildings in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) District to be 35 feet tall. The building height in this proposal complies with the 35-foot rule. 

 

 Courtesy ESG Architecture & Design