A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing concerns about wake surfing on Lake Minnetonka. Michael Kirkwood, representing the city at the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD), sought the council’s support for a statement to the LMCD advocating for designated non-motorized lake areas. Kirkwood highlighted the problems caused by wake boats, particularly in narrower bays, where smaller watercraft face turbulence from larger boat wakes. He stressed the need for balanced local ordinances to protect the lake environment and enhance user safety. John Bent, president of Citizens for Sharing Lake, supported Kirkwood’s request by discussing the potential benefits of establishing clear wake surf zones, referencing Vermont’s statewide regulation as a model. Bent argued that such zones could not only safeguard the lake but also promote responsible wake surfing, which has led to injuries and safety concerns.

Council members were cautious about the implications of restricting wake boats, worried that such measures might only displace the problem to other lake areas. They also discussed the enforcement challenges, especially during busy weekends when limited policing capacity leads to unaddressed violations. The council debated the urgency of enacting regulations, with some members advocating for immediate action to prioritize safety, while others emphasized the importance of preserving the lake for all users.

Another pressing matter was the preliminary grading agreement request for the North Point development at Halstead Bay. The council scrutinized the proposal, as the development had yet to submit a final plat application by the January 2026 deadline. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of early grading, particularly the potential for significant tree removal and erosion issues. The council debated the financial implications, worried that if the developers withdrew after clearing the site, the city might face environmental challenges and ineffective stormwater management. The discussion revealed differing opinions among council members, with some supporting the seasonal timing for tree removal and others opposed due to the uncertainty of the project’s future.

Stormwater management was another topic, with the council considering drainage solutions for Bayside Lane. The existing pumping system had been damaged by root infiltration, leading to costly maintenance for homeowners. The council evaluated different options, ultimately approving a plan to run a new pipe to a city-owned pond, contingent upon the property owner’s agreement to maintain the system.

Additionally, the council addressed the complexities of stormwater pond maintenance, particularly concerning privately owned ponds managed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The council expressed concern about the lack of agreements regarding maintenance responsibilities and costs. A proposal was made for the city to initially undertake the repairs and then establish agreements with the HOAs for future upkeep. The council discussed the feasibility of such agreements and the potential need for ordinances to enforce them. They also considered the creation of a special taxing district to manage future maintenance costs, although this would require consent from property owners.

In terms of fiscal management, the council reviewed proposed water rate adjustments set for adoption in December. The new structure aims to discourage excessive water usage by implementing higher rates for higher consumption tiers. There was debate over the fairness of the proposed tier thresholds, with some council members concerned about the impact on average households. The council also focused on ensuring the rates would generate sufficient revenue to maintain infrastructure, even in wetter years.

Finally, the council deliberated on employee compensation, emphasizing the importance of retaining long-term employees in a competitive job market. Multiple options for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) were presented, with discussions on how best to balance employee morale with budgetary constraints. The council considered expanding pay steps to provide greater incentives for long-term staff, while recognizing the need for careful planning to maintain equity and fairness within the city’s compensation system.