Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Monday, July 13, 2026
Disability Pride Month Proclamation
City Initiatives and Awards
National League of Cities Conference Insights
Water Safety and Accessibility Services
Permit Denial Investigation Request
Humane Pet Store Ordinance Advocacy
Excel Energy Line Replacement and Utility Burial Policy
Stormwater Easement Vacation and Construction Impacts
Liquor License Application for Rune Savories LLC
Labor Negotiation Strategy
Homes Within Reach Program Agreement
Votes (8)
Disability Pride Month Proclamation
Mayor Shaq acknowledged the significance of the proclamation and former Mayor Wearsome's dedication to disability issues. Council Member Calvert read the full proclamation, highlighting the historical context of the ADA, the diversity of people with disabilities, ongoing challenges of discrimination, and Minnetonka's commitment to equity and inclusion. She also shared personal connections to the cause through family members working with children with disabilities.
Citizens Wishing to Discuss Matters Not on the Agenda
Dan Elki of Arborold Small Tree Company raised concerns about the denial of a 'Sisters permit' in both 2022 and recently, alleging fraud by staff member Julie Wishnack and requesting an investigation. Kelsey Hambor, a Minnetonka constituent, advocated for a humane pet store ordinance, citing concerns about puppy mills, sick animals, financial burdens on consumers, and widespread adoption of such ordinances in other localities.
Resolution Authorizing Grant Agreement between Metropolitan Council and the City of Minnetonka for the 2026-2028 Water Efficiency Grant Program
Moved by Council Member Maxwell [00:33:04] · Seconded by Council Member Romey [00:33:14]
This item was part of the consent agenda requiring five votes and was approved without separate discussion, indicating it was a routine but significant agreement.
Items Concerning Excel Energy Line 0734
Moved by Council Member Calvert [00:35:10] · Seconded by Council Member Maxwell [00:35:25]
Council Member Calvert pulled this item for questions, focusing on the city's priority to bury utility lines and concerns about a specific transmission pole being moved closer to a road. City Manager Funk explained that these high-voltage distribution lines are difficult and unsafe to bury due to heat transfer and safety risks if struck. Staff also noted environmental concerns with burying lines in wetland areas. Council Member Foster Bolton inquired about a specific point of contact from Excel Energy, with staff confirming a dedicated construction manager for the project. Concerns from residents about communication and specific pole placement, including boat trailer access, were addressed by staff, who committed to follow-up.
Resolution Approving Vacation of an Existing Storm Water Easement at 1934 Oakland Road and 2000 Indian Road West
Moved by Council Member Romey [00:44:30] · Seconded by Council Member Calvert [00:44:48]
Staff presented the resolution to vacate an easement due to property line changes and redesign, with no net impact on trees. The applicant clarified the easement followed new property lines. A resident, Mr. Ringhoffer, voiced concerns about potential drainage issues on Indian Road West, the prolonged construction duration (over 1.5 years), construction vehicles parking on roads, and significant loss of Austrian pine trees. Staff confirmed storm water management compliance and committed to investigating the resident's specific complaints about construction impacts and tree removal. The duration of construction was clarified to be within the 180-day compliance period from the last inspection.
On Sale Wine and On Sale 3.2% Malt Beverage Liquor Licenses to Runes Savories LLC at 17585 State Highway 7
Moved by Council Member Calvert [00:49:57] · Seconded by Council Member Romey [00:50:10]
The public hearing was opened for Rune Savories LLC's application for liquor licenses at the Mega Pickleball court. Staff provided background on the property's previous restaurant and liquor offerings. The applicant, Run Johnson, introduced his company, highlighting their commercial kitchen, responsible drink offerings, and recent success at the State Fair. The council's action was to continue the public hearing to a future date for final consideration.
Closed Meeting to Discuss Labor Negotiation Strategies
Moved by Council Member Wilburn [00:59:10] · Seconded by Council Member Maxwell [00:59:20]
The council decided by a majority vote in a public meeting to hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategies, as permitted by Minnesota Open Meeting Law (Minnesota Statute Section 13D.03). This procedural step was taken after a brief recess and reconvening of the regular council meeting, and it was announced that no further substantive discussions would occur in the public meeting.
Agreement Related to Homes Within Reach (EDA Meeting Item 5A)
Moved by Commissioner Calvert [00:57:00] · Seconded by Commissioner Foster Bolton [00:57:38]
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed the renewal of an existing housing services agreement with Homes Within Reach. Staff clarified that the agreement includes an automatic renewal clause and formalizes the allocation and expenditure of $250,000 in funds previously set aside from 2023-2026. This agreement requires approval from both the EDA and the City Council due to the nature of fund expenditure. The item was approved as presented.
Notable Quotes (11)
I applied for a Sisters permit here in March of 2022 and I was denied by Julie Wishnack... I applied here now it's over four years. Same thing happened. I applied in March was over a month. She's accusing me of fraud. The only one guilty of fraud is her. I'm requesting an investigation.
A humane pester ordinance like this is a policy that nearly 500 localities across 32 states have enacted, including 18 in Minnesota, most recently Maplewood, New Hope, and Mound. These laws are enacted primarily because puppy selling stores enable inhumane puppy mills.
Can you talk a little bit about um why we're not burying more of these uh lines? And um the the other question has to do with um there's a big transmission pole that's being replaced I believe um on the corner of Williston and Minnetonka Boulevard. Um and it's being moved I think 72 73 feet closer to the road.
You know, these are distribution lines, so these are much um higher voltage lines. And so generally what we've heard from Excel is these are very difficult to bury because they're primarily transporting to the neighborhoods. And so you know a lot of what they've told us over the years is when you bury things like this there's a heat transfer. Um it's not as safe when they're underground.
I think when we were talking about undergrounding there is just a huge span on this line uh where we're in a big wetland area. So actually probably could be more damaging to the wetland to try to bury in that specific area.
I think this line and like the last line we had the replacement on, there is a specific construction management plan like we do with development projects. So, uh, we hope that people wouldn't have to call the general line, that we have somebody specifically assigned to this project, which they reassured us, um, at the planning commission that would happen.
The revision wouldn't have a net impact on trees. Um so it doesn't change anything from your previous approval, but it's certainly something we wanted to get in front of you.
I just want to make sure that this is adequate in terms of the drainage by moving the storm sewer. there still continues to be occasionally where there are water issues on on Indian Road just a little further down from that area and so I was just concerned that this may not be sufficient.
The other thing about this construction of this property, it seems that it just keeps changing and kind of shifting that there's something else. I think it's been in progress for I'm guessing at least a year and a half and maybe longer.
It's 180 days from your last inspection, so sometimes that can go a little bit longer than people expect. So, it can drag on. Um, I would agree. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like, but yes, there uh the site is in compliance. It's not beyond that 180 days.
as Julie outlined there, you know, we're coming into this as our commercial kitchen and opening a place to sell to the public there, um and grow operation. And part of it working with the owners of Mega Pickle Ball, realized, you know, a responsible place to have a drink outside of, you know, a plane would be a good spot, then pairing that with good food.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
Official declaration of July as Disability Pride Month.
Landmark civil rights law commemorated by Disability Pride Month.
Award for city's sustainability efforts, highest level from League of Minnesota Cities.
Award for drones as first responder program, formal presentation postponed.
Permit type requested by Dan Elki, denied by city staff.
Proposed policy to regulate pet store operations and prevent puppy mill sales.
Consent agenda item concerning a housing services agreement.
Consent agenda item for election staffing.
Consent agenda item for public transportation services.
Grant agreement for water efficiency programs.
Project concerning the replacement of power poles and utility lines.
Resolution to vacate a stormwater easement due to property redesign.
Previous approval that allowed for pool and accessory structure, leading to easement vacation request.
Application for liquor licenses by Rune Savories LLC.
Statute allowing for closed meetings to discuss labor negotiation strategy.
Agreement outlining the use of allocated funds for housing services.