Minnetonka City Council — Transcript

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Story

Minnetonka grapples with off-leash dog area enforcement failures

Preliminary 2027-2031 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) review

July study session topics discussion

Off-leash dog ordinance compliance and enforcement challenges

Evaluation of off-leash dog area effectiveness

Staff recommendations for Purgatory Park off-leash areas

Funding considerations for park improvements

Review of QR code reporting system for park concerns

Analysis of park usage and vehicle traffic

Signage vandalism and theft in parks

Discussion of fencing options for off-leash areas

Natural resource protection in park planning

Topographical challenges in park development

Notable Quotes (10)

It's been a challenge and I think you'll hear that from staff tonight disappointing in a lot of ways just regarding some of the non-compliance that continues to happen and the challenge es that it's posed for staff and trying to enforce an ordinance that's been uh really difficult in that regard.

Mike
Off-leash ordinance complianceIntroducing the Purgatory Park off-leash dog area evaluation, highlighting ongoing issues.

The total area in terms of acreage for areas two and three was 18.8 acres approximately as as mapped in the field. And the off leash corridor was just over a half mile in length...

Matt Kuma
Purgatory Park off-leash areasDescribing the current designated off-leash areas in Purgatory Park.

It was a substantial challenge trying to orient people out there when they were standing at these signs out in the woods to get a sense of exactly where they were and what direction they were heading when they were entering or leaving an on or off leash area.

Matt Kuma
Signage challengesDiscussing the difficulties in effectively signing the large and complex Purgatory Park.

We noted that 81% of all the reports came from just three individuals, the reports that they did do were reviewed carefully and found to be credible, accurate, and consistent with the conditions observed both by our staff during our directed patrols and the trail camera footage.

Rachel Mihan
QR code reporting system effectivenessDetailing the effectiveness and source concentration of the QR code reporting system.

From a law enforcement perspective, the most significant challenge that we have found is that the boundaries of the designated off leash area are not clearly defined.

Rachel Mihan
Off-leash boundary clarityExplaining the primary difficulty police face in enforcing off-leash dog rules.

If the boundaries are very well delineated, no matter what decision is made, the enforcement is considerably easier, as is education.

Rachel Mihan
Enforcement effectivenessStating the importance of clear boundaries for effective enforcement.

So again, approximately $60 per linear foot would include the posts, the fencing install, and the entry features related to these fenced areas.

Matt Kuma
Fencing costs and considerationsProviding an estimated cost for installing fencing in the park.

if we have cameras in the park and people are vandalizing signs, then why aren't we charging these folks? Because to me, that's a criminal offense.

Tizzy
Sign vandalism and enforcementQuestioning why no arrests have been made for sign vandalism despite camera surveillance.

We unfortunately we captured thousands of images, but we did not see anybody actively vandalizing the signs.

Rachel Mihan
Sign vandalism and camera surveillanceResponding to a council member's question about prosecuting sign vandals caught on camera.

Funding is not currently programmed at this moment. We would need to review the capital improvement funding options and upon council direction, a staff update would be provided in the coming months as necessary.

Matt Kuma
Budgeting and fundingDiscussing the budgeting considerations for the proposed off-leash area improvements.

People (11)

Paula RomeyCouncil Member

Council member for Ward 3.

Deb CalvertCouncil Member

Council member at large.

CAY KleyCouncil Member

Council member for Ward 4.

Paty Foster BoltonCouncil Member

Council member for Ward 1.

Kimberly WilburnCouncil Member

Council member at large, asked about tree removal and topography in Area 4.

Amanda MaxwellCouncil Member

Council member for Ward 2, inquired about removing Area 3 from some fenced options.

Places Mentioned

Minnitanka City Council (meeting location)Purgatory ParkStadola RoadExcelsier BoulevardPlymouth (location of signage production company)Southern Creek Bridge (within Purgatory Park)Oak Ridge (primary trail in Purgatory Park)Red Barn site house (within Purgatory Park)

Events & Meetings (6)

  • Minnitanka City Council Study Session: June 15, 2026
  • Council adopted revised off-leash dog ordinance language: November 18, 2024
  • Staff presented Minnetonka off-leash dog strategy to Park Board: April 23, 2025
  • Council directed staff to examine Purgatory Park areas 2 and 3: May 19, 2025
  • City created QR code reporting system: June 2025
  • Council directed staff to implement Purgatory Park areas 2, 3, and an unleashed corridor: August 25, 2025

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

Revised Off-Leash Dog Ordinance

Adopted on November 18, 2024, to regulate off-leash dog activity in the city.

Minnetonka Off-Leash Dog Strategy and Guidance Plan

Presented to the Park Board on April 23, 2025, outlining strategies for managing off-leash dog areas.

View Source
Minnetonka City Council - Minnetonka Recorder