Wayzata City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
Trappers Cabin Restoration
109 Bushway Parking Lot Expansion and Variances
Votes (2)
Public Hearing: Site Alteration Permit for Trappers Cabin Restoration
Dissent: None
Moved by Blake Cameron [00:16:35] · Seconded by Commissioner Anthony [00:16:50]
The discussion focused on the scope of restoration work for the 1800s cabin, specifically concerning the replacement of deteriorated chinking and potential log replacement. Commissioners raised questions about the type of wood (Tamarak vs. Pine) for log replacement and the possibility of opening the historically significant cabin to the public post-restoration. Staff confirmed Public Works' assurance of Tamarak wood despite the bid's mention of pine and noted that the Heritage Preservation Board was interested in a public event.
Public Hearing: Variance Application for Parking Lot Expansion at 109 Bushway
Dissent: None
Moved by Blake Cameron [01:29:43] · Seconded by Commissioner Severson [01:30:10]
The applicant sought three variances: a setback, landscaping, and compact parking stalls. The primary concerns revolved around the impact of the proposed parking expansion on adjacent heritage and significant trees on McDonald's property, and the feasibility and safety of a proposed one-way traffic flow. Commissioners raised questions about the lack of a specific traffic study, the potential for increased congestion on Weisetta Boulevard, and McDonald's corporate's unresponsiveness to property-related matters. The need for additional parking for the dental and med spa facilities was acknowledged. The motion included specific conditions to address tree preservation and traffic management.
Notable Quotes (9)
So, looking at the picture, the photographs that you have here, um, are the replacements going to look like this, that washed look, or what will the final thing look like when it's done? Because it says like 16 logs are being replaced.
The bid says pine. Um, and that's something that has been discussed with public works staff and sta I planning staff was assured that the replacement log would actually be Tamarak wood to match the original construction.
I would I would agree to that that we should Yes. Yeah. as opposed to a pine log, you might as well make it as uh you know as possible restored as as close to possible.
I had the same thing. I think leaving it open um when it was first put in encouraged people to gather inside the cabin and not respect the inside and exterior of the cabin. So now it's locked, but y we're hoping to once it's restored to have a weekend where people can go and see it.
because the proposed parking lot um is well within this critical root zone of these two trees on the neighboring property, there's concern. Um, and then the structural root zone...any impact to this area essentially is certain to damage or potentially cause death to that tree.
Has there been a traffic study that shows what the impact will be? because nobody I know really loves making a left-hand turn onto Weisetta Boulevard, regardless of what side of it you're on. And how much is this going to change that?
Um I'm not privy to what the county may do with that road in the future. I'd be surprised...that that curb cut would change much.
Dr. Laskin, uh who's probably chomping at the bit right now to say that for the last 15 years since he's owned the property, has been maintaining that property that is McDonald's. Um, they don't cut the grass, they don't take care of the mulch, they don't do anything.
I would say I you know my interpretation uh based on the context is that it would be prohibited. Um but I think to the the planner's point this is so close it I I think there's a very staff felt there's a very good basis for the reasonleness of that request.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Permit type required for work on heritage preservation sites.
National standards informing local code for heritage preservation sites.
Application type for exceptions to zoning code requirements.
Statute prohibiting injury to a tree on another's land.
Local ordinance governing tree removal and replacement, particularly for heritage trees.
Service District zoning for the 109 Bushway property.
Comprehensive plan guidance for the 109 Bushway property (Mixed Use and Commercial Residential).
Permit required for projects involving grading.
City Code section related to heritage tree removal.