The Wayzata City Council approved several key items during their April 1 meeting, including residential development plans and equipment purchases totaling nearly $150,000.

The council unanimously approved grading plans and an encroachment permit for two new homes at 109 and 115 Minnetonka Avenue South. The project, developed by Charles Cud Company for Rachel Development, involves significant grading changes of up to five feet to raise the properties from their current low-lying position. The development includes a retaining wall that will extend into the city right-of-way, requiring the encroachment permit.

In an innovative arrangement, the developers will construct a sidewalk along Wayzata Boulevard in lieu of paying approximately $48,000 in tree replacement fees. The sidewalk will help close a gap in the city's pedestrian network identified in the Wayzata corridor study. Council members requested that the sidewalk include a grass buffer strip between the walkway and street, rather than placing it directly against the curb.

The council also authorized the purchase of a new front-end loader for $149,000 after trade-in value. Public Works Director Kelly explained the city follows a seven-year replacement cycle for the equipment, which gets heavy use and faces increasing maintenance costs as it ages. Council Member McDonald questioned whether the city could extend the equipment's life beyond its warranty period, but staff noted the trade-in value helps offset replacement costs.

Additionally, the council approved a fence variance for three properties in the Wake Cliff neighborhood, allowing a six-foot privacy fence along Hollybrook Road. The fence will extend an existing barrier that has provided sound buffering for the residential area adjacent to the busy roadway.