The Wayzata City Council recognized longtime community volunteer Marilyn Borg Babcock for over 30 years of service during its Feb. 4 meeting, highlighting her contributions to parks preservation, historic conservation and environmental initiatives.

Babcock, a founding member of the Parks and Trails Board, was instrumental in preserving the Big Woods, establishing the Post Office Park public art installation and organizing numerous community events including Earth Day celebrations and maple tree tapping programs. City Manager Jeff Dahl noted her role in educating the community about historic preservation and natural resource conservation.

The council also introduced Tyler Basil, the city's new Public Works technician who joined the team in October. Public Works Director Mike Kelly praised Basil's quick learning ability and organizational skills, noting his adaptation to GIS systems and permitting processes.

Staff presented the 2024 annual report highlighting major accomplishments including the July opening of the lakewalk project, funded entirely through non-tax sources including the Wayzata Conservancy, state funds and redevelopment dollars. The report showed the Community Development Department issued over 600 permits with a total construction value exceeding $79 million.

The council approved a Wayzata Yacht Club request to modify up to 12 boat slips, converting floating buoys to fixed dock slips at 1100 Eastman Lane. The modification maintains the approved limit of 186 total slips and requires no land use changes, with comments forwarded to the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District for final approval.