The Wayzata City Council denied a special event permit for the 2025 Whamfest during their July 15 meeting, citing late application and staffing concerns. The electronic dance music festival, proposed by RBA Productions for September 5-6 during James J. Hill Days, was submitted only eight days before the meeting despite a 90-day advance requirement.

Council members expressed concerns about the event's timing, coming weeks after a similar EDM event that generated noise complaints. Police Chief Jamie Baker noted that the shortened timeline would create staffing challenges for the department. The proposed event would have run from 5 to 11 p.m. with approximately 2,500 ticket holders per night.

In other business, the council approved a loan agreement with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society for a historic mural titled "America the Beautiful." The artwork, donated by Wayzata High School graduating classes of 1927 and 1928, has been displayed in City Hall's community room since 2012. The agreement formalizes the long-standing arrangement as the historical society updates its records following a recent merger.

The council also approved a tree and plaque dedication honoring former Parks and Trails Board member Merrily Borg Babcock. The cherry tree will be planted in Post Office Park to recognize her decades of service, including leadership on initiatives like Big Woods maple tapping, public art installations, and invasive species removal.

The meeting marked City Manager Jeff Dahl's final council session before transitioning to become Woodbury's city administrator. Public Works Director Mike Kelly was appointed as interim city manager, with the council planning to begin a broad search for a permanent replacement in August. Council Member Jeff Parkhill will also step down around October 1 due to his spouse's out-of-state job opportunity.