The Wayzata City Council swore in four new volunteer firefighters during its March 4 meeting, adding to what officials described as one of the few fully staffed volunteer fire departments in the state.

Bart Bastian, Sarah Bourbon, Chase Salsbury and Mike Van Patton took their oaths of office after completing approximately 225 hours of training over seven months. The training included firefighter levels one and two, hazardous materials and emergency medical responder certification, according to Fire Chief Claprich.

City Manager Jeff Dahl praised the department's unique position as a paid-on-call volunteer service that remains nearly fully staffed despite challenges facing similar departments statewide. "Our members aren't doing it for the money, they're not doing it for the pension, they're not doing it for the fame," Dahl said. "They're truly doing it just to give back and serve their community."

During the public comment period, resident Eric Lamb addressed the council about budget concerns, objecting to the city's 7 percent budget increase, and raised issues about short-term rentals in his Central Avenue neighborhood. Lamb cited parking, noise and disruption to community character as negative impacts from the rentals.

The council also honored deceased community member George Ry, described as a longtime resident and volunteer who won the city's first Jim Fish award for crime prevention contributions in the early 1980s. A memorial service is planned for March 22 at Wayzata Community Church.