What Issues Are Most Important to Minnetonka Candidates?

In the coming years, the City of Minnetonka will have to tackle many complex issues. Patch asked this year’s City Council and mayoral candidates about how they’d handle some of the major issues facing the district.

Today’s question is:

• What issue or program would you like Minnetonka to focus on more? What issue or program would you like Minnetonka to focus on less?

Click here to see the full list of questions and read the candidates’ responses.

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Mayor

Terry Schneider

More

1. Southwest Light Rail.  With the probability of the Southwest Light Rail line becoming a reality I believe we need more focus on how to leverage that regional resource to improve the livability and mobility in our community.  This would involve not only redevelopment potential along the line itself but the possibility of the light rail line making a local circular bus route feasible that would connect key areas of the city with each other and the light rail stations. 
2. Natural resource protection and enhancement.  We have been blessed by having a great natural environment in Minnetonka.  That was due partly to the natural geology of Minnetonka as the point where the last glacier stopped moving and then receded.  When it receded it left large chucks of ice imbedded deep in the soil that eventually formed our extensive wetland network and significant upland topographic elevation variations.  It is also partly due to wise city planning that chose the philosophy of very flexible subdivision standards rather than implementing strict subdivision standards and a grid street system.  We are one of the few communities that allow homes off of a private drive and lots behind lots.  While this philosophy has created some issues, it has allowed us to retain the natural land features and natural amenities we enjoy today and for generations to come.  We now face other threats to our natural environment such as invasive aquatic species like Zebra Mussels and the progress of Emerald Ash bore, which has some potentially significant financial implications in removal of trees that die.
3. Housing type diversity.  The city is known and the city of half acre lots.  There is a history to how that evolved that many residents are not aware of.  The half-acre standard was set by the township board in 1956 to meet the requirement at that point in time of needing a half acre lot to qualify for a septic system.  That practice was maintained after the city was incorporated and through the 60’s when a significant portion of Minnetonka went through a major growth spurt.  Then in the early 70’s the city was required to install a sewer system throughout the entire city due to lake pollution being created by the septic systems.  If you look at the actual current lot sizes in Minnetonka approximately 40% of existing single family lots are less than half acre.  The flexibility and creativity of our subdivision standards described in the Natural resource comment above combined with some long term thinking will be key to finding the correct balance of maintaining the half acre character and providing more housing options for those current residents and future residents that want to stay or move to Minnetonka but not have the responsibilities of a large home or yard.

Less

1. Neighbor to neighbor disputes.  City staff and in some cases city council members frequently spend more time that they should related to neighbor to neighbor disputes.  In most cases the dispute has nothing to do with city ordinances or responsibilities, but we get brought into the discussion due to our normal approach of trying to be responsive to citizen’s request. 
2. Speeding on our residential streets.  It’s not that we want to do less, but most often we find that speeding on residential streets is a result of residents you live on the street and just don’t pay attention to how fast they are driving.  If everyone would just respect that fact that they need to pay a little more attention to how fast they are driving on their own street it would significantly reduce the amount of time and effort we put into enforcement.

Grace Sheely

I will focus on our water resources, both sustainable supplies of drinking water and resilience of our waterways.  The vitality of our public lakes and waterways will significantly impact future City services and their expenses.  I will increase collaboration with all four Watershed Districts.  The issue that I hope to reduce is the number of requests for variances in the planning of developments.  Residents and developers should receive the same consideration of their variance requests.

At Large Seat A

Dick Allendorf

We should focus on assuring that we have the zoning tools to address the ever-more difficult proposed developments which are coming before us.

Angela Griffin

New world issues such as cyber-crime are rising in importance and becoming dangerously disruptive to safety.  Along with cyber-crime, tele-marketing annoyance and scams perpetrated especially on senior citizens are increasing.   Social issues such as the rise in bullying and social meanness should be addressed.  Can the City adopt these issues?

At Large Seat B

Patty Acomb

An issue I think is important is for Minnetonka to be a more walkable and bikeable community for people of all ages and abilities.  This might include recreation programs for seniors and the disabled, improved trail connections between parks and village centers, and street safety for all road users including children going to school.  Minnetonka is an active community that values outdoor recreation, and we should enhance the options for enjoying our city other than by car.

All issues that Minnetonka is focused on are important, many with successful solutions.  For example the issue of low residential recycling rates has been successfully improved by implementation of the city’s single-sort curbside recycling program, which has a 93% approval rating by residents.

Brian Grogan

This is day four in the Minnetonka Patch series.  Each day I have presented my case that I believe our city needs a cohesive vision and a common sense approach to developing our community.  I believe it is tax smart and business wise to expand business services within Minnetonka. 

As I stated yesterday, when I ask Minnetonka residents where they drive to attend a movie or enjoy a restaurant or receive medical care rarely is the answer Minnetonka.  I believe we better serve our residents by wisely and carefully expanding our commercial base within Minnetonka.  If properly developed, whether it is retail, office or medical facilities, Minnetonka becomes a destination point.  More significantly, it ultimately better serves our community by offering increases services and convenience to residents.