Politics & Government

Minnetonka Planning Commission: Permit Requests Jump 36% in 2010

2010 city reports also show that more than 400 people applied for only three open Minnetonka police officer positions and that nearly 700 area seniors learned defensive driving techniques.

On the eve of the Feb. 9 Minnetonka's State of the City Event, Minnetonka Patch thought it an appropriate time to detail the work that the city’s seven boards and commissions have done and continue to do for Minnetonka residents. Below are highlights of the  2010 Annual Reports of the Minnetonka Boards and Commissions,  a publication in which the city’s seven boards and commissions detailed their 2010 accomplishments and in some cases their goals for 2011. 

Charter Commission, 2010 Recommendations, Now Adopted by  

  • Align Minnetonka's primary election schedule with the state’s new schedule 
  • Increase the ’s purchasing authority.

 A 15-person group, the Charter Commission is tasked with reviewing and recommending amendments to the city charter, Minnetonka’s constitution. Members serve four-year terms and are appointed by the chief judge.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Community Commission, 2011 Goals

  • Create, publish and sell a 2012 photo calendar using the photos from past city photo contests in order to promote a sense of community.
  • Work with staff to offer a Minnetonka Reading initiative in 2011 or 2012.
  • Publicize and encourage more participation in the Community Action Recognition award program.

The Minnetonka Community Commission, founded in 2007, has the primary responsibility of fostering partnerships that encourage community engagement.

Find out what's happening in Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Economic Development Advisory Commission, 2011 Goals

  • Review the results of the Transit Study and provide recommendations on how to proceed with transit service for the city.
  • Provide direction on a housing rehabilitation program and first time homebuyer program to be funded by HRA levy funds.
  • Receive updates regarding the village center planning processes for CR 101/TH 7 and the next village center areas (this is scheduled to be Shady Oak/Excelsior Blvd and then Ridgedale).
  • Receive updates and discussing the Southwest LRT and Community Works projects.
  • Create a strategic plan for 2012 HRA Levy.
  • Review the Minnetonka and provide recommendations on program continuation.

The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) advises the city council regarding redevelopment, housing, development finance and transportation.

Park Board, 2011 Goals

  • To renew and maintain parks and trails, including identifying areas of the city that are deficient of adequate park or trail amenities.
  • To provide quality athletic and recreational facilities and programs, including evaluation of the Gray’s Bay Marina operations plan and the Glen Lake Golf Course cross-country ski trail.
  • Enhance long-term Park Board development.

The Minnetonka Park Board works on long and short range planning, development and use of park lands, park facilities, recreational, and leisure time facilities, and recreational programs.

Planning Commission, 2010 Highlights

  • The Planning Division received 149 applications during 2010. This was second highest permit level during the past five years and a 36% increase from 2009. 
  • UNITEDHEALTH GROUP (UHG). In 2009, the city began review of the UHG phase II plans for the build-out of the Data Park campus. The plans were approved in 2010 for the 350,000 square foot, 11-story office tower. The new building will bring approximately 1500 new employees to the city. Construction activities commenced in November with building occupancy anticipated in early 2012.
  • GOODWILL. The city approved in the vacant building previously occupied by HomeValu located on Wayzata Blvd. The redevelopment of this site involved a number of building and site improvements that will help this use be a compatible neighbor to the adjacent residential neighborhood.
  • WALGREENS PHARMACY. The for a new Walgreens Pharmacy at the corner of Highway 7 and County Road 101 in the space formerly occupied by MGM liquors. The plans will add a new drivethru window on the west side of the building which is larger than Walgreens existing space. MGM Liquors would then “swap” spaces, relocating into the former Walgreens space.
  • WILLISTON FITNESS CENTER. The city approved improvements to the city owned and operated , located at 14509 Minnetonka Drive. The improvements include interior remodeling, two additions to the existing pool building, expansion of the parking lot, and painting of the exterior of the tennis building.
  • A PET HOTEL. The city approved a pet boarding facility in the vacant office building located at the corner of Highway 62 and Baker Road. The facility would provide hotel/overnight boarding, daycare, training and grooming services for pets. Services would be primarily for dogs with a future potential for cats. A small, boutique, specialty store would also be operated within the building.
  • BOULEVARD. The city approved reuse of the former Don Pablo’s restaurant for as a new restaurant, the Boulevard, located in the West Ridge Market commercial area. The restaurant includes two outdoor patios and entry and façade improvements.

The Minnetonka Planning Commission assists and advises the city council on city and conducts public hearings on matters as required by provisions of the zoning/subdivision ordinances.

Police Advisory Committee, 2010 Highlights

  • January 21, 2010- A promotional test for at least one sergeant’s position, and testing for three police officers will take place. We are in the process of hiring a dispatcher. Chief Raquet explained the police department that we are going to conduct. PAC members agreed that it sounded like a good program. The proposed excessive use of city services ordinance was explained by City Attorney Desyl Peterson.
  • May 6, 2010- The newest PAC member, David Hayek, introduced himself. Discussion on the revised excessive use ordinance; discussion on results of the community survey, specifically traffic, 9-1-1 contacts and public safety. Twenty people attended the police department citizen academy for week five. Two sergeants were promoted. We received 445 applications for three vacant police officer positions. A new dispatcher has been hired.
  • October 20, 2010 - Geralyn Barone gave an overview of the public safety study. One new police officer was hired. Half of our in s will be installed in November, as well as the new 9-1-1 phone system in dispatch. The records management system should be updated in January, 2011. PAC members shared their observations/feedback from ride alongs they took with officers in the summer.
  • The ride alongs included traffic stops, family disturbances, speeding, medicals, party calls. PAC members found the ride alongs very informative and a good learning experience.

The Minnetonka Police Advisory Committee was created in 2001 for the purposed of providing public input into the police department.

 Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Established Annual Goals and 2010 Highlights

Goal: To broaden the knowledge and involvement of older residents.

  • Defensive Driving Classes - 678 participants
  • Pen Pals – 20 seniors exchanged letters with Scenic Heights 5th grade class.
  • Health Care Forum - about the new national legislation, with 113 seniors.
  • Farmers Market – promoted sr. center programs and services to the public.

Goal: To offer diverse programs and services to meet their educational, social and leisure needs.

  • Classes - 6,305 registrations, with $65,306 in payments.
  • Bus Trips - 14 trips, with 334 participants.
  • Bike group/12 – 15 miles - grew to 54 members, riding twice a week.
  • Pork Chop Supper - with 210 dinners.
  • Total Number of meals served during 2010 – 2,132 meals.
  • Health Insurance Counseling – bi-weekly 1on 1 sessions by SCS volunteers.

Goal: To promote healthful and independent living.

  • Exercise Class – average of 72 people, three times a week, with 178 total members.
  • 70 + Softball League at Big Willow Park – 39 participants played twice a week.
  • Foot Care - provided to 360 people by Happy Feet nurses.
  • H.O.M.E. – provided 705 jobs with 1,734 hours of service to 116 people.
  • Blood Pressure Tests – provided by volunteer nurses to 627 people.
  • Canoe trips - twice on Minnehaha Creek and Christmas Lake, 39 paddlers.
  • Golf League - for 32 participants, with 12 week season.

Goal: To encourage volunteerism.

  • Income - over 273 seniors were helped by six income tax volunteers.
  • Minnetonka Summer Festival – raised $756 at food concession stand.
  • Volunteers – 245 volunteers donated 15,863 hours to center activities.
  • – $33,721 in sales with 52 volunteers and 104 vendors.
  • Help at- Kids Fest, City Open House, Adopt A Highway, Utility Bill, Eco Fair.
  • concessions – raised $486 for youth scholarships.
  • Minnetonka Police - 13 participants removed patches from old uniforms.
  • Volunteer learning tours to- , St. David’s, Resource West, Courage Center.

Goal: To be informed advocates in advising the Minnetonka City Council as to the status of senior citizens in our city.

The fifteen-member Minnetonka Senior Citizen Advisory Board has many tasks, among them is advising the city council on the needs and status of seniors in the city and recommending ways in which those needs may be met. 


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