City Of Minnetonka: City Council Meeting Summary For Aug. 23, 2021

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

08/25/2021 1:52 p.m.

The summary includes brief highlights from the City Council meeting. To view the full meeting and agenda packet, go to minnetonkamn.gov/councilmeetings.

Contracts awarded for Ridgedale Commons Park, Crane Lake Preserve Shelter construction 

The council awarded contracts for the Ridgedale Area Parks Project and approved an amendment to its guaranteed maximum price with construction manager, H+U Construction. Due to higher than anticipated construction bids, the project requires an additional $1,312,476 in funding. The council approved amending the 2021-25 Capital Improvement Plan to accommodate increasing material costs and the ambitious design. The Ridgedale Area Parks Project includes the construction of Ridgedale Commons Park and Crake Lake Preserve Shelter. Subscribe for updates on these projects.

Council recognizes retiring city manager

The city council recognized City Manager Geralyn Barone, who is retiring Sept. 10, 2021. Barone joined the city in 1994 and has served as city manager since 2012. During her time with the city, she created a culture of organizational excellence, always strived to do the right thing for the community and exemplified great public leadership. In 2019, she received the Minnesota Women in City Government’s Leadership Award. Her footprint is ingrained within the City of Minnetonka, and she has had a significant influence on all of the city’s departments during her tenure.

Public hearings scheduled for special assessments

The city council began the annual process of collecting special assessments related to property nuisances, diseased trees and city court fines, as required by state statute. The cost of these improvements can be levied against property owners following a public hearing and city council action.

Council to consider updates of right-of-way regulations

The council introduced ordinances related to right-of-way management. The proposed ordinances update management of the city’s right-of-way regarding small cell wireless facilities and driveway standards. These ordinances will be presented again at the Sept. 13 city council meeting.

Fire Relief Association increases firefighters' pension 

The council approved an amendment to the Minnetonka Firefighters Relief Association by-laws, increasing the lump sum pension benefit to $12,000 per year of service. The current lump sum payment of $8,004 was last increased in 2019. Minnesota state statute allows associations to increase their benefit levels up to $15,000 per year of service, as long as associations have sufficient funding.

City proclaims Hispanic Heritage and National Suicide Prevention + Action months

The city council proclaimed Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2021, as Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

The council also proclaimed September 2021 as National Suicide Prevention + Action Month, asking Minnetonka residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and to recognize that taking care of ourselves and others includes taking care of mental health.

This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author’s own.