Rebecca Schack begins work as mayor

She first joined the city council in 2018

When they first moved to town 12 years ago, Rebecca Schack and her husband were excited to live near Minnetonka’s growing network of parks, trails and open spaces.

“That’s what brought us to the community, but what has kept us here are the people we encounter whether we’re playing pickleball or participating in a class at one of our city facilities,” she said.

Schack will succeed Brad Wiersum as mayor at the beginning of the year. Growing up, she didn’t necessarily dream of being mayor, but she was one to raise her hand when committees were formed and decisions needed to be made.

“The decision to run for mayor was easy since Minnetonka is such a well-run, well-respected city,” Schack said. “My No. 1 priority is to keep Minnetonka on the great track it’s been on for decades.”

Schack joined the planning commission in 2017 and also worked on the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Committee. The experience prepared her well for the city council’s current rewrite of Minnetonka’s zoning code.

“While it’s not super glamorous work, it’s the most important work that’s going on. We have an opportunity to make things more straightforward for our residents and potential developers and to simplify the complicated issues of zoning.” That will include reaching agreement on where housing density is and isn’t appropriate and how to handle sustainability and environmental issues.

Schack said she is excited to help guide Minnetonka’s stewardship of its network of trails, parks and open spaces. The completion of a trail segment along Minnetonka Boulevard will eventually make it possible to bike along a trail from one end of the city to the other.

“We’re starting to see those connections come together and it’s really exciting,” she said. “It’s been really cool to see what we’ve been able to do with a relatively modest amount of money.”

As she becomes mayor, Schack said she is grateful to previous leaders who have set the city up to be financially stable and a place where people really enjoy living. She is also looking forward to working with her fellow council members.

“We have such a high level of professionalism that we’re able to be really effective,” Schack said.

Save the Date! 2026 State of the City

Wednesday, Feb. 25
Minnetonka Community Center
minnetonkamn.gov/state-of-the-city

Trail projects prioritize community connections

The city council approved the final segment of the Minnetonka Boulevard Trail

When construction crews get back to work on the Minnetonka Boulevard Trail later this year, they will complete another important community connection. The project, stretching from Tonkawood Road to The Marsh, will complete the only missing trail segment between Hwy 101 and Hopkins Crossroad.

“I think the public safety aspects of getting this done and having a completed trail, where you can walk, bike or run safely, really adds benefit to our residents,” said outgoing Mayor Brad Wiersum. The trail aligns with Minnetonka’s Trail Improvement Plan which prioritizes connections between schools, businesses and neighborhoods.

Trail preparations have been underway since last spring, including the burial of power lines and communication cables along with the replacement of gas mains. The project will include a new pedestrian crossing at Sussex Drive and an upgrade to another crossing installed three years ago at The Mall.

Regional projects connect communities

Progress continues on two regional trails designed to connect Minnetonka to its neighbors to the north and south. The 17-mile trail plan is split into two separate projects.

• The Eagle Lake Regional Trail (ELRT) would connect Eagle Lake Regional Park in Maple Grove to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail in Minnetonka.
• The Bryant Lake Regional Trail (BLRT) would stretch farther south through Minnetonka to Bryant Lake Regional Park in Eden Prairie.

Three Rivers Park District is managing both projects with construction scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Minnetonka City Council

With Rebecca Schack beginning her role as mayor, the city council is anticipated to discuss the vacancy left in her Ward 2 council seat this month. Watch for more information in a future Minnetonka Memo.

Minnetonka’s city council holds regular meetings on Mondays at 6 p.m. The council meets at the Minnetonka Community Center. You can also watch meetings live and on-demand at minnetonkamn.gov/tv.

Help protect the city’s water resources

Minnetonka residents are invited to apply to serve on the board of commissioners of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission.

The commission works to protect the water resources of the Bassett Creek watershed by providing overall direction for the organization, including development and implementation of the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Plan.

The three-year term includes one meeting a month. Candidates must be at least 21 and a Minnetonka resident. Contact Water Resources Programs Manager Eric Eckman at 952-939-8233 to apply. 

Day of Racial Healing

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join Minnetonka for a discussion on equity.

Betsy Hodges, former mayor of Minneapolis, and Mee Moua, the first Hmong woman elected to the state legislature, will speak about opportunities to strengthen our community and lead with equitable decision making.

Virtual Watch Event

• Jan. 20, 6–7:30 p.m.
• Eisenhower Elementary School, 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins, MN 55305

Investing in the future

A citywide infrastructure assessment found that 70 percent of Minnetonka’s water mains and 80 percent of sewer mains were installed in the 1960s and 1970s.While the city continues to replace infrastructure annually, a large portion of those pipes are nearing the end of their useful life.

“It’s important we understand the life span of our assets, so we can plan and prepare for replacement,” said Finance Director Darin Nelson. “We expect 20 percent of city pipes will need replacement in the 2040s and another 30 percent will be replaced during the 2070s.”

The cost of replacing pipes over one decade will be both intense and expensive. That’s why the city uses a combination of pay-as-you-use and pay-as-you-go financing to spread replacement costs between current and future rate payers.

“The city needs to begin incrementally saving for the renewal and replacement of utility assets,” Nelson said.

Beginning this year, the city is splitting its current infrastructure fee into separate water infrastructure and sewer infrastructure charges. This change not only provides clarity for customers, but also ensures a steady, predictable revenue stream to cover necessary capital and debt service costs for both utilities.

Water

In 2026, Minnetonka is also reducing its number of water billing tiers to simplify bills and reflect residents’ ongoing water conservation efforts.

Over the past 20 years, the average water usage per household has decreased by 33 percent thanks to improved conservation and more efficient appliances.

Overall, quarterly water and sewer rates are increasing between $22.60 (low water user of 9,000 gallons per quarter) and $27.50 (average user of 15,000 gallons per quarter). Future rate increases are expected to be more modest after this year’s increase.

Recycling

Recycling rates will also increase $6.27 per quarter in 2026.The increase is due to Republic Services’ annual contract increase and growing participation in organics recycling.

The city contract uses a tier system for organics recycling with higher participation prompting higher rates to cover increased hauler costs. Over the past year, household organics recycling participation grew from less than 10 percent to nearly 20 percent with an additional tier increase anticipated soon.

2026 Water Billing Rates

• 0–15,000 gallons $3.50 per 1,000 gallons
• 15,001–30,000 gallons $4.73 per 1,000 gallons
• 30,001 gallons and up $7.50 per 1,000 gallons

Learn more about the city’s 2026 utility rates at minnetonkamn.gov/news.

What do the charges on my bill mean?

Water Usage and Sewer Usage: Variable, based on how much water is used.

Met Council Sewer Charge: A pass-through charge paid directly to the Met Council to cover its costs for collecting and treating wastewater in the seven-county metro region.

*Water Infrastructure: A fixed charge used to fund improvements and debt service for the city’s water infrastructure system.

*Sewer Infrastructure: A fixed charge used to fund improvements and debt service for the city’s sewer infrastructure system.

Stormwater Drainage: A fixed charge used to fund operations, maintenance and improvements for the city’s stormwater system.

Recycling: A fixed fee for recycling, organic recycling, brush and leaf drop-off and special drop-off events. The city contracts with Republic Services to provide recycling services.

State Water Testing Fee: A fixed pass-through fee from the state of Minnesota to fund state drinking water inspections and other technical assistance.

*Note: This fee was previously combined but has been split to provide additional clarity.

Yearly Reminder: Register your alarms and security cameras

Minnetonka police invite residents and businesses to voluntarily register their private video surveillance systems through Keep Minnetonka Safe. When a crime occurs nearby, officers can contact registered camera owners to request footage that could assist in an investigation.

Keep Minnetonka Safe is a partnership between Minnetonka police, residents and businesses to enhance neighborhood safety. This program does not give police direct access to private camera systems; video is shared only if you provide it after an officer requests it.

You do not need to re-register if you previously registered your security system with SafeCam. If you are unsure if you registered your security system or if you need to update your information, please reregister your system. We will update your information and ensure no duplicates are in our system. To participate and register your security system, visit keepminnetonkasafe.org.

This is not the same as registering your alarm system. All homeowners and businesses are required to register their alarm system with Minnetonka police. You can register your system, pay the $20 annual fee and find tips to prevent false alarms at minnetonkamn.gov/alarm-registration.

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Sauna in the Parks

• Ages 18 and older
• Wednesdays, Friday-Sunday  (Extended holiday hours) throughout the winter season
• Shady Oak Beach
• $25/person (1 hour, 25-minute session)
• Private group reservations available

 More info and register: minnetonkamn.gov/saunaintheparks

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Family Fun Day

Saturday, Jan. 24

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Minnetonka Fire Station 1, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd.

• Chili and cider
• Inflatable slide
• Fire truck displays
• Meet a firefighter

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Get Fit this New Year

Kick off your new year resolution with a membership to The Marsh or Williston Fitness Center.

With affordable memberships from single to family, the city facilities offer unique amenities, free group fitness classes and discounted rates to programs for all ages and interests.

We also offer combined memberships, so you get access to both facilities.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/memberships for 2026 rates.

The city will accept Silver Sneakers, Tivity, Silver & Fit, Renew Active and One Pass (includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN) in 2026. Please confirm eligibility with your insurance provider. 

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Ski the trails

Check out the cross country ski trail at Glen Lake Golf Course.

The 2.5-kilometer trail, for skiers of all abilities, is groomed for both skate skiing and traditional skiing. The golf center is open for classic equipment rental, concessions, restrooms and a place to warm up.

Through March 15 (depending on weather)

Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Glen Lake Golf Course14350 County Road 62, Minnetonka

Fees

• Season Ski Pass $35 (tax included)
• Daily Ski Pass $7 (tax not included)

Season passes can be purchased at Glen Lake Golf Course.

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Tackle buckthorn this winter

Buckthorn is an invasive shrub that spreads widely and makes natural areas less healthy. Unfortunately, cutting or pulling isn’t enough to control it. You need a good plan and commitment to long-term maintenance.

Winter is actually a good time to get started because buckthorn is easier to access. Here are our recommendations for success:

Learn, learn, learn

Start by studying our online guide. You’ll learn to identify buckthorn and make a plan that addresses all stages of control, from removal and disposal to seeding, maintenance and replanting.

Remove bit by bit

Buckthorn will not disappear all at once, to help you achieve goals for buckthorn control and especially if you have more than a small patch. 

Explore assistance programs

The city’s Resilient Minnetonka program offers technical assistance, incentives and funding options more. Scan the QR code to learn more and apply. 

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Diverting downed trees from the waste system

Urban wood utilization may provide some solutions

As cities across the country deal with trees lost to emerald ash borer and other pest-related diseases, many are once again exploring how some of the wood can be reclaimed or reused.

“We have approximately 60,000 ash trees in the city,” said City Forester Josh Obermeyer. “Almost all of those will die over the next several years. That’s a lot of wood to deal with.” Many residents will burn it as firewood, but urban wood utilization can lead to other uses. Instead of treating removed trees as waste, some people choose to repurpose them into furniture, lumber, art and community projects. This sustainable approach reduces disposal costs, supports local makers and lowers carbon impacts.

Minnetonka’s forestry team met recently with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other community arborists to explore alternatives.

“We want to encourage people to consider other uses when they can,” said Obermeyer.

VIDEO: Learn more about urban wood utilization at minnetonkamn.gov/forestry

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Kids’ Fest

Join us for an afternoon of FREE family fun at Kids’ Fest. Activities include dog sled rides, horse-drawn trolley rides, face painting, ice sculptures, crafts and much more! Registration is not required.

• Sunday, Feb. 1
• 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Minnetonka Community Center

January 2026 City of Minnetonka Calendar

• 1 New Year’s Holiday, city offices closed
• 7 Park Board, 6 p.m.
• 8 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
• 12 City Council and Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
• 13 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, 6 p.m.
• 15 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
• 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, city offices closed
• 20 Sustainability Commission, 6 p.m.
• 22 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
• 24 Fire Department Family Fun Day, 10 a.m.
• 26 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.

Most city meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in 2026. Visit minnetonkamn.gov/participate to learn how to also take part remotely. Watch meetings live and on-demand at minnetonkamn.gov/tv.

For up-to-date information, visit minnetonkamn.gov/calendar or call 952-939-8200.