Minnetonka Publications Text-Only Version Archive

May 2026 Minnetonka Memo Text Only

Committed to well-being

Minnetonka social worker supports community in need

In moments of crisis, having the right support can make all the difference.

Each May, communities recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigma and connect residents with support.

A key part of that effort is the police department’s social worker, Kelly Froehle. Froehle works alongside officers to support individuals experiencing mental health crisis, substance use challenges and other social service needs.

With more than 20 years of experience in social work, including work with families, youth and in clinical settings, Froehle brings a depth of knowledge and compassion to her role.

“Our goal is to connect people to the help they need, not just to respond in the moment,” said Chief of Police Scott Boerboom. “An embedded social worker brings expertise and compassion to situations where it can make a lasting difference for individuals and families.”

When officers encounter a community member in need, they can refer that individual to Froehle, who personally follows up to create a tailored plan and connect them with resources such as housing, food or treatment services. She may also respond directly to calls where her expertise is needed on-site.

By helping residents access services and stabilize situations, this program aims to reduce repeat calls and ensure people are getting the help they need. Froehle’s work reflects a simple but powerful goal: Making sure every community member has a path to support and a place to turn.

Share your feedback: Short-term rental ordinance

The city council is considering an ordinance that would regulate short-term rentals in the city. Learn more and share your feedback at MinnetonkaMatters.com. 

Thriving starts here

May 4–8 is Economic Development Week

Thrive Minnetonka is a business publication to help businesses start, grow and thrive.

Published three times a year, the newsletter shares news, updates, helpful resources and success stories with Minnetonka’s business community.

“Minnetonka is fortunate to be home to a thriving mix of global and local, big and small businesses,” said Economic Development Coordinator Kjerstin Yager. “We’re here to support them whatever stage they are in – whether they are just starting out or have been here 30 years.”

Thrive Minnetonka is delivered to every business address in Minnetonka. Complete the minnetonkamn.gov/businessform to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for your business. You can also scan the QR code to sign up for business news and updates via email or text.

Minnetonka businesses

Beginning in July, the Minnetonka Memo will no longer be mailed to Minnetonka business addresses. You can continue to receive a digital version of the Memo each month by subscribing to Latest News at minnetonkamn.gov/subscribe. 

Delane Wetterlin receives Spirit of Minnetonka Award

When it comes to pesky potholes or serious snowplowing complaints, Minnetonka residents don’t hesitate to let public works know how they feel.

Public Works Administrative Assistant Delane Wetterlin is often the first person fielding those calls. Her inviting, helpful demeanor goes a long way in ensuring community members feel heard.

“Listening to her communicate with residents demonstrates her enormous capacity for empathy,” said Public Works Administrative Manager Hannah Aleman. “She truly cares about people and goes above and beyond in that capacity.”

Wetterlin, who joined the city in 2021, has made an enormous impact on the public works department—externally and internally. She’s the go-to person for questions and is well known for keeping everyone on task. Public Service Worker Eileen Connors said Wetterlin daily demonstrates the city’s shared values, exemplifying what the Spirit of Minnetonka Award is all about.

“I personally have witnessed Delane being on the telephone talking to residents … and at the same time, she’s sewing buttons on people’s uniforms.”

Sixteen other employees also received awards for their achievements at the employee recognition lunch earlier this year.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Josh Brunken, Jon Cerney, Adam Cordes, Neil Maddox, Andrew Sanvick and Chris Wiemelt | Public Works

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

Jeremy Shimetz | Community Development

INNOVATION

Garith Scherck, Jason Tait and Ryan Engelen | Police and IT

LEADERSHIP

Kevin Hruby and Jared Niebuhr | Fire

TEAMWORK

Zach Haley, Shane Kerwin, Katherine Schlueter and Noah Murphy | Police

Remembering Deputy Fire Marshal Johnson

The Minnetonka Fire Department remembers Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, who died in March after a courageous two-year battle with job-related cancer.

Statewide, flags flew at half-staff March 19 to honor Johnson, who served the community of Minnetonka for 20 years. Johnson joined the department in March 2006 as a paid-on call firefighter and was hired full time as a fire inspector in 2016. He was honored as the Minnesota Fire Investigator of the Year in 2020 and promoted to deputy fire marshal in 2023, a role in which he served with distinction.

The Minnetonka Fire Department will carry his memory with us always.

Designing landscapes that last

Are you ready to control invasive species, reduce your lawn or take other actions to increase habitat and resilience?

Check out the Resilient Minnetonka program. You can access education and resources, apply for a site visit to identify goals and find funding to help achieve them.

Explore the Resilient Minnetonka orientation module to learn more and apply through the module if you’d like to participate. 

Private utility projects underway

Private fiber companies are continuing to install their fiber networks around Minnetonka this year. These projects are not being performed by or for the City of Minnetonka, but the utility providers do have permits to perform the work. For questions or concerns, please contact those companies directly.

Find contact information at Minnetonkamatters.com/private-utility-projects.

Summer fun at Camp HopTonka

Make the most of summer with our four-day camps for kids ages 7-12. Explore a unique theme each week through multiple field trips, outdoor adventures, sports, creative arts, team-building games and more.

  • Artful innovators
  • Quirky Sports Adventure
  • Wild About Animals
  • Outdoor Explorers
  • Splash Safari

More info: minnetonkamn.gov/register 

Lone Lake Mountain Bike Trail celebrates five years

Tight and twisty. A hidden gem. A throw-back trail.

Whatever you call it, the Lone Lake Mountain Bike Trail is home to outdoor adventure in the heart of the Big Woods.

“It doesn’t feel engineered or intimidating like some trails can,” said rider Trish Gardiner. “There’s a flow to it that makes you want to keep going, and the setting makes you forget you’re in the middle of the metro.”

Since opening in 2021, more than 12,000 riders have biked the trail over an estimated 92,000 visits. Riders appreciate the five-mile trail’s steep terrain, which offers more vertical gain per mile than any other in the western metro.

“I enjoy the fact that it’s short enough that if I only have time for one lap it’s quick and easy,” said rider Eric Ekstrand. “However, the terrain is challenging enough, that sometimes one lap is all you need.”

Accessible to a wide range of skillsets, the trail offers year-round use, from a summer run to a winter snowshoe or fat bike. Its proximity to shops, restaurants and regional trails makes it easy to bike to and from.

“It brings a different kind of energy to the [city’s] park system,” Gardiner said. “Minnetonka has always done a beautiful job with nature, but this adds movement and play to it.”

Lone Lak e Park Mountain Bike Trail Opener 5-Year Anniversary

  • Saturday, May 30 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Lone Lake Park Picnic Shelter | 5624 Shady Oak Road
  • Group ride rolls out at 10:30 a.m. Food, beverages and good people to follow.

May 2026 City of Minnetonka Calendar

  • 2 The Marsh Anniversary, 9 a.m.
  • 5 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 6 Park Board, 6 p.m.
  • 7 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 11 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.
  • 12 Senior Advisory Board, 10 a.m.
  • 14 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 18 City Council & Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
  • 19 Sustainability Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 25 Memorial Day Holiday, city offices closed
  • 28 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 30 Mountain Bike Opener, 10 a.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. 

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