Minnetonka Publications Text-Only Version Archive

June 2026 Minnetonka Memo Text Only

Inside the home of a Sustainable Minnetonka Award winner

Since moving to their Minnetonka home in 2020, Paul and Sharon Papanek Stork have made investments to maximize energy efficiency. They’ve added insulation, switched to electric appliances, purchased an electric vehicle and even installed a solar tube light in the upstairs bathroom. But perhaps the most ambitious change was installing a geothermal heat pump.

“A new furnace and air conditioner would have been less than geothermal,” said Paul, “but [geothermal is] much more efficient.”

Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth (between 55 and 70 degrees) to pump in cold air during the summer and extract it during the winter. When buried at the proper depth and insulated correctly, geothermal pumps keep the home at a steady temperature year-round.

“You pay a lot less for the electricity to run them,” Paul explained. “And over the long haul they’re a lot less expensive because there aren’t nearly as many parts.”

To offset the cost of electricity needed in the home, they installed solar panels on their roof. Now, the Papanek Storks pay for electricity only during the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter. “We put more into the grid than we take out. This last month’s bill … was $21,” Paul said. “And next month it will be negative.”

The Papanek Stork family exemplifies how homeowners can support the community’s climate action goals, earning Paul and Sharon recognition in the 2026 Sustainable Minnetonka Award’s energy category.

“We feel like we’re doing our part helping the environment by doing all these projects,” Sharon said, “and we’re helping whoever will live in this house after we do.”

See a full list of Sustainable Minnetonka Award winners at minnetonkamn.gov/sustainability-awards.

Election 2026

Election season kicks off this month with the start of absentee voting for the primary election.

Important dates

  • Primary election | Aug. 11

Absentee voting begins June 26

  • General election | Nov. 3

Absentee voting begins Sept. 18

Vote absentee

By mail: Learn how to apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail at minnetonkamn.gov/elections.

Register to vote

Now is a great time to pre-register to vote. Find info on the city website.

Keep informed

Summer Fest 2026

  • Saturday, June 27
  • 4–10:30 p.m.
  • Civic Center Park, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. 

Main Stage Entertainment

  • 5:30–6:15 p.m. Jolly Pops
  • 7–10 p.m. Power of 10

More info: minnetonkamn.gov/summerfest

  • Bike to Summer Fest: Bike racks will be available for bikers to secure their bikes during events at the Civic Center.
  • Restrooms are available in Ice Arena A & B and on the Summer Fest grounds.
  • Weather Hotline: 952-939-8355
  • Schedule and event are subject to change or cancelation.
  • Please check the city website for any event status changes.

4 p.m. Tot Trot

This free running event for children ages 2-8 takes place starting at the bottom of the hill near the amphitheater and proceeds up the hill toward the ice arena (2-3 blocks long depending on age). No registration is required. All participants will receive a medal at the finish line.

Tot Trot Race Times
  • Ages 2–3 4:05 p.m.
  • Ages 4–5 4:10 p.m.
  • Ages 6–8 4:15 p.m.

4–5:30 p.m. Fire Department Open House

4– 8/9 p.m. Activities

  • Caricature artists
  • Glitter Tattoos
  • Crazy Hair artists
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Carlson’s Llovable Llamas
  • Inflatables
  • Bungee Trampolines
  • Human Foosball
  • Sports Challenge
  • Ninja Anywhere Ninja Rig
  • Axe Throwing
  • Vertical Climbing Wall
  • Sensory Tent

4–10 p.m. Food Vendors

  • A variety of food and beverages available to purchase.
  • Beer and wine sales provided by the Minnetonka Rotary.

10 p.m. Fireworks!

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE!

Event Sponsor: Sleepy Tigers Chinese Immersion Learning Center

The Minnetonka SUMMER Farmers Market is back!

  • Tuesdays, 2–6 p.m.
  • June 2–Sept. 29
  • The Marsh Parking Lot | 15000 Minnetonka Blvd.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/farmersmarket for more information on weekly vendors, music, POP Club and more. 

Music in the Park

Enjoy music for the whole family throughout the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

NEW this year!  A food truck will be present each week during the performance.

  • June 23: Percolators Band, Byblos food truck, sponsored by MinnWest Bank
  • June 30: The 22nd Row, Pronto Pup food truck, sponsored by Orchards of Minnetonka

Shady Oak Beach

Renew or purchase your Shady Oak Beach season pass to enjoy unlimited entry to the beach June 6–Aug. 16. Existing cards will be reactivated.

How to get your Shady Oak Beach pass

  • Purchase or renew online at minnetonkamn.gov/register or on the app
  • Call 952-939-8203, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Visit Shady Oak Beach during beach operation hours

For rates and complete details, visit minnetonkamn.gov/beach.

Easy scan in! Use the Minnetonka Recreation app

Summer in the Commons

Spend time this summer at Ridgedale Commons doing yoga, attending family-friendly events and more!

The park features an interactive fountain, grassy lawn, park building, gardens and more.

Visit minnetonkamn.gov/calendar or follow us on social media for more event details.

Yoga in the Commons

Saturdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

June 6, 20; July 11, 25; Aug. 8, 22

  • Summer yoga on the lawn
  • Bring a yoga mat and water bottle
  • Free, no registration required

Amateur Chalk Competition

Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

  • Participants of all ages will create a chalk drawing inspired by the theme “Adventures Under the Sun”
  • Register required online; $25/team

Attention 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.

Give back with your voice, time

Get involved and make an impact on our community.

Young adult openings

We’re seeking young adults to fill open positions on the city park board and sustainability commission.

These are great opportunities for Minnetonka residents (ages 16-24) to help guide the future of the city’s parks, natural resources and sustainability initiatives. Make a lasting impact on what matters to you. Terms run through June 2027 with the option for reappointment.

DEI, planning commission openings

Candidates are also invited to apply for vacancies on the planning commission and diversity, equity and inclusion commission. These volunteer positions are open to Minnetonka residents and play an important role in advising city council on land use and DEI topics.

Apply at minnetonkamn.gov/boards-commissions.

Keep signs out of the right-of-way

The city regulates temporary signs to ensure safety and maintain the community’s appearance.

Temporary outdoor advertising signs, such as open house or garage sale signs:

  • Must be placed at least five feet from the edge of a public street and cannot obstruct driver visibility.
  • Cannot be on the right-of-way of county or state roads.
  • Cannot exceed 6 feet in height or 3 square feet in area.
  • May only be displayed from 6 a.m. on Thursday to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

If you have questions, please contact the planning division at 952-939-8290.

Summer Hours reminder!

Minnetonka city offices close at noon Fridays through Labor Day. Summer hours do not affect recreation facilities and programs or any fire, police or public works services.

Congratulations

The City of Minnetonka expresses its appreciation and congratulations to our employees on their recent and upcoming retirements.

  • Officer Steven Paschke, 24 years
  • Officer Scott Reis, 31 years
  • Scott Ornat, 47 years
  • Beth Nitz, 13 years
  • Kevin Beamish, 32 years
  • Lisa Gyswyt, 23 years

Burwell House Tours

Free guided tours of the historic Charles H. Burwell House are available through September.

Tour Schedule

  • June 2–Aug. 30
  • Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
  • 1–4 p.m.
  • Sept. 5–27
  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • 1–4 p.m.

For more information about tours, visit minnetonkamn.gov/burwellhouse.

Registration for Night to Unite parties is now open!

Get ready to party; Night to Unite is Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Hosted by the Minnetonka Police Department and sponsored by the Minnetonka Crime Prevention Association, this annual celebration is an opportunity for neighbors to get together and promote community safety.

Register your party by July 17 to request a visit from Minnetonka police, fire, public works and other city officials. Please note that visits are not guaranteed.

Scan the QR code or visit minnetonkamn.gov/night-to-unite to register your party.

Meet Community Engagement Officer Welbes

As Minnetonka’s community engagement officer, Eliana Welbes is often the first connection residents have with police at local events.

“This role is about being present and approachable,” Welbes said. “When people feel comfortable reaching out, it strengthens trust.”

Welbes joined the department in 2023 with five years of experience with Hopkins Police, serving in roles including patrol officer, detective and school resource officer.

Now she is focused on building partnerships, creating engagement opportunities and revitalizing the chaplains program. If you have a community engagement event or idea don’t hesitate to contact her at 952-939-7663 or engageMPD@minnetonkamn.gov.

Pacheco named Firefighter of the Year

Dave Pacheco was shocked when he heard his name as Minnetonka’s firefighter of the year. “I can easily name a dozen people just as committed,” the fire captain said.

Known for mentoring new firefighters, pursuing additional training and stepping up when needed, Pacheco exemplifies dedication and leadership.

While honored individually, he credits the department’s culture of support and collaboration for making excellence possible. Capt. Pacheco has served the department for five years, primarily at Stations 1 and 2.

2026 Minnetonka Fire Banquet award winners

  • Adaptable Learning and Innovation: Dave Autio
  • Authentic Communication: Lt. Austin Rice
  • Healthy Human Relationships: Payton Barthel
  • Outcome Focused Teamwork: Capt. William Hobbs

Get to know Natural Resources

Minnetonka’s natural environment continues to rank as the thing residents like most of the about community. Residents say water conservation is the most important environmental priority.

Caring for Minnetonka’s natural environment is no small task. That’s why, in the 1990s, Minnetonka’s city council and leadership approved the formation of a staff division in public works devoted to natural resource protection and enhancement.

We focus on these priorities...

  • Robust community forest
  • Water quality and stormwater management
  • Diverse plant communities
  • Soil health and erosion control

...to achieve these goals in our community.

  • Pollinator and wildlife habitat
  • Engaged residents
  • Beautiful, liveable environment
  • Health and wellness
  • Climate resilience
  • Equity and belonging

Source: 2026 Minnetonka Community survey

We can all be stewards

More than half of Minnetonka’s natural areas – woodlands, wetlands, fields and more – are located on private property. With that in mind, the Natural Resources team looks beyond city property to help residents become stewards of our shared natural resources.

Together, we can make Minnetonka even more lovely, ecologically diverse and resilient.

Three ways you can make a difference

Protect pollinators

This year, Minnetonka celebrates its tenth year as a national leader in urban pollinator protection. Visit minnetonkamn.gov/pollinators to learn more about pollinators and find ways to celebrate Monarch and Pollinator Awareness Month with us in July.

Volunteer

You’ll make an impact on our community’s parks and natural areas, spend time outdoors, meet great people and learn new skills you can use in your own home landscape. Find upcoming volunteer events and registration at minnetonkamn.gov/NRevents.

Focus on resilience

A resilient landscape includes diverse kinds of plants, especially native species, where possible. They not only offer aesthetic appeal, they provide food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife, reduce erosion on slopes, build soil health and more. The Resilient Minnetonka program can help you set goals and achieve them through education, technical assistance and funding options. Learn more and apply at minnetonkamn.gov/resilient-minnetonka.

Visit bit.ly/GetToKnowNR to learn more about natural resources.

Minnetonka Drinking Water Report

Minnetonka works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards.

These standards limit the amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water to ensure that tap water is safe to drink for most people.

City staff work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100 contaminants that may pose health concerns. Each year a report is prepared that provides information about the city’s water system and how it compares to state and federal standards.

You can view the 2025 Drinking Water Report at minnetonkamn.gov/water.

Copies are also available at Minnetonka Public Works at 11522 Minnetonka Blvd.

Community Drop-off Day is June 6

Get spring clean at Minnetonka’s Community Drop-off Day. Residents can bring unwanted furniture, scrap metal, building materials and more for a small disposal fee.

Minnetonka Public Works | 11522 Minnetonka Blvd. | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Find accepted materials, pricing and additional details at minnetonkamn.gov/dropoff.

June 2026 City of Minnetonka Calendar

  • 2 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 3 Park Board, 6 p.m.
  • 4 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 6 Community Drop-off Day, 8 a.m.
  • 6 Yoga in the Commons, 8:30 a.m.
  • 8 City Council & Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
  • 9 Senior Advisory Board. 10 a.m.
  • 9 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 9 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 11 Economic Development Advisory Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 15 City Council Study Session, 6 p.m.
  • 16 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 18 Planning Commission, 6 p.m.
  • 19 Juneteenth Holiday, city offices closed
  • 20 Yoga in the Commons, 8:30 a.m.
  • 22 City Council & Economic Development Authority, 6 p.m.
  • 23 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 23 Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.
  • 27 Minnetonka Summer Fest, 4 p.m.
  • 30 Farmers Market, 2 p.m.
  • 30 Music in the Park, 6:30 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. 

Contact Us 

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Mayor

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