Mary T. introduced the Mayor of Minnetonka:
Rotary truly makes a difference in the world – he went to his first Rotary meeting in the Mid-70’s with his dad. Rotary is truly a force for good in the world and he is so appreciative for all this club does to build responsible youth.
Highlights:
During the Pandemic most city staff have 2 jobs – they have their regular job and then they have their pandemic job – this has had a significant impact on people throughout the city – it affects everything the city does.
Diversity is what the city has been working on for several years, most recently, with the issues over the summer, it has been brought to the forefront and the city is considering hiring a dedicated staff person.
Sustainability is a key focus as well and city services continue to require a lot more time and focus during the pandemic.
Minnetonka does have an excellent police department with the lowest ratio of sworn officers per capita along with Plymouth and they want to be part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
-Growth & Density – Minnetonka currently has 54,000 residents in 38 square miles – obviously, we will have greater density.
- Park and trails – the trail system is becoming more transit orientated – connections are the goal and an updated strategic profile is available on the city website.
Ridgedale is a successful mall when many are struggling around the country. 2 acres was donated by a developer for the park and new roads were built for bikes and walking around Ridgedale – mini-version of Millennial Park in Chicago here in Minnetonka. Three new roundabouts have been built to slow traffic and make the area much more pedestrian friendly.
Currently, Crane Lake is not an amenity to anyone other than those who live on the other side of the lake. The city is planning to provide public access to this beautiful wildlife area and new trails from Ridgedale park to Crane Lake will bring in more foot traffic to the area.
A new apartment has been built directly behind Blvd and it does have 25% dedicated to affordable housing.
Finally, IFly – Minnetonka's newest entertainment complex is a huge win for the region and is making the mall area a regional destination.
If you have questions, reach out to major directly.
43 invites for the Major to join the club!
Chris Carr thanked the major for his wonderful presentation and thanked him for all he does for the city of Minnetonka.
