City Council Study Session - 06.15.26

The City of Minnetonka City Council held a study session on June 15, 2026, focusing primarily on the evaluation and future planning of the Purgatory Park off-leash dog area and the city's Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for 2027 through 2031. Staff presented data on compliance challenges with the current off-leash dog ordinance, including significant non-compliance and vandalism of signage, and proposed four options ranging from continuing the current approach to establishing fully fenced off-leash areas with estimated costs up to $250,000. Council members discussed enforcement difficulties, costs, and environmental impacts, with a general leaning toward fencing options to improve compliance and public safety. The session also included a detailed review of various city funds supporting capital projects, such as cable television, capital replacement, community investment, electric franchise fees, forestry, municipal state aid, park and trail improvements, public safety, stormwater, street improvements, water and sewer, and the Wilson Center. Discussions highlighted funding challenges, rising costs for infrastructure projects, and the need for strategic planning, including potential sales tax authority and bond issuances to support facility improvements. The council agreed to continue the current funding approach and planned to address additional topics such as housing and zoning code updates in upcoming study sessions.