Minnetrista city council and staff gathered with residents on May 7 for the annual State of the City address against the verdant backdrop of Burl Oaks Golf Course. The event served as a forum to share achievements from recent years, recognize current planning and parks commissioners, and outline key focus areas for the future.
Mayor Lisa Whalen presented an overview of the city’s six strategic priorities: Public infrastructure, public safety, community planning and development, community engagement, broadband expansion and budget.
In 2023, the city made significant strides in its street infrastructure, investing $7.5 million into a record number of projects. As a result, only minor road maintenance work is scheduled for 2024, she said. The city introduced a new Geographic Information System (GIS) 10-year capital improvement project tool. This tool allows residents to easily access information about planned street improvements in their area.
The council’s attention is also directed toward enhancing the city’s water infrastructure. Collaborating with AE2S, a renowned engineering firm, the council is actively engaged in developing a comprehensive water supply plan. This initiative involves identifying both short and long-term strategies to ensure the city’s water needs are met effectively.
In that regard, the city is set to implement phased summer water conservation measures once again from May 1-Sept. 30. These measures are designed to conserve water during peak demand periods and are activated based on current conditions. Monthly meter readings are taken each month throughout the summer with notifications sent to high users. Mayor Whalen encouraged residents to look at their bill and make every effort to irrigate their lawns responsibly.
In the public safety domain, the city is concentrating on recruiting and retaining police officers. Mayor Whalen pointed out the challenges faced not only by the city, but also by the county and state in this regard. Presently, the city’s police force consists of 14 officers.
Some of the strategies that the department has implemented include signing incentives for experienced officers, lateral pay and vacation entry, and upward movement in the department. Earlier this year, the city also added a public safety fitness facility for law enforcement as an additional benefit.
In terms of fire services, the city currently has contracts with the Mound and St. Bonifacius fire departments while it is in the early stages of establishing a fire district. Mayor Whalen explained that a fire district would enable neighboring communities to collaborate by sharing staff and equipment.
With regard to community planning and development, the city has made significant strides in the past year, including the February 2024 openings of Mackenthun’s Grocery Store, Caribou Coffee, and The Cove Wine and Spirits. Anticipation is also mounting for a new apartment complex near Mackenthun’s to begin leasing at the end of the summer. Mayor Whalen noted that this marks Minnetrista’s inaugural venture into high-density housing options.
Alongside business development, the city has continued to sustain its residential growth pattern, adding between 100 and 115 new units annually over the past several years. Woodland Cove, the city’s master-planned community project initiated in 2013, has already granted 908 new home permits and is projected to reach a total of 1,111 units.
Whalen expressed satisfaction with the city’s growth trajectory, emphasizing the importance of manageable development to avoid overburdening city infrastructure.
The city is also striving to enhance its communication with residents through various channels. A new website was launched in mid-2023, complemented by the regular dissemination of updates through the Minnetrista Messenger, Mayor’s Message, and social media. Additionally, the city introduced a new holiday tree lighting event in 2023 that is slated to continue in 2024, alongside its roster of annual events. Among these is Trista Day, an annual public safety awareness event, scheduled for May 18, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city campus.
Another priority for the council over the past several years has been expanding broadband access to underserved homes. It has partnered with various providers to serve different parts of the city and residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website to find out what provider serves their area.
To finance the city’s priorities, the council has diligently monitored the city’s financial well-being, ensuring it continues to maintain a superior bond rating. For the year 2024, the city plans to levy approximately $6.5 million. Mayor Whalen underscored the city’s commitment to striking a delicate balance between tax increases and their impact, distinguishing between essential items and those deferred to a “wish list”.
Finally, the city put out a call for election judges. Residents interested in applying can do so via the city’s website at https://www.cityofminnetrista.com/elections/page/2024-election-judges .
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