Council accepts Minnetonka strategic plan midyear report and progress update

Minnetonka — The City Council unanimously accepted the City’s Quarter 2 strategic plan update on Aug. 11, receiving a midyear briefing from City Manager Mike Funk on progress across six strategic priorities.

Funk told the council the city is about halfway through its 2025 goals and reported overall progress at about 49 percent, with about 92 percent of the plan “in motion.” He said the city retained a triple‑A bond rating from Moody’s. On revenue and grants staff reported 14 grant applications were submitted in 2025, six had been awarded and seven were under review.

Public safety and operations

Public safety items highlighted in the update included hiring and onboarding nine new full‑time firefighters currently in the fire academy, an expansion of bike patrols and purchase of three e‑bikes for patrol use, and continued rollout of the Axon suite of public safety technology including body‑worn cameras. Funk also flagged an alternative mental‑health response collaboration between police and fire.

Sustainability, trees and water

Leslie Yetka, the city’s natural resources manager (presented by staff), reported on tree‑sale programs, a Met Council water‑efficiency grant (about $25,000 awarded to the city, with about $11,000 distributed through March 2025) and public workshops on rain gardens. Funk said the city recorded 15 solar installations in 2025 and aims to add 100 more by 2028, and has steadily expanded maintained habitat acreage in city parks.

Housing, infrastructure and community inclusiveness

Community development updates noted the city is pursuing affordable housing through innovative agreements, the housing trust fund and targeted TIF support; staff said about 40 newly constructed affordable units were reported year to date toward a multi‑year target. Public works reported progress on pavement management and a citywide meter replacement program with roughly 3,500 smart meters installed so far. The city’s Community Inclusiveness work included expanded youth leadership and internships and events designed to increase accessibility.

Council action

Council member Calvert moved, and Council member Coakley seconded, acceptance of the Quarter 2 strategic plan update. Miss Larson called the roll; the approval was unanimous.

Ending

Funk said a detailed report and slides are posted online and staff will return with a full report in line with the city’s consent and budget calendars. Council members thanked staff for the work and noted additional transparency measures—such as public dashboards for response‑time statistics—are planned.