Minnetonka Town Tour Connects New Employees to the City and Each Other

Minnetonka city employees are expected to know a lot about the community they serve. Sometimes it helps when they’ve actually seen everything their city has to offer. That’s where Minnetonka’s Town Tour comes in handy.

Every so often, Minnetonka gathers a group of its newest employees and takes them on a tour of the four corners of their city. As with many activities, the pandemic put the brakes on the tours. When it came time to resume them this summer, there were enough new staff members to fill up a bus.

“Whether it’s a new development or a popular community park, the tour provides an opportunity for employees to see and understand what the public sees,” said Community Development Director Julie Wischnack, who serves as tour guide.

Along the way, Wischnack fills time quizzing new employees on Minnetonka trivia with prizes for the winners. She also works to connect specific projects to the larger strategies and initiatives important to managing the growth of the city.

“They are going to see how a development might help increase affordable housing options, attract new businesses or connect to our city’s network of trails,” she said. “We also know our employees are going to return to their jobs with new ideas and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter.”

The tour swings by the city’s ice arenas, Williston Fitness Center, marina, and Burwell House, home to the city’s historical society.

“That was definitely the highlight for me,” said Elections Specialist Kyle Salage. “I have been with the city for almost three years and served as our liaison to the historical society, but I hadn’t actually been to the home before and would go back there for a full tour.”

The bus eventually finds its way to Minnetonka’s public works building on the eastern edge of the city. While public works is one of the city’s largest departments, it’s not a place many municipal employees see on a regular basis, unless they work in that department.

City Manager Mike Funk joined the city just three years ago, but has been a resident for some time. While the tour helped him get reacquainted, he sees additional benefits.

“I am always hearing about how much our employees enjoy each other’s company. Minnetonka is a friendly, supportive place,” said Funk. “The town tour helps reinforce that culture. Our new employees get to know each other early in their time with us and build on those relationships.”