Franchise fee funds trail construction

To establish a dedicated funding source for the construction of new trails and sidewalks in Minnetonka, the city council adopted two new ordinances to increase franchise fees in 2018. Both ordinances went into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

• One ordinance increased electric franchise fees for the construction of trails by $1 per month.
• The other ordinance added a new gas franchise fee of $4.50 per month for residential customers.

These fee increases will generate approximately $1.8 million per year for the construction of new trails and sidewalks. The funds generated by this increase will not be used for any other purpose.

Trails are shared by bikers, hikers, runners, walkers, and dog walkers. Please respect other trail users, and follow these regulations to keep Minnetonka's trails safe and enjoyable for all.

• Horses and motorized vehicles (except motorized wheelchairs) are prohibited.
• No stopping or loitering. If you stop, move off the trail.
• Yield to slower trail users.
• Travel on the right; single-file is preferred.
• Use caution when passing. Pass on the left, only when safe. Pass only in a single-file
• line.
• When overtaking fellow trail users, warn by activating a bell, horn or whistle and say,
• “Passing on your left,” or, “Passing.”
• Bikers must yield to pedestrians.
• Stop at road crossings and look for cars.
• Proceed at a reasonable speed (15 miles per hour maximum).
• Obey all traffic signs and basic rules of the road.
• For your safety, yield to motor vehicles at intersections.
• Stay on improved parts of trails.
• Proceed slowly around blind curves, steep hills and bridges.
• Watch for children, strollers, dogs, wildlife and other trail users.
• Watch for wet or slippery surfaces, sand, acorns, rocks or washouts.
• No littering. Please use the trash cans provided.
• Trails close at 10 p.m.
• Minnetonka strongly encourages bikers to wear helmets.

• Dogs must be on a close leash (six feet or less).
• Dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs at all times in parks and on trails, and are required to carry something to clean up after pets (such as plastic bags).
• Review our Pets in Parks page for more information.

The city is required to have an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for the Public Right-of-Way. The plan and grievance form are linked below. Additional questions can be directed to the city’s ADA Coordinator-Public Right of Way, City Engineer Phil Olson at 952-939-8206.

• ADA Transition Plan for Public Right-of-Way – October 2017
• ADA Grievance Form

Two regional trails maintained by Three Rivers Park District travel through Minnetonka: the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail and the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. 

Maps and trail information is available at threeriversparks.org/locations .

Learn about Three Rivers Park Districts trail plans and share your feedback at letstalkthreerivers.org.