Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Voters are encouraged to make a plan to vote – whether in person on Election Day or via early voting.

For information about how to register and where to vote, visit plymouthmn.gov/election. The site provides a link to the Secretary of State’s website (mnvotes.org), which includes a poll location finder. It will also feature sample ballots beginning Friday, Sept. 18.

Voters without internet access can call 763-509-5000 for more information.

Vote at the Polls

On Election Day, Nov. 3, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. While registration may be completed in person the day of the election, those new to voting, who have changed their name or who moved since the last election can save time by pre-registering to vote.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 is the deadline to pre-register to vote in the general election. For more information, including required documentation, visit mnvotes.org.

Absentee (Early) Voting Available

Residents who wish to vote early by absentee ballot can do so in person, by ballot dropoff or by mail.

The absentee balloting process can be completed in person Friday, Sept. 18 through Monday, Nov. 2 at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. To vote early in person, voters must fill out an application and will be issued a ballot on site.

Voters may also apply to receive a ballot through the mail and either return by mail (in the prepaid postage envelope) or drop it off at Plymouth City Hall. Absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. To apply for a mail ballot and learn more, visit mnvotes.org.

Vote Early Using a Tabulator

Available 18 days prior to an election, residents can vote early in person by placing their ballots through a tabulator (just like on Election Day). This process is available at Plymouth City Hall Friday, Oct. 16 to Monday, Nov. 2.

Plymouth City Hall Absentee and Early Voting Hours

Weekday Business Hours:

• Friday, Sept. 18 to Monday, Nov. 2
  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekend Extended Hours:

• Saturday, Oct. 24; Saturday, Oct. 31; and Sunday, Nov. 1
  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Weekday Extended Hours:

• Tuesday, Oct. 27
  8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 2
  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For additional information, including guidance for agent delivery, and military and overseas voters, visit mnvotes.org or call Plymouth City Hall at 763-509-5000.

Candidates have filed for four Plymouth City Council seats that will be on the ballot in the upcoming general election.

One candidate will be elected for each seat – Mayor, Ward 2 (southwest Plymouth), Ward 4 (northeast Plymouth) and At Large – to serve a four-year term.

The following Plymouth City Council candidates will be on the ballot, depending on where voters live:

• Mayor (citywide)
  Clark Gregor
  Jeff Wosje
• Ward 2 (southwest Plymouth)
  Sarah Anderson
  Scott Ray Johnson
  Julie Peterson
• Ward 4 (northeast Plymouth)
  Julie Pointner
  Aiden Schmidt
• At Large (citywide)
  Angela Bassett
  Adéle L. Braun
  Jesse Vavreck

Candidate Forums

Two League of Women Voters-sponsored candidate forums are set for 6:30-7:15 p.m. (Mayor forum) and 7:20-9 p.m. (Council forum), Thursday, Sept. 17 at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The public is invited. A recording will be available at lwvlmpa.org. It will also be available on the CCX Media+ app and replayed on CCX Media’s channel 799/12 – visit ccxmedia.org for more information.

Following a two-year hiatus, Plymouth on Parade is set to return, bringing the community together for a celebratory procession along Plymouth Boulevard beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10.

Spectators may enjoy a variety of parade participants, including local organizations, city vehicles and equipment, musical acts, dance and gymnastics groups, and other lively floats.

The event is cosponsored by the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Lions, Kyle Vitense State Farm Agency, Renewal by Andersen and First Class Plumbing.

For more information about the event and to view the parade route, visit plymouthmn.gov/plymouthonparade.

Halloween at the Lake

Halloween at the Lake is set for 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Road 6. The free event offers games, activities, treats and family-friendly fun. It brings together the Plymouth Parks and Recreation, Police, and Fire departments, featuring first responder vehicles for children to view. Costumes are encouraged.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Music in Plymouth

The Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Music in Plymouth is set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N. Enjoy hundreds of wines, craft beers and spirits, hors d’oeuvres and live music all in support of the Music in Plymouth Endowment Fund. For tickets and more information, visit musicinplymouth.org.

All Abilities Walk, Roll and Ride

The All Abilities Walk, Roll and Ride is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Northwest Greenway Pavilion, 5250 Peony Lane N. Residents are invited to participate in a free community outing designed for people of all ages, backgrounds and mobility levels – walk, roll or ride on an accessible route along the Northwest Greenway. The route is suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and other mobility devices. Participants may choose from multiple route distance options during this untimed, non-competitive event.

Fall Shred Event

A Fall Shred Event is set for 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Plymouth Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N. Free. Plymouth residents only; ID required. Attendees may also drop off other select items to be recycled/reused, including paper shredding, batteries, bicycles and textile items. For accepted items, visit plymouthmn.gov/shred.

Plymouth Farmers Market

The Plymouth Farmers Market is held 2-6 p.m. each Wednesday through Sept. 30 at Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Road 6. Vendors sell a range of locally grown produce and prepared food. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the Farmers Market heads to Plymouth Boulevard near the Hilde Performance Center (3500 Plymouth Blvd.) for a special Farmers Market on the Boulevard. For details, check plymouthmn.gov/farmersmarket.

Residential Energy Savings and Programs

Residential Energy Savings and Programs is set for 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Plymouth Community Center. The event is part of the Plymouth Stewardship Academy – a new series from the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee. At the event, the nonprofit Citizens Utility Board will provide residents with simple, practical methods to understand utility bills, cut costs and hedge against rate increases. The event will also feature a discussion about how personal energy choices can add up community-wide.

Fall Plant Swap

A Fall Plant Swap event is set for 4-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14 at the Plymouth Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N. Free. Participants are encouraged to bring perennials and swap them for new plants shared by others. To get involved, place extra plants in pots and label them with their common names. Seeds and plant wares – pots, tools, books and the like – are also good swap items. For more information, call City Forester Paul Buck at 763-509-5944.

A previously lesser-known spot for introducing residents to Plymouth’s history, the Parkers Lake Cemetery, northeast of County Road 6 and Niagara Lane N., began hosting guided cemetery tours in recent years led by the Plymouth History Center. After seeing a strong turnout for last year’s tours, Historical Site Coordinator Ryan Barland set out to learn even more about the cemetery and the people buried there.

Barland and a dozen volunteers spent six months diving into city records from the cemetery. The team scanned, transcribed and organized documents, uncovering both individual stories and broader insights into Plymouth’s history. One of the more stand-out discoveries was a significant increase in burials during 1918, the year the Spanish Flu pandemic swept through communities worldwide, affecting millions. 

Upcoming Guided Tours

Barland will discuss the findings at upcoming cemetery tours, slated for 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, and Oct. 29, at Parkers Lake Cemetery, 1700 Niagara Lane N. Designed for all ages, the tours are free and open to the public. Attendance is limited to the first 60 participants who register.

To register, visit plymouthmn.gov/recreation or call 763-509-5200. Learn more about the Plymouth History Center at history.plymouthmn.gov/cemeterytours.

The City of Plymouth received a City of Excellence Award from the League of Minnesota Cities in June. The award is in the Creative Use of Limited Resources category and was given for the city’s Urban Wood Utilization Program.

The program involves turning dead and declining trees that were removed largely due to Emerald Ash Borer into a valuable resource – lumber. The lumber is produced utilizing a shared saw owned by a neighboring city, as well as a wood-drying kiln that was purchased with the help of a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The finished product is used to build furniture for city facilities and to improve city amenities, such as the construction of new boardwalks in city parks. Using in-house produced lumber saves the city an estimated $15,000 annually.

“Emerald Ash Borer has, unfortunately, destroyed thousands of trees throughout Plymouth,” City Manager Dave Callister said. “In the past, the dead wood from these trees was chipped or disposed of. However, city staff saw an opportunity in the face of a problem. Now, we are able to divert what was once considered waste into a valuable resource.”

Excess lumber produced by the city is also shared with local school districts for use in woodworking classes. In fact, Plymouth shared 6,840 board feet of lumber during the past school year for students to utilize as they learn new skills in the classroom.

According to the League of Minnesota Cities, City of Excellence Awards are given to cities for outstanding programs or projects. Each winning city receives a plaque, a check for $1,000, and recognition in publications and promotional activities throughout the year.

Below are upcoming volunteer opportunities:

• Adopt a Storm Drain: Adopt a storm drain and help keep it clear of leaves, yard waste, salt, sand and trash to prevent storm water pollution. View a map of storm drains available for adoption at plymouthmn.gov/adoptaspot.
• Art Ambassador: Greet visitors and answer questions about rotating art exhibits at the Plymouth Community Center during the late afternoon/evening and weekends. Must be age 16 or older.
• Buckthorn Busts: Learn about and help get rid of this invasive species.
• Fall Shred Event: Help residents getting rid of/recycling items, including paper shredding, batteries, bicycles and textile items Wednesday, Sept. 30.
• Halloween at the Lake: Help provide a fun, safe Halloween event for all ages by assisting with setup, monitoring games and activities, or handling event takedown at Parkers Lake Playfield Friday, Oct. 30.
• Historical Document Transcription: Transcribe historical documents. Must be at least 16 years old and able to read cursive handwriting. Can be done remotely as time allows.
• Millennium Garden Work Sessions: Weed, deadhead and prune the Millennium Garden during a staff-led event 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
• Native Plant Garden Club: Weed the pollinator garden and get it ready for the winter during this volunteer-led session 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Fazendin Park.

To find out more about these and other opportunities, visit plymouthmn.gov/volunteer
or call 763-509-5230.

Remembering Dick Burkhardt, longtime Plymouth volunteer

By Steve Frankhouser, Plymouth volunteer coordinator

Our hearts are filled with both gratitude and sorrow as we remember Dick Burkhardt, a remarkable person whose kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment became woven into the very fabric of Plymouth.

Cities are often defined by their streets, parks, buildings, and neighborhoods, but our true character is shaped by our people. Dick was a shining example of how one person can make a profoundly positive impact on a community. He dedicated more than 3,300 hours of his own time over the course of his 15+ year tenure as a City of Plymouth volunteer, choosing to spend his time building connections and making our community warmer, stronger and more welcoming for everyone.

You could have found Dick at the Plymouth Community Center greeting members of our active adult and 55+ community with a warm smile and a fresh cup of coffee. He welcomed families and other avid hockey fans at the Plymouth Ice Center while taking tickets.
Along our walking trails, he painted colorful hearts that encouraged and inspired countless residents with each step they took. At the Farmers Market, he was a friendly face, answering questions and helping visitors discover all that our community has to offer.

He assisted with over 140 special events and was always willing to lend a hand wherever one was needed.

The hours tell an incredible story, but they can never fully measure the impact. The smiles shared, the conversations held, the newcomers welcomed, the children encouraged, the neighbors served, and the countless acts of kindness offered so freely will continue to ripple through our community for years to come.

As a city, we are profoundly grateful. We are better because Dick chose to serve.;

His compassion strengthened our community. His generosity reminded us that even the simplest acts of service can leave the deepest impressions.

While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose. We honor a volunteer who showed us what it means to love a community through action, dedication and selfless service.

Thank you for everything, Dick.

Plymouth has launched a new interactive map that displays projected road construction and other public works projects listed in the city’s 10-year Capital Improvement Plan.

The map helps inform residents about upcoming projects to prepare them for potential construction impacts or special assessments.

“We work to provide advance notification of projects prior to beginning work,” Public Works Director Michael Thompson said. “This map allows residents to visualize future project areas, and plan ahead for potential special assessments or traffic impacts in their neighborhoods.”

Special Assessments

Some public improvement projects include a special assessment, where benefiting property owners are assessed a portion of the cost of the improvement.

Projects that typically include a special assessment are street improvement projects, such as street reconstruction, full depth reclamation, and mill and overlay. Residents are notified by mail if their property is proposed to be assessed for the cost of an improvement.

In general, project notification begins 1-2 years in advance of a project. An official mailed notification of a special assessment, including amount and a hearing notice, is typically sent 2-3 months prior to the start of construction.

View the Map

The map currently features proposed projects through year 2034. The Capital Improvement Plan is updated every two years, with the next update anticipated at the end of 2026. To view the map, visit plymouthmn.gov/cipmap. To learn more about special assessments associated with street improvement projects, visit plymouthmn.gov/improvementassessments.

National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, focuses on lithium-ion batteries and how to prevent battery fires. The Plymouth Fire Department reminds residents to follow safety guidelines when using, storing and charging lithium-ion batteries.

When charging batteries, use the following guidelines:

• Always use a manufacturer-approved charger (UL, ETL or CSA rated)
• Place batteries on hard, non-flammable surfaces while charging
• Unplug batteries/devices once they are fully charged
• Immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage or swelling, batteries that make a popping/hissing sound, or those that emit a strange odor
• Charge e-bikes/scooters outdoors, away from structures
• Never charge batteries or devices in a location that blocks the room’s exit

The Plymouth Fire Department asks residents to properly dispose of batteries by placing them in a clear plastic bag and bringing them to a Hennepin County drop-off facility at no cost. Batteries should not be thrown in the trash or recycling bins, as they could start a fire. More information about battery disposal – including locations, preparation and more – is available at hennepincounty.gov/green-disposal-guide.

City Manager Dave Callister has appointed Maria Solano to the role of deputy city manager.

In this position, Solano works in partnership with Callister to provide leadership, vision and strategic direction for the city. Solano also oversees the Administrative Services Department, which includes the City Clerk, Communications and Information Technology divisions.

Solano previously worked for Plymouth in the same role from 2021-2025. She left to serve as deputy executive director for the International City/County Management Association.

“I’m excited to return to Plymouth to continue being involved with the excellent work that the city does,” Solano said. “This is a special organization full of dedicated public servants and I’m grateful to work alongside a team that cares so deeply about this community.”

Solano also brings previous experience from the cities of St. Louis Park, Coon Rapids and Mankato. Solano has a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a master’s degree in public administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The following new businesses have recently set up shop:

Lumae Functional Health provides personalized functional medicine for gut health, hormone balance, metabolic wellness and long-term vitality at 15725 37th Ave. N., Unit 1.

Nedia Hair Loss Salon & Spa specializes in hair restoration and hair loss solutions at 15650 36th Ave. N., Suite 120.

Retina Specialists of Minnesota focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of macular, vitreous and retinal diseases at 3525 Plymouth Blvd., Suite 207.

Social Suite is a rental studio that offers a furnished, curated space with natural light for meetings, events and photo shoots at 10100 6th Ave. N., Suite 123.

Outdoor Water Restrictions

Outdoor water use restrictions are in effect through the end of September in Plymouth. The city prohibits outdoor lawn watering from noon to 5 p.m. on all days. Water customers must also follow an odd-even schedule when sprinkling lawns:

• Homeowners and businesses with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd-numbered calendar days
• Those with addresses ending in an even number may water on even-numbered days

For more information call the hotline at 763-509-5512 or visit plymouthmn.gov/watering.

Adopt a Storm Drain

Help keep storm drains clear of leaves, yard waste and trash to prevent stormwater pollution by volunteering in the Adopt a Storm Drain program. While anyone may clean storm drains, registering to adopt a storm drain allows city staff to properly inventory drains and log participants’ volunteer time. Adopt a Storm Drain volunteer positions are not supervised, and can be a great introduction for residents of all ages to begin volunteering.

To adopt a storm drain, visit plymouthmn.gov/adoptaspot. Those interested can select a location from an interactive map of Plymouth.

Reminder: Properly Dispose of Leaves

Residents should not blow or rake grass clippings or leaves into the street or waterways. Not only is it illegal, it can harm surface water quality. Materials left in the street are washed into storm drains and deposited into Plymouth’s waterbodies. Instead, residents may leave grass and leaves on the lawn, which add nutrients and can reduce the need for fertilizers.

Leaves, tree waste and lawn rakings can be dropped off at the Plymouth Yard Waste Site. However, due to lack of available space, grass clippings are not accepted. For hours and information, visit plymouthmn.gov/yardwaste.

Apply for Home Energy Rebates

The City of Plymouth encourages residents to utilize the Home Energy Rebate Program, which offers rebates for homeowners who make energy-efficient home improvements.

Eligible projects include adding insulation to homes; installing electric vehicle charging stations; replacing select appliances; making qualifying equipment purchases; and installing renewable energy systems, such as solar or wind.

New rebates available this year include:

• Xcel Energy – Electric panel upgrade rebates
• CenterPoint Energy – Window rebates
• Wright-Hennepin – E-bike rebates

Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s utility provider. Residents are encouraged to consult their utility company before beginning any project to confirm eligibility and requirements. Those building a new home should work with their builder and utility provider to determine rebate eligibility.

The program is for Plymouth residents only. Builders and developers are not eligible. Visit plymouthmn.gov/homeenergyrebate to view detailed information – including rebate amounts, eligible projects and how to apply.

Yard Waste Site Hours

Fall hours will be in effect September through November at the city-operated Yard Waste Site, 14900 23rd Ave. N. Fall hours include 3-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The site is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Only Plymouth, Wayzata, Long Lake and Medicine Lake residents may use the site and identification is required. The site closes for major holidays. Visit plymouthmn.gov/yardwaste or call the hotline at 763-509-5930 for more information.

By Mayor Jeff Wosje

School is back in session, and many students are heading to class by bus, bicycle, electric bike, electric scooter or on foot. As the school year gets into full swing, it’s a good time for an important reminder: Getting students safely to and from school is a shared responsibility.

I recently joined the growing number of Plymouth residents getting around on two wheels – I’m the proud owner of a new e-scooter.

It has been a fun way to get out and enjoy the community, and it has reminded me of the importance of staying alert and looking out for others on streets and trails.

For families with children who ride bikes, e-bikes or e-scooters, please be sure they’re following applicable laws and safety best practices. Minnesota law says e-scooter users must be at least 12 years old and wear a properly fitted helmet, and e-bike riders must be at least age 15. Please be sure children know to follow traffic laws and stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians and other cyclists. For more information, visit plymouthmn.gov/ebikeinfo.

For those of us behind the wheel, patience and attention are especially important this time of year. When a bus has its flashing red lights and stop arm activated, drivers must stop. Please give buses plenty of space, watch for children crossing the street and never pass a stopped school bus. Those extra few seconds are worth the wait.

As we travel through neighborhoods and school zones, let’s slow down, put away distractions and keep an eye out for students who may be walking, biking or riding to school. We all have a role in making sure our youngest residents can commute safely.

On behalf of the city, I wish all Plymouth students, families and educators a safe, fun school year.