Prior Lake City Council honors outgoing member Mike McGuire

Prior Lake American

Prior Lake City Councilmember and former city manager Mike McGuire was honored during a council meeting on Monday for his work with the city, including his role in acquiring the land for Lakefront Park and Sand Point Beach.

“He’s been compass bearing for what is best for this community in the short and long run,” City Manager Frank Boyles said.

McGuire joined the city of Prior Lake in 1973 as city administrator. When Prior Lake transitioned to a council-manager form of government through a referendum, McGuire became the first Prior Lake city manager.

McGuire filled the role during a period of transition for Prior Lake. From the 1960s to now, Prior Lake “experienced great growth, becoming a suburban/bedroom community with the lake and Hwy. 13 development as the greatest catalyst for growth,” according to the city website.

McGuire and the council during that time acquired the land for Lakefront Park and Sand Point Beach.

“Mike McGuire became the city’s first city manager, and he remained the best city manager, of course,” Boyles said. “The city did purchase large pieces of land, which ultimately became known as Lakefront Park. Can you imagine the city without that 130-acre gem? I certainly cannot.”

During McGuire’s tenure, sewer and water lines were also installed around the lake. The decision was controversial, and some homeowners sold their properties on the lake, unable to afford the assessment. The entire council, including the mayor, was replaced in the next election.

“It was maybe the toughest project we ever worked on,” McGuire said in a previous article. “There were a lot of people that didn’t like the idea even though we understood it was needed.”

Boyles said the decision, though controversial, was “absolutely right.”

“It allowed our community to become urban while protecting the fragile environment of our beautiful city,” Boyles said.

McGuire left his position as city manager in 1987 to become the city manager at Maplewood, where he worked for 13 years.

In 2013, Ken Hedberg ran unopposed for mayor, leaving his council seat open. McGuire was appointed to it who appointed him. The term expired in 2014, and McGuire ran a successful re-election campaign for his current term. During his time on the council, McGuire has served as the “sage,” Boyles said.

McGuire elected not to run for re-election in the 2018 election. At the time, McGuire said he decided not to run when he saw the quality of the candidates who had filed. Former councilmember Warren Erickson will fill his vacant seat in January.

“Mike McGuire is a rare asset in the civic arena,” Councilmember Kevin Burkart said. “He is a true gentleman, kind and compassionate and a very good listener.”

Several residents spoke during the meeting and thanked McGuire for his service to the city, including Hedberg and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki.

“It was great to know Mike,” Rudnicki said. “On behalf of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, we wish you luck in the future.”

Prior Lake Mayor Kirt Briggs presented McGuire with a plaque commemorating his time at and service. He also issued a proclamation designating December 18, 2018, “Mike McGuire Day” in Prior Lake.

“Thank you so much on behalf of the council,” Briggs said. “Your contributions have been most notable.”