Waconia City Council Regular Meeting – May 4, 2026

The Waconia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Mayor Tim Litfin presided, joined by Council Members Nick Gleason, Jeff Grengs, Jacob Coleman, and Derek Siddons. The meeting included a proclamation for Drink Water Week, a public hearing on bond financing for the Highway 5 Phase 2 project, a resolution accepting the retirement of a 30-year firefighter, and a feasibility report on a major street reconstruction project. Significant updates were provided on local safety enforcement, including a new policy on e-bike violations and concerns over rising fraud and community disturbances.

Proclamations

• Drink Water Week: Mayor Litfin read a proclamation declaring May 4–10, 2026, as Drink Water Week in Waconia, emphasizing the importance of water resources, infrastructure, and conservation.

Consent Calendar

The Council approved the routine Consent Agenda unanimously (5–0). The adopted items included approval of previous meeting minutes, May 4 expenditures, approval of plans and bid advertisement for the Reitz Lake Lift Station project, acceptance of cash donations for Fire Department safety and operations, a League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust tort liability waiver, a tobacco license, an off-sale liquor license, a low potency hemp edible retail license, and a special event permit for the Waconia Band Boosters park practice and performance. Item 8.6 (Firefighter Retirement) was moved to the regular agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave Swanson (1312 Creekside Drive) addressed the Council regarding road maintenance. He stated that Creekside Drive had gone 23 years without maintenance (last service in 2003) and requested a city representative contact him to discuss his concerns.

Discussion Items

Public Hearing – 2026 Debt Issuance (Highway 5 Phase 2) Finance Director Nicole Meyer introduced the public hearing for temporary street reconstruction bonds, explaining the funds would manage cash flow for the Highway 5 Phase 2 project and be fully repaid by other identified sources. No verbal or written public comments were submitted.

• Outcome: The Council closed the hearing and unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-113, approving the Street Reconstruction and Overlay Plan and authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds. The issuance is subject to a 30-day reverse referendum.

Council Business – Firefighter Retirement Recognition Fire Chief Justin Sorenson presented the retirement of firefighter Brandon Kolesar, who concluded 30 years of honorable service with the Waconia Fire Department on April 4, 2026. Chief Sorenson detailed Kolesar's significant contributions, including creating a public education program reaching approximately 500 elementary students annually, securing funding for the department's rescue boat (“The Guardian”), serving as the first Assistant Chief of Training, and acting as co-interim Fire Chief during leadership transitions. The Council approved the retirement acceptance, and Mayor Litfin presented a certificate of appreciation.

Council Business – 5th Street Reconstruction Project Feasibility Report City Engineer Jake Saulsbury presented the Feasibility Report for the 5th Street Area Improvement Project, covering street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water system improvements on 5th Street, Elm Street, and Pine Street.

• Total Estimated Cost: $3,826,150.
• Funding: Proposed funding includes special assessments ($742,000 on 23 properties), city funds, and MNDOT grant funds (approximately $700,000 for water main relocation from the Highway 5 right-of-way).
• Project Impact: Elm Street will remain a truck route; 5th and Pine Streets will have residential street sections. Sidewalk replacement is planned on Elm Street. Access modifications related to the Highway 5 project were discussed, including the partial closure of Elm Street access and closure of an access east of Pine Street.
• Market Conditions: Responding to a question from Mayor Litfin about whether fuel prices are driving up bids, Engineer Saulsbury stated that while fuel is a concern, the lower overall workload for contractors is making them more competitive, which he expects will balance bid prices.
• Outcome: The Council adopted Resolution 2026-122, receiving the feasibility report and calling a public hearing for June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Staff will work on final design and a MNDOT cooperative agreement.

Staff Reports – Public Safety and Enforcement Update Sergeant Howard of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office provided a community update.

• Distracted Driving: In April, the department issued six citations for cell phone use while driving (40 were issued county-wide).
• Community Issues:
  • Nerf Wars: Activities are causing disturbances. Enforcement actions, including citations for disorderly conduct, will be taken.
  • Fraud: Seven fraud incidents were reported in April. Residents are urged to be cautious with unsolicited calls providing personal information.
  • E-Bikes: The department announced strict enforcement of e-bike laws. Riders must be 15 years or older. Violations cost approximately $100 per citation. The department will seize e-bikes from minors riding illegally, and parents can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor (a gross misdemeanor). Riders must obey all traffic laws and stay off trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited. The focus on enforcement succeeds previous educational efforts.
• Upcoming Events: The fishing opener (May 9) will see patrols on Lake Waconia. The Public Services Open House on May 20 (3–7 PM) will include a canine officer demonstration.

Mayor's Report and Announcements Mayor Litfin reported on the YMAC Earth Day event (April 22) with 75 local students, the Lions Wild Game Feed (April 25), and serving as the announcer for the Lola’s Half Marathon (May 2), which featured nearly 2,000 runners and raised funds for the local food shelf. He announced that “Mayor is in Session” will be held on May 6 at 7:30 AM at City Hall. Due to construction at City Square Park, the Waconia Marching Band practice and performance will take place at Brook Peterson Park on June 11.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-113 (Highway 5 Phase 2 Street Reconstruction Plan & Bonds): Adopted (5–0).
• Resolution 2026-114 through 2026-121 (Consent Agenda): Approved (5–0).
• Resolution 2026-122 (5th Street Feasibility Report & Public Hearing): Adopted (5–0). Public hearing set for June 1, 2026.
• Firefighter Retirement: Accepted. Brandon Kolesar recognized for 30 years of service.
• E-Bike Enforcement Policy: Immediate enforcement announced, including bike seizures and potential parental liability.
• Meeting Adjourned: The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM. A work session on the 801 Hwy 284 Small Area Plan Update and 2026 Q1 Budget to Actuals followed.