Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Waconia City Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All council members were present: Mayor Tim Litfin and Council Members Nick Gleason, Jeff Grengs, Jacob Coleman, and Derek Siddons. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Evercyn Dawson, a 2nd grader from St. Joseph's Catholic School who introduced herself as the National American Miss Minnesota Princess. (The meeting was held on a Tuesday due to the Labor Day holiday.)
The Council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously (5-0). The 13 routine items included:
A public hearing was held for the issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds not to exceed $4,000,000 to fund the Public Works storage facility. Finance Director Joel Merry and Todd Hagen of Ehlers & Associates presented the required findings. The reverse referendum period ends October 8, 2026. No public comments were received. The Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-197 giving preliminary approval (5-0).
Old Fire Station – Request for Qualifications Community Development Director Lane Braaten presented the draft RFQ for the property at 26 Maple Street South (the old fire station). The RFQ seeks proposals for reuse or redevelopment of the B2-zoned site. An optional property tour is set for September 24, 2026, with a submission deadline of October 23, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Mayor Litfin confirmed the city is not obligated to accept any proposals. The Council approved the draft RFQ and directed staff to publish it (5-0).
Fire Chief Justin Sorenson announced an open house at the fire station on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Oh, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. Come on. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. And welcome to our Tuesday, September 8th, Waconia City Council meeting. Uh normally we'd meet on Mondays, but yesterday was Labor Day, so here we are tonight. Uh thanks for everybody for being here and also for those that are viewing online tonight. Today we have a special uh guest with us, and we'll get to that in just a minute. Uh please note that all city council members are present this evening. Thank you, Sue. Um, and during the school year now we have someone leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and we're gonna start this school year out on the right step, I know that, with Miss Everson Dawson, as she's gonna lead us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. So, Everson, you can please take to the podium, and ladies and gentlemen, if you please rise and join Everson as she leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the fog of the United States of America and to the Republic for richest stance, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. That's all right. Well, on your win, by the way. Come to the podium and tell us what you just uh come. Thank you, Everson. Everything goes to school at St. Joe's Catholic school, by the way. Second grader. Good evening, Mayor and members of the Wilconia City Council. My name is Everson Dawson. And I am a second grader at Saint Joseph's STEM school here in Waconia. I am so excited to be here tonight to introduce myself as your National American Miss Minnesota Princess. Being National American Miss Minnesota Princess means more than wearing a crown. It means being a role model. Serving my commun, serving my community, showing kindness, and and interest, and encouraging other girls to be to believe in themselves and become leaders. National American Miss Ornam is a leadership development activity that helps develop the next generation of female leaders. It teaches girls improvement skill like public speaking, confidence, goal setting, community service, and leadership. My platform is called The Sparkle of Kindness. And through my platform, I visit senior living communities to help all people feel seen. And remembered sometimes one smile, one kind word, one friend who truly listens. That can change everything. This November I will travel to Orlando, Florida, to represent Minnesota at the National American Miss National Pageant. I'll be meeting girls from across the country. Participating in leadership activities. And representing our great state of Minnesota. Thank you for welcoming me tonight and for everything you do in Raconia to make some to make Waconia such a wonderful place. And remember, when you have the opportunity to lead, lead with kindness. Does anyone have any questions? Very good, Emerson. Everson fantastic.