Public Meetings - Waconia, Minnesota

The Waconia City Council held its regular meeting on December 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The council conducted public hearings on proposed franchise fees and the annual fee schedule, approved the 2026 final budget and tax levy of $13,914,617, and failed a motion to increase mayoral and council salaries. A law enforcement update was provided, and the council reviewed the city administrator's performance evaluation. Public Hearings - Franchise Fees: Finance Director Nicole Meyer presented a proposal to implement a $5 per utility per month franchise fee on residential properties to fund pavement management and playground replacement. Stated benefits over a property tax increase included an estimated $25 annual savings for the average home ($120 franchise fee vs. $145 property tax increase) and immediate revenue from new construction. Public testimony was strongly opposed. Bernie Benz argued the fee functions as a tax, questioned transparency, and requested the matter be placed on a ballot. Dave Swanson expressed frustration over past unmet street maintenance promises. Steve Yetzer called the fee a tax and stated cumulative city fees are taxing residents out of their homes. No formal action was taken; final consideration is scheduled for January 20, 2026. - 2025 Fee Schedule Ordinance Amendment: Nicole Meyer presented the annual update to the city's fee schedule, which includes changes to membership fees, water/sewer utility rates, and equipment rates. No public or council comments were made. The hearing was closed, and the ordinance was later approved. Public Comments & Testimony (Open Forum) - Bernie Benz spoke again in opposition to franchise fees, questioning the cost of the consultant study by Ehlers and raising concerns about a projected 2% annual increase referenced in the study. He reiterated his position that the charge is a tax and should be decided by voters. - Dave Swanson questioned the city's past budget planning for street maintenance and identified 22 locations in his neighborhood where settled curbs are causing standing water. City Administrator Shane Fineran responded that the neighborhood is a candidate for reclamation, a process paid for through property taxes, and noted that street assessments only apply to full reconstruction projects. Consent Calendar The council approved 26 consent agenda items in a single motion, removing item 8 (Right-of-Way Ordinance) and item 19 (Financial Policy Amendment) for separate discussion. Approved items included: approval of prior minutes and current expenditures; expenditures for Safari Island Community Center and the Ice Arena; change orders for Water Treatment Plant 3; resolutions for street lighting and 2026 capital projects; appointment of a utility maintenance worker; donation acceptance for the Waconia Fire Relief Association; sale of surplus equipment; investment portfolio diversification for unspent bond proceeds; grant applications for source water protection and contamination cleanup; 2026 law enforcement and joint assessment contracts; lighting retrofit and asset management agreements; equipment replacement; property purchase agreement for 401 13th Street East; authorization for a Small Area Plan for 801 Highway 284; a steep slope permit; park board appointments; and license renewals for tobacco, liquor, waste haulers, and recyclers. Council Business - Mayor and City Council Salaries: Assistant City Administrator Jackie Schulze proposed increasing the Mayor's salary from $7,200 to $10,000 and Council salaries from $6,000 to $8,000, effective January 1, 2027, to remain competitive with peer cities. The motion failed by a vote of 2-3. Ayes: Mayor Tim Litfin and Council Member Jeff Grengs. Nays: Council Members Derek Siddons, Nick Gleason, and Jacob Coleman. - Final Tax Levy (2026): The council adopted Resolution 2025-307 for a final tax levy of $13,914,617. Finance Director Meyer noted the city's tax rate will decrease from 48.173% to approximately 47.97%. The average home value is $450,300, a 4.6% increase. The motion carried. - Adopt 2026 Final Budget: The council adopted Resolution 2025-308 for the 2026 budget. Mayor Litfin highlighted projects including Phase 4 downtown reconstruction, a new dog park, a trail connection between Sterling Hills and Waconia Parkway North, and intersection improvements at Oak and Sparrow Road. The motion carried. Items Removed from Consent Agenda - Right-of-Way Ordinance (Chapter 320): City Administrator Fineran explained the ordinance strengthens regulations, definitions, and fees for private utilities using the public right-of-way. The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 786 and the resolution for summary publication. - Financial Policy and Guidelines Amendment: Nicole Meyer stated the primary update sets a target 41% unassigned general fund balance for 2026, up from 40%, with a future goal of 43% by December 2028, to enhance financial strength as outlined in the strategic plan. Council Member Coleman expressed opposition to the 43% goal, stating it would take too much money from taxpayers. The motion carried. Board & Staff Reports - Law Enforcement Update: Sgt. Jon Howard reported on his 11-week training at the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. He noted the Carver County Sheriff's Office added a traffic safety officer, developed a drone program (with drones stationed in Waconia for specific incidents, not general surveillance), and acquired new marine and snowmobile equipment. In 2024, Waconia had 6,584 calls for service; from January 1 to December 17, 2025, there were 6,547 calls. Waconia accounts for approximately 20% of all Carver County Sheriff's Office calls for service. - Mayor's Report: - City Administrator Evaluation: The council met in closed session on December 8, 2025, to evaluate Shane Fineran. The council scored him an average of 4.4 out of 5 across all categories (Management Team scored 4.6), indicating an "element of strength." Areas for 2026 include legislative advocacy, communication, and strategic plan implementation. - Highway Safety: MnDOT will submit the dangerous intersection of CSAH 5 and CSAH 92 for a Regional HSIP grant for potential construction in 2030-2031. - Community Events: The Mayor announced the "Spring into Health" initiative and noted the next "Mayor is In" session will be held on January 7, 2026, at 7:30 AM at City Hall. Key Outcomes - Salary Increase for Council and Mayor: Motion Denied (Vote: 2-3). - Final Tax Levy (2026): Approved ($13,914,617). - Final Budget (2026): Approved. - Right-of-Way Ordinance: Adopted. - Financial Policy Amendment: Adopted (Unassigned fund balance target set at 41% for 2026). - Consent Agenda: Approved (26 items). - City Administrator Evaluation: Composite score of 4.4/5 from Council, 4.6/5 from Management Team. - Franchise Fees: Public hearing held. No action taken. Final consideration scheduled for January 20, 2026.

The Waconia City Council met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, with Mayor Tim Litfin presiding. Council Member Jacob Coleman was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Waconia Mayor's Youth Advisory Council. The agenda was adopted as published, no public hearing or open forum was held, and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the consent agenda, with Mayor Litfin pulling items 8.9 and 8.10 for separate discussion. Approved items included the November 8, 2025 City Council minutes; December 1, 2025 expenditures; a lodging tax reimbursement request from the Waconia Convention & Visitors Bureau; contractor pay requests for the Water Treatment Facility Piping Modifications (11 to Municipal Builders), Wildcat Way Reconstruction (2 to GMH Asphalt Corporation), and Downtown Reconstruction Phase 2 (final 8 to W.M. Mueller & Sons); Firefighter Nick Burkhalter's resignation (Resolution 2025-275); Fire Officer appointments (Resolution 2025-276); an exempt raffle permit for the Waconia Hockey Association (Resolution 2025-279); a tobacco license (Resolution 2025-280); and a liquor license for SKGK Ventures LLC, DBA Colony Plaza Inc. (Resolution 2025-281). Community Interest Presentations - Members of the Waconia Youth Mayoral Advisory Council — Tallulah Kovaleski, Kendall Tyhurst, Oscar Butler, Colette Newman, Mara Ryan, and Reidun Trostad — presented results from a Waconia High School survey conducted in October 2025, with just over 400 responses. Highlights included: Lake Waconia and local restaurants as favorite amenities; family restaurants and a dog park as top desired additions; 95% of students feeling safe in the evening; 58.9% saying Waconia is growing "just right," 33.7% "too fast," and 7.4% "too slow"; 90.5% reporting no vehicle speed concerns; about half saying trails are important and roughly one-third saying the City needs more trails; a 50/50 split on whether the City makes decision-making information available; high participation in the Carver County Fair (85%) and Nickel Dickle Day (75%); and 82.3% feeling proud to live in Waconia. Council members thanked them and said the data would inform future decisions. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Todd, 148 Scott Lane, questioned the stormwater fee's double-digit increases, averaging about 12% annually. Finance Director Nicole Meyer responded that stormwater increases will be minimal going forward and the current plan includes a proposed 2% increase for 2027. - Deann Buss, 483 Lakeview Terrace Boulevard, asked whether temporary staffing costs were budgeted to backfill employees on family leave. Assistant City Administrator Jackie Schulze responded that the City does not budget temporary labor and existing staff absorb the workload. Discussion Items - 2026 Budget & Levy Presentation: Finance Director Nicole Meyer presented the final 2026 budget and levy. No formal action was required. The proposed city tax rate is projected to increase 6.82% from 2025; the average home value in Waconia is about $450,000, up approximately 4.6%. The final proposed levy is slightly lower than the preliminary levy approved September 15, 2025. Meyer reviewed the annual budget timeline, general fund departments, enterprise funds, and utility funds. The average city utility bill is scheduled to increase about $4.32 per month, driven mainly by stormwater, with smaller increases in water, sewer, and street lighting, plus a $0.46/month state drinking water surcharge. Transfers from the general fund are budgeted at $825,000 for capital projects and $675,000 for capital equipment. - Council discussion addressed the state Paid Family Medical Leave program. Jackie Schulze explained it is a state mandate effective January 1, 2026; the City selected Mutual of Omaha as private administrator, the cost is 0.88% of annual wages, and the City will split the cost 50/50 with employees. - Speed Data Collection Agreement (Item 8.9): Public Services Director Jon Haukaas explained the proposed Urban SDK license, which uses connected-vehicle big data to provide speed information for every street segment, including average and 85th-percentile speeds and time-of-day patterns. He cited a Waconia Parkway North example where restriping reduced speeds by 2–3 mph. The Council adopted Resolution 2025-277 authorizing the license agreement; the motion by Council Member Grengs, seconded by Council Member Gleason, carried 4-0. - Grant Applications (Item 8.10): City Administrator Shane Fineran presented Resolution 2025-278 to apply for grant funds for two 2027 park projects: pickleball courts at Brook Peterson Park and new park development at Sudheimer Park south of Industrial Boulevard along County Road 10. The DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant has a $350,000 maximum and requires a 50% match; the City will also apply for an LCCMR Environmental Trust Fund grant for Sudheimer Park. Application preparation costs are estimated at $25,000 for Sudheimer Park, with the pickleball application covered through increased in-kind support from Bolton & Menk. Applications are due in March 2026, with awards expected around July/August 2026. The Council adopted Resolution 2025-278; the motion by Council Member Siddons, seconded by Council Member Grengs, carried 4-0. - All-Way Stop Evaluation — Sparrow Road at Ravenwood Road: Jon Haukaas reported on a Bolton & Menk traffic analysis. The all-way stop does not meet applicable warrants; average vehicle speed is 28 mph with a posted 30 mph limit, and speeds are consistent throughout the day. Staff recommended leaving the intersection as a two-way stop. In council discussion, a council member who lives in the area opposed a four-way stop because of the westbound downhill approach and winter stopping concerns, and suggested a flashing pedestrian crossing beacon instead. Another council member noted resident concerns about pedestrians crossing. Haukaas said staff would consider the pedestrian beacon option. Similar evaluations are underway for First Street & Vine Street and planned for Elm Street & Second Street. Board Reports, Announcements & Mayor's Report - Mayor Litfin reported attending the Waconia High School Strive Group on November 19, the Waconia Youth Mayor's Advisory Council meeting and Park Board meeting on November 20, and the Waconia Senior Center on November 24. He also joined a Zoom call about the Waconia Ice Dive scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026; this will be his eighth jump, and last year's event raised $193,000. The next "Mayor Is In" session is December 3 from 7:30–8:30 a.m. at City Hall. Other council members had nothing to report; Council Member Coleman was absent. - No law enforcement update was provided; Sergeant Howard was unable to attend. - City Administrator Fineran announced that the Community Needs Assessment survey is live on the city website and Facebook page and will remain open through December 21, 2025, to gather public input on recreation amenities and sports programming. Key Outcomes - Agenda adopted unanimously by voice vote. - Consent agenda approved with items 8.9 and 8.10 removed for separate action. - Resolution 2025-277 (Urban SDK speed data license) approved 4-0. - Resolution 2025-278 (grant applications to DNR and LCCMR) approved 4-0. - No action taken on the 2026 budget and levy; it is scheduled for final approval at the December 22, 2025 regular City Council meeting. - The Sparrow Road at Ravenwood Road intersection will remain a two-way stop; staff will consider a flashing pedestrian crossing option. - Upcoming meetings: Planning Commission December 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.; special City Council meeting December 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.; regular City Council meeting December 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. - Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

The Waconia City Council held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM with Council Member Nick Gleason absent. Mayor Tim Litfin presided. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and two variance requests. The meeting concluded at 6:30 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of November 3, 2025. - Approved expenditures for November 18, 2025. - Approved Safari Island Community Center expenditures from Sports Facilities Companies for October 2025. - Approved Ice Arena expenditures from Sports Facilities Companies for October 2025. - Approved Pay Request 1-Final to Minger Construction for Bayview Turf Lot Reconstruction. - Approved Pay Request 2 to GMH Asphalt Corporation for 2025 Street Improvements Project. - Approved purchase of replacement security gate at Public Services Facility (USA Security, Inc.) via Resolution 2025-266. - Approved replacement Dell server with local storage (Marco) via Resolution 2025-267. - Approved amendment to Corporate Bylaws of Ridgeview Medical Center via Resolution 2025-268. - Supported Carver County’s LRIP application via Resolution 2025-269. - Accepted safety grant proceeds from Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry via Resolution 2025-270. - Called a public hearing for revision to City’s Fee Schedule (Chapter 1100). - Approved Zoning Map Amendment at 9550 Airport Road (R-3 to P District) via Resolution 2025-271. - Approved exempt permit application for a raffle from St. Joseph’s Church via Resolution 2025-272. Discussion Items - After-the-Fact Variance – 301 Oak Street South: Community Development Director Lane Braaten presented three variances for a garage rebuilt without a permit on a nonconforming slab. The variances sought: (1) 9.8-foot rear yard setback vs. required 10 feet, (2) 14.1-foot setback from 3rd Street vs. required 15 feet, and (3) 41% hardcover vs. allowed 35%. The applicant proposed removing a shed and installing a stormwater plan to reduce hardcover to 35%. Elizabeth Smieja, sister of the occupant, confirmed ongoing cleanup. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0 on November 6, 2025. The council adopted Resolution 2025-273 unanimously. - Variance – 748 Old Beach Lane: Lane Braaten presented a variance to allow replacement and expansion of retaining walls within the bluff/bluff impact zone and to exceed the 25% hardcover maximum in the Shoreland Overlay District by 1% (200 sq ft) for replacing a wooden staircase with stone steps. The property had previously received a steep slope permit on October 20, 2025. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval with 12 conditions, including a native planting plan reviewed by Soil and Water. The council adopted Resolution 2025-274 unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of both variance resolutions (2025-273 and 2025-274). - Mayor Litfin proposed changing a 35 mph speed limit sign to 30 mph on Main Street near Highway 5. Councilmember Coleman noted an ongoing citywide speed study, and the mayor agreed to wait for the study’s results before pursuing a change. Board Reports and Announcements - Mayor Litfin’s Report: - November 5: Mayor Is In session had 5 attendees; next session is December 3, 7:30 AM at City Hall. - November 6: Chamber Coffee Connection with approximately 40 attendees. - November 6: Attended Planning Commission meeting; commended staff and commission. - November 8: Safari Island grand reopening after remodel of weight/fitness rooms and new sauna. - November 10: Attended Waconia American Legion Post 150 Veterans Day event at Westview Acres. - Reminded residents that fall is budget season; encouraged input to council members. - City Administrator Shane Fineran announced the Chamber of Commerce’s Homespun Holiday Tree Lighting event at City Square Park on Friday, November 28 at 6:00 PM. - Assistant City Administrator Jackie Schulze announced Santa at the Fire Department on Saturday, November 29 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.

The Waconia City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Tim Litfin presided, with Council Members Derek Siddons, Jacob Coleman, and Jeff Grengs present. Council Member Nick Gleason was absent. Key topics included a public comment opposing a proposed franchise fee, a presentation on the 2026 County Attorney Prosecution Contract, adoption of the 2025 Pavement Management Plan, and changes to speed limits on Waconia Parkway South. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the potential sale of city property at 401 13th Street East. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved with 14 items, covering routine approvals such as meeting minutes, expenditures, contractor pay requests, fire department resolutions, GIS/planning agreements, a solid waste grant, licenses, and the 2026 prosecution contract. Item 8.11 (Waconia Parkway South Speed Limits) was removed by Mayor Litfin for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Adam Solseth (1249 Night Trail) spoke in strong opposition to the proposed City Franchise Fee. He argued the fee lacks transparency, is hidden on utility bills, and acts as an unaccountable perpetual charge. He urged the city to continue relying on transparent funding mechanisms such as property taxes. Discussion Items - 2026 Prosecution Contract: County Attorney Mark Metz presented the 2026 contract. Waconia represents about 23% of the county caseload, with a three-year average of 175 cases (reaching 200 in 2024). The proposed contract is $21,897.80, an increase of $2,652.58, reflecting a 3.5% personnel cost allowance and rising caseloads. Mr. Metz noted a county-wide upward trend in crime, especially DUIs, and highlighted the office's victim witness coordinators and the success of treatment courts (Drug Court and Veterans Court) in reducing recidivism. He also paid tribute to a long-time staff member, Beth Young, who recently passed away. - 2025 Pavement Management Plan Update: Public Services Director Jon Haukaas presented the updated plan, which uses an AI-based pavement evaluation by Vaisala. The city's weighted Pavement Condition Index is 61.5. The plan outlines a ten-year (2026-2035) program for street repair and replacement, organized into full reconstruction and mill/overlay projects. Mr. Haukaas emphasized that the plan requires annual council approval for specific projects. Mayor Litfin praised the completion of major 2025 projects including Wildcat Way, Downtown Phase 3, and the roundabout at Waconia Parkway South. - Waconia Parkway South Speed Limit Changes: Jon Haukaas presented the rationale for new speed limits based on a MnDOT study. The study recommended limits of 45 mph from County Road 10 to Heather Lane and 35 mph from Heather Lane to Highway 5. Mr. Haukaas discussed plans to develop a local policy for setting speed limits under state law, with estimated costs for a citywide study potentially reaching $50,000, for council consideration in 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved: Resolution 2025-265 approving the 2026 Prosecution Contract with Carver County. - Approved: Resolution 2025-264 accepting the 2025 Pavement Management Plan Update. - Approved: Resolution 2025-260 directing staff to change speed limit signs on Waconia Parkway South. - Closed Session: The council voted to enter closed session under Minn. Stat. 13.05, subd. 3(c)(3) to consider the sale of property at 401 13th Street East. - Upcoming: The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee will present survey findings on December 1, 2025. Staff will develop a speed limit authority policy framework for 2026.