Waconia, MN

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a bond issuance of up to $4,000,000 for public works storage facility construction. The meeting also includes several consent agenda items related to infrastructure, road reconstruction, and business park planning.

• Public hearing for $4,000,000 in Capital Improvement Plan Bonds
• Downtown Reconstruction Phase 3 and Phase 4 pay requests to GMH Asphalt Corporation
• Approval of plans and bidding for TH 5 Phase 2 and 5th St Reconstruction
• Waconia Business Park Small Area Plan proposal acceptance
• Request for Qualifications for the old fire station at 26 Maple Street South

Planning Commission

Park Board

The Waconia Park Board is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes from the May 21, 2026 meeting, and to receive an update on Sudheimer Park. The meeting also includes staff park items and board updates. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Approve May 21, 2026 Park Board Meeting Minutes
• Sudheimer Park Update

City Council

The Waconia City Council will consider issuing $27,255,000 in general obligation water revenue and capital improvement bonds, along with related resolutions and a public hearing. They will also discuss the 2027 Sugarbush neighborhood reconstruction project, an ordinance on short-term rentals, and salary changes for the mayor and council. Several routine items are on the consent agenda, including expenditures and permits.

• Resolution 2026-192: Issue $27,255,000 in GO Water Revenue and Capital Improvement Plan Bonds, Series 2026C
• Resolution 2026-193: Call public hearing on intent to issue GO Capital Improvement Bonds and adopt Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 2026-194: Receive feasibility report and call hearing for 2027 Sugarbush Neighborhood Reconstruction Project
• Ordinance 795: Amend Chapter 541 on Rental Housing Licensing and Short-Term Rental Regulations
• Ordinance 796: Amend City Code Section 200.09 on Mayor and City Council Salaries

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss and potentially recommend approval or denial of amendments to Chapter 541 of the City Code. These changes specifically relate to rental housing licensing and short-term rental regulations.

• Proposed amendments to Chapter 541 regarding Rental Housing Licensing
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 541 regarding Short-Term Rental Regulations

City Council

The Waconia City Council will meet to decide on routine approvals and several key items, including a $3.2 million contract for Water Treatment Plant No. 4 construction and an ordinance amendment setting cannabis retail buffer zones. The council will also discuss parking restrictions on 8th Street and hear staff reports on road construction updates.

• Approve $3.2M contract for Water Treatment Plant No. 4 construction
• Adopt ordinance amending cannabis retail buffer zones in B-1, I-1, and I-2 districts
• Approve Facade Improvement Grant for 138 1st Street West
• Approve Special Event Permit for Thrivent Back to School Jamboree
• Deny building permit fee appeal for 1905 Charleston Lane

The Waconia City Council awarded a $24,379,543 construction contract to Magney Construction for Water Treatment Plant No. 4 and a cold storage building. The Council also adopted Ordinance No. 794, amending cannabis buffer requirements and allowing certain cannabis businesses with retail components in specific districts. A motion to waive the $350 Special Event Permit fee for Thrivent Bank's Back-to-School Jamboree failed, but the permit was approved with the fee paid.

• Awarded $24,379,543 contract to Magney Construction for Water Treatment Plant No. 4 and Cold Storage Building (carried)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 794 amending cannabis buffer requirements and allowing micro/mezzo retail businesses in B-1 and Industrial Park districts (carried)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-192 for summary publication of Ordinance No. 794 (carried)
• Removed $307.59 outstanding 2024 deck permit fee for 1905 Charleston Lane; 2025 permit fee of $852.90 to proceed (carried)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Thrivent Bank's Back-to-School Jamboree with $350 fee paid (4-1, Mayor Litfin opposed)
• Motion to waive Thrivent Bank's $350 Special Event Permit fee failed due to lack of a second
• Adopted consent agenda with items 8.6 and 8.10 pulled for separate discussion (carried)
• Directed applicants to develop shared parking agreement and explore rearranging parking stalls for 8th Street parking request

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold a public hearing on a joint annexation petition for Tamarack Land, LLC and Carver County-owned properties. The consent agenda includes routine approvals for expenditures, contractor pay requests, and several licenses. Council business items include a vote to deny a proposed ordinance that would have allowed cannabis micro and mezzo businesses in the B-1 district and reduced cannabis retail buffers, review of a small area plan for 801 Highway 284, and a site plan for a senior apartment building at 905 Airport Road.

• Public hearing and possible adoption of joint resolution for annexation of Tamarack Land and Carver County parcels from Laketown Township
• Proposed denial of ordinance amendment to allow cannabis micro/mezzo businesses as interim use in B-1 district and reduce cannabis buffer requirements
• Consideration of small area plan for 801 Highway 284
• Site plan approval for Trails Edge Senior Apartments at 905 Airport Road
• Consent agenda includes contractor pay requests for Island View Estates Park, Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4, CSAH 10 Trail, and Wildcat Way Reconstruction

The Council approved an annexation petition for 138.08 acres and the site plan for a 43-unit affordable senior apartment building. Additionally, the Council updated downtown parking limits and approved a small area plan for a 9-acre site on Highway 284.

• Approved Joint Resolution No. 2026-170 for annexation of 138.08 acres (Tamarack Land and Carver County)
• Approved site plan for Trails Edge Senior Apartments at 905 Airport Road (Resolution No. 2026-178)
• Approved small area plan agreement for 801 Highway 284
• Adopted Ordinance No. 793 changing downtown parking limits from 90 minutes to 4 hours
• Directed staff to provide a formal Ordinance to amend cannabis zoning requirements
• Adopted consent agenda including various contractor pay requests and licenses
• Denied Resolution No. 2026-159 to deny cannabis retail buffer amendments (failed for lack of motion/second)

Planning Commission

The Waconia Planning Commission will decide whether to recommend approval or denial of a site plan for Trails Edge Senior Apartments, a 43-unit 55+ multifamily building at 905 Airport Road. Commissioners will also hold a public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 541 of the city code governing rental housing licensing and short-term rental regulations. Additionally, they will review a small area plan for 801 Hwy. 284, with no action requested.

• Site Plan vote — Trails Edge Senior Apartments (43 units, 55+) at 905 Airport Road
• Public Hearing — amendments to Chapter 541 (Rental Housing Licensing and Short-Term Rental Regulations)
• Small Area Plan review — 801 Hwy. 284 (no action requested)
• Approval of June 4, 2026 Planning Commission minutes

The Waconia Planning Commission tabled a proposed amendment to the Housing Ordinance for rental properties, which included a three-strike enforcement system and buffer requirements. The motion to table passed 3-2, with staff directed to gather rental ordinances from Excelsior and Wayzata and schedule a work session. The commission also recommended approval of the Trails Edge Senior Apartments site plan at 905 Airport Road with eight conditions, and discussed a small area plan for 801 Hwy. 284 without a formal vote.

• Approved June 4, 2026 meeting minutes
• Recommended approval of Trails Edge Senior Apartments site plan (8 conditions)
• Tabled short-term rental ordinance amendment (3-2)
• Directed staff to collect rental ordinances from Excelsior and Wayzata
• Scheduled work session to discuss rental ordinance language

Park Board

This meeting of the Waconia Park Board is largely procedural, with approval of minutes and staff updates. The only regular business item is a discussion of a photo opportunity related to trail clean-up and tree planting. No financial decisions or ordinances are on the agenda.

• Trail Clean-Up & Tree Planting Photo Opportunity

City Council

The City Council will discuss the issuance of two sets of general obligation bonds for city funding and street reconstruction. The body will also consider various consent items including infrastructure projects, property purchases, and a finance director appointment.

• Proposed issuance of $9,510,000 in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A and $3,280,000 in Temporary Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B
• Resolution to deny an ordinance amendment regarding cannabis retail business buffer requirements and interim use in the B-1 Highway Business District
• Contract award for the Fox Run Ravine Stabilization Project
• Installation of stop signs at Elm Street and 2nd Street to create an all-way stop
• Purchase of real property PID #750501620 and #750501610

The Waconia City Council approved the issuance and sale of $9,510,000 in General Obligation Bonds (Series 2026A) for annual street and utility improvements and $3,270,000 in temporary bonds (Series 2026B) for the Highway 5 Phase 2 Reconstruction Project. The council also tabled a proposed ordinance amendment that would allow cannabis microbusinesses in the B-1 Highway Business District and reduce buffer requirements, moving discussion to the July 20, 2026 meeting. The consent agenda was adopted, including 21 items such as a four-way stop at Elm and 2nd Street, a ravine stabilization project, and a liquor license for the Waconia Legion.

• Approved Resolution 2026-157 authorizing $9,510,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A (carried)
• Approved Resolution 2026-158 authorizing $3,270,000 General Obligation Temporary Street Reconstruction Plan Bonds, Series 2026B (carried)
• Tabled ordinance amendment on cannabis buffer requirements and B-1 district uses to July 20, 2026 (carried)
• Adopted consent agenda including 21 items (carried)
• Approved intersection control change to all-way stop at Elm Street and 2nd Street (consent agenda)
• Awarded Fox Run Ravine Stabilization Project (consent agenda)
• Approved temporary on-sale liquor license for Waconia Legion Post 150 (consent agenda)
• Approved purchase of real property PID #750501620 & #750501610 (consent agenda)

Planning Commission

The Waconia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on proposed amendments to allow cannabis micro and mezzobusinesses in the B-1 Highway Business District and reduce cannabis retail buffer requirements. The meeting also includes routine procedural items like adopting the agenda and approving minutes.

• Public hearing on amending Sections 900.05.7 (B-1 Highway Business District), 900.06.1.D (cannabis retail buffer requirements), and 900.11 (conditional use permits)
• Vote on allowing cannabis micro and mezzobusinesses as interim uses in B-1 district
• Vote on reducing cannabis retail business buffer requirements

The Waconia Planning Commission voted 4-0 to deny a request to amend the city's cannabis retail buffer requirements and to allow micro and mezzo cannabis businesses in the B-1 Highway Business District as an interim use. The denial will be forwarded to the City Council with the Commission's recommendation. The public hearing was closed before the vote.

• Denied amendment to cannabis retail buffer requirements and B-1 district uses (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on the cannabis ordinance amendment
• Adopted the meeting agenda
• Approved the May 7, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold a public hearing on the 5th Street Reconstruction Project and then vote on ordering improvements for that project. The council will also consider accepting plans and authorizing bids for a new Water Treatment Plant No. 4. Under the consent agenda, the council will approve development agreements for Waterford 10th Addition and Elm Creek Ridge subdivisions, along with routine financial items and a donation to the fire department.

• Public hearing on Improvements to the 5th Street Reconstruction Project
• Resolution No. 2026-140 ordering improvements and preparation of plans for 5th Street
• Resolution No. 2026-141 accepting plans and authorizing advertisement for bids for Water Treatment Plant No. 4
• Resolution No. 2026-134 approving Development Agreement for Waterford 10th Addition
• Resolutions No. 2026-135 and 2026-136 approving final plats and revised development agreement for Elm Creek Ridge 1st and 2nd Additions

The Waconia City Council ordered improvements for the 5th Street Reconstruction Project, including street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water system upgrades, with an estimated cost of $2,576,000 for street and storm sewer work, $551,000 for sanitary sewer, and $700,000 for watermain (fully funded by MnDOT). The council also accepted plans and authorized advertisement for bids for the new Water Treatment Plant No. 4, with a total probable cost of $35,041,000. Both actions were approved unanimously via motions.

• Ordered 5th Street Reconstruction Project improvements (Resolution 2026-140)
• Accepted plans and authorized bids for Water Treatment Plant No. 4 (Resolution 2026-141)
• Adopted consent agenda including expenditures, pay request, change order, plats, and agreements
• Closed public hearing on 5th Street project after resident comments
• Scheduled short-term rental discussion for future work session

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to discuss and provide direction on park maintenance operations. The meeting also includes standard approvals of the agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Park Maintenance Operations Overview discussion

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2026 Pavement Management Project and the 2nd Quarter Budget Amendments. The body is also reviewing several grants, loans, and business closing applications.

• Award of construction contract for 2026 PMP Mill & Overlay Project
• 2026 2nd Quarter Budget Amendments
• Facade Improvement Grant for 17 1st Street West
• Waconia Works Loan for Coney's Candies LLC at 136 Main Street West
• Optional 2 a.m. closing applications for The Saloon and Hoppers

The Waconia City Council approved a construction contract for the 2026 Pavement Management Plan Mill & Overlay Project and accepted the audited 2025 financial report. The council also adopted the consent agenda, which included budget amendments, a facade improvement grant, and a loan for a local business. No public hearings or open forum items were held.

• Adopted consent agenda including May 4 minutes, May 18 expenditures, and 13 other items
• Approved Resolution 2026-131 awarding 2026 PMP Mill & Overlay contract to Wm Mueller & Sons, Inc.
• Approved Resolution 2026-132 accepting audited 2025 financial report
• Entered closed session per Minn. Stat. 13.05, subd. 3(c)(3)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will receive a site plan update for Water Treatment Plant No. 4. The meeting includes a work session regarding the Shoreland Flexibility Ordinance.

• Site plan update for Water Treatment Plant No. 4
• Work session on Shoreland Flexibility Ordinance

The Waconia Planning Commission met on May 7, 2026, and took only procedural actions: adopting the agenda and approving the April 9 minutes. The sole new business item was an informational update on the Water Treatment Plant No. 4 site plan, with no decision made. No old business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned after a staff update covering several upcoming projects.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved the April 9, 2026, Planning Commission minutes (motion carried)
• Adjourned the meeting (motion carried)

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing to consider issuing temporary street reconstruction bonds for Highway 5 Phase 2, and vote on a resolution adopting the plan. They will also receive a feasibility report for the 5th Street Reconstruction Project and call a public hearing for it. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, expenditures, bids for the Reitz Lake Lift Station, donations to the fire department, and several license applications.

• Public hearing on 2026 debt issuance for Highway 5 Phase 2 temporary street reconstruction bonds (Resolution 2026-113)
• Receive feasibility report and call public hearing for 5th Street Reconstruction Project (Resolution 2026-122)
• Approve plans and authorize advertisement for bids for Reitz Lake Lift Station (Resolution 2026-114)
• Accept cash donations for fire safety and prevention and for fire department operations (Resolutions 2026-115, 2026-116)
• Approve tobacco, off-sale liquor, and low potency hemp edible retail licenses (Resolutions 2026-118, 2026-119, 2026-120)

The Waconia City Council adopted Resolution 2026-113 to issue temporary street reconstruction bonds for the Highway 5 Phase 2 project and approved the street reconstruction plan. The council also received the feasibility report for the Fifth Street Reconstruction Project and scheduled a public hearing for June 1, 2026. Consent agenda items, including a firefighter retirement recognition, were approved as published.

• Adopted Resolution 2026-113 for Highway 5 Phase 2 bonds and street reconstruction plan
• Adopted Resolution 2026-122 receiving feasibility report and calling June 1 hearing for Fifth Street project
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, expenditures, and various licenses
• Recognized firefighter Brandon Kolesar's retirement after 30 years of service

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold its regular meeting on April 20, 2026, with a public hearing, open forum, and consent agenda. Key business includes voting on the Woodland Trail preliminary plat and PUD zoning request, and noting the withdrawal of an annexation petition. The consent agenda covers routine approvals including expenditures, donations, a grant, and budget amendments.

• Woodland Trail Preliminary Plat & PUD Zoning Request – 9350 Airport Road (Resolution 2026-112)
• Annexation Petition by Wolter and Klingelhutz – withdrawn (Resolution 2026-060)
• Facade Improvement & Start-Up Grant – 136 Main Street West, Coney's (Resolution 2026-109)
• 2026 2nd Quarter Budget Amendments (Resolution 2026-110)
• Election write-in vote tally resolution (2026-111)

Planning Commission

The Waconia Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Woodland Trail preliminary plat and PUD zoning request for 9350 Airport Road, which proposes 127 housing units with lot and home type flexibility. The commission will recommend approval or denial. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, a 2025 land use summary, election of officers, and a staff update.

• Public hearing on Woodland Trail preliminary plat and PUD zoning request at 9350 Airport Road
• Proposal for 127 housing units with lot and home type flexibility
• Approval of February 5, 2026 meeting minutes
• 2025 Land Use Summary
• Election of officers

The Waconia Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Woodland Trail development at 9350 Airport Road, a 61-acre project with 127 single-family homes and PUD zoning, subject to 21 conditions. The commission also re-elected Chair Genz and Vice Chair Polunc, and received a 2025 land use summary and staff updates.

• Approved Woodland Trail preliminary plat with 21 conditions (unanimous)
• Approved PUD zoning request for 127 single-family homes at 9350 Airport Road (unanimous)
• Re-elected Chair Genz (unanimous)
• Re-elected Vice Chair Polunc (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 5, 2026 minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Waconia City Council will meet to adopt resolutions for $9.52M in general obligation bonds and $3.265M in temporary street reconstruction bonds, alongside routine approvals like expenditures and surplus equipment sales. The agenda includes infrastructure projects such as the 2026 PMP Mill & Overlay, CSAH 10 Regional Trail Connector, and 5th Street reconstruction feasibility studies.

• Approve $9,520,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A
• Approve $3,265,000 Temporary Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2026B
• Authorize $132-A Mill & Overlay Project in Landings Neighborhood
• Award CSAH 10 Regional Trail Connector Project contract
• Approve Waconia Works Loan for Bakery Off Main at 125 1st Street West

The Waconia City Council approved the issuance and sale of $9,520,000 in General Obligation Bonds (Series 2026A) and $3,265,000 in Temporary Street Reconstruction Bonds (Series 2026B), and called a public hearing for a street reconstruction plan. The council also approved a special event permit for the Farmers Market, ordered a feasibility study for 5th Street reconstruction, authorized a Public Services Office Expansion feasibility study, approved a design addendum for a cold storage building, and awarded a construction contract for the CSAH 10 Regional Trail Connector project.

• Approved $9,520,000 GO Bonds Series 2026A (unanimous)
• Approved $3,265,000 GO Temporary Street Reconstruction Bonds Series 2026B (unanimous)
• Called public hearing for street reconstruction plan and GO Street Reconstruction Bonds (unanimous)
• Approved Farmers Market Special Event Permit, Resolution 2026-098 (unanimous)
• Ordered Feasibility Study for 5th Street Reconstruction, Resolution 2026-099 (unanimous)
• Authorized Public Services Office Expansion Feasibility Study, Resolution 2026-100 (unanimous)
• Approved $118,750 design addendum for Cold Storage Building with SEH, Inc., Resolution 2026-101 (unanimous)
• Awarded CSAH 10 Regional Trail Connector construction contract, Resolution 2026-102 (unanimous)

Park Board

The Waconia Park Board is meeting to approve the January 18, 2026 minutes and discuss a resident request regarding the Goldenrod land parcel. The agenda includes a staff update on park items and board updates. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Resident request - Goldenrod Land Parcel
• Approve January 18, 2026 Park Board Meeting Minutes
• Staff park items update

The Waconia Parks & Recreation Board discussed a resident's request to install a peace labyrinth at the Goldenrod parcel (1016 Goldenrod) but recommended pursuing it at a different location due to accessibility and parking concerns. The board consensus was to maintain the parcel as a natural area with ongoing upkeep, and the idea will be added to the Capital Improvement Plan for future discussion. The board also approved the agenda and minutes from the January 18, 2026 meeting.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved January 18, 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Supported labyrinth concept but recommended different location (consensus)
• Maintained Goldenrod parcel as natural area with ongoing upkeep (consensus)
• Added labyrinth idea to CIP for future discussion (consensus)

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance No. 792, amending the city code related to permits, licenses, and fees. They will also consider a franchise agreement with Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, a special event permit for an Earth Day event, and a resolution denying an annexation petition. The consent agenda includes routine approvals for expenditures, contracts, and permits.

• Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance No. 792 amending Chapter 1100 (fees)
• Ordinance No. 790 granting Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative a non-exclusive electric franchise
• Resolution No. 2026-060 denying annexation petition by Wolter Trust and Klingelhutz Farms LLC
• Resolution No. 2026-077 approving Innovent unit replacement at Waconia Ice Arena with Peterson Sheet Metal
• Resolution No. 2026-083 authorizing contract for compost collection services

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold a public hearing on an annexation petition from the Wolter and Klingelhutz properties, with a resolution to deny it. The council will also consider awarding a contract for the 2026 Downtown Phase 4 Reconstruction project and initiate work on the 2027 Sugarbush neighborhood street project, among other routine items.

• Public hearing and resolution to deny annexation petition by Eugene E & Carol Wolter Trust and Klingelhutz Farms LLC
• Resolution 2026-073: Award contract for 2026 Downtown Phase 4 Reconstruction
• Resolutions 2026-074/075: Authorize survey, geotechnical review, feasibility study for 2027 Sugarbush Neighborhood Reconstruction
• Resolution 2026-062: Award contract for Island View Estates Park Site Improvements
• Resolution 2026-069: Approve 5-year copier/scanner lease with Marco Technologies

The Waconia City Council tabled the Wolter and Klingelhutz annexation petition to the April 20, 2026 meeting, citing water and sewer capacity concerns. The council also awarded the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4 contract to GMH Asphalt and approved preliminary work for the 2027 Sugarbush Neighborhood Reconstruction Project.

• Tabled Wolter and Klingelhutz annexation petition to April 20, 2026 (motion carried)
• Adopted consent agenda including minutes, expenditures, capital equipment, and park contracts (motion carried)
• Awarded 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4 contract to GMH Asphalt via Resolution 2026-073 (motion carried)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-074 authorizing survey and geotechnical review for Sugarbush Neighborhood Reconstruction (motion carried)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-075 ordering feasibility study for Sugarbush Neighborhood Reconstruction (motion carried)

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold a public hearing on vacating a drainage and utility easement in Waterford 9th Addition, then consider a consent agenda with routine items and several ordinances that would impose or amend franchise fees on gas and electric utilities. The council will also review a site plan for a new GVT Tire & Auto location and discuss franchise fee details in a work session.

• Public hearing on vacation of drainage and utility easement for Outlot A and Outlot C, Waterford 9th Addition
• Ordinances 787-791: franchise fees for Centerpoint Energy, Xcel Energy, and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
• Site plan and design review for GVT Tire & Auto at 401 13th Street East
• Award contract for sealing Wells 3&4 (Resolution 2026-048)
• Waconia Works loan for Springs Wellness Center at 26 2nd Street West (Resolution 2026-055)

The City Council approved franchise fees on natural gas and electric utility bills, with a $5 per month per utility fee for residential customers, designating revenue for street and park projects. The vote was 4-1, with Mayor Litfin dissenting. The council also tabled a related ordinance for Minnesota Valley Electric to March 16, 2026, and approved a site plan for a new auto repair garage.

• Approved Ordinance No. 787, gas franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy (4-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 788, electric franchise fee on Xcel Energy (4-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 789, electric franchise fee on Xcel Energy (4-1)
• Tabled Ordinance No. 790, Minnesota Valley Electric franchise, to March 16, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 791, electric franchise fee on Minnesota Valley Electric (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-060, site plan for GVT Tire & Auto at 401 13th Street East (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-045, vacating drainage and utility easements for Waterford 9th Addition Outlots A and C (5-0)
• Adopted consent agenda including 20 items (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Waconia Planning Commission will consider a site plan and design review application for the proposed GVT Tire & Auto project at 401 13th Street East. The commission will vote on a motion to recommend approval or denial to the City Council. The agenda also includes routine items such as approving the agenda, minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting, and a staff update.

• Site Plan and Design Review for GVT Tire & Auto at 401 13th Street East
• Motion to recommend approval/denial to City Council
• Approval of December 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Staff update

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 2, 2026, with a consent agenda covering routine items like minutes, expenditures, and equipment purchases. Under council business, they will vote on the layout for the 2026 Downtown Phase 4 project on 2nd Street and authorize a contract with Polco for the 2026 community survey. The meeting includes a public hearing and open forum, but no specific items are listed for those.

• Approve layout for 2nd Street - 2026 Downtown Ph 4 Project (Resolution 2026-043)
• Authorize contract with Polco for 2026 Community Survey (Resolution 2026-044)
• Accept bids and approve purchase of 2026 Street Lighting Equipment (Resolution 2026-039)
• Approve 2026 Capital Equipment Purchases (Resolution 2026-040)
• Approve Trunk Fee Deferral Payment Plan for Lakeside Books (Resolution 2026-042)

The Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-043 approving Option C for the 2nd Street layout in the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4 Project, which keeps a 40-foot street and 6-foot sidewalk, preserving existing trees on the south and west sides of St. Joseph's School. The Council also authorized a contract with Polco for a community survey (Resolution No. 2026-044) and approved amended capital equipment purchases (Resolution No. 2026-040) for a mower and aerator. The consent agenda was adopted with item 8.4 removed for separate discussion.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-043 approving Option C for 2nd Street layout (40-ft street, 6-ft sidewalk, no tree removal)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-044 authorizing contract with Polco for community survey ($20,000 base + $2,000 custom questions)
• Adopted amended Resolution No. 2026-040 for capital equipment: Toro Z-Master 6000 mower ($23,785.02) and AERA-vator ($15,268.93)
• Adopted consent agenda with item 8.4 (capital equipment) removed
• Approved February 2, 2026 expenditures
• Accepted bids for 2026 street lighting equipment
• Accepted Carver County Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling Grant proceeds for 2025
• Approved Trunk Fee Deferral Payment Plan for Lakeside Books

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, to decide on multiple utility franchise fee ordinances, approve expenditures, and authorize bids for downtown reconstruction. The meeting includes routine procedural items and a public hearing, with several resolutions up for adoption.

• Approve gas and electric franchise fee ordinances for CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy
• Authorize bid for 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4
• Adopt resolution to accept $Source Water Protection Plan Grant proceeds
• Authorize eminent domain proceedings for Trunk Highway 5 Phase 2 Corridor Improvement Project
• Update Special Event Permit Policy and fees

The Council tabled a decision on franchise fees with Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, scheduling a work session for Feb. 2 and a vote for Feb. 17. They also approved bidding for the 2026 Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4 and authorized eminent domain proceedings for the Highway 5 project. The consent agenda was adopted with one item removed, and six new firefighters were sworn in.

• Tabled franchise fee ordinances, set Feb. 17 vote (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-037 to solicit bids for Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4
• Authorized eminent domain for Highway 5 Phase 2 (Resolution 2026-038)
• Updated Special Event Policy, permit fee raised to $350
• Adopted consent agenda minus Capital Equipment 2026
• Approved Resolution 2026-026 to solicit pricing for capital equipment
• Swore in six firefighters and promoted Jake Nelson to captain

Park Board

The Waconia Park Board will convene on January 15, 2026, to approve minutes, elect a chair and vice-chair for 2026, and receive a discussion-only update on the 2026 Park & Trail Capital Project. No formal decisions are listed beyond routine agenda approvals.

The Waconia Parks & Recreation Board elected Lucas Reiners as Chair and Ben Strasheim as Vice Chair for the upcoming term. The board also reviewed 2026 capital projects, including playground replacements and trail extensions, and discussed grant applications for future park developments. No other formal decisions were made beyond the elections and routine approvals.

• Elected Lucas Reiners as Park Board Chair (motion carried)
• Elected Ben Strasheim as Park Board Vice Chair (motion carried)
• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Waconia Planning Commission is holding a work session to discuss a proposed Shoreland Flexibility Ordinance. The discussion will determine whether to allow flexibility in the 25% hardcover maximum, exempt downtown commercial properties, and add an access path definition. No formal decisions are being made at this work session.

• Discussion on allowing flexibility in the 25% hardcover maximum
• Potential exemption for downtown commercial properties
• Adding an access path definition to shoreland ordinance

City Council

The Waconia City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 5, 2026, with a consent agenda covering routine items such as minutes, expenditures, pay requests for construction projects, appointments, and licenses. The council will also consider two business items: authorizing plans and bids for the CSAH 10 Connector Trail and approving an all-way stop at 1st and Vine Street. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being routine approvals.

• Pay Request No. 7 to GMH Asphalt for Downtown Reconstruction Phase 3
• Pay Request No. 5 to Minger Construction for CSAH 10 & Waconia Parkway North Improvements
• Ordinance No. 784 amending Chapter 415 on storm water reuse systems
• Resolution No. 2026-013 approving facade improvement grant for Lakeside Books
• Resolution No. 2026-022 authorizing plans and bids for CSAH 10 Connector Trail

The Waconia City Council approved resolutions to prepare plans and advertise bids for the CSAH 10 connector trail and to install stop signs creating an all-way stop at 1st Street and Vine Street. The consent agenda was adopted with two items removed and separately approved: appointing Bolton & Menk as consulting engineer and granting a special event permit for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. No public hearings or open forum items were held.

• Adopted consent agenda minus items 8.12 and 8.22 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-022 for CSAH 10 connector trail plans and bid advertisement (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-023 for all-way stop at 1st & Vine (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-008 appointing Bolton & Menk as consulting engineer (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-021 for Special Olympics Polar Plunge permit (unanimous)