Waconia Planning Commission met Nov. 5 to consider a steep-slope permit and a continued variance for 202 Sandy Shores, reviewed staff updates including a 2050 comp‑plan consultant interview schedule and multiple local development updates, and voted recommendations to the City Council.

Discussion Points

•55+ CDA project expected to break ground soon; Holbrook advancing with test wells and next‑phase work next year.
•Applicants submitted late materials (draft ordinance, landscape plan, maintenance agreement) two days before the meeting; staff had no time for review.
•City attorney advised that absence of an ordinance is not itself a unique circumstance under variance criterion 4.
•City has issued 188 single‑family/townhome permits so far this year, exceeding earlier projection of 125.
•Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the silt fence, stabilization and restoration plans.
•Consultant engagement expected to last approximately 1.5 years.
•Four submittals received for old fire station site; staff and Council to evaluate.
•No formal recommendation announced at the meeting.
•Staff explained the steep‑slope area and haul corridor for riprap and noted city engineer recommended approval with conditions.
•Staff requested two commissioners to participate in consultant interviews Nov. 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Decisions

•Commission voted to recommend approval of the steep‑slope permit subject to conditions.
•Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the variance.

Directions

•Commissioners should email Lane if interested; staff will confirm up to two commissioners.
•Council will vet options; potential joint session with Planning Commission may follow.
•Forward recommendation of denial to City Council for Nov. 16 discussion.
•Forward recommendation to City Council on Nov. 16 (consent agenda).
•Staff to provide land‑use summary early in 2027.

Nov

Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting - November 3, 2026

Carver County board meeting on Nov. 3, 2026 included public comment about a decades-old radio tower dispute, an AFSCME petition opposing subcontracting tied to a possible parks joint-powers agreement, the board's decision to discontinue talks with 3 Rivers Park District over cost-shift concerns, approval of temporary safety measures (stop control) at County Roads 11 and 44, and a $7.5 million contract amendment for Highway 212 repairs.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners debated whether county should press state/federal partners for more funding or proceed with payment to avoid leaving the roadway in disrepair.
•Commissioners debated whether to pause talks until political tensions eased, to hire a parks director instead, or to continue certain smaller cooperative efforts while ending full partnership negotiations.
•Engineering data: 27 crashes in 10 years; 1 fatal and 3 injury crashes this year; intersection very wide (approx. 80–100 feet per leg) and mainline posted at 55 mph.
•He connected the complaint to broader barriers for African American broadcasters in Minnesota.
•MnDOT agreed to contribute $3.2M; county sales-tax share increases from $680K to $2.8M under amendment.
•Original contract ~ $28M; change orders and quantity overruns added ~ $7.4M—major driver was deep excavation for unstable organic soils.
•Recommendation to implement temporary all-way stop with rumble strips and enforcement due to weather/bid constraints.
•Ross alleged the county and private partners placed a radio tower on wetlands and a community softball field and misrepresented its location to the FCC.
•Staff reported a late change in 3 Rivers Park District board position requiring a cost shift to Carver County, which staff identified as a deal-breaker.
•Three alternatives evaluated: temporary signal, always-stop control, compact temporary roundabout; roundabout best for crash reduction but lacked contractor bids in season.
•Union requested explicit contract protections if parks positions are transferred to 3 Rivers Park District: no pay decrease, no liquidation/reduction of PTO, recognition of years of service, and reintegration plan if partnership ends.

Decisions

•Board approved installation of temporary stop control and related measures.
•Board approved the contract amendment authorization 4–1.
•No formal public vote to terminate was recorded; staff recommendation to discontinue was made and discussed.

Directions

•Authorize staff to install temporary all-way stop, rumble strips, candlestick delineators, and advanced warning signs; coordinate law enforcement and public outreach.
•Authorize the county engineer to approve contract amendment up to $7.5M and proceed to close out work and MnDOT acceptance.
•Staff to stop pursuing the partnership as presented and to move forward with internal planning and parks director recruitment.

Nov

11.3.2026 Agenda Amendment

Carver County Board meeting on Nov. 3, 2026 included public comments about a historical radio-tower dispute, a union petition opposing subcontracting tied to a possible joint-powers agreement with 3 Rivers Park District, a decision to discontinue negotiations with 3 Rivers over an alleged late cost-shift, approval of several transportation items including an interim safety treatment at County Roads 11 & 44 and a $7.5 million contract amendment on the Highway 212 project, and a closed session on a condemnation settlement.

Discussion Points

•Board authorized an all‑way stop with rumble strips and enforcement as a near‑term safety measure.
•Board debated whether to push the state for additional funds but approved the amendment to finish the project.
•Board opted to discontinue current partnership negotiations but preserve smaller collaborations.
•Commissioners debated employee communication and long-running land-ownership issues.
•Contractor availability and seasonal constraints prevented temporary roundabout installation.
•MnDOT negotiated a $3.2M contribution; county share increased.
•Requested provisions: no pay decrease, no PTO liquidation or accrual reduction, recognition of years of service, reintegration plan.
•Staff learned 3 Rivers board would require a cost shift late in negotiations.
•Three temporary control options evaluated (temporary signal, all‑way stop, compact temporary roundabout).
•Unexpected subsurface conditions required excavation and added millions in change orders.
•Union delivered petition opposing subcontracting without written protections.

Decisions

•Accepted staff recommendation to discontinue current joint‑powers negotiations (no formal roll-call recorded in transcript).
•Approve contract amendment up to $35.5M (passed 4–1).
•Install stop signs and temporary always-stop control at CR 11 & CR 44.

Directions

•Authorize contract amendment and instruct staff to complete closeout with MnDOT.
•Begin recruitment for a county parks director and review organization structure.
•Public Works to implement signage, rumble strips, enforcement coordination, and outreach.
•Staff to consider workforce protections if a joint‑powers agreement is proposed in future.

Nov

Board of Commissioners Meeting

Board meeting of the Carver County Board on 2026-11-03; topics included discontinuing talks with 3 Rivers Park District over a late 'cost shift' demand, emergency safety measures at County Roads 11 & 44, a $7.5 million contract amendment for Highway 212 repairs, union concerns about subcontracting, public comments alleging past fraud around a radio tower, and a move to closed session on a condemnation settlement.

Discussion Points

•Board directed staff to implement short-term measures and pursue permanent roundabout in 2027.
•Commissioners debated fiscal fairness and whether the state should shoulder more cost.
•Commissioners debated whether to pause talks to allow election tensions to ease or to end negotiations outright.
•County Administrator reported that 3 Rivers’ board required a late cost shift that county staff and commissioners had previously identified as a deal breaker.
•Engineers presented three temporary control alternatives and recommended the all-way stop due to season and contractor constraints.
•Negotiations with MnDOT yielded a $3.2M contribution; the county will bear the remainder per negotiated terms.
•No county response or immediate follow-up was recorded in meeting minutes.
•Project experienced large change orders and a deep excavation (over 64 feet in one area) requiring expensive backfill.
•Public commenter alleged fraudulent tower siting and demanded atonement.
•Staff apologized for employee uncertainty and said employees had been informed generally about the pending discussions.
•The intersection has 27 crashes in 10 years, including a recent fatal crash and several injury crashes this year.
•The petition was not acted on immediately but commissioners acknowledged receipt and later discussed employee uncertainty during parks partnership item.
•Union requested explicit protections in any joint powers agreement: wages, PTO, seniority recognition, reintegration plans.

Decisions

•Board accepted staff recommendation to discontinue partnership discussions (no formal vote recorded at the meeting).
•Board approved the contract amendment 4–1.
•Board authorized temporary stop-control (voice vote).

Directions

•Authorize county engineer to approve contract amendment up to $7.5M and proceed to close out the contract with MnDOT acceptance.
•Coordinate outreach with City of Chaska and law enforcement for the first weeks of change.
•Install temporary all-way stop with rumble strips and signage.
•Staff directed to begin recruitment for a county parks director and report back on next steps and communications to employees.
•Staff directed to discontinue current partnership negotiations with 3 Rivers Park District.

Nov

City Council Meeting

Waconia City Council met November 2 to hold the second assessment hearing and adopt the assessment roll for Downtown Reconstruction Phase 4; it also authorized an RFP for legislative lobbying services, approved a three-year audit engagement with Redpath & Company, and heard staff reports including winter parking and election reminders.

Discussion Points

•Bongards expansion: 120,000 sq ft, 70+ jobs, 180,000,000 pounds additional capacity, $135,000,000 investment
•Council discussed the administrative burden of switching auditors
•Council to certify election results Nov. 16
•Decision: adopt Resolution No. 2026-248 to engage Redpath & Company (4–1)
•Final project cost reported at just under $5,400,000; assessments reduced to about $510,000 after benefit evaluation
•Legislative priorities: social districts; Highway 5 Phase 2 funding; recreation facility planning (Safari Island)
•Payment options: prepay within 30 days or place on tax statement starting 2027
•Rationale for decrease: low bid, reduced scope, minimal soil/drilling surprises
•RFP timeline: proposals due end of November, interviews in early January
•Staff recommended renewing Redpath for continuity during major projects and cited a 4% annual increase

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution No. 2026-245 approving assessment roll
•Adopt Resolution No. 2026-255 to issue RFP and publish proposed priorities
•Adopt resolutions 2026-245, 2026-255, 2026-248
•Approve three-year engagement with Redpath & Company

Directions

•Post RFP on website and League portal
•Return to council with finalist recommendations before legislative session
•Staff to finalize contract terms and provide schedule and cost details to council

Oct

Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting - October 20, 2026

Carver County Board considered restoring funding for the county's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection program and voted to subcontract additional custodial services after public comment about staffing and security concerns.

Discussion Points

•Advisory committee and lake associations expressed support for continuing the program.
•AIS funding restoration to offset state cuts.
•Attorney's office staff warned subcontracting custodians into courthouse areas risks confidentiality and safety.
•County attorney said safety has been vetted and staff would continue to address concerns.
•Custodial subcontracting and related security/staffing concerns.
•Public commenters and staff discussed security, background checks and the special needs of courthouse and sheriff's office areas.
•Some commissioners asked for more time to consider the security concerns; others argued for moving ahead to realize savings.
•Staff outlined what in-house vs contracted custodial work covers and the financial effects of subcontracting.
•Staff proposed offsetting with county levy funds, increased WMO contribution and partner funding.
•Staff said background checks would be required and sheriff's office area would remain in-house.
•State reduced AIS funding by half, cutting a historical $140,000 to about $70,000 for 2027.

Decisions

•Board approved the subcontracting contract amendment by a 4-1 vote.
•Board voted to restore AIS inspections funding for 2027.
•Both motions approved; custodial vote was 4-1.
•No reversal; board approved subcontracting (4-1) despite the concerns.

Directions

•Proceed with contract amendment pending contract review and collective bargaining fulfillment.
•Staff to secure partner agreements in writing and return with a revised three-year AIS strategic plan and program metrics.

Oct

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Carver County Board discussed and approved restoring aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection funding in the 2027 recommended budget and approved subcontracting additional custodial services—after public comment raised security and staffing concerns.

Discussion Points

•Agenda adoption and minutes approval were handled early; AIS and custodial contract amendments were the substantive policy votes with implementation conditions.
•Commissioners asked about other counties’ responses, advisory committee input, and program metrics.
•County Attorney Mark Metz said safety had been vetted and that staff would continue cooperative work to address concerns.
•Public commenters (Martha Matthijs and Tanner Stanko) raised concerns about security, confidentiality, job loss and whether subcontractors would have equivalent background checks and consistent staffing.
•Staff committed to update the three-year strategic plan and present monitoring metrics to the board and stakeholders.
•Staff described AIS inspection, monitoring and project components and detailed partner contributions and levy effects.
•Staff outlined contract cost and anticipated savings, the number of affected positions (two custodial FTEs), and anticipated start in November 2026.

Decisions

•AIS funding restored; custodial contract amendment approved 4–1.
•Board approved subcontracting custodial services with Citywide Facility Solutions and accepted the estimated staffing and budget impacts.
•Restore AIS inspection funding in the 2027 administrator's recommended budget using county levy increases and partner funding.

Directions

•Pursue additional grants and monitor state funding changes.
•Staff to finalize contract language, ensure vendor background checks and insurance, and follow collective bargaining requirements before implementation.
•Staff to secure agreements and complete required contract/bargaining steps for implementation.
•Staff to secure written partner agreements and bring a revised AIS strategic plan to the board.

Oct

Chaska City Council Meeting 10.19.26

Chaska City Council met Oct. 19, 2026. Residents urged the council to address recurring weekend protests on Highway 41 that residents say cause sustained horn honking; council and staff discussed legal limits and agreed to further staff work. The council also held and approved the public hearing and resolution adopting 2027 service charges for the Chaska Downtown Special Service District and heard a Downtown Business Alliance report.

Discussion Points

•Alliance reported major increases in social media reach and engagement.
•City attorney outlined First Amendment constraints and suggested content‑neutral restrictions could be considered.
•Condolences offered for Ken Haskins.
•Downtown Business Alliance provided results and sought future boundary discussion.
•Local business openings noted and council expressed gratitude for local investment.
•Residents described sustained horn honking during weekly protests and estimated widespread impact.
•Routine procedural approvals for minutes, consent agenda and bills.
•Spending remained flat but results improved, attributed to professional marketing and events.
•Staff announced site visit and upcoming meetings.
•Staff outlined 2027 operating plan and budget for the downtown special service district; budget unchanged at $58,100.
•Staff recommended further work with organizers, police and residents.
•Upcoming festivals and downtown seasonal events announced.

Decisions

•Minutes, consent agenda and bills approved.
•No immediate boundary change; further study/planning anticipated.
•No immediate regulatory action taken; staff will report back.
•Resolution 2026‑99 adopted by voice vote.

Directions

•Adopt Resolution 2026‑99; staff to implement service charges and continue coordination with the Downtown Business Alliance.
•Alliance to consider boundary expansion in 2028 and discuss options with staff.
•Refer the matter to staff to evaluate time, place and manner restrictions and enforcement options.
•Staff to coordinate Nov. 2 site visit logistics and PPE for members.

Oct

City Council Meeting

Waconia City Council met Oct. 19, 2026, and approved a set of resolutions including certification of delinquent utility charges for tax certification, issuance and sale of $26.245 million in GO bonds to fund a new water treatment plant and public works garage, a site plan and conditional-use permit for a boarding‑house conversion at 32 Vine Street South, and a new speed‑limit policy for major nonresidential roadways. Council also approved a consent agenda including a county dog‑park funding pledge and adjourned after member reports.

Discussion Points

•Advisers reported 12 bidders, AA+ rating, and a winning bid led by Baird; staff explained pre‑sale adjustments to par amount to capture premiums.
•All regular agenda items passed unanimously; public hearing for delinquent charges had no speakers.
•Council asked about signage, permanent radar units and costs; staff said permanent mounts could cost $20,000–$30,000 per set.
•Council questioned unit sizes, occupancy, parking, and how short‑term‑rental rules apply.
•Mayor later noted Comcast availability numbers and the consent item with a county dog‑park pledge.
•No public commenters spoke during the hearing.
•Planning Commission recommended CUP approval with conditions; neighbors voiced concerns about screening and traffic at the commission hearing.
•Staff noted totals and year‑over‑year decrease in accounts (from 41 to 24) and total charges (from just over $19,000 to $13,593.39).
•Staff reviewed data sources (Urban SDK, NCHRP tool) and explained the reasoning for speed adjustments on Main Street and Waconia Parkway.

Decisions

•All listed resolutions adopted 5–0; consent agenda adopted 5–0.
•Resolution 2026‑228 adopted; charges certified for tax collection.
•Resolution 2026‑242 adopted; bond sale awarded to Baird; closing set for Nov. 5.
•Resolution 2026‑243 adopted; conversion permitted under CUP conditions.
•Resolution 2026‑244 adopted 5–0; policy to be finalized administratively.

Directions

•Administration to forward consent resolution to county for dog‑park coordination.
•Authorize city administrator to finalize policy technical edits and implement outreach and signage.
•City administrator and finance staff to finalize closing logistics.
•Monitor arbitrage rules and investment of proceeds.
•Monitor speeds and return if further changes needed.
•Staff to apply short‑term‑rental grandfathering policy when licensing is requested.
•Staff to enforce screening and lighting conditions; applicant to complete architectural review and show occupancy controls.
•Staff to proceed with bond closing, CUP permit review, speed‑policy implementation and tax certification.
•Staff to proceed with certification to county property tax rolls for collection in 2027.

Oct

Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting 10/06/2026

Carver County Board meeting: custodial staff and union members urged commissioners to avoid layoffs or subcontracting tied to a proposed 3 Rivers Park District transition; the board approved change‑orders and funding increases for a Public Works parking lot and Highway 212 after soil and utility issues; members approved a public‑works reorganization and heard an update and early design concepts for the new Chaska library.

Discussion Points

•Concerns about staffing and job description timing; suggestion to ideally have the JPA in hand before advertising but recognition recruitment lead times favor earlier action.
•Custodial staff and union representatives warned that the proposed 2027 budget would eliminate positions and that a transfer to 3 Rivers Park District could erase seniority, change wages, and affect PTO.
•Extent and cause of soil/base failures (insufficient aggregate, wet clay, saturated subgrade).
•Options for funding the $582,563.89 shortfall from existing facilities budget and the tradeoffs of reallocating those funds.
•Projected one‑time county contribution (~$4,000,000) and the staffing/operational cost implications of a larger building.
•Rationale for centralizing planning and the timing relative to a proposed JPA with 3 Rivers Park District.
•Recognition of local agriculture and community events hosted by the farm.
•Soil correction methods (surcharge/wick drains vs. lightweight fill) and schedule impacts; MnDOT acceptance of lightweight fill for westbound side.
•Speakers requested explicit guarantees for equivalent positions, wage parity, and PTO transfer before the county enters any joint powers agreement.
•Utility relocation delays and responsibility; recovered payments from Xcel, MetroNet, Lumen and ongoing negotiation with CenterPoint.
•Whether a one‑ or two‑story design best supports outdoor programming and parking constraints.

Decisions

•Aggregate change‑order authorization raised to $6,000,000; staff to pursue claims and keep board informed.
•Board approved increased authorization and funding (4–1).
•Board approved the reorganization and the new position with an intended implementation date of January 1.
•Schram Vineyards named 2026 Carver County Farm Family of the Year.

Directions

•County administrator to provide details about PTO payout and explore guarantees for affected employees.
•Prepare job description and recruit with awareness of potential JPA changes; update board if the JPA or job scope changes.
•Staff to provide detailed RBA outlining source of the reallocated funds and to consider additional preconstruction core borings in future projects.
•Task force and architects to refine the program and return to the board and city council with schematic options and community feedback.
•Use force‑account for proposed lightweight‑fill work, pursue claim/reimbursement from utilities where feasible, and evaluate designer/engineering errors for insurance claims.

Oct

Board of Commissioners Meeting

Carver County Board meeting: employees urged the board to reconsider job transfers tied to a proposed partnership with 3 Rivers Park District and to preserve custodial positions; commissioners approved change‑order funding for a Public Works parking lot and a multi‑million dollar change order and aggregate authorization increase for Highway 212; the board approved a public‑works reorganization and heard an update on the planned Chaska library.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked about prebid borings, risk allocation, insurance claims and MnDOT coordination.
•Commissioners discussed funding sources and asked if more geotechnical testing could prevent similar overruns.
•Community engagement ongoing via task force and public open houses.
•Deep, weak soils and utility delays drove the need for additional work and schedule extension.
•Employees said the 2027 budget and a planned transfer to 3 Rivers could eliminate custodial positions and reduce pay/PTO protections.
•Need for a dedicated planning director to manage trails, transit and regional rail responsibilities.
•Project in programming/concept stage; target building ~35,000 sq ft; two stories likely to preserve outdoor space.
•Speakers requested explicit guarantees in any JPA or transition to preserve pay, PTO and positions.
•Staff described reallocations from facilities budgets and savings from other projects.
•Staff expects construction bids in 2028 and an opening in fall 2029, with an estimated $4 million in one‑time county outlay for early costs.
•Staff explained soil instability (insufficient aggregate, wet clay pumping) affecting about 36% of the site.
•Staff recommended lightweight fill and a force‑account approach to control contractor cost proposals.
•Timing relative to the potential 3 Rivers JPA and whether to advertise the position before JPA approval.
•Union rep warned transferred employees would start as probationary employees at 3 Rivers with no seniority recognition.

Decisions

•Board approved change order 40 and raised aggregate change order authority for the Highway 212 project.
•Board approved the elimination of the transportation planning manager and creation of a public works planning director position.
•Board approved the requested change‑order authorization increases and the $582,563.89 funding addition (motion passed 4–1).

Directions

•Board members to provide program priorities (e.g., maker space, demonstration kitchen, outdoor programming) while program is still being set.
•County administrator to provide details on PTO treatment and wage protections to the board.
•Public Works to pursue utility claims where appropriate and to review design for potential errors/omissions coverage.
•Staff to prepare job description and proceed with recruitment planning, aiming for a January 1 implementation if feasible.
•Staff to provide a line‑item explanation of the $582,563.89 funding shift and consider increasing prebid borings on future projects.
•Staff to provide updates on actual force‑account costs as work proceeds.

Oct

City Council Meeting

Waconia City Council heard a library presentation about a countywide "extended access" pilot and local Waconia usage figures, approved a homeowner-funded permit to remove three boulevard trees at 25 Lake Street, received a sheriff's report on training and crime statistics, and heard city updates including a $5,000,000 federal earmark request for a Highway 5 frontage road.

Discussion Points

•Active-shooter and range training details
•Branch circulation and visits reported
•Coordination with schools and emergency operations center
•Description of extended access pilot and timeline for Waconia launch
•Federal advocacy trip and earmark status
•Homeowner will cover removal and stump grinding expenses
•Invitation for public questions and future updates
•Local business investments and community events
•Outreach to schools and seniors and program counts
•Project not part of 2027 Highway 5 project but tied to 2028 redevelopment
•Root damage to curb/sidewalk and future maintenance costs
•Safety features: keypad entry and security cameras
•Staff had previously allowed removal of one tree for driveway access but denied full removal before council direction
•Staffing levels: 12 current vs. 14 typical
•Year-to-date call and crime statistics (decreases and increases)

Decisions

•Permit removal approved 4–0

Directions

•Staff to process permit consistent with city code

Oct

Planning Commission

Planning commissioners heard two public hearings: a variance request for pervious pavers at 202 Sandy Shores Road (postponed for more technical review) and a site plan/conditional-use permit for 32 Vine Street North (recommended to City Council with screening conditions). Staff also updated the commission on housing projects and Highway 5 planning; commissioners asked staff to explore an ordinance for permeable/porous pavement.

Discussion Points

•Applicant and a product representative presented prior local examples and technical claims about infiltration and filtering.
•Applicant pledged to remove decks used for gatherings and direct parking to rear lot.
•Commissioners debated whether the absence of ordinance standards requires denial or could be addressed by supplemental engineering review.
•Commissioners preferred starting with porous pavement and permeable pavers and not immediately trying to cover all stormwater mitigation tools at once.
•Commissioners revised recommended conditions (strike parking proof; add screening).
•Neighbors raised parking overflow, noise and historic-character concerns.
•Staff noted city engineer and public services director concerns about maintenance and inspection of pervious pavers.
•Staff noted concerns about maintenance, inspection burden and staff time needed to implement paver standards.
•Staff reported nearly 160 new home permits, progress on a 43-unit senior building, RFQ for old fire station, and Highway 5 planning for 2027.

Decisions

•Commission asked staff to pursue ordinance drafting and return recommendations; no ordinance adopted at this meeting.
•Commission recommended approval and will send the item to City Council for final action.
•Motion to postpone carried 3-2; no final variance decision was made.

Directions

•Return the item to the Planning Commission after supplemental documentation is provided.
•Staff to consult the city engineer and public services director and draft recommended language for commission review.
•Staff to coordinate meeting with applicant and city engineering/public services director to provide additional technical information.
•Staff to return with ordinance work proposals if the commission requests prioritization.
•Staff to revise conditions and include screening requirement; forward recommendation to City Council on Oct. 19.

Sep

Carver County Board of Commissioners - Work Session 09/22/2026

Work session with a Minnesota Intercounty Association (MICA) briefing on property-tax trends, transportation funding, HHS cost shifts and environmental priorities; no votes were taken.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked whether state tax climate and policy choices affect business attraction and county revenue mix.
•Greenhouse‑gas mitigation law (2023) complicates implementation for highway projects; example Washington County project estimates a 6,000 metric‑ton increase.
•Local projects may be eligible for bonding but face high competition in statewide bills.
•LTSS task force target $178,000,000 in potential savings; counties could absorb half if legislature does not act.
•MICA plans to advocate dedicating remaining solid‑waste tax revenue to SCORE grants and to follow battery and e‑waste stewardship bills.
•MICA presented EMV and net tax capacity data showing growth in apartment and industrial values in Carver County and a larger residential share of taxes.
•One‑time allocations (about $15,000,000) were distributed across counties, including $213,000 to Carver; counties will not use one‑time funds for ongoing staff.
•Potential shifts of dedicated transportation revenue and tab‑fee changes could reduce funds available for trunk highway and county state‑aid projects.
•PUC declined to revisit a ruling allowing certain waste‑to‑energy emissions to be counted under life‑cycle analysis.
•Sales tax applies to county construction in most cases; exemptions limited to certain public safety facilities.

Directions

•Counties to track solicitation rules and consider offset credit implications.
•County staff to document levy impacts and coordinate with MICA on legislative outreach.
•Follow up with legislative delegation and examine strategies for bonding or partial exemptions.

Sep

Board of Commissioners Work Session

Micah representatives briefed the Carver County Board on property-tax trends, transportation funding opportunities and risks, health-and-human-services cost-shift concerns (including one-time aid and LTSS risk), and environmental and budget outlooks; commissioners pressed for local advocacy to limit county cost shifts.

Discussion Points

•Bonding competitiveness and historical patterns of requests vs. appropriations.
•Commissioners raised affordability and demographic concerns tied to a rising residential tax share.
•Counties warned a 2027 LTSS cost shift poses significant fiscal risk and could require county levy increases.
•Limits of current sales‑tax exemptions for local government building materials and the scope for public‑safety exceptions.
•MDOT LRIP application deadline and county eligibility share.
•Micah outlined one‑time funding and the limits of that aid.
•Micah presented one‑year and five‑year EMV trends showing apartment and industrial increases in Carver County.
•Micah's push to reallocate solid‑waste tax receipts toward SCORE grants.
•PUC ruling allowing inclusion of waste‑to‑energy in life‑cycle analyses.
•Unresolved implementation rules for greenhouse‑gas mitigation law and potential offset responsibilities.

Directions

•Board to coordinate legislative outreach and query delegation positions; emphasize avoiding ongoing cost shifts.
•Board will monitor valuation updates and incorporate trends into legislative priorities and levy planning.
•Counties encouraged to reapply for LRIP and coordinate on mitigation credit strategies.
•Counties to monitor PUC and product‑stewardship rulemaking and engage on SCORE grant proposals.
•Staff to continue exploring targeted exemption options and bonding approaches for future legislative outreach.

Sep

City Council Meeting

Public hearing and vote to order the Sugarbush neighborhood reconstruction (streets, storm sewer, water mains) with assessments discussed; council adopted the 2027 preliminary levy and approved several variances and a shoreland ordinance amendment. Public forum included a sheriff candidate and student council homecoming request.

Discussion Points

•Applicant reduced hardcover and agreed to mitigation; Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval.
•Applicant will remove gravel parking and build the new garage; staff noted slope and trees influenced placement.
•Council discussed permit payment and timing to ensure work moves forward.
•Council discussed that the figure applies only to the city portion of property taxes.
•Council emphasized coordination with upcoming 5th Street reconstruction to avoid redundant work.
•DNR allowed some flexibility for lots platted before 01/01/1976 to obtain hardcover increases up to 30% if restoration and stormwater conditions are satisfied.
•Staff added definitions for access path and a downtown exemption for B2/B3 zones to reduce variance volume.
•Staff described the two components of the levy increase and the net homeowner impact estimate.
•Staff explained unit-assessment approach and benefit-evaluation step typically reduces assessed amounts.
•Staff presented scope, costs, financing, and assessment approach; residents questioned cost allowances and past council decisions.

Decisions

•Council adopted ordinance 797 and resolution for summary publication; motion passed 4–0.
•Council adopted resolution 2026-118, 4–0.
•Council adopted the preliminary levy resolution 4–0.
•Council approved resolution 2026-117, 4–0.
•Council voted 4–0 to order the improvements and move project into final design and appraisal.

Directions

•Adopt ordinance and summary publication; staff to develop administrative permit and fee process.
•Adopt the preliminary levy cap for 2027.
•Approve variance and coordinate curb/driveway details with public services project plans.
•Approve variance with conditions; staff to ensure permit payment and compliance.
•Order improvements and proceed to third-party special-benefit appraisal and final design if Council wishes.

Sep

Chaska City Council & EDA Meeting 9.21.26

City of Chaska council and EDA held a joint meeting where a developer-backed plan to create the Big Woods Business Park and a proposed 8-year TIF district (TIF 26) moved forward with council and EDA approval; a resident urged the city to expand sound testing for a proposed hyperscale data center.

Discussion Points

•Budget and property-acquisition concerns were acknowledged.
•City contracted SRF for a two-phase review: method review then field study specification.
•City staff will assist residents and ask Metronet to notify residents in advance.
•City will accept infrastructure only after acceptance testing and punch-list completion; pay-as-you-go reimbursement model means developer incurs upfront costs.
•District proposed as eight-year economic development TIF with estimated $8.5M increment and up to $7.22M assistance.
•Draft specifications will be made public and neighborhood meetings are required prior to final approval.
•EDA will reapprove paperwork and handle loan payoff details.
•Final improvements cost less than anticipated; businesses moving in.
•Low-frequency noise is not covered in original sound analysis and may travel through walls and affect nearby residents.
•Metronet will install fiber starting on downtown east side with west-side work possibly next year.
•Task force composition includes county staff and architects; participants prioritized flexibility and community access.
•TIF will fund public infrastructure only (roads, utilities, grading); Baker Tilly found a financial hardship without assistance.
•Visioning included maker spaces, test kitchens, rooftop decks, trail connections and multiuse program rooms.

Decisions

•Council adopted authorization of TIF financing agreement and business subsidy (resolution 2026-96).
•Council adopted modification of redevelopment area and TIF plan (resolution 2026-95).
•EDA adopted equivalent resolutions (2026-97 and 2026-98).
•Informational update; no council vote required.
•No council action required; informational update only.
•No formal action taken; staff committed to completing the SRF review and posting specs for public comment.
•No funding or acquisition decisions made; next step is staff-led concept refinement.

Directions

•City to coordinate notifications and troubleshoot problems.
•Collect additional public input at Latin Music & Food Fest outreach booth.
•Developer to enter engineering development agreement and comply with city specifications; certify costs for reimbursement.
•EDA to reapprove loan documents and finalize loan payoff.
•Finalize minor non-material edits to TIF agreement and execute.
•Refine program priorities and layout; present options at an upcoming work session.
•Residents should report construction-related issues to staff contact named in meeting.
•Resident to email original packet with clickable links to staff.
•Staff to post draft specifications and return with final analysis.

Sep

Carver County Board of Commissioners -- Board Meeting 09/08/2026

Carver County board approved changing public hours at CareerForce Chaska to 9 a.m.–4 p.m., effective Oct. 19 after required notice, and authorized a $392,000 DNR/ENRTF grant for a 12-acre restoration at Lake Minnewashita Regional Park.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners approved two substantive items: CareerForce hours change and the Lake Minnewashita ENRTF grant authorization.
•Commissioners expressed concern about workload and requested tracking and a six-month review.
•Commissioners raised questions about means and methods (stump removal vs grinding), visibility to users, potential trail closures, wildlife impacts and municipal burn permits.
•Multiple routine motions were taken by voice vote.
•Presenter described EAB impacts (about 600 dead ash removed earlier) and outlined schedule: product development, bidding mid-fall, removals at turn of the year, planting in next growing season, three-year maintenance.
•Staff proposed changing public hours to free 7.5 staff hours/week for documentation and case management due to increased audits and caseloads.
•Staff said front desk will still assist customers arriving outside public hours; a counselor will be on call for non-computer services.

Decisions

•All motions passed by voice vote; no roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript.
•Board approved changing CareerForce Chaska public hours to 9 a.m.–4 p.m., effective Oct. 19, after 30-day notice; six-month review requested.
•Board authorized execution of the $392,000 ENRTF grant agreement contingent on park commission recommendation and contract review.

Directions

•Staff to launch project website, deploy signage, coordinate with city partners on permits (burn permits), and finalize means-and-methods with consultant and contractor specs.
•Staff to provide public notice and a communications plan utilizing CareerForce website, Family Resource Center, social media, and targeted flyers; coordinate with CDA and public-health partners to notify seniors and housing residents.
•Staff to provide required public notices for CareerForce and finalize communications; parks staff to launch project website and pursue contract review and permits.

Sep

Board of Commissioners Meeting

Carver County Board approved new public hours for CareerForce Chaska and authorized a $392,000 DNR ENRTF grant for restoration of about 12 acres at Lake Minnewashita Regional Park; both items passed unanimously after staff presentations and commissioner questions.

Discussion Points

•Funding: $392,000 ENRTF grant with $100,000 county contingency
•Proposal to change hours to 9–4 to repurpose staff time for audits and casework
•Public impact: large visible changes, possible pile burning, trail closures and signage required
•Routine procedural approvals and two substantive items (CareerForce hours and park grant)
•Scope: ~12 acres, EAB response, ~60 trees to be planted, three-year maintenance
•Staff caseloads: employment services 80–100, child care assistance 100–120
•Staff will provide assistance outside public hours via front desk and on‑call counselor

Decisions

•Board approved new public hours for CareerForce Chaska (effective Oct. 19 after notice)
•Board authorized grant execution contingent on park commission recommendation and contract review
•Consent agenda approved; CareerForce hours approved; Lake Minnewashita grant authorized

Directions

•Board to consider park commission recommendation and county contract review before execution
•Deploy project website, field signage and city coordination; finalize bid specs and means and methods with consultants
•Staff to implement communication plans and follow‑up reporting
•Staff to implement communications plan and provide at least 30 days' public notice
•Staff to return with six‑month review and usage data

Sep

City Council Meeting

The Waconia City Council met Sept. 8. The council opened with a schoolchild leading the Pledge, held a public hearing and approved preliminary GO capital improvement bonds up to $4 million, approved an RFQ to solicit proposals for the old fire station, heard a public-safety report on summer incidents and e-bike enforcement, received staff updates, and voted to enter a closed session about a property purchase (PID 090240110).

Discussion Points

•County staff and commissioners noted budget pressures attributed to prior state legislative actions.
•Preliminary county levy of ~8.5% and preliminary 2027 county budget of $198,989,000 with levy $87,773,000.
•Repeat e-bike riders receiving citations; CSO sometimes returns bikes to parents; SRO on medical leave.
•Request to enter closed session to discuss purchase of real property PID 090240110 under statutory authority.
•RFQ schedule: optional tour Sept. 24; proposals due Oct. 23; narrative submittals encouraged rather than full site plans.
•Site location and zoning (B2 general business) and alignment with downtown economic-development priorities.
•Staff noted reverse referendum period ending Oct. 8 and bond sale/close dates.
•Staff summarized the capital improvement finance plan and eight required findings council must consider.
•Summer counts: 64 A-offenses, 25 B-offenses, ~889 non-criminal calls, 738 traffic stops; 64 e-bike stops.

Decisions

•Adopted preliminary approval for GO CIP bonds up to $4,000,000 (Resolution 2026-197).
•Approved RFQ publication and directed staff to solicit proposals.
•Entered closed session (vote 5-0).

Directions

•Coordinate school messaging about e-bike rules and consider flyers to parents.
•Enter closed session; discuss purchase in closed session.
•Proceed with resolution adoption and publish schedule; proceed with sale if no reverse referendum.
•Provide quarter-by-quarter comparative report next month.
•Publish RFQ, host optional tour, collect proposals and convene selection committee.

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