Meeting Highlights Of Shakopee City Council Meeting

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

November 18, 2020

The Shakopee City Council met Tuesday, Nov. 17. Among the meeting highlights:

Council awards contract for Ridge Creek Park, outlet channel improvements

The City Council awarded a contract in the amount of $3,166,321.22 to Frattalone Cos. for the Ridge Creek Park and Prior Lake Outlet Channel Improvement Project. The council reduced its contingency fund to move forward with an alternate bid of hardwood decking for the park boardwalk. Construction on the new park and outlet channel realignment is anticipated to start in December with substantial completion by November 2021. More information: Kirby Templin, Environmental Engineer-Water Resources, 952-233-9372.

Council approves Canterbury Crossing Planned Unit Development, preliminary and final plat

The City Council approved the creation of the Canterbury Crossing Planned Unit Development and the preliminary/final plat of Canterbury Crossing. Pulte Homes and Lifestyle Communities plan to construct 108 townhome units and an age-restricted, 56-unit senior housing co-op building on 13.96 acres near Shenandoah Drive and Schenian Street, north of Eagle Creek Boulevard. Site work is planned to begin 2021 with construction of the senior co-op building in fall 2021. More information: Kyle Sobota, Senior Planner, 952-233-9349.

Council reviews proposed 2021 Budget

The City Council reviewed the proposed 2021 budget. The 2021 general fund budget calls for $29.87 million in expenditures in 2021, an increase of 2.5 percent from 2020. Among the impacts to the 2021 budget are:

• Implementation of 24/7 fire staffing model
• A zero-percent cost of living adjustment for employees
• Reductions to Community Center contracted services
• An anticipated decrease in building permit revenues

In September, the City Council set the preliminary city levy at $21,017,800, an increase of $662,300 or 3.13 percent from last year. Much of the increase will be covered by new construction, as the city’s estimated market value increased by $521 million, or 8.6 percent, to $6.6 billion. New construction accounts for 22 percent of the increase.

For the median value Shakopee home increasing by 6.3 percent from $251,000 to $266,800, a property owner would see an increase of $5 annually in property taxes. Absent any change in value, homeowners can expect a tax decrease of $50, or about 6 percent.

The final levy and budget will be approved in December. Residents are invited to speak on the budget and levy during the Dec. 1 City Council meeting. The proposed budget is available at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/budget. More information: Nate Reinhardt, Finance Director, 952-233-9326.

Council approves fire pension benefit increase

The City Council approved an amendment to the Shakopee Fire Department Relief Association’s bylaws to include a pension benefit increase of 3 percent, or $250 per year of service, bringing the total yearly pension benefit to $9,000. The pension benefit increase is not expected to have any budget impact on the general fund, as the association’s funding coverage percentage is above 130 percent. More information: Nate Reinhardt, Finance Director, 952-233-9326.

Council approves 2020 budget amendments, accepts CARES Act expenditure report

The City Council approved four 2020 budget amendments to reflect variances to the current year budget. Amendments were approved for:

• Coronavirus Act Relief Funds: Modify revenues for the federal grant and adjust expenditures for the small business grant program, 24-7 fire staffing model, personal protective equipment and supplies, building modifications and technology expenses.
• Recognition of election grants and related expenditures.
• Public Works staffing allocation: Reallocate budgeted wages between public works divisions, based on actual time coded.
• Rev. Pond Statue. Final payment and installation was not accounted for in adopted budget.

In addition, the City Council accepted the CARES Act funding memo and approved the final Coronavirus Relief Fund Local Government Expenditure Report. In July, the city received $3,127,073 of coronavirus relief funds, which have been used to fund public safety payroll, small business grant program, personal protective equipment and improving telework capabilities. More information: Nate Reinhardt, Finance Director, 952-233-9326.

City adopts new national electrical code

The City Council adopted the National Fire Protection Associations 70 National Electrical Code 2020. The city is adopting the code to remain in line with the state of Minnesota. The code has several changes from the last update in 2017. It is effective Nov. 17, 2020. More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9246.

City recognizes 2020 Show Off Shakopee photo contest winners

The City Council recognized its 2020 Show Off Shakopee photo contest winners:

• Steve Brock, grand prize, “O’Dowd Lake Bolt Launch”
• Christopher Straub, Active Living winner, “Swing”
• Sonja Keltgen, Fun at Parks winner, “Climbing to New Heights”
• Randy Monnens, People’s Choice winner, “Frozen Park”

The winners received cash prizes and their photos will be display at City Hall, Shakopee Public Library and the Shakopee Community Center. See more photos at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee.

These summaries are a sampling of the meeting. See the entire agenda packet with supporting documents at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/agendasandminutes. The meeting is also available for viewing on demand at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/livestream.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.