Meeting Minutes Of Shakopee City Council

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

October 7, 2020

The Shakopee City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 6. Among the meeting highlights:

Council approves plans for Ridge Creek Park and Prior Lake Outlet Channel project

The City Council approved plans and ordered the advertisement of bids for the Ridge Creek Park and Prior Lake Outlet Channel Improvement Project. This project includes constructing a regional trail, boardwalk and channel realignment at Ridge Creek Park. The project is estimated at $5.01 million. Bids are anticipated to be considered in late 2020 with construction starting this winter. Information about the project is available at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parkprojects. More information: Kirby Templin, Water Resources/Environmental Engineer, 952-233-9372.

City receives two-year grant funding to hire additional building inspections staff

The City Council approved a contract with the state of Minnesota for two years of funding for the Building Official Training program. The city will receive $65,000 per year toward the salary and training of a building official. The program is designed to introduce more people to the building inspections field. Shakopee was one of seven Minnesota cities to receive the funding. The city plans to use excess building revenues from 2020 to cover the remaining salary, benefits and cost of hiring an additional staff member. More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.

Council approves technology upgrade to Fire Station 1

The City Council approved the purchase of upgraded technology in the amount of $54,577.21 from Tierney Bros. for the Shakopee Fire Station 1 training room. The new technology will improve the room’s functionality, including video conferencing, up-to-date data connections, additional viewing areas and larger screens for content delivery. The project will be funded from CARES funds as it facilitates distance learning and remote training. More information: Andy Hutson, IT Director, 952-233-9354.

City of Shakopee receives City of Excellence Award

Representatives from the League of Minnesota Cities presented the City of Shakopee and Shakopee Police Department with its 2020 City of Excellence Award. Shakopee received the award, which recognizes cities for outstanding programs or projects, for its fraudulent gift card reduction program. Through collaborations with local businesses, the Shakopee Police Department adopted a first-in-the-nation ordinance requiring retail establishments to verify identification before using a credit card to buy third party gift cards. Read more about the award at www.shakopeemn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7026/378.

Council approves amendment to Riverfront Bluffs contract

Acting as the Economic Development Authority, the City Council approved a second amendment to the contract for private development with the Guaghan Cos. for Riverfront Bluff. The land sale is expected to close in October. The site has been cleared with utility relocation underway. Construction to follow later this year. More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.

Council reviews concerns with Shakopee Public Utilities

In a workshop setting, the City Council discussed its past concerns with the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission and conceptual plans for improvement. Shakopee voters will be asked on the Nov. 3 ballot whether to abolish the commission. If a majority of voters answer yes, oversight of the commission would return to the Shakopee City Council. More information at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/spucballot.

Council approves construction agreement for Highway 78

The City Council authorized the execution of a cooperative agreement with Scott County for the County Highway 78 improvement project at Zumbro Avenue and Amelia Trail. The county plans to realign Zumbro Avenue south of County Highway 78 and add right and left turn lanes for eastbound and westbound Highway 78 traffic. The project also includes a new intersection at Amelia Trail with a westbound right-turn lane, a splitter island on the southbound approach and a center median. The project will be funded by the county and developer; the city is merely acting as the facilitator for the pass-through funding. More information: Micah Heckman, Project Engineer, 952-233-9363.

Council approves 2020-21 snow removal routes

The City Council approved its 2020-21 snow removal routes for sidewalks and trails. The city plans to add 6.5 miles to its winter routes, including areas along County Highway 17, Shenandoah Drive, 12th Avenue, Schenian Street and more. In total, the city will plow 87.9 miles of sidewalks and trails. A full map of routes is available on the city website at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/snowremoval.

Council sets public hearing for bonds

The City Council called a public hearing on the proposed issuance of conduit revenue bonds to benefit Shakopee Housing Partners, LP. Shakopee Housing Partners plans to acquire and renovate approximately 62 units of existing affordable housing at 1428 Fourth Ave. known as Shakopee Village Apartments. The redeveloper plans to preserve the units for long-term senior housing and make improvements without displacing residents. If approved, the city would act as a conduit, issuing up to $9.5 million worth of revenue bonds at a lower interest rate. The city has no risk if Shakopee Housing Partners defaults, and the city’s credit rating will not be impacted by the issuance of the bonds. More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.

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.