Shakopee City Council Meeting Highlights

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

October 21, 2020

The Shakopee City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 20. Among the meeting highlights:

Council approves plans for Memorial Park bridge replacement

The City Council approved plans and ordered the advertisement for bids for the Memorial Park Bridge and Trail Improvements Project. The city recently secured necessary archaeological clearances and approvals to advance replacement of the bridge and alignment of the trail. The city hopes to award bids at the Dec. 1 council meeting with construction starting yet this year. The $800,000 project would be funded though the Parks Asset fund, a state grant, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community grant and Scott County funding. More information about the project is available on the city website. More information: Steve Lillehaug, City Engineer/Public Works Director, 952-233-9361.

Council approves annexation, rezoning 250 acres in west Shakopee

The City Council approves the annexation of 250 acres of land from Jackson Township. The property is located south of Highway 169 and west and east of Old Brick Yard Road near the intersection of Old Brick Yard Road and Colburn Drive. The annexation is in line with the city and township’s Orderly Annexation Agreement. The council also rezoned the property to Agricultural Preservation (AG) Zone and Highway Business (B-1) Zone to match adjacent property. When the land is developed in the future, it is anticipated the property owner or developer will propose the final zoning. More information: Mark Noble, Senior Planner, 952-233-9348.

City reviews electric utility manager qualifications ahead of Nov. 3 election

With a question regarding the future of Shakopee Public Utilities Commission on the Nov. 3 ballot, the council reviewed proposals from three firms to manage the day-to-day operations of the electric utility should the ballot question pass. The council reviewed qualifications from Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA), Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) and Xcel Energy. If the ballot question passes, the city is anticipated to negotiate a two-year contract with an electric utility manager, who would manage SPU’s existing employees and evaluate the infrastructure of the utility. More information: Michael Kerski, Department of Planning and Development Director, 952-233-9346.

Council holds assessment hearing on delinquent garbage bills

The City Council held an assessment hearing for delinquent garbage bills from Republic Services and delinquent bills for city services. A total of 143 property owners have outstanding garbage bills totaling $35,613.58. City code allows the city to assess property owners for unpaid services. An additional $25 administrative fee will be billed to residents that failed to pay before Oct. 20. More information: Nate Reinhardt, Finance Director, 952-233-9326.

Council awards contract for SandVenture feasibility study

The City Council approved a contract with Confluence Design in the amount of $99,100 to conduct a feasibility study for SandVenture Aquatic Park. The study will explore the feasibility of general concept upgrades and enhancements proposed in the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. The study, which will incorporate active community engagement, will also look at how the facility could be used year-round. The study is anticipated to be completed in spring 2021. More information: PeggySue Imihy, Senior Planner, 952-233-9325.

Council tables City Code zoning text amendments

The City Council tabled action amending City Code 151.002, 151.007, eliminating sections 151.012-151.014, modifying 151.049 and adding chapter 151.052. The changes amend several sections of existing city code, eliminate three sections of redundant code and add a new zoning district for parks and open space to align the zoning code with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The council requested time to look more closely at the changes and plans to revisit them at a future meeting. More information: PeggySue Imihy, Senior Planner, 952-233-9325.

Council recognizes retiring Officer Greg Tucci

The City Council approved a resolution of appreciation for retiring Shakopee Police Officer Greg Tucci. Tucci is retiring at the end of the month after 33 years with the Shakopee Police Department. The city expresses its thanks to Tucci for his dedicated service to the community.

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.