The Shakopee City Council Meeting Report: March 4

From the City of Shakopee:

March 5, 2020

The Shakopee City Council met Wednesday, March 4. Among the meeting highlights:

Council rejects Shakopee Public Utilities Commission action

The City Council approved a resolution rejecting Shakopee Public Utilities Commission’s (SPUC) Dec. 16 action to modify its method of calculating SPUC’s financial contribution to the city. The council expressed concern the action was made without agreement from the city and is seeking collaboration to negotiate the formula. If SPUC fails to rescind its formula by March 31, the council directed the city attorney to initiate legal proceedings to have the modification determined null and void. More information about the city’s position is available in a statement on the city website. More information: Bill Reynolds, City Administrator, 952-233-9311.

Council approves plans and orders bids for 12th Avenue Trail Project

The City Council approved plans and ordered the advertisement of bids for the 12th Avenue Trail Project, which includes the design, easement acquisition and construction of a trail along the south side of 12th Avenue from Canterbury Road (County Highway 83) to Gateway Drive. Bid opening is scheduled for March 30 with City Council anticipated to consider an award at its April 21 meeting. Construction would be between May and September 2020. More information: Ryan Halverson, Assistant City Engineer, 952-233-9366.

Council adopts youth access tag program at Community Center

The City Council approved the implementation of a youth access tag program at the Community Center to ensure the safety of unaccompanied teens at the facility. The free barcode tags allow youth (ages 11 to 17) to access the Enigma Teen Center or Community Center drop-in areas when unaccompanied by an adult. Youth must agree to behavior standards to receive a barcode tag. A parent or guardian must also sign the agreement form. Teens with Community Center memberships do not need the additional tag. More information: Jay Tobin, Parks and Recreation Director, 952-233-9514.

Council appoints council members, residents to boards

The City Council made the following appointments:

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Mike Vogel, Erik, Radtke, Erin Raw and Christopher Kaye
• Planning Commission/BOAA: Daniel Olson, Kent Robbins, Chad Hanson
• Police Civil Service Commission: Sean Corrigan
• Shakopee Public Utilities Commission: Jody Brennan (City Council member), Kayden Fox
• Equity Team: Angelica Contreras (City Council member)

More information: Lori Hensen, City Clerk, 952-233-9318.

Council approves park restroom cleaning contract

The City Council approved a contract with Treasure Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $34,880.31 for park restroom cleaning from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. More information: Keith Raines, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, 952-233-9368.

City accepts grant for Clean Up Day events

The City Council accepted a Scott County sub-grant in the amount of $25,727.25 to assist in funding Shakopee’s spring and fall Clean Up Day events. The grant is offered through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Environmental Assistance Local Recycling Development Grant. The annual estimated combined cost for the two Clean Up Day events is approximately $80,000. Additional funding is provided by gate fees and the city’s street maintenance fund. More information: Bill Egan, Public Works Superintendent, 952-233-9555.

Council provides feedback on business subsidy policy

Acting as the Economic Development Authority, the City Council discussed the city’s existing business subsidy policy. As part of the 2020-24 Strategic Plan, the council requested the discussion to determine how subsidies could be used long term. More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.

Council receives presentation on rail transportation

Representatives from the City of Savage presented to the council about the importance of rail transportation, specifically a Minnesota House of Representatives bill to study the Central Minnesota Rail Corridor. Contact the City of Savage for more information.

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.