Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting – January 21, 2025

The Shakopee City Council met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. Mayor Lehman presided, with Councilmembers Delaney, Whiting, Contreras, and Lara present. The council approved the agenda, approved the consent calendar as modified, held a public hearing on the Street Reconstruction Plan, heard project presentations, and adopted a comprehensive plan text amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember Whiting pulled item 5G (2025-2026 Mayoral Liaison Appointments) for separate action.
• The remaining consent agenda was approved by voice vote, including: the Public and Roadside Memorial Policy; Change Order No. 2 for Canterbury Commons Internal Roadway Improvements; a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hennepin County WMD Tactical Response Team; City Council meeting minutes; a settlement on professional fees for SandVenture design work; an order of abatement for a hazardous property at 2405 Jennifer Lane; a maximum vacation accrual MOU for Shakopee Police captains and sergeants; plans and bidding authorization for the 2025 Pavement Reclamite Project; declaring one squad car salvaged and authorizing disposal; accepting the voluntary dissolution of the Shakopee Fire Department Relief Association; a purchase agreement with Vaisala for weather stations; and acceptance of Alliant Engineering’s proposal for the MnDOT Safe Road Zones grant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident, Jessica of 413 Third Avenue East, expressed concern about new neighbors obstructing a shared driveway easement for several months, described a threatening incident on January 15, and said she no longer feels safe or supported by the Shakopee Police Department. The mayor acknowledged her comments and noted the council’s policy is not to resolve individual cases during public comment.

Discussion Items

• Street Reconstruction Plan / Bonding Resolution (Public Hearing): City staff presented Resolution R25-006, which would adopt a five-year street reconstruction plan and declare intent to reimburse project expenditures from future bonds. The plan covers $34.26 million in CIP projects, though staff said any actual bond issuance would likely be in the $5–10 million range. Staff explained the resolution does not obligate the city to bond or build projects but preserves flexibility. Discussion addressed Minnesota Statute 475 requirements, a potential two-thirds vote, IRS reimbursement timing, and the reverse referendum process. After extensive discussion, Councilmember Whiting withdrew his motion to adopt the resolution, with the seconder’s agreement, and the council directed staff to bring the item back in about 60 days.
• Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project: City staff presented updated concepts for stabilizing 4,000 linear feet of riverbank, protecting sanitary sewer infrastructure, improving the Levee Drive parking lot/art plaza, realigning and elevating the DNR State Trail, creating river overlooks, improving stormwater treatment, and adding marina access with ADA accommodation. The river has eroded about 100 feet in the last 100 years at the Holmes Street Bridge, and less than 1% of the water flowing through the Minnesota River at Shakopee originates in the city. The estimated total project cost is $17.5 million, with more than 78% from outside funding sources. The marina is currently accessible to the river only 21% of the time; the proposed design would provide ADA access 58% of the time and general access 88% of the time. Councilmembers discussed parking replacement, food truck access, lighting, project costs, and potential grant shortfalls. The council unanimously approved a motion to accept Bolton & Menk’s proposal for $993,600 for final design and permitting services.
• Marystown Corridor Improvements: Staff provided a project update for Marystown Road between 17th Avenue and 12th Avenue, formerly County Road 15. The project includes reconstructing the road as a two-lane divided urban roadway, building three single-lane roundabouts at the US 169 south ramp, north ramp, and Vierling Drive, adding pedestrian trails, and modifying the US 169 bridge deck to separate pedestrians from vehicles. The total project cost is $8.4 million, with over 61% from outside funding, including $3.7 million in federal funding and a $1.4 million MnDOT Local Road Improvement Fund grant. Construction is scheduled for two phases: August–November 2025 and May–September 2026, with detailed detours and a temporary gravel road to maintain Top of Park access.
• Shakopee High School CAPS Safe Routes to School Presentation: Three Shakopee High School CAPS Human Services Academy seniors presented their work applying for MnDOT Safe Routes to School grants. They reported that 477 students (17% of the roughly 3,000-student high school) walk to school. They collected about 300 survey responses, applied for and received a design assistance grant for 10th Avenue, and submitted four infrastructure grant applications covering a sidewalk/crossing near the new Whispering Waters development, a sidewalk at Sun Path Elementary, a crosswalk near Shakopee High School, and an upgraded flashing-beacon crosswalk at Adams Street for Sweeney Elementary. Councilmembers praised the students’ work.
• 2040 Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment: The council considered Resolution R2025-012 to change the mixed-use commercial center residential density in Figure 4.13 from 30–60 dwelling units per acre to 6–45 dwelling units per acre. Staff reviewed recent projects and concluded the lower range better reflects market realities. The Planning Commission originally recommended 6–60 units per acre, but staff adjusted the range to 6–45 after council feedback. The council passed the amendment unanimously.

Reports, Liaison Updates, and Other Business

• Councilmembers gave liaison updates on the 169 coalition, MVTA Connect microtransit, a Jordan public schools meeting, cannabis law information, downtown Shakopee events, and recent ribbon cuttings. No questions were raised on the City Bill List.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda as modified, with 5G removed for separate action.
• Approved the 2025-2026 mayoral liaison appointments with the change placing Councilmembers Lara and Contreras on the interview committee.
• Opened and closed the public hearing on the Street Reconstruction Plan but did not adopt Resolution R25-006; staff was directed to return in about 60 days.
• Unanimously approved the Bolton & Menk contract for $993,600 for the Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project final design.
• Unanimously approved the Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (Resolution R2025-012) changing mixed-use commercial center residential density to 6–45 dwelling units per acre.
• Adjourned to February 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.