OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Shakopee City Council Meeting - February 18, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Tuesday, February 18, 2025
BodyShakopee, Minnesota
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateTuesday, February 18, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:55:01

Transcript — Verbatim
0:29

Okay, we'll call the Shakpe City Council meeting to order for February 18th, 2025.

0:35

If we could take the role, please.

0:37

Yes, Mr.

0:38

Mayor.

0:38

Councilmember Delaney.

0:40

Here.

0:40

Councilmember Whiting.

0:41

Here.

0:42

Councilmember Lara.

0:43

Here.

0:44

Mayor Lehman.

0:45

Here.

0:46

Item number three, Pledge of Allegiance.

0:49

Please join us.

0:56

And to the Republic for which it stands.

0:59

One nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

1:15

Item number four, we have uh special presentations for A is 2025's officer of the year award.

1:23

And then uh Mr.

1:25

Chief Tate will present.

1:28

Good evening, Mayor, members of council.

1:30

Uh this is always a special night, and uh something we're very proud of uh tradition wise at the Shakapee Police Department is to present our officer of the year award.

1:42

Um I know you've heard this before, but this is award completely uh nominated and selected by the people in the Shockby Police Department.

1:53

Uh tonight we're here to honor uh our 2024 officer of the year, officer Seth Pear here.

2:00

Now Seth received five different nominations from his peers, five different peers for officer of the year.

2:09

There's a reason all these people are here and out in the hallway.

2:14

Um highlights from these nominations, and these are quotes.

2:19

Always treats people with respect and dignity.

2:23

He is a great example of what an officer should be.

2:26

Always doing something positive and proactive, showing his drive and determination to keep our community safe.

2:33

When you think of who best demonstrates the core values of this police department, you think of Officer Perrier.

2:39

I could not agree more.

2:41

There are countless examples uh that back up those comments from his peers.

2:47

Seth was recognized by the Department of Public Safety in 2024 for a proactive stop he made uh at one of our area hotels.

2:56

Again, he's always out there doing something proactive.

2:59

Uh he saw a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot.

3:02

Uh his subsequent investigation uh led to uh over $1,500 of pills being recovered, an AK-47, and a handgun.

3:14

Always staying busy, proactive, and looking out for this community.

3:19

When it comes to compassion and being empathetic and treating people with respect, Seth is a standard bearer.

3:26

I received an email from a person Seth dealt with last year regarding a domestic situation.

3:32

Here's what she said in the email.

3:34

He used compassion to assure me that the situation was handled, calm me down, and was empathetic.

3:40

It re-established my belief in compassionate police officers who take the time to assess and accurately assess the situation and come to an outstanding solution.

3:53

This is not the first time I've heard comments like that about Seth from the community or his peers, and I know it won't be the last.

4:01

One of the most important jobs we have in the police department is that of a field training officer.

4:07

I'd even argue that while they're field training, they are the most important person in the police department.

4:13

They really shape and mold new officers and make sure that they do things the Shacopee way.

4:19

They are mentors, act as supervisors, and it can be a very difficult assignment.

4:38

As you can see from the comments, both from his peers and the community.

4:42

It is vital, Seth play a significant role in shaping the future of this police department moving forward.

4:49

I know when I called you and told you that you were the officer of the year uh selected, you were extremely surprised.

4:56

I can tell you that none of us uh that know you and work with you were surprised in the least.

5:08

We're lucky to have you here at the Shockby Police Department with the City of Shakapee, and it is an honor to present you our 2024 Officer of the Year Award.

5:19

Congratulations.

6:55

Item 4B, Minnesota HSEM Emergency Management Presentation Director Certificate to Captain Tim Nordstrom.

7:07

Thank you, Mr.

7:08

Mayor.

7:08

While Chief Nelson gets up, uh I'm going to just basically remind Council that as we continue to move forward with uh the changes in our uh public safety departments, part of that is a shift from shaking emergency management from the police department where it currently resides and ultimately putting that in the uh fire department.

7:28

And this is a big step towards that.

7:30

Uh and we're delighted that uh uh we're able to present this today and as we continue to move that uh forward.

7:39

Thank you, Chief.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████████34%
Procedural█████████████13%
Affordable Housing█████████████13%
Zoning And Land Use████████████12%
Budget Equity Analysis████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Fiscal Sustainability███3%
Technology and Innovation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Shakopee City Council Meeting - February 18, 2025

The Shakopee City Council met on February 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting included special presentations, approval of a lengthy consent agenda, discussion of a removed development item, and reports on finances and parks and recreation.

Special Presentations

  • 2024 Officer of the Year: Chief Tate presented Officer Seth Perrier with the award. Perrier received five peer nominations; highlights included treating people with respect and dignity, proactive policing leading to recovery of over $1,500 in pills, an AK-47, and a handgun. An email from a domestic situation victim praised his compassion.
  • Emergency Management Director Certificate: Captain Tim Nordstrom received the director practitioner certificate from Minnesota HSEM. The certificate requires over 100 hours of training; combined with a basic certificate, nearly 1,000 hours of personnel time. This supports transitioning emergency management from police to fire department.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved as amended with removal of item 6H (Bluffview PUD amendment). Items included:
    • 6A: Declare surplus equipment
    • 6B: Purchase of multiple trucks for public works, street park & facilities, and engineering
    • 6C: Monthly financial report for January 2025
    • 6D: Approve plans and bidding for downtown ADA lighting and tree rehab (Phase 2)
    • 6E: Cannabis business licensing act? (mentioned but not detailed)
    • 6F: Ice resurfacer vehicle replacement
    • 6G: 2025 tree purchase orders
    • 6I: Cooperative agreement with Scott County for trail preventive maintenance
    • 6J: Cellular dialer and fire panel upgrades
    • 6M: DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant application
    • 6N: MPCA Implementation Grant for Community Resilience application
    • 6O: MPCA Planning Grant award
    • 6P: Engagement with CUTAC Rock for Economic Development and Bonding Council
    • 6Q: Approve meeting minutes
    • 6R: Consumption and display permit renewals for 2025
    • 6S: Accept deed and approve right-of-way maintenance agreement (1030 Cubasu Avenue)
    • 6T: Appointments to boards and commissions
    • 6U: Purchase agreement for signal cabinet (Veerling Drive & Heather Street)
    • 6V: Contract with SEH for Condro Survey Fort Ruby River City Center
    • 6W: Amend 457 plan to include part-time fire truck fighters
    • 6X: DNR Legacy Expedited Project Grant award

Business Removed from Consent Agenda

  • Item 6H – Bluffview PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat: Councilmember Whiting removed this item. He expressed concern that the development uses the bluff line for backyards rather than preserving it for public view as previously discussed. Staff (Mr. Kerskey) presented maps showing the city will acquire bluff area parkland and a trail system. The proposal includes 247 single-family homes on narrower lots (some <60 ft wide) with 6-ft setbacks (vs. 7.5 ft required). Developer representative (Brian Tucker, Summergate) and builder (Mike Sewell, D.R. Horton) described three housing types: two-story traditional ($650-700k), freedom one-level (mid-$500s), and new cottage homes with one-car garage (~$425k) or two-car garage (~$475k). Council discussed affordability, land costs, and the balance between development rights and public access. Councilmember Lara made a motion to approve; Councilmember Whiting voiced disappointment and declined to support. City Administrator Reynolds advised tabling to allow a full council vote and prepare findings if needed. Motion was withdrawn; a motion to table to March 4, 2025 passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

  • 9A – Monthly Financial Report (December 2024 Preliminary): Finance Director Reinhardt presented preliminary general fund results. Revenues at 110% of budget (+$3.7M), expenditures at 99% (under budget by $257,000). Net positive of $3.5M, expected to decrease slightly. Revenue highlights: property taxes exceeded due to TIF decertification and elimination of flight tax abatement; building permits for 12 commercial, 1 apartment, 63 townhomes, 271 single-family homes with total value of $322M (compared to $45M in previous year); investment earnings of $2.6M plus unrealized gain of $1.6M (total $4.2M). Expenditure notes: compensated absences liability increased by ~$786K due to new GASB standard and public safety staffing changes (expected one-time). Six departments slightly over budget (<1%). City likely has $2-2.6M available for one-time capital needs. Fund balance policy maintenance would require $1.3M reserve set-aside.
  • 9B – Parks and Recreation 2024 Annual Report: New Director presented department purpose, structure, and achievements. Key points:
    • Staff restructuring: Part-time fitness coordinator became full-time fitness supervisor; part-time recreation coordinator became full-time recreation specialist; new community outreach coordinator hired.
    • Operating cost recovery: 50% in 2024 (below historical 75% due to Sand Venture pool closure). Midwest average increase in expenses: Shakopee significantly lower than average.
    • Initiated CAPRA accreditation process (only 5 Minnesota cities accredited: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Roseville). Currently in self-assessment phase; target hearing September 2026.
    • Community Center: Membership packages stable; indoor playground usage dropped after price increase (later reduced). Ice Arena visits increased year-over-year; summer 2025 has 18 tournaments booked (up from 13-14). Ice capacity nearly full.
    • Programs: Registrations increased across all categories. Summer day camp expanded to 10 weeks (95% filled in 2024). Aquatics lessons up despite Sand Venture closure. Special events: Happy Birthday America Parade (sponsored by Lions for 40+ years), Holiday Mini Golf (120 participants, added sensory-friendly session), Halloween event (free, at Huber Park).
    • Parks: First full year of dedicated pickleball at Lions Park; disc golf course renovation led to >8,200 rounds played (32 states represented). Park shelter rentals slight decrease due to floods.
    • Goals for 2025: Complete CAPRA self-assessment, revamp scholarship program, new cardio equipment, fitness court programming, and Sand Venture Aquatic Park reopening June 6, 2025.
  • Liaison Reports:
    • Councilmember Lara: Attended Main Street breakfast; chamber updates and lighting project discussion.
    • Councilmember Whiting: No reports.
    • Councilmember Delaney (SPU): Over 18,000 electrical units installed (2,000 remaining); solar access charge BIP review upcoming; met with GM on water treatment, AMI, solar.
    • Councilmember Delaney (169 Coalition): Attended Transportation Day at Capitol; advocated for bridge lighting, funding gap for Highway 13, BRT study (55 to 41 funded?); groundbreaking for 282/169 interchange in April; met with Commissioner Brennan on Marshall Road project and river crossing capacity.
    • Mayor Lehman: MLC breakfast (housing topic); met with residents on smart meter opt-out; met with Scott County on Marshall Road statistics and river crossing capacity—emphasized need for regional planning.
  • Administrator Reynolds:
    • Update on 169 study: kickoff occurred; detailed presentation planned for March 4, 2025.
    • Awards: Police Department received Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Award for Scott County Coordinated Response Program.
    • AGC Bridge Construction Award for pedestrian bridge over US 169; logo lighting delayed due to bureaucracy.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved as amended (all items except 6H).
  • Item 6H (Bluffview PUD) tabled to March 4, 2025, after motion was withdrawn due to potential 2-2 vote and need for full council.
  • Monthly financial report received and noted; staff will return with plan for excess funds.
  • Parks and Recreation annual report received with commendations.
  • Meeting adjourned at conclusion of business, with next regular meeting scheduled for March 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, we'll call the Shakpe City Council meeting to order for February 18th, 2025. If we could take the role, please. Yes, Mr. Mayor. Councilmember Delaney. Here. Councilmember Whiting. Here. Councilmember Lara. Here. Mayor Lehman. Here. Item number three, Pledge of Allegiance. Please join us. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Item number four, we have uh special presentations for A is 2025's officer of the year award. And then uh Mr. Chief Tate will present. Good evening, Mayor, members of council. Uh this is always a special night, and uh something we're very proud of uh tradition wise at the Shakapee Police Department is to present our officer of the year award. Um I know you've heard this before, but this is award completely uh nominated and selected by the people in the Shockby Police Department. Uh tonight we're here to honor uh our 2024 officer of the year, officer Seth Pear here. Now Seth received five different nominations from his peers, five different peers for officer of the year. There's a reason all these people are here and out in the hallway. Um highlights from these nominations, and these are quotes. Always treats people with respect and dignity. He is a great example of what an officer should be. Always doing something positive and proactive, showing his drive and determination to keep our community safe. When you think of who best demonstrates the core values of this police department, you think of Officer Perrier. I could not agree more. There are countless examples uh that back up those comments from his peers. Seth was recognized by the Department of Public Safety in 2024 for a proactive stop he made uh at one of our area hotels. Again, he's always out there doing something proactive. Uh he saw a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot. Uh his subsequent investigation uh led to uh over $1,500 of pills being recovered, an AK-47, and a handgun. Always staying busy, proactive, and looking out for this community. When it comes to compassion and being empathetic and treating people with respect, Seth is a standard bearer. I received an email from a person Seth dealt with last year regarding a domestic situation. Here's what she said in the email. He used compassion to assure me that the situation was handled, calm me down, and was empathetic. It re-established my belief in compassionate police officers who take the time to assess and accurately assess the situation and come to an outstanding solution. This is not the first time I've heard comments like that about Seth from the community or his peers, and I know it won't be the last. One of the most important jobs we have in the police department is that of a field training officer. I'd even argue that while they're field training, they are the most important person in the police department. They really shape and mold new officers and make sure that they do things the Shacopee way. They are mentors, act as supervisors, and it can be a very difficult assignment. As you can see from the comments, both from his peers and the community. It is vital, Seth play a significant role in shaping the future of this police department moving forward. I know when I called you and told you that you were the officer of the year uh selected, you were extremely surprised.

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