Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Shakopee City Council convened on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included approval of a routine consent agenda, two public hearings (a pavement reconstruction project and a liquor violation for Texas Roadhouse), and a subsequent Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting where the 2026 EDA levy and budget were adopted.

Consent Calendar

• 5.a: 2025 Budget Amendments
• 5.b: Amend Purchasing Policy
• 5.c: Approval of 2025-2026 Shakopee Youth Hockey Concession Agreement
• 5.d: Location agreement with Mendota Valley Amusement for Ice Arena ATM, bulk vending, and redemption games
• 5.e: Appointment of Interim Fire Chief Joe Simon as Fire Chief (noted by Councilmember Whiting as welcome)
• 5.f: Purchase two 2026 Utility Police Interceptors and declare existing vehicles surplus
• 5.g: Declare forfeited vehicles as surplus property
• 5.h: Master fiber agreement with Scott County
• 5.i: Approve plans and authorize bidding for Arbor Bluff Stream Stabilization Project
• 5.j: Contract with BKJ Land Co. II dba BKJ Excavating for Weinandt Acres Drainage Improvement Project
• 5.k: Approval of August 19, 2025 City Council minutes
• 5.l: Ice Arena School District locker room upgrades
• 5.m: Ordinance O2025-020 amending City Code Section 32.20 (Planning Commission) and repealing Section 32.23 (Parks and Recreation Advisory Board)
• All items were approved unanimously on a single motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment (non-agenda): No speakers.
• Public Hearing 8.a – 2025 Full Depth Pavement Reconstruction Project:
  • Charlotte Post (address: 8579 Maguire Circle) testified that the contractor placed topsoil in various locations and that invasive weeds (quack grass, crabgrass, barnyard grass) are now widespread along the right-of-way. She expressed concern about weed seeds spreading and asked the city to address the problem. Staff (City Engineer Alex Jordan) responded that the contract remains open and they will inspect the site the next day to address restoration issues.
• Public Hearing 8.b – Texas Roadhouse Liquor Violation:
  • Adam Phelps (Managing Partner) and Greg Jacobson (Market Partner) represented Texas Roadhouse. They acknowledged the violation (a compliance check failure on May 8, 2024, the second incident within three years). They detailed corrective actions: implementation of an ID scanning system at POS stations, enhanced training, biannual internal alcohol compliance, posted signage, and written alcohol service agreements with staff. They asked the council to annul or reduce the five-day liquor license suspension, stating the employees who served were not terminated but will face immediate termination for future violations. They expressed remorse and commitment to prevention.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Full Depth Pavement Reconstruction Project (City Engineer Alex Jordan):
  • Project on Maguire Circle, Maguire Court, and Sunset Court completed in June 2025. Construction came in under budget (lower subgrade excavation required). Special assessments set at 30% of street improvement costs, assessed per lot (two areas: Maguire area and Sunset area). Property owners may pay any/all assessments interest-free by October 2, 2025; remaining balances will be placed on property taxes over 10 years at 5% interest. A streetlight was installed at the Maguire Circle/Court intersection (not included in assessments). Councilmembers noted the project was under budget and appreciated the lower assessment amounts.
• Texas Roadhouse Liquor Violation (Staff member Parsons):
  • The violation stemmed from a May 8, 2024 compliance check. City Code Section 114.99 prescribes penalties for second incidents: $1,500 fine and five-day license suspension. The first incident (October 17, 2022) had been fully satisfied. Staff recommended the standard penalty. Councilmembers discussed the request for leniency, noting the importance of consistent enforcement and public safety. Some supported allowing the suspension to start on a Monday to minimize business impact, while Councilmember Lara opposed setting a precedent of dictating specific days. Ultimately, the motion passed to impose the fine and suspension, with staff to schedule the consecutive days.
• Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting (Recess from City Council at item 9, reconvened at end of meeting):
  • 2026 EDA Levy and Budget:
    • Staff proposed increasing the EDA levy by $50,000 to $550,000 (a $2 increase for the median-value home). The budget includes an annual transfer of $50,000 from the general fund for administrative support (wages, benefits, professional services, etc.). Other revenues: $335,000 from Shakopee Public Utilities, $20,000 from social district licenses, $24,000 from TAP event admissions. Expenditures include $75,000 for a Level 3 charger at Quarry Lake, and $400,000 for River City Center operations (including roof replacement shared 50/50 with CDA).
    • Councilmember Lara questioned the $50,000 admin transfer, suggesting it should be a percentage rather than a fixed amount and asking if it could be absorbed within the existing budget. Staff agreed to provide further analysis.
    • Councilmember Delaney raised concerns about the TAP event (costs $30k vs. $24k revenue) and the annual $25,000 sponsorship of the Main Street program. Discussion included whether the Main Street program should report on its activities. Staff noted the Main Street contract requires annual reporting. Council agreed to invite Main Street representatives to a future meeting.
    • After debate, resolutions E2025-002 (2026 EDA levy of $550,000) and E2025-003 (2026 EDA budget) were adopted on votes of 3-2.
  • Lease with Ice Cream Cravings LLC:
    • Staff presented a new five-year lease for the tenant at River City Center (new owner). The lease includes rent increases over the term. The business receives operational funding from Scott County Next Stage program (capital equipment loans). Council approved the lease unanimously.
  • EDA Bill List: Approved without objection.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Resolution R2025-095 adopting assessments for the 2025 Full Depth Pavement Reconstruction Project (CIF 25-001) approved unanimously.
• Texas Roadhouse liquor violation penalty approved: $1,500 fine and five-day consecutive liquor license suspension, dates to be set by staff (with consideration of a Monday start). Final vote: all in favor (no opposition recorded).
• EDA Resolutions:
  • E2025-002 (2026 EDA special benefit levy of $550,000) passed 3-2.
  • E2025-003 (2026 EDA budget) passed 3-2.
• EDA lease with Delicious Ice Cream Cravings LLC approved unanimously.
• Next meeting: City Council will convene on September 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. EDA adjourned to October 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM.