Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting, October 21, 2025

The Shakopee City Council met on October 21, 2025 at 7 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent items, public hearings on delinquent accounts, acceptance of a FEMA SAFER grant for firefighter staffing, a presentation on a workforce housing development, a comprehensive plan amendment, and a workshop on the EDA 2026 budget.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the removal of items 5B (2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan) and 5D (2024 Mill and Overlay Project). Remaining items included debt policy, grant applications, surplus equipment, parking restrictions, snow removal locations, media relations policy, special event permit, home occupancy modifications, short-term rental licensing, October 7 meeting minutes, encroachment agreement, promotion of Corey Murray to Fire Captain, and two grant applications. All approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Item 5B (Capital Improvement Plan): Councilmember Delaney expressed concern over $1.5 million for monument signs (with $750,000 federal grant) and overall uncertainties. Staff clarified that each project requires separate council approval. A motion to table the item passed on a voice vote.
• Item 5D (Mill and Overlay Project): Staff explained that $42,770.51 final payment from the building fund was appropriate for the pavement project including a public works parking lot. Approved unanimously via Resolution R2025-12.
• Public Hearing 8A (Delinquent Refuse Bills): 134 properties with $23,768.46 in unpaid bills were certified for property tax collection. DSI reduced the number from previous years. Resolution R2025-118 adopted.
• Public Hearing 8B (Delinquent Police Alarms and Mowing): 3 parcels totaling $780 in unpaid false alarm and mowing fees were certified for property tax collection. Resolution R2025-117 adopted.
• Item 9A (FEMA SAFER Grant): Chief Simon presented a federal grant to add 12 firefighter positions (3 battalion chiefs, 3 captains, 6 firefighters) over three years with a cost-sharing requirement (25% in years 1-2, 65% in year 3). The grant will use $500,000 from fund balance for year one. Council approved Resolution R2025-112 accepting the award and authorizing execution.
• Item 9B (Workforce Housing Presentation): Jared Ackman of Reuter Walton presented a concept for a 180-unit workforce housing development on a seven-acre site near County Road 69 and Marschall Road. The project would be financed with $17 million in conduit bonds (city acts as conduit without liability) and tax credits. Rents would be restricted: one-bedroom $1,430, two-bedroom $1,700, three-bedroom $1,960 at 60% AMI, with 3% of units at 30% AMI. Council discussed building height (under 45 feet), balconies, roof visibility, fencing, and neighborhood concerns. No formal action taken; developer will return in November for bond resolution.
• Item 9C (Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Richland Court): Staff explained that the Met Council requires reguiding eight single-family lots from suburban residential to suburban edge residential to meet density standards. Councilmember Whiting criticized the Met Council's role. No motion or action taken on the amendment.
• Workshop 10A (EDA 2026 Budget): Staff reviewed EDA powers, comparable city levies, and proposed a $550,000 levy (a $50,000 increase) with a $50,000 transfer to the general fund for administrative support. A $50,000 level 3 EV charger at Quarry Lake was included (subject to state grant). Council discussed transparency, the transfer rationale, and economic development activities including business retention, the Foundry, Canterbury Park, and GN ReSound. No formal action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with two items removed (5B tabled, 5D approved).
• Resolution R2025-12 adopted for 2024 Mill and Overlay final payment.
• Resolution R2025-118 adopted certifying delinquent refuse bills for 2026 property taxes.
• Resolution R2025-117 adopted certifying unpaid false alarm and mowing bills.
• Resolution R2025-112 adopted accepting FEMA SAFER grant for 12 additional firefighter positions.
• Meeting adjourned to Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 7 PM.