Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included approval of an amended consent agenda, public comment, a resolution honoring retiring Police Chief Jeff Tate, approval of a plat for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant, a year-end financial report, and the first-ever Public Works and Engineering annual report presentation. The meeting adjourned to March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved as amended, with corrections noted for Item 5J (award tree removal contract for Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project – bid opening after agenda publication) and Item 5P (Laserfiche licensing renewal amount corrected to $40,574.60). No items were removed for separate discussion.
• Items approved included: certification of delinquent sewer/storm drainage accounts; monthly financial report for January 2026; plans and bidding authorization for Phase III of the Downtown ADA, Lighting and Tree Rehab Improvement Project; School Resource Officer Agreement Renewal; 2026 tree purchase orders; recycling grant for Clean-Up Day events; liquor licenses for Mystic Lake Amphitheater; authorization to add three full-time firefighter positions; strength equipment replacement; tree removal contract for riverbank stabilization; Engineering Traffic Operations Policies and Procedures Manual; fee schedule amendment; approval of February 4, 2026 minutes; change order for marina materials; resolution of support for state job creation funding for a tenant at 5225 Dean Lake Boulevard; and Laserfiche licensing renewal.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ot Devon Gondu, representing the Shakopee DECA chapter, urged the council to increase funding for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs such as the CAPS program at the high school. He noted that CAPS currently serves only about 200 of 700 seniors and that expanded funding could improve graduation rates and workforce readiness. Council members expressed support for trades and CTE but noted that education funding primarily comes from the state and school board. They encouraged the speaker to contact state representatives and the school board.

Discussion Items

• 8A – Resolution of Appreciation for Police Chief Jeff Tate and Acceptance of Resignation: Chief Tate, who served 28 years (17 as chief), was honored for his leadership, community policing, and innovations (e.g., gift card fraud reduction, Sober Ride Home). Council members praised his culture-building and low crime rates. Mayor Lehman voted against the resolution, citing consistency with past votes, but the motion carried with one dissenting. Chief Tate thanked the council and community.
• 8B – Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition: The plat subdivides the former Best Buy site (4.43 acres) into two lots: 3.2 acres for a 5,200-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant with a double drive-thru, and 1.23 acres for a future user. Pedestrian access, vehicle access (right-in only on Old Carriage Road, full access on Old Carriage Court North via cross-access easements), and preservation of mature trees along County Road 21 were highlighted. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Council approved unanimously.
• 8C – Monthly Financial Report (December 2025 – Preliminary): Finance Director Reinhardt presented unaudited annual results. General fund revenues exceeded budget by 110% (+$4.1M) and expenditures were at 97% (-$1.2M), yielding a preliminary net positive of $4.8M. After adjustments (payables, receivables, fund balance policy, SAFER grant requirements), an estimated $3–3.5M may be available for one-time capital projects. Investment earnings totaled $2.8M in interest plus a $1.8M unrealized gain. The city received its 40th consecutive GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
• 8D – Public Works and Engineering Annual Report Presentation: Directors Bill Egan and Alex Jordan presented the inaugural annual report. Highlights included: 31 full-time public works staff (13 with 20+ years of service), 10 engineering staff; use of new weather stations for smart salting; GPS sprayer saving paint and time; 103 miles of city-owned sidewalks; 156 miles of sanitary sewer; and 5,659 street signs. External grants funded $5.1M of $3.96M in construction contracts. Upcoming 2026 projects include riverbank stabilization, Marystown Road completion, Chick-fil-A roundabout, 12th Avenue reconstruction, Lions Park parking lot, Eagle Creek Boulevard lane conversion, and more.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R2026-029 (Chief Tate appreciation and resignation acceptance): Approved with one dissenting vote (Mayor Lehman).
• Resolution R2026-024 (Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition): Approved unanimously.
• The council acknowledged the 40th consecutive GFOA award for financial reporting.
• Staff will return with recommendations for use of year-end surplus funds (estimated $3–3.5M).
• The meeting adjourned to March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Additional Items

• News and Announcements: Councilmember Contreras noted the 2026 tree pruning project starting February 17, 2026, by Cars Tree Service.
• Liaison Reports: Councilmember Whiting reported on an LMC elected leaders meeting covering natural disaster lessons and leadership topics; he also reported being elevated to chair of the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority.