The Shakopee City Council convened on March 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The meeting included the oath of office for new Police Chief Jamie Pearson, approval of a 15-item consent agenda, an Economic Development Authority (EDA) session to modify a tenant lease, a presentation on the 2025 community survey, and liaison reports covering transportation, housing, and regional collaboration. The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The council unanimously approved the following consent agenda items:
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.
Mayor Lehman administered the oath of office to Jamie Pearson, who was unanimously selected as the new police chief after a competitive process. Chief Pearson, a 20-year veteran of the department, expressed honor and gratitude, particularly to former Chief Tate. She noted the support of her team, community partners, and family. A photo with the council followed the ceremony.
Staff presented a request to modify a tenant's lease at 155 First Avenue. The tenant’s business is down approximately 30% due to recent economic conditions. Staff recommended reducing rent to $14 per square foot (the building’s baseline) through October 2027 to avoid vacancy. Council members debated whether this sets a precedent; staff argued it is a case-by-case decision based on significant revenue loss and the risk of an empty space. The motion passed 3-2, with Mayor Lehman and Councilor Lara voting in opposition.
Assistant City Administrator Peterson presented survey results. Key highlights:
Let's call the Shacopee City Council meeting for March 3rd, 2026 to order. Can you please take the role, Clerk? Councilmember Delaney. Here. Councilmember Waiting. Here. Councilmember Contreras. Here. Councilmember Lara. Your Mayor Lehman? Here. Item number three. If you join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Item number four will take us to the oath of office for Shakapee Police Chief Jamie Pearson. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of council. First of all, thank all of you. I presume you're not here just for the council meeting. It's great to see such support for our next chief of police for the city of Shacopee. The former Captain Pearson was the number one candidate that came out of the commission as they reviewed all the candidates that submitted. And she was the unanimous uh person that was selected from our internal committee as well. She has a long and storied career here in the city of Shacopee and is committed. I mean, she lives in Hudson for God's sake. She drives here every day. And you know, this is really a historic moment for all of us. Uh she's one of our own. We're extremely excited about the future that she holds. She has very big shoes to fill, but you know what? She's more than capable of doing that. Uh and we're excited. Chief Pearson, who would you like to pin on your badge? Uh yeah. Sir, can you join us? I don't think he has to do the screw that's good. Do you want to do the oath first? Yes. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Jamie Pearson. I, Jamie Pearson. Do you solemnly swear? Do you solemnly swear? That I will support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the State of Minnesota. The Constitution of the State of Minnesota. And that I will faithfully, justly and impartially. And that I will faithfully, justfully, and impartially. Discharge the duties of the Office of Police Chief. Discharge the duties of the Office of Police Chief. Of the City of Shakapee, Minnesota.