Shakopee City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026
Shakopee City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026
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.
Consent Calendar
The council unanimously approved the following consent agenda items:
- 6A: Award of contract for Fire Station No. 2 remodel.
- 6B: Acceptance of Scott County Public Health Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Grant.
- 6C: Award of low bid contract for Valley Crest Park improvements, including play equipment and shelter purchase.
- 6D: Contract for Old Carriage Court corridor improvements and acceptance of engineering services proposal.
- 6E: Acceptance of feasibility report for L16 dual force main improvements.
- 6F: Final acceptance and payment for Valley Crest Trail Project.
- 6G: Acceptance of donations from Shakopee Youth Baseball Association.
- 6H: Renewal of consumption and display permits for 2026.
- 6I: Temporary liquor license for Dilemma Brewing Company (Shakopee Brew Hall).
- 6J: Special event permit for Shakopee Brew Hall Block Party (suspending City Code 114.11).
- 6K: Acceptance of proposal from Alliant Engineering for SS4A Safety Action Plan Development.
- 6L: Approval of February 17, 2026, City Council minutes.
- 6M: Declaration of one forfeited vehicle as surplus property.
- 6N: Interim use permit and purchase of temporary fire station two facilities.
- 6O: Approval of municipal state aid street system designations.
Public Comments & Testimony
No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.
Discussion Items
Oath of Office – Police Chief Jamie Pearson
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.
Economic Development Authority – Lease Modification at River City Center
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.
2025 Community Survey Update
Assistant City Administrator Peterson presented survey results. Key highlights:
- Over 90% of residents would recommend Shakopee as a place to live.
- Police and fire services rated exceptionally high.
- Trust in city government rose 10%, and customer service satisfaction increased 8%.
- The survey had a 14% response rate (statistically significant sample) plus 123 open community responses, totaling approximately 525 respondents out of 46,000 residents.
- Willingness to pay $2/month increase for public safety and roadway improvements: significant support.
- Information sources: city website (90%), utility bill stuffers (70%), city social media (78%), local media (12%).
- Transit satisfaction declined: ease of travel by public transportation dropped from 52% to 38%; bus/transit services dropped from 62% to 45%. The survey was conducted October–November 2025, prior to recent route changes. Staff noted that results will be included in utility bills and are available on the city website via an interactive dashboard.
Liaison Reports
- Councilor Delaney: Reported on the 169 Coalition’s final dissolution meeting; members will receive refunds of $1,000–$2,000. SACU Public Utilities urged residents to communicate payment difficulties early to access assistance.
- Councilor Whiting: Discussed MVTA board meeting and retreat, focusing on high-subsidy transit routes targeted by the Met Council. He noted that six routes had already been canceled, six modified, and four planned for discontinuation. Shakopee has some of these routes, but express service has not returned to pre-COVID levels. He emphasized the importance of MVTA Connect and cautioned that legislative changes could reduce transit options, impacting events like the amphitheater.
- Councilor Contreras: Attended the MLC regional legislative breakfast (housing priorities) and Chief Tate’s retirement party.
- Councilor Lara: Attended the MLC legislative update (noting blame on cities for housing issues) and a school board meeting where a compromise was reached on adding 10 minutes per school day (5 before, 5 after) to compensate for four removed teacher workdays.
- Mayor Lehman: Attended MLC legislative update, noting the ongoing “circle” of affordable housing discussions and the challenge of one-size-fits-all models. He also attended Chief Tate’s retirement and the 169 Coalition meeting, praising the coalition’s achievements (e.g., 494/169 interchange, 69 overpass, 41/169 improvements, 282 in Jordan) but expressing disappointment that MnDOT has not restriped the 41/169 river crossing to add capacity, even in summer.
Other Reports
- Tree Removal Notice: Tree removal in Huber Park along the Minnesota River will begin in 1–2 weeks as the first step of riverbank stabilization. Most trees from Holm Street Bridge to Market Street will be removed by end of March to protect nesting endangered species. Major construction begins fall 2026.
- Egg Hunt: Annual egg hunt and candy grab scheduled for March 21, 2026, 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Top Park.
- Councilor Whiting: Requested a future update on home title theft from Commissioner Brennan.
Key Outcomes
- Oath of Office: Jamie Pearson sworn in as Police Chief.
- Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
- EDA Lease Modification: Approved 3-2 (Mayor Lehman and Councilor Lara opposed).
- Community Survey: Received and noted; results posted online and to be distributed in utility bills.
- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn to March 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. passed unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
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.
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