Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of routine consent items, public comment on a neighborhood dispute and a cannabis business zoning issue, an audit presentation for fiscal year 2025, a legislative update on elections, and council reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 13 routine items via a single motion, including: Private Activity Revenue Bond Policy Amendments, Off-Site Gambling Permit for Shakopee Dollars for Scholars (Rhythm on the Rails), Extended Construction Hours for Old Carriage Court Corridor Improvements, Surplus Property, Extended Hours for Construction at the Shakopee Gravel Pit, Contract Awards for Quarry Lake Erosion Restoration and Boiling Springs Drainage Improvement projects, Construction Services Proposal from WSB for 2026 Private Development Projects, Purchase of a 2026 Utility Police Interceptor for the Police Department, Submission of a Regional Solicitation Grant Application for Pedestrian Improvements along 10th Avenue, a Resolution of Support for Scott County’s Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation Program Applications, and Approval of May 19, 2026 City Council Minutes. Item 5K (Speed Limit Setting Policy) was removed from the agenda entirely.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jessica Kyle (413 Third Avenue East, resident for 17 years) expressed that the police are not doing their job regarding a neighbor dispute. She detailed allegations of threats, harassment, derogatory signs, and unequal enforcement. She stated that a temporary harassment restraining order (HRO) is being used to fence off a shared driveway she has used for 17 years, arguing she has a prescriptive easement. She requested oversight of police handling and investigation of how the fence permit was issued. Council members noted this is a private dispute and clarified that the council cannot direct police operations; residents may file complaints with the chief of police or the state. Council member Whiting recalled a Supreme Court ruling that cities can regulate sign size but not content, so the content of the neighbor's signs may not be actionable. The mayor directed staff to look into the fence permit.
• Tom Madden (small business owner from Deep Haven, operating a vape store transitioning to cannabis at 491 Marshall Street) stated he holds a micro business license from the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). He said the December 2024 city ordinance requires a micro business to also own a costly cultivation license (a $70,000 non-refundable fee) to do a small grow, which makes the microbrewery concept impossible. He asked the council to re-evaluate the ordinance to separate the licenses, as other cities (Chanhassen, Minnetonka) do not combine them. City staff explained that the ordinance was drafted based on state guidelines and multiple other cities. It was noted that cultivation is not allowed in the B1 zoning district where his business is located, though retail is. The council took no immediate action but heard his request.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Audit): Presented by Bonnie Schweiger of Abdo. The city received a clean (unmodified) audit opinion, no issues with Minnesota legal compliance, and a single audit for federal funding (first time in years) also clean. Highlights: General fund reserves at 54% of next year's budget (above the 35-50% policy); revenues over budget due to conservative budgeting for building permits and investment earnings; fund balance increased by $2.2 million after transfers. Debt service per capita and key performance indicators were shown. Council congratulated staff. No action required.
• Legislative Update: Elections (HF 4240): City Clerk presented options for absentee voting. Under new law, cities may choose to administer 46 days of absentee voting (first 28 days by county, last 18 days by city) or 18 days of direct balloting (city only). 2024 election data: in the first 28 days, only 1.6% of primary voters and 4.6% of general election voters used the city's absentee location, costing up to $271 per vote for primary. Moving to 18-day direct balloting would save approximately $21,000 in 2026 (election judge costs only). Neighboring cities Prior Lake and Savage are or are expected to adopt 18-day. Council consensus was to adopt 18-day direct balloting at City Hall, with county handling the earlier 28 days and mail-in voting. The city will submit formal notice to Scott County.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Absentee Voting Direction: Council reached consensus to move to 18-day direct balloting (city-administered) for both the 2026 primary and general elections, with the county handling the first 28-day absentee period. Formal notice to be submitted to Scott County.
• Public Comment Referral: Staff directed to look into the fence permit issue raised by Jessica Kyle.
• Economic Development Authority Meeting: Held during recess. Approved agenda, consent items (EDA minutes), and adjourned to June 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
• Adjournment: Council adjourned the regular meeting to June 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Reports

• Council members reported on recent events: CDA Land Trust ribbon cutting (three affordable homes), Shakopee Lions Miracle Field ribbon cutting, Open Door Health Center opening, MVTA board decision to purchase six Ford EV vans, wrapping up the 169 Coalition, SPU energy efficiency grant, and participation in Memorial Day services. The mayor reported on an intergovernmental working group meeting with the new Met Council chair, expressing concerns about lack of a metro-wide transportation plan and vision-setting conflicts.

Other Business

• Council briefly discussed the state flag (old vs. new). Opinions varied: one member favored the old flag, one favored the new flag (calling the old one racist), one disliked both and criticized the process. No decision or motion was made.