Shakopee City Council Regular Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Shakopee City Council met on August 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent items, several public comments on the Baymont Suites hotel license revocation and electromagnetic radiation concerns, a solid waste contract extension, a monthly financial review, and a workshop on the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The council also held a brief Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting during recess.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as amended (updated documents for items 5.i and 5.n, and EDA bill list added).
• Approved consent agenda items 5.a through 5.o with the exception of 5.n (pulled by Councilor Lara for separate discussion). Items included:
  • 5.a: Parking restrictions on Bluff Avenue.
  • 5.c: Special event permit and temporary liquor license for TAP 2026.
  • 5.d: Special event permit for Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and Shakopee Brew Hall anniversary.
  • 5.e: Taproom, on-sale, small brewery, and Sunday liquor licenses for Dilemma Brewing Co. LLC (dba Shakopee Brew Hall).
  • 5.f: U.S. Department of Justice Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Grant application.
  • 5.g: Ordinance amending City Code Section 111.01 related to National Electrical Code.
  • 5.h: Extended construction hours for Boiling Springs Drainage Improvement Project.
  • 5.i: Streambank credit purchase agreement with Willow Glen, LLC for Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization.
  • 5.j: Contract with JC Hallet Construction for 2026 Pond Cleanout Project.
  • 5.k: Approval of July 21, 2026 City Council minutes.
  • 5.l: Wetland replacement plan for Southbridge Crossing Garden Center.
  • 5.m: SandVenture Aquatic Park pumphouse roof replacement.
  • 5.o: Off-site gambling permit for Shakopee Trap Club for TAP 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Speaker 1 (name not provided): Addressed a personal dispute regarding a property easement, ongoing harassment, and alleged violations of civil rights. Requested that the council not interfere with ongoing court proceedings.
• Manjit Sasi (owner of Baymont Suites): Requested reconsideration of the council's decision to revoke the hotel's license. She cited the unexpected death of her husband in October 2025, emphasized their $10 million investment, and asked for a second chance to comply with all rules.
• Robin (Baymont Suites employee, 61 years old, 19-year employee): Spoke about the tragic events at the hotel, including the discovery of bodies, and expressed that employees care deeply. She asked the council to see the hotel beyond its worst days.
• Bob Maltz (prospective security director for Baymont Suites): Expressed support for reinstating the hotel license. He noted his 30 years in law enforcement and commitment to improving safety if the license is reinstated.
• Megan Rogers (attorney for Baymont Suites): Requested either a reconsideration or amendment of the license revocation subject to conditions (third-party management) or a 60-day extension to allow a new management company to apply for a license. She noted that a decision was not expected that evening.
• Andrea (Safe at Home participant): Proposed an independent health consultancy for government entities on electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell towers, smart meters, Wi-Fi, etc. She cited the 2021 DC Circuit Court ruling on FCC guidelines and argued that the city and SPU must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding smart meter accommodations. She asked the council to require independent health oversight before implementing technology decisions.
• Final speaker (name not provided): Raised concerns about rapid deployment of wireless infrastructure without community input. He argued that the FCC's 30-year-old safety data is outdated and that local governments should protect citizens' constitutional rights. He called on the council to exercise its authority.

Discussion Items

10.a: Extension of Comprehensive Solid Waste and Recycling Contract with Dick's Sanitation

• Staff recommended extending the original five-year contract (starting 2022) by an additional five-year term, with subsequent two-year options.
• Jeff Weist (Sales Manager, Dick's Sanitation) presented upcoming investments: a real-time truck tracking app, cameras on residential trucks to identify improper waste, and preparation for mandated organics collection in 2030.
• Council discussion focused on Christmas tree pickup pricing ($26), alley service during weight restrictions, and the feasibility of providing smaller recycling carts for seniors. Councilor Lara expressed concerns about rate increase flexibility and suggested the city should seek competitive bids rather than extending the contract. Staff noted the closed system offers economies of scale (residents pay ~50% less than individual service) and reduces road wear.
• Vote: Motion passed 4-1, with Councilor Lara opposed.

10.b: Monthly Financial Review – June 2026

• Finance Director Reinhardt presented the general fund status through June 30, 2026. Revenues exceeded expenses by $1.89 million (compared to $3.2 million at the same point in 2025). The city is on track to end the year positive.
• Expenditures are within budget; the finance department's apparent overspend is due to timing of audit and assessing contracts.
• The SAFER grant for fire department staffing (approved in November 2025) is not yet reflected in the budget; additional firefighters were hired in March.
• Second quarter investment report: interest earnings of $1.6 million through June, slightly above recent years. Unrealized loss of $892,000 due to rising interest rates, but investments are held to maturity.

11.a: Review of Preliminary 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

• Staff presented a five-year, $118.2 million CIP ($30.4 million in 2027). Key funds: Park Development, Capital Improvement (CIF), Tree Replacement, Internal Service Funds (Equipment, Park Asset, IT, Buildings), and Enterprise Funds (Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drainage).
• The CIF fund faces a $5 million annual gap between projects ($7.8 million in 2027) and recurring funding ($2.45 million). Staff recommended a bond sale of $10 million to close the gap, with repayment beginning in 2028 (estimated $43 annual impact on a $350,000 home).
• Discussion included the challenge of the 2027 budget due to the transition to 24/7 fire staffing (two stations), which will significantly increase costs. Councilor Lara questioned the 20-year equipment replacement schedule and the impact of bond payments on future tax levies. The city administrator noted that the CIP is a flexible plan, focusing on 2027, and that many projects may never materialize.
• The council also discussed potential naming rights partnerships for the proposed Lions Park outdoor rink (similar to Lakeville's Health Pavilion).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved as amended.
• Resolution R2026-111 (donation for flag pole at Miracle League field) approved unanimously.
• Solid waste contract extension with Dick's Sanitation approved 4-1 (Councilor Lara dissenting).
• EDA meeting: Recessed and reconvened; approved consent business (minutes) and adjourned to September 1, 2026.
• Next steps: Staff will continue budget work; the 2027-2031 CIP will be adopted in October; bond sale authorization is scheduled for November 17, 2026, with a December 15 award. The council noted the need to address ADA compliance regarding smart meters and wireless infrastructure concerns raised during public comment.