Public Meetings - Shakopee, Minnesota

Note on date discrepancy: The agenda and transcript list the meeting as October 6, 2026, but this summary uses the date provided (October 7, 2026) per instruction. The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a brief regular meeting on October 7, 2026 (as per the assigned date). The meeting included roll call, approval of the agenda, consent business (approval of prior minutes and a lease agreement), presentation of the EDA bill list, and adjournment to the next regular meeting. All motions were passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of EDA Meeting Minutes: The minutes from a previous meeting were approved as part of the consent business. - Lease Agreement with The Birch Ground LLC d/b/a Wise Owl Eatery for Suite 175 River City Centre: A lease agreement with the restaurant was approved unanimously. The consent business was moved by Commissioner Lehman, seconded by Delaney, and passed by voice vote with no opposition. Reports - EDA Bill List: The bill list was presented. No questions were raised by members. Key Outcomes - The consent business (minutes and lease agreement) was approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned to Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., per a motion by an unidentified member (seconded) and unanimous voice vote.

The Shakopee City Council held its regular meeting on October 6, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included special presentations on CAPRA accreditation and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, public comments on police concerns and pedicab regulation, a public hearing on delinquent refuse bills, and discussions on a major riverbank stabilization contract and a new grease interceptor ordinance. The council also recessed for an Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting. Key outcomes included awarding a $14.675 million contract for the Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project and adopting Ordinance O2026-018 to strengthen grease control requirements. Special Presentations - CAPRA Accreditation: The Parks and Recreation Director announced that the city received CAPRA accreditation on September 30, 2026, making Shakopee the fifth accredited agency in Minnesota. The department met 148 of 154 standards. Council congratulated staff on the collaborative effort. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The council adopted a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognizing the work of Southern Valley Alliance. (Motion by Councilor Whiting, seconded, unanimous.) Consent Calendar The council approved the consent agenda (motion by Councilor Whiting, seconded, unanimous) consisting of 20 routine items as listed in the agenda, including: MNOSHA Workplace Safety Grant application, Monthly Financial Review for August 2026, assessment hearings for Stagecoach Road and 2026 Full Depth Pavement Reconstruction projects, surplus property declaration, final acceptance for Canterbury Commons road improvements, purchase of EMS rescue truck, Chevrolet First Responder Sponsorship donation, several grant applications (DOJ opioid program, FEMA firefighter grant, Building Official Training grant, DWI Traffic Safety Officer grant, Toward Zero Deaths grant, US EDA Public Works grant), addition of 10-visit punch cards to Community Center, contracts for Shakopee Gravel Park and Chute Park design, approval of September 15 meeting minutes, 2027 Indoor Playground fees, contract for roofs at Schroeder House and Livery, and agreement with Stantec for 2050 Comprehensive Plan. (Note: The oral reading of the consent agenda omitted items 6K, 6L, 6S, and 6T, but the agenda included them and the council voted to adopt the full consent agenda.) Public Comments & Testimony - Marie Rogers (Scout, resident) requested the city consider purchasing holiday wreaths from her scouting organization for public buildings, providing contact information. - Unnamed resident (claimed to be a Shakopee citizen since 2018) expressed serious concerns about the Shakopee Police Department, alleging corruption, protection of power and drugs, and personal harassment. He requested an investigation. He referred to his ex-wife and a "racket" in the city. - Stephen McCarty (owner, Twin Town Petty Cabs) urged the city to create and enforce a robust ordinance regulating pedicab operations at the amphitheater to prevent rogue operators and ensure accountability. He noted the current "wild west" situation and offered to assist with ordinance development. - Dan Bromenschenkel (pedicab operator with Twin Town Petty Cabs) spoke in favor of regulation, citing abuse seen in unregulated jurisdictions. - Richard White (pedicab driver from Minneapolis) shared experiences from San Diego, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, emphasizing the need for regulation to avoid lawsuits and ensure safety. He noted that strong ordinances and police enforcement in Phoenix helped maintain an orderly system. Public Hearing - Delinquent Refuse Bills: The council opened a public hearing (motion by Councilor Lara, seconded, unanimous) on delinquent garbage bills from Dick's Sanitation. Staff reported that as of September 15, 276 properties owed $46,768; DSI has collected 180 payments since then. No public testimony was given. The council closed the hearing and adopted Resolution 2026-138 ordering certification of unpaid refuse bills for collection with 2027 property taxes, including 6% interest and a $25 administrative charge. (Motion by Councilor Whiting, seconded, unanimous.) Discussion Items - Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project: City Engineer Alex presented an update on the $18.16 million project, with 72% funded by outside sources. The low bid of $14,675,000 from S.M. Hentges & Sons was recommended. Design includes bank grading, riprap armoring, an art plaza, marina improvements with an ADA kayak launch, trail connections, and stormwater management. Construction is expected from November 2026 to fall 2027. Council discussed archaeological monitoring, sewer line connections, and the project's long history. No major surprises anticipated. Council adopted Resolution R2026-134 accepting the bid and authorizing the contract. (Motion by Councilor Delaney, seconded by Councilor Lara, unanimous.) - Grease Interceptor Ordinance (O2026-018): The city introduced an ordinance to strengthen requirements for grease interceptors and control of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from food service establishments. The ordinance mandates proper equipment, minimum cleaning schedules (quarterly for large interceptors; weekly for interior traps), and allows the city to recover costs from blockages. It applies to new and existing businesses, with retrofits required upon major renovations. Council discussed enforcement, impact on older businesses, and the need to prevent sewer clogs. Council adopted Ordinance O2026-018. (Motion by Councilor Whiting, seconded by Councilor Delaney, unanimous.) Economic Development Authority Meeting The council recessed to convene as the Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA). The EDA approved consent business, including a lease agreement with Birch Group LLC (doing business as The Wise Owl Eatery) and the EDA minutes. The EDA adjourned to its next meeting on November 4, 2026. Reports and Announcements - Councilor Delaney reported on the Southwest Metropolitan Urban Council (SPUC) meeting, noting quarterly nitrate sampling results below 10 mg/L and discussion on plug-in solar devices (not currently allowed in building codes). He also reported on the MVTA board meeting, noting state fair ridership of 154,915 (4% of fairgoers) and a record day of 18,880 riders, and that Keolis was selected as the new bus driver contractor replacing Schmidt's and Sons. - Councilor Lara attended a new officer swearing-in, ribbon cuttings for Good Day Car Wash and Mission Chiropractic, and the intergovernmental working group with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. He also discussed a student project on Minnesota River water quality. - City Administrator Reynolds announced that Fire Marshal Tom Pischneider received the 2026 Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association's firefighter education award. - Upcoming community events were announced: Spooky Swim (October 27), Spooky Family Fun Event (October 24), Jack O'Lantern 5K (October 31), Park Movie Night (October 10), October Incentive Challenge, Fall Cleanup Day (October 17), and Fall Yard Waste Drop Off (October). Key Outcomes - Proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2026-138 adopted to certify delinquent refuse bills for collection with 2027 property taxes. - Resolution R2026-134 approved awarding a $14,675,000 contract for the Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project. - Ordinance O2026-018 adopted to strengthen grease interceptor requirements. - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned to Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on October 2, 2026, at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, to consider the 2027 EDA tax levy and budget, adopt related resolutions, approve consent items, and receive the EDA bill list. All votes were unanimous. Note: The agenda and transcript are dated September 1, 2026, and reference a September 15, 2026 city council step, while the meeting timestamp provided for this summary is October 2, 2026; the latter date is used in the title and summary. Call to Order and Agenda - The meeting was called to order and roll call was taken. Commissioner Contreras moved to approve the agenda; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Laura and carried unanimously. Consent Calendar - A motion to approve the EDA meeting minutes was made by Commissioner Lehman, seconded by Commissioner Contreras, and carried unanimously. Discussion Items - 2027 EDA Levy and Budget – Mr. Reinhardt presented the proposed 2027 EDA tax levy of $550,000, unchanged from 2026 and within the 2027 EDA levy cap of nearly $1.6 million. The levy applies to all taxable properties in the city. - Revenue assumptions include a contribution equal to 0.5% of Shakopee Public Utilities Commission revenues, estimated at $341,000; $20,000 from social district licenses and cup sales; and $20,000 from admissions related to the TAP event. For a median-value home, the levy equals about $20 per year, the same as in 2026. - Operating expenses would cover wages and benefits, including the economic development coordinator and 50% of the planning and development director; legal, planning, and professional services; the facade loan program; entrepreneurship programming; Main Street TAP event and marketing; and a recurring $50,000 annual transfer to the city's general fund. - The activity referred to as RCC is accounted for in a separate EDA subfund, with $375,000 in budgeted lease revenues. One tenant has a lease expiring in mid-June, and building maintenance assumes work to prepare the space for re-leasing. - Commissioner Delaney asked why the TAP event admissions line decreased from $24,000 to $20,000; Mr. Reinhardt responded that the estimate was based on last year's actual sales. Reports - EDA Bill List – The EDA bill list was presented. No questions were raised. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt Resolution E 2026-005 authorizing a special benefit levy under Minnesota Statute Section 469.003, subdivision 6; seconded by Commissioner Delaney; passed unanimously. - Motion to adopt Resolution E 2026-006 adopting the 2027 EDA budget; seconded by Commissioner Lara; passed unanimously. - Commissioner Laura moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and the meeting adjourned. Note: The transcript alternately renders one commissioner's name as both Laura and Lara; the names above are retained as transcribed.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a special presentation on a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment, adoption of the 2027 preliminary property tax levy, approval of a planned unit development amendment, and final plat approval for a new subdivision. Two members of the public addressed the council, one requesting changes to vehicle regulations and the other raising concerns about noise from a nearby amphitheater. Special Presentation - Superintendent Mike Redmond (Shakopee School District) presented information on a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment to change distributions from the Permanent School Fund. The fund currently has a balance of $2.3 billion and distributes $68 per pupil annually. The amendment would increase that to an estimated $95 per pupil, providing approximately $210,000 per year to Shakopee schools. The change would use investment earnings without touching the principal. No tax increase is required. The amendment requires a majority of all votes cast (including non-votes count as no). Councilmember Whiting asked about the principal's permanence and the use of investment income; Redmond confirmed the principal remains untouched and the fund is managed prudently. Consent Calendar - Approved 10 routine items unanimously (motion by Mr. Lara, second by Mr. Delaney): - Speed limit modifications along Marystown Road (6A) - Surplus property declaration (6B) - Ice Arena use agreement with Independent School District No. 720 (6C) - Delinquent refuse bills – order preparation of assessments and set public hearing date (6D) - On-sale and Sunday liquor licenses for Hy-Vee Market Grille (6E) - Temporary liquor license for Fall Food Truck Festival (6F) - On-sale and Sunday liquor licenses for Babe's Place (6G) - Resolution R2026-130 accepting $10,000 donation from Rahr Corporation (6H) - Additional funding for Fire Station 2 Station Alerting System (6I) - Approval of September 1, 2026, City Council minutes (6J) Public Comments & Testimony - Corey Meyer (17-year resident) requested the council consider amending the city ordinance to allow properly outfitted side-by-side vehicles on city streets. Police Chief (staff) expressed safety concerns, noting that vehicles not designed for roadways pose accident risks. He also noted that current golf cart regulations limit routes and require permits, and that side-by-sides already operate in the community informally. The council took no action but asked staff to follow up. - Matt Frost (resident 1.2 miles west of Mystic Lake Amphitheater) reported severe noise disruption from concerts. He provided decibel readings: typical ambient noise 51.9 dB; during concerts 70–73 dB (exceeding a gas-powered lawnmower at 68 dB). He requested that the city engage independent acoustic experts, publish results, work with the amphitheater on mitigation, and consider moving the curfew from 11 PM to 10 PM. Council responded that they have been working with Live Nation on sound mitigation (speaker adjustments, sound blanketing, monitoring) and urged residents to call the complaint line. A second resident also spoke in support of the noise complaints, noting he had to raise his TV volume to 46 to hear over music. Council acknowledged the issue and promised continued efforts. Discussion Items - 2027 Proposed Property Tax Levies and Debt Levy Cancellations (9A): Finance Director Reinhart presented the preliminary levy. Changes from the August work session included: additional AC Arena revenue, increased fiscal disparities distribution (+$178,500), lower health insurance renewal (12.8% vs. budgeted 16.3%), and use of fund balance for debt service on 2022A bonds (eliminating $344,360 levy). The total levy increase is 6.85% (down from 8.65%), representing a $1.93 million increase. Key driver: transition of fire department to 24/7 full-time staffing at both stations, supported by a $2.63 million federal SAFER grant with local match requirements (25% year 1, 25% year 2, 65% year 3). The city's taxable market value is $8.98 billion (+3.9%), with residential up 5.7%. The tax rate is estimated at 29.16 (from 28.94). The median home value increased $14,000 to $375,300, resulting in a $52 annual property tax increase. Council members expressed frustration with the fiscal disparities program (Shakopee is the 4th highest net contributor, contributing $10.9 million in tax capacity over 10 years); Mayor Lehman noted that the program often penalizes cities that follow state growth policies. Three resolutions were adopted: - R2026-126 Setting the maximum 2027 property tax levy (passed unanimously) - R2026-127 Canceling debt service levies for 2027 and authorizing a transfer from the general fund (passed unanimously) - R2026-128 Approving the EDA levy of $550,000 (no change from prior year; passed unanimously) - Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment to Southbridge Crossings East (9B): Applicant SambaText proposes a 7,300 sq ft car wash, three 5,000 sq ft retail buildings (two with drive-through), a 23,000 sq ft garden center with 8,000 sq ft greenhouse and 48,000 sq ft landscape yard, and reconfiguration of stormwater ponds on 14.26 acres at 1300 Crossings Boulevard. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval on July 9. Councilmember Lara questioned traffic signal needs at Hanson and Crossings; staff replied that current trip generation does not warrant a signal. The council adopted Ordinance O2026-015 (passed unanimously). - Final Plat of GREENVIEW (9C): Applicant Lennar (U.S. Home LLC) seeks approval for the first of two phases creating 85 single-family residential lots on 13,950 Marystown Road. The full subdivision will have 193 homes with lot widths of 50, 55, and 65 feet. Over 11 acres of open space are included, with a future playground. Trails connect to Jackson Commons. Staff worked with the developer to preserve old-growth trees and a wetland area. The council approved Resolution R2026-109 (passed unanimously). Key Outcomes - 2027 Preliminary Levy Set: Maximum levy set at a 6.85% increase; final levy may be reduced before adoption. - Debt Service Levy Canceled: Use of fund balance eliminates $344,360 levy for 2022A bonds. - EDA Levy Maintained: $550,000, no change. - PUD Amendment Approved: Allows commercial development (car wash, retail, garden center) with stormwater ponds. - Greenview Final Plat Approved: 85 lots in Phase 1, with conditions on tree preservation. - No action on side-by-side vehicles: Council asked staff to follow up but expressed safety concerns. - Amphitheater noise: Council to continue working with Live Nation; residents encouraged to use complaint line and non-emergency police number.

The Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals held a regular meeting on September 4, 2026, at City Hall. The board considered a consent agenda and conducted a public hearing for a conditional use permit (CUP) for exterior storage and vehicle repair at 1555 Maras Street. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the permit and adjournment to October 8, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the August 6, 2026, meeting. Commissioners Sandu and the Chair abstained due to absence at the prior meeting. The motion carried with all other commissioners voting aye. Public Comments & Testimony - A letter of opposition from a resident at 80785 Boiling Springs Lane (transcript reference to 8785) was received. The resident expressed concerns about tree removal and visual impact. No oral testimony was given by the objector. - Dan Wallet, representing the property owner (Eugene Hansen of Maras Street LLC), spoke in support of the application. He stated that the objector's property is approximately 150-200 yards away from the subject site and that the trees on the berm died due to soil conditions. He noted that replacement trees are on order and expected to be planted within a week. He also described the applicant (Bacal Transportation) as a responsible operator who keeps the property immaculate. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit for Exterior Storage and Vehicle Repair at 1555 Maras Street: The applicant, Bacal Transportation, requested a CUP to allow vehicle repair within their tenant space (inside the building) and exterior storage of up to 18 trucks and trailers on the north side of the site and up to 16 trucks without trailers on the south side. The property is zoned I-1 Light Industry in a mixed-use employment center. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including: storage only in designated areas, no unlicensed or inoperable vehicles, vehicles must be affiliated with the tenant, service work inside the building, and replacement of dead trees on the south berm by September 30, 2026. The property owner confirmed trees are on order. - Commissioners discussed the history of tree issues on the site and the berm height (approximately 20-22 feet). Staff clarified that the objector's property is not directly adjacent and that the berm has helped with drainage issues. The applicant's representative assured the board that all work would be done inside and that the applicant understands the rules. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Resolution PC 2026-019 (granting the conditional use permit) was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Forsyth. The roll call vote was unanimous: Forsyth (aye), Weiler (aye), Sandu (aye), Redding (aye), Vanderveen (aye), Robbins (aye). The motion carried 6-0. - The board adjourned to the next regular meeting on October 8, 2026.

The Shakopee Planning Commission met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting was brief and routine: roll call was conducted, the agenda and consent calendar were approved, no citizens addressed the commission, and no other business was brought forward. Consent Calendar - The sole consent item was approval of the Planning Commission meeting minutes from August 6, 2026. - Two commissioners abstained from the minutes approval; the motion carried with the remaining commissioners voting aye. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Vanderveen, second by Commissioner Sandu). - Consent agenda approved with two abstentions (motion by Commissioner Weiler, second by Commissioner Vanderveen). - No public comments were made under recognition of interested citizens. - Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Robbins, second by Commissioner Redding); the next regular meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2026.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda (with one item removed for discussion), a recess for the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting, a workshop on Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs), and liaison reports. The meeting adjourned to September 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda as modified, removing item 5H for separate discussion. The consent items included: designation of signing authority on grant agreements, DOJ COPS application, amendment to developer's agreement for River Valley Business Park, extended construction hours for Shenandoah Drive and Schenian Street intersection improvements, DNR Conservation Partners Legacy grant application, special event permit and temporary liquor license for Downtown Dogs event, acceptance of proposal from Alliant Engineering for 2028-2029 full-depth pavement reconstruction, Metropolitan Council Livable Communities grant award, resolution for PERA Police & Fire plan membership for Fire Inspector, donation of used card access equipment, updated Information Security and Technical Use policy, surplus property, community center fitness studio water damage repairs, and approval of August 18, 2026 minutes. - Motion by Councilmember Whiting, seconded by Councilmember Contreras. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian Kane (2081 Chester Street) spoke during the Flock camera workshop. He raised concerns about Flock's patent classifying people by race/gender/height/weight, Fourth Amendment violations, vendor flaws, and requested a written policy, 30-day retention cap, no sharing without council vote, ban on audio sensors, independent security assessment, and no vendor changes without authorization. - Larry Moody (2231 Hillside Drive) asked about false hits and whether Flock cameras can misidentify the state of a license plate, leading to erroneous alerts. - Chris Simon expressed concerns about system abuse, tracking, and potential facilitation of domestic abuse, noting that access by vendor employees or unauthorized persons cannot be fully prevented. - Andrew Staffrin (IT professional) noted that the city owns only 5 cameras while private entities (Home Depot, Lowe's, FedEx) own 9, and raised questions about cybersecurity and securing cameras from public exposure on Shodan.io. Discussion Items Item 5H - Reimbursement Agreement with Lower Minnesota River Watershed District - Removed from consent agenda at the request of the Watershed District Vice President. - The Vice President thanked the city for partnership and noted that two projects had been resolved to ensure payments were made. - Councilmember Whiting moved to approve, seconded by Councilmember Contreras. Approved unanimously. Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting (Recess) - The Council recessed to hold an EDA meeting at approximately 7:45 PM. - Approved EDA consent business (minutes). - Discussion on 2027 EDA levy and budget: Proposed levy of $550,000 (no change from 2026), with additional revenues from SPUC contribution ($341,000), social district licenses ($20,000), and TAP event admissions ($20,000). Operating expenses include wages, legal services, facade loan program, etc. For a median-value home, the cost is approximately $20 per year. - Adopted Resolution E2026-005 authorizing the special benefit levy and Resolution E2026-006 adopting the 2027 budget. Both approved unanimously. - Also approved the EDA bill list. Item 10A - Flock Camera (ALPR) Workshop Discussion - City Clerk Bill Reynolds and Police Chief Pearson presented. - Explained that Flock cameras capture license plates only, not occupants or continuous video. Used for locating stolen vehicles, missing persons, wanted fugitives, and deterring vandalism. - Currently 5 city-owned cameras (one at Jackson Park, two others needing relocation/replacement). Annual cost is $18,000 subscription; camera cost $3,000 each. - Data retention: Minnesota statute allows 60 days, Shakopee restricts to 30 days. Considering a 7-day retention proposal from Flock. - Access restrictions: Only sergeants and investigators can search; search warrant required except in exigent circumstances (life/safety). Audit every two years; most recent audit (April 2026) confirmed compliance. - Data sharing: Only with Prior Lake Police Department, which has similar policies. No sharing with federal agencies (ICE, DHS). No sharing with private cameras. - Councilmembers asked about surveillance, false positives, misuse penalties, and audits. Chief noted human verification before enforcement action. - Public comments raised concerns about Fourth Amendment, vendor vulnerabilities, tracking, and private cameras. - Council requested further study on: 1-year audit cycle, clearer consequences for misuse, council approval for future data sharing partners, feasibility of splitting data retention (active investigations vs. non-alert data), and security assessment of cameras. - No formal action taken; workshop discussion only. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved as modified (item 5H removed). - Reimbursement agreement with Lower Minnesota River Watershed District approved. - EDA 2027 levy and budget adopted. - Flock camera workshop concluded with no formal decision; council directed staff to investigate several issues and potentially return for formal action at a future meeting. - Meeting adjourned to September 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, public comments regarding police conduct, a workshop on the 2027 preliminary budget and levy, and several council reports. No votes were taken on the budget, but council directed staff to bring future discussions on data centers and flock cameras. Consent Calendar - 5.a Authorize final acceptance and payment for CSAH 101 and Shenandoah Drive intersection improvements. - 5.b Renew lease for archery range. - 5.c and 5.i Surplus property items. - 5.d Monthly financial review for July 2026. - 5.e Donation of code enforcement equipment. - 5.f Lateral police officer hire. - 5.g Minnesota Department of Human Services Opioid Epidemic Response Services grant application. - 5.h Department of Justice Community Policing Development Microgrants application. - 5.j Approve parking restrictions on Disc Drive and Secretariat Drive. - 5.k Approve plans and authorize bidding for Minnesota Riverbank stabilization improvements. - 5.l Wage adjustments for LELS sergeants. - 5.m Approval of August 4, 2026, city council minutes. - 5.n Amend city code sections 151.002 and 151.007(K) regarding cannabis cultivator definitions and indoor cannabis uses in B-1 zoning. - 5.o Updates to the Forestry Manual. - 5.p Approve temporary liquor license for BHB2 LLC dba Badger Hill Brewing. - All items were approved by unanimous voice vote on a motion by Councilor Contreras, seconded by Councilor Lara. Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Kyle (address not stated) requested an independent investigation into the Shakopee Police Department’s handling of her cases, alleging selective and retaliatory enforcement and misconduct in reporting. She stated she was repeatedly cited for criminal contempt while others in a restraining order situation were not. She cited a July 9 incident where she was charged after calling police about a leaf blower being used against her. She also referenced online comments by Councilor Lara. - Juan Salas (also known as Juan Carlos) claimed a false identity was used to charge him with harassment, stated he was deprived of food, water, medical attention, and sleep during jail, and asked the city to clear his name and remove a video of Jessica Kyle that he said put his family in danger. - Brian Tantzager (born and raised in Shakopee) supported Kyle, alleging that Salas threatened him with an axe and that police have not taken action. He criticized the police department for not addressing the ongoing dispute and suggested the city benefits financially from the calls. - In response, City Administrator Mr. Reynolds provided statistics: Jessica Kyle has 14 active cases and 11 under review (25 total); Juan Salas has 16 active and 9 under review (25 total); Ms. Fox has 0 active and 9 under review. He stated “clearly the PD is not choosing sides.” Discussion Items - Agenda Modification (Data Centers & Flock Cameras): Mayor Lehman requested adding discussion items on data centers and flock cameras. Council agreed to direct staff to research both topics and bring them back for future discussion; no action was taken at this meeting. - 2027 Preliminary Budget and Levy Overview: Finance Director presented a detailed overview. The proposed levy increase is 8.65% ($2.44 million), broken into: 3.5% for fire services (transition to 24/7 staffing), 1.22% for debt service, and 3.94% for all other changes. Key points: - Fire department: Full implementation of two fully staffed stations, supported by a $2.63 million SAFER grant (25% local match in years 1-2, 65% in year 3). Overtime costs remain due to minimum staffing. - No new positions proposed except a public works request (one additional employee, 50% levy-funded at $52,000), which is not yet included in the recommended budget. - Other changes: $224,000 in one-time adjustments, $340,000 in non-property tax revenue increases (offset by $280,000 decrease in building permits), $150,000 decrease in transfers, and $300,000 from self-insurance fund for health insurance. - Personnel costs (70% of general fund) assume 3.0% COLA and a preliminary 16.3% health insurance increase (rates expected soon). - Median home value rose to $375,300 (3.9% increase), resulting in an estimated $101 (10%) property tax increase on the median home; if value unchanged, $54 (5.4%) increase. - Shakopee ranks fourth lowest in property taxes among metro cities with 25,000–100,000 population, and lowest in cost of city services among peer cities. - The EDA levy remains at $550,000 (no change), within the statutory cap of 0.0185% of estimated market value ($8.98 billion, up 4.3%). - Council members asked about the public works position, overtime, and comparisons to other cities. Staff will explore using fund balance to reduce debt service levy. - Reports and Announcements: - Councilor Lara reported on Night to Unite attendance and the 10th Avenue safety analysis open house (survey open-ended on city website). - Councilor Contreras summarized various community events (root beer floats, summer carnival, NLPOA, bricks presentation, e-bikes in the park). - Mayor Lehman noted attending the Xavier Galen memorial, a fire dispatch meeting, Night to Unite, a concert at the amp, and the 10th Avenue discussion. He emphasized the need to balance traffic movement and safety on 10th Avenue. - Parks and Recreation: Free movie nights in Huber Park (next: August 22 at dusk, movie “Hoppers”). Community Center closed August 24-30 for annual maintenance. - City Administrator Reynolds announced the emergency management plan will be brought to council for approval but not released publicly; it will be discussed in open session with general terms. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - Public comments received; no action taken. Council directed staff to not make public statements regarding ongoing matters (Mayor’s caution). - Workshop on 2027 Preliminary Budget: No vote taken. Council expressed desire to lower the levy. The finance director will present the administrator’s recommended budget in September; preliminary levy must be approved by September 30, 2026. - Future agenda items: Staff directed to research data centers and flock cameras for future council discussions. - Adjourned at conclusion of meeting to September 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM (motion by Councilor Lara, seconded by Councilor Contreras, unanimous).

The Shakopee Planning Commission met on August 17, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., to consider proposed amendments to City Code Sections 151.002 and 151.007 K that would allow indoor cannabis cultivation up to 5,000 square feet and cannabis manufacturing in the Highway Business (B-1) zoning district. After hearing testimony from the applicants and staff, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial to the City Council. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the July 9, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes as part of the consent agenda. Commissioner Weiler stated an abstention, though the Chair declared the motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicants Rory Cummings and Tom Madden, who have state pre-approval for a cannabis microbusiness license with retail endorsement, testified in support of the amendments for their leased space at 491 Marshall Road. They said they need to grow roughly 50 plants in about 1,000 square feet to supply their planned Minnetonka store because cannabis is unavailable at viable prices—about $4,000–$4,500 per pound—and their licenses expire in January 2027. - They stated they declined the on-site consumption endorsement to control odor, planned grow-tent filtration on top of state requirements, expected no meaningful noise beyond HVAC, and would exceed OCM security requirements with 24-hour monitoring and recorded footage. They also compared the operation to breweries and distilleries allowed in commercial districts. - The applicants acknowledged that city code would require a cannabis cultivator license for cultivation, while state law prohibits holding a cultivator license together with a microbusiness license; they said the ordinance change was needed to avoid violating state law. They also said they would convert the Shakopee location to a dispensary once prices fall. - No other members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - Staff member Mr. Kersky presented the ordinance amendment, explaining that the current code permits cannabis retail and microbusiness uses in B-1, while cultivation and manufacturing are allowed only in I-1 and I-2 districts. Staff recommended denial, finding that cultivation and manufacturing are not consistent with the B-1 district’s retail purpose, that B-1 includes residences and abuts residential areas, that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan designates B-1 as mixed-use commercial rather than industrial, that the proposed cultivator definition would depart from state language and other city cannabis definitions, and that removing endorsement restrictions could allow industrial uses wherever a license type is permitted. - Commissioners expressed concerns that approving the request would change the character of B-1, create a precedent or “Pandora’s box” for non-retail and industrial uses, conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, and place cannabis cultivation close to apartments, homes, and a hotel at the proposed site. Key Outcomes - The Commission opened and closed the public hearing by unanimous voice vote. - Commissioner Robbins moved to recommend denial of the proposed ordinance amendments; Commissioner Weiler seconded. - The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote: Commissioners Forsyth, Weiler, Cheras, Vanderveen, and Robbins voted “Aye.” The denial recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. - The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. until the September meeting.