Public Meetings - Shakopee, Minnesota

The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on April 8, 2026, to approve a lease extension for Concrete Mobility, handle routine consent business, and set the next meeting date. The meeting was brief, with all items passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda: Motion by Commissioner Lehman, seconded, passed unanimously. - Approval of consent business (minutes from the previous meeting): Motion by Commissioner Contreras, seconded by Commissioner Lara, passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Lease Extension for Concrete Mobility: Staff member Mr. Kersky presented a one-year extension of Concrete Mobility's current lease. The extension increases the rent to approximately $19 per square foot, with the tenant agreeing to pay the full year's lease amount upfront. The total amount for the lease period (July 2026 through June 30, 2027) is $48,241. The Chair noted approval of the upfront payment arrangement. A motion to approve the lease extension was made by Commissioner Delaney, seconded, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Lease Extension Approved: The EDA unanimously approved the one-year lease extension for Concrete Mobility at $19 per square foot, totaling $48,241, with payment due in full upfront. - Bill List Acknowledged: The EDA bill list was received via email after the original packet, with no questions raised. - Next Meeting Set: The meeting adjourned to May 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The Shakopee City Council met in regular session on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included an annual update from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), approval of a modified consent agenda, three appeals of revoked conditional use permits, approval of a final plat, an amendment to the Shakopee Public Utilities franchise agreement for large power users, and liaison and announcement reports. All councilmembers and the mayor were present. Special Presentation: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Annual Update - MVTA CEO Luther Weiner reported that Shakopee ridership increased by more than 18% from 2024 to 2025, compared with a system-wide increase of about 7.8%. - He highlighted express routes 490 and 493, the 4-fund bus combined with Route 495, and strong ridership gains on State Fair services, Route 499, and Route 497. - Connect microtransit provided more than 12,000 trips in Shakopee and Prior Lake, with an average wait of 15 minutes. Rider demographics: 65% use Connect for work trips, 49% said they would otherwise use Uber/Lyft, 48% have annual incomes below $25,000, 47% are people of color, 60% are women, 25% have a disability or long-term health condition, and 46% are ages 35-54. - Planned 2026 service changes: weekend 497/499 local service replaced by Connect; Route 499 restructured for faster travel; Routes 495 and the 4-fund bus combined into hourly seven-day service; Eagle Creek parking reopens for Route 490; reduced Friday express schedules; and a possible merger of Routes 490 and 493. - Weiner discussed House File 5411, saying the report that preceded it omitted suburban provider feedback, used 2023-2024 high-subsidy data, and included the old Route 498 as if it still operated. He said the bill would remove local representation, could raise fares, and projected savings of $723,000 over two years. - Councilmembers responded favorably to the update and asked about advertising MVTA service to local residents on concert nights, connectivity between Canterbury and downtown Shakopee, and the role of other transit providers for amphitheater events. Councilmember Whiting praised MVTA's community partnerships. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Whiting removed Items 6Q and 6R from the consent agenda for separate consideration. - The remaining consent items were approved by one motion and voice vote. These included the traffic enforcement ordinance, bituminous pavement project acceptance, delinquent assessment hearing, Chamber of Commerce liquor license, light pole purchase, downtown ADA/lighting/tree rehab contract, wetland sequencing, Safe Routes to School plans, concession agreements, donations, trail sealcoating, minutes, DNR cooperative agreement, Schleper Field modifications, Live Nation amphitheater agreement, and an Eagle Scout tree-planting project. Public Comment - No members of the public addressed the Council during the public comment period. Business Removed from Consent Agenda - Item 6Q - General Fund Transfers: Councilmember Whiting pulled the item to vote against it, saying he disagreed with transferring unused general levy dollars into the park fund. Resolution R2026-051 was adopted, approving transfers of $475,000 to the building fund and $1,850,000 to the parks development fund, with discussion noting the funds support riverbank stabilization matching requirements. - Item 6R - Riverbank Stabilization Local Funding Commitment: Adopted as Resolution R2026-047. Staff explained that total project funding includes a $3.5 million EPA grant, state bonding, and city CIP funds including park dedication, park assets, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage funds. Recess for Economic Development Authority Meeting - The Council recessed and convened the Shakopee Economic Development Authority meeting. The EDA approved its agenda and consent business, then approved a one-year lease extension with Concrete Mobility at $19 per square foot from July 2026 through June 30, 2027, totaling $48,241, with the full year's rent paid upfront. The EDA adjourned to May 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Appeals of Board of Adjustment and Appeals Decisions - 8610 Hansen Avenue (KME Auto Repair): Staff reported the CUP for vehicle repair, approved June 8, 2023, was revoked after repeated violations of the condition requiring unlicensed/inoperable vehicles to be screened from view. Inspections on January 8, January 29, March 30, and April 2, 2026, found continuing violations. Property owner's attorney Raya Smiley said the site was in compliance as of April 7, and the property manager said he had suffered a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. The tenant did not appear. The Council adopted Resolution R2026-055 upholding the revocation. - 1555 Maras Street: The CUP for exterior storage, approved in 2024, was revoked after violations including unaffiliated semi-trailers, unlicensed/inoperable vehicles, and a dumpster outside its enclosure. Inspections on January 8, January 29, March 30, and April 2 found continued noncompliance. The property owner's attorney noted an eviction process was underway for a problem tenant and that other tenants were seeking their own CUPs. The Council adopted Resolution R2026-056 upholding the revocation. - 1515 Maras Street (PRS Towing): The CUP was revoked for noncompliance with six of nine conditions, including exceeding 20,000 square feet, storing more than 30 vehicles, failing a required towing license background check, maintaining an unpermitted fence, and residential use without a certificate of occupancy. The property owner's attorney asked the Council to reverse or stay the revocation until eviction proceedings concluded. The Council adopted Resolution R2026-059 upholding the revocation. Final Plat - Southbridge Crossings Seventh Addition - The Council adopted Resolution R2026-057 approving the preliminary and final plat for a 4.63-acre B-1 mixed-use commercial site, subdividing it into four parcels. The plat supports a proposed McDonald's and multi-tenant commercial buildings, with access from existing/future private drives and connections to adjacent properties. Amendment to Shakopee Public Utilities Franchise Agreement for Large Power Users - The Council considered an amendment to the franchise agreement to create a pilot rate for large power users, intended to make Shakopee Public Utilities competitive with Xcel Energy service areas. SPU General Manager Greg Drent said the utility currently has capacity for about three 25-megawatt users system-wide, with reserve capacity for normal growth, and not enough distribution capacity for very large data centers. - Council discussion included concerns about cost shifts to residential ratepayers, noise/air impacts of data centers, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Supporters said the amendment is a fairness tool to attract businesses and fill existing buildings. A question was raised about Councilmember Delaney's potential conflict as a paid SPU liaison; the city attorney advised it was not a conflict. - The motion passed 3-2. Reports, Liaisons, and Announcements - The 169 Coalition is winding down, with refunds expected mid-year and the website being preserved for 10 years. - MVTA board approved an Oracle ERP system and accepted Dakota County and Scott County grants for Southbridge station wayfinding signs with QR codes. - Shakopee Public Utilities elected officers and named new water and electric supervisors. - Housing trust/LAHA funds have funded two loans: $22,700 for windows/masonry and $26,900 for HVAC, doors, attic insulation, gutters, and related repairs; remaining balance is $609,094. - Phase 2 of the Marystown Road project begins April 13, 2026, closing the Highway 169 South Ramp and Vierling Drive intersections and the bridge over 169; the 169 North Ramp will remain open; completion expected by mid-August. - Household cleanup day is April 20, 2026, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Public Works, 400 Gorman Street. - Tree sale pickup is April 25, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Public Works. - The Council adjourned to April 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included a joint session with the Shakopee Public Utilities (SPU) Commission. Key outcomes included the approval of the final plat for Bluff View 2nd Addition (4–1), and informational discussions on SPU's year in review, future annexation plans, and a proposed amendment to the franchise fee agreement for large load customers. Consent Calendar - All 18 consent agenda items were approved unanimously without discussion. These included the monthly financial report for February 2026; awards for pavement rehabilitation, sewer televising, and intersection improvements; cooperative agreements with Scott County, SPU, and MnDOT; surplus property; approval of March 3, 2026 minutes; delegation of plumbing review ordinance (O2026-008); acceptance of an MNOSHA grant; easements for Xcel Energy; ordinance on wireless communication towers (O2026-005); an interim use permit for a construction trailer; and hiring a Communications Specialist - Digital Media at Step 6. Public Comments & Testimony - Scott County Commissioner Jody Brennan spoke about mortgage theft/fraud prevention. She stated that Scott County has no record of such incidents but encouraged residents to sign up for a free Property Watch Alert on the county land records website to receive notifications of any changes to their property records. She noted that Minnesota’s abstract title search requirement makes mortgage theft more difficult than in other states. The city administrator confirmed that the county assessor will present at the April 7 meeting. Discussion Items 8A – Final Plat of Bluff View 2nd Addition - Staff presentation: Applicant Summergate Development proposes the second and final phase of a single-family residential subdivision with lots of varying widths. The plat is consistent with approved guiding (suburban residential, 3–6 units/acre) and the prior PUD. City engineering imposed conditions regarding phasing and securities for County Road 16/17th Avenue and sanitary sewer. A 30+ acre parcel will be deeded to the city as open space. - Councilor Whiting expressed opposition, stating that the original intention of a parkway along the bluff line was not realized; instead, homes have backyards with views. Staff responded that a trail system through the backyards is planned, and the city-owned open space will be signed and preserved for habitat (including rusty patch brown bumblebee and long-eared bat). The motion carried 4–1, with Councilor Whiting voting no. 9A – SPU Year in Review - Mr. Durant (SPU) reported on several initiatives: - AMI system: All but three customers have been converted; an opt-out policy charges $75/month for manual meter reading. The system enables remote disconnect/reconnect and can alert customers to possible leaks via continuous overnight usage. - Water tower painting: A custom design on a prominent tower cost an $80,000 upcharge on a $1.6M paint job; it was featured in a national calendar (Top 12). - Solar grid access charge: Implemented to ensure solar customers pay a fair share of system maintenance. - Reliability: 99.99% reliability rate, with national awards. - PFAS: Below all regulatory levels but monitored. - Substation and water improvements: West Shakopee substation online; new well (Pumphouse 23); tank 9 (Woodduck Trail) bids; booster station additions; ongoing service territory discussions with Xcel Energy and Minnesota Valley Electric. - Lead service lines: Very few found; replacement ongoing with federal grant applications. - Backflow prevention: State code requires annual testing; SPU plans to consolidate testing to early season and offers testing services. 9B – City Annexation and Future Planning - Mr. Kerski (City Planner) presented future annexation areas: the Bauer property (recently annexed), Green View (under construction), a small parcel to finish Zumbro Avenue, the San property in Louisville Township (expected 2027, with lift station to serve adjacent areas). Beyond 150th Street, Shakopee, Mdewakanton, and Sioux communities own land, making further annexation unlikely. The gravel pit north of 150th is a long-term industrial opportunity. 9C – Pilot Agreement Amendment (Large Load Customers) - Mr. Durant and Mr. Reynolds proposed amending the franchise fee agreement to attract customers with loads over 10 megawatts. Current structure: 6% (5.5% to city, 0.5% to EDA) on all gross revenue. Proposed: first $1.5 million at 6%, excess at 1%. This mirrors Xcel’s existing agreement (3% on first $950,000, then 0.5%). SPU argued it is necessary to be competitive, especially as they seek to serve large industrial users or data centers, while the city’s policy is to receive twice Xcel’s rate. Estimates: a 25 MW facility at half load could still generate $16,000/month in payments. - Council concerns: Councilor Whiting and Mayor Lehman worried about subsidizing large users (especially data centers) and the contradiction of conservation messaging. They requested more information, noting the memo was received only 72 hours prior. Councilor Whiting also asked about data center water use; SPU requires closed-loop, zero water cooling. SPU clarified that 25 MW is the maximum per facility; the system could handle up to three such facilities (75 MW total). No vote was taken; the item was informational. Key Outcomes - Approved: Resolution R2026-034 approving Final Plat of Bluff View 2nd Addition (4–1). - No action: The large load franchise fee amendment was discussed but not voted on; further research and staff responses to council questions were requested. - Other: Councilor Whiting requested a future discussion on city staff’s use of NDAs. The mayor suggested waiting for state legislation, noting that NDAs are often required for businesses to share plans. The item may be revisited after the state session. - Adjourned: To the next regular meeting on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals met on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included an oath of office for newly appointed commissioners, election of officers, and a public hearing on a conditional use permit amendment for a school addition. Consent Calendar - None. The agenda was approved unanimously without any additions or subtractions. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the recognition segment for items not on the agenda. - During the public hearing for the Conditional Use Permit amendment, no audience members offered testimony. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: The board elected Commissioner Redding as Chair (unanimous aye), Commissioner Sandu as Vice Chair (5-1, with one nay), and Commissioner Weiler as Second Vice Chair (unanimous aye). - Conditional Use Permit Amendment – 4601 Dean Lakes Blvd: Staff presented a proposal by Southwest Metro Intermediate School District No. 288 to construct a 5,000 square foot fabrication lab/storm shelter, a 20x70 foot polycarbonate greenhouse, and remodel the commons and cafeteria. The facility currently serves about 260 students, mostly post-high school, with class sizes of 15-20. The addition is expected to add approximately 20-30 students. Staff recommended approval with conditions including fire truck maneuvering, materials matching existing building, and polycarbonate greenhouse. Applicant representatives Linnae Schoen and Jacob Winshuttle (Wold Architects) answered board questions about capacity, student demographics, and traffic. No public opposition was voiced. Key Outcomes - Officers elected: Redding (Chair), Sandu (Vice Chair), Weiler (Second Vice Chair) for the upcoming term. - CUP Approved: Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit amendment with staff conditions passed 6-0 on a roll call vote (Commissioners Weiler, Sandu, Redding, Cheris, Vanderbeen, Robbins all voting aye). - Other Business: Staff reported that previous CUP revocations have been appealed by the property owner’s attorney, with hearings tentatively scheduled for the April 7 City Council meeting. A separate property on Highway 101 may also return for revocation due to continued non-compliance.

The Shakopee Planning Commission met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:19 p.m. (agenda listed 7:00 p.m.) at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting was called to order at 7:19 p.m. and adjourned at 7:35 p.m. All six commissioners present: Weiler, Sandu, Redding, Cheris, Vanderveen, and Robbins. The commission elected new officers, conducted two public hearings, and welcomed two new commissioners. Election of Commission Officers - Josh Forsyth was nominated and approved by voice vote as Chair (he was absent). - Randy Robbins was nominated and approved as Vice Chair. - Mustafa (Collins) was nominated and approved as Second Vice Chair. - The gavel was handed to Vice Chair Robbins to preside over the remainder of the meeting. Public Hearing – Interim Use Permit for Temporary Construction Trailer (1099 Adams St S) - Proposal: City of Shakopee Fire Department requested an Interim Use Permit (IUP) to place a 14 × 70 ft temporary construction trailer at Lyons Park (1099 Adams St S) to house fire staff during renovation of Fire Station 2. The trailer would be removed on or before November 30, 2026. - Staff Presentation: Mr. Kirski explained that the use meets all IUP criteria (no conflict with comprehensive plan, not injurious to neighborhood, termination date certain, no additional public cost). A neighborhood meeting on February 23, 2026, had no attendees. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner asked about an existing trailer on site; staff clarified it is unrelated (for roundabout construction). Questions confirmed the trailer will house firefighters, not serve as a construction office. - Public Comment: None. - Vote: Motion to recommend approval (Resolution R2026-037) to the City Council passed unanimously (6-0) via roll call. Public Hearing – Ordinance O2026-005: Wireless Communication Towers in I-1 and I-2 Districts - Proposal: Amend City Code Sections 151.002 and 151.007 K to correct discrepancies between tower/co-location language and federal regulations (small cell towers no longer regulated locally); clarify maximum heights (85 ft on public lands, 175 ft in I-1/I-2); allow integration of towers into architectural features (e.g., bell towers, power line structures); require accessory buildings to be ≤199 sq ft; and change the status of towers in I-1/I-2 from accessory use (as-of-right) to conditional use (requiring Board of Adjustment and Appeals approval). - Staff Presentation: Mr. Kirski characterized it as a minor technical amendment prompted by increasing interest in new tower installation due to network saturation. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner asked if current towers are grandfathered (yes). Commissioner asked for clarification on accessory vs. conditional use – staff explained accessory is as-of-right with a primary use, while conditional use allows review when tower is the sole use on a site. - Public Comment: None. - Vote: Motion to recommend approval to the City Council passed unanimously (6-0) via roll call. Introduction of New Commissioners - Commissioner Mustafa (Collins) introduced himself – a 18-year resident of Shakopee, hockey fan, excited to serve. - Commissioner Sean introduced himself – resident since 2005, involved in the community, wanted to try serving on the commission. - The commission welcomed both new members. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Josh Forsyth (Chair), Randy Robbins (Vice Chair), Mustafa (Second Vice Chair). - Resolution R2026-037 (IUP for fire station trailer) approved unanimously – forwarded to City Council. - Ordinance O2026-005 (wireless tower amendments) approved unanimously – forwarded to City Council. - Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on March 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall to consider a modification of a tenant's lease and approve routine business. Key actions included approval of the agenda, consent calendar, and a controversial vote to reduce rent for a struggling local business. Consent Calendar - Approval of the March 3, 2026 EDA meeting minutes was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Modification of Lease at 155 1st Ave E (River City Centre): Staff recommended reducing the rent for a tenant whose sales had dropped approximately 30% and had a lease through October 2027. The proposed adjustment rolled rent back to $14 per square foot, the building's baseline rate. Staff noted the tenant was a longtime local business and that the EDA owned the building, making it preferable to keep the space occupied rather than risk vacancy. Some board members expressed concerns about setting a precedent for other businesses, but staff clarified the tenant had demonstrated a substantial loss, not just lower profits, and that other tenants were either offices or carry-out businesses not similarly affected. The market rate was described as competitive, with current vacancies in the area generating little interest. Key Outcomes - Lease Modification Approved: The motion to approve the rent reduction passed on a vote of 3 to 2. The reduction will remain in effect through the end of the current lease term (October 2027), with future renewal negotiations to be determined at that time. - EDA Bill List: The bill list was approved without discussion. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned to the next regular EDA meeting scheduled for April 7, 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.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included approval of an amended consent agenda, public comment, a resolution honoring retiring Police Chief Jeff Tate, approval of a plat for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant, a year-end financial report, and the first-ever Public Works and Engineering annual report presentation. The meeting adjourned to March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved as amended, with corrections noted for Item 5J (award tree removal contract for Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project – bid opening after agenda publication) and Item 5P (Laserfiche licensing renewal amount corrected to $40,574.60). No items were removed for separate discussion. - Items approved included: certification of delinquent sewer/storm drainage accounts; monthly financial report for January 2026; plans and bidding authorization for Phase III of the Downtown ADA, Lighting and Tree Rehab Improvement Project; School Resource Officer Agreement Renewal; 2026 tree purchase orders; recycling grant for Clean-Up Day events; liquor licenses for Mystic Lake Amphitheater; authorization to add three full-time firefighter positions; strength equipment replacement; tree removal contract for riverbank stabilization; Engineering Traffic Operations Policies and Procedures Manual; fee schedule amendment; approval of February 4, 2026 minutes; change order for marina materials; resolution of support for state job creation funding for a tenant at 5225 Dean Lake Boulevard; and Laserfiche licensing renewal. Public Comments & Testimony - Ot Devon Gondu, representing the Shakopee DECA chapter, urged the council to increase funding for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs such as the CAPS program at the high school. He noted that CAPS currently serves only about 200 of 700 seniors and that expanded funding could improve graduation rates and workforce readiness. Council members expressed support for trades and CTE but noted that education funding primarily comes from the state and school board. They encouraged the speaker to contact state representatives and the school board. Discussion Items - 8A – Resolution of Appreciation for Police Chief Jeff Tate and Acceptance of Resignation: Chief Tate, who served 28 years (17 as chief), was honored for his leadership, community policing, and innovations (e.g., gift card fraud reduction, Sober Ride Home). Council members praised his culture-building and low crime rates. Mayor Lehman voted against the resolution, citing consistency with past votes, but the motion carried with one dissenting. Chief Tate thanked the council and community. - 8B – Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition: The plat subdivides the former Best Buy site (4.43 acres) into two lots: 3.2 acres for a 5,200-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant with a double drive-thru, and 1.23 acres for a future user. Pedestrian access, vehicle access (right-in only on Old Carriage Road, full access on Old Carriage Court North via cross-access easements), and preservation of mature trees along County Road 21 were highlighted. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Council approved unanimously. - 8C – Monthly Financial Report (December 2025 – Preliminary): Finance Director Reinhardt presented unaudited annual results. General fund revenues exceeded budget by 110% (+$4.1M) and expenditures were at 97% (-$1.2M), yielding a preliminary net positive of $4.8M. After adjustments (payables, receivables, fund balance policy, SAFER grant requirements), an estimated $3–3.5M may be available for one-time capital projects. Investment earnings totaled $2.8M in interest plus a $1.8M unrealized gain. The city received its 40th consecutive GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. - 8D – Public Works and Engineering Annual Report Presentation: Directors Bill Egan and Alex Jordan presented the inaugural annual report. Highlights included: 31 full-time public works staff (13 with 20+ years of service), 10 engineering staff; use of new weather stations for smart salting; GPS sprayer saving paint and time; 103 miles of city-owned sidewalks; 156 miles of sanitary sewer; and 5,659 street signs. External grants funded $5.1M of $3.96M in construction contracts. Upcoming 2026 projects include riverbank stabilization, Marystown Road completion, Chick-fil-A roundabout, 12th Avenue reconstruction, Lions Park parking lot, Eagle Creek Boulevard lane conversion, and more. Key Outcomes - Resolution R2026-029 (Chief Tate appreciation and resignation acceptance): Approved with one dissenting vote (Mayor Lehman). - Resolution R2026-024 (Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition): Approved unanimously. - The council acknowledged the 40th consecutive GFOA award for financial reporting. - Staff will return with recommendations for use of year-end surplus funds (estimated $3–3.5M). - The meeting adjourned to March 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Additional Items - News and Announcements: Councilmember Contreras noted the 2026 tree pruning project starting February 17, 2026, by Cars Tree Service. - Liaison Reports: Councilmember Whiting reported on an LMC elected leaders meeting covering natural disaster lessons and leadership topics; he also reported being elevated to chair of the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority.

The Shakopee Planning Commission met on February 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, to consider a preliminary and final plat for the Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition, including a proposed Chick-fil-A restaurant. The meeting included a public hearing, staff presentation, commissioner discussion, and a unanimous vote to recommend approval to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Planning Commission meeting minutes from January 8, 2026 (approved as part of the consent agenda). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Discussion Items - Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition: Staff planner Mr. Kersky presented the proposal for a 4.43‑acre B1 highway business zoned property. The applicant proposes to subdivide into two lots: Lot A (3.2 acres) for a 5,002‑square‑foot Chick-fil-A restaurant and Lot B (1.23 acres) for a future commercial use with a drive‑thru. The site will utilize existing access points on Old Carriage Road (right‑in only) and Old Carriage Court (full access). Traffic improvements include a roundabout at Old Carriage Court and Old Carriage Road and a traffic signal at the Walmart intersection, funded in part by Chick-fil-A. An extensive traffic study was conducted. Pedestrian access will be provided along Old Carriage Court. Commissioners asked about traffic impacts, the nature of the future tenant, and the timeline. The applicant, Tim Therein of H.R. Green, confirmed Chick-fil-A expects to open in November 2026 and employ over 100 people. The roundabout is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Commissioners expressed excitement about the project and noted that the site's large size allows for ample on‑site queuing. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission voted unanimously (7‑0) to recommend approval of the Preliminary and Final Plat of Southbridge Crossings Sixth Addition to the City Council (motion by Commissioner Robbins, second by Commissioner Saputo; roll call vote: all aye). - The public hearing was closed without opposition. - The meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM.