Public Meetings - Shakopee, Minnesota

The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on December 3, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting included approval of routine consent items, a discussion and vote on transferring a development agreement and guarantee for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) property, and approval of the EDA bill list. All actions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approved the EDA meeting minutes from the previous session. - Approved the agenda. Discussion Items - Transfer of Guarantee and Contract for Private Development: Mr. Kersky explained that the original development agreement and guarantee must be transferred when the property is sold, because the city holds the TIF note and receives TIF value. The guarantee requires the property owner to make up any shortfall if tax revenues fall below the required amount. The seller, DECO Shakopee LLC (an affiliate of Enclave, represented by Austin Morris), decided to sell because limited partners wanted to move funds to another project. The buyer is LOUMIN HOLDINGS DECO LLC. Board member Mr. Lahman asked about an interfund loan with interest payments referenced in the memo; staff provided a year-to-date update. The board then approved Resolution E2025-005 approving the assignment and assumption of the contract for private development and transfer of redevelopment property. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution E2025-005 transferring the development agreement and guarantee from DECO Shakopee LLC to LOUMIN HOLDINGS DECO LLC under the same terms. - Approved the EDA bill list by unanimous consent. - Adjourned to January 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

The city council met on December 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a public hearing on the 2026 budget and property tax levy, a recess to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting, and liaison reports. The council approved the consent agenda as modified, adopted a temporary advertising and sponsorship signage policy, and closed the public hearing with no public comment. The EDA approved a development agreement transfer. The council also received liaison reports on utility updates, the Chief Tate award, and retirement plans. Consent Calendar - Approved as modified (item 5C was pulled by Councilor Lara for separate discussion). The consent agenda included: purchases of four skid steer loaders and a fire department pickup truck; concessions operation policy; Sand Venture Large Yellow Slide refinishing; Community Center sauna remodel; Copman playground equipment purchase; easement acquisition for Boiling Springs drainage improvements; approval of November 18, 2025 minutes; event sponsorships by Lawfler Construction, Krause Anderson, and Lion Site; tobacco, pawnbroker, and taxicab business license renewals for 2026; and purchase of land in the West End for open space/bluff protection. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeff Bolt (1401 Herein Court) addressed the council regarding a proposed road connection between Marsha Lane and Wood Timber Trails/Wood Acres. He stated the Scott County engineer had told him the item would be on the agenda, but it was not listed. The council noted the county engineer does not control the agenda and advised Mr. Bolt to contact the engineer directly. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Item 5C – Temporary Advertising and Sponsorship Signage Policy: Councilor Lara pulled this item from the consent agenda. He reported that all council questions had been satisfactorily answered by staff, and the policy would not hinder organizations the city works with. Administrator Reynolds noted he sent an email to council clarifying the policy for future reference. The council then moved to adopt the policy; the motion passed unanimously. - Public Hearing – 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy: Finance Director (Mr. Reinhart) presented the proposed budget. Key points: - The city levy is proposed at $28,214,480, a 5.5% increase ($1.47 million) from 2025, including $1.2 million for general fund operations and $300,000 for capital improvement levy. - The city has the fourth lowest tax rate among 32 metro cities with populations 25,000–100,000. - The median home value increased from $350,700 to $361,500, resulting in a $63 (6.8%) tax increase on the median home; without value change, the increase would be $30 (3.2%). - A $350,000 general fund balance was set aside for debt service levy, and a $50,000 increase in the EDA levy was included. - New expenditures include a health inspector position (offset by fees), Minnesota paid leave program implementation, a part-time to full-time clerk, and a shared marketing specialist. - A market compensation study led to pay plan adjustments totaling $320,000 to bring non-union positions to market midpoint. - The city’s taxable market value is $8.7 billion, up 5% (57.8% from new construction). - The city remains a net contributor to the fiscal disparities program (fourth largest out of 179 communities). - No public comments were made. The hearing was closed; no council action was taken. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (with 5C removed) by unanimous voice vote. - Temporary advertising and sponsorship signage policy adopted (motion by Councilor Lara, seconded; unanimous aye). - Public hearing closed (motion by Councilor Whiting, seconded by Councilor Lara; unanimous aye). No action on the budget or levy; the final adoption is scheduled for December 16, 2025. - EDA meeting: Approved resolution E 2025-005 approving the assignment and assumption of the contract for private development from DECO Properties LLC to Loman Holdings Deco LLC (all terms unchanged). Also approved the EDA bill list and adjourned to January 6, 2026. - Council adjourned to December 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Liaison & Announcements - Councilor Delaney: Reported that the 169 Coalition will cease operations in 2026 with a final meeting in February. Shakopee Public Utilities noted 1,300 customers with unknown pipe type for lead replacement letters; 41 electric AMI meters remain to be installed. - Councilor Whiting: Attended Chief Tate’s award ceremony. - Councilor Contreras: Attended the Boardwalk ribbon cutting (November 19) and Chief Tate’s ceremony (November 25). - Councilor Lara: Same events; also attended the Boardwalk Bar & Grill ribbon cutting. - Mayor Lehman: Acknowledged Chief Tate’s retirement at the end of February 2025. Administrator Reynolds announced the city is accepting applications for a new police chief. - News & Announcements: Winter parking restrictions are in effect (2–6 AM, until April 1). Holiday Fest 2025 is Saturday, December 6, from 2–6 PM in downtown Shakopee, featuring a vendor marketplace, Santa, tree lighting, and fireworks.

The Shakopee City Council met at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The council recognized photo contest winners, approved consent items, discussed two removed items (Arbor Bluff Third Addition final plat and Reuter Walton Development revenue bonds), adopted a towing company licensing ordinance, and heard liaison reports. All motions passed by voice vote without audible opposition, except as noted. Special Presentations - City Administrator Bill Reynolds, filling in for communications staff, recognized winners of the Show Off Shakopee photo contest. More than 110 votes were cast by city staff. Winners received cash prizes, including a $100 grand prize to Jane Veldy for a fireworks photo. Other category winners included Christopher Straub, Mr. Nye, Mr. Schlepper, Kathleen Borka, and Luciana Gilson. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as modified after staff removed item 6E (Arbor Bluff Third Addition final plat) for a presentation and noted that items 6A and 6M required only a simple majority. - Councilor Whiting moved, seconded by Councilor Delaney, to approve the consent agenda as modified; Councilor Delaney removed item 6J for discussion. The remaining consent items were approved, including: surplus property; the 12th Avenue Improvement Project feasibility report and call for a public hearing; the October 2025 monthly financial report; the SEH proposal for design and in-construction services for the 2026 Downtown ADA, Lighting and Tree Rehabilitation Improvements; change orders for the SRF West End AUAR Five Year Update and Miller Dunwoodie Architects; the October 1, 2025 and November 5, 2025 City Council minutes; the resolution for St. Francis Regional Medical Center revenue bonds and ratification of Resolution R2025-125; and additional information on the salvaged squad authorized for disposal from the January 21, 2025 meeting. - NOTE: The printed agenda included a consent item 6L, a dog park change order totaling $9,860.00. Staff's reading of the consent agenda in the transcript did not mention 6L, but no council member moved to remove it; the motion approved the consent agenda as modified. Public Comments & Testimony - A couple who identified themselves as Shakopee Public Utilities customers in good standing since June 2014 spoke about AMI/smart metering infrastructure. They said SPU has charged them noncompliance fees and plans to disconnect electric and water service after three months. They stated they are not refusing access to SPU equipment, but are asking for proof that the new meters do not cause harm, and they want to keep their fully functioning analog meters. They requested a written response by December 4, 2025, explaining who has jurisdiction over SPU and what laws require AMI technology. They provided a copy of their letter. - Councilor Whiting asked whether SPU had contacted them about an opt-out program. The speakers said they had received an email but not an official letter, and that the proposed meter is still a smart meter without RF communication, which they said raises "dirty electricity" concerns. The Mayor said staff would respond to their request. Business Removed from Consent Agenda - Arbor Bluff Third Addition Final Plat (6E): Staff presented the third and final phase of the Arbor Bluff subdivision, south of Valley View Road and west of Independence Drive. The final plat creates 68 single-family lots and one outlot and is consistent with the previously approved PUD and preliminary plat. Staff showed photos of preserved wooded areas and a bridge to be installed over the waterway. Councilor Whiting asked about the Arbor Bluff Creek work; staff explained that the creek runs through the area, improvements were made, and future holding ponds are planned similar to SMSC to prevent flooding. Councilor Lara moved to approve Resolution R2025-126; Councilor Contreras seconded; the motion passed. - Reuter Walton Development Revenue Bonds / LIHTC Application (6J): Councilor Delaney explained the item is conduit debt with no tax or bond liability to the city and is needed for the developer to apply for a state housing allocation, which is a lottery. The project, described as "as of right," involves about 180 units. The Mayor said he had concerns that it would be the largest project in Shakopee and that questions about renter screening and policing costs were unanswered; he initially said he would not support it until those answers were provided. He asked to add wording that taxpayers would have zero liability. Bond counsel confirmed the city has no responsibility and agreed to the wording. Councilor Whiting moved to adopt Resolutions R2025-129 and R2025-130 to allow Reuter Walton Development LLC to apply for low-income housing tax credits, contingent on receiving an allocation in January 2026; if successful, a public hearing on the conduit revenue bond issuance would be scheduled for 2026. The amended motion passed. Bond counsel also explained the allocation threshold could be as low as 25 percent, down from 50 percent, though Minnesota Management & Budget has not yet decided whether it will use the lower threshold. General Business: Towing Company Ordinance - Staff presented Ordinance O2025-023, creating standards, rules, regulations, and licensing for towing companies. It resulted from complaints about predatory towing by companies not under the city contract and is nearly identical to an ordinance passed in Savage. The ordinance would license towing companies, set rules, and allow complaints to be appealed to the Chief of Police and ultimately to the City Council. The Mayor and staff described problems including unjustified hook-ups, drop fees, holding vehicles hostage, and exorbitant prices. Staff noted the issue had grown since they last considered it two to three years ago, and that some towing companies are already avoiding Shakopee because the ordinance is pending. Councilor Lara moved to adopt Ordinance O2025-023; Councilor Delaney seconded; the motion passed. Liaison Reports and Announcements - Councilor Delaney reported the 169 coalition is winding down and needs two-thirds member approval to dissolve the joint powers agreement; there was no SPU meeting, and a joint Jackson Township meeting occurred. - Councilor Whiting reported MVTA Connect free rides to and from food shelves through November 21; a downward adjustment in CEO pay after a salary compensation study discrepancy; approved MVTA budgets with uncertain replacement bus funding; MVTA's ownership of buses, mechanics, and stations as a contrast to Met Council comparisons; a new Shakopee-to-University of Minnesota route; and strong Renaissance Festival ridership, with Taylor Swift as the biggest ridership event. - Councilor Contreras reported ribbon cuttings for Moon Leaf and Hope Renewed Thrift Store; a SCEL meeting with 2026 legislative priorities and a Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District update; and an RTF meeting that included a request for a written notice of non-participation and a revised fee schedule ($25 per eight hours rather than a full-day fee). - The Mayor reported an MLC meeting with Governor Walz in which the Governor committed to sign a bill restructuring the Met Council if both sides send him one; Walmart's grand reopening and community grants to Shakopee PD, Fire, and Southern Valley Alliance; both school referendum questions passing on November 4; and the Hope Renewed Thrift Store ribbon cutting. He also discussed local control and the view that the Met Council has exceeded its legislative charge and should return to its original planning role under the Minnesota Land Planning Act. - Winter parking restrictions are in effect until April 1; no parking is allowed on city streets from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., with certain exceptions in the calendar zone. Holiday Fest 2025 will be Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown Shakopee, with a winter vendor marketplace, Santa, tree lighting, and fireworks. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda as modified. - Approved the consent agenda as modified, including all remaining listed consent items except those removed. - Approved Resolution R2025-126 for the final plat of Arbor Bluff Third Addition (68 single-family lots). - Approved Resolutions R2025-129 and R2025-130 for Reuter Walton Development LLC's LIHTC application and conduit debt preliminary approval, amended to state no taxpayer liability. - Adopted Ordinance O2025-023 establishing a towing company licensing program and regulating consensual and non-consensual towing. - Referred the AMI meter public comment to staff for a written response. - Adjourned to December 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting Date: November 7, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM (recorded as 14:30 UTC) Location: City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, Shakopee, MN This was a brief regular meeting of the Shakopee Planning Commission. The commission approved the agenda and consent agenda (with a correction), and adjourned with no public comments or other business.

The Shakopee Board of Adjustment and Appeals met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The agenda listed a 7:00 p.m. start; the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. All seven commissioners were present. The board unanimously approved both conditional use permits on the agenda, each by a 7-0 roll-call vote. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously after no additions or subtractions were offered. - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from October 9, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - No interested citizens addressed the board during the open citizen comment period at the start of the meeting. - During the first public hearing, applicant Aaron Judish (PRS Towing and Transportation) said he bought into the business in September 2025, believed his partner had completed the CUP application, and did not object to the proposed conditions. Property owner Eugene Hansen said the original 8-foot fence was legal when installed 25 years ago under a conditional permit and was later removed and replaced in the same location by another builder. - During the second public hearing, several Riverside Fields-area residents and neighborhood association board members spoke against the proposed memory care facility. Todd Cruz cited the building’s mass and 30-foot setback, called it imposing for the neighborhood, and worried visitors would use the association’s pool parking lot for overflow. Jackie Tessing raised privacy concerns about a three-story building overlooking the neighborhood pool, cited 80 petition signatures against the project, and argued the CUP findings were not met. Alina Slitsky, a resident since 2005, said the building would hurt property values and worsen traffic and trespassing problems already associated with nearby businesses; she also asked for construction cleanup. Dean Haider opposed placing a multi-family-style facility in a single-family neighborhood and called it an eyesore. Amy Yanta asked why the empty lot near Valvoline was not chosen and also asked that construction debris be cleaned up. At a later point, Todd Cruz cited 75 petition signatures, an apparent discrepancy with the earlier 80-signature figure. Discussion Items Conditional Use Permit for Exterior Storage of Vehicles – 1515 Maras St. - The raw transcript alternately refers to the address as 1515/1550 Maris/Merris; this summary uses the agenda address, 1515 Maras St. - Staff reported that PRS Towing and Transportation was operating without the required CUP. The application was submitted in June 2024 but was incomplete, and the applicant signed a lease in October 2024 for roughly 2,900 square feet of office/warehouse space and 23,100 square feet of outdoor storage. The city learned of the operation through the Shakopee Police Department in July 2025. - The proposal was to store up to 30 vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, campers, and semi-trucks, inside a fenced area for up to 45 days. Staff recommended approval of Resolution PC 2025-006 with nine conditions, including limiting fenced exterior storage to 20,000 square feet, prohibiting storage outside the fence, moving the fence at least 20 feet back from the west property line, planting two trees by June 1, 2026, and prohibiting scrap tires, auto repair, and self-storage. - Commissioners asked about enforcement if the business continued operating without meeting conditions. Staff said the business could be brought back before the board and the CUP could be revoked, with appeal to the city council. Commissioner Forsyth expressed concern that the business had operated for a year without a CUP, making revocation threats less meaningful. Conditional Use Permit for Housing Designed to Serve Persons With Disabilities – 8205 Crossings Blvd. - Staff presented a proposal by Angels Living Property Shakopee LLC for a 40-unit, three-level assisted living and memory care facility on a 1.4-acre site zoned B1 highway business. The building height was 39 feet 6 inches, below the 45-foot maximum. The applicant proposed 27 off-street parking stalls, six more than the 21 required under city code (one per three units plus one per employee on the largest shift of seven employees). - Staff noted that a similar CUP had been approved years earlier but expired because the project did not move forward. The proposed use is a listed conditional use in the B1 zone and complies with the 2040 comprehensive plan. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including off-site parking arrangements for events. - Applicant representative Eric Reiners, Fusion AE, said residents would be seniors paying rents that vary by level of care, generally around $4,500 to $6,000 per month, with minimum-care residents paying around $2,000. He also described 24/7 care, memory care, and similar facilities operated by the group in other cities. - Board discussion acknowledged the neighborhood concerns but noted the property has been zoned B1 and could be used for other permitted uses without a CUP, such as a fast-food restaurant, which could generate more traffic. Commissioners commented that the memory care facility is likely less intrusive than other allowed uses, that residents should have checked zoning before purchasing, and that parking and sightline concerns could be addressed through signage, tree planting, and communication between the applicant and neighborhood association. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved Resolution PC 2025-006, granting a conditional use permit for exterior storage of vehicles at 1515 Maras St. The motion passed 7-0. - The board unanimously approved Resolution PC 2025-007, granting a conditional use permit for housing designed to serve persons with disabilities at 8205 Crossings Blvd. The motion passed 7-0. - The board adjourned to the next regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The Shakopee Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting focused on the purchase of a deteriorated property at 124 Somerville Street and related demolition and remediation contracts. All votes were 2-1, with one member consistently opposing the use of public funds for the project. Consent Calendar - The EDA unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the previous EDA meeting. Discussion Items - Purchase Agreement for 124 Somerville Property (Item 4a): Staff reported that the property, which cannot be reused (engineers deemed it unsafe), had its price reduced to $75,000 after negotiation. Environmental testing found minimal asbestos and contamination limited to one foot of soil, which the demolition contractor will remove and send to an appropriate landfill. The property has a history as a livery stable and later an auto repair shop. A motion to approve the purchase agreement with seller Kim Robson for $75,000 (PID 27011810) passed 2-1. One board member opposed, stating public funds should not be used and that the property should be sold privately. The chair noted the EDA’s charter includes acquiring deteriorated, contaminated properties for public use and economic development. - Demolition and Remediation Contracts for 124 Somerville (Item 4b): Staff presented the low bid of $55,736 from Sherburn Companies for building demolition and site remediation, and $1,514 from Virgo Environmental for asbestos removal. The same contractor had previously removed a house at Jennifer Lanes and performed well. A motion to approve both contracts passed 2-1, with the same opposing member citing no demonstrated return on investment. Reports - EDA Bill List (Item 5a): No questions were raised, and the bill list was acknowledged as passed without a formal motion. Key Outcomes - Approved purchase agreement for 124 Somerville Street ($75,000) by a 2-1 vote. - Approved demolition and remediation contracts (combined $57,250) for the same property by a 2-1 vote. - The meeting was adjourned to December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. With Mayor Lehman and Councilmember Lada absent, three councilmembers (Delaney, Whiting, and Contreras) conducted the business. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a public hearing for St. Francis Regional Medical Center revenue bonds, and a subsequent Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda as presented. - Approved the consent agenda as amended, pulling Item 6D (2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan) for separate discussion. The following items were approved unanimously: - 6A: Operating Budget and Financial Reporting Policies - 6B: Surplus Property - 6C: Employee Handbook Updates & Changes 2025 - 6E: Monthly Financial Report - September 2025 - 6F: Issue a Negative Declaration on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project - 6G: Approval of October 21, 2025 City Council Minutes - 6H: Walmart Foundation's Spark Good Local Grants Program Application and Award - 6I: Approval of 2026 NEOGOV Contract Renewal Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period. Discussion Items - 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Pulled from the consent agenda (previously tabled). Motion to accept the CIP passed 2-1 (with one councilmember opposed, expressing disagreement over using public funds). The plan was approved as the majority vote sufficed. - Public Hearing – St. Francis Regional Medical Center Revenue Bonds: The council opened a public hearing for the issuance of up to $70 million in conduit revenue bonds. Amy Jurdy (President/CEO) and Angela Gutzmer (Finance Director) presented the project: an emergency department renovation and expansion (Phase 2+) totaling $36.2 million, adding 7 exam rooms (total 34), a drive-through ambulance garage, and a circular drop-off area. The bonds would also refund 2014 bonds. No public comments were received. The hearing was closed, and a motion to authorize the bonds passed unanimously. Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting - Purchase Agreement – 124 Somerville Street: Approved the purchase of the property for $75,000 (price reduced due to contamination), with demolition planned. Vote: 2-1 (one member opposed, arguing against using public funds). - Demolition and Remediation Contracts: Approved contracts with Sherburn Companies ($55,736 for demolition/site remediation) and Virgo Environmental ($1,514 for asbestos removal). Vote: 2-1 (same dissenting member). - EDA Bill List: Approved without objection. - Adjournment: EDA meeting adjourned to December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Reports & Announcements - Liaison Reports: Councilmember Whiting reported on the Jack-O-Lantern 5K run, Shakopee Public Utilities opt-out policy change, and a meeting with Commissioner Brennan on nuclear energy. Councilmember Delaney reported on an MDTA meeting. - City Bill List: Approved. - News and Announcements: - Marystown Road reopened to traffic on October 31 after completing the first stage (roundabout); second stage begins April 2026. - Holiday Fest 2025 scheduled for December 6, 2025, downtown. - Social District closed for season, will temporarily reopen December 6-7, then again in May 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved as amended (exc. 6D). - 2026-2030 CIP approved 2-1. - St. Francis revenue bonds authorized unanimously (up to $70 million). - 124 Somerville Street purchase approved 2-1; demolition contracts approved 2-1. - Special presentation on Show Off Shakopee Winners postponed. - Next meeting: November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

On October 29, 2025 (the provided agenda was dated October 1, 2025, a discrepancy noted here), the Shakopee City Council and Scott County Commissioners met jointly at the Scott County Government Center in a workshop format. No formal minutes were available. Officials agreed at the start to move the County Road 17 neighborhood meeting update to the top of the agenda because the room was full, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn. County Road 17 Neighborhood Meeting Update - County staff member Tony said the previous night's open house covered the Marshan neighborhood north to County Road 79 and east–west from County Road 70 to 78 and 79 to 17. Changes since the April open house included revised access at Marshan and Norton Drive and upgrading the roadway from County Road 14 north to County Road 42 from two lanes to four lanes. The main new discussion point was a proposed frontage-road connection between the Marshan neighborhood and the neighborhood to the north, with red and blue alignment options. - There were 65 attendees and 26 comment cards, with additional comments still arriving by email. Comment themes included widespread dissatisfaction, concerns about added traffic on north-side city streets and at the Wood Duck/County Road 17 intersection, pedestrian and bicycle safety, lack of sidewalks and trails, impacts to Blue Heron Court and the Bolt and Welsh properties, and the fact that the northern neighborhood had not been notified for the April open house. There was general consensus that the new U-turn opportunity near Marsha Lane/Norton Drive was an improvement over the earlier April proposal. - An official, identified in the discussion as the mayor, requested a smaller northern-neighborhood meeting similar to the earlier Norton neighborhood session, rather than another large open house. Tony said the county project team will review all comments and return with recommendations. Right-of-way decisions are on the critical path for the planned 2027 project, with roughly 14 months available; a separate meeting with the Bolt and Welsh property owners was scheduled for the following week. Public Comments & Testimony - Julie Welsh, 1525 29th Avenue, a directly affected property owner, said she disagreed with Tony's characterization of the open-house comments. In her view, the majority of attendees opposed the frontage-road connection, not just the two directly affected property owners. She referenced a petition. - Jim Neilson, 1393 Woodduck Trail, who lives on the corner of Marshall and Wood Duck, confirmed that his emailed comments had been received. - Megan Nelson, 1316 Blue Heron Trail, said she planned to gather more petition signatures and asked about deadlines. Officials responded that additional petition signatures could still be submitted to the record. Solid Waste – Regional and County Plan Update - Kate, from Scott County Environmental Services, said the MPCA updated the metro solid-waste policy plan in January 2024, and counties must update their plans to be consistent. The state statute goal is to recycle 75% of waste by 2030. She identified organics — food and yard waste — as a key component, noting food waste is about 25% of waste going to landfills. - Scott County used its Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) to choose optional strategies. SWAC supported the required strategy to make curbside organics collection available in cities with a population over 5,000 by 2030, while leaving collection methods flexible. SWAC recommended an alternative frequency strategy: haulers must provide an extra recycling cart at no cost to households that want more capacity. - The City of Shakopee's letter to SWAC said Shakopee is currently contracted with DSI and has every-other-week recycling and weekly or every-other-week trash collection. Residents have expressed interest in weekly recycling; DSI indicated it would be extremely challenging to add that service without charging for it. Shakopee stated a preference to retain local control over hauler and service levels. City staff also raised concerns about a third container for organics. - Kate noted landfills are necessary but leachate, PFAS, VOCs, and long-term monitoring costs make landfilling unsustainable as the primary destination. Food-bag organics programs and anaerobic digestion are available options. County–city partnership programs include single-day cleanups, recycling drop-offs, business recycling grants, and school outreach. In response to questions, she said energy-market benefits from organics digestion are not guaranteed, and the county is working with other counties on solid-waste legislative priorities. Co-Responder Program Update - Amber Barnes, Scott County adult mental health supervisor, said coordinated response launched in March 2023 with embedded mental health professionals at Shakopee PD, Savage PD, the Scott County Sheriff's Office, and the Scott County jail. In July/August 2025 it expanded to all Scott County jurisdictions. It is primarily a follow-up model that connects people to longer-term services, with some in-progress response when scenes are safe. - Chief Tate reported significant results: calls involving one individual declined from 84 to four; patrol hours, multi-officer responses, and transport holds were reduced, including 133 fewer combined transports/holds. He said the return on investment has been strong and urged continued investment. Shakopee currently has one co-responder; a council member asked about adding another. Barnes and Tate said the workload justifies watching for burnout and future expansion. - Officials praised the program as an effective investment producing transformative outcomes. Housing/Homelessness Update - Tanya Ward, Scott County director of behavioral health and housing, reviewed the housing continuum. Hope's Portage, a 14-unit emergency housing project in Prior Lake for families and children, is under construction with a $6 million state grant and about $800,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for land; the approximate cost was discussed as just under $450,000 per unit. It will operate with community partners, including CAP and Shepherd of the Lake, and is intended to help keep children in their school of origin. - Coordinated entry numbers in Scott County rose in 2025. Minnesota Department of Education data showed 136 students in Scott County experiencing homelessness, which Ward said is an undercount. - Damascus Way will begin moving people into a new women's transitional home in Shakopee the following Monday; a men's home already operates there. Ward cited an evaluation showing high crime-free outcomes: 89% and 78% for people involved with the homes, and 90% and 81% for program completers at one and two years. ALOS Ministries is expanding with two additional buildings in Shakopee, and Prairie Point is expected to open at the end of the year. - Julie, from the Scott County CDA, reported on local affordable housing aid funded by the quarter-cent housing sales tax. Shakopee contributed about $200,000 in 2024 plus an additional 2025 allocation. The residential rehab loan program has received 46 Shakopee household responses, 10 pending applications, and two initial inspections completed. Loans are zero-percent deferred loans repaid upon sale or refinance. - The CDA purchased a Shakopee four-plex using ARPA and CDA funds; units give preference to people with disabilities and accept housing vouchers. The Moraine Addition received building permits the prior week; 10 single-family homes will be built by 2027, with construction costs around $500,000 per home and sales prices around $300,000 under a shared-equity ground lease. The CDA also plans to demolish an old property by year-end and is discussing townhomes with a private developer. Sales and Use Tax Plan Update - Lisa, from Scott County, presented the county's half-percent local option sales tax program and distinguished it from the regional three-quarter-cent sales tax, of which the county receives 17%, with the rest going to the Metropolitan Council for transit. The local sales tax was adopted in 2015 following 2013 state legislation. - The program has funded or helped fund interchanges and projects including County Road 69 in Shakopee, Highway 13/101 in Savage, the 21/13 project in Prior Lake, the Mobile Manor frontage road, the County Road 14 overpass near the Renaissance Festival, the CHS/FabCon interchange, the 59/169 and Bluff Drive interchanges, the 282/County Road 9 project in Jordan, transit and park-and-ride investments, and the 169/17 pedestrian bridge. The county renewed the tax in 2022 through 2032 and shifted focus toward county principal arterials such as County Road 17 and County Road 8. - For every $1 of sales tax invested, the county has leveraged about $2 in state and federal funds. Sales tax revenue was about $13.1 million in 2024, peaked at $15 million in 2023, and is on track for about $13 million in 2025; future budgets assume $12 million per year. Upcoming major projects include Quentin Avenue, County Road 17, the County Road 17/12 roundabout, the Trunk Highway 13 Corridors of Commerce project, and County Road 8. - In response to questions, Lisa said the county does not calculate sales tax contributions by city, and Shakopee's share likely tracks population and development activity. She said the draft county Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be released to cities in the coming weeks and will show additional safety projects. The county is also evaluating river-crossing flood risks with MnDOT and Carver County. Officials thanked Lisa for her work; she is retiring. Renaissance Festival Traffic Update - Brad Davis, Scott County planning director, said the Renaissance Festival's 2025 season closed the prior weekend. Attendance was slightly down from 2024, with no single day reaching 30,000 patrons. The on-site parking cap of 7,000 vehicles was exceeded once, reaching 7,700. Staff scanned 79,912 parking passes; prepaid passes were 53,000, while gate purchases rose to 26,000 from 14,000 in 2023. Parking fees were noted to have increased from $10 prepaid/$20 at the gate in 2023 to $15/$30 in 2024 and 2025. - Bus ridership from the Canterbury park-and-ride dropped to 18,000 from 24,000 in 2024 and 31,000 in 2023, but Southwest Transit and MVTA had record years. Preliminary total transit ridership was 83,499, including 37,000 Southwest Transit riders, which would put transit mode share near 30%. Davis called this a positive outcome: attendance down slightly while transit ridership grew. No major traffic backups were reported to the county over the seven weekends, though there were some Highway 41 backups at the north entrance. LETG Update – CAD/Mobile - Adam Jesson, assistant county engineer, said Scott County plans to replace its LETG CAD/mobile system with Hennepin County's CAD Enterprise product (formerly TriTech, owned by Central Square) as part of a Hennepin–Scott CAD sharing project. The project will not change jail management or records management systems. Benefits include shared real-time information during mutual-aid incidents, dispatch backup, fire auto-dispatch, and cost savings through the negotiated contract. Cutover is planned no earlier than Q2 2026. - Work is focused on GIS data alignment, software upgrades, common identity management (CIM/SIM), governance and cost-sharing, and a cross-jurisdictional training and testing team. Sheriff Hennan said the goal is a consistent workflow and better data without making Scott County dispatch exactly like Hennepin; event codes will expand, and auto-aid and fire-response options will be more flexible. Chief Tate said the enhanced training and super-user group is important and patience has improved. Officials noted the CAD change will improve data extraction, while records management consistency will be a future project. Public's Expectation Working Together - The mayor opened a discussion on public expectations for how the city and county work together. He said communication, clarity, and respect are essential even when the two bodies disagree, and strong intergovernmental relationships matter, especially amid state and federal turbulence. The county board chair agreed, saying communication is critical and both bodies should be able to disagree with grace. - Other officials emphasized that both bodies serve the same residents, encouraged open communication, and noted that SCALE meetings are open to city council members, held the second Friday at 7:30 a.m. at The Link with a Zoom option. Citizen advisory board appointments were also mentioned as connections between the city, county, and community. In round robin, a council member thanked county staff for prompt responsiveness, and a county official said both bodies should be seen as working for the community. Key Outcomes - No consent calendar or formal action items were before the workshop. The only vote was the adjournment motion, which passed by voice vote. - County Road 17: staff will review all written comments, meet with directly affected property owners, consider alternatives, and report back. A smaller northern-neighborhood meeting was requested. - Solid waste: the county plan is pending MPCA review; organized cities will need to incorporate organics collection and/or extra-cart requirements into future hauler contracts. - Co-responder: officials affirmed continued support; data will continue to be tracked, and future expansion and burnout prevention will be monitored. - Housing/CDA: Hope's Portage construction is underway, the Damascus Way women's home is preparing to open, Moraine Addition building permits are approved, and the old CDA property is scheduled for demolition by year-end. - Transportation: the draft TIP will be circulated soon; the sales tax program remains on track through 2032; Renaissance Festival transit outcomes will continue to be monitored. - CAD/Mobile: the project continues toward a no-earlier-than Q2 2026 cutover, and the cross-jurisdictional training team is being formed.

The Shakopee City Council met on October 21, 2025 at 7 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered routine consent items, public hearings on delinquent accounts, acceptance of a FEMA SAFER grant for firefighter staffing, a presentation on a workforce housing development, a comprehensive plan amendment, and a workshop on the EDA 2026 budget. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved with the removal of items 5B (2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan) and 5D (2024 Mill and Overlay Project). Remaining items included debt policy, grant applications, surplus equipment, parking restrictions, snow removal locations, media relations policy, special event permit, home occupancy modifications, short-term rental licensing, October 7 meeting minutes, encroachment agreement, promotion of Corey Murray to Fire Captain, and two grant applications. All approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Item 5B (Capital Improvement Plan): Councilmember Delaney expressed concern over $1.5 million for monument signs (with $750,000 federal grant) and overall uncertainties. Staff clarified that each project requires separate council approval. A motion to table the item passed on a voice vote. - Item 5D (Mill and Overlay Project): Staff explained that $42,770.51 final payment from the building fund was appropriate for the pavement project including a public works parking lot. Approved unanimously via Resolution R2025-12. - Public Hearing 8A (Delinquent Refuse Bills): 134 properties with $23,768.46 in unpaid bills were certified for property tax collection. DSI reduced the number from previous years. Resolution R2025-118 adopted. - Public Hearing 8B (Delinquent Police Alarms and Mowing): 3 parcels totaling $780 in unpaid false alarm and mowing fees were certified for property tax collection. Resolution R2025-117 adopted. - Item 9A (FEMA SAFER Grant): Chief Simon presented a federal grant to add 12 firefighter positions (3 battalion chiefs, 3 captains, 6 firefighters) over three years with a cost-sharing requirement (25% in years 1-2, 65% in year 3). The grant will use $500,000 from fund balance for year one. Council approved Resolution R2025-112 accepting the award and authorizing execution. - Item 9B (Workforce Housing Presentation): Jared Ackman of Reuter Walton presented a concept for a 180-unit workforce housing development on a seven-acre site near County Road 69 and Marschall Road. The project would be financed with $17 million in conduit bonds (city acts as conduit without liability) and tax credits. Rents would be restricted: one-bedroom $1,430, two-bedroom $1,700, three-bedroom $1,960 at 60% AMI, with 3% of units at 30% AMI. Council discussed building height (under 45 feet), balconies, roof visibility, fencing, and neighborhood concerns. No formal action taken; developer will return in November for bond resolution. - Item 9C (Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Richland Court): Staff explained that the Met Council requires reguiding eight single-family lots from suburban residential to suburban edge residential to meet density standards. Councilmember Whiting criticized the Met Council's role. No motion or action taken on the amendment. - Workshop 10A (EDA 2026 Budget): Staff reviewed EDA powers, comparable city levies, and proposed a $550,000 levy (a $50,000 increase) with a $50,000 transfer to the general fund for administrative support. A $50,000 level 3 EV charger at Quarry Lake was included (subject to state grant). Council discussed transparency, the transfer rationale, and economic development activities including business retention, the Foundry, Canterbury Park, and GN ReSound. No formal action taken. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with two items removed (5B tabled, 5D approved). - Resolution R2025-12 adopted for 2024 Mill and Overlay final payment. - Resolution R2025-118 adopted certifying delinquent refuse bills for 2026 property taxes. - Resolution R2025-117 adopted certifying unpaid false alarm and mowing bills. - Resolution R2025-112 adopted accepting FEMA SAFER grant for 12 additional firefighter positions. - Meeting adjourned to Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 7 PM.