Public Meetings - Shakopee, Minnesota

The Shakopee City Council met on June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a recess for an Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting, several general business items, and a comprehensive audit presentation. The council approved consent items, two donations, a final plat, and directed staff to refine a fence ordinance. The meeting adjourned to June 17, 2025. Consent Calendar - Items 5a through 5k were approved unanimously without discussion: surplus fire department property; Walmart Foundation grant; SCADA license agreement with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; extended construction hours for County Road 78/79 roundabout; materials procurement contract for riverbank protection; letter of support for Safe Streets and Roads for All grant; resolution of support for Downtown Quiet Zone capital budget request; construction cooperative agreement with MnDOT for Marystown Road; construction services proposal from WSB; meeting minutes of May 20, 2025; tobacco license for Northstar Regional Men's Treatment Center. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Economic Development Authority Meeting - The council recessed to convene as the EDA. Key actions: - Partnership with Canterbury for Market Feasibility Study: The EDA approved a partnership with Canterbury to reimburse 50% of costs, not to exceed $100,000, from EDA administrative funds (Canterbury TIFs). The study will be conducted by Hyden Partners ($115,000 for market feasibility) and RSP Architects ($50,000 for design) for the 28-acre southern area adjacent to the amphitheater. Branding will be addressed later. Motion passed unanimously. - Lease Amendment – Concrete Mobility: Approved a one-year lease extension (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) at $18.91 per square foot ($4,000/month) for River City Center. Concrete Mobility will vacate after this term. Motion passed unanimously. - EDA Bill List: Approved without dissent. - The EDA meeting adjourned to July 1, 2025. Discussion Items - 10A – Monetary Donation for Aquatic Programming: Sue Westergard donated $1,500 in memory of her mother and best friend to support women's water safety classes. The council accepted the donation via Resolution R2025-062. Motion passed unanimously. - 10B – Donation of AED SaveStation at Schleper Stadium: Jenny Hastings, AED coordinator for Shakopee Public Schools, presented a donation from Advanced First Aid (AFA) valued at $4,800 plus four years of cell service ($499). The unit will house an existing AED from the baseball community. AFA also donated installation ($1,300). The council approved the donation. The donor suggested future consideration of a second station near Pavilion 1 for better coverage. Motion passed unanimously. - 10C – Fence Ordinance Amendment: Staff proposed amendments to City Code Section 111.02 regarding fence construction and placement. Key proposals included requiring notarized permission from adjacent property owners for fences on the property line or connecting to existing fences; defining opaque materials; prohibiting materials like barbed wire and pallets; requiring top rails on chain-link; allowing temporary snow fence without permit Oct 1–Apr 1; limiting height to 4 feet in shoreland overlay; reducing appeal period from 30 to 10 days; and removing reference to defunct Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. - Councilmembers raised concerns: (1) The requirement for neighbor permission when building up to the property line (not on it) seemed unclear—staff clarified it applies only if the fence is physically on the line or connects to neighbor's fence. (2) The proposed appeal period of 10 days was considered too short for residential fences; consensus was 15 days. (3) Language requiring a permit for any

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting began with roll call, pledge of allegiance, and approval of the agenda as modified (removing item 8a, Final Plat of Bluff View). The consent agenda was approved unanimously, followed by public comments, liaison and administration reports, and adjournment. Consent Calendar The council approved the following routine items by a single motion without discussion: - 5a: Monthly Financial Review – April 2025 - 5b: Monetary Limits on Tort Liability for League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust - 5c: Surplus Property (forfeiture vehicles from police department) - 5d: Minnesota Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant Award - 5e: CenterPoint Energy's Community Safety Grant Program Application - 5f: Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes for May 6, 2025 - 5g: 2025 Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Televising contract - 5h: Stagecoach ID131 Control Panel Replacement - 5i: Gambling Premise Permit for Shakopee Dollars for Scholars at Boardwalk Kitchen and Bar - 5j: Special Event Permit and Temporary Liquor Licenses for Shakopee Chamber of Commerce (Rhythm on the Rails) - 5k: 3.2 On-Sale, Wine and Sunday Liquor Licenses for Joe Schleper Stadium Fund Public Comments & Testimony - Tia (Program Specialist, 180 Degrees): Spoke about a new ordinance affecting hotel operations. 180 Degrees partners with a local hotel to provide short-term shelter for homeless youth. She expressed concern that the ordinance (limiting stays to 30 days) could disrupt this partnership and requested clarity on exemptions or modifications. Council members acknowledged the comments, noted that staff would follow up, and clarified that on-site management should not use guest rooms. Tia indicated she had already spoken with staff earlier that day. - Pirate character (promotional appearance for Sand Venture grand opening): Delivered a theatrical speech claiming to have sailed up the Mississippi seeking a lost "trifle" buried in sand used for Sand Venture. He announced a treasure hunt at Sand Venture's grand opening on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, offering gold doubloons and gift bags to the first 50 families. Council members played along, joking about the pirate's request and encouraging residents to attend. Reports - Council Liaison Reports: - Councilmember Delaney reported on the 169 Coalition meeting, upcoming spring meeting, and election of officers. - Councilmember Whiting announced the Rhythm on the Rails concert lineup (Wednesday nights starting June 18, 6-9 PM). - Councilmember Contreras attended the Scott County Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship dinner and National Police Week events. - Councilmember Lara reported on school board updates: community survey due May 23, downtown steering committee, and ribbon cutting for Bricks & Minifigs. - Mayor Lehman: Mentioned conversations with state and federal partners regarding budget processes; also attended the Bricks & Minifigs ribbon cutting. - City Bill List (Item 9a): No questions; approved. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember Whiting, second by Councilmember Delaney). - No action was taken on the ordinance concerns raised by 180 Degrees; staff will follow up and council may consider modifications. - The Final Plat of Bluff View was removed from the agenda and will be addressed at a future meeting. - Upcoming events announced: Spring Launch into Literacy (May 29, 5-7 PM at Sun Path Elementary); Rhythm on the Rails (Wednesdays, June 18 – July 16, 6-9 PM); Sand Venture grand opening and treasure hunt (June 6, 11:00 AM). - The meeting adjourned to June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee Planning Commission convened for a routine regular meeting. The agenda and raw transcript identify the meeting date as Thursday, May 8, 2025, while the meeting record metadata lists the date as 2025-05-09. The meeting was called to order around 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street, and was adjourned at approximately 7:24 PM. Action was limited to approval of the agenda and consent calendar, plus a brief scheduling note. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda contained only approval of the April meeting minutes. The chair and Commissioner Sapulvido abstained because they were not present at the April meeting. After no discussion, the consent agenda was approved by voice vote, with the motion made and seconded. Other Business - The chair stated that as of the meeting date there were no items on either June agenda, so the commission likely would not meet in June. The chair also noted that they would not be present if a June meeting were scheduled. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved by unanimous voice vote with no additions or corrections. - Consent agenda (April minutes) approved by voice vote; the chair and Commissioner Sapulvido abstained. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:24 PM on a motion by Commissioner Weiler, seconded, with no opposition.

Note: The agenda and transcript list the meeting date as Tuesday, May 6, 2025, but the required date for this summary is May 9, 2025. This discrepancy is noted. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. The agenda was approved unanimously by a motion from Member Lara and a second from Member Contreras. No items were pulled from the consent agenda, and no general business was discussed. The only report under item 5 was the EDA Bill List, which was accepted without questions or discussion. The meeting was adjourned to the next regular meeting scheduled for June 3, 2025.

The Shakopee Planning Commission met on May 8, 2025, for two conditional use permit (CUP) public hearings. The board unanimously approved a CUP for additional accessory structures at 735 Fifth Avenue West and a CUP for vehicle repair and service at 936 First Avenue East. Commissioners also discussed a potential August 2025 city tour and adjourned to Thursday, June 4, 2025. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved by voice vote with no additions or subtractions. - Minutes from the April meeting were approved; Commissioners Forsyth and Spolvero abstained because they were not present at that meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared to discuss items not on the agenda. Conditional Use Permit – 735 Fifth Avenue West - Staff presenter Mr. Kerskey described applicant and property owner John Wright's request for a CUP to allow accessory structures totaling up to 100 percent of the principal dwelling's square footage. In the R1C zoning district, accessory structures are normally limited to the lesser of 10 percent of lot area or 75 percent of the principal structure's footprint; a CUP can allow up to 100 percent. - The property includes a residence, a detached two-car garage, and a small shed. The applicant proposed an additional approximately 80-square-foot shed to store personal items previously kept in the garage. The garage holds a home occupation permit approved in October 2024 for use as an audio recording studio. - Staff recommended approval of Resolution R 2025-001 with four conditions: total accessory structures on the lot shall not exceed 1,176 square feet; proposed structures must meet city code requirements for setbacks, construction materials, and height; the accessory structure shall be used for personal use only unless additional land use approvals are obtained; and compliance with the engineering memo dated April 25, 2025. - Staff clarified during discussion that the 1,176-square-foot cap would allow more than the proposed 80-square-foot shed, but any shed over approximately 250 square feet would be treated as a building. The applicant said the staff presentation matched his understanding. - The public hearing was closed, and the board approved the CUP by roll call vote, 7-0. Staff's recommendation cited Resolution R 2025-001, while the motion and final vote referred to Resolution PC 2025-001. Conditional Use Permit – 936 First Avenue East - Staff presented applicant and property owner Affinity Plumbing LLC's request for a CUP for vehicle repair and service at 936 First Avenue East in the B-1 highway business zone. The site is 0.39 acres with a 240 mixed-use commercial corridor comprehensive plan designation. - Proposed user HLG Autos would perform routine maintenance and repairs including engine service, brakes, transmission repair, minor body work, and detailing. Proposed operating hours were Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with four to six employees. The site is currently vacant; Affinity Plumbing has moved but remains in business. - Staff noted the property has a previously approved CUP with violations that are being corrected, and the matter could come back in July for revocation. - Staff recommended Resolution PC 2025-002 with conditions: vehicle sales are not permitted; service must take place inside the building; a change of occupancy permit is required before operation; hours are limited to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; portable paint booths are not permitted by city fire code; exterior storage of unlicensed/inoperable vehicles, dumpsters, or vehicle parts is not permitted; and all business and customer vehicles must park on site, not on streets or adjacent properties. - Staff explained that vehicle repair requires a CUP because the previous vehicle repair use ceased when the plumbing business occupied the site. City rules prohibit new used-vehicle sales lots unless the seller is a new-car dealer; some existing lots are grandfathered. - The property is under contract with a potential tenant. Staff said if that tenant's use is permitted and not this CUP use, staff would return at the next meeting to withdraw the CUP. The applicant still must complete the change of occupancy permit process before operating. - Applicant and landlord Clay Monsrood said auto repair is the best backup use because most parties interested in the property wanted to sell cars, which is not allowed. He said the parking areas are for repaired vehicles awaiting pickup, customers, and overflow; employee parking would move from the right-of-way to the front. He confirmed the conditions regarding no vehicle sales and no portable paint booths are workable, adding that any paint work would be paintless dent removal. He accepted responsibility as landlord for tenant compliance with CUP conditions. - The public hearing was closed, and the board approved Resolution PC 2025-002 by roll call vote, 7-0. Other Business - Commissioner Robbins asked about a summer board tour. Staff said the tour is up to the board; the usual timing is mid-to-late August, often after a council meeting. The amphitheater is scheduled to be completed this year, though not by July. The board consensus was to plan an August 2025 tour rather than wait until next spring. Key Outcomes - Approved the April meeting minutes with two abstentions. - Approved Resolution PC 2025-001 for accessory structures at 735 Fifth Avenue West, 7-0. - Approved Resolution PC 2025-002 for vehicle repair and service at 936 First Avenue East, 7-0. - Reached consensus to plan an August 2025 board tour. - Adjourned to Thursday, June 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a public comment, discussion of a hotel licensing ordinance, a brief Economic Development Authority meeting, the monthly financial report, the police annual report, workshops on Westminster baseball field improvements and a long-term financial plan, liaison reports, and other business. Consent Calendar - Approved as modified: 5N (fence ordinance) was removed to the June 3 meeting; 5M (hotel licensing) was pulled for separate discussion. - Items approved included contracts for Phase 2 of the Downtown ADA, Lighting and Tree Rehab Improvement Project; the Stagecoach Road Improvement Project; grants, licenses, donations, ordinances (grease traps, plumbing code, hotel licensing, fence, wine licenses, fee schedule), change orders, bidding approvals, lease renewals, liquor license renewals, and surplus declarations. Public Comments & Testimony - Victoria Ranua (5284 Eagle Creek Boulevard, rural residential zone) respectfully requested the Council reconsider the removal of agricultural as an allowed land use. She stated she had been a beekeeper and orchard grower, and the 2020 zoning change prevented her from resuming her operation. She suggested a conditional use permit as an alternative. Staff noted that the removal may have been a scrivener's error, as a roadside stand is permitted but growing crops is not, and they will research the matter. Business Removed from Consent Agenda - Ordinance O2025-013 – Hotel Licensing Program (Item 5M): Councilor Delaney requested clarification on language prohibiting interested persons, employees, managers, or contractors from residing in a hotel guest room. After discussion, Council and staff agreed the intent was to prevent permanent residency, not overnight stays. A text amendment changed “reside” to “permanently reside” for consistency. The ordinance was adopted as modified. Recess for Economic Development Authority Meeting - The Council recessed for a brief EDA meeting. The EDA agenda was approved, no items were pulled, and the meeting adjourned to the next regular meeting (tentatively June 3, 2025). General Business a) Monthly Financial Report – March 2025 - Finance Director presented the report. Highlights: The 2024 audit field work is complete, with a clean audit opinion and no findings; presentation to Council on June 3. General fund revenues and expenditures are within expectations: 25% through the year, building permits ahead of budget, property taxes/assessments zero until June. Investment earnings for Q1 2025 were approximately $700,000, comparable to Q1 2024. The city’s investment portfolio has an average maturity of 2.5 years; unrealized gains of $670,000 as of March 31. Interest rate declines would not immediately impact earnings. b) Police Annual Report Presentation - Police Chief presented the 2024 annual report. Overall crime rate hit a record low (8.1% decrease from 2023). Calls for service totaled 22,661. Arrests: 1,400+ total; DUI arrests: 251 (average BAC twice the legal limit); 40 drug impairment arrests. Case clearance rate rose to 55%, well above the metro average (approx. 43%). Response to resistance reports: 104 (0.004% of calls), of which 30% involved mental health crises; use of force (excluding restraint) occurred only 30 times; taser deployed once. Staffing: Fully staffed; positive internal culture noted in 360-degree feedback. Future needs: disaster relief reimbursement ($20,000 from 2024 flood), new dispatch system concerns, vehicle acquisition challenges, potential training reimbursement cuts, animal control challenges (currently spending $34,000/year), and a building needs study (police station at capacity). The amphitheater will require contractual overtime coordination. Chief emphasized community members locking vehicles to reduce theft. Workshop a) Westminster Baseball Field Improvements - Parks and Rec staff and the Shakopee Youth Baseball Association (SYBA) president presented proposed improvements to the two Westminster baseball fields (currently softball fields). Proposals include: moving fences from 240 ft to 200 ft and lowering height from 6 ft to 4 ft; grassing the infields with irrigation; installing field armor in batter's boxes; adding concrete in dugouts and storage. SYBA will self-fund the project (approx. $35,000 per field for infield, $6,000 per field for fencing; raised $35,000 so far). Goal: host 9U-11U tournaments and increase youth participation. Concerns raised about parking constraints and neighborhood impact. Council directed staff to hold a neighborhood meeting and explore parking options before further concept planning. b) Long-Term Financial Plan - Finance Director presented the fifth annual long-term financial plan. Summary: Over the past decade, tax capacity more than doubled (from $40.7M to $88M); population increased 18.5% (7,300 new residents). The city's tax rate dropped from 37.9% (2015) to 27.8% (2025). Shakopee is the 9th largest fiscal disparities net contributor in the state. TIF districts generated $4.2M in additional tax capacity. Projections assume 4% annual levy increase to maintain fund balance; if tax capacity grows at 4%, the tax rate impact would be minimal. The city remains one of the lowest tax communities in the metro area (4th lowest among 32 comparable cities). Comparison: A $300,000 home pays $1,094 in city property tax, sewer, and stormwater fees—a $2 decrease from 2024. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved as modified (items removed: 5M and 5N). - Hotel Licensing Ordinance: Adopted with a text amendment changing “reside” to “permanently reside.” - Public comment on agricultural land use: Referred to staff for research; Council will receive email findings. - Westminster baseball fields: Council supported proceeding with neighborhood meeting and parking study before detailed planning. - Long-term financial plan: Accepted as presented; noting a 4% levy increase as a starting point for future budgets. - Police station building study: Staff directed to hire a consultant to assess long-term needs (no immediate budget impact). - Police annual report: Received and noted. - Cleanup day: 320 vehicles participated; event deemed successful. - Council chamber PA system: Staff to evaluate for a future budget item. - County Road 17 project: Council expressed frustration but will await county’s next steps after the open house. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned to May 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Roll call was taken with all members present: Councilmembers Delaney, Whitney, Contreras, Lara, and Mayor Lehman. The agenda was modified by pulling item 6S (Social District) and updating the resolution for item 10C (Annexation). The consent agenda was approved en bloc, and the council heard a detailed presentation from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). General business items included updates on accreditation processes for public works and parks, preliminary and final plat approvals, and an annexation of Jackson Township properties. All actions were taken by unanimous voice votes. The meeting adjourned to May 6, 2025. Consent Calendar - Awarded contract for 2025-2027 Emerald Ash Borer treatment project. - Proclaimed Arbor Day. - Awarded contracts for 2025 Bituminous Pavement Rehabilitation, SCADA expansion, pavement rejuvenation, native vegetation management, trail sealcoating, and cardio equipment lease. - Approved 2025 concession agreements. - Approved on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses for Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar (Trackside Hospitality LLC). - Approved special event permit and temporary liquor license for Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau. - Approved city council minutes for April 1, 2025. - Approved joint powers agreement with SMSC and SPUC for utilities to serve the proposed Healing Center. - Accepted proposal from TKDA for L16 Dual Forcemain engineering. - Awarded contracts for Killarney Hills and West End Dog Park. - Approved agreement to participate in the 2025 Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program. - Declared surplus IT and Fire Department property. - Approved change order for Jackson Commons and purchase of playground equipment from Kompan. - Approved Tahpah Field Baseball Improvements - Left Field Patio. Special Presentation: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) Update Council liaison Councilmember Whitney, along with MVTA staff Joya Stetson and Luther, presented an update on MVTA services. Key points included: - Fleet and routes: 170 buses, 24–25 routes (including seasonal), 14 park-and-ride stations, and two garages. - Services: Express, local, microtransit (Connect), and event services. Connect service (microtransit) launched in Prior Lake and Shakopee in 2025, costing $3 per ride, app-based, with advance booking up to three hours. - Ridership: System-wide up 10.5% from 2023 to 2024. Express +10%, local -2% (due to 15% service reduction), Connect ridership up 44%. Average daily Connect rides peaked over 500; average wait time 26 minutes. - Demographics: 16% of Connect riders use it for work; 47% would use Uber/Lyft without it; 1 in 5 have annual income under $15,000; 60% are women; 55% aged 35–54; 1 in 10 have a disability. Event services up 27% from 2023–2024. - Partnerships: Service to Canterbury Park, Valley Fair (including workforce), Shakopee High School internships (60% increase on Route 499), and Benedictine Senior Living training sessions. - Funding challenges: Shakopee is the least-funded member city due to an outdated investment formula; MVTA seeks legislative sales tax increase to expand service. - Future plans: All-day 490 service, new trolley-style buses for circulator, weekend Connect service, and securing land in Scott County for a mobility hub. Public Comments & Testimony During the annexation item (10C), two affected property owners addressed the council: - Paul Melcher, son of owners Tom and Sue Melcher of the 10-acre wooded parcel: Expressed appreciation for the city engineering solution to bore the sewer trunk line under the bluff to preserve the ecological character of the property. Their family hopes the land may eventually become part of the bluff land park system. - Frank Weber, owner of the adjacent small parcel: Raised concern that traffic may use the farm road after it is paved; city staff confirmed the road will have a dead-end/no-outlet sign and no connection to the new subdivision. Discussion Items 1. CAPRA and APWA Accreditation Update (Parks & Recreation and Public Works): - Parks Director Ms. McNutt and Kelsey presented the status of both accreditations. The city seeks to be the only Minnesota city to hold both CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) and APWA (American Public Works Association) accreditations. - APWA: Covers 17 applicable chapters; self-evaluation nearly complete; peer review started; in-person APWA team visit expected within a year; mandatory review every four years. - CAPRA: 10 chapters with 154 standards; 36 fundamental standards must be met, and 90% of non-fundamental standards required for initial accreditation; re-accreditation every five years requires 95% compliance. Self-assessment report due by end of 2025; on-site visit and national hearing expected in fall 2026. Key development areas include recreation program standards, maintenance/operations standards, a comprehensive revenue policy, and a donated improvements policy. - Council praised staff for the initiative and noted the value of continuous improvement. 2. Preliminary Plat of Richland Court (Mr. Kerske presented): - Applicant: Stonebrick Engineering for South Oak Realty Inc. (Matt Lajosis). Located north of County Highway 78 and east of Townline Avenue. Proposed eight single-family lots on 4.38 acres (2.23 net acres, density 3.5 units/acre), with two outlots for stormwater and wetland. Access from Townline Avenue is right-in/right-out only per Scott County requirements due to access spacing. Previous plan showed 10 lots; revised after planning commission. Zoning R1B, compliant with 2040 Comprehensive Plan. - Council approved Resolution R2025-003 unanimously. 3. Annexation, Zoning, and MUSA Amendment of Jackson Township Properties: - Staff presented annexation of 11 parcels totaling 61 acres north of CSAH 78, with potential mixed commercial/residential/open space. Included properties along Highway 169 (two Scott County parcels and one former Scott Carver Humane Society site) and properties in the orderly annexation area (Melcher, Weber, Brigaman). The city will extend MUSA to developable parcels, maintain current township tax levels for owner-occupied homes until sold, and bore sewer lines under the bluff to preserve forest. - Council approved three actions: Resolution R2025-035 (annexation), Resolution R2025-034 (Comprehensive Plan amendment to Figure 4.60 for MUSA), and Ordinance O2025-008 (zoning to Agricultural Preservation). All unanimous. 4. Final Plat of Highview Park 4th Addition (Mr. Kerske presented): - 115 single-family homes, fourth phase of Highview Park south of CSAH 78, east of Zumbro Avenue, west of Marystown Road. Developer Four-Star USA/D.R. Horton. Compliant with R1B zoning. Park dedication fees directed to Jackson Commons Park. Access via Zumbro Avenue; no connection to Marystown Road. Council unanimously approved Resolution R2025-005. 5. Final Plat of Highview Park 5th Addition: - 73 single-family homes (fifth phase) across Zumbro Avenue, with additional future phases in outlots. Access planned with subsequent development to the south. Council approved Resolution R2025-036 unanimously. Key Outcomes - Agenda and Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Richland Court Preliminary Plat: Approved (Resolution R2025-003) unanimously. - Jackson Township Annexation, MUSA Amendment, Zoning: Three approvals (Resolutions R2025-035 and R2025-034, Ordinance O2025-008) all unanimous. - Highview Park 4th and 5th Additions: Final plats approved (Resolutions R2025-005 and R2025-036) unanimously. - Accreditations: Council received updates; no action required. - MVTA Update: Received; council expressed support for legislative funding efforts. - Reports and Adjournment: Council heard liaison reports (SPUC, transit, county). City cleanup day announced for April 26. The meeting adjourned to May 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

The Shakopee Planning Commission held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Commissioners discussed two major items: the annexation, zoning, and MUSA amendment of 11 parcels in Jackson Township (total 61 acres), and the preliminary plat of Richland Court (a proposed 8-lot single-family subdivision). The public provided testimony on both items. The commission voted unanimously on all recommendations, which will go to the City Council for final action. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously with a motion and second. - Minutes: Approved consent item (minutes from March) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5.a – Annexation, Zoning, MUSA Amendment: Three members of the public spoke: - Paul Melcher, representing his parents Tom and Sue Melcher, expressed concern about a planned sewer main cutting through the family's old-growth forest ("Melcher Woods"). He asked for assurance that the sewer would be bored (not trenched) and that property taxes would be abated for his parents. He stated he would not oppose annexation if protections were in place. - Patrick Brigaman, joined by his parents and brother, questioned the timeline and details of the annexation and storm sewer plans. He requested that the city share maps and information. - Frank Weber, a property owner in the area, objected to the annexation because he said taxes would rise 319% with no direct benefit (only a storm sewer pipe). He supported the idea of the city eventually acquiring the houses for parkland but asked for tax abatement. - Brian Brigaman (son of property owners) asked about selling options and whether the city would purchase the properties. He noted his parents felt left in the dark about the process. - Item 5.b – Preliminary Plat of Richland Court: Two residents spoke: - Brian Mont, a nearby homeowner on Hillwood Drive, argued that eight homes on four acres does not fit the surrounding area (one house per 2.5 acres). He felt it creates a "reverse island" of high density. He also asked about stormwater drainage responsibility and suggested six lots would be more appropriate. - Smart Baldwin expressed disappointment that the property had been rezoned to R1B in 2006 without adequate notification to neighbors, and that the current density still seems too high. He understood the developer needs to profit but urged a "happy medium." Discussion Items - Item 5.a – Annexation, Zoning, and MUSA Amendment of Properties in Jackson Township - Staff (Michael Kersky) presented the proposal: 11 parcels (61 acres) north of County State Aid Highway 78, including three residential parcels, a vacant bluff parcel, two other parcels, and Scott County retention pond parcels. The city proposes annexation, zoning to Agricultural Preservation (AG), and a MUSA amendment to bring three parcels into the Metropolitan Urban Service Area. - Staff noted the orderly annexation agreement allows annexation in areas A, B, and C. The city has already met with some property owners and is pursuing appraisals for the bluff and three houses. The city plans to preserve the bluff as open space, with a trail system and no development. - Regarding the sewer, the city engineer and administrator have agreed to use a drill bore (30 feet deep) to avoid disturbing the Melcher Woods, rather than a cut-and-fill trench. - Staff also mentioned that under state statute 414.035, the city council can abate property taxes for properties not receiving city services. - Commissioners discussed the need to protect the forest and ensure tax abatement. A motion was made to recommend approval with conditions: prioritize forest preservation via CIP for a bored sewer or lift station, and recommend tax abatement for residential properties. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). - Item 5.b – Preliminary Plat of Richland Court - Staff presented the plat by Stonebrick Engineering for Matt Lajus (South Oaks Realty). The property (4.38 acres) is zoned R1B and will create eight single-family lots (net 2.23 acres, density 3.58 units/acre), plus two outlots for stormwater pond and wetland. The plan includes a right-in/right-out access with a bypass lane on County Road 79. - The developer reduced from 10 lots to 8 to address stormwater and wetland concerns, and increased outlot sizes. Staff recommends additional landscaping to buffer existing homes. - Discussion acknowledged that the property has been zoned R1B since 2006 (contested at the time but approved). The current plat is consistent with zoning and the 2040 comprehensive plan. Some commissioners noted the developer was not required to reduce lots and appreciated the cooperation. - The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the preliminary plat to the City Council. Key Outcomes - Item 5.a – Three separate votes, all unanimous (6-0): 1. Recommended approval to City Council of draft resolution R2025-035 for annexation, with additional recommendations for forest preservation and tax abatement. 2. Recommended approval to City Council of draft resolution R2025-034 for the comprehensive plan amendment to Figure 4.60 (MUSA expansion). 3. Recommended approval to City Council of draft ordinance O2025-008 for zoning the properties as Agricultural Preservation (AG). - Item 5.b – One vote, unanimous (6-0): - Recommended approval to City Council of resolution R2025-003 for the preliminary plat of Richland Court. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned to May 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Board of Adjustment and Appeals held a regular meeting on April 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 485 Gorman Street. The meeting included roll call, approval of the agenda, a consent agenda for meeting minutes, and adjournment. No public hearings or other business were conducted. Consent Calendar - Approval of the January 2025 meeting minutes: The motion carried with one abstention (Commissioner Robbins abstained due to absence at the January meeting). Key Outcomes - The agenda was approved by voice vote (all in favor). - The consent agenda (January 2025 minutes) was approved with one abstention. - The meeting was adjourned by motion.