Shakopee City After Council Report For June 15

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

June 18, 2021

The Shakopee City Council met Tuesday, June 15. Among the meeting highlights:

Dick’s Sanitation to replace Republic Services for citywide refuse and recycling

The City Council approved a five-year service contract with Dick’s Sanitation (DSI) to provide the city’s organized garbage and recycling collection. Earlier this year, the council directed staff to solicit requests for contracted city-wide refuse and recycling collection and disposal. Council identified several concerns including cart management, customer service and trial organics collection from the existing Republic Services Contract.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, DSI will be responsible for all residential sanitation services, including collection, disposal and billing. Most of the transition between haulers will happen behind the scenes. Residents will continue to use their existing City of Shakopee carts, while households with Republic Services carts will receive new ones. The city has negotiated a pricing proposal with DSI. More information is available at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/haulertransition. More information: Bill Reynolds, City Administrator- 952-233-9311

Scenic Heights playground to be replaced

The City Council awarded a contract to St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds Inc. in the amount of $284,987.59 to remove, relocate and replace playground equipment at Scenic Heights Park. After significant community engagement, staff has prioritized the renovation of the existing playground equipment, which is in poor condition after more than 20 years of use. The new playground was designed to be used by children of various ages and skill levels and meets all safety and design standards. Construction on the project will begin this fall. More information: Michael Kerski, Planning and Development Director- 952-233-9346

New playground equipment coming to Jennifer Lane Park

The City Council awarded a contract to St. Croix Recreation Fun Playgrounds Inc. in the amount of $109,482.36 to build new playground equipment at Jennifer Lane Park. Outlined by the Capital Improvement Plan, the Jennifer Lane Park will include new playground equipment, engineered wood fiber safety mulch and an accessible surface to playground equipment. Additional site work and park amenities will be contracted separately and completed in the future. Installation of the playground is expected to be completed by Oct. 1. More information: Adam Bentson, Graduate Engineer- 952-233-9323

Construction to start on Red Oak Trail

The City Council awarded a contract to Max Steiniger Inc. in the amount of $178,795.88 for the Red Oak Trail project. The trail will connect Red Oak Elementary School to Southbridge Community Park. The bid includes costs for trail construction and installation of shade trees. Construction is anticipated to begin later this month, and expected to be completed in September. More information: Adam Bentson, Graduate Engineer- 952-233-9323

Concept reviews plans for historic Schroeder House, Sweeney Marina property

The City Council reviewed concept plans for the historic Schroeder House. The historic building, located on the former Sweeney’s Marina property, is owned by the city along with three other existing structures: a home from the 1950s, an out-building from the former Schroeder Brick operation and another home from the early 1900s. Staff presented concept plans that would convert the property into an event center to be used for weddings, family reunions or corporate events. Council authorized staff to seek funding through state historic preservation grants to complete the project. More information: Michael Kerski, Planning and Development Director- 952-233-9346

Council approves the annexations of several properties

City Council approved ordinances to annex and rezone several properties in Jackson Township:

• 5.44 acres at 766 128th St. W. to Urban Residential (R-1B) Zone. The property owners are working with Link Construction Inc. to create a single-family residential development on the northern half of the property. The current owners would continue to reside in the southern half of the property.

• 18.979 acres at 920 128th St. W. to Urban Residential (R-1B) Zone. The property owner is working with Donnay Homes Inc. to create a single family residential development on the property

• 15.73 acres at 12951 Chestnut Blvd. to Agricultural Preservation (AG) Zone.

• 24.1 acres on Emery Way to Agricultural Preservation (AG) Zone. The current owners intend to develop the property for their business use, but have no specific plans at this time, as city services are not yet available in the area.

More information: Mark Noble, Senior Planner – 952-233-9348

Police department to exceed sworn staffing levels

The City Council has authorized the police department to exceed its sworn staffing levels. Currently, the department is authorized to employ 50 sworn officers, but the department is expecting multiple vacancies beginning in January of 2022 due to retirements. Police Chief Jeff Tate requested the hiring of several new officers to replace any vacancies created by retirement. Those officers will be hired this summer and will complete all Shakopee Police training by early 2022. More information: Jeff Tate, Police Chief- 952-233-9421

No Parking signs to be installed along Valley Industrial Boulevard South

The City Council authorized city staff to install No Parking signs along Valley Industrial Boulevard South to address issues with semi-trucks parking on the road. The road is not wide enough to accommodate parked vehicles. More information: Adam Bentson, Graduate Engineer- 952-233-9323

These summaries are a sampling of the meeting. See the entire agenda packet with supporting documents at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/agendasandminutes. The meeting is also available for viewing on demand at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/livestream.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.