2021 City of Shakopee Budget

111

Budget Impact: It takes a lot to maintain the facilities and grounds for one of the largest property owners in Shakopee – the city. How do you maintain almost 719 acres of parks/open space land with 45 parks, 29 playgrounds, 95 sports fields and 200 acres that are mowed? With great and efficient staff! The Parks Maintenance Division consists of 11 full-time and 14 seasonal staff that do it all. In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic threw us a curve ball. With strict social restrictions on youth sports and community events, our department was reduced to critical infrastructure tasks for over two months. We focused on caring for the trees, grass and landscaping. Park use increased resulting in additional garbage collections and litter pickup. Additionally, Parks staff worked with streets and utilities jetting sewers, cleaned out catch basins, painted crosswalks and swept streets. As social restrictions lessened, the crews stepped up to the plate with field preparation , prioritizing our youth sports, including a tournament. Holmes park playground was replaced and Parks staff continue to collaborate to enhance existing parks and develop new parks. In unprecedented times, our department continues to knock it out of the park in our services to the people in Shakopee, who depend on us for their health, safety and quality of life. Looking forward to 2021, park maintenance and natural resources will be merging. Natural resources preserves and protects the city's urban forest, wetlands, plantings in open spaces, buffers around water bodies, invasive plant management and public education on natural resources and the environment with conservation in mind. The city's tree stock is such a significant and valuable resource. Maintaining safe, healthy trees takes significant efforts, and the city is dedicated to these efforts. Shakopee has received the "Tree City USA" designation for the past 13 years for the city's efforts and commitment to its urban forest management.

EMPLOYEES

PERCENT OF GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES

11.2

11

9

9

Park Maintenance 9.1%

Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Budget 2020 Budget 2021

Number of Employees (FTEs)