Fall 2020 Hometown Messenger

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CITY CALENDAR

SEPT 1 Labor Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 18 Absentee Voting begins , 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., City Hall OCT 5 Virtual Fire Department Open House , TBD 24 Clean Up Day , 7:30-11:30 a.m., Public Works Building 24 Spooky Family Fun Night , 3-8 p.m., Lions Park. Registration required. NOV 3 General Election , 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Precinct locations 11 Veterans Day , City offices closed .

Hello, Shakopee! I hope you have made the best out of summer. We can all

agree, it’s been a summer unlike any other. With so many of our favorite past-times changed or canceled, we have all had to adjust. Reflecting on these past six months, I think our city staff has kept our community moving forward. Our public safety first responders have done an excellent job protecting our community under unique circumstances. Our police department continues to be recognized for its innovative efforts to get ahead of crime and serve our residents. It recently received a national Science and Innovation Award for its first-of-kind gift card ordinance (page 13).

Mayor Bill Mars

The Shakopee Fire Department also tried something different during the pandemic to better protect firefighters and create a more predictable staffing model (page 11) during COVID. The department adopted a 24/7 staffing model that has reduced the time our trucks are en route to calls by 75 percent. The City Council is interested in continuing to explore this model moving forward. Earlier this month, the City Council issued special commendation to the Shakopee Parks and Recreation for its flexibility and outstanding planning as much of its programming was upended. Department staff have adapted to changing guidelines to continue providing residents recreation opportunities virtually and by adjusting how we operate our facilities. Kudos to them! City business didn't stop when City Hall closed this spring, and reflecting back, it's clear the city was well prepared for remote business. For example, the city's move to a paperless plan review system in 2017 meant staff didn’t skip a beat in processing permits and reviewing development plans. This has been critical as Shakopee continues to see strong permit revenue and new development applications. Our elections staff and dedicated election judges also deserve a big thank you for ensuring our voting process remains accessible and safe during COVID. Thanks to all our first-time and returning election judges who will be assisting voters this November. Now, as the calendar turns to fall and families prepare for school, life will continue to look different than we’re used to. But I assure you, our city staff remains committed and prepared to serve you. Bill Mars Mayor of Shakopee wmars@ShakopeeMN.gov

26 Thanksgiving Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 27 Friday after Thanksgiving , City offices closed. Community Center open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Please note, events are subject to cancellation or changes due to the current public health guidelines by the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health. Find the latest city calendar at www.ShakopeeMN. gov/calendar.

MAYOR Bill Mars ...................................................... wmars@ShakopeeMN.gov COUNCIL MEMBERS JodyBrennan .......................................... jbrennan@ShakopeeMN.gov Angelica Contreras ........................... acontreras@ShakopeeMN.gov Matt Lehman ......................................... MattLehmanSr@comcast.net Jay Whiting ............................................................... jaywhtng@aol.com CITY ADMINISTRATOR William Reynolds ............................... breynolds@ShakopeeMN.gov

CITY HALL 485 Gorman St., Shakopee, MN 55379

Phone .................................................................................... 952-233-9300 TTY ......................................................................................... 952-233-3837 Email .............................................. administration@ShakopeeMN.gov Website .............................................................. www.ShakopeeMN.gov The Hometown Messenger is produced four times a year by the City of Shakopee. Comments or suggestions can be directed to the editor, Kristin Doran, at kdoran@ShakopeeMN.gov.

2 Hometown Messenger