Shakopee Snapshot: Spring 2025

Watch for spring load restrictions Temperatures will dictate restriction timeline

during the spring thaw every year, when the roadbeds are most susceptible to damage. Spring load restrictions for the City of Sha kopee streets are based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Metro Seasonal Load Limit Zone starting and ending dates. Once announced, gar bage and recycling collection will be moved from alleyways to the street until restrictions are removed. To stay aware and informed, check the state restrictions at www.dot.state.mn.us/load limits or visit the City’s website at www.Sha kopeeMN.gov and check under the “News” section on the home page. ■ Budding Photographer —New as of last year, this category is for youth photographers ages 17 or younger, and the subject of the photos can be anything in Shakopee. The winners of each category will each win $50, and the overall grand prize winner will win $100. The winning photos will be displayed in the Shakopee City Hall lobby and also used in City of Shakopee publica tions throughout the coming year. For a full list of contest guidelines, rules, and a photo contest guide on how to make your photos stand out to the judges, visit www. ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee . As in past years, the photo submission period will be open on the city website for the entire month of September.

With spring approaching, please be mindful of any potential spring load restrictions on City of Shakopee streets. These restrictions keep our roads in good condition and often affect garbage and recycling pickup locations. The two primary causes for premature deterioration of bitumi nous pavement are weather and traffic load. As the frost is leaving the ground during the spring thaw every year, the gravel under the roadbed has high moisture content, which weakens the load-carrying capacity of the bituminous pavement. To protect and prolong the service life of the roadways, axle weight restrictions are imposed

How Can I Help You? Meet Deb Noble, a Communications Specialist in the Communications Department. Q: What do you do for the City? A: I focus on graphic design projects that include print materials, city signage, as well as graphics for social media, video projects, and everything in between. Q: What do you enjoy about working for the City? A: I enjoy collaborating and working with people from all departments within the City. There are some exceptionally talented and innovative people that work here, and I enjoy being part of the team that helps make their ideas come to fruition. Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: I enjoy the creative freedom my job allows. Whether it’s something small like a brochure layout, or a huge project like a mural design, everyone within the City is open to finding the best way to communicate and engage with the citizens of Shakopee. It’s also a fun perk to drive around Shakopee and see the final product of our work in action.

Announcing the 2025 Show Off Shakopee photo contest categories Start planning now for the September submission period

NEWS & NOTES NEW CITY OF SHAKOPEE WEBSITE COMING IN 2025! The annual Show Off Shakopee photo con test is held each September and is a great way to be recognized for your art and get involved in your community. The annual categories are announced in the spring of each year to give photographers plenty of time to frame up the perfect shot before submissions begin. The 2025 Show Off Shakopee categories are: ■ Uniquely Shakopee —What do you think sets Shakopee apart from other cities? ■ Golden Hour —Show us your best photos taken during dawn or dusk. ■ Fun in the Sun —Who doesn’t love to have fun outside when it’s warm and sunny out? Send us your best shots from your outdoor adventures! ■ Architecture —Got a favorite landmark or historical building in town? Let’s see it!

NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN CITY STAFF Join us in welcoming these new employees to the City of Shakopee: ■ Melissa Boone , Victim & Community Services Coordinator ■ John Tietz , Foreperson Mechanic Join our team! Interested in working for the City of Shakopee? Check our job openings at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/employment .

Shakopee’s online presence is getting a new look! A new website for the City is currently under construction, providing a more accessible and streamlined experience for visitors. As the new website is built and the current website is phased out, please keep in mind there may be some construction debris in the form of broken links on the cur rent site. If you can’t find a specific piece of information, reach out to Communications@ShakopeeMN.gov , and we’ll be happy to help you locate what you need. The new website will launch by June 2025.

Spring 2025 5