Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2025

PUBLIC WORKS 28 years of community service and counting

we now have rear wings instead of the old front wings. They do a much bet ter and cleaner job. You’ve been part of a lot of projects over the years, is there one that stands out as something you’re espe cially proud of? Bisek: Over four summers, a few of us built the shelters at Westminster (2011), Green Meadows (2012), Ridge Creek (2013), and Southbridge Com munity Park (2015). It’s nice to drive by and see people still enjoying them.

Public Works team members keep Shakopee’s parks, streets, utilities, and infrastructure running day in and day out. Many have been with the City for decades and have witnessed the community’s growth and evolution over time. Their work is hands-on and demanding, but part of the reward of showing up is the camaraderie among cowork ers and the pride they take in the community they help maintain. Dean Bisek, born and raised right here in Shakopee, is one of those dedicated team members. His career with Public Works began in April 1997, back when the department operated as one unit for both streets and parks. A year later, the City reorganized into separate Parks and Streets divisions, and Bisek’s role transitioned to Parks, where he excelled in field layout and concrete work. Reflecting on 28 years in Public Works, here’s what Bisek had to share: What made you decide to apply for a job with Public Works? Bisek: Previously, I was working for a natural gas company where I was laid off in the winter. I had a young family and wanted something year-round and more stable. My dad also worked for the City of Sha kopee as a police officer. He retired around the time I started here. What’s your favorite part of working in the Parks Division of Public Works? Bisek: The variety of work is a big one. It’s also a great group of guys – really, a good group in all departments. We all get along well. We give each other a hard time, obviously, but when work needs to be done, we get it done. You lay out all the athletic fields and are really the main guy for that. Can you talk about that and how the process has changed over the years? Bisek: When we first started, we had a paint sprayer that you walked behind and pushed through the grass. It was hard work and took four guys. We didn’t have to paint nearly as much as we do now, but that’s how it started. Then we got a unit with a drive attachment behind it, and that was the Cadillac, it was just great! From there, we moved to the GPS paint striper that we use now. How long did it take, and how many operators were needed to paint the soccer fields at the complex with the old push-behind sprayer vs. the GPS striper we have today? Bisek: It would take three to four guys almost a week because we were using measuring tape and string lines. Now, with the GPS paint striper, I can lay out the entire soccer complex by myself in one day. Another big improvement is the amount of paint we use, probably about half as much as before. It’s a huge labor and paint saver! Do you dislike anything about working for Public Works? Bisek: Snowplowing! The whole snow season is five to six months long, and you may not get to have as much fun as you’d like. The odd hours are tough, and the older you get, the harder it is on you. It was hard when I was younger and had kids too. You’d finish plowing all night, get home, and then your wife would have to go to work, so you’d stay up with the kids. What was your first plow truck like, and how have they changed over the years? Bisek: I had a single-plow gas engine truck. It burned through gas and didn’t have nearly as much power as we do now. Technology has come a long way and there have been a lot of advancements. They’re more ergo nomic and no more levers on the floor. Instead, there’s a joystick, and

Dean Bisek

A Note from Public Works Director Bill Egan

For 28 years, Dean Bisek has been a key member of the City of Shakopee’s Public Works Department. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who also worked for the City, instilling in him a deep respect for community service. Dean’s brother joined the ranks as well, adding his own years of dedication, and today their niece continues the family tradition, proudly carrying the Bisek name into the next generation of public service. Throughout his career, Dean has played a vital role in keeping Shakopee safe, clean, and running smoothly. Though much of his work happens behind the scenes, its impact is seen and felt throughout the community, from the first swing of spring to the final snowplow of the season. Dean has also put his carpentry skills to work all over Shakopee, from building park shelters to tackling major remodels at City Hall, the Community Center, Fire Station 1, and the former Police Station (now part of Public Works). Doing the work in-house saved taxpayers a lot of money. Whether pouring concrete, framing walls, or perfecting the finishing details, Dean approached each project with pride and precision. His craftsmanship quite literally shapes the places where Shakopee comes together. Many of us have had the pleasure of working alongside Dean over the years and have seen the pride, teamwork, and dedication he brings to every project. His camaraderie and commitment have left a lasting mark on Shakopee. We thank Dean for nearly three decades of service and for the countless projects he’s helped bring to life for our community to enjoy.

10 Shakopee Snapshot