Winter 2020-21 Hometown Messenger

A Publication of the City of Shakopee | Winter/Spring 2021 Messenger Hometown PARKS AND RECREATION

Improvements coming to Canterbury Road RoadWork Ahead

Shakopee Police recognized for leadership in community policing Community First

How to help combat the spread of COVID-19 Safe Care

Home Inspectors City sees 2020 increase in residential building permits, inspections

INSIDE: PARKS & RECREATIONWINTER/SPRING ACTIVITIES BROCHURE PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS DEC. 1

SHOW OFF SHAKOPEE PHOTO CONTEST

GRAND PRIZE WINNER O’Dowd Lake Bolt Launch Steve Brock

Thank you to all our contest participants!

ACTIVE LIVINGWINNER Swing Christopher Straub

FUN AT PARKS WINNER Climbing to New Heights Sonja Keltgen

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER Frozen Park Randy Monnens

See more photos at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ showoffshakopee

News from the City of Shakopee | Winter 2021 Messenger Hometown

CITY NEWSLETTER Building Inspections Mayor's Message City Calendar Elections 2020 Shakopee Librarian Retires Best Places to Live A Look Back Safe Care Campaign Parks and Recreation AsktheCity: Reservations Planning and Development Rev. Pond Statue County Highway 83 Project IACP Leadership Award Chief's Notes

1, 4 2 2 3 5 6 6 7 8 8 9

10 11 12 13

This year, Shakopee Building Inspector Jim Davis has spent a lot of time traversing the city. Davis spends most of his day in the field, inspecting water heaters, roof trusses and backyard decks – typically conducting more than 20 inspections a day. “I know pretty much every street in Shakopee, and I know the shortcuts,” said Davis, who has been a Shakopee building inspector since 1998. The city is on pace to break record permit numbers in 2020 thanks to a flux of new homes, ongoing commercial developments and residential remodeling projects from people stuck at home due to COVID-19. “It’s definitely been busier [than normal],” said Shakopee Building Official Nathan Buska. “I’m guessing it has to do with a lot of people staying home and just looking to stay busy.” ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY Like police and fire, building inspections is a critical public safety service to protect the health and safety of residents, employees and visitors. Building inspectors review building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work before, during and after installation to ensure it complies with state building code. This includes reviewing architectural and engineering plans prior to issuing building permits. “Our job is to ensure contractors are building safe, solid structures that meet state building code,” Buska said. “We have seven different building manuals we need to know inside and out to properly inspect Shakopee buildings.” Inspectors at work City's building inspections division on pace to set permit, inspection records in 2020 Building Inspector Jim Davis chats with a site contractor in the Ridge Creek development about a new home's ventilation system during a final inspection.

Cover Photo: City of Shakopee Building Inspector Jim Davis conducts a final inspection of a new home in the Ridge Creek Development in east Shakopee.

FIND US ONLINE AT: www.ShakopeeMN.gov

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Continued on Page 4

Winter 2021 1

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CITY CALENDAR

NOV 26 Thanksgiving , City offices and

Community Center closed. Garbage and recycling delayed by one day.

Hello, Shakopee! By now, you’ve probably heard that Money Magazine named Shakopee one of the Best Places to Live in 2020. While we have known that for years, it’s great to see our community recognized nationally for all the great things we love about it – entertainment, affordability, job opportunities, diversity. Money Magazine’s 2020 list was crafted specifically to focus on communities whose economy, job growth and housing market have remained strong through COVID-19 disruptions. Here in Shakopee, that means continued residential and economic development. We have a number of projects well underway, including Greystone

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. 27 Day after Thanksgiving , City offices closed. DEC 1 2020 Public Budget and Levy Meeting , 7 p.m. City Hall 11 Holiday Fun & Games , 6-7:15 p.m. Community Center; Registration required Mid- December Outdoor skating rinks open , weather permitting. 24 Christmas Eve , City offices and Community Center closed. 25 Christmas Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 31 NewYear's Eve , Community Center closes at 4:30 p.m. JAN 1 NewYear's Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 1-31 Boards and Commissions applications accepted 9 NewYear, NewYou Fitness Sampler , 8-11 a.m. Community Center 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day , City offices closed. Community Center open. FEB 15 Presidents Day , City offices closed. Community Center open. Late February Outdoor skating rinks close

Mayor Bill Mars

Construction’s new headquarters south of Canterbury Park and the Trident development off 17th Avenue and Marystown Road. You can’t miss the Enclave Apartment building on the former city hall site, and site work has begun on the Riverfront Bluffs Apartment building along the river. As you can see from this edition's cover story, new residential and commercial development is keeping our building inspections especially busy this year. This all is good news for our community. While you're shopping downtown this holiday season, be sure to visit the city’s newest sculpture celebrating this community’s rich history. The Rev. Samuel Pond now sits under the River City Centre near Chief Sakpe, who first invited the missionary to the community in the mid-1800s. Learn more on page 10. Congratulations to the Shakopee Police Department on its latest achievement, the 2020 IACP Leadership in Policing Award. Our department was recognized for its leadership in community policing by building partnerships that serve and protect our residents. Our department continues to be a shining example of community policing at work. Lastly, as the holidays approach, I want to encourage everyone to be safe this season. We all know this holiday season is not going to look like anything we’re used to. We will miss the traditions and events, as well as gathering in full houses of friends and family. But it’s important we continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID to keep our neighbors and loved ones safe. Happy Holidays from all of us at the City of Shakopee! Bill Mars Mayor of Shakopee wmars@ShakopeeMN.gov

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

Shakopee sees high turnout for 2020 General Election Lehman, Whiting re-elected, SPUC ballot question rejected

More than 22,500 ballots were cast in Shakopee for the 2020 General Election – with a record number of voters voting early by absentee. According to Scott County Election's Office, a total of 22,505 Shakopee voters cast a ballot, representing 92.32 percent of registered voters in Shakopee. The ballot total included 11,745 absentee ballots – 52.2 percent of all ballots received. City voters re-elected incumbents Matt Lehman and Jay Whiting to the City Council. Lehman tallied 9,631 votes (30.01 percent), followed by Jay Whiting’s 5,479 votes (17.07 percent). Both candidates were elected to four-year terms through Dec. 31, 2024. Ballot Question 1 regarding the abolishment of Shakopee Public Utilities Commission was rejected with 58.65 percent of voters voting to keep the utilities commission an independent municipal entity. Full election results are available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website at electionresults.sos. state.mn.us .

HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Meet Karen Macklin, an accounting clerk II in our Finance Department. Macklin manages the city's accounts payable processes, ensuring city vendors are paid appropriately. She also answers property owners questions regarding assessments and outstanding bills to the city. Q: How long have you worked for the city? A: I have worked for the city for 13 years. Q: What do you like about working for the City of Shakopee? A: Every day brings new experiences, challenges and perspectives. Q: What's the best part of your job? A: Whether I’m talking with residents, vendors or fellow employees, I’m glad when I can help someone understand and learn something new.

CITY ELECTION RESULTS CITY COUNCIL Matt Lehman

9,631 votes 5,479 votes 4,974 votes 4,388 votes

Jay Whiting

Jim Dulaney Jr.

Mike Luce

Tyler Pautsch 3,696 votes Nurul Arif Khan 3,684 votes Write-In 238 votes CITY QUESTION 1 Yes 8,317 votes No 11,799 votes

NEWS & NOTES Congratulations to 2020 Show Off Shakopee winners The City of Shakopee recently announced the winners of the 2020 Show Off Shakopee Photo Contest. • Grand prize and Nature & Landmarks winner, "O'Dowd Lake Bolt Launch," Steve Brock • Active Living category winner, "Swing," Christopher Straub • Fun at Parks winner, "Climbing to New Heights," Sonja Keltgen New this year, the community also chose its People's Choice winner, "Frozen Park," by Randy Monnens.

The winning photos are on display on the front inside cover, as well as at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee . Apply to serve on city board or commission Want to get involved in city decisions but not sure how? Apply to be a member of a city board or commission. Interested community members can apply online Jan. 1-31 at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/employment.

Winter 2021 3

PERMITS BY THE NUMBERS

New single-family homes are under construction in the Windermere

2019 2020

Year-to-date Oct. 31

neighborhood in west Shakopee this fall. The city's new residential construction and an increase in home remodeling projects are spurring a

Basement Finish

69

79

Commercial/ Industrial

78

63

Deck

101 196

Fences

96 149

potential record in city permits to be issued in 2020.

Pools

8

16 74

Re-siding Reroofing

49

193 336 105 141

New single-family

Solar

15

37

Other Building

324 358 827 1,079 131 103 797 826 806 865 131 166

Electrical

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Fire

SEEKING BUILDING INSPECTORS While building inspections is a critical service, many cities struggle to find qualified building inspectors and officials. Buska said many current inspectors are reaching retirement age; however, training programs for prospective new inspectors are difficult to find. To become a certified Minnesota building official, a person must pass a written exam. The state has two levels of certification – a building official master-level license and building official-limited license. An individual must acquire qualifying points through education and experience working in a construction field to sit for the exams. This fall, the City of Shakopee was one of seven Minnesota cities to receive a two-year state grant to help introduce more people to the inspections field. The funding will allow the city to hire a full-time apprentice who will gain on-the-job experience in preparation to take the state exams. “What makes Shakopee unique is our variety – an amusement park, hospital, prison, schools, multifamily, industrial, a giant Amazon warehouse,” Buska said. “Someone training here gets a taste of everything.”

In addition to Buska and Davis, Shakopee also has a full-time, master electrician on staff, which, while unique among metro cities, allows the inspector to conduct more in-depth electrical inspections. Two permit coordinators manage all the city’s permits and paperless,

Mechanical

Plumbing

Sewer &Water

Sign

90

73

SAC

3 3

3 4

Zoning TOTAL

3,826 4,568

online plan system, which streamlines the department’s work. “During COVID, our permits never shut off because every step of the process can be done online,” Buska said. BREAKING PERMIT RECORDS Since Jan. 1, the city’s building inspections division has issued 4,568 permits – well up from 3,826 the first 10 months of 2019. While new housing construction is driving some of the boon, Shakopee also has seen an increase in smaller residential remodeling projects. “People are at home, doing their basement finishes and adding that deck they’ve long wanted,”Davis said. The increase in residential permits, combined with ongoing commercial development, means a lot of daily inspection visits. Each new single-family home has an average of 20 separate inspections for building, electrical, fire, mechanical and plumbing work. Those numbers compound for multi-family and commercial buildings. For example, city inspectors have conducted nearly 925 separate inspections at Triple Crown Apartments since construction started in 2018. They recorded 560 visits to Benedictine Health Systems’senior living complex. Many commercial projects take years to fully wrap up. Building inspections is a fiscally self-sustaining department, since permit fees cover department expenses, and no general fund dollars are used. Long term, the improvements and new construction add to the city's overall tax base. "Building inspections is a critical city service, and right now, based on our numbers, it's one of our busiest," said Michael Kerski, director of Planning and Development.

Inspector Jim Davis looks at a window during a recent inspection on a new home. The longtime inspector likes getting outdoors, meeting homeowners and contractors and visiting a variety of inspection sites. "It seems like every day I learn something new," he said.

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After 43 years with the Scott County Library System, librarian Barb Hegfors is closing the book on a storied career. With ongoing COVID precautions and limited library services, this is not how the longtime Shakopee Library branch manager imagined her final year. But adapting to change is something to which Hegfors is well accustomed. Closing chapter Longtime Shakopee librarian to retire

Hegfors joined the Scott County Library system in 1977, working first in Savage and then also in Shakopee for several years. She became the Shakopee branch manager in 1989 and watched the library adapt to its customers' changing needs. “What I enjoy most are the people and the interactions and helping them find what they need,” she said. “Each day is just a little different.”

"What I enjoy most are the people and the interactions and helping them find what they need. Each day is just a little different."

Hegfors remembers the early years when customers could check out 8 MM films and projectors – even framed photos to hang on their living room walls. The old catalog system moved to microfiche and now is fully electronic, allowing customers to order materials from the comfort of home. The library itself has become a gathering place where students reserve study rooms, community groups meet and visitors access the Internet. Overall, technology has been the biggest change, said Hegfors, noting how the library’s reference collection has shrunk over the years. “I still like the physical book in my hands, but [our ebook collection] offers so much variety that we can’t have on our shelves in the building,” she said. Barb Hegfors Shakopee Library Branch Manager

Despite all the changes, this past year has been especially unique, and Hegfors misses the chance to say goodbye to the customers and volunteers she has gotten to know so well. She fondly recalls volunteer brunches and wonders what the teenagers who staffed the summer reading program for so many summers are doing these days. She hopes many will stop by the Shakopee library before her official retirement Dec. 30. Hegfors also expresses appreciation to her staff and upper management who have supported her career. As she prepares to turn the page on this chapter, it is a little bittersweet. “It doesn’t seem like 43 years since I’ve started, but the time has gone by extremely fast.” Shakopee Library Branch Manager Barb Hegfors is looking forward to retirement – traveling, researching genealogy, watching her family grow and reading. “Some people think [as a librarian reading is] what you do at work, but I have my list and it’s growing every day.”

HolidayWinter Market is Dec. 5 Shakopee Holiday Fest will look a bit different this year. While there will be a

Where can the bus take you? Check out our video on the city's

downtown tree, Downtown Shakopee will not be having an in-person tree lighting ceremony, the Parade of Lights or fireworks show. Downtown Shakopee is hosting a Holiday Winter Market of local artisans and their hand-made crafts and gifts. This outdoor event will

YouTube channel.

Ride the bus - on the weekend! Minnesota Valley Transit Authority now offers weekend bus service in Shakopee, creating more options for you to ride the bus to appointments, shopping and work. Routes 497 and 499 now operate seven days a week with the same daily schedule. Local, non-rush fares apply on Saturdays and Sundays. Questions? Visit mvta.com or call 952-882-7500.

be held in the Lewis Street parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa will be available for photos from noon to 4 p.m. at the River City Centre. Masks will be required. More info: www.shakopee.org

Winter 2021 5

Shakopee named among Best Places to Live The City of Shakopee was listed No. 30 on Money Magazine's 2020 Best Places to Live.

The annual ranking of the Best Places to Live features 50 towns and cities where the economy, job growth and housing market have remained strong despite COVID-19 disruptions. "The touristy hotspots have certainly contributed to the strong economy in Shakopee, which has seen a 9-percent rise in employment since 2015 alone. Home prices are quite favorable for the region, too. At around $263,000, the area’s median price is well below nearby Prior Lake and Eden Prairie," according to the report. Money looked at a list of 1,890 locations throughout the United States to pick its top 50 winners. This year, it looked at towns and cities with a population of at least 25,000 and ranked the Best Places to Live by putting the greatest emphasis on economic factors, like employment opportunities, as well as supply and demand for homes, cost of living, quality of schools, racial and economic diversity and health and safety.

Shakopee was recognized not only for its entertainment options, but also the economy, job growth and housing market.

PROPOSED 2021 CITY LEVY & BUDGET 2020 budget invests in public safety In September, the City Council reviewed and adopted the preliminary 2021 levy and budget. While the budget holds relatively steady from 2020, it includes continuing the Fire Department’s 24-7 staffing model, which was implemented during COVID-19. This model has reduced the average call response time by 5 minutes.

A LOOK BACK Originating in 1934, annual “Birthday Balls”were held Jan. 30 in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s

birthday. Roosevelt, America’s 32nd president, was unable to walk after contracting polio at age 39 and was passionate about battling the disease. In 1937, the National Foundation of Infant Paralysis was founded to raise awareness of the disease. Through the foundation, the March of Dimes campaign came to be.

The preliminary city levy of $21,017,800 is an increase of $637,300, or 3.13 percent, from last year. Much of the increase will be covered by new construction, as the city’s estimated market value increased by $521 million, or 8.6 percent, to $6.6 billion. New construction accounts for 22 percent of the increase. For the median-value Shakopee home increasing by 6.3 percent from $251,000 to

The public is invited to the Dec. 1 City Council meeting to provide feedback and comments on the proposed 2021 budget and levy.

“Birthday Balls” ended in 1945 with Roosevelt's death, but the March of Dimes continues today. The March of Dimes contributed financially to support the research of Jonas Salk, who in 1955, developed the polio vaccine which nearly eliminated the disease. Shakopee hosted one of the first Scott County Birthday Balls on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1935. Shakopee Mayor John J. Cavanaugh, the chairman of the Scott County Birthday Ball, announced the Riviera Supper Club was the location of the ball. A live orchestra was provided, and ticket cost was $1 per couple. Former mayor of Shakopee and well-known judge, Joseph J. (J. J.) Moriarty, took over as head of the Scott County Birthday Ball in 1942. The Scott County Birthday Ball continued until the fundraiser nationally ended in 1945.

$266,800, a property owner would see an increase of $5 annually in city property taxes. Absent any change in value, homeowners can expect a tax decrease of $50, or about 6.2 percent. Since 2016, the median value home has increased in value by 30.5 percent with just a 14.9-percent increase in property taxes paid on the home. Overall, the proposed tax levy will drop the city’s tax rate from 33.965 percent to 31.851 percent, a decrease of 2.114 percent. This is the fourth consecutive year the city will see its tax rate decrease.

6 Hometown Messenger

If news surrounding the pandemic has you worried about every scratchy throat or runny nose, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are trusted resources and science-backed facts to help keep your family safe and slow the spread. Masks should be worn continuously and correctly. “Masks are still necessary because you can have COVID-19, but not have symptoms. You might feel healthy, but you can still infect others without a mask to stop your virus-laden droplets,” says Monte Johnson, MD, vice president of Medical Affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center. “To ensure your mask is effective, it should completely cover the chin, mouth and nose. Special care should be taken to avoid touching your face or mask throughout the day,” Johnson said. Staying safe from COVID-19

It may be second-nature by now, but hands should be washed thoroughly and often, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol should be used. “Practicing physical distancing is still critical,” said Amy Jerdee, RN, president of St. Francis. “When in contact with anyone from outside your household, you should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart,” she explained. “This is important whether at work, grocery shopping or even going for a walk.” If you need medical care, you can feel safe seeing your provider. Many precautions have been taken at health care facilities to ensure patient safety. Some are providing virtual visits, some have in-person hours and some are closed completely.

"When in contact with anyone from outside your household, you should continue to wear a mask and stay six feet apart. This is important whether at work, grocery shopping or even going for a walk." Amy Jerdee St. Francis Regional Medical Center President

To determine the best route of care for your needs, call your clinic’s main line. If emergency care is needed, whether or not it’s related to COVID-19, visit the nearest emergency department or dial 911. If you think you might have COVID-19, isolate until you can see a provider virtually, or call your clinic to determine where to get a COVID-19 test. Continue to isolate until you receive a negative test result or until ALL of the following are true: • Your symptoms are improving. • You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. • At least ten days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

It’s important to stay up to date with accurate information as the pandemic progresses. Refer to trusted organizations for facts: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and Minnesota Department of Health at www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus

City to survey residents on quality of life, city services You will soon have an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions regarding life in Shakopee as part of an upcoming community-wide survey. National Citizen Survey will conduct the 2021 Community Survey, which asks residents to share feedback on city services, current issues and the city’s overall quality of life. Approximately 1,500 randomly selected households will receive a paper survey in January. The results will be collected to gather a scientifically reliable sample. National Citizen Survey will use Shakopee’s data to compare the city with more than 600 communities nationwide, including similar Minnesota cities. All Shakopee residents can also share feedback via an online survey. Sign up at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe under "City News" to be notified when the survey is available. The results of both surveys will be published in February.

Sign up for email and text alerts Keep informed of what’s happening by subscribing to the city's email and text delivery service. Sign up for updates on topics that interest you at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe .

Winter 2021 7

PARKS & RECREATION Guest safety is Community Center's top priority The Shakopee Community Center continues to take precautions related to COVID-19 to ensure we can safely offer fitness and recreation activities. These efforts include extra sanitization, social distancing and capacity limits in accordance with state guidelines.

"We are doing our best to offer classes and activities that help keep you and your family active and engaged," said Parks and Recreation Director Jay Tobin. "Our goal is to keep the Community Center open as much as possible this winter, and we appreciate our guests' patience as we adapt our services to prioritize safety." The Community Center is open to the public, though reservations are required to use facilities. Daily passes are $5 while Community Center members can access fitness equipment, gyms, walking track, an indoor aquatic center,

WORK OUT AT HOME Parks and Recreation is offering FREE virtual fitness classes through Dec. 31. Classes include Zumba, HIIT, Yoga Flow, Cardio Gold and Silver Sneakers. Reserve your spot at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ communitycenter. Beginning Jan. 1, virtual classes will require a $20/month Virtual Class Pass; classes remain free for Community Center members.

OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS OPEN IN DECEMBER Shakopee Parks and Recreation's outdoor skating rinks are open mid- December through late February, weather permitting. During open hours, warming houses are open, rinks are lit and an attendant is on duty. Bring your skates, as rentals are not available at the outdoor rinks. Park Maintenance maintains the rinks, flooding and sweeping as needed throughout the skating season. More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ outdoorskating SKATING RINK LOCATIONS Green Meadows Park 3100 Thrush St. Southbridge Community Park 7101 Southbridge Parkway Westminster Park 801 Valley View Dr. E. Lions Park 1103 Adams St. (no warming house) WARMING HOUSE HOURS Monday-Friday 5:30-9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 1-8 p.m. *Warming houses may have special holiday hours.

fitness classes, public skating and more for free. For the latest on the Community Center status and programs, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ communitycenter .

JOIN THE COMMUNITY CENTER! Now is a great time to become a Community Center member and enjoy all the great benefits of membership. The Community Center offers youth, adult, senior, military and family membership options. Rates are not expected to change for 2021. Learn more at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/communitycenter . Learn more in the Parks and Recreation Activities Brochure.

COMMUNITY CENTER RESERVATIONS

#AsktheCity

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A RESERVATION? Visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ communitycenter and select “Sign Up” or the reservation icon for your desired activity. Enter your email address and submit. DO I NEED TO BE A COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBER? No. The Community Center is open to the public. Daily admissions fee is $5 for all ages. Youth under 15 will not be allowed in the facility without an adult.

WHY ARE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED? Your health is our top priority. Similar to restaurants, advanced online reservations allow the Community Center to safely control capacity and ensure you have safe space to exercise, swim or play. WHICH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE? Fitness floor, fitness classes, gymnasium, open pickleball, walking track, open and lap swim, locker rooms, showers and room rentals.

DROP OFF YOUR LETTER TO SANTA AT THE SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER! Be sure to include a short list of presents you’d like and maybe leave Santa a nice note for all the hard work he, his elves and his reindeer do each year! Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for Santa to send you a special message. Santa’s mailbox will be at the Community Center Dec. 1-12. Your child will receive a letter from Santa the week of Dec 20.

Le ers to Santa

8 Hometown Messenger

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

Final design selected for Jennifer Lane Park This spring, the Prairie Meadows development will get a new play-focused park featuring Shakopee's first bankshot court. In November, the City Council approved a concept plan for Jennifer Lane Park, a .85-acre park at Jennifer Lane and Meadow Court. Residents helped drive the park design by participating in a variety of community engagement activities, including surveys and open houses. The council also approved a concept plan for playground replacement at Timber Trails Park, 1397 Blue Heron Trail. The combined budget for the two parks is $390,000. Construction is planned for spring 2021.

Rendering of proposed Lifestyle Communities senior housing co-op near Canterbury Park

Townhomes, senior housing co-op proposed for Canterbury Crossing Two developers are introducing two new housing options as part of the new Canterbury Crossings development on 14 acres southwest of Canterbury Park. Pulte Homes plans to build 108 townhomes north of Eagle Creek Boulevard. The units would include a mix of 22 three-story walk-ups and 86 two-story rowhouses. The size of the units range from 1,850 to 2,400 square-feet and range in price from the upper $200,000s to upper $400,000s. Lifestyle Communities also plans to construct a 56-unit senior housing cooperative at the corner of Shenandoah Drive and Schenian Street. The 115,915-square-foot building would include a mix of bedroom types, as well as a variety of amenities and a pickleball court. Residents would need to be at least 62 years old to purchase a unit. The City Council is anticipated to review the proposals in November. The developer hopes to begin site work in 2021 and construction on the senior co-op in the fall of 2021.

Concept plan rendering of playground at new Jennifer Lane Park

Community feedback wanted on proposed park plans Residents are invited to share their feedback on proposed concepts plans for three city parks: • Scenic Heights Park (park improvements) • Quarry Lake Park (park improvements) • Windermere Park (new park) Visit the city website at www.ShakopeeMN. gov/parkprojects to share your input on the amenities and features you'd like to see. You can also find more information about each project and sign up for project updates at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe .

32-bed senior care facility coming Shakopee The City Council recently approved a final plat for a new senior living facility in west Shakopee. Hampton Senior Care of Shakopee plans to build a single-level, 20,752-square- foot senior care facility that includes 12 memory care and 20 assisted living suites on approximately 3.3 acres north of The Willows at Windermere and south of New Horizons Academy. Construction on the Suite Living Senior Care of Shakopee is expected to begin in spring 2021.

Winter 2021 9

69

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

169

41

15

78

With new construction in the Windermere development, the city will be constructing a neighborhood parks and trails system to serve the residents of Shakopee's west end. The system will have a mix of play areas, hiking and biking trails and other amenities as needed by the neighborhood. It will also preserve and protect natural areas like the Windermere bluff. Parks in the Windermere neighborhood will be built concurrently with neighborhood development. Windermere Parks IMPROVEMENTS MAY INCLUDE: • Nature-inspired playgrounds • Hiking and biking trails • Picnicking areas TIMELINE: A multi-year project, improvements could begin in 2021. STATUS: City staff are working with consultants on the concept plan with community engagement planned for winter 2020-21. COST: The project is estimated at $2.2 million over the next several years and will be funded from the city's Park Development Fund. MORE INFO: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ parkprojects

REV. POND STATUE STANDS SENTINEL IN

DOWNTOWN SHAKOPEE On Oct. 30, the city unveiled a new statue of Rev. Samuel Pond near the River City Centre. The statue honors one of the

community's first white settlers, who was invited by Dakota leader Sakpe II to set up a mission and school in the village of Tinta Otunwe. He also helped develop a Dakota alphabet. The sculpture was created by artist Denny Haskew, who also sculpted the Chief Sakpe statue at the Highway 101 entrance. Thank you to the generous donors who helped make this statue possible. City annexes 250 additional acres In October, the City Council approved the annexation of 250 acres of land from Jackson Township. The land is primarily agricultural. The property is located south of Highway 169 and west and east of Old Brick Yard Road near the intersection of Old Brick Yard Road and Colburn Drive. 169 69

15

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10 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS

City receives $2 million in state bonding for Highway 169 pedestrian overpass In October, the Minnesota Legislature passed the 2020 Bonding Bill, which will pave the way for a much-desired pedestrian bridge over Highway 169. The city received $2 million toward a new trail bridge crossing near Gateway Drive/ Quarry Lake Park and Southbridge. The overpass will connect to parks, residential areas, commercial businesses, employment opportunities and industrial areas. Elements include path, trail and sidewalk construction, wayfinding and right-of-way. Construction is tentatively planned for 2022. The $2 million funding toward the trail bridge is part of a $1.87 billion state infrastructure bonding bill. The trail bridge is consistent with state policy goals, including regional transportation, safety and security, destination access, competitive economy, healthy environment and integrated modes of transportation. Construction anticipated to start on Ridge Creek Park, Memorial Park bridge The City Council is anticipated to award bids for the long-awaited park construction projects. In October, the city opened bids for construction of the new Ridge Creek Park and realignment of the Prior Lake Outlet Channel. The project includes constructing a regional trail, boardwalk and channel realignment at Ridge Creek Park. The project is estimated at $4 million. The city is also moving forward with replacing the pedestrian bridge at Memorial Park. The bridge, which connects to the Minnesota Valley State Trail, was removed in 2015 due to structural concerns. If bids are approved, construction could start this winter on both projects.

Safety, congestion improvements coming to Canterbury Road in 2021 A main Shakopee thoroughfare is getting major improvements as part of a $15.2 million reconstruction project to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2021, Scott County plans to reconstruct Highway 83 (Canterbury Road) between Fourth Avenue and Highway 169. The improvements will address existing operational and safety issues, as well as better support redevelopment along the corridor. Trails will be added on both sides of the highway between Fourth Avenue and the Highway 169 intersection, closing several gaps in the city’s trail system. This fall, utility companies are relocating underground utility lines in preparation for construction on County Highway 83/Canterbury Road to start in 2021.

“This is a significant north-south corridor for the city, and we are missing vital sidewalk and trail connections,” said Assistant City Engineer Ryan Halverson. The trails will connect to the new 12th Avenue trail that runs east to Quarry Lake Park and complete the pedestrian network in the area. Canterbury Road is an important freight route, providing access to the Valley Green Industrial Park. Plans call for reducing access points and adding new turn lanes to ease congestion between Highway 169 and 12th Avenue. The project will add a second right turn lane to the southbound 169 ramp and several turn lanes at 12th Avenue. Halverson said the city is also working to address congestion issues on 12th Avenue east of 83 with an improved layout and driveway access management. Canterbury Park will have a new racing and event access at Unbridled Avenue, a new public road constructed this summer north of the park. A digital messaging sign will be installed to assist with event traffic and improved wayfinding signage will guide motorists through the area.

ABOUT THE PROJECT Scott County will reconstruct Canterbury Road to a four-lane divided highway with turn lanes and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trails. Schedule Construction is anticipated to start in the spring and continue until 2022. Traffic Impact While construction will be phased, Canterbury Road is expected to close for portions of the project. 12th Avenue will remain open with local access available to all businesses.

Also included in the project are upgrades to beautify the corridor by adding vegetation and undergrounding overhead utility lines to create a more attractive corridor. “We want Canterbury Road to not only drive better, but also to welcome visitors to our community,” Halverson said. While the project was spurred in large part by the Canterbury Commons development, Halverson said the city and county have studied the corridor many times over the years. It builds on recent city-county improvements in the area. A portion of the project will be funded from the Canterbury Common TIF District.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

This fall, the International Association of Chiefs of Police selected the Shakopee Police Department as the recipient of its 2020 IACP Leadership Award for midsize agencies. Shakopee Police Department honored with international award for community policing Leading by example

The department was recognized for its initiative, innovation and excellence in law enforcement practices. This is the second time in five years the department has earned this prestigious award. “We are honored to be recognized among much larger agencies for the work our officers do on a daily basis,” said Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate. “Community policing is not just a program here but an integral part of our culture.

"Community policing is not just a program here but an integral part of our culture. There is nothing we value more than our relationships with this community." Jeff Tate Police Chief

and Lock It Shakopee campaign to reduce thefts and burglaries. The award also highlights the department’s numerous community outreach initiatives that go beyond traditional police programs (Night to Unite, Coffee with a Cop, etc.) and engage the community in caring The department also received the IACP Community Policing Award in 2015 and the IACP’s Leadership in Victim Services Award in 2018.

for its neighbors. These programs include diaper drives, winter coat drives, Loaves and Fishes meal service, blood drives and more. In 2019, 86 percent of department staff volunteered in the community. “We take great pride in working in partnership with the Shakopee community to address our residents and businesses’ needs,”Tate said. “Our officers have built tremendous social capital among our community, and every time we have an event, this community shows up and supports the cause.”

There is nothing we value more than our relationships with this community, and it’s great to have our efforts recognized at such a high level.” The Shakopee Police Department was

recognized for its strong partnerships with the community in addressing some its most pressing crimes. These partnerships include the department’s award-winning gift card ordinance to reduce fraud, Sober Ride Home initiative to curb impaired driving

Winter parking restrictions in effect until March 31

Winter parking restrictions are in effect from Nov. 1 to March 31. During these months, no parking is allowed on any city street from 2 to 6 a.m. except for the area north of 10th Avenue and west of Marschall Road where odd/even parking rules apply. After a snowfall of two or more inches, parking restrictions are effective 24 hours a day until the snow has been plowed curb to curb. No parking is permitted on snow routes during a snow emergency. More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parking .

DRIVE-IN COFFEE WITH A COP In honor of National Coffee with a Cop Oct. 7, the Police Department hosted a drive-in event where attendees had a cup of coffee and donut, had their child safety seat inspected and spoke with Public Works mechanics about prepping their vehicle for winter.

12 Hometown Messenger

Shakopee students sweep state fire safety poster contest Congratulations to three Shakopee students who took first, second and third place in 2019 Minnesota State Fire Chief’s Association poster contest. • Lauren Butterfass, first-place winner (grades 2-3) • Emma Bronken, second-place winner (grades 2-3) • Penny Rients, third-place winner (grades 2-3) The students each won a cash prize of $75, $50 and $25, respectively. Each October, the Shakopee Fire Department sponsors a local contest among Shakopee third-graders. A winning poster is chosen from each Shakopee elementary. The poster is then forwarded to the state contest and the students win treats for their class.

CHIEF’S NOTES

As we approach the holiday season, I am happy to report we will continue two very important traditions in Shakopee. Our annual coat drive is currently under way. You can drop off a new or gently used winter coat at our police department lobby through Dec. 4. We are also accepting winter hats, gloves and boots. We need all sizes, so please help make this another successful coat drive. The winter clothes

go directly to families in Shakopee through Shakopee Community Assistance. I am also excited to announce we will be doing our annual “Shop with a Cop” event Dec. 9. Due to COVID restrictions, the event will be on a much smaller in scale, but we will still be able

Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate

to take 10 Shakopee children shopping for Christmas presents and hopefully make their Christmas a little brighter this year. This is always a fun event for the kids, their families and police officers. We are grateful to be able to do this event safely.

Lauren Butterfass

Emma Bronken

Penny Rients

NEWS & NOTES

Longtime officer Greg Tucci retires Congratulations to Greg Tucci, who retired Oct. 29 after 33 years with the Shakopee Police Department. New officer sworn into office The Shakopee Police Department welcomed its newest patrol officer, Alex Johnson, in November. Johnson is a graduate of Shakopee High School and Minnesota State University, Mankato. Winter Coat collection through Dec. 4

I also want to take a moment and thank everyone who has been participating in our Virtual Citizens Academy. I have been blown away by the number of views these segments received. I always like meeting people during the in-person academy and having them get to know our officers and what we do. Unfortunately, that can’t happen this year, but this alternative has allowed us to reach so many more people in the community. Thanks again for taking time out of your evenings to watch the videos live or at a later time. We really do appreciate it.

Greg Tucci

Drop off new or gently used coats, gloves and hats for both children and adults to the Shakopee Police Department's Winter Coat Drive. You can drop off items during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be given to families at its annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 9. For more information, contact the Police Department at 952-233-9400. Officers honors as DWI All-Stars Shakopee Police Officers Cortnie Miranowski and Vadim Romanets were honored as a “DWI All-Star” by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Each officer made 36 DWI arrests in 2019.

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