Spring 2020 Hometown Messenger

NEWS & NOTES

New permit software to launch This spring, the city is set to launch a new permitting software to improve the customer experience when applying for a city permit or license.

The Shakopee license and permits ePortal allows customers to use one portal for submission, plan review, permitting and payments. Customers will also be able to schedule inspections online and read inspectors' real-time notes.

VA to construct new clinic The City Council recently approved plans for the construction of a new Veterans Affairs clinic in west Shakopee. The VA will build the 15,000-square- foot clinic at the northeast corner of Marystown Road and 17th Avenue. The VA’s existing outpatient clinic will move from Shakopee Town Square to the new facility. Construction is anticipated to start in spring 2020. Future phases of the mixed-use development could also include a 16,000-square-foot medical building and 120-unit apartment building. Rendering of the new VA Clinic near 17th Avenue and Marystown Road

Purchased through Tyler Technologies, ePortal will streamline and automate much of the city's permitting processes. It will be used for all permits and licensing, including business licenses, right-of-way licenses, building permits, fire permits and planning applications. All submissions will be reviewed by a permit coordinator and then forwarded to the appropriate reviewers and departments. The software allows all types of online payments, including credit cards and checks. It has the potential to save the city credit card charges, which annually account for more than $60,000. More information about ePortal will be posted on the city website as the launch date approaches. Specialty manufacturer moves 115 jobs to Shakopee Cherne to invest $11 million in new facility Cherne Industries, Inc., a global leader and specialty manufacturer of pipe plug and testing equipment, recently announced its plans to relocate its corporate headquarters

from Edina to Shakopee. Opus Development will be constructing Cherne a new 130,000-square- foot headquarters in the West Shakopee Gateway. The facility will include its corporate offices, research and

Rendering of the Riverfront Bluffs complex west of downtown Shakopee. Riverfront Bluffs construction could begin in spring 2020 In February, Gaughan Co. presented its latest plans for the riverfront redevelopment of the city block bounded by First Avenue, Scott and Atwood streets and Levee Drive. Gaughan’s new design includes 170 market-rate units, a restaurant on the river and retail space on First Avenue. Construction could begin in spring 2020. This spring, the city also secured a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development grant to assist in the cleanup of the site, since a large portion was formerly used as a garbage dump.

A draft concept rendering of a new Cherne Industries, Inc. facility.

development along with manufacturing. It is located on property currently owned by the Shakopee Economic Development Authority and under contract to Opus for development for $1.65 million. The move will relocate 115 jobs with an additional 50 new jobs, with an average wage over $20/hour plus benefits, planned over the next five years. The company plans to invest more than $11 million in its new facility. The relocation will allow Cherne to expand production and include an additional first-of-its-kind robot to make specialized plugs. Cherne also plans to increase research and development and add additional engineering staff, computer programmers and operators. In February, the City Council approved a tax abatement of the city's portion of property taxes to assist Cherne with its relocation. Cherne will pay its full property taxes; however, the city will rebate its portion of tax revenue to the company for nine years, as long as Cherne meets its annual job and investment goals. The city will rebate no more than $459,494 over the length of the abatement. The property was previously tax exempt and collecting no property tax revenue.

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