Shakopee Snapshot: Summer 2024

SHAKOPEE SNAPSHOT A LENS ON SHAKOPEE LIVING

SUMMER 2024

Blazing a new trail Shakopee Fire Department looks to future

Shako Votes Vote early at City Hall

Living in a news desert Where to turn without a local newspaper

2024

FREE, FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ALONG THE RIVERFRONT!

May 29

7 p.m.

Shakopee High School Jazz Band High School Jazz Band Mitchell Hall & Tennessee Trio Johnny Cash Tribute Band Shakopee JCI’s Taste of Shakopee

June 6

7 p.m.

June 13

4–9 p.m.

June 13 6–8:30 p.m. Tuxedo Band Cover Band June 20 7 p.m. Salsa del Soul Latin Dance June 27 7 p.m.

S

o l i

South of the River Community Band Orchestra

d

G o l d

July 11

7 p.m.

Prairie Potluck Band Bluegrass Westwind Swing Band Classic Swing Era The Canyon Cowboys Country

B

a

July 18

7 p.m.

n

d

July 25

7 p.m.

M i t

c

August 1

7 p.m.

MN State Band Orchestra

h e l l l l &

H a

August 8

7 p.m.

Charlie Sticha Band Polka Walz Country Band

August 15

7 p.m.

Solid Gold Band Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll

T e

n n

d

n

e s

a

August 17

Dusk Movie in the Park Movie to be Determined

B

s e

g

e

S w i n

T r

i o

August 22

7 p.m.

Concert Rain Date

d

i n

t w

W Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N. www.ShakopeeMN.gov | 952-233-9500 Schedule subject to change | Weather Hotline 952-233-9502 e s

SHAKOPEE SNAPSHOT A LENS ON SHAKOPEE LIVING

SUMMER 2024

CITY NEWSLETTER Fire Dept. looks to future. . . . 3 City Calendar. . . . . . . . . . 4 In Lehman’s Terms . . . . . . . 4 Where to turn for news without a local newspaper . . . . 5 News&Notes. . . . . . . . . . 5 Show Off Shakopee. . . . . . . 6 AsktheCity.. . . . . . . . . . 6 Votingin2024. . . . . . . . . 7 Parks & Recreation. . . . . . . 9 Development News. . . . 10–11 Public Works. . . . . . . . 12–13 Public Safety. . . . . . . . 14–15 Chief's Notes. . . . . . . . . . 15 has a new leadership team in place comprised of Deputy Chief Joe Simon (left), Fire Chief Mike Nelson (center), and Deputy Chief Dave Giddings (right). Simon and Giddings have been with the department 17 and 19 years, respectively, while Nelson comes to us with 25 years of fire service experience. Cover Photo: The Shakopee Fire Department

SMSC Public Safety Director Mona Dohman and Allina EMS Operations Manager Kurt Weidner congratulate Deputy Chief Dave Giddings (front right) at a badging ceremony for Giddings and Deputy Chief Joe Simon (back right). Blazing a new trail Shakopee Fire Department looks to future After a year of dedicated work and commitment to implementing positive change, the Shakopee Fire Department is welcoming a new leader: Fire Chief Mike Nelson. Since summer 2023, the department has been under the leadership of Interim Fire Chief Mike Scott. With the support of City Council, Scott guided the department through a professional fire services evaluation, completed by Citygate Associates, and this year began implementing several of the improvements recommended by the study to ensure Shakopee’s fire and rescue services are stream lined, professional, and as efficient as possible. Now, Nelson is poised to take the reins and continue moving the department in a sustainable, structured

direction. Alongside him are Deputy Chiefs Dave Giddings and Joe Simon, who have been with the Shakopee Fire Department for 19 and 17 years, respectively. Nelson joins the department from the South Metro Fire Depart ment serving West St. Paul and South St. Paul where he was most recently a captain. “I’m really excited to have Chief Nelson on board,” said Simon. “We have common goals for the future, which is reassuring. We’re going to keep moving in the direction we’ve been going, and we’re just looking forward to what the future holds.”

"There’s just a ton of opportunity here. I’m excited to see where we are five years from now." Mike Nelson Fire Chief

FIND US ONLINE AT: www.ShakopeeMN.gov

SIGN UP FOR NEWS AND UPDATES AT: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/subscribe

Continued on page 8

Summer 2024 3

IN LEHMAN’S TERMS A message from the Mayor of Shakopee

CITY CALENDAR

MAY 30 Wheelies Family Bike Event: 5–7 p.m., Quarry Lake Park JUNE 1 Night to Unite registration opens: See City website 12 Picnic with Police: 5–8 p.m., Lions Park

Hello Shakopee!

In summertime, we get out and about doing things that bring us happiness. Schools are out and there are kids playing, pedestrians walking, bikers cycling, motorcycles riding down

19 Juneteenth: City offices closed 29 Let’s Go Fishing: Registration required, 10 a.m.– Noon, Quarry Lake Park

Mayor Matt Lehman

the street—all enjoying the season and visiting people, places, and things. With this in mind, please be reminded—whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, or biker—to follow basic traffic rules and look twice before crossing the street. It makes everybody safer. If you’re getting your furry friend out and about to explore with you, please remember Shakopee has a leash law, and picking up after our furry friends is not only a requirement, it’s just the right thing to do. While out on a beautiful summer day, I love capturing the scents of a fresh mowed lawn, farmers tending the fields, someone enjoying a recreational fire, or a family grilling out. I’m especially a fan of the scent of hot gear oil, racing fuel, and burning rubber at racing events. The City of Shakopee has many summertime fun opportunities planned, including Picnic with Police on June 12 at Lions Park, Let’s Go Fishing on June 29 at Quarry Lake Park, a Pop-Up Splash Pad on July 12 at the Community Center, and, of course, Shakopee Night to Unite on August 6 all around the city. Of course I can’t forget to mention the Chamber’s weekly concert series, Rhythm on the Rails, in downtown Shakopee. These concerts are free and happen for six Wednesdays in June and July—it’s worth checking out! To view the City’s calendar of events and get more details about something you want to attend, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/calendar . If you’re more of an “unstructured fun” person, check out one of our great amenities, including the splash pad, disc golf course, and new pickleball courts at Lions Park; our new-as-of-2023 playgrounds at Quarry Lake and Huber Parks; the newly redone skate park at the Community Center; the mountain bike trail at Quarry Lake Park; and, later this summer, the new fitness court at Scenic Heights Park. There’s something for everyone! In closing, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summertime season on behalf of the Shakopee City Council. Matt Lehman Mayor of Shakopee mlehman@ShakopeeMN.gov

JULY 3 Happy Birthday America Parade: Staging at 10 a.m. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m., Lions Park 4 Fourth of July: Community Center, City offices closed 12 Pop-Up Splash Pad: 5–7 p.m., Community Center AUGUST 2 Summer Carnival: 10-11:15 a.m., Lions Park 6 Shakopee Night to Unite: 5:30–9 p.m.

Find the latest City calendar at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/calendar .

CONTACT US MAYOR MattLehman............. mlehman@ShakopeeMN.gov COUNCIL MEMBERS Angelica Contreras. . . . . . . . . . acontreras@ShakopeeMN.gov JimDuLaney.............. jdulaney@ShakopeeMN.gov JesseLara................. jlara@ShakopeeMN.gov JayWhiting................... 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 Shakopee Snapshot is produced four times a year by the City of Shakopee. Comments or suggestions can be directed to the editor, Amanda McKnight, at amcknight@ShakopeeMN.gov .

4 Shakopee Snapshot

Where to turn for news without a local newspaper Know how you can stay informed

NEWS & NOTES NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN CITY STAFF ■ Lindsey Vugteveen , Water Resources Environmental Technician ■ Jason Marshall , Foreperson Mechanic ■ Damian Papenfuss-Pruitt , Police Officer ■ Lucas Willis , Police Officer ■ Darren Hansen , Building Inspector ■ Kelsi McNutt , Director of Parks and Recreation ■ Christie Rossow , Director of Human Resources ■ Mike Nelson , Fire Chief With the permanent closure of the Shakopee Valley News, many community members are asking where they can find reliable informa tion about what’s going on around Shakopee. Without a media outlet that’s dedicated solely to our community, Shakopee now meets the definition of a news desert. According to the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, a news desert is a community with diminished access to the sort of local news and informa tion that feeds grassroots democracy. We at the City recognize we aren’t a one stop shop for everything that’s happening in our community, but without the presence of a newspaper, we want to do our part to ensure City-related news and information is easy to access, up to date, and available in a variety of locations and formats. Here are some ways to stay connected to what’s happening at the City: Shakopee Digest: Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter that is sent out at the begin ning of each month. The Shakopee Digest includes current news, as well as upcoming events and public meetings. Visit www.Sha kopeeMN.gov/shakopeedigest to subscribe. After Council Reports: Subscribe to receive an update email after City Council meetings. The After Council Report includes brief summaries of actions taken by the City Council, which can be a good way to learn about upcoming hous ing developments, new businesses, proposed parks, the City budget, and other changes happening at the City level. Visit www.Sha kopeeMN.gov/subscribe to sign up for this twice-monthly email and more. Social Media: The City maintains several social media pages, including separate Face book pages dedicated to the fire, police, and parks and recreation departments, the City as a whole, and SandVenture Aquatic Park. To

RELAX WITH A NEW NATURE BASED VIDEO SERIES Our new video series, Scenes of Shakopee, invites you to watch and listen to the sights and sounds of our beautiful natural spaces around Shakopee. Videos premiere monthly on YouTube and are perfect for playing while you work, spend time at home, or wind down at the end of the day. Watch now at www.YouTube.com/@CityofShakopeeMN . Parks and Recreation events and programs for the upcoming month. ■ Dontcha Know? —A bi-weekly series showcasing free amenities provided by the City of Shakopee, from free cardboard recycling to car seat installations. ■ Shakopee Through the Years (Coming soon!) —This documentary series will dive into the rich history of Shakopee. The first edition, launching this summer, will focus on the history of Shakopee bricks. City Website: The City of Shakopee web site has a news section right at the bottom of its home page. Additionally, to view a list of all recent news stories, visit www.Shako peeMN.gov/news . Shakopee Snapshot: This publication you’re reading right now is a great source for infor mation and events! Typically, the Shakopee Snapshot is mailed to all households in Sha kopee four times each year. This Summer 2024 edition is online-only, which is a pilot project we made the deci sion to test prior to the announcement of the Shakopee Valley News closure. In light of the news, we plan to continue distributing a printed version of the Snapshot by mail going forward with the Fall edition and beyond. find a comprehensive list of our social media channels, visit linktr.ee/cityofshakopee . YouTube: The City produces a number of video series that are all available at www.youtube. com/@CityofShakopeeMN . Our video series include: ■ The Dig —A monthly series highlighting new developments around Shakopee, from housing and roundabouts to entertainment destinations and new parks. ■ Court ‘n’ Mason in the Morning —A light-hearted monthly series previewing

How Can I Help You? Meet Ben Tester, an I.T. Specialist. Q: What do you do for the City? A: I am an I.T. Specialist for the City of Shakopee. This involves maintaining the HelpDesk and remedying the break/fix issues that happen each day. Q: What do you enjoy about working for the City? A: I enjoy getting to work with an awesome team who is always willing to help each other out with different tasks as they arise. It is also nice having a supervisor who truly cares about you as a person and is a forward-thinker in the ever-changing world of I.T. Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: The best part about my job is being able to work with multiple City departments with a variety of different I.T. equipment and issues. Every day brings a fun new challenge.

SHAKOPEE SCENES OF

Summer 2024 5

Take photos now; win later Plan ahead for the 2024 Show Off Shakopee photo contest

The annual Show Off Shakopee photo contest will open for submis sions on Sept. 1, but we’ve announced the categories early to give photographers plenty of opportunities this summer to snag the per fect shot. The 2024 Show Off Shakopee categories are: ■ Uniquely Shakopee —What do you think sets Shakopee apart from other cities? ■ Community Connections —From public expressions of joy to neighbors gathering at a block party, showcase the vibrant spirit of human connection within our community. ■ Wildlife & Natur e—Let Mother Nature set the scene while you capture it! ■ Budding Photographer —New in 2024, 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 pub lications 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.Shako peeMN.gov/showoffshakopee . As in past years, the photo submission period will be open on the City website for the entire month of September.

SHOW OFF SHAKOPEE PHOTO CONTEST

2024

Last year’s overall winner was Shelley Weeks with her photo of the lion at the Lions Park Splash Pad.

#AsktheCity

STORM DAMAGE CLEANUP

Every year storms cause damage to trees in our neighborhoods. The Public Works Department ensures this damage does not interfere with our comings and goings. But this effort to keep our streets and neighborhoods clean is collaborative with property owners in the city. Q: WHAT IS THE CITY RESPONSIBLE FOR?

A: After every storm, Public Works takes inventory of the damage and sends crews to remove downed branches blocking City streets and boulevards. The City is responsible for disposing of damage from boulevard trees in public rights-of-way. Q: WHAT ARE PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR? A: Property owners are responsible for removing downed branches from private trees on their own property. They are also responsible for maintaining private trees and shrubs along sidewalks and alleys to reduce hazardous conditions and ensure good sight lines. Q: HOW CAN I DISPOSE OF STORM DAMAGE? A: Property owners have several options for disposing of yard debris, including the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Organics Recycling Facility and the City’s residential waste hauler, Dick’s Sani tation Inc. For more information on where to dispose of storm and yard waste, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/yardwaste .

6 Shakopee Snapshot

What you need to know about voting in 2024 Love it or loathe it, 2024 is an election year, with a primary election this summer and a general election—from City Council up to the President of the United States—in November. So what do Shakopee residents need to know about casting their ballots? WHEN AND WHERE TO VOTE Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 13, and General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voters must complete a ballot application on site, which typi cally takes less than three minutes. The City’s trained election judges will review and process the applica tion and provide instructions on how to properly fill out and submit the ballot. The City has several voting booths available for voters to privately complete their ballot selections.

When the voter is finished, they must place the ballot in a locked bal lot tabulator; if it’s an absentee ballot, it will need to be sealed in an envelope before being placed in a locked ballot box. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes, according to Hensen. WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT On a state and national level, the general election will determine who will represent Shakopee in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and Minnesota House, as well as the presidency. On the local level, the 2024 election will determine who will represent Shakopee on the Scott County Board of Commissioners, City Council, and School Board. Being that this is a presidential election year with high voter turnout anticipated, Hensen urges voters to take advantage of the early vot ing opportunities at City Hall. “Early voting really opens up the election process to be more inclusive so anyone who wants to cast a ballot has ample opportunity to do so, as opposed to an 11-hour window one day of the year,”Hensen said.“At the end of the day, I just want as many people as possible to take advantage of their right to vote, and early voting can help facilitate that.”

To cast a ballot on an Election Day, eligible voters need to vote at their local Shakopee polling location, also known as a precinct. Voters can determine their polling location by visiting pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us and entering their address. Going to be busy or out of town on Election Day? No problem! Early vot ing is offered for both the primary and general elections. Eligible voters can cast their ballot at Shakopee City Hall (485 Gorman St.) well ahead of Election Day. The City will have trained election judges available to assist voters. Early voting for the Primary Election begins Friday, June 28, and early voting for the General Election begins Friday, Sept. 20. “People really seem to enjoy the flexibility of being able to drop by City Hall to vote early,” said City Clerk Lori Hensen, who oversees the election process for the City of Shakopee. “Whether you want to avoid a wait at the polls or are going on vacation over Election Day—the option to vote early can come in handy for a lot of reasons.” Mail-in voting is also available. Voters can request an absentee ballot for mail-in voting by contacting the Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos. mn.gov . Mail-in ballots must be received by the Scott County Gov ernment Center by the day before the election and can be mailed to: Scott County, MN

Government Center 200 Fourth Ave. W. Shakopee, MN 55379 HOW EARLY VOTING WORKS

Visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/elections and click on the red“Absentee/ Early Voting” Button to view early voting hours. Typically, early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays leading up to elec tion days, with additional hours the weekend prior to the election. Early voters will enter City Hall and take an immediate right to find the polling stations down the hall. The front desk receptionist will also be happy to assist if needed. Commit to safety on the trails this summer Several voting booths will be available at City Hall for those wishing to vote early in the primary and general elections.

Please follow the trail speed limit of 15 mph Summer is a great time to get outdoors and explore Shakopee’s trails, but with that can come falls, scraped knees, and even bike collisions. We want you to have fun and also stay safe on the trails this season. Please use caution and follow these guidelines when out on the trails: ■ The trail speed limit is 15 mph ■ Electric bikes (with two or three wheels) and scooters are permitted to operate on trails but must adhere to the speed limit ■ Motor vehicles aside from electric bikes and scooters are not permitted on trails To be considered an electric bike by law, the bicycle must have fully operable pedals for human propulsion. A vehicle like a dirt bike would not be permitted on the trails. As always, keep to the right-hand side of the trail if you are not passing another trail user, and be mindful of others.

Summer 2024 7

Continued from page 3 “It was clear from the first time we met Chief Nelson during the inter view process that he was ready to invest in the future of our commu nity’s fire service,” Giddings added. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.” STAFFING THE FIRE STATION 24/7 For much of its 140-year history, the Shakopee Fire Department oper ated with a staffing model that relied on paid on-call firefighters to respond to calls as their availability allowed. As the field of fire ser vice changed along with the demands and pace of society, most fire departments began to find volunteer and on-call models unsustain able in the 21st century. In recent years, the Shakopee Fire Department has slowly transi tioned away from a paid on-call model to one with a few full-time firefighters staffing one fire station during weekday hours and paid part-time firefighters volunteering for shifts to cover one of the City’s two stations overnight during the week and on weekends. The fire services evaluation completed by Citygate Associates rec ommended the City transition to a 24-hour full-time staffing model to keep pace with call demand, ensure a predictable and consistent response to calls, and support the health and well-being of the City’s overburdened part-time firefighters. Fortunately, Nelson has direct experience handling a staffing transition of this magnitude and is looking forward to the opportunity it presents. “Shakopee has a very long history and tradition that we want to rec ognize and maintain,” Nelson said, “This is an opportunity to build something new with a group of great people already in place.” As of May 29, Nelson, Giddings, and Simon are in the process of hiring three full-time captains, which are newly created positions, and two full-time firefighters, who will join the four full-timers already on staff. These new hires will allow the department to transition Fire Station 1 to a 24-hour full-time staffing model this summer. Under the new staffing model, Fire Station 1 will be staffed 24 hours a day by one full-time captain and two full-time firefighters, with one part-time firefighter working a 12-hour day shift and another part time firefighter working a 12-hour night shift. This will ensure 24-hour coverage with a minimum of four people available to respond to calls. “Having four firefighters at the station ready to respond really pro vides us with a solid foundation for a quick response,” Giddings said. “Twenty-four-hour coverage benefits the entire community and helps us do our jobs better.” Being that part-time firefighters often have full-time jobs, the new staffing model will alleviate the pressure on part-time staff to cover such a large number of shifts each week. “Part-time staff is critical to everything we are trying to do now and well into the future,” Nelson said. “We were burdening them in the

past to ensure we had adequate coverage, and this approach should help us strike a better balance for all our staff.” As someone who has been with the department through several changes over 17 years, Simon said that of all the initiatives the department is embarking on, he is most looking forward to the new staffing model. “The 24-hour shifts are common in the fire service,” Simon said. “We’ve had a confusing organizational chart and ranking structure, and it really led to a lot of misunderstanding. We have a really clear structure now, and, with Chief Scott’s help, we’ve really fostered a sense of pro fessionalism and accountability. It’s a major step in the right direction.” WHERE ARE ALL THE FIRE CALLS COMING FROM? Though fire departments sometimes encounter made-for-TV moments like saving a duckling stuck in a storm sewer or responding to an intense building fire, the largest portion of calls are for rescue and emergency medical services (EMS). In 2023, rescue and EMS incidents accounted for 46%, or 801, of the calls to which the Shakopee Fire Department responded. “We’re there 24 hours a day and doing things all day long that are impacting the community,” Nelson said. “But fighting fires is a fairly small part of it.” According to Nelson, a cardiac arrest call can easily occupy six people, if that many are available. And with EMS being overwhelmed with the ratio of calls to staffing levels—not just in Shakopee but across the country—it’s not uncommon for a first responder to wait on scene for 20–30 minutes for an available ambulance to safely transport a patient. With firefighters required to be trained as emergency medical techni cians (EMTs), they can provide a high level of medical intervention, and they have access to resources like airway interventions, automatic exter nal defibrillation, LUCAS devices for chest compressions, and more. “That’s a significant value the fire department provides,”Nelson explained. “If you’re waiting a half hour for the ambulance, the fire department can provide a higher level of care and usually with more people.” Nelson noted the system as a whole has to function well to deliver an effective response, with each department or organization playing a critical role in the quality of the local public safety and EMS response. “Police can get to a scene fast to start the care, the fire department brings additional resources and can support the scene for a longer period of time, and we need Allina to transport people to the hospital,” Nelson said. “The systems overlap and support each other, and we all provide value that alone one part of the system cannot fully provide.” WHAT DOES THE LONG-TERM FUTURE HOLD? The 24-hour staffing model transition at Fire Station 1 this summer is the first in a series of proposed improvements to the structure and operations of the Shakopee Fire Department. The City has applied for a federal SAFER grant, which would provide funding for the department to hire three more full-time captains and six more full-time firefighters in 2025. That round of hires would allow the City to fully staff Fire Station 2 for 24 hours a day, as well. Eventually, the department hopes to bring on three battalion chiefs, with each one supervising one of the three shifts for both fire sta tions. This is another structural change recommended by the fire ser vice evaluation to clarify the chain of command, build in systems of accountability, and guarantee the availability of a ranking officer-on duty when captains are unavailable on calls. “There’s just a ton of opportunity here,” Nelson said. “Mike (Scott) and Joe (Simon) and Dave (Giddings) have done a tremendous amount of work, and I’m ready to continue that work and build on it. I’m really excited to see where we are five years from now.”

Fire Station 1, pictured here, will be operating under a 24-hour full-time staffing model by the end of summer 2024.

8 Shakopee Snapshot

PARKS & RECREATION Where to find low-cost summer fun in Shakopee Go heavy on the fun and light on the wallet with these free amenities around the community

SHAKOPEE SKATE PARK Dust off your skateboard, grab your roller blades, and tune up your trick bike because the Shakopee Skate Park is waiting for you! The skate park improvement project last year upgraded the amenities and increased the amount of ramps and other park fea tures. The park is located right outside the Shakopee Community Center at 1255 Fuller St. It’s open during daylight hours and free to use. Make sure to wear your elbow pads! LIONS PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS There are eight brand new pickleball courts at Lions Park, 1103 Adams St., available on a first come, first served basis. Pickleball etiquette and policies are posted at the park. Please be mindful of other players and respectful of any teams waiting to play. Bring your own paddles and whiffle balls, Cool down and parent on easy mode for a few minutes at the splash pad at Lions Park, 1103 Adams St. This free splash pad is open daily during day light hours, typically through Labor Day, and there is a restroom facility on site. The splash pad is open for summer 2024 while construction is ongoing at neighboring SandVenture Aquatic Park. Please be mindful when walking, biking, or driving through the parking lot during construction. and don’t forget to stay hydrated! LIONS PARK SPLASH PAD

XCEL ENERGY MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

This mountain bike park is friendly to first time trail riders and experienced riders alike. With an easier trail and an intermediate trail for more experienced mountain bikers, this bike park has something for everyone. The park is located at Quarry Lake Park, 6201 Innovation Blvd. Last year, a new play ground and restroom facility were installed at Quarry Lake Park. A kayak rental station will be installed in summer 2024. Park visitors can also catch the Shockwaves Water Ski Team at 7 p.m. on Thursdays doing tricks and stunts on the lake throughout summer. EDIBLE LANDSCAPE GARDEN If sports aren’t your speed, we understand. Perhaps an afternoon stroll to check out the Edible Landscape Garden at Scenic Heights Park, 1195 Ruby Lane, is just what you need. The landscape garden has edible plants, shrubs, and trees that are maintained by a group of volunteers for anyone in the com munity to harvest and eat. The garden was first planted in 2022, and many of the plants are expected to produce a harvest this year. If you would like to volunteer with water ing, weeding, and caring for the edible land scape, contact the City’s community engage ment coordinator by emailing parks@ ShakopeeMN.gov .

The Xcel Energy Mountain Bike Park has both intermediate and easier trails for all rider levels.

A young skateboarder tests out the new features at the skate park’s grand re-opening.

Eight new pickleball courts are available to use at Lions Park.

The Lions Park Splash Pad remains open during SandVenture construction.

The Edible Landscape Garden has these and several other varieties of edible plants available for anyone to harvest.

Kayak rental coming soon to Quarry Lake A kayak rental station is making its debut at Quarry Lake Park this summer.

it to scan the QR code at the rental station to access the kayak and paddles, and be on your way! The app is used for payment, as well. The rental stations are expected to be avail able for use by mid-summer. Visit www.Sha kopeeMN.gov/quarrylake for information.

The City will use the rental station as a test pro gram that could be expanded to Lake O’Dowd and the Minnesota River if it’s successful. The rental stations will be self-service. All you need to do is download the Rent.Fun app, use

Summer 2024 9

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Where Innovation Meets Brewing Join us for a unique tasting event featuring over 40 breweries! Downtown Shakopee, MN V.I.P. Event: Noon–1 p.m. General Admission: 1–4 p.m. 09.07.24

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tap2024.com

Third Annual

Scan for tickets!

Have a say in the City’s future parks Stay informed with Engage Shakopee As the community grows and we require brand new parks, or as old parks start to show their age, the City is tasked with developing or improving these outdoor gathering spaces.

An exciting component of Engage Shakopee is the City’s ability to poll community members about what they’d like to see and expe rience at new or redeveloped parks. For each proposed park devel opment, the City will seek community feedback, which will then be reviewed and considered as Planning Department staff and the City Council make decisions about the park’s final features. Visit www.engage.ShakopeeMN.gov to check out the platform and read about the City’s two in-progress park development projects. The community feedback period has ended for those projects, but new sur veys will be promoted on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/ShakopeeMN .

In an effort to better serve our community members and provide ame nities that will be well-loved, the City has launched an engagement website that features park projects and provides updates from the con ceptual and planning phases through the grand opening celebration. The website, named Engage Shakopee, is still in its early stages with just two park projects available to track as of late May 2024. As time goes on and new park projects are proposed, the City will continue to populate the website with information, conceptual designs, time lines, important City Council approvals, and more.

10 Shakopee Snapshot

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

‘What’s going there?’ Senior housing, office building to fill old Central Family Center site downtown We all want an answer to the burning question, “What’s going there?” when we learn about construction projects happening around the city. Here’s a rundown of some of the projects underway around town:

SENIOR HOUSING AND CDA OFFICE BUILDING The Scott County Community Development Agency plans to construct a three-story, 60-unit senior housing building in downtown Shakopee with an attached 17,000-square-foot one-story office building. The new housing and office building will be located on Holmes Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, on the site of the former Central Fam ily Center school building. The office portion of the development will be the new home to the CDA offices. A total of 19 new angled parking stalls will be added along Fifth Ave nue in addition to three new stalls along Sixth Avenue to accommodate building visitors. There will be an underground parking lot for residents.

DOWNTOWN LIGHTING, TREE, AND ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Work will begin in downtown Shakopee sometime in August on the downtown lighting, tree, and accessibility improvement project. The project improvements include replacement of the existing street light ing system, improvements to pedestrian ramps, removal of decorative pavers, and tree replacements along Fuller Street from County Road 69 to Third Avenue; Second Avenue from Fuller Street to Atwood Street; and the south side of Second Avenue adjacent to the Lewis Street Parking Plaza. This is the first phase of a multi-phase project.

HIGHVIEW PARK SECOND ADDITION The second addition to the Highview Park housing development south of County Road 78 and east and west of Zumbro Avenue is underway. Phase two of the development will include the construction of 39 sin gle-family homes and 42 twin homes. Once the development is fully built out, it is expected to be comprised of 496 single-family homes and 92 twin homes. As a requirement of the project, the developer is paying park dedication fees that will be used by the City toward the improvements at Jackson Commons Park at the corner of County Road 78 and Marystown Road.

SOUTHBRIDGE FIELDS THIRD ADDITION The third and final addition to the Southbridge Fields commercial devel opment will include the construction of a Valvoline Instant Oil Change on one lot and a future single or multi-tenant service/retail building on the adjacent lot. The businesses will be located between County Road 21 and Crossings Boulevard, parallel to County Road 18.

Summer 2024 11

PUBLIC WORKS

The unsung heroes of sustainability How retention ponds protect our environment

Did you know that retention ponds play a critical role in effectively managing stormwater and environmental sustainability?

These inconspicuous ponds serve as vital tools in mitigating flood risks and controlling pollutants. They capture stormwater runoff— which often contains debris and can be polluted with contaminants from nearby roads—and allow it to be slowly released into the sur rounding soil. The City manages the maintenance of many retention pond inlets and outlets, which ensures the ponds function properly. Inspecting and clearing waste and vegetation from inlets and grates prevents buildup of debris, which can impede water flow and lead to pond overflow during heavy rains. Similarly, keeping outlets clear of buildup ensures proper drainage and prevents accumulation of pollutants in the pond, preserving water quality and supporting our community’s ecosystems. Neglecting this type of maintenance can have detrimental conse quences. Clogged or blocked inlets and outlets can lead to increased flooding, erosion, and water pollution, endangering both humans and the surrounding wildlife habitats. The City is proud to continue investing in the upkeep of these vital water management infrastructures so our community can safeguard against the negative impacts of stormwater while supporting envi ronmental resilience and sustainability. The Public Works Department recently purchased a new ballfield paint sprayer that is equipped with next-level GPS technology and automation capabilities. When it comes to Public Works vehicles, this paint sprayer is the parks maintenance version of the moon landing. By harnessing the power of GPS technology, the paint sprayer eliminates the need for manual measurements and labor-intensive tasks. Our parks maintenance crew’s days of wrestling with strings to main tain straight lines or worrying about rain disrupting the painting schedule are over. With the touch of a button, operators can now effortlessly navigate the sprayer to precisely paint the field lines, while the system handles the steering and application of paint. The impact of this innovation is profound. Not only does it ensure perfectly straight lines, but it also slashes paint costs by nearly half and saves up to 200 hours of labor during initial designs. This trans lates to significant savings for the City—and thus, taxpayers—and allows resources to be allocated more efficiently. Ultimately, this new technology not only meets the needs of field users but also elevates the standard of excellence in Public Works maintenance. This is a testament to the transformative power of technological innovation in driving progress and efficiency across various sectors.

Retention ponds like the one pictured here help with storm water filtration and proper drainage.

Revolutionizing ballfield maintenance Public Works unveils cutting-edge GPS paint sprayer

The new GPS paint sprayer will cut paint costs in half and save up to 200 hours of labor.

12 Shakopee Snapshot

PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTRUCTION CORNER Stay up-to-date on City of Shakopee construction projects

Each year, the City of Shakopee conducts a variety of improvement projects on City streets, ranging from crack sealing and bituminous overlay to full-depth road and underground utility reconstruction. These projects are done as part of the City’s pavement preservation program to ensure our public infrastructure is well-maintained and safe. This year’s street projects include the following: BITUMINOUS OVERLAYS

Sealcoating is expected to begin by June 7, with crack sealing scheduled to begin the week of June 10. Pavement maintenance processes can be a messy and dusty operation. If you live near a project area, the City recommends closing windows to avoid extra dust col lection. Please also be aware that some rock chips will continue to release from the freshly sealed road over time, which is normal. Community members are asked to please avoid turning a vehicle’s front tires while stopped on pavement that has been seal coated. This can peel off the sealcoat rock and damage the repaired area of the road.

Minnesota Street, Dakota Street, Prairie and Naumkaeg Streets, and Marschall Road north of County Road 101. Work on this project has already begun in some areas, with others slated to begin in early June. These projects may include tempo rary road closures, of which adjacent property owners will be notified in advance by the City. PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE Pavement maintenance projects include seal ing pavement cracks, repainting road lines and crosswalks, and sealcoating and chip seal ing streets and parking lots. To view maps of the various project areas, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/roadprojects and select “2024 Pavement Maintenance.”

Bituminous overlay projects include mill ing the pavement surface, crack sealing and patching, conducting spot repairs on sidewalks and curbs, upgrading pedes trian curb ramps and applying bituminous asphalt pavement overlay on the street. What even is bituminous overlay? A bitu minous road surface is made with a spe cial kind of material called “bitumen”—a thick, black, sticky substance that comes from petroleum—mixed with small stones, sand and other materials. A bitu minous overlay is a type of road mainte nance in which a layer of bitumen, mixed with materials like gravel and sand, is placed over the existing road surface. This helps repair cracks, potholes and other road damage. The 2024 project includes several City streets. For a full list, visit www.Shako peeMN.gov/roadprojects and select“2024 Bituminous Overlays.” Roads in these impacted areas may be closed for short durations with tempo rary overnight parking. Residents that live in the project areas will receive mailed up dates from the City as the project unfolds. PAVEMENT REHABILITATION Pavement rehabilitation projects include crack sealing and repair, minor concrete repairs, partial and full-depth spot patch ing and pavement repair, utility repairs and chip seal coat of the bituminous surface. The 2024 project areas include: the Gla cier Estates neighborhood, Foothill Trail from County Road 16 to Crossings Bou levard, Spring Lake Drive west of Foot hill Trail, Bluff Avenue and Main Street,

Visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/roadprojects for more information on this summer’s City road construction.

Summer 2024 13

PUBLIC SAFETY Shakopee’s victim services coordinator honored by Congress Hedstrom receives award for outstanding victim advocacy

Program, which provides scholarships to qualifying individuals who are seeking alcohol or substance treatment and recovery. Hedstrom is also heavily involved with the Minnesota Alliance on Crime, a statewide coalition of victim service organizations, and serves as the president of its board of directors. “Almost 10 years ago, Shakopee’s police department was the first in the state to staff a victim services coordinator,” said City Administra tor Bill Reynolds. “This innovative action, with the full support of City Council, was a game changer. Since that time, Barb has supported countless victims and had an immense impact on both our police department and the community. She is so deserving of this award, and we are proud to have her working in the City of Shakopee.” Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate said Hedstrom displays a deep com mitment to supporting victims of crime and ensuring each person has access to the resources they need. “We couldn’t be more proud of Barb and the positive impact she’s had on so many individuals who find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances,” Tate said. “She is incredibly worthy of this prestigious award, and our department is incredibly fortunate to benefit from her passion and legacy.” Hedstrom’s position continues to be unique, as only two municipal police departments in the state have a victim services advocate on staff. “The foresight of the Chief and the City Council to create and fund this position is huge and unique,” Hedstrom said. “Law enforcement based victim services are a great opportunity to have initial conver sations with crime victims to identify and hopefully address their trauma earlier rather than later.”

Shakopee Police Department Victim and Community Services Coor dinator Barb Hedstrom was honored in April at the U.S. Capitol with the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy. Members of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus presented Hedstrom with the award alongside Shakopee’s congres sional representative, Rep. Angie Craig, who nominated Hedstrom for the recognition earlier this year. “For me, it was awesome to go to Washington and meet some of these other national level victim advocates and professionals,”Hedstrom said. Hedstrom has been in the role of victim and community services coor dinator for nine years. During that time, she played an integral role in establishing the Shakopee Police Department’s Recovery Assistance

Shakopee’s Barb Hedstrom (second from left) is pictured in Washington, D.C., with (from left) Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Rep. Angie Craig, and Rep. Jim Costa

Join the Shakopee Fire Department and Shakopee Parks and Recre ation from 5–7 p.m. Friday, July 12, for a free pop-up splash pad in the back parking lot of the Community Center. The Fire Department will have its water truck and hoses hooked up to various splash pad components, allowing kids and adults alike to splash around and get up close to a fire truck. Free snacks and refreshments will be available while supplies last. Community members are encouraged to bring towels, blankets, or chairs for sitting. You’re invited to a free pop-up splash pad

Cool down with Shakopee firefighters at this year’s pop-up splash pad.

14 Shakopee Snapshot

PUBLIC SAFETY

CHIEF’S NOTES

Shakopee has been proudly served by community volunteers since the fire department

was established in 1883—141 years of dedication from your neighbors protecting your homes and businesses. And, the City of Shakopee has changed tremendously since the department started in 1883. In recent years, the Shakopee Fire Department has slowly transitioned from an all-volunteer model to one with limited full time firefighters staffing one station during weekdays, while the traditional “volunteers” sign up for shifts to cover one of our two stations on weeknights and weekends. We completed a professional Fire Department Evaluation study in early 2024 that recommended several more changes to ensure a professional response to fire and rescue calls with a predictable, reliable, and highly-trained crew now and in the future. Step one of the study recommendations included staffing Fire Station 1 with a 24-hour full-time staffing model augmented with our current part-time firefighters. This step has been approved by the City Council and is underway now. Another major step for the future of the department was hiring our next full-time Fire Chief who has experience with many of the recommendations of our study, including experience with full-time staff working 24-hour shifts. We are proud to announce that our next fire chief is Mike Nelson, an area resident who comes to Shakopee with vast experience in public safety. Nelson worked briefly for the City of Shakopee in the late 1990s in our Public Works Department. His fire career began as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Savage. He has career firefighter experience with South St. Paul Fire Department, Rochester Fire Department, West St. Paul Fire Department and was part of the transition team as West St. Paul and South St. Paul Fire Departments merged to form the South Metro Fire District. It’s been an absolute honor for me to serve as the City of Shakopee’s Interim Fire Chief for the past 11 months. Our team has strived to make a lot of positive changes to help ensure the building blocks are in place for the new City of Shakopee Fire Department model, and I am confident Nelson is the right fit to lead this department into its next era of proud service to the Shakopee community. Shakopee Interim Fire Chief Michael Scott

Community members and furry friends alike enjoyed Night to Unite in August 2023.

Get to know your neighbors Register your Night to Unite party for Aug. 6 You’re invited to join in a night of community building on Tuesday, Aug. 6, as neighbors from all around the city host Night to Unite block parties in celebration of the strength of our community. Night to Unite is an annual summer celebration dedicated to supporting relationships among community members and public safety agencies like the Shakopee Police and Fire Depart ments. For residents of Shakopee, it’s an opportunity to put together a neighborhood gath ering, turn on the front porch lights, get to know one another, play games with the kids, and enjoy a few hot-off-the-grill favorites. Residents are asked to register their Night to Unite block parties at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/night tounite beginning June 1 through late July. When registering, residents can indicate whether they want representatives of the City, including police and fire personnel, to visit their party. The Shakopee Police Department encourages participation in this great celebration of com munity, crime prevention, and strong police/community partnerships. Your event does not have to be large or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in your neighbor’s yard or asking residents on your block to show up with a lawn chair and a cooler of snacks. The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to enjoy a night of community together. Night to Unite is an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program that promotes neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships in the fight for a safer nation. The benefits your neigh borhood will derive from Night to Unite will most certainly extend well beyond the night. Questions? Contact Shakopee Crime Prevention Unit at 952-233-9441 or police@ShakopeeMN.gov .

Summer 2024 15

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

SUMMER CARNIVAL FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 10 a.m.–NOON LIONS PARK

SHAKOPEE COMMUNITY CENTER

Memberships:

The Shakopee Community Center o ers:

Fitness Equipment Gymnasiums Walking Track Indoor Aquatic Center Indoor Playground

Fitness Classes Meeting Spaces Shakopee Ice Arena Sakpe ti Lounge Shakopee Skate Park

www.ShakopeeMN.gov/communitycenter and click on “Memberships”

Birthday Parties:

The Shakopee Community Center has many options to make your child’s birthday party a success. We o er Splash, Lookout Playground, NerfBattle Xtreme and Gymcrazium parties. Up to 12 kids and two adults may attend. You may add up to four additional kids for an additional price. All party packages are geared for kids ages 5–10 Outside food/drink/cake is allowed

Games | Prizes | Treats Ages 3–10

$5 fee/child playing games (pay at the event) An adult is required to participate with the child. Bring a bag to collect your prizes.

www.ShakopeeMN.gov/communitycenter and click on “Birthday Parties”