Fall 2019 Hometown Messenger

NEWS & NOTES

The Shakopee City Council is responsible for adopting city ordinances that act as laws for municipalities. These ordinances are codified in the official City Code. WHO ENFORCES CITY CODE? The Shakopee Police Department and city Building Official are responsible for enforcing city code. The city historically has used a complaint-based system. In 2018, the city hired a full-time code compliance specialist to respond more proactively to code violations. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CITY RECEIVES A CODE VIOLATION COMPLAINT? When the city receives a complaint, our first step is to look at the property in question to determine if a violation is occurring. We then document the violation with photos and identify who is responsible. Our next step is to issue a notice or warning with a reasonable amount of time to address the concern. DOES THE CITY ISSUE FINES? Most property owners bring the property into compliance. For those who do not make progress toward compliance, the city may issue a citation, which sends the violation into the court system. It does not ensure the property will be brought into compliance. CAN I REPORT A COMPLAINT ANONYMOUSLY? No. The city does not accept anonymous complaints. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS? In 2018, the city responded to 531 commercial and residential ordinance complaints. Common violations include long grass and weeds, exterior storage, encroachment and animal complaints. Visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ codeenforcement for answers to the most common ordinance questions. To report a code violation, call 952-233- 9400 or report a complaint via the city website at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ reportproblem. #AsktheCity CODE ENFORCEMENT

Envision Shakopee wins state planning award The American Planning Association Minnesota Chapter selected the City of Shakopee’s Envision Shakopee 2040 Comprehensive Plan as the winner of its 2019 Planning in Context Award.

The Planning in Context Award recognizes plans that go above and beyond in the level of sensitivity of their surroundings, as well as the ability to embrace and take advantage of past, present or predicted aspects. Envision Shakopee was a concerted effort between the city, consultants and community to create a clear vision and blueprint for city planning over the next 20 years. The planning process included significant community engagement to ensure the final plan represented the community's aspirations. The document itself also demonstrates

"Our goal was to create an inclusive, customer-oriented plan that represents our community. While it’s an honor to have those efforts recognized, we are most pleased with how the final product accomplishes all our goals and will be an essential tool in future city decision-making."

a significant shift in tone, structure and visual appeal from the organization’s previous plans. The city expresses its gratitude to consultants MKSK, HR&A and Toole Design Group, as well as the Shakopee City Council, Planning Commission and more than 3,000 community participants. The city is currently in the process of having the 2040 Comprehensive Plan approved by the Metropolitan Council. City receives $250,000 grant for Ridge Creek Park The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has awarded the city a $250,000 matching grant for the development of Ridge Creek Park in east Shakopee. The proposed park includes the development of two outlots in the Lennar development at Ridge Creek as a passive park that incorporates the existing wetlands and natural features while completing important trail connections. Development of the park is planned for 2020. Learn more at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ parkprojects. Shakopee aims to become a GreenStep city In August, the City Council authorized city staff to participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. Managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help communities in Minnesota achieve sustainability and quality of life goals. Michael Kerski Director of Planning and Development

More than 125 cities across Minnesota have signed onto the program, including Jordan, Edina, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Bloomington. The program centers around five steps, which each community can reach by

implementing of a variety of best practices. These voluntary actions are tailored to Minnesota Cities and focus on cost savings, energy use reduction and encourage civic innovation. This free, non-binding program will give Shakopee access to resources to help reduce its carbon footprint, cut energy use and save residents money. Membership in the program also will give the city an opportunity to apply for competitive special funding and grants. Learn more at greenstep.pca.state.mn.us.

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