Summer 2019 Hometown Messenger

Messenger Hometown

PARKS AND RECREATION

A Publication of the City of Shakopee | Summer 2019

Residential owner apps, cameras help police solve crimes Tech solutions

Survey results give city new goals Behind the numbers

TheBuzzonBees City welcomes urban beekeeping

Big Taste of Fun featuring the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride Saturday, June 15 Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N. Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride - 7:30 a.m. The day kicks off with Minnesota’s oldest bike ride, benefiting Free Bikes 4 Kidz. The bike event features routes of 37, 68.5 and 100 miles, as well as a 5-mile family ride on the winding Minnesota Valley State Trail. Register online at ironmanbikeride.org. Taste of Shakopee & Business Expo - 11 a.m.-4 p.m. JCI Shakopee hosts the popular Taste of Shakopee & Business Expo, where Huber Park comes alive with restaurants of Shakopee and the surrounding areas to tempt your taste buds! Connect with local businesses and listen to entertainment in the amphitheater, while you enjoy Splash around with fun water activities at the Shakopee Parks and Recreation’s annual Big Fun Day celebration. This free event includes a splash pad, giant slip-n-slide, climbing wall, food carts, balloon art and bounce houses. Movie in the Park - Dusk Enjoy a movie under the stars, as Parks and Recreation hosts its first Movie in the Park. Movie title to be announced. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show! www.ShakopeeMN.gov/bigtasteoffun Ride. Eat. Splash. Relax. a variety of kids and family activities. Big Fun Day - 5-8 p.m.

Messenger Hometown

News from the City of Shakopee | Summer 2019

BUZZ The on Bees

CITY NEWSLETTER Beekeeping Mayor's Message City Calendar Spring Flooding Must-Do Summer Activities Community Survey Development Projects #AsktheCity: Cable Franchises RoadWork Updates Community Center Volunteer SandVenture Dog Days of Summer Technology Solutions Crime Rate Chief's Notes Crime Prevention Calendar

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When Paula Johnson and her husband, Brian Fitzgerald, began keeping bees on their small farm plot in south Shakopee four years ago, they were looking for a way to expand their vision of raising holistic food. "We fell in love with bees and the wonderful community of people who keep them," Johnson said. "We have been able to share beekeeping with our grandkids and with teaching school classes about bees." This winter, the City Council approved a new urban beekeeping ordinance that permits residents to keep honey bee colonies in any zoning district. Previously, residents were only permitted to keep honeybees in agricultural preservation or rural residential zoning districts. The ordinance outlines how many colonies residents can possess based on property size and location, as well as hive box size requirements, setbacks and other specifications. Residents interested in keeping bees must register with the city; however, there is no cost.

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Paula Johnson and her grandson, Crosby Hillbrand, work their bees. Johnson and Fitzgerald, who live in an agricultural zoned district, have been keeping bees for four years. Their apiary has grown from one hive to 15. During their best season, they yielded 880 pounds of honey, which they shared with friends, family and food shelves.

Cover Photo: A young beekeeper works bees at his family's bee farm. Photo courtesy Red Barn Honey Bees.

"Bees are such fascinating creatures that even if they did not provide us an incredible food source, watching them and providing them some basic needs and security is well worth the lessons they provide us in humility, cooperation and the 'hive' community," Fitzgerald said. Learn more about what is permitted at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/petsandanimals.

Summer 2019 1

Hello, Shakopee! Nothing beats summer in the Land of Big Fun! From amusement parks to special events, horse racing to festivals, there's always something to do in RiverSouth. This summer, Canterbury Park is celebrating 25 years under the ownership of the Sampson family. In 1994, Curtis Sampson, his son Randy and Dale Schenian purchased the original track, Canterbury Downs, and re-opened it to live racing on May 19, 1995. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CITY CALENDAR

MAY 30 Wheelies Family Bike Event , 5-7 p.m., Huber Park JUNE 3 Night to Unite Registration opens , city website. 5 Public Budget Listening Sessions , 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. City Hall 8 Bark in the Park , 1-4 p.m., Southbridge Community Park 10 SandVenture Aquatic Park opens for the summer. 15 Shakopee's Big Taste of Fun , All Day, Huber Park 19 Special Olympics Torch Run , 9 a.m., Police Department 28 Happy Birthday America Parade, 10:30 a.m., Lions Park 28 Friday Family Beach Bash , 5-8 p.m. SandVenture Aquatic Park JULY 4 Fourth of July , City offices and Community Center closed. 12 Pop-Up Splash Pad , 5-7 p.m., Community Center 20 Pirate Treasure Hunt , Noon-4 p.m. SandVenture Aquatic Park 20 Movie in the Park , Sunset, Huber Park 26 Pop-Up Splash Pad , 5-7 p.m., Green Meadows Park AUG 2 Summer Carnival, 10-11:15 a.m., Lions Park & Splashtacular , 11 a.m.-7 p.m., SandVenture 2 Friday Night Water Fights , 5 p.m. Downtown Shakopee 6 Shakopee Night to Unite , 5:30-9 p.m. 17 Movie in the Park , Sunset, Huber Park 23 Pop-Up Splash Pad , 5-7 p.m., Green Meadows Park

Since then, Canterbury Park has flourished, offering exciting horse racing, year-round special events and a 24-hour card casino. Each year it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Shakopee. Canterbury and the Sampson family have been great partners to the city, and we're excited for the future of the entertainment venue and surrounding area. Rhythm on the Rails returns for a third year. The free concert series has quickly become the showcase event for downtown Shakopee, drawing thousands of people each week to dance in the streets. My thanks to Downtown Shakopee for organizing another great musical lineup.

Mayor Bill Mars

Our Parks and Recreation Department is also bringing back free family entertainment along the riverfront, as part of the Huber Park Performance & Event Series, Thursdays and select Saturdays. Music, movies, comedies — there's something for everyone at this perennial favorite. Also, this summer, make sure Saturday, June 15 is on your calendar. It's going to be a full day of activities at Huber Park with the first-ever Big Taste of Fun event. The Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride — the oldest bike ride in the state —will be offering four routes in the morning. Afterward, the Shakopee Jaycees are hosting the Taste of Shakopee and Business Expo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the evening, get ready to splash around at Big Fun Day before laying out your blanket for a Movie in the Park. Looking for more? Check out www.visitshakopee.org for a full calendar of upcoming events in the southwest metro. So, fellow Shakopee residents, let's get out and celebrate all that summer has to offer in the Land of Big Fun! Bill Mars Mayor of Shakopee Email: wmars@ShakopeeMN.gov | Facebook: Bill Mars: Mayor of Shakopee

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 Fax .......................................................................................... 952-233-3801 Email .............................................. administration@ShakopeeMN.gov Website .............................................................. www.ShakopeeMN.gov Find us

Comments or suggestions on the Hometown Messenger should be directed to the editor, Kristin Doran, at kdoran@ShakopeeMN.gov.

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How high did it rise? Using GPS coordinates, daily markers and the debris left behind by flood waters, the city's Engineering Division unofficially estimated the river crested just under 716” feet in Shakopee. Shakopee does not have an official river gauge, as the old one mounted on the Holmes Street pedestrian bridge was knocked off kilter and is in need of repair. A new gauge is being considered in Shakopee that would monitor river levels and flow. HIGHWAY 169 EXTRA LANE TO REMAIN UNTIL JULY As spring flooding closed area river crossings, including the Highway 41 bridge in Chaska, the Minnesota Department of Transportation restriped the Bloomington

Ferry Bridge to add an additional northbound lane to accommodate the extra traffic. While water levels have receded, historical data suggests flooding MnDOT plans to wait until after the Fourth of July to restripe the bridge to its permanent configuration. is not uncommon in June. Therefore, HISTORIC CRESTS IN SHAKOPEE 721.80 ft April 15, 1965 719.70 ft April 15, 1969 719.29 ft June 25, 1993 718.10 ft April 19, 2001 717.86 ft April 13, 1997 Source: National Weather Service

HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Meet Street Maintenance Operator Brian Theis. While Theis does a little of everything around the Public Works Department, he spends a lot of his time jetting the city's sewers, taking care of public trees and maintaining our concrete sidewalks. Q: How long have you worked for the city? A: A little over 15 years. Q: What do you like about working for the City of Shakopee? A: The wide variety of things we do and the different people we work with. It's never boring. Q: What's the best part of your job? A: I guess the best part is the guys you work with and the different variety of jobs. When we're out plowing, we do get a lot of people waving, saying good job, so that makes you feel good. This last winter when we kept going around and around, I felt so bad about burying people's driveways, but they were out there smiling and waving.

Environmental Engineer Kirby Templin, left, and GIS Coordinator Ryan Bormann measure the elevation of debris left behind after the river receded at Huber Park.

NEWS & NOTES New employees join staff Several new employees have recently joined the City of Shakopee organization: • John Clay, building inspector-electrical • Alex Godfrey, police officer

Sign up for eNotifications on city website Looking for an easy way to keep informed of what's happening in the city? Sign up for eNotifications and receive updates when news and information is posted to the city website, including: • After Council Report • Parks and Recreation events • Public Safety • Roads and Transportation Sign up at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/enotifications.

• Terry Schmidt, maintenance operator • Tyler Menden, maintenance operator • Joshua Ritter, community service officer • Nathan Buska, building inspector

Summer 2019 3

MUST-DO SUMMER ACTIVITIES 1. TASTE BIG FUN. Make a day of it Saturday, June 15 at Huber Park with the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, Taste of Shakopee and Big Fun Day. More info: www. ShakopeeMN.gov/bigtasteoffun 2. WITNESS WATER SKI MAGIC. Enjoy the high-flying stunts of the Shakopee- Prior Lake Shockwaves water ski team during their free performances Thursdays at Quarry Lake Park. More info: www.teamshockwaves.com 3. DANCE IN THE STREET AT RHYTHM ON THE RAILS. Everyone's favorite street party returns with free music entertainment in downtown Shakopee Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 14. Find the concert lineup at www.downtownshakopee.org. 4. BIKE SHAKOPEE'S TRAILS. Shakopee has more than 65 miles of bike trails, connecting to regional trails north of the river and south through Scott County. Find a map of the city's trails at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parks. 5. WATCH A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and watch a movie on an outdoor screen at Huber Park. Movie titles to be posted on the city website two weeks prior to showing. 6. BUILD A SANDCASTLE AT SANDVENTURE. The sand at SandVenture Aquatic Park is perfect for making the castle of your dreams, and this favorite swimming venue is open daily June 10 through Aug. 22. More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ SandVenture 7. SHOP LOCAL. Stroll through the Downtown Shakopee Farmers Market Sundays through September. Check out the local vendors selling fresh vegetables, baked goods and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lewis Street parking lot. More info: www. downtownshakopee.org SHAKOPEE

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Leo Roebuck opened The Red Owl Agency in 1941. The grocery store was located next door to Bill’s Toggery, where Shelly’s Boutique is currently located. In 1957, Earl Lull purchased the Red Owl store and, in 1962, moved the store to a newly constructed 7,700-square-foot building located on First Avenue East between Dakota and Minnesota Streets. Earl Lull privately owned the Red Owl store until September 1965 when Red Owl corporate acquired the store. Circa 1977, longtime Red Owl corporate employee Dick Cleveland purchased the Shakopee store. From 1977 to 1993, the grocery store was called Cleve’s Red Owl. The name changed to Cleve’s Super Valu in October 1993 and was the second to last Red Owl to remain in business after Super Valu purchased the grocery chain in 1988. For more than 20 years, Dick owned and operated the store until it closed its doors in 1998, the same year the Shakopee Cub Foods store opened. A LOOK BACK

Photo courtesy Shakopee Heritage Society

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This January, more than 800 Shakopee residents took part in a mail and opt-in online survey measuring how residents feel about their city, its programs and services. The results, however, are giving the City Council reason to pause. What does an excellent quality of life mean to you? Community survey results show Shakopee has room to grow

While the majority of residents are pleased with the city, giving Shakopee excellent or good marks in most areas, there seems to be a disconnect between how people view Shakopee and the objective data departments use to measure their services. For example, 64 percent of Shakopee residents

DOWNTOWN SHAKOPEE

Residents are loving Shakopee’s downtown and special events. The improvements to

"We need to find a way to bridge the gap between perception and reality and decide who we want to be as a community. I think this survey will be a catalyst for positive change that can only make Shakopee a better place to live, work and play." Bill Mars Mayor

consider Shakopee a safe place to live, which is near the bottom of the 18 comparable metro cities that also use the National Citizen Survey. However, crime rate and case clearance rate data indicate Shakopee ranks about seventh among the same cities. "The facts routinely show Shakopee is a very safe community, yet it seems residents do not necessarily feel this way," said Police Chief Jeff Tate. "This is concerning. Our goal is always to make sure every resident feels safe." Similarly, among comparable cities, Shakopee consistently ranks low in resident perception of the community as an excellent or good place to live, work and play. Only 48 percent of residents think Shakopee has a positive image. Yet, 80 percent of residents would recommend living in Shakopee. "In analyzing the survey, we came to the conclusion that perception doesn't seem to be matching reality,"

downtown and the popularity of public events, such as Rhythm on the Rails, are drawing more people to the downtown area. COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENTS more users into the facility. The community’s positive ratings (excellent and good) for city recreation facilities increased from 66 to 80 percent. CUSTOMER SERVICE The city’s customer service marks also improved from 2016, which is attributed to staff’s increased focus on providing residents, businesses and visitors with top- notch service. The Shakopee Community Center remodel is bringing responses in the 2019 survey are similar to 2016. Shakopee residents look favorably on the city’s mobility and economic opportunities. Most Shakopee residents also feel as though the value for city services is excellent or good across all categories. VALUE FOR SERVICES Overall, the majority of

said Assistant City Administrator Nate Burkett. "But the truth is, perception is reality, and we have work to do to ensure our residents feel like they are receiving the quality of life they want." Another concern for city staff is Shakopee's low ranking among the other communities who participate in the survey. In many categories, Shakopee ranked at or near the bottom. "Frankly, we feel we're better than this," Burkett said. The City Council plans to use the results as part of a strategic planning process to identify specific areas of focus over the coming years. After years of growing pains, the goal is to identify who Shakopee wants to be and make sure we're moving toward that target. The ideas in the Envision Shakopee plan are a good start. "I think this survey will be a catalyst for positive change that can only make

Shakopee a better place to live, work and play," said Mayor Bill Mars. View the survey results at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/communitysurvey.

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PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT What's developing?

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Shakopee construction isn't restricted to the roads. A lot of new buildings are popping up. Here's a look at some

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current development projects: 1. BENEDICTINE HEALTH SERVICES A senior living complex within the larger Windermere development that will construct 183 new senior living units, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. 2. CANTERBURY COMMONS 41

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A multi-phased development that will redevelop land surrounding Canterbury Park. Current construction includes the first phase of a 600-unit market-rate apartment complex, extension of Shenandoah Drive and reconstruction of 12th Avenue. 3. CITY HALL REDEVELOPMENT Construction of more than 80 market-rate apartments above two levels of parking on the former city hall site. The new building will feature retail and restaurant space along Holmes Street. 4. MY PLACE HOTEL A new extended stay hotel is scheduled to open next year. 5. PRAIRIE MEADOWS A two-phase residential development of 45 single-family lots west of Marschall Road and south of County Highway 78. 6. RIDGE CREEK A multi-phased residential development in the Southbridge neighborhood for 103 single-family homes and a 38-acre public park. Construction is currently underway on the final phase. Park construction should begin in 2020. 7. RIVER BLUFF DEVELOPMENT A market-rate apartment development, adjacent to the riverfront, that will redevelop multiple empty and under- utilized properties into more than 125 apartments and a riverfront restaurant.

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Learn more about these projects at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/currentdevelopment

8. SARAZIN FLATS MWF Properties is constructing 105 workforce housing units over two phases on 10.7 acres near Sarazin Street and Downing Avenue. Construction is

12. STAGECOACH AT SOUTHBRIDGE A single-family development in the Southbridge neighborhood that will turn a former horse stable into 59 new single- family homes and a neighborhood park. 13. UNITED PROPERTIES INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT A planned 300,000-square-foot multi- tenant new warehouse/distribution center. 14. UNIVERSAL STONE A mixed-use, multi-phased development in the west end that will ultimately include multiple commercial buildings, more than 585 residential units, including single- family homes, townhouses and senior apartments, along with trails and parks. 16. WEST END GATEWAY A multi-phased project that includes a new facility for Doggie Doo's Spa, a residential treatment facility, market-rate apartments and office and manufacturing facilities developed by the Opus Group. A 50,000-square-foot warehouse manufacturing and retail facility off Stagecoach Road. 15. WINDERMERE

underway on the first building. 9. SCANNELL WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Construction continues on the second phase of a multi-phased development to build hundreds of thousands of square feet for warehouse and distribution facilities. 10. SCOTT COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS A large expansion of Scott County's government center campus on Fourth Avenue will include renovations and construction of an additional facility, as the county continues to grow and consolidate offices. 11. SOUTHBRIDGE SENIOR HOUSING A proposed memory care and assisted living facility on 1.4 acres in Southbridge. The three-story, 36-unit building would include 20 assisted living units and 16 memory care units.

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NEWS & NOTES Downtown Farmers Market opens June 2 Downtown

Shakopee's Farmers Market runs Sundays, June 2 to Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to

Kick off summer with Big Taste of Fun Enjoy a full day of activities Saturday, June 15 at Huber Park. The morning kicks off with the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, benefitting Free Bikes 4 Kidz. The bike event starts at 7:30 a.m. and features four bike routes, including a 5-mile family ride along the Minnesota Valley State Trail. Stick around for the popular Taste of Shakopee & Business Expo, IF YOU GO... WHAT: Big Taste of Fun featuring the Minnesota Ironman Bike

2 p.m. in the Lewis Street parking lot. The farmers market features some of Minnesota's best local vendors, including fresh vegetables, handmade jewelry, syrups, gifts and more. Public budget input sessions June 5 Learn more about the city budgeting process and share your ideas for the 2020 city budget at two public budget sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 at City Hall, 485 Gorman St. Finance Director Darin Nelson and City Administrator Bill Reynolds will review the current year budget and discuss some factors that may impact the 2020 budget. Rhythm on the Rails returns for summer concert series Everyone's favorite Downtown Shakopee concert series returns Wednesdays, July 17 through Aug. 14. The free, five-week outdoor series features live music, family fun and food and drink vendors. This year's headliners are: • July 17 - The Honeydogs

Ride, Taste of Shakopee and Big Fun Day WHEN: Saturday, June 15 WHERE: Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N.

hosted by JCI Shakopee, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sample foods from local restaurants, connect with local businesses and listen to entertainment in the amphitheater, while you enjoy a variety of kids and family activities. Splash around with fun water activities at Shakopee Parks and Recreation's annual Big Fun Day celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. This free event includes a splash pad, giant slip-n-slide, climbing wall, food carts, balloon art and bounce houses. The night wraps up with a movie under the stars. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show! For more information, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/bigtasteoffun.

CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS

#AsktheCity

WHY DON'T MORE PROVIDERS COME INTO SHAKOPEE THEN? It's hard to know exactly why more cable providers do not enter the Shakopee market. However, it is assumed the cost of a provider's infrastructure build-out may outweigh the profit benefit. Franchise agreements also provide the city with government access channels, so cable subscribers can view local public meetings and city/school district/county government content. They ensure a cable provider is providing equitable access across the community, set customer protection requirements and establish fees for the provider's use of city right-of-way. Still have questions? Contact the city at 952- 233-9300 or visit our #AsktheCity feature on the city website. WHAT ELSE DOES A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT DO?

The City of Shakopee has begun discussions with Comcast for extending its cable franchise agreement, which is set to expire in August. The city also has a franchise agreement with CenturyLink through 2021. WHAT ARE CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS? Franchise agreements are agreements between a city and a cable TV provider that authorize the cable provider to distribute services within a city. Essentially, a franchise is simply authorization to operate within the city and use city right-of-way for its infrastructure. DOES THIS MEAN OTHER COMPANIES CANNOT PROVIDE CABLE SERVICES IN SHAKOPEE? No. Cable franchise agreements do not bar new providers from entering the market. State law requires that franchise agreements be nonexclusive. Any company that applies and meets certain terms outlined in state and federal law would be approved.

• July 24 - Chris Kroeze • July 31 - Chris Hawkey • Aug. 7 - Arch Allies • Aug. 14 - Mick Sterling For more information, visit www. downtownshakopee.org.

Summer 2019 7

PUBLIC WORKS

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

CANTERBURY ROAD 12TH AVENUE

VALLEY PARK DRIVE

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This summer, the city plans to construct a 10-foot-wide bituminous trail along the south side of 12th Avenue from County Highway 83 east to Gateway Drive and the Quarry Lake Trail. The regional trail will provide a connection to existing trails and complete the trail route to Quarry Lake Park. The project is also intended to improve pedestrian safety along 12th Avenue. IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: • Construction of a bituminous trail TIMELINE: July-November TRAFFIC IMPACT: Minimal impact; possible temporary lane closures on 12th Avenue COST: The estimated $1.12 million project will be funded from a variety of sources, including the Capital Improvement Fund, municipal state aid, Shakopee Public Utilities and a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant. 12th Avenue Trail

Road work season in full bloom Seeing orange? That's because road work is happening throughout the community. Reconstruction: Crews have begun reconstruction work on three city streets (Seventh Avenue, Scott Street and Minnesota Street cul-de-sac). They remain closed to through traffic for the duration of the project. Sealcoating: This messy operation is scheduled to start in mid-June on various streets throughout the city. Please obey no parking signs. Sealcoating does leave some small rock behind. Pavement Rehabilitation: The neighborhoods along Southbridge Parkway will receive crack and patch repairs and a mill and overlay beginning in June. Fairhaven Drive, Abbey Point, Cambridge Way and Langston Court will have crack, patch and full-depth reclamation repairs, followed by a chip sealcoat. 12th Avenue Reconstruction: Work is slated to start in June on 12th Avenue between Vierling Drive and Canterbury Road. The Vierling Drive-12th Avenue intersection will be closed. 17th Avenue/County Highway 16 Overlay: Scott County is laying new bituminous pavement on 17th Avenue between Sarazin Street and County Highway 83. Work is scheduled for July. Learn more about the city's road projects at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/roadprojects. Check out the city's YouTube page for a video highlighting upcoming road construction projects.

New Shenandoah Drive to open in second half of 2019 A new public street near Canterbury Park is set to open later this year. Shenandoah Drive follows the west perimeter of Canterbury Park from the intersection of Eastway Avenue and Barenscheer Boulevard to the intersection of 12th Avenue and Vierling Drive.

The road will be a two-lane street divided from Eastway to Vierling Drive. Two roundabouts will be added giving access to the parking lot at Canterbury Park and planned future developments at Canterbury Commons. Plans for the development include an apartment complex currently under construction. A third roundabout will also be constructed at the 12th Avenue and Vierling Drive intersection as part of the 12th Avenue Reconstruction project. For updates on Shenandoah Drive, as well as additional Canterbury Commons infrastructure, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/roadprojects.

Shenandoah Drive is being constructed as part of the Canterbury Commons development. The two-lane street is slated to open later this year.

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Clean Up Day event tallies record participants Despite the rain, 450 vehicles participated in the city's annual

Please don't feed the ducks The early spring months bring a variety of ducks, geese and even swans to the banks of the Minnesota River. For years, families have travelled to local parks to feed stale bread to the birds. However, evidence has shown that bread

Clean Up Day event April 27. Among the items collected:

may be harmful to these animals. The high level of carbohydrates in bread can cause the birds to become overweight, or

1.67 tons of tires

1,130 lead acid batteries

they can develop a condition called angel wing, which can inhibit their ability to fly.

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20,974 pounds of electronics

5,195 pounds of carpet

Beyond those problems, uneaten bread is left to rot along the riverbanks. Rotting bread can attract rodents who can potentially spread disease to humans and other animals near the water. Next time you visit our parks along the river, consider admiring the ducks and geese from afar and don’t give food to the animals that could end up threatening their health.

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Residents also shredded and recycled 4,691 pounds of paper, which helped to save:

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39.87 trees 16,418.50 gallons of water

7.04 cubic yards of landfill

1.17 years of energy for the average home

Mark your calendar for next year's event: Saturday, April 25, 2020. Recycling: Coming to a park near you This spring, the city is installing recycling containers at select Shakopee parks.

The Park Maintenance Division is restoring park recycling after a hiatus. The program, offered as part of the city's contract with Republic Services, faded away due to the high percentage of contaminated loads. When too much garbage is thrown into a recycling container, the whole load must be trashed. "Our goal is to have everyone

FAMILY BIKE EVENT

Thursday, May 30 | 5-7 p.m. | Huber Park

Police Department Surplus Bike Silent Auction Kids Trike and TrainingWheel Course Candy Treasure Hunt Free Bike Helmet Giveaways by Allina Health (while supplies last) Free Hot Dogs, Chips, Lemonade Door Prizes, Games and More! Performance by Mixed Nuts at 7 p.m.

committed, especially our users," said Public Works Superintendent Bill Egan. "We have a lot of interest in park recycling, so we want to do our part in making it available for all." Recycling containers will be available near parking lots at Green Meadows Park, Huber Park, Lions Park, Memorial Park, Quarry Lake Park, Riverside Fields Park, Southbridge Community Park, Tahpah Park, Westminster Park and the 17th Avenue Sports Complex.

Part of the Huber Park Performance & Event Series See the full schedule at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/huberpark

PARKSANDRECREATION

Summer 2019 9

A different kind of after-school activity Eighth-grader makes an impact at the Community Center every day

After school, 13-year-old Gavin Wendel heads over to the Shakopee Community Center and pulls his blue badge around his neck. It has his photo and name and looks much like the identification badges Community Center staff wear. But in large white letters, it reads: Volunteer. “I wear it pretty much every day that I’m here,” Gavin says. For the last two years, the Shakopee

"What else would I do during the week? I get my homework done at school. During the weekdays, the other kids work on their homework or play video games. I come here." Gavin Wendel Community Center Volunteer

eighth grader has lent a hand to the staff members at the Community Center. It only seemed right for the Parks and Recreation Department to give him an official volunteer badge earlier this year. "He’s just a neat kid,” says Program and Services Manager Sherry Dvorak. “He’s helpful, clever and all of us enjoy having him around during the afternoons.” Gavin has experience all around the Community Center. He’s especially helpful

when the building shuts down in the evening. “I’ll walk around with a building supervisor. I’ll work on closing up one part, and they’ll work on the other,” he explains. Closing duties include cleaning off exercise equipment, shutting off televisions and getting the facility prepped for the next day.

Gavin Wendel, 13, of Shakopee is a familiar face at the Shakopee Community Center as a volunteer who assists around the building.

But Gavin doesn’t just do grunt work. He helps behind the counter at the Enigma Teen Center, interacts with members and even helps during special events. “I helped with the Easter Egg Hunt in April,” he said. “It was a fun event, and it’s cool to help others.” Gavin makes volunteering part of his daily schedule. “What else would I do during the week? I get my homework done at school. During the weekdays, the other kids work on their homework or play video games. I come here.” While it might seem like the Community Center is getting the better deal out of this partnership, Gavin is gaining some real-world experience. The teen, who dreams of becoming a dermatologist or nurse, is learning the importance of customer service from staff members who specialize in it. “The workers here are really nice. They always help other people, and they’re always willing to offer opportunities to teach people,” he says. “If you are going to be a doctor, you need to know how to interact with other people, and I’ve definitely learned those skills here.”

Gavin chats with Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Barb Potthier on a recent afternoon.

UPCOMING SHAKOPEE PARKS & RECREATION CAN'T MISS EVENTS! • Let's Go Fishing , June 22

• Happy Birthday America Parade , June 28 • Pop-Up Splash Pads , July 12, July 26, Aug. 23 • Sizzlin' Summer Fitness Sampler , July 20 • Bluegrass BBQ , July 24 • Splash, Flash & Dash Triathlon , July 27 • Summer Carnival , Aug. 2 More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/calendar

10 Hometown Messenger

Hop aboard for senior fun Shakopee's active older adults have a new way of getting around thanks to All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee.

Transportation is often a barrier for residents 55 or older from participating in Parks and Recreation senior programs. Renting buses can often increase the price of trips dramatically, making it more difficult for senior residents to participate. This spring, All Saints

graciously reached out to the Parks and Recreation Department and offered the use of its ADA-accessible bus. The 15-passenger bus will give riders the opportunity to travel to a variety of events at no cost to the city. It should reduce travel expenses for trips, saving between $300 to $800 per program. Get fit at Huber Park The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting free Fitness in the Park classes June 8-July 15. Two classes will be held at Huber Park: Boot Camp on Saturday mornings and Family Fitness on Monday evenings. Classes are taught by certified instructors and free to the community. No pre-registration required. Ages 12 and up are welcome to participate in Boot Camp; all ages are invited to Family Fitness. Light it up To accommodate year-round users, the hockey rink at Lions Park now has a year-round push-button light option to turn on the rink lights until 10 p.m. daily. In the warmer months, the rink is a popular place for soccer and cricket.

Get ready to hit the beach at SandVenture Aquatic Park! The unique sand-bottom aquatic park is set to open June 10 with a fresh new look and lots of old fun. "This is a place Shakopee residents love and has been a part of our community for over 50 years," said Aquatics Supervisor Katelyn Nadeau. "We want to keep SandVenture exciting and accessible to community members. Nothing beats a day at the pool on a hot summer day." New this year are discounted season passes for Shakopee Community Center members. Active members can add a SandVenture membership for $45 for individuals or $120 for a family. The aquatic park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 18. Daily admission is $5 for under 48”, seniors and military and $7 for 48” and taller. During twilight hours, enjoy a $2 discount from 5-7 p.m. Admission is always free for children under age 2. Be sure to mark your calendar for these special events: FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL, JUNE 16 Free admission to parents with paid admission of child. COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY, JUNE 22 Free admission to all active Community Center members. FRIDAY FAMILY BEACH BASH, JUNE 28 A twilight beach party with DJ Bob the Beachcomber, activities, games and prizes from 5-8 p.m. CELEBRATE THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE, JULY 4 Special hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. HALF-WAY, HALF-PAY DAY, JULY 14 Half-off admission all day or purchase a SandVenture membership for half price. PIRATE TREASURE HUNT, JULY 20 Buried treasure, activities, treats and entertainment by

Comedy, music and fun at Huber Park Music and family entertainment return to the riverfront this summer at Shakopee’s annual Huber Park Performance and Events Series. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, the series features free, family fun Thursdays and select Saturdays through August. Entertainment includes concerts, comedy shows, magicians, movies in the park and more. All events take place at Huber Park, 150 Fillmore St. N. Find a schedule of events at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/calendar.

Magician Brian Richards from noon to 4 p.m. CARNIVAL SPLASHTACULAR, AUG. 2 $3 admission all day

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Dog Days of Summer Here are a few reminders to ensure pets and humans have a safe summer: 1. KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH. Dogs and cats must be either on the owner’s property or restrained by a leash at all times. Leashes should be no more than 10 feet in length. Any pets found running at large will be taken to the pound or, if licensed and the owner is identified, taken to the owner. EXCEPTION: Dogs may be unleashed under supervision at the Southbridge Community Park dog park. All dogs (resident or non-resident) using the dog park must be licensed in the city and properly vaccinated. 2. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET.

PROTECT YOUR PET

DID YOU KNOW?

On a warm day, the temperature inside of a vehicle can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes – even with the windows cracked. Because dogs don’t sweat, they can’t cool themselves. Their body temperature can rise quickly and they could suffer brain damage, organ damage or even die from heatstroke or suffocation.

Pet waste must be immediately removed from any public or private property. It's important to pick up pet waste since roundworms and other parasites linger in the soil for years. Beyond damaging your grass, the bacteria in pet waste causes cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness and

OUTSIDE TEMP

INSIDE CAR After 10minutes 90° 100° 110° 120°

serious kidney disorders in humans. Pet owners must have a poop bag (or another way to pick up waste) in their possession when walking their pet. Never put pet waste in the storm drain. 3. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ANIMAL. Pet owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals are not a nuisance to others. This includes:

70° 80° 90° 100°

IF YOU SEE A DOG IN A HOT CAR

• Habitually barking or crying • Chasing vehicles or individuals • Damaging or defiling property • Pestering people not on its property 4. LICENSE YOUR DOG.

Immediately call 952-445-1411 (in Scott County). Call your local non-emergency police dispatch number if in another county. Note the description of the vehicle, license plate number, specific vehicle location and description of the pet. Familiarize yourself with Minnesota’s Good Samaritan Law to know when you can intervene.

All dogs over 6 months must be licensed in the city. The city offers annual and lifetime licenses. Dog licenses can be purchased at the Community Center or online at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/pets.

Information from theShakopeePoliceDepartment www.ShakopeeMN.gov/police

ARTBYVECTEEZY.COM

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PUBLIC SAFETY CORNER

Last January, two juveniles stole an unlocked Buick Verano outside the Shakopee Hy-Vee convenience store. Little did they know the owner had just installed Hum, Verizon's vehicle diagnostic and tracking system, the night before. As the criminals drove southeast through Dakota and Goodhue counties, law enforcement officers watched the car's progress via GPS. By the time it passed Lake City, they were able to pull it over. "The real-time information we received in that case was incredible and allowed us to contact jurisdictions the stolen car was heading to and give them plenty of time to get into position," said Sgt. John Buetow. The rise of residential owner apps and cameras has helped police officers better solve crimes. From tracking stolen vehicles and smartphones to catching Technology solutions Shakopee police officers using more owner apps and technology to catch criminals

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY Invest in a camera surveillance system. There are many different varieties on the market, including popular brands like Arlo, Nest and Ring. Use the right settings. If using a surveillance camera, make sure its alerts are movement based and the camera is positioned in a useful location. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery Notification System. Sign up at informeddelivery. usps.com to receive a daily email with photos of your mail set to arrive that day. Protect your mail. Do not leave outgoing mail in a mailbox. Rather, drop off in a U.S. post office box. Also, if you receive checks, consider a lockable mailbox. Install yard lights. A well-lit home is helpful for deterring criminals and also for getting better images on camera. Lights can be connected to home apps that can be controlled from a smartphone.

high-definition picture," said Buetow. "The current

technology is fantastic. It gives us incredible pictures and video that we’ve never seen in surveillance before. The apps out there now provide real-time information that allows us to move with or head off some criminals. Quality matters and we see it out there now." Another advantage of home surveillance cameras is their real-time response. Security systems can take several minutes after an alarm goes off to contact dispatch. By the time officers arrive on scene, a criminal can be long gone. With apps, homeowners can be notified immediately of movement outside

criminals in the act on camera, these consumer-based technologies are giving law enforcement another tool in the arsenal. "Having homeowners with control over their own data provides much faster access to our officers," Buetow said. Home surveillance cameras have

their home. Occasionally, cracking open a case or protecting property is as easy as recording the correct moments in time. "People may unknowingly record video of a random or suspicious individual walking around. It may be the best or clearest video we have of a suspect regarding an incident that happened down the street," Bengtson said. "That video might be the thing that helps break the case open and solve it." However, the best advice Shakopee officers have for protecting your

"The current technology is fantastic. It gives us incredible pictures and video ... real-time information that allows us to move with or a head off some criminals."

become a ubiquitous tool, particularly for catching mail and package thieves. These cameras begin recording when they detect motion, alerting property owners when something fishy is happening. "It's not always a suspicious thief lurking around your house. It might be a delivery driver dropping off a package or a kid selling something door-to-door," Officer Nicholas Bengtson said. "Sometimes having an eye on your house when you're gone is just a little more piece of mind." The department's Proactive Policing Unit was able to use video recorded by a Ring doorbell camera to assist in a mail theft case in March. The theft was completely captured on video with a clear enough picture to positively identify the suspect. Thanks to the video, the department secured the proper search warrants and subpoenas to arrest the suspect. "It’s one thing to have a camera on your front door or in a business; it’s another thing to have a quality,

Sgt. John Buetow Shakopee Police

home and vehicles doesn't involve any newfangled technology. In fact, it's as easy as turning a key. "Lock your doors, and make sure your valuables are not in plain sight," Bengtson said. "A lot of these crimes are crimes of opportunities." Every year, the department responds to a rash of thefts from unlocked vehicles. These common crimes tend to be unplanned and spontaneous with thieves testing vehicle doors. By locking doors and not leaving valuables inside, these crimes would decrease dramatically. "Technology feels like it's taking over the world, but some of the simplest and easiest things one can do is lock your stuff," Bengtson said. "It doesn't have to be new school; it can be old school."

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Letting the numbers speak Despite public perception, crime remains low in Shakopee The City of Shakopee continued its trend of low crime in 2018, recording a crime rate of 6.47 percent — the fifth lowest annual rate since the mid-1990s. In fact, 20 years ago, in 1998, there were 7,042 more crimes reported in Shakopee, despite half the city population and police staff.

CITY CRIME RATE HISTORY PER 100,000 PEOPLE

14.14%

14%

12%

10%

8.82%

9.82%

7.47%

8%

6.47%

Yet, Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate is concerned public perception is being influenced not by the data, but rather by high-profile media incidents and social media misinformation. For example, earlier this year, the department received a report of a teenager being assaulted by a stranger. While

6%

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2%

the police determined no crime was committed, the incident was posted to social media and quickly escalated into something much larger — and less factual — creating an unnecessary level of fear and concern in the community. Tate notes local media covers crime in Shakopee more aggressively than in other Scott County cities, and social media accelerates how far (and quickly) news travels. A vehicle break-in is no longer restricted to neighborhood news but can be shared citywide in minutes. "It's not necessarily that crime is happening a lot more. It's just more visible," Tate said. The city did record an increase in vandalism and fraud crimes in 2018. These crimes demand a lot of resources to investigate, which is why the department created a new Proactive Policing Unit to more actively investigate issues of problem properties, narcotics, fraud and theft. In summer 2018, the unit was able to arrest more than 50 people, recovered $1,000 of stolen property from local businesses and recovered 85 fraudulently created or stolen checks. "Crime happens, and we know

Shakopee is not immune. But we want people to see the full picture, not just what they are reading on their phones," Tate said. "Shakopee is and continues to be a safe place to live and raise a family." The department's full annual report is available at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ police.

9%

COMPARISON CITIES CRIME RATES Comparing 2017 crime rates with Shakopee's comparison metro cities, Shakopee was in the middle. Crime rate takes into account the number of Part I and Part II crimes adjusted for populations of 100,000. 2017 is the most recent year data is available for all cities.

7%

5%

2018 ACTUAL CRIMES REPORTED In 1998, there were 7,042 more Part I and Part II crimes reported than 2018 - despite half the city population and Police Department staff.

3%

1998

1%

Blaine

Chaska

Savage

Lakeville

Roseville

Burnsville

Prior Lake

Shakopee

Maplewood

Coon Rapids

St. Louis Park

Golden Valley

14 Hometown Messenger

Inver Grove Heights

Fire Department trains with live burn This spring, Shakopee firefighters received some hands-on live burn training thanks to the donation of a burn house in south Shakopee.

CHIEF’S NOTES

Summer is here, and I can’t believe it’s already time to start planning the city’s annual Night to Unite festivities. The first Tuesday in August has become a very big day in Shakopee. Members from the City Council, Fire Department and Public Works Department join the police to visit and engage people partaking in this event. We had a lot of fun last year

Live burns give firefighters a chance to experience a structure fire and train for a variety of scenarios. The city gratefully thanks the family for its donation.

Police Department joins 'Lights On!' program The Shakopee Police Department recently joined the “Lights On!” program, which provides vouchers for drivers to replace burnt-out vehicle lights. When a vehicle is pulled over for a burnt-out headlight, taillight, plate light or turn signal, police officers now have the option of giving the driver a voucher to have the issue fixed for free. Vouchers are good at any Bobby and Steve’s location, the program's official partner. Lights On! has been very successful for participating Hennepin County police departments. It is funded by the nonprofit Microgrants. Shakopee Police hope to open the program to local repair businesses in the future.

with the “beach party” theme, and this year, we are excited for the “sports” theme. We will encourage folks to wear their favorite sports team jersey from the Vikings to the Shakopee Sabers. Shakopee remains a safe city and nothing is more responsible for

Shakopee Police Chief Jeff Tate

that than the great cooperation we have with residents and their commitment to look out for their neighbors. Night to Unite is a great time to talk, not only with your neighbors, but with various city staff as well. It remains one of our favorite nights of the year. Our staff is working very hard to organize this event. We anticipate more than 100 registered block parties again, which says a lot about the type of community we have. Registration opens June 3 at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/nighttounite. Early registrants have a chance to win a four- pack of tickets to the Minnesota Twins. Also, be sure to have your cameras ready as we bring back our annual Night to Unite photo contest. We'll be looking for photos the celebrate what community is all about. New this year is a dog photo contest. The winner will receive a gift basket from Chuck and Don's. Please be on the lookout on the Police Department’s Facebook, Twitter and website for more information on how to register and participate in the upcoming contests! If you have any questions, please contact our crime prevention specialist at 952-233-9441 or nclifton@ ShakopeeMN.gov.

Fire Department welcomes new firefighters Five new firefighters will be sworn into office June 3 as paid-on-call firefighters. Joining the department are Eric Dircks, Zachary Hoffman, Daniel Kasallis, Shane LaCoste and Justen Riley. Welcome aboard! Mark your calendar for Friday Night Water Fights Shakopee Fire Department is bringing back its popular Friday Night Water Fights Aug. 2 on Fuller Street in downtown Shakopee. A free splash pad starts at 5 p.m. with water fights between area departments at 6:30 p.m. OFFICERS HONORED BY MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized Shakopee Police Officers Cortnie Anderson, left, and Vadim Romanets, right, May 14 for being top DWI enforcers in the state. The Shakopee Police Department also received the MADD Policy Setter Award for its Sober Ride Home program, which provides free rides home for bar patrons on holidays.

Summer 2019 15