Summer 2019 Hometown Messenger

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.

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