Winter 2019-20 Hometown Messenger

Messenger Hometown

PARKS AND RECREATION

A Publication of the City of Shakopee | Winter-Spring 2020

Presidential primary, early voting changes coming in 2020 Election Primer

Annual photo contest winners announced Show Off Shakopee

PlowingPriority Streets, alleys, sidewalks: How the city decides what to plow first

INSIDE: PARKS & RECREATIONWINTER-SPRING ACTIVITIES BROCHURE PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS NOV. 26

GRAND PRIZE WINNER Rainbow over Shakopee Christopher Straub

WINTER WINNER Memorial Park Hoar Frost Pete Rose

FALL WINNERS (TIE) Hidden Beauty Kelly Sunde Minnesota Valley National

SUMMER WINNER Thole Lake Sunset Pete Rose

Wildlife Refuge Tony Samuelson

Show Off Shak

pee

Thank you to all our contest participants! See more Show Off Shakopee entries at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee

2019 Photo Contest

Messenger Hometown

News from the City of Shakopee | Winter 2020

Election Primer Minnesota's new presidential primary adds a third election to a busy 2020 year

CITY NEWSLETTER Elections 2020 Mayor's Message City Calendar Comprehensive Plan Personal Trainers Shakopee Cultural Corridor #AsktheCity: Development Plowing Priority 2020 Levy & Budget Fire Department Hiring Capt. Robson Retirement Chief's Notes Crime Prevention Calendar

1, 4 2 2 3 5 6 7 8

2020 will be a busy year for elections in Shakopee. With the new presidential nomination primary, August primary and general election, voters should be prepared for several changes at the polls. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY In 2016, the Minnesota State Legislature voted to do away with presidential caucuses. These informal voting procedures had voters from different parties gather in separate locations to indicate their preferred candidate for president by vote. Now, voters can support their candidate of choice by secret ballot at their precinct polling places Tuesday, March 3. Voters must select which ballot they'd like: Republican or Democrat. “The only names that will appear on the presidential primary ballots are those who are running for president,” City Clerk Lori Hensen said. The presidential primary will determine how many delegates each candidate will receive at their party conventions in summer 2020. "With this being a new process, some people might be a bit confused,” Hensen said. “Just remember, who you vote for in the presidential primary will help determine which candidate will appear on the ballot in November.” PRIMARY & GENERAL ELECTIONS The 2020 primary election will be Aug. 11, 2020. This primary will focus on nominating regional and statewide races. Like the presidential primary, the winners will appear on the general election ballot in November. The general election in 2020 will take place Nov. 3, 2020. This election will determine who will

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WHAT'S NEW IN 2020

2020 ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Early Voting at City Hall Begins: Jan. 17, 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION Early Voting at City Hall Begins: June 29, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Early Voting at City Hall Begins: Sept. 21, 2020

MARCH 3

AUGUST 11

NOVEMBER 3

EARLY VOTING AT CITY HALL

Cover Photo: A city plows clears snow on Windsor Drive during a March 2019 snow storm.

All in-person early voting for Shakopee residents will be at City Hall, 485 Gorman. St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning 46 days prior to an election. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Voters can support their presidential candidate of choice at the polls on March 3, 2020. The presidential primary replaces the state caucus system.

Continued on Page 4

Winter 2020 1

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CITY CALENDAR

NOV 28 Thanksgiving , City offices and

Community Center closed. Garbage and recycling delayed by one day.

Hello, Shakopee! It's an exciting time for the City of Shakopee. The past few years have focused on envisioning and planning for our future. Now, it's time to bring some of that vision to life. With the completion of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan, the City Council and department leaders sat down this fall to develop a strategic plan that outlines the council's priorities for the next five years. This plan will be a valuable tool for council and staff to keep focused on the projects and plans identified through our community engagement process.

29 Day after Thanksgiving , City offices closed. DEC 3 2020 Public Budget and Levy Meeting , 7 p.m. City Hall 12 Jolly Jubilee , 12:30-2:30 p.m. Community Center; Registration required 13 Holiday Fun & Games , 6-7:15 p.m. Community Center; Registration required 15 Skate with Santa , 2:15-3:45 p.m. Shakopee Ice Arena Mid- December Outdoor skating rinks open , weather permitting. 24 Christmas Eve , City offices closed. Community Center closes at 4:30 p.m. 25 Christmas Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 31 NewYear's Eve , Community Center closes at 4:30 p.m. JAN 1 NewYear's Day , City offices and Community Center closed. 1-31 Boards and Commissions applications accepted 11 NewYear, NewYou Fitness Sampler , 8-11 a.m. Community Center 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day , City offices closed. Community Center open. FEB 12 Active Older Adults Valentine Brunch , 10 a.m.-Noon, Community Center 17 Presidents Day , City offices closed. Community Center open. Late February Outdoor skating rinks close

Mayor Bill Mars

You can read about some of those projects and plans in this edition of the Hometown Messenger. One of the Big Ideas from the Envision Shakopee process was to reclaim the riverfront. The Minnesota River is a wonderful natural asset that has been slowly eroding its banks and threatening city infrastructure and cultural resources. The city has applied for 2020 state bonding funds to help shore up the river bank, as well as invest in the Shakopee Cultural Corridor. This innovative partnership among the city, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Scott County and Three Rivers Park District is striving to create a cultural attraction that celebrates our history and heritage (page 6). The Shakopee Cultural Corridor has already been recognized with a Local Government Innovation Award. It was one of two city projects to receive the 2019 statewide recognition. Shakopee was also recognized for its collaboration with the cities of Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington and Northfield for an automated election judge hiring and training process. Both these awards are examples of how the city is looking beyond traditional models to find new efficiencies and collaborations. So, as we wrap up another year and start looking ahead to a new decade, I think we can all agree Shakopee continues to grow in positive ways, and we have a lot to be thankful and excited for in 2020. Wishing you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! 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.

2 Hometown Messenger

Council set to adopt 2040 Comprehensive Plan

This month, the City Council will be asked to adopt its long-range visioning plan, Envision Shakopee, which will set the course for the organization over the next 20 years. The Metropolitan Council approved the plan in October. Envision Shakopee was a concerted effort

between the city, consultants and community to create a clear vision and blueprint for city planning. The planning process included significant community engagement to ensure the final plan represented the community's aspirations. The award-winning document

HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Meet Gia Eley, one of two permit coordinators in our Department of Planning and Development. Gia is responsible for assisting residents, contractors and developers through the city permit process. She is also a certified building inspector. Q: How long have you worked for the city? A: I have been with the City of Shakopee for almost three years. I moved from Thornton, Colo., to accept the position as permit coordinator. Q: What do you like about working for the City of Shakopee? A: The city is very supportive in keeping us trained and sending us to continuing education classes. I love that the city is open to new ideas and new software to help us excel at our jobs. Q: What's the best part of your job? A: I enjoy being a permit coordinator because we wear many hats and every day is different. I like being one of the “go-to” people when it comes to questions about the permitting process, inspections, etc. The best part of my job is helping the public and internal staff with their day-to-day permit needs.

NEWS & NOTES New employees join staff Several new employees have recently joined the City of Shakopee organization: • Chuck Lowy, mechanic • Adam Bentson, graduate engineer • David Lemke, building inspector-electrical • Cory Dockendorf, street maintenance operator • Keith Yahnke, police officer • Mary Feltmann, senior services specialist • Nate Reinhardt, finance director better focus its efforts and resources. Staff are currently finalizing the implementation portion of the plan. The City Council will be asked to adopt the strategic plan later this fall. Find more information about the strategic planning process at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/cityblog. also demonstrates a significant shift in tone, structure and visual appeal from the organization’s previous plans. The full 2040 Comprehensive Plan is available on the city website at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/2040. Drafting a strategy for success To help bring the Envision Shakopee plan to life, the City Council and staff have been collaborating to identify which priorities the city should be focusing on for the next five years. "A strategic plan is an important tool to make sure council and staff are aligned toward the same priorities, and we are advancing those goals that are most important to council," said Assistant City Administrator Nate Burkett. While the plan is still under development, council members and staff have identified four strategic priorities for the city: • Financial Stability • Enhancing Community Strengths • Effective Public Services • Communication Each priority has targeted outcomes and initiatives to help the organization

Apply to serve on city board or commission Want to get involved in city decisions but not sure how? Apply to be a member of a city board or commission. Current openings on the boards and commissions are: • Planning Commission/BOAA (two seats) • Park and Recreation Advisory Board (three seats) • Police Civil Service Commission (one seat) • Shakopee Public Utilities Commission (two seats) Interested community members can apply online Jan. 1-31 at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/employment.

Winter 2020 3

NEWS & NOTES

represent Shakopee in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Minnesota House and Senate, as well as the presidency. Shakopee will also have two City Council seats on the ballot. Election filing for the open seats begins in July. Learn more at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/elections. As with the other elections, the 2020 general election will be held at your predetermined polling location. You can find your precinct location on the city website or at mnvotes.org. EARLY VOTING OPTIONS With three major elections in eight months, Shakopee residents

may be relieved to know they have options for voting. If you will be away from home during an election, you can request an absentee ballot. “This is very important for our residents who winter in the south but would still like to be a part of the presidential primary,” Hensen said. To receive an absentee ballot, download an application from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at sos.state.mn.us. Your absentee ballot must be received no later than 3 p.m. on election day. You can use this process for any 2020 election. New this year, residents can vote early in person at City Hall. In previous years, all Scott County residents voted early at the county Government Center. Now, larger cities like Shakopee will run their own early in-person voting.

MVTA adds Highway 169 bus service to Minnetonka This fall, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority introduced Route 498, an express route between Scott County and the Golden Triangle. Trips operate non-stop between Marschall Road Transit Station and Highway 169/ Valley View Road. Local service is also available along the route between Valley View Road and United Healthcare in Minnetonka, including Optum’s headquarters in Eden Prairie. Route 498 is funded through a federal grant, with a local match by Scott County.

For the presidential primary, in person early voting begins on Jan. 17. Residents can vote during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The city will have election judges available to assist voters. “With all these options available, we are really encouraging Shakopee residents to vote early or by absentee,” Hensen said. ELECTION JUDGES To accommodate the added primary and heavy election schedule, the city is looking to train new election judges in 2020. “We have many dedicated election judges who have been doing this for years, but many of them are ready to retire, and we’ll need more to ensure we’re covered,” Hensen said. Residents who are interested in serving as an election judge can find more information on the city website or email lhensen@ShakopeeMN.gov. “It’s a great way to give back to your community and meet fellow residents who are also interested in being a part of the election process,” Hensen said. The election changes do come with added expense for staffing, equipment and training. The state has also promised an additional $13 million to Minnesota cities to help ease the burden of the presidential primary. “This whole process is new for our staff and election judges,” Hensen said. "We will train them well to ensure you can vote quickly and without any headaches." Shakopee residents can vote early in person at City Hall, 485 Gorman St., during business hours, for all three 2020 elections. Early voting was previously held at the Scott County Government Center.

Mark your calendar for Dec. 6 Holiday Fest The Shakopee Chamber and Downtown Shakopee present the annual Holiday Fest Friday, Dec. 6 to kick off the holiday season. The open streets event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in downtown Shakopee. This free, family event includes the Parade of Lights, tree lighting ceremony and a stellar firework show. You can also take a photo with Santa, enjoy holiday activity stations and shop local businesses. More info: www.downtownshakopee.org/ holiday-fest

4 Hometown Messenger

From sinking to swimming Community Center personal trainers make a difference for Shakopee resident

As she sits by the edge of the Indoor Aquatic Center lap pool on a coldWednesday afternoon, Sue Westegaard puts on a pair of yellow swim shoes. She’s here usually twice a week swimming laps. It’s hard to believe that a year ago, she would have barely stepped into the water. “I was petrified [of swimming],” said

In half-hour increments, Westegaard worked with the trainer to learn the basics of swimming. “I told her I don’t know if I’ll ever dunk my head in, but I sure would like to learn some skills like floating and basic strokes." At first, Westegaard struggled. She didn’t feel like she was progressing as a swimmer,

Westegaard, who grew up in South Dakota and didn’t have places to go swimming as a child. “I took swimming lessons for a year as a kid, and it never really stuck.” She was frustrated. Her inability to swim interfered with her life.

but her trainer was patient. She maximized the half-hour sessions, giving Westegaard benchmarks to reach. Little by little, Westegaard became a more confident swimmer. “And in February, it’s like someone flipped a switch,”Westegaard said. “I was doing the breaststroke without any problems at all.” Now, close to a year after her

"It’s like someone flipped a switch. I was doing the breast stroke without any problems at all." Sue Westegaard Community Center member

PERSONAL TRAINING AT COMMUNITY CENTER

Sign up for a single personal training session or multiple with one of the Community Center's six skilled personal trainers. Fees based on the number of participants and sessions. Learn more on page 11 of the Winter/Spring Parks and Recreation Activities Brochure. PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS Shakopee Parks and Recreation also offers private and semi-private swim lessons. Learn more on page 23 of the Winter/Spring Parks and Recreation Activities Brochure.

“A couple of years ago, my brother bought a cabin on a lake. I was watching my nieces and nephews who all knew how to swim well and thought ‘you know, it’s time for me to do this,’”Westegaard said. Westegaard, who is a 10-year Community Center member, began taking several group fitness classes, including a shallow-end water aerobics class. Last December, she reached out to the instructor for help. “I trusted her, so I asked if she’d be my personal trainer,” Westegaard said.

lessons began, Westegaard confidently swims laps at the aquatic center during the week. She participates in both shallow-water and deep-water aerobics classes. And for the first time this summer, she joined her nieces and nephews in the lake at the family cabin. Westegaard credits her success to the support she received from her friends at the Community Center and the hard-working personal trainers at the Community Center. “It was easily worth the cost,” she said.

Think Shakopee Business The Think Shakopee Business video series invites the community inside Shakopee businesses to showcase the innovative work of our local employers. Economic Development Specialist Jenn Brewington hosts these behind-the-scene tours to celebrate Shakopee's diverse business community and highlight the unique products and ideas being produced here. The series started in 2018 by focusing on larger employers, such as Shutterfly and Cameron's Coffee. Brewington hopes to expand to smaller locally owned businesses. "We like to choose companies that have an innovative approach to something, a unique product or is embracing new technologies," Brewington said. Find videos on the city's YouTube channel at youtube.com/ cityofshakopee.

Winter 2020 5

EXISTING POND’S MILL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Shakopee Cultural Corridor to celebrate area's history City looks to use technology to create a unique cultural trail experience

POTENTIAL PROPOSED AGRICULTURE INTERPRETATION SITE

REPLACE FORMER BRIDGE

EXISTING MONASTERY

EXISTING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND IMPROVEDRESSTROOM

GATHERING LAWN

PROPOSED KAYAK LANDING

POTENTIAL PROPOSED LAWN

PROPOSED IMPROVED PARKING

THE LANDING

PROPOSED NATURE PLAY AREA

EXISTING PARK SHELTER

PROPOSED SEATING PODS

MEMORIAL PARK

PROPOSED NATURAL SPILLWAY OVERLOOK

PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

EXISTING MARKED MOUNDS

PATHWAYS OF SHAKOPEE TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL HEAD KIOSK WITH GROUP GATHERING AREA

EXISTING POND’S MISSIONFOUNDATION WITH PROPOSED ART INSTALLATION

SHAKOPEE CULTURAL CORRIDOR & TRAIL Would run along the Minnesota River through: • The Landing, dozens of historically accurate and preserved European settler homes and structures • Memorial Park, home to sensitive and extensive Dakota burial mounds and historical artifacts • Huber Park and the historic Holmes Street Bridge

FAIRBAULT SPRINGS

FAIRBAULT CABIN / EXISTING BURIAL SITE Shakopee holds the histories of many peoples, from the Dakota to the European settlers who founded the city in 1857.

with The Landing property. Among the early projects is the removal of the aging playground

Kayak Landing Water Trail

Interpretive Site

Archaeologically Positive Site

Proposed Trail Cultural Trail

Monument Signage

Shakopee, MN Memorial Park - Archaeologically Identified Cultural Sites / Concept Plan Overlay To celebrate that history, the city is partnering with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Scott County and Three Rivers Park District, who operates The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, to create a cultural corridor that preserves the area's history, enhances visitors' experience and protects the resources from future degradation. The Shakopee Cultural Corridor includes a cultural trail that offers a glimpse into the lives of past structure and east shelter at Memorial Park. The playground will be replaced with a formal “nature play” area on the west end of the park. City staff are also working with local Sacred Markers / Etiquette Extant Mount

June 7, 2019

"This is a unique space where residents and visitors can go

veterans organizations to discuss the possibility of curating a new veterans memorial at Huber Park.

inhabitants of the region. One of the ideas is to use augmented reality to help visitors experience what the area was like when it was the original Dakota village and later a major river port. "The cultural trail will put Shakopee on the cutting edge of education technology with a fully immersive augmented reality experience," said Senior Planner Joe Widing. "It would allow visitors a glimpse into the practices, rituals and daily life of both Dakota inhabitants and European settlers as they lived in the early- to mid-19th-century." The trail could also provide unique opportunities to

to both celebrate and contemplate the complicated,

The American Legion Post 2 has expressed interest in relocating the 2020 Memorial Day ceremony to Huber Park to take advantage of Huber Park's event space. The overall vision of the Shakopee Cultural Corridor is anticipated to take several years to achieve, as plans are dependent on funding and riverbank stabilization.

intertwined history of the Native American peoples and European settlers."

Joe Widing Senior Planner

see first-hand native farming practices with native plants, a Dakota talking circle, multiple new river overlooks and an opportunity to kayak or canoe along the Minnesota River. The recently adopted Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan envisions Memorial Park as an intentional park space for reflection. This includes allowing for more natural space, relocating existing trails from sensitive areas and creating a more seamless relationship

However, city leaders believe the unique partnership could create a cultural attraction that could one day stretch from Shakopee to Fort Snelling and honor the rich Native American history along the banks of the Minnesota River. "This is a unique space where residents and visitors can go to both celebrate and contemplate the complicated, intertwined history of the Native American peoples and European settlers," Widing said.

6 Hometown Messenger

City seeks funding for 169 overpass, river stabilization This fall, the city requested state bonding assistance for two capital improvement projects it would like included in the 2020 bonding bill. State leaders toured the area to review the projects in October. If they are included in the bill, the state could potentially provide up to 50 percent of project funding. House and Senate bonding committees will make recommendations to their respective bodies for bonds that may be issued in mid-2020. US 169 PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS REQUEST: $2.4 million for construction of a

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

#AsktheCity

CAN THE CITY REJECT A BUSINESS OR DEVELOPMENT? If a business fits within a zoning district's permitted use, the city cannot prohibit it. However, the Planning Commission and City Council can establish conditions for development for any project requiring rezoning, a conditional use permit, variance or planned unit development. I WANT TO OPEN A BUSINESS IN SHAKOPEE. HOW DO I KNOWWHERE I CAN LOCATE? Before purchasing a building or house, it's a good idea to understand how the structure can be used and what future development in the area is planned. We encourage you to contact the city's Planning Division to discuss your ideas and city zoning regulations. HOWWILL I KNOW IF DEVELOPMENT IS PLANNED FOR MY NEIGHBORHOOD? The city has legal requirements to notify property owners within certain distances of proposed projects requiring conditional use permits, variances and rezoning. We also post all public hearings in the Shakopee Valley News and on the city website, as well as install large yellow or white signs at the site of major development projects. More info: www. ShakopeeMN.gov/currentdevelopment.

City staff often receive questions about proposed development projects. Sometimes these projects are concepts; other times they are working through the approval process. DO ALL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REQUIRE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL? No. Projects require different levels of approval depending on use and zoning. For example, a new restaurant moving into an existing commercial building would be considered a permitted use and not require any Planning Commission or City Council approval. However, a restaurant wanting to build a new facility in a undeveloped area would need to go through a plat process to create a lot, ensure it meets zoning requirements and receive council approval. I READ ABOUT A PROJECT ONLINE. WHENWILL CONSTRUCTION START? Just because a project is in the news does not mean it's a done deal. Projects must be reviewed by multiple agencies before reaching the City Council. In fact, many developers bring concept proposals to the city's Development Review Committee before even submitting an official application to work out bugs and identify challenges.

101

pedestrian/bike bridge over Highway 169 from Southbridge to the Quarry Lake area. WHY: There are no access points for pedestrians and bikes over 169 between County Highway 83 and Stagecoach Road.

QUARRY LAKE PARK

PROPOSED OVERPASS

169

DEAN LAKE

16

BENEFIT: The trail would improve connections and safety in east Shakopee. It was recently acknowledged as a regional link by the Metropolitan Council. RIVERBANK STABILIZATION REQUEST: $ 11.73 million for riverbank stabilization along the Minnesota River WHY: The riverbank has been eroding for many years—almost 100 feet during the last 40 years. Without stabilization, an additional 50 feet will erode, sending hundreds of thousands of yards of silt downstream and damaging the city’s main trunk sanitary sewer line and the regional trail and the park system. BENEFIT: The city aims to reduce erosion by lowering the existing riverbank and protecting the shoreline using concrete break ways, riprap and concrete steps along with removal of existing scrub trees and vegetation. By creating a more natural edge to the river and allowing the river to naturally climb the riverbank, erosion will be limited while allowing better access to the river in non-flood times. This will also assist with the proposed cultural trail along the Minnesota River from the historic Holmes Street Bridge to The Landing.

NEWS & NOTES

City wins Local Government Innovation Awards This fall, the City of Shakopee received two awards for its innovative work in local government. The city and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community were recognized for their collaborative work on the Shakopee Cultural Corridor, which will celebrate the region’s history and Shakopee’s long heritage with the river. By using things like augmented reality, people will be able to experience what the area was like when it was the original Dakota village to when Shakopee was a major river port. The city was also recognized as part of a collaboration with Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington and Northfield for development of automating the election judge hiring and training process. The process streamlines recruitment, hiring and assignment and management of poll workers for primary and general elections. The awards recognize projects in five different categories – cities, counties, schools, townships and Native nations. Shakopee was recognized as part of two of the four awards given to cities.

Winter 2020 7

PUBLIC WORKS

PLOWING PRIORITY When it snows, we all want our streets and driveways cleared as quickly as possible, so we can get on with daily life. But sometimes – especially after a large snow event – that may mean waiting for the plow. The City Council has adopted a snow plowing and ice control policy that outlines the city's process for efficient and timely snow removal. The policy emphasizes safety by prioritizing emergency response and focusing on the most critical time periods (weekday morning and evening commutes.) Here's how the city prioritizes its streets, parking lots and trails: EMERGENCY ROUTES Ensuring emergency fire, police and medical services can travel freely through the city during a storm event is the city's main priority. This means plowing main arterial roads and collector streets as they have the highest traffic volumes and connect major sections of the city. Examples: 10th Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Vierling Drive, Southbridge Parkway, Eagle Creek Boulevard. ACCESS TO SCHOOLS AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY The second priority are streets that provide access to the city's commercial centers and schools. This is critical for helping people get to school and work as quickly as possible following a snow event. Examples: Shenandoah Drive, downtown Shakopee, Old Carriage Court, Valley Industrial Boulevard N., Valley Industrial Boulevard S. LOWER VOLUME RESIDENTIAL STREETS Once plows have cleared the busiest city streets, they focus on ensuring the less-traveled residential streets are cleared. This would include most of the residential areas throughout the city. CUL-DE-SACS, ALLEYS, SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS Due to size, Public Works typically uses smaller equipment to clear cul-de-sacs, alleys, sidewalks and trails. Each fall, the City Council adopts a sidewalk and trails map outlining which sidewalks and trails it will plow during the upcoming season. Priority is given to walking paths along main arterial streets and school walking zones. SNOW HAULING Some areas of the city do not have enough right-of-way to store snow that accumulates from the plowing process. This can create sight line and safety issues. Thus, Public Works crews typically spend the nights and days following a large storm hauling snow to open city land for storage. Example: Downtown Shakopee #AsktheCity: Does Shakopee have a bare pavement policy? While some agencies have adopted bare pavement policies, the City Council has chosen to focus on efficient and cost-effective delivery service over dry pavement. This means timing plow efforts appropriately to get the best results rather than continuous plowing during a snowfall. Adopting a bare pavement policy would inevitably result in an increase in tax dollars and resources, such as plow drivers, equipment, fuel and de-icing chemicals. B A C D E

PARKING LOT PLOWING

The city uses a similar priority list for public parking lots: 1. EMERGENCY FACILITIES: Police Department, Fire Department 2. COMMERCIAL AREAS: Downtown public lots, Community Center 3. PARKS

Check out the city's latest video about snowplowing operations on the city's YouTube channel

WHO PLOWS MY STREET? Not all streets in Shakopee are plowed by the city Public Works Department. Scott County maintains county state aid highways, including Marschall Road, 17th Avenue, Canterbury Road, County Highway 21 and more. Transportation maintains Highway 169 and its on/ off ramps. Neighborhood associations clear private streets, alleys and sidewalks. The Minnesota Department of

8 Hometown Messenger

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

101

SHENANDOAH DRIVE

FOURTH AVENUE

Stormwater flow through a historical and archaeological sensitive area along Highway 101 is causing degradation to cultural resources. The project will reroute stormwater to prevent further degradation of these historical and cultural resources. IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: • New storm sewer pipe to reroute stormwater runoff to a different discharge location • Ravine stabilization to protect against erosion in the form of riprap, etc. TIMELINE: Construction will mostly occur in 2020 with follow up and possible restoration in 2021. TRAFFIC IMPACT: Lane closures possible during construction. COST: The project is estimated at $1.55 million and is expected to be divided among the city storm drainage fund, Minnesota Historical Society grant, Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Scott County. Historic Preservation Stormwater Reroute

City to study potential for improvements on key west Shakopee corridor As Shakopee grows west, city officials are taking a longer look at Marystown Road/ Adams Street and the potential for traffic control improvements at Highway 169. The Marystown/Adams corridor has seen an increase in traffic with the opening of the Hy-Vee commercial area andWindermere development. While the city has identified a potential improvement project to four intersections between 17th Avenue and Vierling Drive, it is still in the earliest of concept phases. "We've known this area is going to grow and have planned for intersection control changes," said Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug. "Now, it's just a matter of identifying potential layouts, as well as determining when the right time to move forward might be and how we could fund the project." Any potential project would require multi-jurisdictional approval from the city, Scott County and Minnesota Department of Transportation. This fall, the City Council hired SRF Consulting Group, Inc. to study the corridor and provide concept layouts and cost estimates. If the project is warranted, the information could be used to solicit federal funding and grants. The study is anticipated to be completed this spring.

NEWS & NOTES

Winter parking restrictions in effect until March 31 Winter parking restrictions are in effect from Nov. 1 to March 31. During these months, no parking is allowed on any city street from 2 to 6 a.m. except for the area north of 10th Avenue and west of Marschall Road where odd/even parking rules apply. After a snowfall of two or more inches, parking restrictions are effective 24 hours a day until the snow has been plowed curb to curb. No parking is permitted on snow routes during a snow emergency. More information available at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/parking.

Fall Clean Up Day event a success More than 350 vehicles took advantage of the city's first Fall Clean Up Day event in October. Despite the rainy weather, residents came out to recycle and toss a variety of unused items. Be sure to mark your calender for the spring Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Goats were baaack at Memorial Park Grazing goats returned to Memorial Park this fall to help combat invasive plants at the park. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community brought in the goats to help manage buckthorn and other invasive plants.

Winter 2020 9

PROPOSED 2020 CITY LEVY & BUDGET 2020 budget invests in infrastructure

2020 PROPERTY TAX LEVY COMPARISON

In December, the City Council will be asked to approve the 2020 tax levy and general fund budget. The budget emphasizes an investment in infrastructure with a $780,000 levy increase in funding for capital improvement, park development and street maintenance projects. For example, in 2020 residents will see more sealcoat projects, which are intended to have a long-term benefit on street conditions. "We have found by putting a sealcoat on a street a year or two earlier than we used to, we can extend the life of the pavement—sometimes by up to five or 10 years—which saves money in the long run," said Assistant City Engineer Ryan Halverson. The budget also includes a $200,000 increase in park funding to help close a projected gap between park dedication fees and planned projects. "To meet the expectations of our residents as

identified in the Envision Shakopee and Parks Master Plan process, we need to ensure we have funding necessary to deliver the great parks our residents are requesting," Assistant City Administrator Nate Burkett said. In September, the council approved a preliminary property tax levy of $20,380,500—a 5.98-percent increase from 2019. For the average-valued home increasing in value by 6.7 percent to $272,600, this equates to a $39 annual increase, which is approximately the same amount as the decrease many residents experienced last year. Absent any change in value, homeowners can expect a tax decrease of about $25. Shakopee's continued growth reduces the tax burden for property owners across the city. The city's overall tax capacity grew by more than 10 percent ($6.4 million) this year to $66.3 million. More than $1 million is related to new construction. This allows the city to increase its levy by approximately $346,000 without having a tax impact on existing properties. Share your feedback on the 2020 levy and budget at the annual public comment meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at City Hall.

2020 Market Value of $188,800 $38 tax increase

2020 Market Value of $272,600 $39 tax increase

2020 Market Value of $369,500 $24 tax increase

#AsktheCity: Why are lower-valued homes seeing higher tax increases? Property valuations depend on the market. Right now, lower-valued homes are increasing in value more quickly, due in part to demand. Thus, these homes have the highest property valuation increase and are most affected by tax levy changes. Contact Scott County Assessor's Office to learn more.

Shakopee's history of telephone service is a complicated tangle of mergers and competition. The city's first telephone was installed in Strunk’s Old Drug Store between 1881 and 1882. It was connected to the local depot, courthouse and several private establishments. A year later, C.J. Strunk made the first long-distance telephone call. The following year, NorthwesternTelephone Co. (later Northwestern Bell) received a 10-year franchise becoming the city's first official telephone company. A LOOK BACK

Shakopee. Each company ran its own city and farm lines, resulting in residents having to use two separate lines and phones. Customer complaints ensued. On Aug. 30, 1915, the Shakopee Telephone Co. offered to purchase all of Merchants and Farmers shares. The offer was accepted, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the purchase in November. In July 1923, Tri State Telephone and Telegraph Co. opened a long- distance company and became the majority shareholder of the Shakopee Telephone Co. Northwestern Bell eventually purchased Tri State Telephone Co. to become Shakopee’s primary company. Shakopee went from using switchboards to dial telephones at 1 a.m. on Oct. 5, 1958. Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. remained Shakopee’s principal telephone company until 1991, when it officially merged with two other Bell companies as a result of a AT&T's anti-trust breakup and became known as US West Communication. The company later merged with Qwest in 2000 and CenturyLink in April 2011.

Shakopee’s first dial telephone was installed in the home of E. J. Leibold in 1958.

At the turn of the century, Green andWestern Telephone Co. built Shakopee’s first telephone exchange. Soon after, several companies emerged, including the Shakopee Telephone Co. and Merchants and Farmers Telephone Co. of

1881-82 Shakopee’s first telephone was installed in Strunk’s Old Drug Store.

1893 Northwestern

1915 Shakopee Telephone Co. purchases all of Merchants and Farmers shares for 40 cents on the dollar.

1928 Tri State Telephone Company became the majority shareholder of the Shakopee Telephone Co.

2000 US West Communication merged with Qwest.

1902 The Shakopee Telephone Co. was incorporated in April.

1958 Shakopee officially began using dial telephones.

Telephone Co. was granted a franchise in Shakopee for a period of 10 years.

1892 The first long distance telephone call was made to St. Paul, Minn.

ca. 1900 Green andWestern Telephone Co. builds Shakopee’s first telephone exchange.

1904 Merchants and

1923 In July, Tri State Telephone and Telegraph Co. opened a long-distance telephone company in Shakopee.

1931 Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. acquired Tri State Telephone Co.

1991 As a result of an anti- trust breakup of AT&T,

2011 Qwest

Farmers Telephone Co. of Shakopee was incorporated.

merged with CenturyLink.

Northwestern Bell became US West Communication.

Sources: Coller, II, Julius A., "The Shakopee Story," North Star Pictures, Inc., 1960; McMeal, Harry B., "Telephony The American Telephone Journal – Vol. 74," Telephony Publishing Company, 1918; Interstate Commerce Commission. "Reports and Decisions of the Interstate Commerce Commission of the United States -Vol. 180," United Stated Government Printing Office, 1932.

10 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC SAFETY CORNER

Firefighter retires after 37 years with department

At 22 years old, Dave Judd took his first tour of the Shakopee Fire Department. “I tried on the gear and I was sold,” Judd said. Thirty-seven years later, Judd retired from the

Photo courtesy: Dann Kasallis Photography Dave Judd

department in August, having

Join the Shakopee fire family Fire Department to seek candidates this winter When Danielle Heier attended the Shakopee Fire Department’s recruitment night two years ago, she admits she didn’t fully know what she was getting herself into. While she was sold by the hands-on experience, it wasn't until she was deep into the

played a crucial role in the fire department’s push toward strategic fireground training and operating guidelines. “When we started implementing our training, we did it together to help advance the effectiveness of the organization,” Judd said. “It was really all of us working together finding a way to train our team in a strategic way.” Judd was promoted to assistant fire chief in 1997 and again in 2009, a role he’d hold for the next 11 years. Over the course of four decades, Judd has had the privilege of working with many talented and dedicated first responders. “It’s amazing to have been a part of this group,” Judd said. “These are people that are happiest when they are sweaty and dirty and have done their job; when they’ve contained a fire, gotten a heartbeat and when they’ve made a difference.” Judd also thanks his family for its support. “My wife used to throw the garage door open so I could run off to a fire,” he explained. “To this day she gets up in the middle of the night with me when I’m called off to a scene, and I am very grateful for her support.” In September, the City Council honored Judd for his longevity with the city. “It’s been an honor,” Judd said. “The Fire Department is the biggest thing in my life other than my family.”

intensive training that she realized what the commitment truly meant. "It's one thing to say I'm committed on day one. It's a whole other thing to say, I'm committed nine months in," she said. A firefighter's job is not for the faint of heart, Heier said. It can be dirty, heavy, sweaty and hard. It requires a tremendous commitment of time away from family and loss of sleep. But if you – and your family – can adjust to the lifestyle, the rewards are well worth it.

"Being a firefighter is not for the faint of heart. You have to a have a servant's heart to do this job." Danielle Heier Paid-on-call Firefighter

IF YOU GO... WHAT: Firefighter Recruitment Event WHO: Interested candidates and their spouses WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 WHERE: Fire Station 1, 2700 Vierling Drive E. RSVP: Email fireinfo@ ShakopeeMN.gov

“It’s definitely a family around here,” Heier said. “You might be the one to apply for the job, but your whole family is joining the department.” Heier, who joined the department in June 2018, was attracted to the role of firefighter in part because she had always wanted to be a paramedic. Today's firefighters respond to a broad range of emergency calls, including accidents and medicals. “I love the heat-of-the-moment, go-go-go rush of emergency response,” she said. While the untimely pages are not easy for the mom of three, she said the camaraderie and opportunity to serve her community make being a firefighter all worth it. “There are so

many good things [about being a part of this team]. I wouldn’t trade it.”

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SHAKOPEE FIREFIGHTER? The Shakopee Fire Department's annual paid-on-call firefighter recruitment runs February through March. Learn more at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/fire.

Winter 2020 11

A well-earned send off Capt. Robson retires after 28 years with Shakopee Police Department

When Capt. Craig Robson started as a Shakopee patrol officer in 1991, life was, shall we say, a little different. Most officers didn’t wear bulletproof vests or use seat belts. They used pay phones to call dispatch. The department didn’t even issue him a gun. He had to borrow one from another officer. “Things were so radically different than what they are now,” Robson recalled. “There’s nothing today that is the same as when I started. When you look back, it’s really kind of funny.” It’s those changes that Robson marvels at as he prepares to retire after 28 years in law enforcement – all with the Shakopee Police Department. "Whatever success we’ve had as an

“This has been such a great place to work. The amount of change that happened here is just phenomenal,” Robson said. During his

Shakopee Police Capt. Craig Robson started with the department in 1991. His badge number (23) is a good illustration of how the department has grown, as the city's newest officer was just sworn in with No. 91.

tenure, the police department has tripled in size and been in two different buildings. However, the biggest change has been technology. Today, everything is digital, and officers can access information right from their squad cars. It’s very different from the “days of pen and paper” and when crime scene photos were taken to a downtown drugstore for developing. His favorite memories are some of the more unique experiences that come along with working in Shakopee—major sporting events, concerts and presidential visits. Not everyone has stood on a tee box while Tiger Woods competes for a major championship. “This job gives you the ability to do things that a lot of people don’t get to do,” Robson said. Robson, who became a sergeant in 1998 and was later promoted to captain in 2007, manages the department’s investigative and records units. As he prepares for

retirement, he’s looking forward to having more free time to watch his daughter’s college basketball games, babysit his granddaughter, go ice fishing and maybe even host a holiday without being on-call. Police Chief Jeff Tate says it's impossible to sum up Capt. Robson's contributions in a few sentences. "Whatever success we’ve had as an organization over the last few decades has Craig’s fingerprints all over it," Tate said. "We are really going to miss him as a person and the steady hand he provides in every decision we make." While Robson has seen a lot of change— both in Shakopee and law enforcement— he says one thing hasn’t: an officer’s purpose. And that's something he'll carry with him long after he takes off the badge. “Police work has always been about treating people the right way and being respectful.”

Robson, however, almost didn’t come to Shakopee. The Winnipeg, Canada, native accepted a position with the New Hope Police Department just an hour before Shakopee police offered him a job. Knowing Shakopee was on

organization over the last few decades has Craig’s fingerprints all over it."

Jeff Tate Police Chief

the cusp of major growth, he could not pass up the opportunity to work in such a community.

NEWS & NOTES Longtime firefighter Eric Bender retires Congratulations to Eric Bender, who retired

Yahnke joins the department from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community where he served as a conservation officer. Yahnke fills a patrol vacancy due to the retirement of Capt. Craig Robson and promotion of Sgt. Jason Arras to captain. Winter Coat collection through Dec. 6 Drop off new or gently used coats, gloves and hats for both children and adults to the Shakopee Police Department's Winter Coat Drive. You can drop off items during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be given to families at its annual Shop with a Cop event Dec. 11. For more information, contact the Police Department at 952-233-9400.

Oct. 28 after 20 years on the Shakopee Fire Department. Bender, who joined the department in 1999, also served as captain. Congratulations also to Jake Theisen, who celebrated 20 years with the department in October. New officer sworn into office The Shakopee Police Department welcomed its newest patrol officer, Keith Yahnke, in October.

Eric Bender

12 Hometown Messenger