Winter 2019-20 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.

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