Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2024-25

Under construction City website undergoing redesign

The City website— www.ShakopeeMN.gov — is undergoing a redesign project and getting a new, updated look. The updated website is expected to launch sometime in Spring 2025 with an official launch date to be announced after the holiday season. The new website will have significantly improved search functionality, enhanced translation capabilities, a more modern lay out, and will meet the most current federal accessibility requirements. As the City undergoes the transition to the new website, functionality of the existing website

may be reduced. This is due to an ongoing content audit that will determine what infor mation needs to migrate to the updated web site and what can be deleted. Unfortunately, while this process will improve our ability to serve the public in the long-term, it may lead to some broken links during this transition time. If you encounter any issues find ing what you need on the City website, please reach out to communications@ShakopeeMN. gov and City staff will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to unveiling our updated website in 2025!

How Can I Help You? Meet Kelly Buska, a Permit Coordinator with the Planning & Development Department. Q: What do you do for the City? A: I assist residents and general contractors with pulling permits online and navigating the ever-changing world of technology as the City of Shakopee is 100% paperless. I also help with understanding the construction codes and permitting processes. Q: What do you enjoy about working for the City? A: I enjoy interacting with and assisting community members and contractors with their whole project; from the initial permitting of the construction to the completion of the project. It is rewarding to help the community and try to make what seems to be a daunting task much easier. Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: I have been fascinated with architecture and construction my entire life, so what I enjoy most is seeing the permits for all the new and exciting changes coming to our ever-growing community. I enjoy assisting customers with our online application process, as some don’t have a computer and/ or e-mail address. Lastly, the flexible schedule the city allows me to have helps with my everyday family needs!

Incumbents Lara, Whiting win re-election Note: These are the unofficial totals. The official results will be certified at a City Council Meeting at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, after this publication goes to press.

vacated by Mayor Matt Lehman after he won his mayoral election in 2022. Whiting has been on City Council since January 2012. Both will be sworn into office in January with terms expiring in December 2028. The unofficial vote totals were as follows: Jesse Lara—5,748 votes (19.3%) Jay Whiting—5,690 votes (19.1%) Mustafa Sandhu —3,669 votes (12.32%) Ken Ludzack —3,622 votes (12.16%) Mike Luce —3,289 votes (11.04%) Ryan Yttreness —2,879 votes (9.67%) Jeff Shafland —2,770 votes (9.3%) Carter McNew —1,930 votes (6.48%) The City would like to thank all the local elec tion judges for their hard work, and thank you to everyone who took time to vote.

Incumbent City Councilors Jesse Lara and Jay Whiting won the 2024 Election and will each serve a four-year term on the Shakopee City Council. Lara has been on City Council since April 2023, when he won a special election to fill the seat

Jesse Lara

Jay Whiting

NEWS & NOTES GET INVOLVED: APPLY TO BE A MEMBER OF A CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION Apply to be a member of the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustments and Appeals or the Shakopee Public Utilities Commission (SPUC). SPUC oversees the operation of the publicly-owned water and electric utility. It is composed of five members who serve three-year terms. Board and commission appointments are typically made during the months of February and March. Interested community members can apply online during the month of January at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/employment .

NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN CITY STAFF Join us in welcoming these new employees to the City of Shakopee: ■ Cody Brotherton , Police Officer ■ Orlando Hernandez , Police Officer ■ Evan Larson , Community Service Officer ■ Tim Nordstrom , Fire Captain ■ Justen Riley , Fire Captain ■ Becky Smith , Accounting Specialist

■ Chadd Smith , Police Officer ■ David Vierling , Police Officer

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