Shakopee Snapshot: Spring 2024

Watch for spring load restrictions Temperatures will dictate restriction timeline

of spring load restrictions. The exact dates that seasonal load restrictions go into effect and are removed vary depending on annual temperature variations. Spring load restrictions for the City of Sha kopee Streets are based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Metro Seasonal Load Limit Zone starting and ending dates. Once announced, garbage and recy cling collection will be moved from alleyways to the street until restrictions are removed. To stay aware and informed, check the state restrictions at www.dot.state.mn.us/load limits or visit the City’s website at www.Sha kopeeMN.gov and check under the “News” section on the home page.

With spring approaching, please be mindful of any potential spring load restrictions on City of Shakopee streets. These restrictions keep our roads in good con dition and often affect garbage and recycling pickup locations. The two primary causes for premature deterioration of roadway pave ment are weather and traffic load. As the frost is leaving the ground during the spring thaw every year, the gravel under the roadbed has high moisture content, which weakens the load-carrying capacity of the pavement. To protect and prolong the service life of the roadways, axle weight restrictions are imposed during the spring thaw every year, when the roadbeds are most vulnerable to damage. This winter’s unseasonably warm weather has the potential to affect the typical timeline The annual Show Off Shakopee photo contest is back, and this year we’re announcing the categories in advance to give photographers more opportunities to find that perfect shot before the September submission period. The 2024 Show Off Shakopee categories are: ■ Uniquely Shakopee —What do you think sets Shakopee apart from other cities? ■ Community Connections —From public expressions of joy to neighbors gathering at a block party, showcase the vibrant spirit of human connection within our community. ■ Wildlife & Nature —Let Mother Nature set the scene while you capture it! ■ Budding Photographer —New in 2024, this category is for youth photographers ages 17 or younger, and the subject of the photos can be anything in Shakopee.

How Can I Help You? Meet Corey Murray, a Firefighter and Lieutenant in the Fire Department. Q: What do you do for the city? A: As a firefighter, I respond to emergencies, perform fire inspections, perform equipment checks and minor maintenance, ensure professional maintenance cleaning and supply of all Firefighters PPE and SCBAs, and perform quality control review of all incident reports produced by SFD. As a lieutenant, I respond to emergencies as the company officer for the duty engine, I lead company trainings and shift work, and I also respond as a command officer in a squad car on occasional weekends. Q: What do you enjoy about working for the city? A: Since I live in Shakopee, I enjoy being able to give back to my own community. It gives me a sense of ownership and pride that I don’t think I would get if I didn’t both live and work here. Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: To me the best part is my coworkers. We hold each other to a high standard and support one another to achieve that standard thanks to the leadership of our chief officers. My fellow firefighters and the other company officers are also the people who either taught me how to be a firefighter or learned with me. I truly feel my coworkers are my second family.

Help us capture the essence of Shakopee Plan your photos now for the 2024 Show Off Shakopee photo contest

SHOW OFF SHAKOPEE PHOTO CONTEST

2024

The winners of each category will each win $50, and the overall grand prize winner will win $100. The winning photos will be displayed in the Shakopee City Hall lobby and also used in City of Shakopee publica tions throughout the coming year. For a full list of contest guidelines, rules, and a photo contest guide on how to make your photos stand out to the judges, visit www. ShakopeeMN.gov/showoffshakopee . As in past years, the photo submission period will be open on the city website for the entire month of September.

NEWS & NOTES

NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN CITY STAFF Join us in welcoming these new employees to the City of Shakopee: ■ Alexandria Anderson , Community Engagement Coordinator ■ Kevin Peterson , Mechanic ■ Lindsey Vugteveen , Environmental Technician—Water Resources ■ Jason Marshall , Fleet Foreperson ■ Kelsi McNutt , Director of Parks and Recreation ■ Damian Papenfuss-Pruitt , Police Officer ■ Lucas Willis , Police Officer

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON? Follow the City’s social media accounts! This is one of the most effective ways to remain informed about City of Shakopee projects, initiatives, and events.

Scan the QR code with your smartphone’s camera app to view a list of links to the City’s various social media channels.

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