Spring-Summer 2019 Hometown Messenger

City recognizes staff for 2018 contributions

LEADERSHIP AWARD

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Director of Planning and Development Michael Kerski received the 2018 Administrator’s Leadership Award. Kerski, who joined the city in July 2016, was recognized for leading his department's

Hired in 2011, Finance Manager

Public Works Foreman Keith Raines, an 18- year city employee, has served as streets foreman since March

Melissa Schlingman spearheaded several innovative projects this past year to increase financial transparency, efficiency and internal controls. These include implementing a

2014. He recently took over the city’s tree management program. Among his contributions, Raines organized the fall and spring boulevard tree planting events. Raines worked with several local organizations to coordinate volunteers and notify area residents. Raines also coordinated the city’s ash tree removal program, spring tree sale, University of Minnesota citizen pruning events and more. “Raines is a go-to, can-do member of our team,” said Public Works Director Steve Lillehaug. “Keith’s routine work is done seamlessly and with a high level of responsibility. His customer service is exemplary.” Keith Raines

Michael Kerski

Melissa Schlingman

currently looking at alternative designs to lower the cost of replacement. WHAT IS THE CITY DOING TO REPLACE THE BRIDGE? In addition to re-evaluating the design of the bridge, the city is also working with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to conduct an archeological survey of the park. The area in and around Memorial Park is culturally sensitive due to the presence of Native American burial mounds. HOW DOES THE CITY INTEND TO FUND THE BRIDGE? The city has received several grants toward bridge replacement, including two $150,000 Federal Recreational Trails grants that require matching funds. Scott County has committed paperless accounts payable process and revamping the city’s budget documents. Schlingman is also responsible for the city’s financial reporting. Finance Director Darin Nelson says the city’s clean audit is a testament to her ability to ensure the city’s financial records are in impeccable order. “I always know that anything Melissa works on will be done with the highest and best quality, which typically includes some sort of innovative feature I wasn’t aware was possible,”Nelson said. “I can attest on a daily basis that her knowledge and abilities have helped shape the finance department into one of, if not, the best city finance departments in the state.”

achievements, including transitioning the building and planning divisions to a paperless permit and plan review system, which has sped up the development review process. "It is probably the most customer-friendly piece of the organization that we have currently," City Administrator Bill Reynolds said. In addition, Reynolds noted Kerski's staff has also updated several development ordinances and adopted a new sign code and zoning table. "He's been phenomenal in what he's achieved," Reynolds said. "He obviously has his staff fine tuned and working to address the growing needs of the city.” In 2016, the city removed the pedestrian bridge in Memorial Park due to safety concerns. The removal left a gap in the Minnesota Valley State Trail between Chaska and Bloomington. WHY DID THE CITY REMOVE THE BRIDGE? The bridge was closed in March 2015 and removed in January 2016 due to structural concerns. An assessment report found defects in the 30-plus-year-old bridge. WHY HASN'T THE BRIDGE BEEN REPLACED YET? In October 2016, the City Council approved its desired alignment for the bridge. However, estimates at the time put that project at more than $800,000, making the project cost prohibitive. The Engineering Division is #AsktheCity

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT MEMORIAL PARK

$50,000 toward the project, and in winter 2019, the city received an additional $100,000 grant from the SMSC toward replacement of the bridge and the archeological study. The city is expected to fund the remaining balance as part of its capital improvement fund. WHENWILL THE BRIDGE BE REPLACED? The project is included in the 2019 capital improvement plan. However, the City Council has not approved any final plans for the bridge. Still have questions? Contact the city at 952- 233-9300 or visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ recreation/parks-trails/parks-trails-projects/ memorial-park-bridge.

Spring 2019 7