Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shakopee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with low priority
CAPRA national accreditation for Parks and Rec
Shakopee's Parks and Rec is now one of only five accredited agencies in Minnesota and 233 worldwide, after a two-year process meeting 148 of 154 national standards. Residents get proof their parks and programs run on best practices.
Side-by-side vehicle use on city streets
A resident asked the council to consider allowing properly equipped side-by-sides on city streets. Staff noted safety concerns and said golf carts are limited to designated routes; the council took no action.
Miracle League Field Flag Pole Donation
The Fredericks family is donating a 20-foot flag pole for the Miracle League Field at Tapah Park so players have a flag to face during the national anthem. The council accepted it unanimously and sent its thanks.
Bluff Avenue Parking Restrictions
No-parking signs are coming to the south side of Bluff Avenue between Naumkeag and 1st Avenue, after reports of semi-trucks parking long-term and leaving trash behind.
Electromagnetic Radiation and Smart Meter Concerns
Two residents asked the city to create an independent health advisory panel on electromagnetic radiation and criticized FCC rules they say rely on 30-year-old safety data. They specifically objected to a $75 monthly fee to keep an analog utility meter as a disability accommodation.
Water quality monitoring on Lake Dean and O'Dowd Lake
The city joined the Met Council's volunteer lake monitoring program, which samples local lakes biweekly for phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll through October.
MVTA transit pilot and regional transit solicitations
Councilor DuLaney reported the MVTA approved a pilot where Uber or Lyft will pick riders up at the same fee when MVTA Connect can't reach them in time, plus several regional transit grant applications.
Women's Water Safety Program Donation
Sue Westegaard donated $1,500 in memory of her mother to keep the women's water safety classes running. The program has taught 195 women to swim, with both summer sessions full and a waitlist. Council members praised the program and discussed possibly adding a class.
Displaying Both Minnesota State Flags
A longtime resident urged the council to remove the new Minnesota state flag from City Hall, calling it a symbol of corruption and noting the city's incorporation anniversary as an opportunity. Mayor Lehman noted cities aren't required to fly it but worried about losing state funding; Councilor Whiting raised concerns about what the old flag's imagery means to the Mdewakanton Sioux partnership.
Vacant industrial space backfill on Maras Street
Royal Imports will fill a tenant space that sat empty after the city revoked the prior tenant's CUP over junk vehicles, bringing an established three-person auto repair shop from Cannon Falls.
Telecommunications tower coverage in southwest Shakopee
A new 115-foot tower at 7700 County Road 101 East will host Verizon first, with room for more carriers, improving wireless capacity in the light industrial area.
Public comment time limits
Councilor Lara worried the three-minute guideline is being blown past and meetings could get hijacked; the mayor and others noted cutting speakers off raises free-speech concerns and that the mayor has discretion.