City Of Shakopee: After Council Report: Aug. 4, 2020

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

08/05/2021 4:00 pm

The Shakopee City Council met Wednesday, Aug. 4. Among the meeting highlights:

City staff will receive two percent cost of living increase

City Council approved a measure that will back-pay city employees a two percent cost of living increase that was delayed in the beginning of 2021. At the time the city was creating the 2021 budget, the country was in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full impact of the 2021 increase will be $377,000, and will be offset by recently obtained Federal Recovery Act funds, which allows the city to replace lost revenue. More information: Bill Reynolds, City Administrator - 952-233-9311

Xcel Energy granted non-exclusive power franchise agreement

City Council granted a 20-year non-exclusive franchise agreement to Xcel Energy, allowing the company to construct, operate and maintain an electric distribution system and furnish electric energy to the city. On Aug. 7, 2001, the city entered a 20-year agreement with Northern States Power Company, doing business as Xcel Energy, and on April 6, 2021, the City Council granted an extension to the agreement through the 2021 calendar year, giving the city additional time to negotiate the franchise.

The agreement also includes a continuation of a three percent franchise fee, paid by Xcel, which was first implemented in 2016. Franchise fees are used by the city for capital infrastructure projects. More information: Bill Reynolds, City Administrator - 952-233-9311

Council workshops options for Coronavirus Recovery Funds

On July 27, 2021, the city received its first installment of Coronavirus Local Recovery Funds from the Federal Government, in the amount of $2,199,407. City staff have provided input about possible uses of the funds. Council moved the following forward for further study unless otherwise noted:

• Employee cost of living adjustment- Cost of living increases were proactively removed from the budget in 2021 as a result of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this increase was approved at the Aug. 4 Council meeting.
• Downtown parklets- Staff recommended the installation of semi-permanent structures to be installed in downtown after the success of street tents that were installed in 2020, allowing downtown customers to sit outside. Council approved the program at the May 18 Council meeting.
• Made in Shakopee Program- In April, the Council, acting as the Economic Development Authority, approved spending for a targeted marketing program that would celebrate innovative companies in Shakopee. The program would be used to target companies looking to relocate and highlight Shakopee as a candidate for relocation.
• City entrance monuments- Part of the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan is to beautify entrances to Shakopee, specifically on Highway 101.
• Civil defense sirens for the southwest side of Shakopee.
• Protective film for Police Station and City Hall windows
• Fire Department Remodel
• Downtown ADA, lighting and tree project.

No action was taken, except in cases where Council has already approved the listed projects. More information: Bill Reynolds, City Administrator - 952-233-9311

Council authorizes staff to apply for funding for Riverfront Stabilization and Cultural Corridor project

City staff has been authorized to apply for state funding for the Riverfront Stabilization and Cultural Corridor project. $6.25 million in state funds will be requested for the project.  The project will help assist with erosion along the Minnesota River and will protect critical infrastructure along the river. Additionally, the project will protect historical and cultural landmarks between Huber and Memorial Parks. As part of the application, a 50 percent match in funding is required. Funds for the project are included in the 2021 - 2025 Capital Improvement Plan. More information: Steve Lillehaug, City Engineer/Public Works Director – 952-233-9361

Emerald Ash Borer grant application approved

City Council approved an application to a grant from the Department of Natural Resources Emerald Ash Borer Grant. If the grant is received, funding would be used to remove or manage 1,437 ash trees in the next two years. The grant is for $100,000 and requires a 25 percent match, which would be covered by the city’s Parks Maintenance budget. More information: Kirby Templin, Water Resource/Environmental Engineer – 952-233-9372

Fire Department to purchase new pick-up truck

City Council approved the purchase of a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 for the Fire Department in the amount of $50,344.86. On May 26, the Fire Department was responding to a grass fire on Highway 169, and the department’s Chevy Tahoe was struck by an uninsured motorist. The damage to the vehicle exceeds the vehicle’s value. The replacement of the vehicle was slated for 2022 according to the 2022 Capital Improvement plan, so the department has requested an advance of the budget item. The Tahoe will be deemed surplus and will be either handled as a claim with the insurance company or sold “as is” at auction. More information: Bill Egan, Public Works Superintendent – 952-233-9555

These summaries are a sampling of the meeting. See the entire agenda packet with supporting documents at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/agendasandminutes. The meeting is also available for viewing on demand at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/livestream.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.