The Shakopee City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 18. Among the meeting highlights:
Council approves the preliminary 2019 property tax levy
The city council set the city’s 2019 preliminary tax levy at $19,230,500. This is a $30,048 or 0.15 percent reduction over the 2018 levy. The estimated annual city tax impact for homes that increased in value from 0 to 5 percent will be a tax decrease of about $39 or about 4.5 percent. The proposed budget also decreases our current tax rate, lowering it from 37.971 percent to an estimated 35.231 percent.
A public meeting to discuss the city’s levy and budget will be held during the December 4, 2018 council meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. This an opportunity for the public comment on the budget and levy.
More information: Darin Nelson, Finance Director, 952-233-9326
Council approves the 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Shakopee City Council Approved the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2019-2023. The CIP is a planning document that aids in the prioritization of capital investment and pays close attention to projects that are expected to last more than one year. That could include projects such as road or bridge reconstruction, replacing a city building, sanitary sewer and equipment replacement among others.
The City Council reviewed the draft at a workshop on July 17. Suggestions from the meeting have been implemented into the Final CIP. This is the second year that city has accepted a stand-alone CIP, which is designed to be more user friendly.
More information: Darin Nelson, Finance Director, 952-233-9326.
Council rescinds previous vote on former City Hall site
The City Council rescinded a previous vote from the Aug. 21 meeting denying a comprehensive plan amendment to the former city hall site, 129 Holmes St. S. Rescinding the previous decision allows for the changing of the guiding of the property, which was guided as “institutional.” This guiding only allows for buildings with a governmental purpose, such as a city hall or post office.
The former city hall site is now guided as “mixed use,” which will allow developers to build on the site. The city has received plans for a 88-unit apartment complex with retail space. Construction of the project will not move forward until contract for final development has been approved by city council at a later date.
More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.
Council approves the issuance of revenue bonds to Benedictine Living Community of Shakopee
The city council approved the issuance of revenue bonds to Benedictine Living Community of Shakopee, an affiliate of BHS, a senior living facility that will be built in the new Windemere development. 113 units of independent living apartments, 43 assisted living units and memory care units will be constructed.
Council agreed to act as a conduit, issuing BHS $62 million worth of revenue bonds, which is financing means available only to certain non-profit organizations. Using this funding system, the city will not be at risk if Benedictine defaults on the repayment of bonds, and also allows a lower interest rate for BHS. The city’s credit rating will not be impacted by the issuance of the bonds.
More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development 952-233-9346.
Council approves annexation, comprehensive plan amendment, and re-guiding of property near Shakopee Veterinary Clinic
The City Council approved the private annexation of 4.78 acres of property at 12675 Marystown Road, home to the Shakopee Veterinary Clinic. The additional acreage is planned to support continued business operations and a future expansion of the clinic. The city council also approved the changes to comprehensive plan and re-guiding of the acreage that was annexed.
More information: Joe Widing, Planner, 952-233-9325.
Council approves the purchase of three marked patrol vehicles
The City Council approved the purchase of three new marked patrol squads from Ford of Hibbing for a grand total of $86,938.35. The replacement of three older squads is included in the 2019 Capital Improvement Plan. Much of the equipment inside the existing squads will be transferred to the new ones. The new squads will be 2019 Ford Utility Police Interceptors.
More information: Michael Hullander, Public Works Director, 952-233-9555.
Council receives presentation of the history of TIF in Shakopee
Director of Planning and Development, Michael Kerski, presented information about the history of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in Shakopee. The presentation shared detailed information about the use of TIF in Minnesota since the 1960s, as well as the individual projects that have used TIF in Shakopee since 1977.
Kerski answered questions about how TIF would be used in the future, what circumstances the city uses TIF and data about existing TIF districts in Shakopee. A copy of the presentation is available on the city’s website.
More information: Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development, 952-233-9346.
Council agrees to send Envision Shakopee Plan to surrounding communities
As required by state law, the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Envision Shakopee, must be submitted to neighboring jurisdictions and other government agencies that could be affected by the city’s plans. Adjacent communities will then review the plan and submit their comments to the city before the final version of Envision Shakopee is presented to the council in April.
More Information: Eric Weiss, Senior Planner, 952-233-9347.
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. Read past After Council Reports.