Chaska City Council 1.26.26
Monday, January 26, 2026
Mayoral statement on community safety and unrest
Approval of meeting agenda
Police department update
APWA Engineering Technician of the Year Award presentation
Southwest Transit 2025 year in review
Areas of Interest (4)
- Mayor opts for 'quiet leadership' over public activism amid local community fear and targetted harassment.
- Southwest Transit faces legislative threats regarding consolidation with Metro Transit; local officials defend efficiency.
- Police Department maintains 'business as usual' stance despite 'unprecedented' regional unrest.
- Growth in Southwest Transit ridership driven by microtransit/on-demand services, countering broader regional declines.
Votes (1)
Adopt the agenda
Moved by Hatfield · Seconded by Chevlin
Notable Quotes (2)
Silence in this case is not always the same as complicity. At this moment, I choose quiet leadership.
We have to be as effective and efficient as metrotransit... our subsidy per ride was $12.71 and Metro Transit was at $15.42.
People (8)
MayorMayorDelivered opening statement on community unrest and trust in police; facilitated agenda.
1 quote
Delivered opening statement on community unrest and trust in police; facilitated agenda.
“At this moment, I choose quiet leadership. I choose to continue to be present for those in need.”
Explaining the decision to avoid loud public rhetoric during a period of community fear.
ChiefPolice ChiefAffirmed CPD's commitment to community policing and partnership.
1 quote
Affirmed CPD's commitment to community policing and partnership.
“nothing has changed in the way that we serve our community. We still value community engagement, community policing.”
Reassuring the public regarding police operations during an unprecedented time.
Aaron KuznaEngineering TechnicianAwarded APWA Engineering Technician of the Year; noted for diverse community service.
Awarded APWA Engineering Technician of the Year; noted for diverse community service.
Eric DumpkeyChair, APWA Awards CommitteePresented the APWA award to Aaron Kuzna.
Presented the APWA award to Aaron Kuzna.
Chad MilnerPublic Works Director/City Engineer (Edina)Former supervisor of Aaron Kuzna; provided testimonial.
Former supervisor of Aaron Kuzna; provided testimonial.
Eric HansenCEO/RepresentativePresented 2025 year-in-review and legislative updates for Southwest Transit.
Presented 2025 year-in-review and legislative updates for Southwest Transit.
HatfieldCouncil MemberRepresenting city council; discussed transit utility and community service.
Representing city council; discussed transit utility and community service.
GrowCouncil MemberRepresenting the council on the transit board.
Representing the council on the transit board.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Not specified date; evening city council meeting