--- title: - MINUTES - author: shelb date: D:20260824181600Z --- ## - MINUTES - ## CHASKA CITY COUNCIL ## AUGUST 17, 2026 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hubbard at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance ## 3. Roll Call Roll call was taken. Present: Mayor Hubbard and Councilmembers Sheveland, Benesh, Grau, and Hatfield. Also Present: Matt Podhradsky, City Administrator; Elise Durbin, Assistant City Administrator; Nate Kabat, Community Development Director; Liz Hanson, City Planner; Krista Mark, Communications Coordinator; and Christophe Morschen, City Attorney. Absent: None. 4. Adopt the Agenda Motion by Councilmember Hatfield, second by Councilmember Benesh to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried. ## 5. Visitor Presentation ## 5.A. GTO Graduation – Connor Klaysmat and Kayla Rademacher Police Chief Seibert stated that a recap video would be shown to the Council showcasing all the work done by the Cadets Connor Klaysmat and Kayla Rademacher. Chief Seibert noted that the two Cadets were sworn in on June 1, and there is a unique strength in this program that touches every City Department and provides an opportunity for the Cadets to see everything that Staff does in the City. He noted that Cadet Rademacher enjoyed three Departments in the City: the Police Department, the Community Center, and the Chaska Town Course. The GTO program helped Cadet Rademacher’s career path by getting her hands-on experience with each Department and what they do daily. Chief Seibert noted that for Cadet Connor Klaysmat, he learned a lot through the GTO program and the various Departments he worked with. He added that Cadet Klaysmat’s favorite Departments to work with were the Fire Department, the Police Department, golf maintenance, and the Electric Department. Chief Seibert presented both Cadets with the Police Department’s challenge coin for completing the GTO program. Mayor Hubbard thanked Officer Godinez and Chief Seibert for facilitating the GTO program. ## MINUTES-CHASKA CITY COUNCIL August 17, 2026 PAGE 2 Councilmember Hatfield noted that the GTO program is amazing, and has enjoyed watching all of the graduates over the years. ## 6. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes ## 6.A. Approve the August 3, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes Motion by Councilmember Sheveland, second by Councilmember Grau to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2026, City Council meeting. Motion carried. ## 7. Consent Agenda Motion by Councilmember Hatfield, second by Councilmember Benesh to approve the Consent ## Agenda Items A through G: A. Settlement Agreement and Release related to property at 424 Chestnut Blvd. Motion authorizing the City Administrator to sign Settlement Agreement and Release by and between Zebu Ventures 424 LLC, Bolton & Menk, Inc., and the City of Chaska. B. Approve On-Sale Liquor License for Community Event Series – Downtown Business ## Alliance Motion to approve On-Sale Intoxicating License at the downtown Community Events, Lic#OSCF26-04 for Chaska Downtown Business Alliance Event Series on Saturdays between September 10-December 5, 2026. ## C. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-72, authorizing Execution of Agreement Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-72, authorizing Execution of Agreement. D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-73, approving Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant for ## Third Street East Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-73, approving the Local Bridge Replacement Program Grant Agreement and authorizing the Mayor, City Engineer, and Administrator to execute. E. Approve Massage Therapy Business License and Individual License – Shiloh ## Therapeutic Massage and Stretch Studio LLC/Skyler Johnson Motion to approve a Massage Therapy Business License for Shiloh Therapeutic Massage and Stretch Studio, located at 3740 N. Chestnut Street, Unit #111, Chaska, Minnesota, and an Individual Massage Therapist License for Skyler Johnson to provide massage therapy services at that location. F. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-75, authorizing the financing of Tax-Exempt Fitness ## Equipment Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-75, relating to the financing of equipment; authorizing the execution and delivery of a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement and related documents. G. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-76, denying Massage Therapy Registration Application – ## Yun Liu Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-76, denying the massage license application of Yun Liu for failure to meet the educational requirements of the City of Chaska's massage license ordinance. Councilmember Hatfield noted that regarding item 7b. Approve On-Sale Liquor License for Community Event Series – Downtown Business Alliance, and as a liaison to the Downtown ## MINUTES-CHASKA CITY COUNCIL August 17, 2026 PAGE 3 Business Alliance, it has been exciting to see the list of events and the success that the Downtown Business Alliance has had. City Administrator Podhradsky noted that the state did authorize social districts for three communities in the state, but for other communities, there are 12 opportunities given during the course of the year to have these events. He noted that the Downtown Business Alliance has been smart to cluster their events together. There is a continued push at the legislature to allow social districts in other communities. Councilmember Hatfield added that it is really about the downtown area coming together and making it a special time and safe event for people to get out and enjoy Chaska’s beautiful downtown. Mayor Hubbard noted that some of the drive is boosting local businesses and attracting visitors, and this is not about changing liquor laws, but taking advantage of what the state offers. Councilmember Benesh reiterated that this is not a new thing for the City of Chaska, and there have never been any negative incidents during these types of events. Mayor Hubbard noted that the Police and Fire Departments are also aware of this permit and the dates. Motion carried. ## 8. Action Items 8.A. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-74 Approving the Concept Plan for Scandvik Nordic Spa/ ## Scandvik/ PC #2026-17 City Administrator Podhradsky introduced City Planner Liz Hanson to present this item to the Council. Ms. Hanson presented this item. Travis Batting, President of Scandvik from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, introduced himself and stated that Jennifer Haskamp was online. He thanked City Staff for all the collaboration on this project. He noted that Scandvik is looking to bring amenities that will enhance the beautiful state of the property, and that he and Ms. Haskamp could go through the presentation of this project. Ms. Haskamp noted that she and Mr. Batting understood the concerns raised by Staff regarding the encroachment in the slope area, and discussions have occurred to refine the limits of what the development might be in a way that is more palatable to the City. She noted that whatever happens on the lakeside of the property will be done in a very environmentally conscientious way. A lot of time was also spent figuring out what the border looks like for the disturbed area, as a lot of improvements occurred over time in that area with its previous use. She noted that she and her colleagues are confident that they can fit the spa component of the project within that disturbed area without encroaching into the protected areas of the site. Councilmember Sheveland noted that she does not have any questions, but is excited about this development because that site has been vacant for a while. ## MINUTES-CHASKA CITY COUNCIL August 17, 2026 PAGE 4 Mayor Hubbard asked Mr. Batting to speak about the unique aspect of this project. Mr. Batting noted that in Canada, there have been a lot of successful Nordic spas, which utilize thermal cycles with heated spas and saunas, and then the cold plunge followed by a place to rest, which is unique about the environment of this property. He noted that Scandvik believes in celebrating nature, and the efficiencies of being connected to a hotel make this project a lot more feasible and would drive tourism to this area. City Administrator Podhradsky stated he was recently in Quebec City, and when he looked up the top recommended things to do there, a Nordic spa came up in his search. Mr. Batting added that Minnesota is naturally very Scandinavian, so the branding and amenities of their Nordic spa will be embraced here. Councilmember Hatfield stated this project is very exciting, and appreciates their consciousness of the landscaping and beauty of the location. Things to think about when it comes back are construction access because it is such a busy site, and parking. She asked if the public walkway along the lake will be removed for this project. City Administrator Podhradsky confirmed that the City owns that public walkway, so it is not going anywhere. Councilmember Sheveland asked if the spa can be used without booking a room at the hotel. Mr. Batting confirmed that is correct. Councilmember Sheveland asked if there will be facilities inside to use the steam rooms and cold plunge inside for year-round use. Mr. Batting stated that the ability to operate 365 days outside is unique to a Nordic spa, but staff is in the process of developing a concept plan to figure out how the conference center gets adapted into operational use for the building. Mayor Hubbard stated the goal of the Council is to make the community a destination, and this facility would lend to that. She thanked Mr. Batting and Ms. Haskamp for all the work put into this plan and collaborating with City Staff to achieve the best outcome for the space. Councilmember Grau added that the project will have a connection to Marriott hotels as well. Mr. Batting noted that Marriott has walked through the property and is just working through the number of improvements that have to be achieved. Motion by Councilmember Sheveland, second by Councilmember Hatfield to adopt Resolution No. 2026-74, approving the Concept Plan for Scandvik at Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center, based on the conditions listed therein. Motion carried. 9. Bills ## 9.A. Accounts Payable Claims Roster 08-17-2026 Motion by Councilmember Grau, second by Councilmember Benesh to approve the bills as presented. Roll call was taken. Voting aye: Councilmembers Hatfield, Benesh, Sheveland, Grau ## and Mayor Hubbard. Voting nay: None Motion carried. ## MINUTES-CHASKA CITY COUNCIL August 17, 2026 PAGE 5 ## 10. Other Business ## Councilmember Hatfield: • Shared that the Farmer’s Market is continuing on Thursday nights, along with the Concert Series. • Shared the upcoming events: Public Safety Open House (September 14) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Touch a Truck (August 20) at 5:00 p.m. at the High School, and recapped her attendance at the Chaska Crime Prevention fundraiser to raise funds for the Police Department. ## Councilmember Sheveland: • Recapped her time at the Carver County Fair. • Shared that Parks and Recreation has their fall classes and community education up and registration is going fast. ## Councilmember Grau: • Shared that Touch a Truck (August 20) will be at the Chaska High School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. • Shared that the upcoming Latin Food and Music Festival will be on September 18 with fireworks. • Shared that school starts (August 31), and reminded residents that traffic changes during that time. • Shared an upcoming game between the Chaska Cubs and Air Freight (August 21) at 7:30 p.m. in the first round of the state championship in Chaska. ## Community Development Director Nate Kabat: • Shared that City Hall Plaza is under construction right now, and the main entrance to City Hall and the main door to the Library will need to be closed temporarily. Updates regarding the closure of those will be coming soon. ## City Attorney Christophe Morschen: • Shared that his cousin recently got married at the Chaska Curling Center, and the staff and caterers at the Curling Center did a fantastic job. ## City Administrator Podhradksy: • Shared that Touch a Truck was started by Joan Cedar back in 2003, and she is still in charge of it. The reason it is one of the City's best events is because of all the people that attend. • Shared that 15 Ukrainian students will come to Chaska as part of a refugee program, put on by Richard and Arena Fursman, and will tour the new Public Safety building and teach them how to do curling at the Curling Center. • Shared that there will be a meeting on August 31 at 5:45 p.m. There will also be two meetings next month on September 14 where a preliminary tax levy will be established, and the next meeting will be September 21. ## MINUTES-CHASKA CITY COUNCIL August 17, 2026 PAGE 6 ## Mayor Hubbard: • Recapped her attendance at Night to Unite, and noted that Chaska won the food shelf donation challenge. • Recapped her attendance at the Fire Department’s Black Helmet Summer Ceremony, and congratulated Alex Cook on winning Firefighter of the Year. • Shared that there is a downtown master plan survey that is available on the City’s website and is open until August 24. • Shared that the Library Task Force will be meeting in September, and encouraged residents to voice their opinions on what they would like to see for the new library. • Shared that Highway 10 heading westbound between Chaska and Waconia is closed right now due to construction. • Shared that the next meeting is August 31. ## 10.A. City Administrator's Report 10.B. Memo Rescheduling of Public Hearing for TIF No. 2026 (Big Woods Business Park) 10.C. Financial Reports as of 06/30/26 11. Adjourn Motion by Councilmember Hatfield, second by Councilmember Benesh to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.