Let's bring to order the Shak City Council meeting for Tuesday, August 19th, 2025. Clerk, would you please take the role? >> Council member Delaney, Council Member Whiting, >> here. >> Council member Contraras >> here. >> Council member Laura >> here. >> Mayor Layman >> here. Item number three. Please join us for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Item number four, approval of agenda. Any changes to the agenda? >> Nothing from staff, sir. >> Councel councelor Contrarus, >> I'll make the motion to approve the agenda. >> There's a second. >> Second that, >> Mr. Whiting. Discussion on the motion. Discussion seeing none. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. >> Agenda is adopted. Item number five is our consent agenda. Any changes to the consent agenda from staff? >> Nothing from staff, sir. >> From councel, Mr. Lara, >> I'll pull 5J. >> Any other changes to the agenda? Consent agenda. >> Mr. Whiting. >> I can make a motion to approve the consent agenda as modified. >> There second. >> Second that. >> Motion to second. Mr. Reynolds, would you read the consent, please? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of council, these are the consent agenda items for Tuesday, August 19th of 25. 5A approves a cooperative agreement with Scott County for the construction and maintenance of the county highway 16 extension improvements. 5B is the Minnesota DNR's conservation partners legacy grant program application. 5C is the state of Minnesota's 2026 capital budget request project priority list. 5D is the monthly financial report for July of 2025. E sets a public hearing for the issuance of refunding bonds for Benedicting Living Community of Shak Shakapi Shakapei LLC. 5F is an FM fire grant program application. 5G is a policy and standard operation procedure development. 5H approves parking restrictions on Shannondoa Drive. 5 approves the city council meeting minutes for August 26th of 2025. 5K is a Joe Schlapper Stadium baseball field improvements. 5L approves a temporary liquor license for the Shockby Chamber of Commerce. And 5M approves extended construction hours for the Mary'stown Road reconstruction project. >> Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. We do have a motion and a second. Any discussion on the motion? Discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. Item number six would be public comment for items not on the agenda. So if you're here for an item that is not on the agenda to >> address the city council. If you're anybody here for an item that is not on our agenda? >> Yes. >> Item is on consent >> and was >> and was uh adopted or or removed from consent. 5G >> 5J was removed. That's an item on the consent and and that will come up later in the agenda >> momentarily. >> Okay. So, there's nobody here for an item not on the agenda. Item number seven, business removed from consent agenda. Item number 5J was removed by councelor Lara. Mr. Lara. >> Yeah, I removed it just so we can have staff make some clarification. notes that were sent out earlier. >> Yes. Um we we all received that through the council connect online and uh I forwarded mine to staff and staff responded with some uh engineering input and uh >> we did re we did we didn't receive the petition. So >> 5G, >> correct? >> 5G, the county, county road 17 expansion project. >> We do have a petition. >> Yes. >> Why? Why would we receive that? Isn't that a county? >> It is, but there >> Okay. >> It would be the clerk right here if you want to hand that to the clerk. >> We do have the county engineer here who can speak to the issue. Uh this, as you know, is not a city project. It's a county project. Um, you know, I would encourage those in attendance to go to the county meetings and talk to them about their project. But that being said, uh, uh, we certainly, uh, sent some information out from a staff level, from a prof professional staff level earlier, uh, which we initially had a lot of concerns about this project. Uh, the county worked very hard to address the majority of those concerns. uh and from uh our perspective as staff uh this certainly meets everything that we were concerned with and that's why uh we support it from a staff level. So >> So if I could ask uh councelor Lar if it would be acceptable for staff to go ahead and read the what the concerns were and what their engineering response was unless a county engineer would like to do that. Is county engineer here? Did you receive that? >> I did. Yes. would you like to come up and and address some of them concerns? >> And if I may, mayor, the the responses that I sent out are from our city engineer, >> right? >> And so, you know, I know that the county engineer might have some there's some issues there where we said you really need to talk to the county, >> right? And it is a county project. >> So, but you know, I can also our city engineer is not here tonight, but I can certainly read his responses for everybody. >> Very good. What would you like me to do? >> I'm gonna let the county go first. >> Yours, sir. >> Is this on here at all? >> Yep. >> Yep. >> It's got to get real We're close. >> Uh, good evening, uh, Mr. Mayor and members of the council. My name is Tony Winnicky. I'm the Scott County highway engineer and understand that uh, concerns were raised in particular from the neighborhood to the the north. I believe uh the the uh comments that I that I received here just a few hours ago. Um and so I can I can talk about a few of these here. Um so as you know um this has been a project that has really uh stemmed from a corridor study that was started in 2007 [clears throat] and concluded in 2009 um along County Highway 17. It was really the river crossing to 101 to County 17 southward to trunk highway 13 down to the the southern limit and establishing county highway 17 as the principal arterial roadway, the north south principal arterial roadway uh in the county uh from a long-term planning standpoint. And so and that was signed off in 2009 by uh county board uh city councils on on the uh cities in that route and then townships along that route as well. and so really established the foot the the the the framework for what would happen long term to achieve those goals of that of that uh that study and moving in that direction. Um so from that there were several projects and this all was presented at the July I don't want to reiterate all of that but uh just some highlights from that. Uh Miss Mayor looks like you have a question. Well, I I just wanted to point out that what was approved in ' 09 was much more expansive than what is before us today. It had a much higher traffic count, much higher projections of growth, and a lot of the land has changed ownership, so that growth wouldn't be happening. And this actual project that's before us now has been scaled back, >> right? Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, you're right. And as we talked about at the July 15, the presentation was given and discussed at that time and and through our project management team and working with both cities and SMSC on this court was right sizing the project and Adam Jessen was up here at that at that time talking about that right sizing the project. So um but with that as part of that uh improvement along that corridor to make sure that it functions as a principal arterial roadway uh higher speed, higher mobility, safety, reduce access, all of those things are the supporting local road networks and as was presented uh last month uh talked about that and all the work that was done in the area of the from 42 north and this next project is from 42 south uh through the county uh 82 intersection. So major improvements at 82 at 14 uh access changes at a few neighborhoods and then what kind of what came out then of the uh uh neighborhood meeting or the openhouse meeting in April. Uh a lot of it was really great great discussion a lot of feedback. We made changes here that was presented again at at the July 15th meeting. What was changed? And then as part of that, what kind of came out is, you know, I think now is the right time to make that neighborhood connection, which was part of the 2009 plan was to make that from the the the why not neighbor the why not acres neighborhood, the Marshia neighborhood to the north, which gets then into Jennifer Lane and then makes that connection up to 78. So you have a continuous neighborhood road connectivity from the south up to county uh 78. And so determined that now would be the time to do that. And we actually own a property already, you know, in advance of this at the Heron Court uh intersection uh when the timing came for this. And with changes that are being made with the other project, we determined that the timing, you know, would be now. And so I know there are several people here that you know they're hearing this from the first time and it's always a little tricky in you know how the timing of this happens whether you know we come to you first and then they hear about it or we reach out to folks that might be impacted and then they reach you and oh boy we didn't we didn't hear about this either. So the timing is always a little tricky when that happens. uh knowing that and was mentioned at that July 15th meeting that we would have an openhouse meeting to bring these kind of neighborhoods together, you know, talk about this, you know, that and when this would happen as part of the project and start to work through all of that. So, that's the really the stage that we're at right now in uh and we so our plan is to have an openhouse meeting in late September and generally we would send out a flyer a few weeks in advance. you know, we usually don't do that two months in advance because then people just kind of forget about it. But if it's kind of close enough, so generally that two week period, so you know, that's coming relatively soon where people are going to see flyers and so we have the opportunity to meet again um and then gather input and really kind of hear and understand that. Um yes, M. at your past uh public meeting that you held at the 282 building. Um what areas were invited to that? >> Yeah, it was it was the area from the the uh line on acres south um and and uh not south of uh 282 but in so that boundary from 282. So not the Jennifer Lane, if you will, not that neighborhood. And at that time, um, we didn't know if we'd be doing this quite yet and the timing of that. Um, but we feel the importance is to do that now. We have the ability to use our our sales tax funding to make this happen. And as you know, which was presented, the county is fully funding the project, including right away that's needed for that connection. Um, so we knew that we'd be having another follow-up meeting. And sometimes if it's if it's too big, if we did all that one time, we're talking, you know, now you've got hundreds of people. I mean, the way it is right now that the border from 79 up to 78 and 17 boxed in, you know, there's hundreds of homes in there the way it is, >> right? >> And completing all of that as an open house down to 82, it's a pretty large, you know, open house. And to be able to get that individual input is sometimes hard. >> It is. But from the opposite perspective, you have a neighborhood that feels left out. >> Yeah. and and we apologize for that, but we we didn't know if we'd be doing this yet, >> but looking from a funding standpoint and need of the project, some other changes have been made. We know we want to provide uh alternatives for traffic connections and routing for people and we feel that this provides that and economies of scale. It's better to do that now than than wait. >> Okay, questions of so far. Mr. Lar, >> just want to ask clarifying question to make sure I understood this correctly. It sounds like um you will be hosting a open house um mid to end of September with the new neighborhoods involved. >> Correct. [clears throat] Yeah. The uh the Marshia Lane neighborhood they already know of the project but because of this change we want to include them again and then that whole neighborhood again all the way up to 78 from 17 and then on the west side town line or county 79. >> Jennifer and Wooduck. Sure. >> Yes. Yep. Yep. All of that neighborhood. So there's several hundred houses that are in there. Okay. And any other questions yet? And then as of the concerns that were listed on the petition, you want to just address some of them? >> Um, you know, I I think a a a big one, you know, is, and rightfully so, it's like, what can we expect for additional traffic, you know, out here? And and you look at the the uh Marsha neighborhood is 39 or 40 homes. So when you kind of do the math on that, okay, in general they're going to generate about 10 trips a day and some are going south maybe down to New Prague, maybe over to Prior Lake and as you know with the new change, okay, they can make a U-turn at Norton. So when they want to get to 42, so there's a a part of that maybe that's 30% that are doing that and then maybe you've got 70% that are heading north, you know, to 169. Maybe they go through the neighborhood, a few that get to Townline to get in. I would think the vast majority are getting 217, maybe up to 169 is their destination. So, you kind of look at that math and and then you go, okay, well, there's probably not a lot of southbound traffic because 29th Avenue is still going to be open. So, there's not a reason for people if they're destined to the the Wonacres neighborhood that they would go through Jennifer Lane and kind of snake through that way to get there. they would stay on 17 and make an easy right in at 29th Avenue, which is right across from Con Road 42, to get into that neighborhood back home. So, you're knocking out like half of those trips right there. And then [clears throat] you've got a percentage that are probably going to get on at Woodduck. So, it's probably more of an AM period [clears throat] time frame that they're doing that. So, those that are destined to the north, you know, some are going to use Wooduck certain times a day, some are going to go all the way up to 78. And you look at that math and you go, "Okay, there's probably, you know, a depends how how the neighborhood on Marc the Marcia neighborhood. If you're on the northern half, will you do that? And if you're on the southern half, will you simply go south to Norton, make a U-turn, and then head north on 17?" And kind of looking at that neighborhood and the times to do that, it's about time wise about an equal split to get to the point of the signalized intersection at 17 and 78. So people make a conscious decision and sometimes time of day. So you can't say specifically, well what is that exact number? You know, I can give you a ballpark. Maybe it's, you know, 120 to 140 vehicles a day, you know, if you kind of do the math with that. And then you go in general 10% of that's the uh is peak hour traffic. So you do the math with that and it's like it's a handful during the peak hour that would travel either to Wooduck or all the way up to 78. So, I don't think the impact from the sheer number of homes that are there and they're not growing. It's fully built out is that big of an impact on the neighborhood. >> Okay. And the next any questions on that one? Next concern that was raised. >> Um, that seemed to be kind of the So, there was one about uh about the golf course and golf uh carts interaction. And I knew there's there's one or two locations if those that are routing over to Townline or County 79. And I I would guess most of the traffic from the uh the the Marshian neighborhood are probably going up to 17, you know, not that route. So there's pro you're talking, you know, a few in a peak hour or maybe 10 in a day that might go that way from a trip standpoint. Um so I know that that was one concern. um >> the narrow streets and lack of carbon gutter and trails and sidewalks and wood duck. >> Yeah. So, there are I know that the city has some I don't know all of the city streets. I know probably the uh the northern three quarters of Jennifer Lane does have a sidewalk on the west side of the roadway. >> Okay. >> And the the rest in there I the city could respond to that, but >> Okay. >> So, those are probably probably the Yeah. Yeah. I think those are are the big ones. I think some of the maybe some questions were addressed with the bigger project. And again, we we're are very welcoming to the the the open house and receiving other input and having this conversation one-on-one. I mean, we're going to have that here in a month or so. >> Okay. Any other questions of county engineer staff? >> Thank you, sir. Mr. Reynolds, >> mayor, council members, thank you. >> Uh, thanks, Mr. Mayor, members of council. I I would just simply say, uh, you know, county highway engineer covered things relatively well. the the the the big piece is is this was always designed. Uh and in 2009, the city council at that time specifically said in their approval of the general uh uh plan from the county at that point is that this connection the the rural connection need to happen as part of that project. So that's the county is doing exactly what the council wanted in 2009 >> and at that time the 17 project was much more restrictive to accesses and um it was geared for a much higher volume. >> Yeah. And the whole point of doing it is to give residents multiple options to leave their neighborhood. >> Okay. And I'll just comment that and it wasn't the 2009, but the the first rendition of this southern plan, we had a lot of problems with the neighborhood was having a lot of problems. So some of these concerns that or projects that we're now talking about were to alleviate some of those concerns. So I know it's like pushing that puzzle from one piece to the other, but um we appreciated what the county did to alleviate the concerns on the southern side. So, I'm hoping that uh the county will work with uh any concerns that the citizens have on the the northern part of this project and uh come to resolution on some of the concerns. I mean, we won't get all the all the way there, but we we can work with what we can do. Um, but we we strained over that project and and uh the county we we had to squeeze the county as far as I'm concerned quite a bit on that to get uh the Marcia Lane and and uh that area those projects uh through with little little less pain I guess. So with that um because that was a lot of work but uh was there other that's all I have comments. My comment, what I was thinking about this, and you're absolutely right, counselor, that you know, we had many conversations here publicly with Scott County about our concerns that we heard from residents and stuff and our own concerns, but one of the things that caught my attention is, you know, there's a there's a a lot of discussion in our society about a lack of compromise at various levels of government. And here you have the city, the county, and the residents coming together for meetings, public meetings, and multiple meetings here. Um, where the county is not getting exactly what they wanted. What they really wanted was straight shot cut off all accesses um and and make their u road to the design standard of what its intended purpose originally was. And so they're not getting everything they want. we fought and tried to get what we wanted from the local side and there's a lot of uh compromise that actually happened here >> and and now compromise is not acceptable either. So, wow. >> So, we find ourselves in a >> in a situation where um you know, you you you try to do the best you can on a project that's not even our jurisdiction. And you know, we are trying. We've got more control over the trail along this road than we do the road. So, um I would highly encourage that these conversations, public conversations on county projects, um happened prior to this process. Um you know, I I totally understand where the wood duck Jennifer Lane are coming from. They feel totally left out of this process and it's 11th hour. They're just finding out. They're seeing this for their first time. And um so I totally understand where they're coming from and maybe some of this would have been alleviated if they would have been part part of the discussions early on. And I understand yours too where too many at once is bad too. So maybe you have two separate ones for the southern part and the northern part. Um we both the county board, city councils, state legislature, all of us, we we have an obligation to hear and and allow our constituents that redress from their government. So, all right. What's the uh wishes of council, >> Mr. Lara? >> Yep. Um, real quick, I mean, and another thing too here in our notes, it just says, um, Scott County is requesting city the city to officially approve the preliminary design. It's not final. It's not, it doesn't say final. So, that's the silver lining, I think. >> Um, so with all of that said, with knowing that there's going to be a public meeting moving forward, um, I see no reason to not make a motion to authorize staff to approve the county highway 17 extension project layout. >> Is there a second to that motion? >> I'll second it. Seconded by councelor Contterus. Discussion on the motion. >> No >> discussion on the motion. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. The motion passes. And I would encourage the Wooduck and Jennifer Lane to seek out your county commissioners meetings and uh their public comment sections for your section road. >> Want to cheat with this and I apologize for interrupting. >> I'm sorry sir. Excuse me, sir. >> Yes. >> If you're gonna can you please come up to this seat and state your name and your address. >> It's going to be Aaron Sanders 1341 1394 Wood Duck Trail. I a couple of things with the engineer. I appreciate what he said and I understand this process. I do this. I understand this. I think one of the challenges I'm running into is is we have people here who just found out about this and you only ask the engineer. I will tell you flat out I disagree with him because when you look at the plan, here's the problem with the plan that they don't talk about. We're talking about 20 homes of adding a road that's going to disturb way more than the other 20 homes. Not only that, people are going to you're talking about adding these other locations to leave the neighborhood. Here's the rub with that. Look at their plan. go down to um Norton or Marshall Lane. When you're traveling south, you only turn right. When you turn right, you can only travel south. When you're traveling north, you can only turn left. You cannot cross Marshall Road. I would like a serious explanation why that is allowed there, but at Wooduck Trail, you can cross. And we have more traffic because we are taking 42 plus Marshall. Here's what I would say. It's a really simple solution. If they go ahead and if they were to take that same thing and do the same exact thing at Wooduck Trail, I guarantee that neighborhood would be going, there's no way we're driving all the way there, turning around and going to Jennifer Lane up to 78 just to go north. We we had those conversations with >> Okay. So then when is it going to happen that we put this road in and then we turn around and wood duck trail because now we're putting another 20 plus cars a day when and we cross that out now we got a dead road. The there's two issues here that maybe you didn't catch early on. One is we did have these conversations with the county early on. Second is you're asking us to engineer a county project. >> I'm not. Okay. >> No, I you approved something for preliminary else talking about it. >> We're we're approving preliminary. Uh you heard me tell the county that in the future the better way of doing this is in my opinion x y and z. I can't tell the county what to do. I can suggest there is county >> commission. My point is is why weren't we given the chance? >> There's a county commissioner here in the audience. I'm sure they're listening to to your concerns. Your concerns are are not with the city. They're with the county. And >> is it a city? Is Wooduck Trail a city road or a county road? >> Marshall Road is a county road project. >> Wooduck Trail. >> Wooduck Trail is a city. >> Okay. And the road that will extend is not a county trail. It is a city road that's going to be extended >> which was planned on extension from 2009 >> was planned. >> So it's not a surprise that this road is being extended. >> Yeah. >> It was in the documents for many many years. >> And like I like you said earlier, things change. It was a really big plan and guess what? Everything that you did in 2009 you proposed it didn't go through. So why is it that you're sticking to something that you say it was proposed then instead of saying guess what things change we reconvene and we look at this differently >> the local street. >> The local street. We're not talking about Marshall. We are talking about the local street. They did not have this local street in the plan. >> Nothing on the local side changed. What changed is the the Marshall Road capacity and local access. If we go back to the original design, it would be geared up for much more traffic and it'd be much less local access and you'd be you'd all be driving a lot farther. So, >> we're five minutes. >> All right. >> I just wanted my voice heard simply that you guys voted on something. >> That's all. >> Nope. We listen to all sides and unfortunately it's not our project to be able to dictate. >> Okay. Thank you. I would also like to comment. >> This is not a public hearing. >> Oh, we're we already passed this. We already raised up. >> But you do not have the full scope project. >> Yeah. Pardon me. >> You do not have the additional proposal of what how they would like to change the project. That has not been given to >> we don't have we don't have the the final design. It says right in this document. This is preliminary only. There may be changes to it. what was presented at the county meeting that you attended this part of the project. The frontage road was not presented at that meeting. >> Not a public hearing. No, >> we're not aware of that and neither are the rest of the counselors. >> Uh approving a preliminary. Yes, we saw that. We saw that >> not have the full scope. >> We saw that plan last time the county was here having that meeting. >> The county was here and they presented it. Yes. But they did not present it to the rest. >> I I believe they got some of these ideas from a lot of the people at that meeting. >> Is it legal for the county to go through the condemnation process to acquire land for a city road? >> That would be a Thompson question or a >> city attorney or county attorney question. >> Yeah, Mr. May. I I don't know the facts of that and the details and I'd have to discuss it with the county attorney before Yep. >> give you an opinion on that. >> [snorts and clears throat] >> I would strongly encourage everybody to go to your [clears throat] county commissioners meetings. Ask ask to be on the agenda if you need be. >> Give them their your petition. >> But you are approving the preliminary project. >> We are we are approving the preliminary project. There could be changes to the final project. Um the local street was the same as 2009 and uh although I think the trails changed a little bit >> and keep in mind there's still a public hearing that's going to occur that you would be able to say this all at with the county >> public meeting, >> right? >> Yes. I understand that the authority is with the county. >> Um but the city is approving something that was never presented to the full council. >> That's not true. >> It was not true. We have seen this extension the front and throw. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Since 2009. >> Yes. Here in this chamber. >> Comprehensive plan. >> It was we had a meeting with the county in this chamber. Uh with that in the in the plan >> originally. >> I understand that. Um when you talk about compromise between the city and the county and the residents, I have been through two condemnations with the county and there is zero compromise. We have had land taken twice. This will be the third time. And myself and my neighbor Jeff P are the bigger biggest losers in this proposed project because it cuts right through the middle of our properties. We are not happy about that. We do not want uh it it's first of all the project is being driven because they have excess sales tax dollars to spend. That's a reason to cut through the properties and accommodate try to accommodate 41 homeowners. >> The stud >> they never accommodated us in the previous condemnations. >> The studies was to minimize uh access points between each other to to meet the criteria that they've decided is their criteria for a major arterial. >> It's a m they had a huge project. So all the traffic transportation >> we got we got to move on ma'am we got to move on ma'am >> we appreciate your comments and you don't I would encourage you to take it up with the county >> communication with the county has been horrible. No one knew that there was a meeting here at the city council in July and they did not know about the meeting tonight. They're going to talk to the neighbors in September when the city has approved everything. >> We haven't approved everything. If you read it, it's preliminary only >> so that they can take it to the next step. >> Don't be disappointed. [snorts] >> Item 8A, comprehensive revenue policy for park and recreation. Good evening, mayor and council members. I am here tonight to bring to you our comprehensive revenue policy for the parks and recreation department. As I've mentioned, I believe it was last meeting. This is part of our CAPRPA accreditation. Um, which is, I would say, the main reason why we developed this, but as I go through this tonight, I will explain all the benefits that I believe it's going to have on our department both short and long term. So the purpose of this policy is to provide a clear, consistent and practical framework for managing the financial operations of parks and recreation. It guides our pricing, cost recovery and resource allocation. Um the goal is to support financial sustainability while maintaining community accessibility and value and allowing Shakipede to have a diverse portfolio of parks and recreational services. and it uses a structured industry recognized approach to classify our different programs and service and set cost recovery goals accordingly. So, I added this slide this morning. This was not part of your original packet, but I wanted you to see the standard as CAPRA outlines it. Um, this little red star next to it means this is a required standard in our accreditation. So we have to have this in order to get accredited. Again, CAPPRA is all about making sure that park and recreation agencies that are accredited accredited are operating by the best practices of the industry and having this comprehensive revenue policy is part of that. Um, so [clears throat] the big thing, and we talked about this a little bit when I presented the community center fees, um, is making sure that there are strategies and methodologies for determining fees and charges and levels of cost recovery in the services that we offer. Um, so our guiding principles of this document is sustainability, accountability, clarity, and consistency. making sure we understand why we're pricing our programs and services the way they are priced and to be able to clearly communicate that to the public and our staff. Okay, so this is our cost recovery model. So this is based off the Green Play LLC cost recovery model. Again, it's very recognized in parks and recreation. We modified it a little bit in order to meet our specific needs here in Shakipi. Um, and how we're defining cost recovery target as it relates to this policy is the percentage of total cost that is intended to be offset through generated revenue such as fees, charges, or other sources. And it represents the financial goal for recouping expenses associated with delivering a program or service. As part of the fee setting process, we will also conduct a market rate comparison similar to what we did for the community center fees. And the final fees will reflect both this cost recovery model and market rate comparison. So this first tier is the community benefit tier. The goal with this actually I have this outlined a little further. So we'll just go here. So our first tier um we define this as a broad community benefit. Our cost recovery goal for this target would be anywhere from 25 to 50% cost recovery. It will include programs and services that enhance the overall well-being of Shakipi whether it's promoting public health, public gathering, mental health, those types of services. I know council member Delaney couldn't be here tonight. He had asked for an example. So, I'll share that with you as well. So, an example of a program or service that we currently offer that I would believe would fall into this tier would like our spooky family fun event, our egg hunt that we had earlier in the spring, and our summer carnival events that we offer at very low cost or free to attend. And we meet this cost recovery target with our public private partnerships through sponsorships and donations from local organization businesses etc. >> Mr. Whiting. >> So currently we have our service organizations can get a room for free uh local service or boy scouts clubs things like that. How would that fall into your tier for cost recovery when we rent rooms to other people? Great question. Um, so that's all going to be part of the process in rolling this out. So right now I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, we have certain organizations that are outlined in our fee schedule that get free or discounted rooms that would still apply. And we would look at that as kind of this community benefit where we're offering this because of what they're giving back to the community. >> And maybe we go to one of the other service organizations to say, "Hey, we want you to maybe give us some money to pay for these rooms or something. >> Oh yes, absolutely. So, you know, when we look, we seek sponsorships and partnerships for these types of services or programs. Just like saying yes. >> Okay. Thanks. >> All right. So, moving to our next tier. This is in my opinion kind of the most complicated tier to explain, but this is a what we call a mixed benefit. So, it includes programs and services that provide a value to both the individual while also contributing to the community well-being. The way I like to think of it is it promotes public safety, social connection, and general safety. Um, our cost recovery target here would be 50 to 75%. The example I used here, I can think of a couple, but this would be like our active older adult or senior services where the individual is getting the benefit from the program or service we offer, but providing that mental well-being, that social connection for our seniors is super important. Um, so that's an example of something that would fit into this tier. Another one could possibly be our swimming lessons. You know, we're the land of 10,000 lakes and making sure that children and adults learn how to swim promotes public health and safety and minimizes risk of drowning. That is one where the price might then also come up a little higher compared to what other municipal organizations are offering that at. And then sometimes the American Red Cross can dictate fees with that. So again, that's a great example of where we use this as our goal. We balance the market rate comparison and then we set our prices. So our third tier, this is our individual benefit. This tier includes programs and services that provide a direct value to the individual with limited community impact. Examples here would be our summer camp program. That that program is specifically benefiting those children and families that are enrolled in the program. Our goal is 75 to 100% cost recovery. However, even at that goal, we're still providing a great service that's far more affordable than what you would find in the public sector. And then lastly would be tier four. Um I like to call these profit centers. This is where we are aiming to make revenue. So our goal here would be 25 or more% above our direct and indirect costs. Some of these programs or services might fall outside of the department's core mission, but because they generate this revenue and help offset subsidies in lower tiers is why we provide services like this. A great example would be ICE ice rentals. They're paying market rate for that. it's solely benefiting the group that's utilizing [clears throat] utilizing the ice, but then that revenue generated there can help offset some of the programs we offer for free or low cost. So this how do we decide? Um, so we have created a tool for staff and it's basically a decision tree to guide them to the correct tier for their program based on a series of questions. So we would create this new program. Staff would walk through this decision decision tree to understand where it is, work with their supervisor to figure exactly what tier of program would would be offered. That way at that point they know their cost recovery target. At that point in time, we have developed a cost estimation tool that will need to be adjusted slightly um for this policy. But to essentially staff can put in different variables to see what the pri or what price point the service or program needs to be at versus okay, we want to charge $10. How many participants do we need in order to meet our C cost recovery target? Um, so this will be a super helpful tool and combined with the decision tree in order to make sure that our programs and services are aligning how they should. So just to reiterate, staff will calculate the full cost of program or service. Both there are direct and indirect costs. apply the appropriate cost recovery rate, do their market comparisons, and finally have a final product of where the fee should land. I'm not going to spend too much time on the community center fees, but just a reminder, our goal for the community center is going to take us a few years to get to our ideal fee methodology that's outlined in the policy. Okay. So, as far as resident and non-resident fees, this is something we currently do. Um, resident rates are intentionally set lower than non-resident rates to acknowledge the financial support of tax dollars that they pay through their property taxes. Um, for programs right now, what we currently do is we assess a $10 fee for every program for a non-resident. The problem with that is you if you are charging a 10, say the program is $15, the percentage that you're charging for that program versus a program that's $100 is significantly different. So by setting a percentage that helps it be more equitable across all of our programs and offerings. So for our programs, we are recommending that we add a 30% to the program, the base program fee for the resident rates. And then the non-resident rates would be 30% above. Um for our recreation facilities, including community center, Ice Arena, and San Venture, Ice Arena, not as much because we don't have memberships and daily admissions there per se. Um, but this would be set at 40% higher than resident rates just because the cost of operating those facilities are are so much more than putting on a program. And then our non-resident fees will not apply to programs or services or offerings classified in tier 4. Since the goal in tier 4 is to generate a profit, the price should be set at that profit no matter who's attending. That is what we currently do. when it comes to our ice rentals and our room rentals and things that would fall into that tier 4 category. So then we have our scholarships, sponsorships and volunteer program. So our scholarship program is to provide support to allow broader community access to our programs and services. >> [clears throat] >> This in this policy will be available for two or for tier 2 and tier three programs or services. Essentially those programs, services, offerings that are more individual in nature and priced at a higher fee. Those that may not be able to afford it can access the scholarship program to help offset some of those costs. When it comes to sponsorships, we want to be very cautious that in 2025, you know, businesses and local partners have a lot of people coming to them for sponsorships. We want to make sure that the benefit is mutual and that the sponsor is getting a lot of exposure from sponsoring our programs and events. And so these would be something that we would seek for our tier one programs in order to offset, you know, these broader community impact offerings, events, etc. Um, by having these public private partnerships. And then lastly, our volunteer program plays a role in supporting the cost effectiveness of our service delivery. We use volunteers for all types of programs and events, but es specifically those large community events that I mentioned earlier is where we're utilizing volunteers the most and that just helps offset staff time. >> So, question I was asked why the baseball association isn't allowed to sell advertising space for banners on fences or whatever up at the stadium. Does this change any of that? No. And actually that's in our ordinance. So this would not change any of that. >> That's a that's a long-standing city ordinance. >> Yep. >> So when you talk about a a business sponsoring something, but to get the recognition for that, how are they being recognized if they can't advertise? >> So for an example, we had many our summer carnival is an event where we seek a lot of sponsors. they will sponsor by, you know, simply donating maybe it's a monetary amount just to make sure that they're they'll donate a monetary amount potentially um just to support that community event and they want to, you know, donate to something meaningful. oftentimes they will do that and then they will set up a booth at our summer carnival or other event and they get they get to be a part of it and they have people walking by their booth and talking to them so they get more exposure for their business. Um Krauss Anderson sponsored our Sand Venture opening by providing all of our t-shirts. We put their logo on our shirt. So there's various different ways where they can get involved and it's usually we have a lot of very generous like local organizations and businesses that want to be a part of our events. Um but just making sure that they are getting something out of it I think is super important. I don't know if that answered your question. >> Mr. Ding, I'm going to follow up I think a little bit on that but um I don't want I want our events to be marketed. you know, uh we do and I'm thinking of uh the music in the park and things like that. And so I don't want to have a a a tier the lower tier that doesn't generate a lot of money, you know, uh that was one or four, but I want to be able to market that still. So, I'm hoping we can keep a budget separate, not reflecting on the tiers so that we can make sure that the sponsors or the non-sponsors at least are getting out in the public so the public knows about what's going on. It's hard nowadays, but we got to find ways to communicate and uh put money into that marketing so our events are well at least communicated. >> Well, and I'll call out Amanda. I know she's here somewhere, but her and I, we do have an advertising budget with parks and recreation department, and her and I kind of developed a strategic plan for marketing for our sand venture sale uh this past April, which is crazy to think that. >> So, ask for more in that budget. we might be able to get it in there. I think we should do more. >> And there's also a lot of free avenues for marketing. I mean, Facebook, um, there's different pamphlets that go out to the community. I know the chamber offers marketing spaces in some of their brochures for very, very low cost. So, there's a lot of different avenues. We are also very lucky. We have a very talented um, communications department. We like to do lots of creative videos. Don't get me wrong, we do great we do great work. We get awards and things, but >> yes, >> more and more more anything we can get out there to the public because it's so hard to crack crack through sometimes. So, and and I [clears throat] think we used at some of the teenagers in in our uh uh program that we had uh >> why am I blocking the name of the school program? from themies. Yeah, we have they were uh great at getting into some of those uh newer marketing and uh >> well I think one thing that would be very coste effective, efficient and simple would be to have a centralized place for people to look to see what's going on >> and we kind of do that already on a city's website. >> Yeah, we do. So, um, maybe it's just a matter of trying to get people to look in the right places, which >> things are constantly changing. You know, we used to have the newspaper that's gone. We used to have, you know, we've got a population that doesn't really use technology. Then we got the other population that only relies on technology. So, we're kind of right in that middle area right now. >> Yeah, it's an interesting balance. My goal would eventually to be for like a physical place for people to come get information would be our community center. And I think that's one area where we could really advertise and market more to make sure that all of our residents know about it and know what we offer and all of that. >> It's so hard now. >> Well, even if it was a community events that took you to a page in Wreck Park and wreck that list all the events, you know, that might be something to >> Yeah, absolutely. >> That's for somebody better at that than me. So continue please. >> All right. So that is essentially all I have the the goal of this comprehensive revenue policy and I know we talked a little bit about it the last meeting but is really striking that balance within the department over what is getting a subsidy through our general fund and where we're trying to generate fees and really assigning a philosophy, a methodology, whatever you'd like to call it as why things are priced. category categorized the way they are. So I think this is going to be super beneficial. And so with that, the action we are seeking tonight is to approve the parks and recreation comprehensive revenue plan. And then if there's any more questions, I'm happy to answer them. >> Questions of staff. >> Laura, >> just more of a comment. really liked the um that you went to a uh percentage model versus just like a you said normally you just you do the take the base price and then add $10 for a non-resident amount. Um, and then like you said, it um if you just use that and you have one item that costs lower, but then you're adding it, it it makes more sense to do a percentage. And you're right, you can easily explain the equitability with a percentage saying like, hey, it's 30% across the board. And so, um, no, I I I like the inclusivity. Um, I do like that you guys do we actually do offer a fair amount of lowcost or free events, um, for the public. And um it it just I think it then what it does is gives them an opportunity to see well what else can I do and then um are they willing to pay that amount uh to do that and if they had a good time at this event they're going to have a good time at that one too. So that's >> thank you councelor Lara my my question did you want to respond to that or it was more of a comment. >> I appreciate it. Okay. Thank you. My my question is, you know, you we don't want to see our our general levy subsidy double. Um, do we have any idea what this would do overall? I mean, I granted it, you know, it's going to take a little bit of time to make these adjustments and things, but what what's the expectation um from a general levy subsidy? My goal, and we're not there yet, but we're also not terribly far away, is for our our department as a whole, as we have all these different tiers, is to operate at a 75% cost recovery. Again, we are not there yet, but we're not terribly far. I believe I'd have to go back and look, but I believe last year we were at 51%. So, we're not coming from 2% and trying to get to 75. I know we still have work to do, but things like making sure our fees for our largest revenue generating things like sand venture uh community center memberships are continuously evaluated and meeting matching market rate is huge. The minute those start getting I guess almost forgotten about and cost of living increases and everything increases now you have these services that are basically priced for 10 years ago. Making sure that doesn't happen. And I think that's key and I think it's going to take a few years to get there, but that would be my goal is for our department to be at 75% cost recovery. >> Mr. Whiting, >> I think this plan takes away the gray areas and uh makes it easy to explain like you mentioned. So with that, I make a motion to approve the comprehensive revenue policy for parks recreation department. Second >> motion by Mr. Whiting, seconded by councelor Contrarus. the uh discussion discussion uh another question that I had he jumped in pretty quick there um what uh if if this is adopted on what time basis would these things be reviewed would it be every year every two years every 3 years >> so we would begin implementing this with our new brochure cycle which I believe it's crazy to think about but I think we start that in about 3 weeks and then it would be something that I would review at a minimum every two years. But I think something because we're talking about fees and prices and things change so rapidly. Parks and recreation is a trendy industry for whatever reason it is. So I think it's important to at least review it every year. I think CAPRA requires it to be reviewed every three, but I think it's important to review it every year. >> All right. >> Thank you for all the hard work. >> Any other questions? >> No questions. >> We do have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Item [clears throat] 8B, healing center and musa comprehensive plan amendment. Mr. Kirsten. Good evening, Mayor and Council. So this is a Musa expansion to the comprehensive plan to include the area that's outlined in blue. We currently have city services in this area and um the Shaki Menitak and Sue community is building a healing center over here and since we have sewer right here in the street, we would propose uh bringing sewer over to their facility along with water and they have um worked with our engineering department and Shakabe public utilities to come up with agreements to nec to serve um their facility. questions of staff. Mr. Lara, >> could you talk a little bit more about the healing center a little bit? Just kind of get what is it? >> Yeah, I I would leave that to Mr. Renicki who's here from the SMSC Shakawakatan Sue Communities Administrator, Bill Reiki. Uh if you if you like, you can either do the chair up here, pull that microphone closer up. It does move. It just feels heavy on the bottom. [clears throat] We can hear you. Thank you, >> mayor, city council members. My name's Bill Riddicki, the shock be tribal administrator. The um healing center is a facility that's a 40 bed facility that will be uh servicing not only our tribal members but uh tribal members from the upper Sue community, lower Sue community in Prairie Island. We uh we selected the 40 acre site uh a while back and um took it to our our general counsel for a vote a couple uh months ago, a couple years ago. And uh we and when we were looking at the utilities for this site um you know we we had some options try to extend utilities from the tribe or look at using the the uh um utilities from the the city and the the commission. The uh a little bit about the building. It's um it's a 40 bed facility and it's really designed to allow the members to heal uh using cultural practices. So, we do have uh an area for them to be in the building, but then we'll have some gardens and some things that will be outside on the 40 acre property. Mhm. >> We've uh we have a good working relationship with the uh church that is to the north of the of the property. The uh facility is essentially will have uh programming that will be done um on site. Uh we do have an executive director for the site. Uh John Ryan will be running the site. He comes from Prairie Care which is a organization that has done some of these type of facilities. So um so other than uh you know an area for uh accommodations beds, there'll be a kitchen area. There'll be areas for recreation. There'll be areas that will be there for classroom instruction and for an opportunity do uh to do therapy and in those uh type of uh areas for people that are in recovery. and and we have been working on this for a number of years and feel like we need to um take this opportunity to really allow some people to heal more than just a 30-day stay at a other type of facility. So hopefully that answers your question. >> Thank you much. >> Thank you. [cough] [clears throat] >> Any other questions? Thank you, sir. Questions of staff, Mr. Whiting? It doesn't sound like the development is so large that it's going to impact the utilities in such a way that uh we'd uh lose water flow or lose uh impact the sewer flow. So I don't think it's a big concern if that's a 40 acres 40 bed facility. >> Mayor C, we have more than adequate capacity. >> More than >> well and I I don't think the goal as explained is to ex develop 40 acres. It's a 40 bed unit uh facility with >> but we're we're just expanding the the MUSA line here is what I'm saying. So that the line is there for a reason. I know we're getting into the >> I can take >> other territory. So >> you ready? >> I'm ready. Yeah. I would make a motion to approve resolution R 2025 TAC90 for the comprehensive plan amendment to figure 4.60 60 Metropolitan Urban Service Area Musa in the 2040 comprehensive plan for the healing center proposed development at southwest corner of Crest Avenue in Mullenhard Road. >> Did you want that one? >> I did. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> We have a motion by Councelor Whiting and a second by councelor Contrarus. Is there discussion on the motion? >> You should say something. >> Discussion. >> I did. I'm like I'm ready. You thought you were ready. >> Well, you going [laughter] to say something on the motion anyway. Are you ready for the healing center? >> Were you ready for the motion? >> For the motion? We're good. We're good. >> I'm ready for both. So, let's do it. >> Very good. All right. No other discussion. All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Motion passes. >> Okay. Workshop area 9A >> overview of 2026 preliminary budget and levy. >> Need to be done. Finance Director, Mr. Reinhardt. Uh, good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh, tonight we have a budget work session uh to pro provide an overview of the 2026 levy and budget. Uh, we still have a number of moving pieces at this point in time, so it will change from here. Uh, but we'd like to get council input at this point in time. Uh generally speaking, our budget objectives remain unchanged from the past few budgets, tending to be one of the lowest tax communities in the metro and continuing to grow our tax capacity of both um existing and new property. Uh we will continue to be transparent when we make decisions with the future in mind uh to ensure the city's uh ability to provide quality services at a reasonable price. And then as we go through the budget budget process, uh information will be updated on our budget uh budget website page. Uh and then our taxpayer receipt tool remains available for anybody who's interested in using that. Uh providing uh high-quality services, the foundation of a healthy and growing community. Uh those high quality services drive uh population growth as more uh people and businesses want to be part of our community. uh population growth uh drives um the real estate values both in existing and new property. Uh the growth of real estate values ensure rising tax revenues which uh pays for our inflation based uh cost increases of high quality services uh with a minimal impact on the property tax rate. Uh this cycle is the foundation of our budget development and helps us identify um and explain influencing influencing factors. Our our role ro role in that cycle uh is to ensure that we're providing high quality city services. Uh influ influencing the mix of property types between industrial, commercial, and residential. Uh and then determining the appropriate uh balance between um property or uh user fees and and tax pay uh property taxes and other revenue sources when it comes to paying for those services. Uh so here's uh where we're at today. Again, uh there's still several items that we're working working through. Uh not a staff recommendation at this point in time. Uh it's more or less uh where we're at right now. Uh in total, uh we're at a 1.66 million increase um in the levy or a 6.22%. Uh this increase includes about 1.4 million in general fund operations and then a $300,000 uh capital improvement levy increase. Um, if you recall from last April, uh, city council set aside 350,000, uh, to be used, uh, towards debt service rather than levy for that. Uh, so there's no change in that debt service levy. Uh, and then preliminary, we've included a, uh, $50,000 increase in the EDA levy. Uh, so here's a summary of changes that um, impact the 2026 preliminary levy. Uh, this is in comparison to the 2025 budget. Um so all of these I'll also touch on in more detail. Uh the amounts shown in the red parenthesis um this would represent decreases in the property tax levy. So as an example uh fee revenue would result in less property tax needed uh to fund those services. Uh so in this case red would mean good. Uh those additional revenues and transfers were able to offset about 2 million in uh expenses for 2026. Uh so overall the city is uh anticipating a net increase in nonpropy property tax revenue uh of about 1 million 1.9 million 1.96 million. Um several organizations uh contact with the Shakabe Police Department uh to provide services during the year uh with the addition of the amphitheater and concerts. We have increased uh that contracted over uh contracted revenue by 616,000. Uh this is offset by increases in staffing overtime um supplies and contracting with other agencies to f fulfill these agreements. Uh the city has historically been conservative when forecasting their building permit revenue. Uh we're forecasting uh a $450,000 increase in in permit revenue for next year. Uh in total we have about 3.9 million um budgeted for building permit revenue. Uh community center fees. Um, you heard about >> what's the current what's the current on the uh building permit revenues? I mean, we've been real conservative on that and we've been blowing it out of the water. Should we be adjusting that? >> So, we're we're budgeting about 3.9. The last couple years we've been over 5 million, right around 5 million. So, there is >> some give and take. Um, obviously at some point in time the growth we're seeing is going to slow down based on what we have >> to use that as a cushion every year, but we'll get nailed sometime I suppose. Yeah, >> continue. Sorry. >> No, no, no problem. Um, then we talked about the community center um their uh um proposed uh revenue policy as well as uh fee changes uh last year or last city council meeting uh for the community center. So, uh this budget reflects those changes, those proposed changes of about $330,000 increase. Um and then um city's proposing to add a dedicated health inspector uh to ensure the safety and cleans cleanliness of our 12 hotels, 72 restaurants. Uh that would be um offset by new licenses and inspection fees. Uh so we budgeted about 122,000 for both the position and the revenue. I won't necessarily talk about each one there, but um list out the other the other changes on the slide. Um we have budgeted a uh net increase in transfers of 24,000. Uh these transfer through the general fund help pay for operating costs that otherwise would be levy funded. Uh the city did receive 1.99 million back in 2023 for onetime public safety aid. Um the thought process was that we'd use it to offset um two new officers at that at that time um in 2024 and half those officers in 2025. Um we didn't hire those officers until the fall of 2024. So, as a result, there was some savings that were um proposing to utilize the remaining balance in 2026 of about 100,000. Uh staff is proposing to utilize uh 350,000 of fund balance from the city's self- insurance fund. Uh this money was set aside um actually back in 2017 when we exp um explored options to uh self-insure health insurance. Um we used a portion of that fund balance in 2025 and we're um trying to use the same amount or proposing to use the the same amount in 2026 of 350,000. Um we're actually in the process of exploring uh what a health insurance uh health insurance pool would look like with Scott County and cities within Scott County. Um so there may be some changes you see in 2027 2027 regarding that >> and those and those discussions uh continue obviously and uh and looking at what it looks like they're going to require at least at this point for our buy in if you will. Uh it's well within our abilities based upon what we have in that fund already. So we're not at all worried about that piece of it. Um and then the last one there. Uh so staff is proposing a new um from the EDA to the general fund in the amount of 50,000. So similar to the city utility funds which would be sewer and storm water um the the EDA provides um while the EDA has provided administration support from the general fund. Uh so that would include city council, finance, HR, IT, uh communications. Um, so from a from a financial standpoint, uh, the administration, um, allocation would better reflect the full cost of the EDA to reflect some of that in [clears throat] there, just like we do with the utilities with their transfers to the general fund. Um, so we've, um, proposed a $50,000 transfer from the EDA to offset those costs. And we're also proposing a $50,000 increase in the EDA levy to um, basically make it so there's no impact on operational funding. Favor staff. Um so next slide here. So moving on to um expenditure changes. So like most other cities um operational costs are mostly driven by personnel uh which represent about 63% of our expenditure side increase. Um I'll touch on most of these items on this slide. The third one down which is the uh compensation study I'll have a separate slide for. Um but wages and benefits account for nearly 70% of our general fund costs. Uh the city has three unions. um patrol, sergeant, public works. Uh all three union contracts um were revised in 2024 and cover through 2026. Uh the 2026 budget has built on the assumption that um patrol and sergeant unions and non-UN wages will see that equivalent 3% cola um cost of living adjustment. And then the public works union will have a 3 and a half% uh cost of living adjustment across all uh employee groups. That amounts to about 720,000. Uh the city uh maintains uh pay plans that include step increases for employees on their anniversary dates. Uh budgeted step increases amount to about 388,000. Um so that these amounts here um for the 2026 budget include a 15% uh increase in health insurance. Uh we actually have received um kind of updated numbers on that. Our health insurance increases a little bit under 9%. Um we actually have a renewal meeting tomorrow to go go through those those amounts. So this this amount will change. Um but as of now calculates to about 248,000. Um that combined with some changes we've seen in in plans. We've seen number of employees move from family to single or from low to high deductibles. So that offset sets a little bit of this increase. Um but that makes up that number there. Um so even at um like I said, this is 15% in here, but it'll be below nine and we'll get that adjusted for the next time around. Um but that relatively favorable favorable at least of the last couple years. We had a 16.7% and a 20.9% increase in health insurance. So um with that putting that in perspective, it seems relatively reasonable. Uh so new um items impacting the 2026 budget u would be the health inspector which I kind of mentioned on the revenue revenue side. Um uh the Minnesota paid leave uh that would be the state mandated leave program that would require a point44% contribution uh from employer and employee. Uh this new leave provides uh protected paid time off for eligible employees. So that would be up to 20 weeks per year uh for care for themselves, family me or family members due to medical reasons, family needs or safety concerns. uh the clerk uh admin assistant. This is uh proposed making a part-time admin position to a full-time admin position with benefits. Um this would provide consistent front desk support um and support other uh support the other positions and allow other positions to to focus on their specialized area. Uh and then this one's for council member Wedding. Um, I think he mentioned this uh earlier earlier in the in the council meeting today, but uh we're actually uh looking at a part-time marketing specialist that would be shared between recreation and communications. Uh so we've typically >> says recreation and HR. >> Well, is that what I put on there? That's a typo. That was uh should be communications and recreation. So that is a typo on there. >> Okay. I just I wonder we took your advice. >> Well, [laughter] okay. >> Less than half an hour ago. I thought we were going to use HR as halftime uh marketing person. So, I was wondering where that was going, but okay. [laughter] >> That was super fast. >> Uh even even I'm not perfect when I put these together. Right. I I'll get that corrected. But that would be a split position between communications and recreation. And it would do [clears throat] many of those things that um uh that Kelsey was talking about earlier as far as year round, >> finding new ways to market. >> Correct. >> Um and then I have just one little positive news. So, one offsetting some of these increases, uh, workers comp. So, we've actually increased um or [clears throat] at least budgeted to increase our rates from 2022 to 24. We've seen um some of our premiums go up. Uh, we're actually saw that go down here in 2025 and we're projecting a little bit of a decrease in there. Um, based on claims data, what we saw in our last renewal based on for those rates and then uh recent changes to some of the post-traumatic stress disorder disability laws, we we're [clears throat] actually decreasing the budget by about 295,000. >> Mr. Reinhardt, I do have a question. Yeah. Uh, election judges, 94,000. Is that only during election years or do we see that every year? And that's just hell >> you you'll see this on the slide every year. One one year it's a positive and one year it's a negative. >> Well, except for one year. >> Every other year. [laughter] >> Anyway, >> except for that one year. [laughter] Um so this oops let me go to the next slide here. So the city recently completed a market compensation study for all non-union employees. Um the goal of the study was to evaluate non-union full-time staff with um our comparable cities. Uh just as a reminder um that would be Maplewood, Rapids, Lakeville, Roseville, Blaine, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Inenver Grove Heights, Burnsville, and Savage. um city council has previously provided the guidance that um we that employees should be uh compensated at the salary midpoint of our comparable cities. Uh so that was kind of the goal of the study is to look at how we compare to that. Um the study did show that our pay plan is behind market averages uh and included several positions that were uh significantly behind the average wage of similar positions. So as a result um the following modifications are being proposed. the non-union plan. Uh proposed 1% market adjustment. Uh proposed creation of additional step uh at 2% above the final step for each one of our paygrades. Uh elimination of step one for grades 200 to through 240. Uh this is because they that actually had an extra step compared to the other grades. So this would place the number of steps between the grades more in line. Um and then positions that are 6% or more more below the market uh would be adjusted to a newly uh created half a grade. So this grade would be inserted at the midpoint between the current grade level and the next higher grade level. Um so those new grades impacted 18 positions or or 21 uh employees. >> So I have another question with that. Now this study was completed correct done. >> Correct. >> So were we way off? Were we kind of there just to make a little bit of like where where did we fall? Were we >> um we were I think this will put us in line. I think this will the next slide will kind of show you kind of where we're at. Um so I think picture this as here's the start of your pay plan or the bottom of your pay plan and here's the top of your play plan and how does it uh compare with the market midpoints. Um, >> I mean I I I would say that we were significantly off and certainly significantly off in in certain uh positions. >> Okay. >> Um, you know, if if if we weren't, we wouldn't have tried to find a solution that is as complex this one actually is. Uh, and I can I can send you more information on that tomorrow on the compensation study itself as long as well as along with the positions that it affects and and what that impact was. We have all that data. Uh, and I'll get that out to you uh tomorrow. >> Okay. >> And remember this is nonun employees, right? Right. >> Non-UN employees and and this is just getting us to that midpoint, >> right? >> Was the compensation study done inhouse or by a third party? >> No, it was done in-house. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And we did the the unions during the union. >> Yep. >> That's exactly what we do. It's essentially the same thing we do with unions. We take a look at the job titles and and compare with our comparable cities and and you know recognizing that's what council feels comfortable with and that's what we negotiate to. >> Yeah. The the one caveat is that we've got an established pay plan with equity in between positions. So um theoretically if I do the same duties in finance or if I do uh similar duties and finance as somebody in patrol and they've got a different pos you know a comparable position that it should follow along this pay equity schedule. So one thing that we noticed for example is when we looked at the market study like there were some positions that might have been a little over some positions that might have been a little under some that were you know way under. Um, and the idea wasn't necessarily to drastically move from this pay plan. It's to still keep the same pay plan system, but try to correct it so at least gets closer to the midpoints throughout the mid plan or throughout the pay plan. >> So you don't find yourself way off, >> right? Yeah. Exactly. >> And trying to keep that same equity between our current positions that the same integrity of our pay plan, I guess. Um yeah, so as I mentioned, I think this ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch chart provides kind of a good showing of what we try to accomplish. So it's the midpoint uh of the mark, >> the current midpoint, which would be the dark blue line compared to where we were to be at um if this proposal um goes through. Um but you can see that the lines get much closer to tracking throughout our pay plan, right? Um, based on that, um, so I did, um, uh, I did list out here operating adjustments that will kind of move on to future years. Um, as I kind of mentioned, uh, we're still kind of working through, uh, department budget entry, so we're still kind of in the early stage for that. Um, but thought I'd just kind of mention kind of where we're at in the process. Um so what we typically do is we reach out uh to departments to try to identify any staffing changes items over 10,000 as kind of our our initial step. Uh we also review kind of on a citywide basis our software contracts. Uh put a forecast together for our utilities uh and our fuel so that um some of these changes are applied consistently across across the uh I guess across each department. Um so um and then preliminary we know that budgets haven't quite been entered by all the departments so we have put a placeholder aside so that that placeholder of 379,500 that'll go away with the next iteration of this once we get all the department budgets entered. Um but we have uh made some adjustments for uh the first one there would be the the public safety um contracted cost which would be offset to the to the revenue. Um and then we've um updated the utilities um county prosecution costs. Uh and then the um fire department had an additional request for some uh turnout gear um training uh medical equipment. And then the community center is also proposing um to increase uh the cleaning contract from two days to seven days a week um which is the $30,000 you see there. So next time you see that slide, it'll probably have a more detail in it with that placeholder square. >> So the budget placeholder for three 3795. >> Yeah. And anything that we're not we're not using that um department center would that would just go away and it'll be more specific. >> Yeah. It's just simp simply there as we continue to work through the requests from the different pieces of the organization. we would much rather start here and then dial it down as we continue to work it other than, you know, saying it's going to be here and like, oh wow, we just discovered we've got an $80,000 something we've got to fill here or whatever. >> So, as Nate said, you this will come down. This will be different the next time you see it. [clears throat] >> Um >> Oh, yeah. Sorry. uh building rent 2026 preliminary expenditure changes. There you go. >> Um [clears throat] okay. So the city does utilize internal service fund purchase of equipment um city equipment and facilities. Uh the funding sources are through annual rents which is just basically in internal charges to the appropriate departments. Uh the equipment rent um that's increased um based on new equipment being added to the schedule as well as um just increases in vehicles and equipment costs. Uh 20-year equipment replacement schedule um has been included in the 20-year or the 5-year capital improvement plan. Uh that includes all our equipment um useful life replacement years and costs if you're want to see kind of the the back back end of the equipment. Um the bu and building rents were set um with the intention that uh they would provide the funding for the major maintenance projects which would be like rear spoilers, HVAC, etc. Not necessarily fully funding [clears throat] the replacement of those buildings. Um but uh with that being said, we're seeing uh rent increases both in equipment and bu and buildings because because the project costs have um kind of increased inflationary costs over the past few years uh as well as more projects as our our buildings become older. um the annual cost of the other various internal service funds um are small small adjustments. Uh we also when we set these rents we also take in consideration not only what we anticipate for future replacement costs but also uh the balances of each of these funds. So um we do try to offset you know some of these one example being um the fire vehicle that we sold back and proceeds were deposited into the equipment fund. So we um accounted for that when we were setting our rents as well. Um and this one here would be um just kind of one time up and downs from year to year. Um generally for the most part the way we do our um internal service funds, we don't necessarily have a lot of ups and downs. Um but there are a few onetime adjustments. Um they would just be for next year with the exception of the comprehensive plan which would be carried forward through 2026 and 2027. Um that would be a new building inspector vehicle proposed for 2026. Uh additional security cameras um have been included for additional coverage at 500 Gorman uh public works building. And then irrigation controller upgrades for parks. Uh these costs would be offset by a onetime reduction in in salt inventory uh which we've minor mild winters. Um and then the removal of previous items that were onetime items that were in the 2020 25 budget. Uh one thing that um staff will is planning on doing is bringing a budget amendment back to city council um kind of for your discretion if you would like to see those purchased this year. If so, then we take them out of the 2026 budget um and pay for them this year if you'd like to see those projects move forward. >> Back up. I you lost me here. So at the bottom it says potential 2025 budget amendment for the 925 which is the building inspector security cameras irrigation. And if it's a budget amendment, would it be coming out of 25? Uh yeah. >> So we believe that we'd have the capacity in 2025 to make those purchases that we'd be able to purchase them with our existing either within our existing 2025 budget or um do a budget amendment to use fund balance that we >> fund balance 2025 fund balance. Therefore, it wouldn't be that 925 could be reduced the 26 levy. Am I reading that? Correct. >> Correct. >> Yep. And then they would be removed right out of the 2026 budget. So the the idea is that I'd bring that back for your consideration the next council meeting and whether it gets approved or not is up to you. But all three of these I've talked to the departments about and and they would definitely be on board with moving forward with them this year. >> The money to pay for them now [clears throat] and we wouldn't add it to the next one. Yeah. Got it. >> Uh so capital improvement levy. Um I know I talked about this through with the CIP as well. Um but I've seen um the average cost for um just our annual overlay and reconstruction projects of our existing streets go up pretty dramatically over the past 10 years. Uh so we are proposing a $300,000 increase in the levy from 1.2 million to 1.5 million. Uh which wouldn't necessarily completely close the debt gap but definitely would help. Uh so in the past we've used onetime funding sources um which include general fund transfers um which we can continue to do but I think long-term wise um it's not necessarily sustainable if this um gap continues. Um then one slide here on the EDA um I do plan on presenting the full EDA budget um to the EDA board on September 2nd. Uh the EDA levy is subject to a percent of city's estimated market value. Uh that cap for 2026 is over 1.5 million. Um so this levy being proposed is well within that cap. Um again just a reminder the EDA lever levy uh differs slightly from the general fund levy uh and that it gets applied to all taxable properties within the city including uh properties that are part of a tax abatement and tax increment district. Um, so the EDA levy is also identified separately on the property tax statements from the city levy. >> I'm not sure. The last couple years it actually has been broke out on my property tax statement. >> Yeah. So I would have to look to see, but um it is separated from the city levy. So whether it's shown as a separate line item or shown as other taxing districts, I'm not >> might be other taxing district, but I've seen it in the past where it was EDA, but for the last few years, I haven't seen it. >> Mosquito folks, >> I'm not really sure. >> I've got mine upstairs. I could go. >> I'm not sure. I'll double check, but it's just something we need to check into it because I I [clears throat] remember asking myself the same exact question and saying the same thing last year that it's not on my property tax statement. So it's I don't know if it's other or if it's included in the general levy. >> The one thing I can guarantee is it's not within the general fund levy because they're using a different calculation that amount. So I'll have to look I'll have to look. >> Okay. Continue. >> Um okay. Okay. So, the idea behind um kind of this this $50,000 increase, again, as I kind of mentioned, is just to offset or at least um show more of a accurate cost reflection of what it actually costs to run the EDA by um uh by showing that $50,000 transfer to the general fund to help support some of that admin cost that are being used by the EDA. >> Well, we should look for a breakdown on that. >> Um moving on to market values. So, I do have even more numbers for you, but um here's the taxable market value um based on the preliminary assessment from the county. Uh we're seeing about um a 412 million or a 5% increase from last year. Uh residential, apartment, commercial all saw um growth in market value. Uh new construction accounted for about 57.8% of that taxable market value. So, a big chunk being new construction. Um and then one slide here on residential property values. uh just to provide kind of the overall context the average home value um change for existing homes. So when you take pull out new construction uh it's 2.1%. Um and then as you can see from this chart 93% of residential homes saw very little change plus or minus 5% from where their value was last year. Um I did um I did look back at this slide from last year too just to kind of see the number of properties. So, if you're curious like I was, um the same chart last year had 197 less residential properties. So, 197 more are shown um within that assessment. And then, uh historical tax rates. Um this is again just based on what um we currently have in our budget. Um we did not have this doesn't reflect our fiscal disparities uh distribution. So, what we received through fiscal disparities which we got also got at the end of last week. Um but it was actually a slight decrease in that distribution amount. So the rate will change slightly for that too. Um but based on preliminary uh value as it stands today um a slight increase in the city's tax rate um from 2777 to 2873. >> If Nate if you can go back a page market values. >> Yeah, you bet. Um, [clears throat] one one more. >> Um, >> there it's the the class market value by class. >> Okay, >> there you go. U, I'm looking at uh industrial and commercial and payable 25 to 26. And boy, you know, it doesn't look like much. You know, industrial is a million uh 100 million and uh it just doesn't seem 3%, right? both classes are less than residential. Granted, we're adding a lot of residential, but >> uh you know, I I'm wondering what the norm trend is for commercial industrial. Are we seeing them valuation increases kind of slowing down is the question that I have and that might be a better question for Mr. Kerski. I don't know. Um, I mean I would I I trying to think back from last year. I think we saw a little bit higher increases on the commercial and industrial size side than we saw in this year if I recall correctly. But I could >> we don't see much this last year. >> I could certainly >> well we're we're adding commercial but you know if you look at the wider economic conditions and they're different in different parts of the country but there's there are some struggles in the commercial and industrial areas and We all know why. There's a certainly a lot of uncertainty out there by various, you know, policies at the higher levels. >> Not in the shakabe. >> Well, you got trade stuff going on that's in impacting various things. You've got a lot of uncertainty that's affecting a lot of things and nothing that we can control obviously, but >> you know, it's something we certainly have to watch out to how some of these things impact us moving forward. >> Yeah. The one the one thing I would say is the mix that we have in the city of Shakipi is a lot different than what you see in other cities. So we have a pretty diversified between apartment, commercial, industrial, residential and then even the same types of residential is we've got a good mix of different varian [clears throat] commercial industrial. >> We are seeing that change from typically what [clears throat] Shak has had between commercial industrial and residential. It it's going starting to go the other way now. Now we're having to we're seeing more residential than commercial industrial. >> Yeah, we'll see a big jump here in the next couple years with the amphitheater and some of those those other venues. >> And there again, it's a lot of uncertainty with that we can't control. You know, >> still a taxable asset. >> Um so again, this is just based on what we have for for data today, but here's what you would uh see for the median value home um over the past five years. So, uh, [snorts] value for the medium value home is now 361,300. Um, increase of 10,600 from from last year. uh for a medium value home um based on their value change and what what's currently in our budget be about a $66 or seven seven% increase in property taxes. Um if you took out the value change and just um just use the median value home value with no change from the previous year, uh that tax increase would be about 32 32 bucks or 3.5%. And then just again as reference when we talk about how much a percent levy change would impact the median value home a one 1% change whether it's up and down is about once or about $10 on a median value home. Well, it's a little >> And are these projections based on what's been presented with the unknown end insurance and the Well, there's three different items that were listed in here that aren't Well, there's a lot of more than that probably that aren't cast in stone yet. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um that's as well as the uh historical tax rate that we have at 28.73% that will come down as well once we actually dial in the budget itself and plug in all the numbers. Again, we're we're here and we're working our way down. Um, so, uh, this slide is from, uh, last year's budget presentation, but, um, always a good reminder that we, we continue to be one of the lowest tax communities in the metro area. So, this is showing the 32, uh, cities in the metro area between 25,000 and 100,000 in population. Um, this is based in on the 2024 property taxes. That's the most recent um, available on the League of Minnesota Cities property tax calculator. Um, as you can see, we're on the lower end of the equation. Um, and then, um, for the 2025 cost of services. So, this has been updated for this year. So, this would compare the cost of services the city provides. So, your property taxes funding your city services as well as our two utilities, which would be water or not water, but um, uh, sewer and storm. Um, so $300,000 home with 5,000 gallons of water a month. Um, so we're at the lowest in comparison to our our peer cities at about um 1,094. Uh, the other cities range from,343 to 283. Um, you'll actually see that we went down a couple of bucks from last year. Um that's basically because of the market value exclusion law that um and then we've also kept pretty minimal change in our tax rate and then our sew and stormer rate change were were minimal too. So you actually would see if they $300,000 home would actually be slightly down in 2025. Um budget schedule for reference. Um so we do have to adopt the preliminary levy by September 30th. Um from that point on uh levy can't be increased, it can only be decreased. um county usually will we'll mail the preliminary um tax notices in November. Um and then uh the next meeting, next EDA meeting, I'll be be presenting the EDA budget to to the EDA board. So with that, um we'll take any direction or input you might have on the levier budget. >> Anything? Obviously, I'd like to see as low of an increase as possible, but this is all preliminary, so we'll see what happens. >> I think we got a few more numbers to look at on there, but >> they'll go down. >> Mhm. >> Oh, good. Thank you. >> Thank you for presentation. >> Yeah, you're welcome. >> 9B scale 2026 legislative priorities. Who is handling that one? >> That would be me, sir. >> Mr. Reynolds, floor is yours, sir. >> Thank you. Uh, every year scale has a group of legislative priorities that it puts together for uh, uh, our local legislatores, our local legislators to hopefully support. Uh, I pre presented to you 2025s in in a packet. Uh, and what they're looking for is 2026. There are a couple things that I I noted. uh you know obviously we have our bonding we have the hub innovation center which you're all very familiar with we this is probably year five or four that we this will be year five I guess that we're actually requesting funds for it uh and then uh now also funding for the downtown railroad quiet zone after talking with representative Tabki uh he really wants to work on that effort uh when we look at policy uh issues a couple from the past that Uh, you know, I think the legislature, for example, thought they solved our issue when it came to notices. Uh, but attorneys disagree with that. And, uh, so we still post our notices in a paper where in a community that's not near us and nobody reads. And that's a ridiculous uh, it it you're not serving anyone notice whatsoever. uh it doesn't help our residents and it costs them tax dollars at the end of the day for us to do it. Uh so that has not been solved. Uh we would request that to be part of uh our particular and I'm sure the other cities in the area would also uh like to get on board with that as well as part of bringing it forward from scale. Uh and then uh electric bikes. We've had a lot of discussion about electric bikes and council specifically talked about state taking a hard look and legislating on that and uh yeah that's that's a great idea. So uh you know we we know that that's an issue. We also know that's an issue not just here it's an it's an issue everywhere and I think that that might be an opportunity for the state to take a hard look at it if we put it in our priorities with scale. And then finally, uh, one that, uh, uh, came up in discussions with, uh, a member of the county board was MVTA and and, you know, the constant battles that they have with Met Council for funding and not having a dedicated funding source and that seemed to make a great uh, uh, uh, statement to put that in as well and then bring that in front of scale and I'm sure that will receive uh, support from scale as well. Those are the things that uh I came up with as things in the past and things that have been uh pressure [clears throat] points for council in the last year or so or other issues and uh you know I just open it up to any other ideas you would have that you might want to include and then ultimately what what will happen is that I'll go in and make a presentation to scale on the issues uh and then they'll vote on you know what they're willing to support. So uh I'll leave that to you ladies and gentlemen. You can tell me if you >> you think we pretty well on the innovation hub uh punching that through and getting what we need there. >> Yeah, I mean the uh scale has supported that project since the very beginning. So I don't see that changing. It's a matter of uh state and federal >> right >> capital dollars >> and I think we're still working on discussions training center and that's internal more than legislative but might be asking for something someday from them I guess on that front. >> Uh from my understanding there are other communities that have told the county that uh you know they're not looking forward to moving or they're not going to be going forward with the RTF in the future. So, >> so we don't need that. >> I don't I don't know the viability of what the RTF is. We haven't been involved in the discussions for several years. >> Okay. >> And we'll fulfill our obligation. >> Yes. Correct. We'll continue to fulfill our obligation and then when it's done, it's done. >> Yeah. Councelor Whiting as our leazison on to MBTA brought up a pretty uh detailed discussion on that in his leazison report and I [clears throat] there sensed there was council support for that the funding mechanism that you pointed out. So there there has been some improvements and I must say that the the med council has come around to some of that stuff but there still is uh you know we got to replace them buses and that wasn't included in those discussions. So the bus replacement and how we grow uh is not really part of that. So uh there has been improvements and uh um but there's still uh that sustainable continuous so we don't have to fight every year for funding. >> So does anybody else have anything else to add to this list? No, I feel I I I've got I've got meth council reforming which has been very consistent throughout Scott County and all the cities >> and I and I and I am sure I'm sure it was in 25 but I'm sure it'll be in 26. >> I didn't see it in the write up that >> that scale had here for 25. >> They got roads and bridges. >> I didn't see it included. So, um, that's >> Yeah, I'm not sure why they I don't know why >> and and so let's ask that question because that's critical to all of us. >> And [clears throat] uh, fiscal disparity reform would be a good one, >> which was something that was talked about in the last election cycle by our elected leaders that that's something that they're consider. >> Correct. >> Let's hold them to that. I know it's a very tough cookie to to crumble >> at scale too because some of those are collectors. >> It is. But >> that that that won't make it. >> Okay. But it [laughter] >> Okay. But but let's be clear now that >> does the does the majority of us support staff >> working on that legislatively? >> Um >> to try >> because it's just not it's convoluted. It's outdated. It's very unfair. But remember, we're we're looking at scales objectives here. So, and just on fiscal disparities, you know, as everyone knows, I'd love, you know, slayer of fiscal disparities be on my tombstone. >> I've been part of two different legislative efforts to study it. Um I I know way too much about it at this point. And the reality is unless the politics shift, in other words, you got to have more people paying than getting. Uh, and until that happens, you're not going to have the legislature act to make any changes. And so, >> or you could change how you allocate. >> Yeah. Well, we've looked at it and and there's just no one's willing to do it. No one's willing to uh Yeah. So, anyway, fiscal disparities >> and the the other one I had was unfunded mandates, which should be everywhere all the time. You know, these they're really good at pushing things down. unfunded mandates to cities and counties and stuff. And you know, I know they're not in a position to fund a lot of their unfunded mandates because of spending down their surpluses, raising taxes, and still having a debt. But, uh, that doesn't change the outcome at the lower levels. Matter of fact, it makes it even more important because when they're in that fiscal position, they're going to be less apt to e even consider funding some of their unfunded mandates. Was was the 169 coalition represented in any of their projects that scale could get behind uh as a global >> I don't know the answer to that question. I mean you have members of the 169 coalition that are in scale. >> So they should get their stuff through if they had it. Okay. I don't And as far as projects that we have on a broader scale for scale to support as far as transportation and bridges, I don't know of any that >> we can >> Yeah. in the past, you know, work that's been done in Savage and and uh all and Jordan right now. >> Yeah. >> Um all was part of uh um um supported through scale. >> So, if they had something, they'd have it in there. >> We'll see how uh once the amphitheater is opened up and we have our first full season of all the entertainment venues going, how the river crossing capacity issue is, right? And I >> I want to talk about that other business or at our liaison report. How about Anything [clears throat] else on the legislative priorities for scale? >> No. Seems pretty straightforward. Yep. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Leia is on administrative reports. Which side did we start last time? >> This side. >> So Jay, you're up. [laughter] >> All right. >> Uh okay. Uh let's see. It was Wednesday 8:13. Shakabe schools engaged. themies and champions kind of had their discussion and got an opportunity to talk to some of the students that were involved in themies and I want to thank city staff for being involved in that and uh sponsoring and being a champion of that group. Um I think it was a a good project and I think we can utilize uh a lot of those folks uh those kids opport talents. So on the 15th, we had the Shakabe Amphitheater Tour with the MVTA and some members of uh uh Mr. Reynolds uh administrative uh group and uh went out there and uh had a nice tour and part of that um we talked about some of the transportation. So if there's a full event at Canterbury and a full event going on at that amphitheater, there is going to be a lot of leaison and partnerships working to uh with the bus and uh uh all all all options will be open at that point and like you mentioned that will be our first pressure test. >> The park and ride and what do they call them? The micro >> microtransit and Ubers and all of those will be needed to be fully utilized. Um so we'll have a learning experience at that point but uh >> um we'll see. And then uh let's see uh MVTA management meeting met on the 18th. Um we talked a lot about our uh the new uh accounting principles that are coming up. Some notes on that. There's some new uh processes that we'll be going through on uh for the Gatsby which we all love to talk about. So there's some new uh >> government accounting standards, >> some of our capital budget improvements and things like that. So some more of the financial stuff, >> but that's all I have. >> Very good. Thank you, Councelor Contrarus. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um so Friday the August 8th I attended the scale meeting and um first thing was um Prior Lake had a meeting host update and what caught my attention was that they're having a park and trails referendum $60 million referendum vote on two um vote on Tuesday, November 4th. And that is most parks and trails were um of course were built decades ago. So, there's going to be an upgrade neighborhood for an upgrade to neighborhood parks, trails, lakefront parks, and Spring Lake Park. It said, um, Spring Lake Park, additional pickle balls, um, skating rinks, warming house, yearround bathrooms. And for more information, if anybody wants, you can go to play, explore connectpl.org. But I didn't know they're going to. That's big. Anyway, all right. And then the second part to that was fire services in Scott County. that was um let me just get to my note here. Um so two of the chiefs um that was fire chief from Jordan Savage and from Jordan and pretty much they just discuss how the fire service currently operates and how it is in um evolving to meet the contemporary needs and challenges and it's two-part I I believe and then the next part will be September 12th and that'll [snorts] be a panel of municipal representatives um and they'll discuss how our community's fire services has changed over the last five ers where they think it will be going and the challenges and opportunities that come with this vital public safety service. So I mean lots of that was really good though lots of great information. >> Good. >> Oh and then today sorry before I forget um I did attend the naming of the Mystic Lake Amphitheater. >> Very good. >> Thank you >> counselor Lara. >> Thank you mayor. Um August 13th I also attended the engage 2025 um from the Shaki public schools regarding the uhmies and it was a great opportunity to not only bring in the othermies sponsorships and champions but also potential um where they talked about how um thesemies are really investing in our future workforce and um it's a great way for businesses in the area to um showcase and say hey look you can work here. We will have jobs for you and this is what we're looking for you to do. So, that was great to attend and see everyone there. And then today also attended the naming ceremony for Mystic Lake U amphitheater. Very good. Two pieces that I have. Uh one is the League of Minnesota Cities recognized Representative Tab Key um 2025 Legislator of Distinction for 2025. Um I don't want really want to read this whole thing but it's you know basically saying that uh the league of Minnesota said he feel feels that he deserves to be recognized with distinction for his efforts on various things. So, um they did this on for multiple representatives um on both sides of the aisle, which is good to see. Uh rep Representative Tapki by but is our representative. So, it's important that we recognize his efforts and give him our appreciation publicly. So, um we'll make sure to get this a copy out to everybody and you know, staff wants to do more with it, that's fine. Um, thank you very much, Representative Tapkkey, for your efforts. >> The second thing was that I also attended the naming of the amphitheater today. Uh, had some lengthy conversations with Live Nation specifically about the transportation piece. Councelor Lara was and councelor Contrarus were um also in attendance may have heard some of them conversations. But yeah, there's a lot of opportunities to some really good things um and really utilize some of our park and rides and some of our microtransit options and and some of our other options. So um it's kind of cool that we're already laid out for this in advance. You know, we've got the South Bridge station, we got the Marshall Road area, we've got the uh Eagle Creek station, Mystic Lake and the Shak Wakaton Sue have some opportunities for parking. So, you know, there's seems to be a lot of concern, but if you look at the big picture, there's sure a lot lot of opportunities and we saw how that worked out with the changes that were required in Scott County's CUP for Renfest of what a huge difference that made. just a little bit of planning going into it. Well, maybe a lot of planning. Sorry, Commissioner. Um, but we saw the the benefits and and goodness out of them efforts on our on our highway and the backups and stuff. So, >> they actually hired somebody to do the ren >> they actually hired a group to run the parking at the Renfest, I think. >> Yeah. You know, and it it it's a good improvement. You know, we noticed it on on 169 during the events and, you know, so we know these things work. >> Yeah. and we just have the infrastructure already in place whether it's MVTA or the park and rides and the com C canary uh >> is geared up for this uh opportunity. >> Yep. We've got a lot of the pieces in place ready to go and we can capitalize on them and we certainly should and and we're in a much better place than than others. Now, back to the amphitheater. Um, I did get asked to to say a couple words. I did say a couple words. Um, >> the the venue is it's very unique and there there is not a bad seat in the house. You know, you can walk that place three times over and there is no place. >> It's pretty awesome. the the sound the sound was laid out so it's shooting out into either the building itself or into industrial areas. So it'll have minimal impact on any residential properties. You know, we've got 169 right there. We've got 83 rebuilt. You got 101 was redone up to uh 212. So we've got a lot of good things going for us to to make some of these things very successful. >> Live Nation actually stepped it up for the entertainers, too. to make them want to come back to that venue. >> It's it's a state-of-the-art. Not only that, but the electronics and technology that they put into it for the artist and the fans um and the users is like none other in the country. So, this is uh this is a big deal. It's going to be pretty cool. And uh >> yeah, >> cats out of the bag. I you know, if the right concert people come to town on a Tuesday, I might have to miss. tried we tried to find out who was coming but they have not said who uh who's on the >> I might have to miss a council meeting if it's on a Tuesday but no I'm just uh kidding but yeah it was uh it was good it was good to talk to all them folks you know uh Canterbury was Randy Samson and Canterbury were involved and Swervo development >> doing a great job city staff council uh there's plenty of of kudos and thanks to go around so and I reiterated that in my comments It's at the at the gathering at Mr. Reynolds. Do you have anything? >> Nothing for me, sir. >> City bill list. >> No questions. >> Question. >> N >> news. >> Oh, news >> and announcements. >> Sure, I'll kick it off. Uh, TAP 2025 is taking place September 13th from 1 to 5:00 p.m. downtown Shaki. is a an event that is a craft beer tasting and showcase with more than 40 Minnesota breweries participating. It is hosted by the Shakipi Economic Development Authority. Please visit www.tapshaki.com to learn more and purchase your tickets like I did today. >> Sand Ventures last day of the season is August 22nd, 2025. Sand Venture season is coming to a close like I said on the 22nd. The park is currently operating with modified hours of 11 to 5. We can't wait to see you next summer. >> M. You want to go, Jay? >> Oh, go ahead. Community center maintenance week. Shakami Community Center will be closed from August 30th to September 7th for maintenance week. During this time, the community center will be installing new cardio equip equipment, refinishing the wood floors, deep cleaning these spaces, and servicing the facility and equipment. I know some people have already contacted me on that and said, "Gee, that's such a long time to be closed." And I pointed out that uh deep cleaning is important and uh >> sanitized. >> Absolutely. And you know, it takes time and it's for the benefit of all the people that are using it and stuff. It's a good good practice. So, >> Mr. >> All right. It's the Mary's Mary'stown Road reconstruction project. Construction will begin in the coming weeks of the Mary's Mary'stown Road reconstruction project starting August 25th. The contractor will be constructing the temporary roadway roadway connecting the Tapa Park parking lots on Tuesday, September 2nd. Uh the southbound US 169 onofframp will be closed to all traffic for construction of the first phase of the project. This intersection is anticipated to be reopened for traffic by November 1st. Visit www.mariestownroad.com to sign up for the project updates. >> And just to go off of that, there's been some questions about work and closings on that on this road. And there's also the roundabout out on 78 is it that they were doing the seal coat on. >> Oh yeah, that's right. >> So people are getting it too confused. But that's a little thing. They seal coat it like they do your street in front of your house. This is a pretty big problem. >> It's a little bigger project. >> Mr. Reynolds, you get the last one. >> Thank you, sir. The downtown lighting improvements work began last week. The project is located along Home Street between 1st and Third Avenue. The improvements include replacing the existing street lighting system, brick pavers, and pedestrian curb ramps and will continue to October. >> Long time coming. >> Yeah, some of them were either taken out because they were getting pretty bad off or before they fall down. I guess >> I saw trust take one. >> Some of them you looked at and it's like, oh boy, we got [laughter] to get this done. >> Yeah. All right. Item 11, other business. Do we have any other business? >> No. Mr. White, >> I covered it on my leazison. >> Okay. Um, wishes of councel. >> Mr. Lar, >> I will make a motion to adjurnn to September 2nd, 2025 at 7 p.m. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Seconded by Mr. Whiting. Discussion on the motion. Discussion. Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. Opposed. We're adjourned.