[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6316473,"mediaKeyId","2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8","parentId",2377012,"title","Shakopee parks and recreation outlines staffing shifts, CAPRA accreditation work and Sand Venture reopening","audioSeconds",2392,"startMs",3722000,"endMs",6114000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8&start=3722&end=6114","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8/thumbnail_3722000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6316473/Shakopee-City/Scott-County/Minnesota/Shakopee-parks-and-recreation-outlines-staffing-shifts-CAPRA-accreditation-work-and-Sand-Venture-reopening","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316473-ecb829ea96a9428b149ab3a71179d8fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1776423514&Signature=a9cv~pd2WZGx9gNh293I0Q7YSXkP1SDMUmn-yEeXTARHeg-92bliPSYCMfU~VNhZLarMnBJxBBlD3a2Le8OXE078Njv-msrPuB6wPCFlumbcv5~-LRocq4p0nHAPBjQ3-89ZyRzKGcpeOBKzEvVDemhef6DufagqdYTuHr-OC3LR3BLJy2TYkILKBEorgqB-zIFBnULz4euJ8hRrERSZpuIPyu51A~f-j2t6UUb61xuagU9JCrQcwTb4Kf1qzCRdwnnQ8nfrnVkTsjyTLmPshvnlzSxHkO3~kNHc9PzNMFQayFgnah5I6K1bAzY0LomWDHMYnLDzSbp897che3uD9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Shakopee, MN","date","2025-02-20T16:10:40Z","article","Shakopee’s Parks and Recreation Department presented its 2024 annual report to the City Council on Feb. 18, outlining staffing changes, programming growth, accreditation work and the planned reopening date for the renovated Sand Venture aquatic park.

Parks and Recreation Director Sherry (title provided in the meeting) said her priorities since joining the city in March 2024 included setting departmental purpose and building a foundation for service delivery. “Working together we provide fun and engaging programs events and spaces for the betterment of the community,” Sherry told the council.

Staff described structural changes enacted in 2024: a part-time fitness coordinator was converted to a full-time fitness supervisor, a part-time recreation coordinator position was expanded to a full-time recreation specialist, and a new community outreach coordinator, Rachel Bland, will join the department in late February. The department said these staffing moves aim to expand fitness programming, support the CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) self-assessment, and improve outreach and scholarship administration.

Troy, a parks staff presenter, reviewed facility usage and said the community center and ice arena showed rising utilization. The ice arena reported increasing door counts and booked ice hours, with 18 tournaments already scheduled for the coming summer. The department said the arena is near capacity for available ice-time and receives inquiries daily for rentals.

Program highlights included expanded day-camp weeks (8 weeks in 2024 to 10 weeks planned in 2025), robust swim-lesson offerings and growth in fitness classes. The department said its cost-recovery ratio was roughly 50% in 2024 and expected improvement in 2025 after Sand Venture reopens; staff noted Sand Venture was closed during 2024 and that the city retained most lifeguards by redeploying them.

On accreditation, staff said Shakopee began the CAPRA application in September 2024, completed staff training, and is now in the self-assessment phase. The department’s goal is to submit the self-assessment by the end of 2025 and pursue on-site evaluation in 2026. Sherry said Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester and Roseville are the four Minnesota cities already CAPRA-accredited.

On Sand Venture, staff announced the renovated outdoor aquatic park will open June 6, 2025, timed to school release and to allow additional staff training on new features. The department said it is evaluating programming options (including adult nights and potential water fitness) and expects private rentals inquiries to increase.

Council members asked about amenities, a possible pro shop at the arena (staff said the space is currently vacant and outreach to vendors is ongoing), and whether the department retained lifeguards despite Sand Venture’s 2024 closure (staff said they retained most guards). Director Sherry said parks and recreation continues to work on documentation required by CAPRA and will expand participant feedback and scholarship outreach.

Ending: Staff will return with progress updates as the department completes the CAPRA self-assessment and prepares for the Sand Venture opening and related programming.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council, February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks and Recreation staff told the City Council on Feb. 18 that the department completed restructuring to add full-time positions, launched the CAPRA accreditation self-assessment, and will reopen the renovated Sand Venture aquatic park on June 6, 2025.","taxTitle","Shakopee City , Scott County , Minnesota","taxId",52801,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316476,"Shakopee finance director reports preliminary 2024 results show positive year-end variance",577,2971000,3548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8&start=2971&end=3548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8/thumbnail_2971000.jpg","/articles/6316476/Shakopee-City/Scott-County/Minnesota/Shakopee-finance-director-reports-preliminary-2024-results-show-positive-year-end-variance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316476-c1dfbc96448bd009dd2da2d0ff16217b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776423514&Signature=Cr4oh7oVvCIZm1Pk9dCErl5ZPT9ttonqRnv5-NwRbAdEAlUoOwWyBOjYzJMxwLfkLVtG~rsN0Gg3vUM3pm~zs3oCADd9B~B9M6OhFJxXksllCZilC-X1~xGDZfayiY1YnOW5FqJK90k9n~gEOI1rUC9IjezpSSMdmHdvfggZsy76ObThUPB6UrR7wJClghA4Q6y~TiHs2SCT655g6Jcl644wJ2-1IkDgf2I1MYZdVQJhuroawsGH5VNhVV81LOcRQoGGwbOCSVAvm7Y-jtyKE-OdPNJgYBcnCmArIzmBsT3tWjYnTxE8-rI8t4gAUTGzcykPb1tx22H~OYVeV8gh~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shakopee’s finance director presented preliminary, unaudited financial results through December 2024 to the City Council on Feb. 18, reporting that the city ended the year with a positive budget variance but that several accounting adjustments remain.

Finance Director Reinhart told the council the city’s preliminary year-end general fund position shows a net positive of roughly $3.5 million, driven primarily by higher-than-budgeted tax receipts and permit revenues. “Preliminary results show that we ended the year positive,” Reinhart said during his presentation.

Reinhart cautioned the numbers are still subject to journal entries, adjustments and the upcoming audit scheduled for April; final reports are typically presented in June. He said the majority of the positive variance came from revenue—about $3.7 million ahead—largely property taxes and permit activity. The city recorded substantial building permit activity in 2024, including 271 single-family homes and multiple commercial permits; Reinhart reported total permit valuation at $322 million for the year compared with $405 million the prior year.

On the expenditure side, Reinhart explained a significant one-time increase in the recorded liability for compensated absences following implementation of a new accounting standard. He said implementation of the new GASB guidance for accrued leave required the city to record a larger liability for leave likely to be used by employees, which increased the general fund compensated-absences liability by roughly $786,000 compared with the budgeted amount. Reinhart characterized that adjustment as likely a one-time effect related to the new standard and pay adjustments in public safety.

Other fiscal details presented to the council: investment interest earnings rose in 2024 (about $2.6 million), and the city recorded an unrealized market value gain of about $1.6 million at year-end due to market movements. Reinhart said the city’s prior practice is to direct excess general fund balances toward one-time capital needs; preliminary estimates suggest $2.0 to $2.6 million could be available for such uses after required reserves and commitments are set aside.

Council members asked clarifying questions about specific revenue and expenditure lines, including fines and forfeitures (court-related pass-throughs to the county) and the potential effect of state-level parental-leave legislation on employer contributions; Reinhart said the city would monitor changes at the Legislature.

No formal council action was required on the report; the finance director said more detailed fund-balance recommendations and any proposed use of one-time funds will be brought back after closing and audit adjustments are complete.

Why it matters: The preliminary results affect budget planning, capital spending and reserve policy. The one-time accounting change for compensated absences affects how some liabilities are shown in 2024 financial statements but, per staff, does not change operational cash positions.

Ending: Reinhart will return with final audited figures and any formal recommendations on fund-balance uses in the city’s regular spring finance reporting cycle.","Finance Director presented preliminary, unaudited results through December 2024 showing the city ended the year with a positive general fund variance driven largely by higher-than-expected tax and permit revenues, and a one-time accounting adjustment for accrued compensated absences.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6316481,"Shakopee council delays vote on Bluff View PUD amendment after questions about bluff preservation",1964,1005000,2969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8&start=1005&end=2969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377012-c8ce82e37a20f97104d8afa94406cfe8/thumbnail_1005000.jpg","/articles/6316481/Shakopee-City/Scott-County/Minnesota/Shakopee-council-delays-vote-on-Bluff-View-PUD-amendment-after-questions-about-bluff-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316481-8a6725ba6f6983585c72e7125a13a650/orig.mp4?Expires=1776423514&Signature=AJwpjp4hUSi0kOS5FZQyM~EwlcLYyxo6uYOMAqWQf2~hRIxkOgy8JolBJtzJiRKMlw2Rmy0zgFaE61E31hy2Lt4SCPI0bVL1--KQ~oKA-TxVgutDRB3eN8QnCB~S3dOgU4tbg-QLv1czLIBQjB9ffq-tRtcmq5dUc6QLzGIIGwzqkHY1PyvsBWakGIfCRXPGiZKeRfneqvRIozIVyMBFu37AlrKdpgCskCzF73GELK8wfzwbmye~2oXqvqnAJgE8-Y6Z0-4CADRqcDKdvvLB8hZJ-n3P7~9CYt2sLAngE5BNVTXsZwXntaLUZI6wPWduutW4r2zU8McnRgHajWUvfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Shakopee City Council on Feb. 18 heard detailed debate over an amendment to Planned Unit Development District 10 (Bluff View) and voted to table the ordinance to the council’s March 4 meeting.

The amendment would add density and a preliminary plat allowing up to 247 single-family homes in the Windermere area north of Latour Avenue and adjacent to the SVU water tower. Council member Lara made the motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-001 approving the amendment; Lara later withdrew the adoption motion and the council voted to table the matter to the March 4 meeting to ensure a full council and to prepare required findings.

The discussion centered on whether the proposal preserves the bluff line and public access to views. Council member Whiting said he could not support the plan as presented because “it looks like they’ve utilized much of that bluff line for backyards,” a departure from earlier council direction to preserve the bluff for public use. City staff responded that the developer is dedicating a portion of the bluff to the city and that the city already owns another portion; staff said 15% of the area guided as park and open space will be set aside and conveyed to the city as part of the PUD.

City staff member Kerski told the council the project cannot move forward until sewer and water are extended to the site by the adjacent development, meaning homes are contingent on utilities being brought to the location. Brian Tucker, a representative of Summergate Development, said the plan was designed to “hit that sweet spot, where we’re minimizing the number of single loaded streets … and still achieve part of what the city was hoping to get, which was some open view shed through there.” Tucker added the developer worked with staff to preserve connected trails and public access through donated parcels.

Mike Sewell, representing D.R. Horton (the proposed builder), described the housing products planned for the site and said the builder anticipates pricing that reflects current market conditions; he discussed one-level homes (“Freedom” homes), two-story traditional models and smaller “cottage” homes. Sewell told the council that a one-car garage product is being offered as an option and that the builder expects many buyers to choose two-car-garage plans; he noted market and material-cost pressures have pushed prices higher.

Council members raised several points they said must be clarified before a final vote: the effective width of the portion of bluff being conveyed (councilors described some mapped strips as appearing narrow on the exhibit), whether Street 6 could be shifted to increase the public view corridor, the trade-offs between smaller lots and higher front-facing design standards, and stormwater management (staff confirmed Outlot B is the stormwater basin). City Administrator Reynolds clarified the city is working on an appraisal to acquire the remainder of the bluff using park development fees.

Action and next steps: Council member Lara withdrew the adoption motion and a substitute motion to table the ordinance to the March 4 meeting carried by voice vote. The council directed staff to return with the item at the next meeting with prepared findings and any additional clarifications members requested.

Votes at a glance: The council took the following formal actions related to this portion of the agenda during the Feb. 18 meeting: a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-001 (the adoption motion was withdrawn), and a motion to table the item to the March 4 meeting (the motion passed by voice vote).

Why it matters: The amendment affects the Windermere neighborhood and a planned continuous bluff/open-space corridor described in the comprehensive plan. Council members stressed the trade-offs between adding housing density and preserving publicly accessible bluff and trail amenities.

Community context: Staff said the project will not be buildable until sewer and water are extended by the neighboring development; the city is negotiating to acquire additional bluff acreage through park development fees. The council asked for clearer mapping and findings before taking a final vote.

Ending note: The item will return to the March 4 council meeting for further consideration with a full council and additional staff-prepared findings and exhibits.","The Shakopee City Council heard extended debate Feb. 18 over an amendment to Planned Unit Development (PUD) District 10 for the Bluff View area and voted to table the ordinance to the March 4 meeting after members pressed staff and developers about preserving the bluff, lot sizes and infrastructure needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Shakopee parks and recreation outlines staffing shifts, CAPRA accreditation work and Sand Venture reopening

Shakopee finance director reports preliminary 2024 results show positive year-end variance

Shakopee council delays vote on Bluff View PUD amendment after questions about bluff preservation