Chaska council launches downtown master‑plan update, approves task force recruitment

The City of Chaska on May 4 approved initiating an update to the downtown master plan, directing staff to finalize a scope with consultant HKGI and to recruit a multi-stakeholder task force to guide the process.

Community development staff said the current downtown plan dates to 2012 and many recommended projects have been completed; the update will assess existing conditions, pursue a market study, and revisit vision and guiding principles for the next 10–20 years. Staff recommended engaging HKGI based on prior experience with Chaska projects and proposed a timeline that begins in June and aims for a final draft in late winter/early spring next year.

The proposed task force would include two city council members (staff suggested Council members Hatfield and Gro), representatives from the Heritage Preservation, Planning and Parks & Recreation commissions, downtown residents and business alliance members, Southwest Metro Chamber representation, and institutional stakeholders such as Carver County and local schools and churches. Staff also outlined three or four public outreach opportunities (e.g., River City Days, downtown festivals, online engagement).

Council member Chevlin moved to authorize the city administrator to finalize the scope with HKGI, appoint council members to the task force and authorize staff to begin recruiting and advertising; the motion was seconded and approved. Council agreed to coordinate task-force recruitment with the library task-force solicitation to simplify outreach.

Staff will return with the finalized scope, task-force roster, and engagement schedule as the project proceeds.