3 things City Administrator Bill Reynolds touched on during the 'State of the City' address

Shakopee Valley News

Every year, there’s the state of the nation, state of the state and state of the city. This year, City Administrator Bill Reynolds gave the state of the city address for Shakopee on Thursday, Jan. 18.

“The state of our city is extremely well, and we have some even better things on the horizon as we look to the future,” Reynolds said.

Here are three points he touched on:

1. Transparency

The city has worked to increase transparency over the last year, especially with the budget. Reynolds said simplifying this “governmentese” speak will be a continuing process moving forward.

“From my perspective, you need to be able to understand what we’re doing and how we spend your money,” Reynolds said.

To illustrate this point, Reynolds used a candy bowl metaphor. If the candy bowl is all jumbled together, then it is just a candy bowl and you can’t tell how many of each there are. But if the candy is separated into different bowls, then people are able to find out how much of their candy (tax dollars) is where.

2. New positions, buildings

Reynolds highlighted the new city hall and community center as major projects completed in 2017, adding he knows some residents haven’t been pleased with the community center.

“(The Shakopee City Council) wants to make sure that the money that was being invested in that facility is being used as best it possibly can,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds also talked about city staff positions added in 2018, including two police officers to focus on street crime, an assistant fire chief and a full-time code enforcement officer.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this staff and this community,” Reynolds said.

3. Projects in 2018

Reynolds also talked about projects to look for in 2018, including the revitalization of downtown, Canterbury Commons, an extension of the Rahr Corporation, redevelopment of the old city hall and riverfront property, and residential growth, especially on the west end of Shakopee.

“We’re very lucky that we’re in a growing community,” Reynolds said.

The 2040 Comprehensive Plan, “Envision Shakopee,” will also continue to have work done on it in 2018 and will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council by year’s end.

If a resident has an issue with the city, Reynolds said he wants to know about it.

“I want to know when we’re not meeting your expectations,” Reynolds said. “If you have issues, reach out. If you have things you want to know, ask.”