Shakopee Council Reviews Road Maintenance Dispute, Welcomes New Downtown Business, Discusses E-bike Safety
By Carter McNew
The Shakopee City Council met on Tuesday, February 4, addressing a range of community concerns, economic development updates, and strategic planning initiatives.
Residents Seek Resolution on Private Road Maintenance
The meeting began with two citizens seeking guidance on a long-standing issue regarding the maintenance of Deans Lake Road. The road, which serves ten households, is privately maintained, leading to disagreements over plowing and general upkeep. The residents inquired whether the city had ever taken control of a private road and if it would consider doing so in the future. While council members noted that historically this has not occurred, they did not rule out the possibility.
However, city officials outlined that for the road to become publicly maintained, it would need to be brought up to city code, including the installation of water and sewage utilities—an added challenge as the area was annexed into the city without these systems in place. The council recommended that residents seek legal counsel and review county records for any existing agreements regarding the road’s maintenance.
New Business Coming to Downtown Shakopee
In a positive development for local business, the council unanimously approved a lease for Yummy Bites, a dessert shop expanding to downtown Shakopee. Yummy Bites, originally opened in June 2024, has built a strong following with its selection of authentic desserts such as baklava, burma, crepes, waffles, and pancakes. The shop also offers a variety of beverages, including Arabic coffee, iced coffee, and refreshing virgin mojitos.
Owner Ali Talib, an Iraqi immigrant, shared that his inspiration for starting the business came from the lack of late-night sweet treat options. Due to high demand, particularly from customers in the southern metro, he chose Shakopee for his second location. The shop is expected to open in mid-April. Council members and attendees were treated to samples at the meeting, which were met with enthusiastic approval.
Shakopee Police Department Updates
The final segment of the meeting featured updates from the Shakopee Police Department. Two key topics were discussed: pawn shop transaction fees and e-bike regulations.
Police Chief Tate addressed concerns over pawn shop fees, which have remained at $1.50 per transaction for over a decade. Chief Tate shared that after review, the police department did not see an immediate need for an increase.
The second discussion centered on the rise in e-bike usage, particularly among minors. With their growing popularity, the council debated whether a city ordinance should be enacted to ensure safety and prevent potential accidents. While no formal decision was made, the council emphasized the importance of educating minors on responsible e-bike use.
The next Shakopee City Council meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM.