The city and the Township negotiated a new Orderly Annexation Agreement that allows the city to annex 250 acres a year without a petition from the property owners.  The city has not exercised that option since the agreement was approved and has only annexed land at property owner's request.

The first 250 acres is an area where the city is working on developing a sanitary sewer system based on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.  Also, Shakopee Public Utilities is in the process of installing a water tank that can serve this area.  SPU is also in the process of acquiring land for a substation to provide power to this area.

We have had substantial inquiries for development in this area because of its access to highways.  It is also adjacent to the Windermere area that is under development.

Staff and the Mayor met with the township board and informed them of the city's intention to move forward with this annexation in 2020 and another 250 acres adjacent to this area in 2021.

The township asked for additional communication on annexations in areas outside of Areas A and B shown in this plan.  Staff has agreed to meet with the township board in advance of any other property owner requested annexations in areas C, D, E or F.

The process to annex includes; formal notification to the township and property owners, a hearing at the planning commission, and city council approval. This motion directs staff to start the process. It does not annex property at this time.