03:15The meeting commenced with Michaela Hatfield acting as mayor pro-tem in the absence of Mayor Taylor Hubbard. A major highlight was the council’s proclamation that recognized June 2 as “Terry Dirks Day.” Terry Dirks, the owner of Size Bar and Grill, was acknowledged for his 39 years of service and contributions to the community. The proclamation detailed the history of the establishment, which began as Size Liquors before becoming a full-service restaurant in 2008, and emphasized its role as a central gathering spot for locals. This transition is significant as the restaurant will temporarily close before reopening under new ownership.

06:57Following this, representatives from Tour to Tonka shared updates on their upcoming event celebrating its 20th anniversary. With 835 riders already registered, marking a 7% increase from previous years, the event promises to draw participants from 113 cities with ride distances ranging from 16 to 100 miles. The presentation highlighted the strong community involvement from sponsors and the need for approximately 600 volunteers to ensure a successful event. Positive feedback was noted for the collaboration with local law enforcement.

20:53Attention then shifted to infrastructure issues in downtown Chaska, particularly structural damage caused by vehicles colliding with medians. The council discussed problematic intersections at Second and Fourth Streets, where repeated incidents have damaged walls due to tight turning radii. Considerations include modifying the layout to reduce sections in the walls to prevent future accidents.

Updates on local construction projects were also provided. The blacktop work on a bridge along the bike path is expected to conclude by June 16, improving area connectivity, while road construction on Ingler is scheduled to proceed on the day of the next council meeting. This progress is aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety in these areas.

23:17Community life remains vibrant, with council members sharing positive experiences from local events such as a dance recital and “Fishing with Friends,” where children received fishing rods and tackle boxes. The meeting also featured congratulations for Chaska High School’s class of 2025 and reminders for residents to stay vigilant with increased pedestrian and cyclist activity as school closes for the summer.

25:10Additionally, Chaska is seeing exciting developments in its business landscape. A new Thai and sushi restaurant, Chaska Chazat Thai and Sushi, is expected to open in mid-July, adding variety to the downtown dining scene. Other new businesses include a bubble tea vendor and a thrift store called The Dive Spot, contributing to the area’s evolving commercial offerings.

29:28The city staff’s achievement of being named among the Star Tribune’s top 150 companies to work for was recognized, emphasizing high employee participation in the survey that informed this accolade. The council expressed gratitude for the city staff’s dedication and the importance of maintaining a positive work environment.