Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month, as well as the fifth Monday of the month, if necessary. All meetings start at 7:00 pm and are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1 City Hall Plaza).

To be listed on the Council Agenda with an issue for Visitor Presentation, please contact Senior Clerk, Denise Beebe by calling 952-448-9200, or email her.

You may contact the mayor or your council member by the phone numbers or emails listed in the staff directory. You may also send correspondence to the mayor or council members to: City Hall 1 City Hall Plaza Chaska, MN 55318

Each council member represents a particular Ward in Chaska. View our interactive Ward Map to see who your council member is. Type in your address to get started.

Generally, a permit is required for any work other than painting, flooring, cabinets, and trim work on a home. Please call the Inspection Department at 952-448-9395 to verify if work being done requires a permit.

Permits that do not require a plan review can be applied for on our SmartGov portal. 

Permits that require a plan review should be submitted via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov. The email should include PDF versions of the completed application, corresponding drawings and any other supplemental information needed for the project. 

Yes, but the City of Chaska strongly recommends that if the homeowner is having a contractor do the work, the contractor should take out the permit. The contractor is licensed and is responsible for any code problems associated with the project. The property owner would need to complete a Property Owner Waiver Form (PDF).

The permit review timeline is dependent on several factors, including the number of permits under review at any given time and the completeness of those permit applications. To ensure your submission is complete, review the information, checklists and fee schedules on the city’s permit page.

No. Beginning work without a permit is a violation of both city code and state law. The city may fine a property owner or contractor who begins work without first obtaining a permit.

The Metropolitan Council imposes a fee on its local government customers called the sewer availability charge, or SAC. The Met Council charges SAC whenever:

• A residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional property connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time.
• When a business grows or changes and creates more potential demand on the wastewater system.

The City of Chaska then passes on the SAC fee to the business or property owner.

Commercial Permits:

If you start a new business, change location, or change the use of your space in a way that creates more potential demand on the wastewater system, you will be required to submit for a sewer availability charge (SAC) determination and possibly pay SAC.

Residential Permits:

For residential properties, a one-time SAC fee is charged when the property connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time.

For more information on the Metropolitan Council's SAC program, you can find details on their website.

Permit fee schedules available here.

When the shed is over 200-square-feet in size, a permit is required. Submit a building permit application, the construction plan, and a site plan via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov.

Permit history from 2022 through today is available on our SmartGov Portal. If you select "parcel search", you will be able to search by address or owner name. 

Permit history older than 2022 is available by request. You can fill out a data request form to request that information. 

Yes, a fence permit is required. Submit a fence permit application, site plan, and a description of the fence via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov. Rear yard fences can be a maximum of 6 feet in height and placed only in the rear yard. Decorative fences have a 4 foot maximum height and 50% opaque can be in the front and side yards.

A safety fence shall be installed around all underground swimming pools. A safety fence shall be installed around all above-ground swimming pools when the above-ground swimming pool is accessory to a single-family dwelling. A safety fence is required if the pool is both greater than 24 inches in depth and more than 5,000 gallons in capacity. A safety fence at least four (4) but no more than six (6) feet in height shall be constructed to completely enclose an inground swimming pool. A safety fence of at least four (4) but no more than six (6) feet height shall be constructed to completely enclose an above ground swimming pool or the sides of the pool above grade shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in height.

No, electrical inspections are performed by the state electrical inspector. Contact Brian Luce at 952-233-8988, Monday-Friday, 7 - 8:30 a.m. only.

No, only the bottom 6-8 inches of the footing shall be the required size. You may reduce the diameter to the surface. The sides need to be uniform and smooth. The post needs to bear on the center of the footing.

Accessory structure zoning requirements can be found in our City of Chaska Zoning Code.

The City of Chaska provides the electric, sewer, water, and storm water utility services. 

Call the City of Chaska Utility Billing Department at 952-448-9200 to apply for service. You can also go to Chaska City Hall (One City Hall Plaza, Chaska, MN 55318), and a customer service representative located at the first floor windows will assist you. You will need to complete a Contract for Utilities. 

If you are a renter, you must complete one of these service requirements:

• Pay a utility deposit (please contact Utility Billing at UB@chaskamn.gov for the deposit based on your new address)
• Or provide a letter of credit from a current utility company showing no more than one delinquent payment during the past 12 months

It is important that you contact Utility Billing at 952-448-9200 prior to moving in or out so that a meter reading can be scheduled. At least one-day advance notice is required to schedule meter readings. 

Payments can be made the following ways:

• Pay online. No fee is added to make a payment. You can make a one-time payment or register your account and set up automatic payments.
• Pay by text. Register your account on InvoiceCloud and pay by text.
• By phone. Call 844-683-0904. 
• Bill pay. Bank bill pay services are accepted. Include you full account number when you submit your payment. 
• Mail to:
  City of Chaska Utility Billing
  PO Box 860742
  Minneapolis MN 55486-0742
• In person:
  Customer Service Counter
  One City Hall Plaza
  Chaska MN 55318
  Monday thru Friday
  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm
• Chaska Utilities Drop Box:
  City Hall Parking Lot
  One City Hall Plaza
  Chaska MN 55318
• Reminder that City of Chaska employees will never ask for your payment information over the phone. If one of our customer service representatives call you, they will direct you to use one of the above options to complete payment.

Contact the Utility Billing Department at 952-448-9200 as soon as possible. 

According to City of Chaska Code of Ordinances, a delinquent account that is not paid in full by 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled day of disconnect, will be scheduled for disconnection. A service fee of $100 during regular business hours or $120 after business hours, plus Minnesota State sales tax will also be charged. A location scheduled for disconnection will not be permitted to continue service or to re-establish disconnected service until the account has been paid in full, required deposits have been paid in full and the service fee has been paid in full.

For electric, water, and sewer emergencies, call 952-448-4335.

You can call Chaska Utility Billing at 952-448-9200 to enter into a Payment Agreement to avoid any interruption in your electric service due to delinquency of your utility account. The following organizations provide financial assistance and may also provide budget counseling:

• Carver County Social Services 952-361-1600
• Salvation Army 651-746-3400
• Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency 952-496-2125

For complete qualifications and application information, please contact these organizations directly.

Yes. You can sign up online at Invoice Cloud or call City of Chaska Utility Billing at 952-448-9200. Automatic payments are deducted on the 12th of each month. There will be a message on the monthly bill when the automatic payment plan is in effect. 

Utility Customers Using A Bill Pay Service

New Remit Address and Customer Account Number Customers who pay their Chaska Utility Bill using a bill-pay service or bank must mail your payment to: 

City of Chaska Utility Billing
PO Box 860742
Minneapolis, MN 55486-0742

New Account Number Format

Please also update your instructions to include both parts of your new account number, as shown on both the top of your bill and on the remit stub: Be sure to include the dash: 123456789-12345678. If unable to insert a dash, be sure to leave a space: 123456789 12345678. Do not combine the two parts of your account number without either the dash or a space. If you have any questions, please call the City of Chaska Utility Billing Department at 952-448-9200 to speak to a Customer Service Representative, available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

Electric Meters

Most electric meters are read from the outside. 

Water Meters

While water meters are usually located inside the residence, we typically read your water meter by remote from outside your home. On occasion, we may need to gain access to your water meter if there is a problem with the remote. If necessary, we will contact you to schedule an appointment to gain access to the inside meter.

To obtain a copy of a Chaska police report, print a copy of the Data Request Form (PDF) and submit the completed form to the Chaska Police Department. Please submit the form via mail, fax (952) 448-2307, or email notifications@chaskamn.gov.

The body camera policy is posted on Police Department website.

You must make the request in person at the Chaska Police Department. The CPD is only able to provide a background report on activity that occurred in Chaska. If you would like a background report for activity outside of Chaska, contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at 651-793-2400.

The Comprehensive Plan is a general policy document. It reflects Chaska's value system and philosophy, and acts as an overall framework for the future. As a guiding tool, it provides a system for measuring progress, gives direction for both everyday and more complex decisions, and helps set financial priorities. 

The Comprehensive Plan is intended to be responsive to changing conditions. It needs to be continually referenced, updated, and used as a guide. It functions as an overall course or path and is intended to provide direction, rather than dictating specific activities or precise decision-making. The plan helps city leaders in developing policies, programs, ordinances, capital improvement plans, and budgets. These more specific implementation tools will take into account current circumstances and financial priorities, along with the long-range outlook and goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years.

The Comprehensive Plan is meant to guide the direction of the city in several major areas:

• Environment
• Land use
• Parks and trails
• Public facilities
• Transportation

Each of these areas is extensively examined to take advantage of opportunities, avoid problems, and build a stronger community.

To request a survey of a property, please fill out a data request form on our website. 

Residential fences: 

• Rear Boundary Fence: Shall not exceed six (6) feet in height within the limits of the rear yard. Corner lots have additional requirements. 
• Decorative Fence: Shall not exceed four (4) feet in height within the limits of the front and side yards. 

Commercial, Industrial, and Public fences: 

• See City Planner

General Information:  

• The finished side of the fence considered to be the face shall face abutting property. The face shall be defined as the finished side of the fence rather than the side with structural supports. [Sec. (a)] 
• Fences are allowed up to property lines when consistent with the above regulations/ordinance. 
• If fencing is not installed up to the property line, property on both sides of the fence shall be maintained.  
• If fencing is placed with in an easement, and any work needs to be done in the easement, the city is not responsible for any damage or replacement of the fence.  
• There is a 10 feet fence setback from all public trails.

City of Chaska fence permit applications can be found here.

Driveways shall be set back five (5) feet from interior side lot lines and 15 feet from street side lot lines.

Zoning section 15.28.030

Information about current projects and proposals for the planning and zoning department can be found here.

Generally, no. However, accessory dwelling units are currently permitted with standards within Clover Ridge. Specific questions can be directed to the Planning Department.

No permits are required for moving POD's or dumpsters on private property. If you are wishing to place the POD or dumpster in the city street, please reach out to Municipal Services to gain approval before placing in the street. 

City of Chaska ordinances can be found here.

You can plant anywhere on your property with the notion to be conscious of where and what type of easements exist within your property. If located in an easement area and that area is impacted, it would be at the owner's expense to replace what was planted there - note: this is rare but still a possibility.

City Water Conservation starts May 1 and ends September 30 each year.

We recommend setting your water softener to 29 GPG (grains per gallon).

We have published a Water Quality Analysis Report that shows you what's in Chaska water. Here are a few articles on how the different elements in water can impact home brewing. 

• Read the BeerSmith Home Brewing Blog
• Read the Beer and Brewing Blog

Typically, this can happen after we flush out our system during the spring. Open up your cold water on your faucet and keep the water flow at a steady stream for 15 minutes. If your water doesn't clear up after that, please call the Water & Sewer Department at (952) 448-4335.

Cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water. Generally, your water will clear up in a few seconds.

The most common cause of that smell is anaerobic bacteria reacting with sulfur and the sacrificial anode in your water heater. Replacing the sacrificial anode and increasing the temperature of your water heater should remove the odor.

Experts recommend annual flushing of your water heater to remove sediment. This helps prevent your water heater from corroding.

This is a one-year trial period, which is free of charge.

Peace officers that have a legitimate, law enforcement-related reason can view the video. If there is a legitimate, specified law enforcement need, CPD can share BWC video data with another law enforcement agency.

Generally, most BWC video data is “nonpublic” data. The video data is presumptively private and can only be accessible to a person that is on the video.

If the video is part of an active criminal investigation, the data is all confidential, even to the person on the video.

If the video contains several people, permission needs to be granted by all involved people before the data is released. If an involved person does not consent to the release, they can be “redacted” from the video by having their face blurred and their voice distorted.

Any individual or entity whose image or voice is on the video is considered a data subject.

Redaction is the process of concealing the identity of people on the video by blurring their faces and distorting their voices.

When a peace officer discharges a firearm in the course of duty, except during training and for the purposes of killing animals.

When use of force by a peace officer results in substantial bodily harm.

When the data subject (person on the video) requests that the video be released to the public. If the video contains people that do not consent to the release or if it contains an undercover police officer, those individuals will be redacted by having their face blurred and voice distorted.

If a peace officer is disciplined, the related BWC video data is part of the personnel data, which is public.

If made public by a court order.

Yes, per Minnesota statute (13.82, subd. 15), a law enforcement agency can release nonpublic, private, or confidential video if it will aid in the law enforcement process, promote public safety, or dispel widespread rumor or unrest.

No. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act limits disclosure of information about certain individuals:

• Victims and alleged victims of criminal sexual conduct and sex trafficking
• Victims of child abuse or neglect
• Vulnerable adults who are victims of maltreatment
• Undercover officers
• Informants
• When the video is clearly offensive to common sensitivities
• Victims of and witnesses to crimes, if the victim or witness has requested not to be identified publicly
• Individuals who called 911, and services subscribers whose lines were used to place a call to the 911 system
• Mandated reporters
• Juvenile witnesses, if the nature of the event or activity justifies protecting the identity of the witness
• Juveniles who are or may be delinquent or engaged in criminal acts.Individuals who make complaints about violations with respect to the use of real property. (Code violations, real-estate ethics violations, tax law violations, etc…)
• Officers and employees who are the subject of a complaint related to the events captured on video

Per Minnesota statute (13.825, subd. 2(5)(b) a law enforcement agency may redact or withhold access to portions of data that are public when the data is “clearly offensive to common sensibilities.”

Officers will record any police-citizen encounter if there is reason to believe the recording will have evidentiary value. Officers will use their cameras to take recorded statements from victims, witnesses, and suspects. Officers will record any transports and transfers of people. Officers have discretion to record general citizen contacts.

When officers determine that there is not a law enforcement need for recording, they will deactivate their body cameras. In medical emergencies where criminal activity is not suspected, cameras will not be activated.

No, but if someone asks if they are being recorded, officers will tell them if it is safe and practical.

It will depend on the situation. If there is not a law enforcement need or if the situation is not adversarial, an officer will have discretion to turn off the camera or keep it on.

The data is very safe and is subject to very strict rules and regulations set forth by the FBI. The data is encrypted and stored off-site from CPD.

The minimum retention period for video is 90 days but some data will be kept longer. Video data will be retained for a period of six years if the video contains evidence, a use of force, an adversarial encounter, or seizure of property.

Officers are expected to activate their body cameras if it is safe and practical to do so. However, it is recognized that officers must also attend to other primary duties and the safety of all concerned, sometimes in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving. Any time an officer fails to activate their recorder, they will need to articulate the reason why. An officer that fails to activate their body camera without a justified reason may face discipline.

Yes. Officers will use the video to further assist in preparing a police report, giving a statement, or providing testimony in court.

Officers have the option to view video prior to providing a statement.

Yes. When a CPD Officer activates their body camera, it will capture the previous 30 seconds of video, but not audio.

No. However, a uniformed CPD Officer may have their body camera activated if they respond to an incident at a school.

As part of the trial, CPD has 20 body cameras.

All 15 uniformed patrol officers are assigned a body camera. Spare body cameras will be checked out by officers and detectives on an as-needed basis.

Detectives will have the option to utilize body cameras if they determine that the body camera would be beneficial to their investigation.

The body camera policy and records retention schedule are posted on CPD’s website.

We are testing Axon body cameras. Axon is formerly known as Taser International. The body cameras are smaller than a cell phone and will be affixed to the officer’s upper chest.

All the data is owned by CPD. None of it is accessible or viewable by staff at Axon. At the end of the trial, all data would be transferred to CPD.

The camera has a 12-hour battery life and recording options from 420p standard definition to 1080p high definition. Data is stored on the camera during the officer’s shift. The video is uploaded, and the camera’s battery is charged when the camera is “docked” at CPD at the end of the officer’s shift.

In 1987, the City of Chaska established its Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help address the city's need to proactively deal with economic development, housing and redevelopment issues within the city. The EDA was an offspring of the city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority, who until that time had served as the entity ensuring that there was not a shortage of safe and decent housing within the city. Key blighted properties were redeveloped into a use that would serve the entire public's best interest. The EDA took the responsibilities of the City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and added to their duties helping the development of new businesses and properties throughout the city.

While EDA is a separate entity from the City Council, the EDA's power is derived from the authority that the City Council bestows upon it. The EDA's membership is comprised of the members of the City Council.

The EDA is in existence not only to help promote new businesses within the city, but to also help retain and redevelop businesses already in existence within the city. 

The goals of the EDA are to:

• Develop sites which would be economically infeasible to develop without public assistance
• Encourage the development of housing within the city that is safe, diverse, and which gives our citizens affordable options to own a home
• Help restore blighted properties and downtown historic buildings by encouraging redevelopment activities
• Increase the amounts and types of services offered within the city

Yes, all Minnesota fishing laws regulate fishing during the contest. MN DNR officers may be present and have the right to question any contestant.

Yes, there are 2 categories of prizes, “fishing” and “non-fishing.” 

You need to be present and catch a fish to be eligible to win a “fishing” prize. You do not need to be present to win a “non-fishing” prize. There will be additional door prizes given away during the contest. Some door prizes you need to be present for and some you do not. The prizes that you do not need to be present for will be mailed out to the winner.

Yes! We will have plenty of games and activities in the Chaska Event Center, so you don't have to fish in the contest to have fun!

Yes, but glass bottles are not allowed. Food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will also be available for purchase in the Chaska Event Center.

No. All holes are drilled the morning of the fishing contest. No additional hole drilling is allowed by any contestant. You may want to bring an ice chisel and ice scoop to clear any ice that may form prior to the contest starting.

At 1 p.m.,the announcer will give the start signal.

Yes, but only with a depth finder or a line without a hook. All lines must be out of the water by 12:45 p.m. until the official start.

At 3 p.m., the announcer will signal contestants to end the contest. A contest official must see you on your way to the fish weigh-in by 3 p.m. Remember, you must bring your fish to the weigh-in stand immediately when caught and alive. Dead or frozen fish will be ineligible.

Parking in the Firemen's Park parking lot begins at 11:30 a.m.

No, parking is located in the Firemen's Park parking lot and additional parking is located at Veterans Park and throughout downtown Chaska. ADA parking is available in the Firemen's Park parking lot. View our downtown parking map for more details.

No, you will be disqualified. 

Only game fish are eligible to be weighed in for contest prizes. These include: 

• Northern
• Walleye
• Crappie
• Bluegill
• Sunfish
• Perch
• Any bass species

Please note: Rough fish, including bullhead and carp, are not eligible.

No, windbreaks or set up shelters are not allowed.

No, all contestants must remain completely visible while fishing. 

No, only one hole and one line per contestant. You may jump to open holes and fish a different hole during the contest.

No, please take your line out of the water. Leaving your line unattended is against Minnesota State Law.

Yes, coolers will be allowed. All coolers may be subject to mandatory search or will not be allowed in the contest area.

Yes! You can head to the Chaska Event Center to warm up, use the restrooms, purchase food and beverage, participate in games and potentially win prizes.

You may register as many fish as you like. All eligible game fish caught by a contestant are eligible to win “for the fisherman” prizes.

Yes, we will have free crappie minnows for contestants. Sucker minnows and wax worms will be available for purchase.

Yes, any contestant may leave the park at any time. You cannot return with any fish though.

We will be selling bucket raffle tickets throughout the contest for door prizes.

You can purchase Chaska Fire Department Relief Association raffle tickets. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from any active or retired firefighter. You can stop by the fire station and purchase tickets if a member of the department is available. You do not need to be present to win the raffle. 

The Chaska Fire Department Relief Association.

Predatory offenders move to communities for many reasons. They often go back to a county of conviction due to the conditions of their supervised release. They may also choose a location because of family support, church, employment or another ex-offender.

The City of Chaska has no authority to prohibit released predatory offenders from relocating to Chaska. In fact, such ordinances in other communities have been struck down by the courts. 

Convicted sexual and predatory offenders have always resided in Minnesota communities. It was not until the passage of the Registration Act that law enforcement had the ability to track the movement of these offenders after their initial release. Residency laws prohibiting where offenders can live also make it difficult to track offenders since offenders may stop registering in order to live somewhere in secrecy. 

The community notification process is intended to provide the community with information that may be used to help educate themselves, their families and their employees regarding personal safety. Please remember, the offender is not wanted by the police and has served his/her sentences by the court.

The information in any predatory offender notification is designed to raise an awareness to help avoid situations involving vulnerable circumstances and to reduce the chances of further criminal conduct by the offender.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections evaluates and screens prisoners prior to their release. This does not mean they can predict someone’s future behavior. It is a process to compare past behavior with that of others to determine risk categories and how they might act upon release. The Chaska Police Department hosts a public meeting to give information on Level Three predatory offenders to the community to make them aware of the offender and to help watch out for each other by working together.  

The Minnesota Department of Corrections and other area agencies will provide information on the Level Three predatory offender, conditions of release, guidelines about predatory offender registration and general safety information. The Chaska Police Department will also be on hand to answer questions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide community members with pertinent information and address their concerns as best we can.

Predatory offenders gain power from operating in a mode of secrecy. Notifying the community of an offender takes away their hidden agenda by making neighbors aware of their identity and where they live. Any power that the community takes back from the offender helps to reduce opportunities for victimization. We appreciate your willingness to be involved in community education and the notification process to help empower you and your family to be safe.  

Talk to your children. Open communication between parents and children are vital components of family safety. Explain in general terms that this new person in the neighborhood has hurt someone before and we want you to stay away from them to be safe. Review safety tips and common lures used to get kids into a vulnerable situation. Monitor your kids always knowing who they are with and where they are at. 

Use these basics to help stay safe from an offender: 

• DO NOT go into the offender's home or yard.
• DO NOT accept a ride from the offender.
• TELL your parents if the offender offers you toys, money, or gifts.
• USE the buddy system when playing outdoors.
• STAY with trusted adults that are watching you.
• CALL 911 if your parents aren’t home and you are approached by the offender.

It is important to remember that relationship, not residency, is most likely to impact victim recidivism. Therefore, awareness of predatory offenders is often the first step to protecting oneself.

No. The notification about predatory offenders is basic safety information to help create awareness of an offender moving into your neighborhood. There are many predatory offenders in this state as well as other states. It would serve no purpose to have people relax or not follow safety measures because the one offender they knew about moved from the neighborhood.  

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced.

These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries). See the Smoke Alarm Maintenance section for more information.

Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $6 and $20. Dual sensor smoke alarms cost between $24 and $40.

Some fire departments offer reduced price, or even free, smoke alarms. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

Hardwired smoke alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking! 

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam. If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:

• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button.
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.
• Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Yes, site tours can be scheduled for the Police Department and/or Fire Department. Please email Elise Durbin if this is something you would like to do. We would look to schedule these late the week of December 12.

At this time, the city intends to use an AIA B101 contract.

The 24-page maximum relates to content. The cover page and dividing pages do not count towards the maximum.

The city would like to see proposers provide a breakdown of labor hours, rates and costs for each phase with a sum total cost of the proposed services at the boom. Please include hours and rates for all consultants that will be a part of the project.

A detailed facility program has not yet been developed. The key components include

• Secure parking, including a squad garage-room for overflow secure evidence storage, SWAT area, animal impound capability and police canine area
• Focus on site security (internal and external) (Police)
• Evidence facility: separate intake for vehicle to bring evidence into a garage. Intake room for initial processing with pass-through lockers. Evidence storage with separate vaults for general property, firearms, narcotics, and cash. Separate ventilation system for narcotics vault.
• Large open concept police lobby with separate interview rooms (hard versus soft interviews). One secure interview room with rear access to detention facility. Access to police conference room from public lobby with separate staff entrance.
• Large open concept squad room with individual workspaces for patrol/CSOs. Sergeant offices on perimeter of squad room.
• On-site training facilities (joint where appropriate)
  • Police training: room for simulator, mat room for use of force, small classroom for instruction
  • Multi-story tower
    • Ability to flow water from fire hoses, activate sprinkler heads, fire alarm systems, stand-pipes, forcible entry, etc.
    • Adjacent open-space for auto extrication
  • Gun range with 4 to 6 lanes
• Community space for public events and meetings
  • Ideally, accessible from lobby without needing to enter access controlled spaces
• Separate spaces for police and fire, yet flexible, shared spaces where appropriate
• Publicly accessible lobby
  • FD History Center space in lobby
    • Place for historic trucks
    • FF memorial area
  • Secured access to FD from lobby
• Fire office area
  • Offices for Chiefs and Fire Marshall (4-6)
  • Open larger flex office space
    • Multiple workstations
    • Supervisor spaces adjacent
• Space for construction plan review with appropriate media and storage to support activity
• Large Training Classroom (50 – 100 people)
  • Sub-dividable
  • Multi-media capable
  • Convert to Emergency Operations Center
  • Adjacent breakout conference space
• Firefighter crew quarters
  • Full-Kitchen and Dining Space
  • Individual Sleeping Rooms (4 to 6)
    • Including Bathroom w/Shower (Open to Jack and Jill Concept)
  • Recreation/Lounge Area
  • Workstation (Study, Office, etc.)
  • Wellness Area
  • Adjacent to or quickly accessible to truck bays
• Firefighter workout space and equipment
• Apparatus Bays
  • Drive-thru truck bays
  • Exhaust Removal System
  • Adjacent FF Turnout Gear Locker Area
    • Includes FF PPE Wash area (extractor and dryer)
  • Adjacent SCBA Fill Station

View the Space Needs Analysis (PDF) for more information.

Please include site survey and commissioning services as a part of your proposal. The city will be procuring geotechnical and hazardous materials testing separately.

The city has done the following community engagement activities:

• Citizen tour group to all city facilities (February 2022)
• Facilities open houses for public to tour facilities and talk to staff (May 2022)
• Booth at Fire and Ice Festival (July 2022)
• Booth at River City Days (July 2022)
• Park Parties hosted in each councilmember’s ward (August 2022)
• Presentation to the Lions Club (September 2022)
• Presentation to the Rotary (November 2022)
• Social Media posts (ongoing)

 These community engagement activities have focused on all of the city facilities (public safety, municipal services building, and city hall/library).

The City is working to make these available now. Please watch the website where we will post if we are able to make them available.

Yes, the schedule requested under item g on page 2 of the RFP, may be integrated into item h on page 3 of the RFP.

The selected consultant would perform the following post-construction services: punchlist, commissioning assistance and record drawings. The city will be responsible for warranty inspections. If there are other suggested post construction services your firm provides, please add alternative options for the City’s consideration.

A Space Needs Analysis was conducted in 2021. That analysis for police and fire can be found on the city’s website.

No, design teams do not need to include cost estimating as part of the services.

The City uses a three-step process for planning review: concept plan, preliminary site plan, and final site plan. More on each of these can be found on the city’s website on the planning page.

The project budget for the public safety facility is $41 million.

The roundabout will provide safer access to Peavey Rd and the new Oak Ridge Commons site, where Costco will be. The roundabout will slow vehicle speeds and reduce the wait time for vehicles entering or exiting Highway 41. The roundabout will also allow for more free-flowing traffic on Highway 41.

A roundabout was chosen because they have fewer opportunities for crashes compared to intersections with traffic lights or stop signs. The shape of a roundabout eliminates high-speed, right-angle, and head-on crashes. It also allows for quicker reaction time because of the low traffic speed. 

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Chaska were part of the planning of the Peavey Rd/Hwy 41 intersection approvements.

Motorists will use the new roundabout to access Peavey Road and the new Oak Ridge Commons site or to continue on Highway 41. Similar to the roundabout at Highway 41/Lyman Blvd north of the project area, motorists will enter the roundabout when there is a gap in traffic. All traffic goes through the roundabout in the same direction. 

The lanes are wide enough to accommodate buses, fire, and other large trucks. The apron in the center of the roundabout is there to help large vehicles move through the roundabout.

Roundabouts typically create less delay than signalized and stop sign controlled intersections. The shortened wait time is most noticeable during non-peak traffic periods. 

A roundabout at this location is anticipated to adequately handle traffic coming to and through the area.

The Peavey Rd/Highway 41 roundabout was built to accommodate a potential future expansion to a 4-lane highway. 

Yes, video will be kept for 7 days unless classified as evidence.

The Police Department will train officers to meet FAA requirements for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots.

The Police Department is required to provide annual flight data to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).