Asked to step down, Shakopee city administrator will

Shakopee's city administrator will leave his post this month after nearly 20 years, following a City Council request for his resignation.

Mark McNeill, who joined the city's staff in 1996, will continue his work until Dec. 16. At that point, the council is expected to consider a separation agreement and name an interim administrator.

The council's request for McNeill's resignation came after an annual closed-session performance review on Tuesday.

"We really appreciate his service to the city of Shakopee and we have, as council, chosen to take leadership in a different direction than it has been going," said Mayor Brad Tabke.

Few details were available Wednesday as to why McNeill's resignation was requested and what the separation agreement will include. McNeill said he learned of the council's decision during the Tuesday night meeting, but "had had some advance notice."

"Once we get through the entire agreement and it's been accepted by council, then we'll be able to talk more about it," Tabke said.

City administrators and managers are appointed by the councils they serve and are responsible for overseeing day-to-day city operations. In 2014, McNeill's salary was $131,064.

City administrators in Scott County have typically been in it for the long haul. Savage's Barry Stock and Prior Lake's Frank Boyles have both in their positions since the 1990s.

McNeill, who has more than three decades of city government experience, came to Shakopee by way of city administrator positions in Savage and Mason City, Iowa. In March 2013, he was one of three finalists for the city manager position in Burnsville.

McNeill said Wednesday that he plans to look for another position.

"It is a great community, and I've really enjoyed my time here. We've done some wonderful things," he said. "But the council's looking to go in a different direction, and I respect that."

Emma Nelson • 952-746-3287