HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231002 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
October 2, 2023
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, October
2, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Volunteer Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Folch, Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:35 pm and welcomed councilmembers and
staff. Wietecha indicated that the League of MN Cities generally puts together a list of legislative
priorities and the City of Hastings has generally endorsed the priorities. Wietecha invited
conversation about the legislative priorities, specifically as they pertain to the City.
Council discussion on some of the priorities that are top of mind: PFAS, affordable housing,
Hwy 61 funding, maintaining local authority, LGA advocacy, and ambulance reimbursement.
Council discussion on approaches by other cities in identifying and supporting legislative
priorities, while personalizing it to the city and departments. The city could develop a document
to similarly advocate for state and local priorities, crafting the Hastings story that goes with it.
Council discussion on the full list of legislative items just released on the website for review until
October 27. Discussion on whether a response to the legislative list be assembled to represent the
full council or whether each councilmember can respond on their own. It is recommended that
each councilmember respond on their own.
Council discussion on an approach to the document be taking the strategic priorities and then
connecting them to the LMC legislative priorities. LMC typically puts together a one-pager to
illustrate the top legislative priorities and this, along with a city-produced document, could be
good tools for talking points with legislators. Councilmembers need to heavily advocate for the
City’s projects by emphasizing our specific needs.
Council discussion on a “Hastings Day at the Capital” in past years. In 2024, March 18 is slated
as the advocacy day at the Capital.
Council discussion on how to proceed in determining the City’s legislative priorities by
submitting priorities to Dan, who will collate and return to Council for review. Discussion on
the order of state bonding priorities: arena project, city hall dome project, PFAS, and Hwy 61.