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Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Folch, Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, and Pemble
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Attorney Greta Bjerkness
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council
regular meeting on January 2, 2024.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Comments from the Audience
Tom Bullington, 1585 Tierney Dr, expressed support of the cease fire resolution, outlining the impact
on the Gaza residents. Bullington indicated that the resolution does not take sides and local elected
representatives are the voice of City residents.
Louis Plevell, 1815 14th St W, and Jeff Duvlea, representing VFW Post 1210, spoke about the
proposed lawful gambling amendments. While they had no significant issues with the proposal, they offered
an addition which would allow permit holders to claim two taxes paid by charitable gambling organizations as
part of the trade area expenditure requirement.
Braedyn Bosilovatz, 735 6th St W, spoke in support of the cease fire resolution and called on Council
to adopt the resolution as the most direct and accessible elected officials to city residents.
Terry Lares, 410 6th St. E, spoke on the proposed kennel ordinance amendments, indicating he was at
one time not in compliance. He asked for clarity in the ordinance and referenced the Minneapolis city
ordinance allowing a special permit for multiple animal households. He asked that something like that be
considered to make it easier for residents to foster and have more dogs.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by
Councilmember Leifeld.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. Resolution No. 01-09-24: Accept Donation to the Parks and Recreation Department from the
Karnick Family
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3. Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Public Sale: Facilities
4. Authorize Signature: 2024 Joint Powers Agreement: Shared Solid Waste & Recycling
Coordinator Position
5. Authorize Signature: Statewide Health Improvement Partnership Grant – Joint Powers Agreement
6. 1st Reading: Ordinance Amendment – Kennels
7. 1st Reading: Ordinance Amendment – Lawful Gambling
8. Approve 2023 Pay Equity Report
9. Approve Unpaid Leave of Absence
10. Approve Pay Estimate No. 2 for the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Lining Program – Musson Bros. Inc.
($137,180)
11. Approve Pay Estimate No. 3 for the Civic Arena Refrigeration and Roof Project – Apex Facility
Solutions ($199,500)
12. Budget Amendment: Water Heater for Ice-Resurfacing at Civic Arena
Resolution No. 01-10-24: Adopt 2024 CDBG Budget
Hinzman provided an overview of the request to adopt the resolution authorizing submittal of the
2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget to Dakota County. The estimated funding of
$70,369 would be allocated towards assessment abatement. Hinzman shared the CDBG funding is intended to
fund activities for low and low\moderate income individuals including affordable housing, anti-poverty, and
infrastructure development. Like previous years, CDBG funding would be allocated toward providing
assessment abatement for local public infrastructure projects which would allow qualifying homeowners to
reduce or eliminate their assessment.
No Council discussion.
Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 01-11-24: Authorize Transfer of Industrial Park Properties to HEDRA
Hinzman provided an overview of the request to authorize conveyance of Industrial Park Property to
HEDRA. This would authorize seven vacant properties from the City of Hastings to transfer to the Hastings
Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA). All properties are located within the
Hastings Industrial Park and encompass approximately 30 acres. This would create a more streamlined
process for sale of the property.
Council discussion on the agricultural segment and how future decisions will be made about that
parcel since the request before Council would split the parcel. Hinzman indicated future decisions would be
made by both HEDRA and City Council. Hinzman shared the agricultural land to the North of the agricultural
segment included in the conveyance would still be owned by the City. Hinzman shared the property to the
North is not included in the conveyance because they do not follow logical boundaries because of the location
of the water tower.
Councilmember Lawrence motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
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2024 Bonding
Wietecha provided an overview of the plans to sell general obligation bonds to finance the 2024
Neighborhood Project as well as betterment projects for City Hall and the Hastings Civic Arena. A portion of
the bonds would be repaid through special assessments on benefitting properties. Wietecha indicated Council
will be asked to consider approval of the resolution at the Council meeting on February 20, among other
actions for the bond sale. No action is required at this time.
Council discussion on appreciation for the thorough review and noted that earlier Council action
supported the projects that are included in the funding package.
Resolution No. 01-12-24: Cease Fire and Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
Wietecha provided an overview of the request. On January 5, 2024, the City received a petition and
proposed resolution calling for a cease fire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. The City has typically prioritized
legislative topics of direct City interest, but the Council in its discretion may choose to take up a broader
policy topic such as this.
Council discussion on appreciation for community members who spoke during public comment to
hold councilmembers accountable and support of the resolution demonstrating care for those outside our
community.
Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Announcements
• Councilmember Folch announced her intent to resign as councilmember effective March 11, 2024.
Councilmember Folch expressed her passion for and honor in serving Ward 1 for nearly two terms.
• This Saturday, January 20, the Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce present the
Hastings Yeti Ice Sculpture Celebration. And we’ll have guided tours of historic City Hall Tours.
• A park naturalist will lead participants on Snowshoe Guided Hike on Sunday, January 21. There is no
cost, but pre-registration is required. Snowshoes and instruction provided. This is a partnership with
Dakota County Parks.
• Dakota County will hold a County Road 42 Pedestrian Study Open House on Tuesday, January 23, 5-7
pm at Hastings YMCA. The County also intends to provide project information and online survey on the
County website.
• The Hastings Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the Community with presentations by
the City and School District. On Wednesday, February 7.
• Recycle your old lights with the Hastings Holiday Lights Drop Off Collection. Residents can drop-off
their unwanted light strands at the Joint Maintenance Facility, 920 – 10th Street West, through January 31.
• Happy Birthday to City Administrator, Dan Wietecha!
Meetings
• Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
• Planning Committee Meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. – Cancelled