HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240617 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
June 17, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, June 17,
2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and
Vihrachoff
Members Absent: Councilmember Fox
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller
Assistant Finance Manager Ashley DeBernardi
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed councilmembers and
staff, indicating that this is the second Council workshop to discuss the 2025 budget. Wietecha
reviewed the first meeting, which gave the presentation on foundational information. The second
workshop was scheduled to finish presentation materials and offer additional time for discussion.
Wietecha reviewed the projections for the water fees in the coming decade if the City is fully
responsible for the cost of PFAS mitigation. Wietecha then presented projections for levy
(maintaining services, without 2025 tax capacity information) and water rates (building treatment
facilities).
Council discussion on understanding the projections, projects, and impact on residents.
Discussion on the possibility to access treated water for all residents following the construction
of the first treatment plant.
Wietecha reviewed the funding options that may help reduce the financial burden on city
residents and when we might hear about the decisions. Discussion on potential future access to
3M Settlement funds. He explained that funds are also being sought for other projects and
commitments that may help alleviate the burden on the City. The City may also be able to scale
back the project to delay nitrate filtration installation.
Communication and transparency will continue to be an important tool in addressing PFAS
mitigation and the budget for the coming years. It may be helpful to include water rates from
other cities in Dakota County for comparison. Continue communication out to residents about
timing of Water Treatment construction project. Continue the message that the City did not cause
the problem but that the City has been working very hard to address the issue. Continue to refer
to resources from the experts and consult the City’s website. Help residents understand what
portion of utility bill would be affected by the increase in water rates.
Council discussed the delay construction of Water Treatment Plant #1 until early 2025. While all
are anxious to get the project started, pausing until February 2025 for the bid process allows for
possible decisions on recent funding applications, potential increases to water rates continue as
part of the overall budget discussion for January implementation, and offers more time for
communication and transparency with residents. Delay will not add much time to completion
since construction would pause during winter months. Council supported delaying bid process to
February 2025.
Council discussed low/no cost options for temporary treatment. The City will continue
providing information for residents to help with individual decisions about in-home filtration
options. Discussion about using Plant #1 when built and access state contract pricing for
residents. While the City can gain access to state contract pricing, water is available at or lower
than that price locally. There may be interest on the part of non-profit partners to assist with
fund-raising/distribution program to provide filters to low-income families, if desired.
Within the budget process, Wietecha indicated that staff will propose cuts/delays as part of their
budget requests. Council discussed a continuing need to attract and retain employees and
maintain a level of public safety. We still have a City to run and delays of some projects may
cause more issues. Council was also concerned about services “not going backward” while water
rates and taxes increase. Council expressed support for the Fire Department, awaiting results of
the space needs study.
ADJOURNMENT
Workshop adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk