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.