HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241118 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
November 18, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday,
November 18, 2024, 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 Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble, Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:34 pm and welcomed councilmembers and
staff. Wietecha reminded Councilmembers that the League of MN Cities generally puts together
a list of legislative priorities. Last year, the City put together a one-pager of legislative priorities
identified by Council. Wietecha invited conversation about the legislative priorities, specifically
as they pertain to the City. Wietecha showed the one-pager developed last year and has noted
other priorities that may have been discussed over the past few months.
Council discussion on the clean and safe drinking water remaining the top priority. Council
discussion on the work of the current lobbyist and its potential positive impact on obtaining state
funding through bonding. With a compressed construction timeframe because of the shift to
building Plant #2 before #1, the timing and amount of bonding requests for state dollars may be
impacted. Council discussion and consensus on focusing the next request for bonding dollars on
the needs for Plant #1, understanding that Plant #2 has a portion of the funding through the 3M
settlement. Council discussion on the potential to delay nitrate treatment in Plants #2 and #3,
constructing for future inclusion of nitrate treatment.
Another priority is in local engagement and decision making as it pertains to comprehensive
planning and development.
Council discussion on Cannabis tax revenue based on product sales rather than the number of
retailers. Discussion opposing proposals that would diminish local control.
LCCMR extension is a high priority as the spring weather conditions may inhibit completion of
the grand-funded city project. Wietecha indicated that the DNR may include an extension in
their bill, which includes other items. Holding on signing contracts may alleviate risk for the city.
Local option sales and use tax is a high priority in terms of being able to support a fire station
and address regional parks projects. General consensus around this topic.
Support requiring license/permit for operation of e-bikes, but mixed discussion on the
requirement for helmets. Support for consistency for enforcement of alcohol offenses on e-
bikes.
Council discussion about state funding sunsetting for Narcan and general support about
continuing funding.
Council discussion on the paused Wastewater Treatment Plant and interest in encouraging
MCES to decide whether to send wastewater to Empire. General agreement on this topic as it
can impact other projects in the city.
The three topics related to Wildlife management areas attracted interest of councilmembers but
the proposed actions may not address current concerns from residents. These proposals are aimed
at addressing future DNR acquisitions: opposing DNR restrictions on adjacent land uses; DNR
acquiring enough land to accommodate buffer zones; giving notice to cities to appeal proposed
WMA land acquisition within the city.
A final compilation of the identified priorities will be brought to a future Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Workshop adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk