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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241202 - CC MinutesCity Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy Hastings, Minnesota City Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2024 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 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 Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and Vihrachoff Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City Attorney Kori Land Community Development Director John Hinzman Public Works Director Ryan Stempski Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller Promotions Cody Mathisen New Employees Mitchell Giles Terry Kuhn Brandon Kucharski Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council workshop and regular meeting on November 18, 2024. Minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Approve Community Waste Abatement 2025 Grant Agreement 3. Approve ATV Permit Request from Chase Brown 4. Approve Special Event Designation – Holiday Train 5. Authorize Signature: Water Tower Antenna Lease Agreement for Renewal of Terms – T- Mobile 4th Street West Water Tower 6. 2nd Reading and Adopt Ordinance: Amend City Code Chapter 30 – Arts & Culture Commission 7. Resolution No. 12-01-24: Benefit Level for Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan 8. Resolution No. 12-02-24: Accept Donation from Hastings Knights of Columbus to the Police Department 9. Resolution No. 12-03-24: Accept Donation from Hastings Rivertown Lions Club to the City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy Police Department 10. Authorize Signature: JPA with Dakota County Drug Task Force for Administrative Staff Services 11. Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Sale, Donation or Disposal – Fire Department Resolution No. 12-04-24: Receive Bids and Award Contract: Industrial Park Water Tower Reconditioning Stempski presented an overview of the request to adopt a resolution to award a contract for the Industrial Park Water Tower Reconditioning. Stempski reviewed seven bids received for the project. The low bid from TanksCo, Inc. came in 11% under the engineer’s estimate which was $1,300,000. KLM Engineering (the City’s Water Tower Consultant) stated the bid amounts were competitive due to bidding the project early. Stempski indicated the City’s prevailing wage policy did not apply to this unique project; therefore, labor and overhead were left to the competitive market. Stempski shared staff recommendation to adopt the resolution awarding the contract to TanksCo, Inc. in the base bid amount of $1,153,500.00. Council discussion on how long the reconditioning process takes. Stempski indicated that the project would take about three (3) months to complete. Some of the prep work has already begun as wireless components must be relocated for the project. Councilmember Haus motioned to approve with consensus changes, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation for 2025 Budget Eitemiller presented the Truth in Taxation information as a requirement for adoption of the 2025 Budget. Eitemiller noted that this presentation is not to address valuation of property as he has received some calls and has redirected questions to Dakota County. He presented the budget principles, the budget process, capital improvement and capital equipment priorities, bonding projects (neighborhood street project and the first water treatment plant), utilities rates/capital items, and carryover projects. Additionally, he identified the changes in the budget since initial proposal as well as a review of what is in the budget for 2025. Eitemiller presented the preliminary tax impact of the proposed levy and a comparison to other Dakota County residential and commercial tax changes. He also reviewed the HEDRA levy. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at: 7:37 p.m. Bernie Willhite, Cottage Grove resident, accompanied by his mother who lives in Hastings. He posed a question about the impact of Commercial building on taxes for residents. Mayor Fasbender closed the public hearing at: 7:39 p.m. Council discussed the depth of conversation and intricacies that go into budget decisions. Council provided insight into the lengthy budget process and how it offers a better understanding of how things work and what it costs to run a City. Council discussed the complexity of the work that goes into the budget process and expressed appreciation to Finance Department staff and Department Heads for the work put into the budget. City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy Councilmember Vihrachoff motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. 2nd Reading: Amend City Code Chapters 34.03, 95.98, 117, and 155 – Cannabis Regulations Attorney Land presented the final reading of the proposed ordinance amendments regarding Cannabis Regulations. Land reviewed previous discussion regarding zoning districts, retail use and the anticipated license approval process from the Office of Cannabis Management, including the city registration process. There will also be a permit application and fee for special event organizer. The zoning ordinance addresses the various uses for a particular parcel. The uses include adult lower-potency, adults cannabis retail (dispensary), manufacturing/processing/warehousing, and cultivation. Land reviewed the proposed odor ordinance, which is not specific to the Cannabis ordinance, but complementary and would apply to any business in the city. Council discussion on appreciation to Attorney Land, the Commissions and Committees that contributed to the review of the proposed ordinances. Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Resolution No. 12-05-24: Minor Subdivision – 1915 Eddy Street Hinzman provided an overview of the request to divide the parcel at 1915 Eddy Street into two separate lots. The applicant is proposing to split the vacant lot for the construction of a twin home. Both homes are proposed to be at grade entry level, handicap accessible, slab on grade and roughly 1,000 – 1,200 sq ft each. Splitting the lot will allow the units to be sold separately as opposed to the construction of a duplex on one lot. Hinzman reviewed Planning Commission recommendations, sewer and park dedication fees, and public comments. No Council discussion. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. PFAS Update Wietecha presented the PFAS Update with no significant changes since the last report, but this agenda item keeps the topic in front of residents. Wietecha indicated an intent to seek state capital bonding funds this week, with Council support. Submitted to State’s Project Priority List, while not preferred, a loan through the state may offer some cost savings. Possible $6 million in emerging contaminants grants--$3M each for the Eastern and Central plants. The proposed water rate increase is phased 10% January 1 and 4-12% (estimated) July 1 of 2025, rather than the original 37% anticipated. This is due to recent eligibility for 3M settlement for some of the central water treatment plant. At the November 18 meeting, the City Council approved a purchase agreement for 1292 North Frontage Road property as the site for the central WTP. The city continues work with Mn Pollution Control Agency for environmental investigations to determine additional connections to other city wells. No Council discussion. City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy Resolution No. 12-06-24: Application for State Bonding Bill for Eastern WTP Wietecha provided an overview of the request to approve a resolution for application for State bonding request for the eastern Water Treatment Plant (WTP 1) for PFAS and Nitrates removal. Wietecha reviewed committee discussion and the amount requested through state bonding. Wietecha indicated we have applications for Congressionally Directed Spending and Emerging Contaminants Grant pending toward this project and that we will also continue to seek connection for 3M Settlement eligibility. No Council discussion. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. 2025 Budget a. Resolution No. 12-07-24: Approve 2025 Final Budget and Final Levy Councilmember Vihrachoff motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. b. Resolution No. 12-08-24: Approve the 2025 Special Levy (HEDRA) Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. c. Resolution No. 12-09-24: Approve 2025-2029 Capital Improvement and Capital Equipment Plans Councilmember Vihrachoff motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. d. 1st Reading: Amend City Code Chapter 34: Fees Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Announcements • The Hastings Prescott Arts Council’s annual gala and silent auction is Sunday, December 8. You can attend in-person or online. Silent auction is currently open. • Enjoy CPKC Holiday Train and free holiday concert by The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy on Tuesday, December 10. Please bring food or monetary donation for Hastings Family Service. • Hastings Police Department and City Hall are drop-off locations for Police Lights of Christmas Toy Drive. Please bring new, unwrapped toys by December 6. • City Offices will be closed from 11 to 1 on Thursday, December 12, for the City employee holiday party and staff recognition. City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy • 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, during the holiday season from November 15 to January 31. • Happy Birthday, Mayor Fasbender on December 7. Meetings • Operations Committee Meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. • Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Cancelled • Arts & Culture Commission Meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. • Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Cancelled • HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. • City Council Meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Pemble motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence. Ayes 7; Nays 0. ___________________________ ____________________________ Kelly Murtagh, City Clerk Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor