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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250121 - 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 January 21, 2025 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 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 Beck, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and Vihrachoff Members Absent: Councilmember Haus Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City 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 workshop and regular meeting on January 6, 2025. Minutes were approved as presented. Council Items to be Considered Councilmember Leifeld motioned to add discussion of City Code Chapter 112, regarding Tobacco Regulations to the Public Safety portion of the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Consent Agenda Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Vihrachoff. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Resolution No. 01-10-25: Accept Donation from Janice Baldwin Weber to the Fire Department 3. Resolution No. 01-11-25: Cannabis Product Retail License Renewals for Existing Lower- Potency Hemp Edible Licensees 4. Resolution No. 01-12-25: Approve Temporary Gambling Permit for Hastings Knights of Columbus Council 1600 5. Approve Strategic Plan: Quarterly Report, 4th Quarter 2024 6. Appoint Arts & Culture Commissioner – McNeally 7. Resolution No. 01-13-25: Approve New Partnership Request to Existing Liquor License for Cooper’s Pub 55, Inc. dba Cooper’s Pub 55 8. Resolution No. 01-14-25: Approve Final Payment – 2024 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements ($161,038.83) to A-1 Excavating LLC 9. Resolution No. 01-15-25: Approve Final Payment – 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitations ($17,882.75) to Musson Brothers Inc 10. Resolution No. 01-16-25: Approve Detour Agreement No. 1058371 – Highway 55 Traffic Signal Replacements Project S.P. 1910-57, Pleasant Drive and Westview Drive Intersections 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 11. Approve Supplemental Engineering Support Services 12. Resolution No. 01-17-25: Approve Mighty Ducks Grant Program 13. Authorize Signature: Approve JPA to Provide Solid Waste and Recycling Coordination Services Authorize Signature of the MPCA Grant Agreement for Land Acquisition at 1292 North Frontage Road Wietecha provided an overview of the request to consider the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Grant Agreement for Land Acquisition at 1292 North Frontage Road. Wietecha reviewed background on the site and shared the City signed a purchase agreement dated November 20, 2024, with the owner to acquire the property at this location. Wietecha reviewed the plan to assist the two tenants in the building with relocation services. The grant agreement puts the City in position to get reimbursed for the purchase price and tenant relocation expenses specific to the site. The City is concurrently completing a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for due diligence in advance of closing on the property, with results expected in early February 2025. Wietecha indicated the MPCA will reimburse the City for the purchase price of $1,025,000, as documented in the purchase agreement, in addition to the relocation fees and services estimated at $415,000 subject to reasonable and necessary expenditures. The total obligation of the Grant Agreement will not exceed $1,440,500, unless amended. Council discussion on appreciation for the community input in water treatment plant placement in the City. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Resolution No. 01-18-25: Site Plan – National Guard Armory – Parking Lot and Stormwater (3050 Red Wing Blvd.) Hinzman provided an overview of the request to adopt the resolution granting Site Plan approval to Winberg Companies on behalf of the State of Minnesota to construct 106 new parking stalls and construct stormwater basins at the National Guard Armory located at 3050 Red Wing Blvd. Hinzman reviewed background information of the site, indicating there are no changes proposed to the building. Hinzman reviewed Planning Commission discussion and recommendations. Council discussion on clarifying level of activity at the location and the need to update the parking lot. Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Authorize Signature: Permanent Stormwater Easement – National Guard Armory (3050 Red Wing Blvd.) Hinzman provided an overview of the request to authorize signature of the Permanent Stormwater Easement between the City and the Hastings National Guard. The easement allows the Hastings National Guard Armory site to use a 30’ X 30’ portion of the adjacent City-owned property in conjunction with a stormwater pipe connection. The easement request is in conjunction with a separate Site Plan application. 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 No Council discussion. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. 2024 Community Development Annual Report Hinzman provided a summary of the 2024 Annual Report highlighting construction, planning, and economic development activities. Council expressed appreciation for the depth and breadth of the report to understand the work of the Community Development department. Council posed questions on how a business opens in the City. Hinzman indicated there are a few scenarios, sharing he connects the business owner with the Open to Business program if they need assistance. Hinzman shared the permitted uses within the zoning ordinance is very generalized and does not regulate the number of a certain type of entity. Council posed questions regarding the statistical decline in new townhome development. Hinzman indicated he posed similar questions to land developers and received responses that land prices in Hastings are less expensive than in other Cities. Hinzman shared most consumers prefer to not have adjoining walls, which has driven growth in villa homes. Council encouraged connection with the Building Department and Community Development Department to provide support to new businesses. Council posed questions on the overall process for block development as the City owns most of Block 28. Hinzman indicated staff is informally meeting with developers that specialize in mixed use projects. Hinzman shared HEDRA and Council would review proposals and enter a development agreement to secure the site and provide for the development to take place. Chapter 112 – Tobacco Regulations Councilmember Leifeld requested that this topic be added to the agenda for this meeting. Upon Council support to add, Leifeld indicated an interest in a conversation that may be directed to the Public Safety Committee (Leifeld, Lawrence, Vihrachoff). The conversation was sparked by discussion on social media, regarding the number of tobacco shops within the City. State law does not limit tobacco licenses within a municipality. Council expressed general support of further discussion at the committee. Council clarified they do not discourage businesses from operating within the City but want to be mindful of Council’s role in shaping the City. Wietecha provided clarification of the variety of liquor license types as certain types do not apply to the state law limitations. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to refer topics for discussion to the Public Safety Committee, seconded by Councilmember Vihrachoff. 5 Ayes, 1 Nay (Pemble) Announcements • 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. • The Hastings Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the Community with presentations by the City and School District. On Wednesday, February 5.