HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250317 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
March 17, 2025
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, March 17,
2025, 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 Beck, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, and
Pemble
Members Absent: Councilmember Vihrachoff
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Fire Chief John Townsend
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Paulson
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed staff and
councilmembers to the workshop. Chief Townsend reviewed the earlier discussion with the
Public Safety Committee of Council.
Townsend provided an overview of the results of the Fire Department study by CNH Architects.
One of the NFPA design standards that is part of modern fire departments is creating zones that
address the various health and safety needs of firefighters. Another key design element is space
for fire training as well as addressing physical and mental health needs of firefighters.
Townsend reviewed the existing conditions of the current Fire Station. It was built in 1961and
remodeled in 1994. It is a compact urban design with limited opportunities for expansion on the
current site. Some of the current concerns include the age of the mechanical, electrical systems
as well as the location of the backup generator. There are no carcinogen separation, no exhaust
extraction and the fitness area is currently in the apparatus bay. There are no separate
decontamination showers. These are all standards recommended for modern best practice in the
fire service.
The locker room facilities, kitchen, lounge, laundry, training area, and administration offices are
challenges currently facing the department. Many of the areas are not located contiguous to other
complementary spaces like dining/lounge and kitchen.
Standards of Coverage study from a few years ago recommended a minimum of seven
firefighters on staff—which is where we are currently. If needed in the future, the department
could not expand any further with the existing space nor can it adequately address updated health
and safety standards.