HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250804 - 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
August 4, 2025
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025
at 7:00 p.m.in the Council Chambers at Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Beck,Haus, Leifeld, Pemble, and Vihrachoff
Members Absent:Councilmember Lawrence
Staff Present:City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
City Attorney Greta Bjerkness
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Police Chief David Wilske
Community Development Intern Amelia Thibault
Proclamation: International Overdose & Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City
Council regular meeting on July 21,2025.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Comments from the Audience
David Ramirez, 1913 2nd St, has a building downtown he hopes to use as a dispensary. He
indicated that it would bring in a lot of revenue to the downtown area and would be an asset to the
community. As a business owner, he gives 5% of daily earnings to the community groups in Hastings and
is willing to continue to contribute to the community. He notes that businesses from out of state will not
give to the community and take the earnings out of state.
Mark Gelhar, Commander at VFW, provided an obituary of Lt. Gen. Edward John Heinz. The
VFW has a committee that is working to provide recognition to him in the city.
Zach Rohr, 2141 Westpoint Drive, owner of Minny Grown based in Cannon Falls. Spoke on
behalf of the cannabis industry, wanting it to be the strongest and a model. Spoke to increase the cap on
retail cannabis stores in the city. Spoke to the current process that requires waiting until the full licensing
process is completed with the state. Indicated that to be a leader and meet the wishes of the community,
no cap on retail cannabis business is needed.
Mike Cordes, Patios and More Landscaping Services, vouched for David Ramirez. He indicated
that having respected leaders and business owners helps keep product under control and provide safer
product.
Tom Walt, 1306 20th Street W., described a growing problem in the city of e-bike speeds and
riding on sidewalks. What are the ordinances in the city for where they are supposed to be and getting the
information out to residents. Need a stronger public campaign with information.
Cindy Tobias, Emergency medical dispatcher, indicating support for David Ramirez, speaking to
his character as a business owner.
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
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by
Councilmember Leifeld.
6 Ayes, 0 Nays
1.Pay Bills as Audited
2.Resolution No. 08-01-25: Accept Donation to the Police Department for National Night Out
3.Approve Mutual Aid Agreement with Prescott Area Fire and EMS Association
4.Resolution No. 08-02-25: Approve One-Day Temporary Gambling Permit and Temporary
On-Sale Liquor License for the Hastings Firefighters Foundation
5.Resolution No. 08-03-25: Approve New Massage Therapist License for Kristina Cariveau
6.2nd Reading/Adopt Ordinance: City Code Chapter 34.03 –Fee Schedule –Electrical Fees
7.2nd Reading/Adopt Ordinance: City Code Chapter 34.03 –Fee Schedule –Civic Arena Ice
Rental
8.Authorize Signature: Electrical Services Agreement –Kletschka Inspections
9.Resolution No. 08-04-25: Reauthorize Final Plat Approval -Heritage Ridge 4th Addition
10.Resolution No. 08-05-25: Reauthorize Site Plan Approval –Suite Living
11.Accept Proposal and Authorize Work –2026-2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure
Improvements Geotechnical Investigation
12.Accept Proposal and Authorize Work –2026-2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure
Improvements Special Benefit Analysis
13.Resolution No. 08-06-25: Adopt-a-Street Program Guidelines & Authorize Hastings
Environmental Protectors (HEP) to Adopt a Portion of 10th Street East
14.Resolution No. 08-07-25: Mighty Ducks Grant Program
Authorize Signature: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Grant Agreement –Central Water
Treatment Plant
Stempski introduced the request to authorize signature of the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency grant agreement for the Central Water Treatment Plant at 1290 North Frontage Rd. The Central
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is designed to remove PFAS form Well 3, 5, and 7. The City qualifies for
funding from the East Metro 3M Settlement Funds to remove PFAS from Well 5. If Well 3 and 7 become
Settlement-eligible, the Grant Agreement may be amended to account for those costs deemed eligible.
The MPCA will reimburse 59% of each construction invoice for the Central Water Treatment Plant. This
also includes approximately 90% reimbursement of the construction services to support the project. The
total obligation of the Grant Agreement will not exceed $13,686,726.26, unless amended. Stempski
reviewed the timeline and tasks over the next two months.
No Council discussion.
Councilmember Haus motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember
Vihrachoff.
6 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 08-08-25: Modify Parking Restrictions on 2nd Street East under TH-61 River
Bridge
Stempski provided an overview of the request to approve modifications to the parking restrictions
on a portion of 2nd Street East beneath the TH-61 Bridge. Staff has received multiple concerns regarding
pedestrian safety at the crosswalk just East of the TH-61 overpass on 2nd Street East. Staff conducted a
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
preliminary safety analysis and determined that visibility would be significantly improved by removing
all parking on the South side (4 stalls), and the 2 Easternmost stalls on the North side of the block. The
Operations Committee of Council discussed the topic and recommended an alternative solution to allow
motorcycle-only parking on the South side.
Council discussion on recognizing that parking spots Downtown are at a premium and the
proposed motorcycle parking is a positive response to some of the concerns raised. Council expressed
appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the solution.
Councilmember Haus motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld.
6 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 08-09-25: Special Use Permit –Retail Cannabis –Leonard McQuen (1304
Vermillion St)
Thibault provided an overview of the Special Use permit request by Leonard McQuen. The
Planning Commission reviewed the application. The Planning Commission recommended approval of
this SUP. Thibault indicated that since the Planning Commission meeting it has been discovered that the
location is within 500’ of a residential treatment facility and staff is no longer recommending approval as
it is not in compliance with ordinance.
No Council discussion.
Councilmember Pemble motioned to deny the request, seconded by Councilmember Beck.
6 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 08-10-25: Special Use Permit –Retail Cannabis –Steve Anevski (2324 Vermillion
St)
Thibault provided an overview of the Special Use permit request by Steve Anevski. The Planning
Commission reviewed the application. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this SUP.
Thibault reiterated issuance of a Special Use Permit does not guarantee right to operate.
Council discussion on the TH 61 reconstruction project and the potential impact to access and
parking to the location. Thibault indicated the area would be impacted during reconstruction but the future
impact on the intersection itself is uncertain at the moment. Council confirmed the request meets current
zoning requirements.
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble.
6 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Micromobility Recommendations
Wilske introduced the request to accept ordinance amendment recommendations to City Code
Chapter 70.09 regarding Micromobility Vehicles as provided by the Public Safety Advisory Commission
(PSAC). The PSAC was requested to review the ordinance. The PSAC also reviewed ordinances in
neighboring jurisdictions and statutory language and provided recommendations to amend the ordinance.
These recommendations include updated definitions, reference state statute governing motorized foot
scooters, and some operational restrictions.
Council discussion on why an ordinance might be needed rather than relying on parental
influence. Wilske indicated that there is an increase in the use of micromobility devices and there are
increasing numbers of incidents in the City. Wilske indicated the department’s focus has been on
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
educating residents of the law. Council emphasized continued educational efforts about the laws,
ordinances and safety as well as suggesting a partnership with the schools. Council expressed
appreciation of the work by PSAC.
Cannabis Retail Registrations
Murtaugh provided an overview of the request to approve recommendations about amended
Statute regarding preliminary license approval and retail registration cap interpretation. In the last
legislative session, statutory language was amended to allow for preliminary licenses and requiring
municipalities to complete local registration for retail cannabis businesses that have had the Office of
Cannabis Management (OCM) approval of either preliminary license or a license. Murtaugh explained
staff interpretation of statute and the OCM’s interpretation. Council is asked to consider the
recommendations and provide guidance to staff.
Council discussion regarding the commitment to residents with ordinance decisions that have
already been passed. Attorney Bjerkness added interpretations of statute can differ significantly. Council
expressed the desire to be business friendly but also recognized there would continue to be changes as the
OCM started their licensing process. Council discussed the different components set within ordinance.
Murtaugh shared there are two areas of our ordinance that support cannabis businesses: zoning which
determines location and allowable special uses, which works in conjunction with the business registration.
Bjerkness referenced city ordinances established to guide businesses, noting that if all requirements are
met, the recommendation is to approve the special use applications. Council discussion on the cap on
retail, from one as the starting place originally chosen to the interest in no cap on retail businesses.
Council posed questions regarding any legal risks. Discussion on the buffer zones and distancing from
other cannabis businesses. Bjerkness provided insights on the potential legal risks should the Council
choose interpretation different than staff recommendations.
Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve increasing the retail registration cap to two (2) as
presented, seconded by Councilmember Beck.
5 Ayes, 1 Nay (Leifeld).
Council discussion about accepting the preliminary license approval with a proposal to hold a
workshop for Council to discuss this and continued discussion on the cap. City Attorney Bjerkness noted
that the interpretations of statutory language add complexity to the issue with one interpretation being that
cities may choose preliminary approval or license when issuing a registration. The other interpretation is
that the city must issue a registration to anyone who has either. The Council discussed concerns about
altering requirements for individuals already engaged in the state licensing process, while also
acknowledging that further changes to the statute are likely in future legislative sessions.
PFAS Update
Wietecha provided the following key updates:
•The central WTP was bid in June-July as two projects: the raw water main connecting
Well #7 and the WTP itself. Construction is expected to start construction in early
September.
•The grant agreement for the Settlement funds for the construction costs allocated to Well
#5 is on the August 4 agenda, approximately $13.7M.
•The PFA loan agreement, including the two Emerging Contaminants grants, is expected
on the August 18 agenda, approximately $10M.
•Bid opening for the raw water mains and the central WTP itself were very competitive.
Both will be on the City Council’s August 18 agenda to award contracts after the project
financing has been approved.
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
•At present, budget planning estimates a 37.2% water rate increase for 2026. This could
change during budget planning depending on state or federal assistance, construction bids
for the central WTP, and the construction schedule.
No Council discussion.
Announcements
•National Night Out is an annual community-building event. Please join us Tuesday, August 5, at
Lions Park or at local neighborhood gatherings.
•Rec + Art + Police is Wednesday, August 6, from 1 to 2 pm at Conzemius Park with obstacle
course and nature bouquet activities. Supported by SC Toys, Country Financial, Hastings Lions
Club, Hastings Family Service, Community Ed, and Hastings Prescott Arts Council.
•Summer Rec Programs at Levee Park…
o Thursday, August 7, Music & Market with “70’s Magic Sunshine –Tribute to 1970’s.”
Supported by the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund.
o Friday, August 8, Movies in the Park with “Inside Out 2.” Sponsored by Ardent Mills.
Please bring a non-perishable food donation.
•Hastings’ 5th Annual Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day is August 21, presented
by the Devin J. Norring Foundation in collaboration with United Way of Hastings and Our
Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
Meetings
•Arts & Culture Commission Special Meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
•Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, August 11,2025 at 7:00 p.m.
•Arts & Culture Commission Meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
•HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
•City Council Meeting on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Councilmember Pemble motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 PM, seconded by
Councilmember Haus.
Ayes 6,Nays 0.
____________________________________________________
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor