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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.