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Home My WebLink About20250902 - 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 Hastings, Minnesota City Council Meeting Minutes September 2, 2025 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 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, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and Vihrachoff Members Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City Attorney Greta Bjerkness Community Development Director John Hinzman Community Development Intern Amelia Thibault Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council regular meeting on August 18, 2025. Minutes were approved as presented. Comments from the Audience Lee Wickboldt, 807 Vermillion Street, Apt 3, spoke about protesters on Vermillion Street. Indicated that he does not believe the First Amendment covers illegal behavior and cited MN Statute 609.72 subd. 1. He noted that Hastings has been a peaceful community and that local law enforcement can do more to uphold the statute. Justin Dunaskiss, Dunaskiss Consulting and Development, addressed Council regarding the local requirement of full license approval prior to local registration and the cap on cannabis retail businesses. He indicated that the local requirement for full license with a retail cap of two puts an additional burden on businesses that plan to build from the ground up. He encouraged Council to change requirement of full license to allowing preliminary approval for registration. He also asked Council to reconsider the retail cap of two registrations. Consent Agenda Councilmember Haus motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Resolution No. 09-01-25: Accept Donation to the Parks and Recreation Department from Fluegel’s Lawn, Garden and Pet Supply 3. Resolution No. 09-02-25: Accept Donation to the Parks and Recreation Department from the East Hastings Improvement Association 4. Resolution No. 09-03-25: Accept Donation to the Police Department from Carl Penttila 5. Resolution No. 09-04-25: Accept Donation to the Police Department from Chuck and Don’s 6. Resolution No. 09-05-25: Accept Donation to the Fire Department from Jean Ellingson 7. Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Public Sale – Fire Department 8. Authorize Signature: Joint Powers Agreement Extension for Hotel Inspections 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 9. Resolution No. 09-06-25: Approve Initial Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retail Registration for House of Wines & Liquor, 1225 Vermillion Street 10. Resolution No. 09-07-25: Authorize Submission of Polling Place Accessibility Grant 11. Approve 2024 – 2026 School Resource Officer and Traffic Control Agent Contract with ISD 200 12. Approve Doffing Trust Disbursement for Library Playaway Audio Books 13. Resolution No. 09-08-25: Approve Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) 14. Memorandum of Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services #462: Posted Overtime – Seniority Bidding 15. 1st Reading: Ordinance Amendment: City Code Chapter 70.09 – Micromobility Vehicles 16. Approve Change Order #1: 2025 Sanitary Sewer Lining Program 17. Resolution No. 09-09-25: Remove Special Assessment from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Cemetery Downtown Parking Study Hinzman thanked Thibault for work as an intern this summer. Thibault provided a summary of the Downtown Parking Study Report as her final responsibility as the Community Development Intern. Thibault provided a map to show the distinct areas for the study. The goal was to continue calculating the average usage of parking spots in the downtown area. Thibault highlighted the changes since the 2024 study. Weekday afternoon parking averaged 36% utilization of downtown spaces, indicating that parking is adequate to meet day-to-day needs and that downtown can accommodate additional commercial and residential development. Council discussion on the Block 4 alley ownership and the reasoning for the change in available spots on Tyler Street. Council expressed appreciation for her contributions as an intern and wished Amelia well in her future. Wietecha clarified that the property previously discussed in relation to the Block 4 alley is owned by Xcel Energy and is not public property. Resolution No. 09-10-25: Approve Preliminary 2026 City Property Tax Levy, Preliminary Budget, and Setting Truth in Taxation Hearing Wietecha presented a brief overview of the Resolution for the Adoption of the Preliminary 2026 City Property Tax Levy, Preliminary Budget, and Setting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing. Wietecha indicated that the proposed levy this year is 8.4% increase, which translates to $162 per year increase. When approved by Council, this sets the cap which Council can either approve in December or reduce. Wietecha provided the status of ongoing revenues and one-time revenue sources. Wietecha demonstrated a strong commitment to the Strategic Plan through the budget priorities for 2026. Council expressed the appreciation of the work that goes into budget proposals by City staff. Council highlighted the meetings with the Finance Committee and City Council Workshops over the past 5 months. Council expressed appreciation for the thoughtfulness and conscientious effort reflected in the recommendations. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Resolution No. 09-11-25: Approve Proposed 2026 HEDRA – HRA Special Tax Levy Wietecha presented the resolution for the proposed 2026 HEDRA – HRA Special Tax Levy Resolution. 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 No Council discussion. Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Authorize Signature: Purchase Agreement to Order Fire Engine for Delivery and Purchase in 2028 Wietecha gave a brief overview of the need to authorize a purchase agreement in advance of the 2028 budget for a fire engine. Fire engines have a three-year lead time and if authorized, the engine will likely be ready by late 2028 or early 2029. This authorization will allow the city to lock in the expense, set a rotation schedule for replacing apparatus, and right-size the fleet. Council discussion on the ladder truck that was ordered two years ago with grant funds. Wietecha indicated delivery of the ladder truck is anticipated within the next year. Council discussed the length of time to produce and the cost of a fire truck. Wietecha indicated the time would be extended if the City were to wait to purchase the truck and that the projected cost increase is 1.75% per quarter. Council emphasized the critical role of the purchase in meeting community needs. Councilmember Haus motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Vihrachoff. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. PFAS Update Wietecha provided the following key updates: • In August, financing for the central WTP was approved through the grant agreement for East Metro 3M Settlement funds of Well #5 at $13.7M and the PFA loan (including 2 emerging contaminants grants) for $10M. • Bid opening for the raw water mains and the central WTP were very competitive. Both contracts were approved August 18, and construction will begin in September. • We have met with our lobbyist and with Rep. Dippel to discuss the status of our project, impact on water rates, and options to pursue legislative assistance in the upcoming session. A similar meeting with Sen. Seeberger is pending. • In late August, the draft legislation reported by the House Appropriations Committee includes $1.1M in Congressionally Directed Spending for the western WTP. This is one step in the process and does not guarantee funding. No Council discussion. Announcements • Summer Rec Programs at Levee Park… o Thursday, September 4, Music & Market with “Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball – Country and Americana.” Supported by the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund. o Friday, September 5, Movies in the Park with “Wonka.” Sponsored by Ardent Mills. Please bring a non-perishable food donation. o Thursday, September 11, Music & Market with “Wren Wilde – Folk Rock.” Supported by the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund. o Tuesday, September 16, Comedy in the Park with Tim Harmston stand-up comedian. Sponsored by SMEAD Manufacturing Company.