HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-27-2025Hastings Planning Commission
October 27, 2025 - Regular Meeting Agenda
Hastings City Hall - Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.
The Planning Commission of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular
meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hastings City Council
Chambers.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Planning Commissioners Present: Messina, DePalma, Halberg, Moes, Peters,
and Swedin
Planning Commissioners Absent: McGrath
Staff Present:
Community Development Director John Hinzman
City Planner Justin Fortney
2. Approval of Minutes – September 8, 2025 – Regular Meeting.
Chair Messina asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes.
Minutes were approved as presented.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. City of Hastings – Ordinance Amendment #2025-38 – Churches in Ag District.
Hinzman provided an overview of the request to recommend action to amend City
Code Chapter 155.21, subd. D to allow Churches as a Special Use within the
Agriculture Zoning District. Hinzman shared Chapter 155 establishes the Zoning
Ordinance. The Zoning Map subdivides the City into various districts and
establishes allowable uses in each district.
Chair Messina opened the public hearing at: 7:05 p.m.
Paris Pasch, Journey Church, provided background information for the request.
Commissioners asked if the church has considered other existing structures and
the impact to the new zoning code. Pasch indicated that a building with adequate
parking has been difficult to find in existing structures. Hinzman indicated the
changes would be adopted into the zoning code if approved.
Chair Messina closed the public hearing at: 7:09 p.m.
Commission posed questions regarding which zoning districts allow churches.
Hinzman indicated most zoning districts allow churches under a conditional use
permit. Commissioners posed questions regarding previous requests for different
uses of Agricultural zoned properties and any potential impact specifically to the
permanent Agriculture zones in the Comprehensive Plan. Hinzman shared a few
projects recently considered by the Planning Commission. Hinzman noted that the
Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for review within the next few years, and that
properties currently designated for long-term agricultural use may be reconsidered
or reclassified during that process.
Commissioner Halberg motioned to approve Ordinance Amendment #2025-38 –
Churches in Ag District. Seconded by Commissioner Swedin. Vote: Ayes 6; Nays:
0. Motion approved as presented.
OTHER ACTIONS
4. Dakota County – Variances #2025-17 – MRCCA – Mississippi Greenway Trail
Fortney provided an overview of the request to adopt the resolution granting
various requests for proposed improvements to the existing Mississippi River
Greenway Trail, Northwest of Lake Rebecca. The request includes construction of
a hard surfaced trail on certain portion of the trail, construction of a retaining wall
within the bluff impact zone for a purpose other than to correct an established
erosion problem as determined by the City and a request for a two-foot height
variance for the proposed seven-foot-tall retaining wall. Fortney indicated Dakota
Count is responsible for the routing and maintenance of the Mississippi Greenway
Trail system and that the requests are in response to meet accessibility standards
and for improved safety.
Commission discussion on any impact to the land of the properties that back up to
the trail. Fortney indicated property owners may notice a change in vegetation and
fencing. Mike Adams, Dakota County Greenway, shared additional details of the
project and indicated impacts to trees, Dakota County would work directly with the
homeowners to go through an appraisal process. Adams provided additional
details to the changes of the trail as well as improved sightlines. Commissioners
asked how the appraisal could be contested. Adams explained that the
homeowner would need to work directly with Dakota County regarding the appeal
process and shared their communications with property owners. Commissioners
asked questions regarding the erosion and shoreline impacts. Adams indicated
the grading limits encroach into the shoreline area, sharing those areas would be
restored as part of the project.
Jim Kummer, 1364 Eagle Bluff Dr., posed questions regarding whether the project
will impact the existing easements and berming. Adams indicated that the trail is
being moved in a way that no additional easements will be needed and that there
will not be any additions to the berming.
Commissioner Swedin motioned to approve Variances #2025-38 – MRCCA
Mississippi Greenway Trail. Seconded by Commissioner Moes. Vote: Ayes 6;
Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented.
5. Other Business
Hinzman provided a summary of recent City Council actions and future items for
the Planning Commission’s review.
6. Adjourn
Commissioner Moes motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 PM. Seconded by
Commissioner Swedin. Vote: Ayes 6; Nays: 0. Motion approved as presented.
Next Meeting – November 10, 2025
Respectively submitted:
Emily King
Deputy City Clerk