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Home My WebLink About20260105 - 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 January 5, 2026 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026 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 Public Works Director Ryan Stempski Proclamation: Pastor Jim Bzoskie Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council regular meeting on December 15,2025. Minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays 1.Pay Bills as Audited 2.Pay Bills as Audited 3.Resolution No. 01-01-26: Accept Donation from Jeffrey and Stephanie Anderson to the Fire Department 4.Resolution No. 01-02-26: Accept Donation to LeDuc Historic Estate 5.Resolution No. 01-03-26: Approve Electric Funds Transfer Transactions 6.Resolution No. 01-04-26: Approve Annual Banking Depository 7.Resolution No. 01-05-26: Authorize Designee Signatures for Purposes of Banking Transactions 8.Resolution No. 01-06-26: Designate Official Newspaper 9.Resolution No. 01-07-26: New Massage Therapy Establishment License for Mindful Motion Pilates, Wellness and Ayurveda 10.Resolution No. 01-08-26: Commercial Waste Hauler License Renewal for Keith Krupenny & Son Disposal Service, Inc. dba Remackel Roll-Off Services 11.Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Public Sale –Police Department 12.Approve 2026 Services Agreement with Blue Peak Consulting 13.Approve 2026-2028 Labor Agreement with International Association of Firefighters Union, Local 5113 (Firefighters) 14.Approve Pay Estimate No. 3 for Central WTP Raw Watermain Project –A1 Excavating LLC ($128,051.86) 15.2026 Legislative Priorities 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 Hydroelectric Plant Authorize Signature: Letter of Intent Resolution No. 01-09-26: Disposal and Sale of the Hydroelectric Plant Stempski provided an overview of the request to authorize signature of the letter of intent and consider the resolution regarding the disposal and sale of the Hydroelectric Plant. J.F. Brennan Company, Inc., a marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediation, dam construction and related services, has submitted a Letter of Intent to acquire the City’s Hydroelectric Plant. Under the proposed terms, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. would purchase the facility for $1 as-is and assume full ownership and maintenance responsibilities.The City would provide administrative and regulatory transition assistance for one year following closing. J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. will have a 60-day due diligence period after execution of the Letter of Intent to complete the sale. If J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. sells the plant to an unrelated third party within five years, a declining percentage of net sale proceeds would be paid to the City. The attached resolution supports the disposal and sale, citing projected negative cash flow exceeding $14 million over the next 25 years and compliance with Section 7.04 of the City Charter. No Council discussion. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. Resolution No. 01-10-26: Approve 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Budget Hinzman provided an overview of the request to adopt the resolution authorizing submittal of the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget to Dakota County. The estimated funding of $43,993 would be allocated towards assessment abatement. Hinzman shared the CDBG funding is intended to fund activities for low and low\moderate income individuals including affordable housing, anti-poverty, and infrastructure development. Like previous years,CDBG funding would be allocated toward providing assessment abatement for local public infrastructure projects which would allow qualifying homeowners to reduce or eliminate their assessment. Council discussion on the change, if any, from prior years. Hinzman indicated that the budget amount varies by a few thousand dollars. Council discussion on the source of the funds, how the funds are obtained, and who might be eligible to receive a grant. Hinzman indicated that the funds came from the Federal government which are then distributed to Counties, which then are distributed to Cities. Council discussed how those affected might learn they are eligible. Hinzman indicated the information is shared at the open house meetings for the Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements Project. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays. PFAS Update Wietecha provided the following key updates: 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 •Environmental investigations continue as planned by the MPCA to determine potential connection and eligibility for the City’s other wells. The current round of studies are expected to complete in late 2025. The City and MPCA are meeting in late January 2026 to review the studies. •The 2026 budget proposal includes a phased approach of 10% each in January and July 2026 and January 2027. The phased approach would allow additional time to seek state bonding, grants, and/or direct connection to 3M Cottage Grove; enable phasing in the necessary rate increase; and recognizes the complexity of loan and grant paperwork with the Public Facilities Authority. On December 15, 2025, the City Council approved the initial 10% increase effective January 1, 2026. •Due to concerns at an adjacent property in mid-November, vibration monitoring equipment was installed at the construction site to ensure that vibrations won’t damage neighboring properties. We also have forensic engineers inspecting cracks in the foundation next door –alleged to have been caused before we put up the vibration monitors. No Council discussion. Announcements •Intro to Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca Park on Saturday, January 10. No license is needed under our DNR waiver for this event, but registration is required. Thank you for support from Carpenter Nature Center, Dirt Bullies Landscaping, VFW Post 1210, Striker Hudson, Fleet Farm, Hometown Ace Hardware, Get the Lead Out, and volunteer instructors. •Recycle your old lights with the Hastings Holiday Lights Drop Off Collection. Residents can drop-off their unwanted light strands at the Joint Maintenance Facility, 920 –10th Street West, during the holiday season from November 15 to January 31. •Hastings is excited to be hosting the 20th anniversary of Hockey Day Minnesota on January 17 to 24. Fans can expect a showcase of hockey talent, along with entertainment, winter festivities, and a vibrant Hockey Day Village. Visit the Hockey Day website for tickets, merchandise, and volunteer opportunities. •City Offices will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Meetings •HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. •Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. •Joint Powers Committee Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. •Arts & Culture Commission Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. •Public Safety Advisory Commission Meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. •Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. •City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Pemble motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 PM, seconded by Councilmember Vihrachoff. Ayes 7,Nays 0. 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 _______________________________________________________ Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor