HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260105 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
January 5, 2026
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, January 5,
2026,at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present:Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Beck, Haus,Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble, and Vihrachoff
Members Absent:None
Arts & Culture Commission Present:Commissioners Hollenbeck,Read, Wagner, McCoy,
McNeally, and Kapping.
Commission Member Absent: Maner
Staff Present:City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jenkins
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Alex Menke, Economic Development Coordinator
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed council members, Arts
& Culture Commission members and staff for discussion about the proposed Completing the
Mississippi Greenway project. Parks and Recreation Director Jenkins introduced the project
manager from Dakota County, Michael Honer.
Honer provided an overview of the greenway, input sought and funding. The county has received
funding from a number of federal and state sources to fund the project. The project would add
rest areas, scenic overlooks, interpretive exhibits, EV charging stations, and updated wayfinding.
The project has been designated, The Bridges of Hastings, as bridges are an important part of
Hastings’ history and identity, so the plaza design ideas incorporate elements representing the
Spiral Bridge, the current terra cotta bridge, as well as including a part of the blue bridge the
preceded the current bridge. This is proposed to be in Jaycee Park as a gateway to the area.
Finalizing environmental review and hoping to authorize bidding in late Q1 2026 and
construction would be through Summer 2026. Honer also noted that the large summer
celebration of Rivertown Days uses portions of Jaycee Park and would be seeking input as to the
service level that might be needed by the celebration.
Council discussion on inclusion of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and the total cost of this
kind of project. Jenkins indicated that the Chamber is aware of the project. Honer indicated that
the estimated cost of the plaza project is $250,000 -$350,000. Council discussion about the area
for the project is in a flood plain, but Honer indicated the project is being designed to be flood
resistant.Maintenance costs would be a discussion with county and city partners. Council
appreciation for the project and questions about the anticipated landscaping choices.Honer
indicated that efforts will be made to ensure that there is no redundancy with other interpretive
signage along the river.
Commissioners asked about other sites or ideas that were considered. The current concept was
supported by the Parks Commission at an earlier meeting. Council and commissioner discussion
on the specific location taking some space from large events. Commissioners and
Councilmembers expressed gratitude for the thoughtfulness of the design and use of the portion
of the blue bridge that was retained when taken out of service.Honer sought feedback on the
kinds of additional fixed assets that would be desired—like benches, tables, etc.
Jenkins indicated this meeting was to introduce the project, noting that there would be action
needed at a future Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Workshop adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
__________________________________________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk