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