HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200504 - CC Minutes Hastings,Minnesota
City Council Meeting Minutes
May 4,2020
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, May 4,2020 at
7:00 p.m.via Zoom video conference.
Mayor Fasbender explained why and referenced various city,state and federal declarations and guidelines that
an in-person meeting was not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender,Councihnembers Braucks, Folch,Leifeld, Lund and Vaughan
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Administrative Services Director Julie Flaten
City Attorney Dan Fluegel
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Finance Manager Melanie Lammers
Public Works Director Nick Egger
Moment of Silence: Bert Goderstad
Mayor Fasbender remarked that Goderstad was an active volunteer with the City and recognized his passing
with a moment of silence
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of the City Council on April 20, 2020.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Comments from the Audience
Mayor Fasbender stated comments received about items not on the agenda have been distributed to all
Councilmembers and are acknowledged.
Consent Agenda
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. Declare sale of Surplus Property for the Police Department
3. Resolution No. 05-01-20: Approve a Massage Establishment License for Prime Chiropractic
4. Resolution No. 05-02-20:Approve a Massage Therapy License for Narate Keys
5. Resolution No. 05-03-20: Approve an In-Store Fireworks Sales License for Coborn's
6. Resolution No. 05-04-20: Special Use Permit-Neighborhood Commercial Use-Kisby Ventures
(201 East 78'Street)
7. Emergency Ordinance No. 2020-08 for Pro-Rated Refund and Deferral of License Fees
8. Accept a Donation to the Parks&Recreation Department for Performance in the Parks Series from
the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
9. Accept a Donation to the Parks&Recreation Department for Music in the Parks Series from the
Doffing Charitable Fund
Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented,seconded by Councilmember Vaughan.
Roll Call:Ayes 6;Nays 0;Absent Balsanek.
Impact of Pandemic on City's 2020 Budget
Wietecha discussed how the recently extended due date for property taxes and the possible loss of
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Local Government Aid may potentially impact cash flow and the 2020 budget and how this relates to City
projects. He explained the measures the City were implementing to help mitigate these potential effects.
Council clarified the reasons for delinquent taxes during Great Recession, indicators for 2020 property
tax collections,the County's handling of late property tax payments and potential property tax revenue loss,
milestone dates for decision making, prioritization of budgeted items/projects not yet purchased,2020 Mill and
Overlay/Northridge Drive/Trail/15`h Street projects,hiring freeze, property assessment options,additional
abatement funds offered through the City, stimulus road funding, practices of previous State Administration in
creating rainy day fund, Federal assistance through CARES Act and importance of advocating for local
government.
Councilmember Balsanek joined the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
Bonding and Construction Projects Update
Lammers provided financing and special assessment options for the 2020 street construction project
and implications of each.
Council discussed abatement utilization rates, drawbacks of taking out debt due to the uncertainty of
the economic future, staff recommendation of preferred debt option and concerns about adding financial stress
to citizens through assessments.
Expansion Area for Downtown Businesses
Councilmembers Folch and Lund discussed how the City may consider assisting downtown businesses
in re-opening; including the Downtown Business Association(DBA)request to close 2"d Street so only
pedestrian traffic will be allowed and the footprint of businesses can be expanded.
Council discussed the City Council's role and policy making in assisting businesses in re-opening,
willingness to listen to creative ideas and to possibly relaxing regulations, not all businesses are located in the
downtown area nor are they members of the DBA, examine more than restaurants and bars, encourage
residents to shop locally,asked businesses to develop a plan and bring forward to gain staff input, needs of the
residents and the greater community and it was suggested that Council meet and examine the overall needs of
community to treat all equitable.
Tatia Nelson, President of the Downtown Business Association,spoke to plans being worked on with
the DBA.
Councilmember Folch motioned to approve the request for a discussion with the Downtown Business
Association and other appropriate entities about creative solutions for potential business relief,seconded by
Councilmember Balsanek.
Councilmember Vaughan amended the motion to include all businesses in the City, not to those just
located in the downtown area, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Roll Call: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays
Roll Call Vote on the original motion as amended: 7 Ayes, 0 Nays
Mayor Fasbender and Councilmembers made the following announcements:
• HEDRA will conduct a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m.
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• Planning Commission will meet on Monday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• Parks&Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 12 is cancelled.
• HEDRA will meet on Tuesday,May 14 at 6:00 p.m.
• City Council will conduct a workshop on the 2021 Budget on Monday,May 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Councilmember Braucks motioned to adjourn,seconded by Councilmember Balsanek. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays
0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Mary Fasb der, Mayor 0-4alie ten, City Clerk
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City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at
http://w%vw,liastingsmn.gov/city-aoverni-nent/city-counci I/city-council-agendas-and-minutes