HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210721 - CC Workshop Minutes Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
July 21,2021
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota, met in a workshop on Wednesday, July 21,
2021 at 6:00 pm at City Hall.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Braucks, Folch, Fox, Leifeld, Lund,
and Vaughan.
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, Assistant City Administrator Kelly
Murtaugh, Parks & Recreation Director Chris Jenkins, Public Works
Director Nick Egger, Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller, Community
Development Director John Hinzman, Fire Chief John Townsend, and
Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly.
Others Present: Chad Weinstein and Jamie Fischer of Ethical Leaders in Action.
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 6:00 pm.
Mr. Weinstein noted that the title had been changed to "Statement of Strategic Direction 2021-
2022"to reflect its emphasis on short-term goals rather than mission statements or long-term
visioning.
There was discussion about each of the initiatives; adding a diversity, equity, and inclusion
initiative; emphasizing partnerships in the tourism support initiative; being intentional in the
initiatives rather than lip service; and clarifying that several of the "future topics" already have
progress and that "future" is more a matter of continuing or increasing.
There was support for a summary version of the initiatives to help communicate them with the
public. There was recognition that there needs to be commitment to support the initiatives and
that there also needs to be a degree of flexibility to advance other initiatives as circumstances
might arise. Staff will report regularly on status of initiatives.
There was discussion about promoting effective communication and partnership among staff and
the City Council. Effective Council/staff interaction must be characterized by mutual trust that is
maintained through effective communication, collaboration, and timely problem-solving. Both
elected and appointed leaders play distinct roles in serving the public. All parties are able to be
effective when leaders function within their roles and trust their fellow leaders to do the same.
The City Council would like more proactively information and expects to engage with various
groups and to advocate for constituents. Staff supports the existing Rules of Procedure/Decorum
Guidelines adopted by the City Council in 2018 and considers the document a useful basis for
maintaining constructive, effective Council/staff interaction.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. /
4'I[Vu 0-
Mary Fas *der, Mayor Kel y Mu taugh, City C rk