HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211206 - Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
December 6, 2021
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, December 6, 2021 at
5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Vaughan, Leifeld, Folch, Braucks, Lund and
Fox
Staff present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Asst City Admin Kelly Murtaugh
Fire Chief John Townsend
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Paulson
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:36 p.m.
Chief Townsend offered a brief review of the November 15 presentation. Council asked to start where the
last presentation ended with recommendations. Chief reviewed the recommendations and the expected
outcomes from implementation of the recommendations. Key recommendations include: discontinue
hospital transfers, review staffing levels, and POC response model. The cost for turnover is high,
partially due to inability to expand the skills of the firefighters. Many are new in their time with the City,
so training cannot be focused on skill expansion. We need to be able to compete with neighboring fire
communities to attract and retain well-qualified firefighter/EMS. Recommendations will take additional
funds. SAFER grants may be able to help offset the cost of adding full-time firefighters to staff.
Council discussion on reuse of gear, how gear is cared for and frequency of replacement. Questions
about the cost of some of the challenges (overtime, turnover, work comp, mental health) versus the cost
of some of the recommendations. Questions about salary, Fire Academy preparation and the level of
preparation staff bring when they start.
Council questions about how positions are marketed and if we are selling the community in recruiting.
Discussion about liability and safety issues if we have too few staff. Council expressed general support
in exploration of grants and how some recommendations might help in the short term—like reducing
transfers. Council recommended connecting with Regina to discuss the situation and maintain good
relationship.
Workshop adjourned 6:52 p.m.
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk