HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220906 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
September 6, 2022
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Tuesday,
September 6, 2022 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 Braucks, Folch, Fox, Leifeld,
Vaughan
Members Absent: Councilmembers Lund
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller
Senior Accountant Ashley Bertrand
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Police Chief Dave Wilske
Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly
Interim Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:35 pm. Wietecha introduced the workshop on
the budget and levy discussion. Wietecha reviewed the tax levy as a revenue source to support
the budget. The budget would call for a levy increase to manage increases in expenses as well as
increases in services. It would represent an increase in taxes, but a decrease in tax rate due to the
growth in the City. Discussion on the various ways to view the increase in property values and
how that contributes to the increased levy. Discussion on the impact of the fiscal disparities
calculation by Met Council.
Wietecha reviewed the key expenses that account for the increase to the levy. These include:
personnel/staff, implementation of the Compensation and Classification study, cost of living
adjustment, infrastructure, public safety equipment, parks improvements, and other City
amenities or enhancements (Community Investment Fund, public art, Hwy 55 monument sign).
Discussion on understanding the personnel needs of the Fire Department and the intersection of
the SAFER grant and the Fire Study. There is a need to understand how the shortage of Paid-On
Call and OT for regular firefighters fits into the bigger picture of shifting costs to new full-time
firefighters. Further council discussion on planning for Year 4 following SAFER grant as well as
outreach to rural areas and our service to them. Renewed discussion about police officer staffing
and putting an additional officer into the schools and expressed broad concerns about school
safety and the interest of constituents. It was recommended that a joint powers committee
meeting be held with ISD 200 to discuss this topic.
Wietecha highlighted the CIP/CEP needs. Nearly $2.7M in requested projects are not in the
proposal for 2023. Preauthorization to order items with a long lead times will be requested once
the preliminary levy is set. Lead times are 1-2 years out for police squads and ambulances.
Park, trail improvements are touching areas all across the City. May be able to address
tennis/pickle ball courts this fall. Tennis Court is in MnDOT right-of-way so more investigation
is necessary. Wietecha reviewed the neighborhood project and reconditioning of the water tower
in the Industrial Park. These projects would be bonded for with revenue bonds.
The Utility Rate study done a few years ago recommended incremental increases to the rates; the
recommended 2023 increases are generally reflective of the study. Utility capital projects are
ongoing infrastructure projects with one new one—hydroelectric plant study—to ensure best
operations of the plant going forward.
Council discussion on a communications plan to best explain the budget proposal and value to
residents. There was support for the Dakota County Truth in Taxation mailer. Additional key
messages: compare tax increase to inflation rate, the more communication the better, find a
connection to each segment of the population, and explain here is what you are getting for the
funds.
Councilmembers indicated readiness to set the preliminary levy at the meeting this evening. If
the SAFER grant is received, further discussion on the levy amount was requested. Council
expressed general support for pre-ordering equipment with long lead times.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn the workshop at 6:50 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk