HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240401 - CC MinutesCity Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Meeting Minutes
April 1, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024 at
7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and
Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
City Attorney Kori Land
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Principal Engineer Cody Mathisen
Proclamation: Arbor Day 2024
Pleasant Hill Library Presentation: Jill Bambenek, Manager
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council
regular meeting on March 18, 2024.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Lawrence motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as corrected, seconded by
Councilmember Pemble.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. Resolution No. 04-01-24: Accept Donation from the Hastings Downtown Business Association to
the Parks and Recreation Department
3. Resolution No. 04-02-24: Accept Donation from Raider Nation Youth Baseball to the Parks and
Recreation Department
4. Resolution No. 04-03-24: Accept Donation from Hastings Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) to
the Parks and Recreation Department
5. Approve Special Event Designation: Rivertown Live
6. Approve Parklet Renewal for Quarry Taphouse
7. Resolution No. 04-04-24: Approve Massage Therapist License Renewal for Natalie Briones
8. Resolution No. 04-05-24: Approve In-Store Fireworks Application for Coborn’s Marketplace
#2037
9. Resolution No. 04-06-24: Approve New Cannabis Product Retail License for H Tobacco
10. Resolution No. 04-07-24: Approve Premises Permit Renewals
11. Authorize Submittal: Letter Requesting Services – SSTS Services – Dakota and Washington
County
12. Resolution No. 04-08-24: Approve Pay Estimate No. 7 (Final) for the 2023 Neighborhood
Infrastructure Improvements – BCM Construction, Inc. ($97,607.47)
13. Declare Excess Property and Authorize for Public Sale – Public Works
City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
14. 2024 – 2025 LELS Local No. 249 (Officers) Lateral Hire MOU
15. Approve Change Order: Arena Roof Access Hatch
2024 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements: Resolution No. 04-09-24: Order Improvements and
Adopt Assessments
Mathisen provided an overview of the 2024 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements project. This
project contains street and utility improvements to six City streets ranging in scope of work from reclamation
of streets to full street and utility reconstruction. The full scope of the project was presented to Council on
March 4, 2024. Mathisen reviewed the methodology of the assessment This methodology recognizes
ordinance allowance to assess by lot rather than by length of frontage, especially for irregularly shaped lots.
Mathisen outlined the payment options for this project, including abatement or deferral options. Council is
asked to approve the resolution to order the project and adopt the proposed assessments for the project.
Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at: 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Fasbender closed the public hearing at: 7:31 p.m.
Council expressed appreciation for developing per-lot assessment methodologies based on resident
feedback. Council also expressed appreciation for the communication efforts of staff in responding to resident
questions and concerns and making an extra effort in making sure residents understand the process.
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Agreement for Services: Downtown Planters and Hanging Baskets
Wietecha provided an overview of the request to hire a contractor to perform beautification efforts in
the Downtown area. The effort includes planting and maintaining the ground level planters and purchasing,
installing, and maintaining hanging flower baskets. Staff were contacted by another local landscape company
desiring to submit a quote for the services. Wietecha indicated two companies submitted quotes, Green
Companies and Precision Landscaping. While both were very similar, Green Companies’ quote was the low
bid for the 2024 services. Staff recommends accepting Green Companies’ quote and approving the contract
for services totaling $20,715.00.
Council discussion on the expense of taking care of planters on 2nd Street, the beautification effort,
and options. Mayor Fasbender provided clarification of the bid to include regular watering. Wietecha
indicated the Downtown Business Association has contributed a donation to the Parks and Recreation
Department to assist in funding. Council discussed different funding or maintenance options for the future and
the overall appearance of the planters. Discussion on inclusivity and equity in the bidding process. As a focal
point for the City, large pots contribute to the beautification, and corner safety, and greening contributes to
placemaking. Council discussion on the balance of the responsibility of the expense or other ways to maintain
pots/baskets in a different manner, such as partnering with the horticulture program at the High School or the
local gardening clubs. Councilmembers urge review of the options for future years to reduce direct cost to the
City.
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lawrence.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
Agreement for Services: Hwy 61 Median Maintenance
Wietecha provided an overview of the request to hire a contractor for annual maintenance within the
TH 61 median. Wietecha shared Precision Landscaping and Construction, Inc. has performed this work for a
number of years. Wietecha indicated this contracted work has not been subject to an official agreement in the
past, however it is recommended for current and future contracted work to ensure both parties have accurate
and legal obligations to one another. Staff recommends accepting the quote from Precision Landscaping and
Construction, Inc. and approving the contract for services totaling $12,909.68.
Council discussion on the value of seasonal maintenance.
Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus.
6 Ayes, 1 Nay (Leifeld).
PFAS Update
Wietecha presented the PFAS Update, planning to have this as a recurring topic on the Council
agenda as there will be many changes in the coming months. Wietecha indicated Hastings has PFAS
contaminations in all six of our municipal wells. Recent epidemiology and understanding of the health
impacts of PFAS and new regulatory standards pending the EPA are expected to require the City to mitigate
the PFAS from our drinking water. Wietecha reviewed the various communication efforts to the public and
shared City Council will have a PFAS Update at the first City Council meeting each month. Wietecha
reviewed key updates, potential funding, and the environmental investigations currently underway. The topic
is informational, no City Council action is requested at this time.
Council discussion on appreciation for the work that staff have done to advance the topic and keeping
everyone informed. Council reminder of where residents can go to get information on the City website that
may lead to other resources who are more versed in PFAS and its health impacts. Wietecha urged residents to
contact the City if they have questions.
Announcements
• Councilmember Fox noted the Dakota 911 2023 report is available. See Dakota 911 for the full
report.
• We appreciate Pleasant Hill Library’s presentation earlier this evening and recognize that next week
April 7-13 is National Library Week.
• Athletic Gear Swap tomorrow Tuesday, April 2, at Rambling River Center in Farmington. Bring
useable and clean athletic gear you no longer want to our swap event and bring home items that are
new to you. No item donation is necessary to shop the swap; take or bring as much as you want.
• This year’s Community Survey is open through April 8. Information is on the City website.
• Happy Birthday yesterday to Councilmember Dave Pemble!
Meetings
• Planning Committee Meeting on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Planning Commission Meeting on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. - Cancelled
• Arts & Culture Commission Meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• City Council Regular Meeting on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.