HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240506 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
May 6, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, May 6,
2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Volunteer Room 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
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed councilmembers and
staff. Wietecha reminded Councilmembers that the most recent Strategic Plan was adopted
nearly one year ago and that this workshop is to seek clarification on a few areas.
Wietecha provided an overview of the workshop agenda. He provided a visual of the Community
Survey report, indicating that the results are in but that he would be seeking amendment to some
of the formatting for more ease in understanding the results. Wietecha also described the ability
to use the survey tool for “pulse surveys” that are on a specific topic. A future workshop date
will be set to review the results when the report is reformatted.
Wietecha then shifted to the Strategic Plan discussion. The first initiative to review is Alternative
Revenue Analysis to expand the revenue base. He indicated that many of the possible sources of
revenue still come back to residents and businesses. Council discussion on the need for multiple
sources of revenue and that residents are concerned about property taxes and city spending.
Council discussion on fees versus taxes, the need for transparency and importance of
communicating with residents and business owners. Council discussion and questions on
comparison with other cities as well as special taxing district/sales tax options. Council
discussion on the extensive funds needed for the infrastructure needed for PFAS and nitrate
treatment and options if the City is unable to secure external funding.
Wietecha presented the next initiative for discussion, Responsible Use of Debt. He reviewed how
the City is in full compliance with the adopted debt policy. Council discussion on the necessity
to retain responsible use of debt in the Strategic Plan. Further discussion on the potential impact
if the City needs to bond for the full amount of funds needed to put the PFAS mitigation
infrastructure in place. Bonding for that amount would result in a significant increase in water
rates and could have a negative impact on the City’s bond rating. This would impact other
bonded projects.
Council expressed need for updated talking points to assist them in responding to constituent
questions as the PFAS project goes forward.
ADJOURNMENT
Workshop adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk