HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240520 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
May 20, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Monday, May 20,
2024, 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 Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld,
Pemble, and Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Guests Present: Dr. Tammy Champa, Superintendent
Carrie Tate, Chairperson
Jessica Dressely, Vice Chairperson
Mark Zuzek, Treasurer
Matt Bruns, Director
Philip Biermaier, Director
Jenny Wiederholt-Pine, Director
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:30 pm and welcomed councilmembers,
School Board members, and staff.
Wietecha reviewed past and current partnerships with the School District. Discussion on the
current Arena project and joint interests.
Discussion on PFAS in the municipal wells and the recent community meeting. The District has
invested in new filters for drinking fountains and have requested quotes to address the water at
entry point to the schools. Discussion on funding and information for residents to make informed
decisions. Discussion around the need for education about PFAS and the resources available
through the City website, as well as MN Department of Health.
Discussion on other shared impact projects like the Hwy 61 corridor project and the importance
of communication and appreciation for early involvement. The District shared information about
availability and types of housing and its impact on the District. Current enrollments and efforts to
attract and retain students and their families to the District were also discussed. Councilmembers
and Board members discussed common goal around building an educational environment and a
housing environment that attracts students/families that gives them a sense of belonging and
feeling welcome.
Group discussion on how we support each other’s priorities. The importance of communication
about projects or other opportunities to collaborate on a regular basis was discussed. Possible