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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240701 - 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 July 1, 2024 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota. Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Fox, Leifeld, Pemble, and Vihrachoff Members Absent: Councilmembers Haus, Lawrence Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City Attorney Kori Land Community Development Director John Hinzman City Engineer Cody Mathisen Proclamation: Parks and Recreation Month Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council workshop and regular meeting on June 17, 2024. Minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda Councilmember Fox motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Resolution No. 07-01-24: Accept Donation to the Parks and Recreation Department from Country Financial 3. Declare Surplus Property & Authorize for Public Sale – Police Department 4. Resolution No. 07-02-24: Approve New 3.2% On-Sale Liquor License for Hastings Hawks Amateur Baseball, Inc. dba Hastings Hawks Amateur Baseball 5. Accept Proposal and Authorize Work – 2025 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements Geotechnical Investigation 6. 2nd Reading & Adoption: Ordinance Amendment: Chapter 94 - Parks and Recreation 7. Reapprove City Council Minutes from May 6, 2024 Public Hearing: 2nd Street Depot – Amended Sidewalk Café Murtaugh provided an overview of the request to approve the amended Sidewalk Café license application for 2nd Street Depot. Murtaugh indicated the amendment is required by ordinance for any proposed modifications to a sidewalk café site plan. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at: 7:10 p.m. 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 Mayor Fasbender closed the public hearing at: 7:10 p.m. Council discussion on ensuring passage on the Tyler Street side to at least the width on 2nd Street to meet ADA requirements. Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Award Contract: Highway 55 Small Area Plan Hinzman provided an overview of the request to authorize signature of a professional services agreement, subject to review and minor changes by the City Attorney, between the City and HKGi to perform a market and infrastructure analysis and generate a concept area design for land surrounding Highway 55 and Jacob Avenue. Hinzman provided background information of the land and property owner communication. Council discussion on clarifying the request originated from the landowners, not the City. Council discussed the opportunity to strategically guide development in the future. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Resolution No. 07-03-24: Award Contract: 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Mathisen provided an overview of the request to adopt the resolution awarding a contract for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Mathisen reviewed the bids received and shared specifics of the project and indicated staff is recommends awarding the contract to Musson Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $238,675.00. Mathisen indicated the City has worked with Musson Brothers, Inc. on the 2023 sanitary sewer lining projects and shared the satisfaction of the work done. Council discussion on what the lining project does and how it supports maintaining the infrastructure. Council posed questions regarding the timeline of the project and the age of current infrastructure. Mathisen indicated the project will take a few weeks and the contractor will have until the end of the year to complete the project. Mathisen shared the current infrastructure is about 60 years old. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Vihrachoff. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Award Contract: Independent Financial Audit for Years 2024 - 2026 Wietecha provided an overview of the request to procure services for a new audit contract for years 2024 – 2026 through Bergan KDV. Bergan KDV has worked with the City for several years and have familiarity with City staff and operations which will be an asset as the 2024 audit will be the first conducted from the new finance system. Council discussion on the value in looking at different firms since it has been seven years versus recognizing the value in retaining the same firm as the City has moved to a new finance system. 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 Councilmember Pemble motioned to approve as amended, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. PFAS Update As it is the first meeting of the month, Wietecha presented the PFAS Update. Wietecha reviewed key updates in funding applications at the state and federal levels, as well as providing an update on the submission of the City’s PFAS Treatment & Raw Water Lines for consideration in the State’s 2024 Capital Budget. Recent Highlights: Public Works is looking at several sites for water treatment plants 2 and 3 with a preference to stay out of residential areas; no state bonding assistance but continuing work with lobbyist for possible 2025 state funding; waiting to hear on federal funding applications (may not hear until late 2024 or early 2025), submitted state PPL application for treatment plants 1 & 2 and emerging contaminants grant (hear in Sept/Oct); looking at a substantial water rate increase especially if there is no outside assistance; Council agreed to delay the start of the first water treatment plant bid process until early 2025 to allow time to communicate to residents and find out the results of the grant applications; state’s co-trustees have stated that a direct connection to the disposal sites north of the river is required to access 3M settlement funds and the City has been working with the MPCA to determine if there is evidence of a connection (one well has been found with a direct connection). Council discussion on the focus of a rate increase is on the water bill, not the sewer and stormwater portions. Council appreciates the efforts of staff in diligently working on solutions. Reports from City Committees, Officers, Councilmembers Councilmember Pemble expressed concerns with train movement in the downtown area. Wietecha indicated the City had reached out to CP Rail requesting that train not stop and block the street during flooding conditions. They had also contacted the railroad again as soon as having learned about the problem that morning. Council expressed appreciation for the attention to these concerns. Announcements • City Offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observation of Independence Day. • Fireworks Safety (there are always questions this time every year): o Stay safe this summer. Know the difference between legal and illegal fireworks. o Ground displays, fountains, and sparklers are legal and are permitted between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. only. o Fireworks that go airborne or explode are illegal. These include firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles to name a few. o Remember that fireworks can be loud and create a noise disturbance for neighbors, pets and people with PTSD. Please respect your neighbors and neighborhood. o Residents should call 911 to report illegal fireworks. Those who wish to remain anonymous can text the word HASTINGS to TIP411 (847411); however, this is not monitored 24/7. • Summer Rec Programs at Levee Park… o Thursday, July 11, Music in the Park with “Cocktail Combo – Classics with a Twist.” Supported by the Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund. o Friday, July 12, Movie in the Park with “Trolls Band Together.” Sponsored by Ardent Mills. Please bring a non-perishable food donation.