HomeMy WebLinkAboutRivertown newsletter - Fall 2007
www.ci.hastings.mn. us
In This Issue:
City Bids Farwell to Fire Chief .. . 2
Fall Events at the LeDuc ...... . 3
Hastings Artists Show........ . 5
National Night Out ........... 6
Practice Your Escape ......... 8
Protecting Water Quality ....... 11
Dakota County Eco-Site Info .... 12
Civic Arena 07-08 Info........ . 13
Mayor:
Paul Hicks 437-8866
mayorh icks@ci. hasti ngs. m n. us
Ward Council Members:
Ward 1 Anthony Alongi
Help Shape Hastings Future On September 12'"
The City of Hastings will be holding an Open House on September 12 from
4:00 - 8:00 pm for residents to see the draft plan, provide feedback, and learn
more about the Comprehensive Plan process.
A Comprehensive Plan is the basic foundation for local planning. It lays out a community's
vision and priorities and describes, where, how, and in some cases when development will
occur. It is adopted by the city as a flexible guideline for policymakers, land developers, and
land users about how to conserve, rehabilitate, or develop an area while addressing land
use, transportation, infrastructure, urban design, and utilities. The plan is forecasted for
twenty years and is usually updated every five to ten years.
Why do we need a Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan is necessary to aid in policy building to ensure orderly growth and
protect the public's best interests. The Comprehensive Plan acts as a guide for the future.
Hastings, along with all other cities in the metropolitan area, is required to update its
Comprehensive Plan by the end of 2008 based on the Metropolitan Council's recently
updated Regional Development Framework. The new Comprehensive Plan will guide
development within the city through the year 2030.
How long does it take to complete a Comprehensive Plan?
Ward 2 Turney Hazlet The comprehensive planning process for the City of Hastings will takeapproximately eighteen
437-5298 months. A series of workshops held on each plan elements began in February and is guided
turneyhazletC~comcast.net by atwenty-member task force. A draft plan will be put together and taken to the city council
Ward 3 Ed Riveness for approval.
437-4416
emrivyl@msn.com Our Sesequicentennial Is Upon Us!
Ward 4 Danna Elling Schultz Civil War Weekend: Soldiers will demonstrate marching and
438-3878
Saturday and Sunday,
musketry, and show visitors what a day in
dannaellingC~hotmail.com September 8 and 9, 10 am - 5 pm the life of a Union soldier was like. Visitors
Adu/ts $10, Seniors $9 and Students $5 young and old can participate in a drill school
At-Large COUnCII Members: and learn how to march in formation. Members
History comes alive at the LeDuc! You will be of Battery I will share how Civil War artillery
able to watch the Lincoln Douglas debates were used
Barb Hollenbeck 480-0268
reenacted at the second Civil War Weekend. .
barb-hollenbeckC~comcast.net Politicians join soldiers from the First The story of the Civil War is integral to the
Mike Slavik 437-4637 Minnesota Volunteer Regiment, 2nd story of the LeDuc Estate and family. William
mikeslavikC~comcast.net Minnesota and Battery I, encamped on the LeDuc felt strongly that slavery was wrong
grounds of the LeDuc Estate to continue to and, although he was already 39 years old,
General City Council E-mail tell the complicated story of the long war. volunteered to fight for the Union Army.
CitycouncilC~ci.hastings.mn.us
Civil War Weekend, continued on page 3
Rivertown News (se~tember 2007 -November 2007) 1
438-9320
alongihastings@comcast. net
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City of Hastings
101 Fourth Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
City Administrator:
Dave Osberg 480-2383
dosberg@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Asst City Administrator
Melanie Mesko Lee 480-2326
mmesko_lee@ci.hastings.mn. us
Finance Director
Char Stark 480-2354
cstark@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Community Relations
Shannon Rausch 480-2344
srausch@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
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After 3 Decades, Chief
Holmes Retires from HFD
On behalf of the City of Hastings, I want to extend
my sincere congratulations and appreciation to
Fire Chief Mark Holmes, who is scheduled to retire
on September 28, 2007.
Chief Holmes started his career as a member of
the Hastings Fire Department on September 15,
1977. Mark rose through the ranks of the Fire
Department, first as a full-time Firefighter on July
1, 1978, then becoming Assistant Fire Chief/Fire
Marshal on January 16, 1996. Mark assumed the
duties of Fire Chief on June 1, 2000, after his
appointment by the City Council on May 15, 2000.
During this period of time, Mark has provided
exemplary leadership for the Fire Department, all
while experiencing unprecedented growth in the
number of ambulance calls.
Also during Chief Holmes' tenure as Fire Chief, the
City and the Rural Fire Association changed the
major terms and conditions of the agreement in
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City Receives Award For
Financial Reporting
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The City of Hastings has again been awarded the
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting for the City's 2006
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
This is the highest form of recognition in the area
of governmental accounting and reporting, and its
attainment represents a significant accomplishment
by the City.
The City of Hastings has received this award for
ten consecutive years.
2 Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
which the City provides service to the Rural Fire
Association, all while retaining excellent working
relations with its members.
Throughout the last 12-18 months, Chief Holmes
has been instrumental in leading the Department
towards the switch to the Dakota Communications
Center (DCC), the joint dispatch center which will
provide dispatching service to the Cities in Dakota
County, and also Dakota County.
Mark has also provided leadership on the Dakota
Communications Center Operations Committee,
assisting with a variety of tasks and functions that
required considerable discussion with his peers in
Dakota County, in anticipation of the opening of
the DCC in the fall, 2007.
An excellent leader, an excellent Fire Chief, and an
excellent member of the Hastings community; Fire
Chief Mark Holmes will be missed, and his years
of dedicated service to the Hastings Fire
Department are truly appreciated.
Dau,.cG M. OsGerr~
City Administrator ~
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The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to
determine if it has met the high standards of the
Government Finance Officers Association of the
United States and Canada. Important in the analysis
is demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full
disclosure" to fully communicate the City's financial
story and motivate the public to read the CAFR.
A copy of the City's CAFR is available for review at
the Dakota County Library in Hastings or it can be
downloaded from the City's website
www. ci. hastings.mn, us/CityServices/Finance/FINCAFR.htm
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Fa11 2007
Dakota
Communications
Center Start-up Fast
Approaching
After nearly two years of planning and
14 months of construction, the state-
of-the-art Dakota Communications
Center (DCC), serving all Dakota County
cities and townships, is preparing to
open its doors in November. At the
same time, the lights will go out in the
five existing dispatching centers located
in law enforcement facilities throughout
the County. When operational, the DCC
will provide 9-1-1 answering and public
safety dispatch services for all residents,
businesses and public safety agencies
in Dakota County.
DCC Executive Director Kent Therkelsen
expects that residents will experience
the same high level of public safety
service that they currently receive after
the new center opens. "Because the
DCC is owned and governed by our
local members, we are very sensitive
to their service needs" said Therkelsen.
"The involvement of public safety officials
from all cities and the county has helped
us design our service to be very focused
on local public safety services."
The DCC is a joint powers agency,
meaning that Hastings, along with the
other members (all cities in Dakota
County, along with Dakota County
Government) maintain local control over
DCC operations through representation
on the Board of Directors and various
committees that provide policy direction,
as well as operational input and advice
to DCC staff. This unique, highly
collaborative model of inter-governmental
cooperation was recently recognized
with the Humphrey Institutes' Local
Government Innovations Award.
DCC Start-up Approaching continued on page 7
Civil War Weekend: (continued from page 1)
Construction had just begun on their dream house, but Mrs. LeDuc took their children
to Ohio to be with her family. Construction slowed on the house because so many
men from the area signed up to fight in a war they all assumed would be short. As
we know now, that assumption turned out to be very wrong as the war lasted four
long years.
The couple exchanged hundreds of letters during the war which were saved, as well as
William's memoir where he tells stories of the war and the country's shock and dismay
when Lincoln is assassinated. When the war finally ended in 1865, the family
reunited and moved into their still unfinished home in Hastings.
Women and their contributions to the war will also be featured during the event.
Having to subsist on hardtack out in the field, the soldiers appreciated fresh bread
whenever it was available. On Saturday, interpreter/teacher Pat Bauer (who plays
Mary LeDuc) will teach a class about baking over a fire and making butter.
Fabric was too valuable to waste when their skirts wore out from constant use, so
colorful patchwork quilts were made. Come and enjoy an exhibit of quilts made
from Civil War era fabrics by modern quitters who continue the tradition.
For information about this exciting weekend please contact the LeDuc Historic Estate at
437-7055 or visit the website at www.dakotahistory.org/LeDuc
Fall Events at The LeDuc
LeDuc Fall Tours and Events
Fridays & Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Sunday afternoons from fpm - 4pm
Tours start at 10, 11:30 am, 1, 2:30 and 4pm
Regular guided tours of the Gothic Revival
mansion continue through October 28. On the first
Saturday of the month, an hour and a half walking
tour of the scenic Vermillion Falls and gorge starts
at 11 am. Walking paths are paved and numerous
picnic sites are in the area. Group tours, teas and
private events can be scheduled year round.
Grandparents Tea
Sunday, September 9 Two Beatings: noon or 2 pm
$21.95 adults, $16.95 children, reservations required
Tickets include tour and Civil War Weekend admission
In honor of Grandparents Day, gather your family
for tea at the LeDuc, served by the Friends of
LeDuc of Historic Hastings. Plan to spend the day;
you'll also be able to enjoy the living history of the
Civil War Weekend.
Fall Local Food Event
Saturday, September 22 1-4 pm admission is free
Celebrate the bounty of the earth this season with
the Northern Heartland Food & Wine Learning
Center. This autumn event will feature apples and
cider-making, pickles and preserves. Come see,
touch and taste as you learn more about local foods.
Harvest Haunting
Saturday, October 27 6-8 pm All tickets $5
When the autumn leaves fall from the gnarly old
oaks, you can just imagine that the LeDuc house
is haunted (but we don't think so). And is there
really a tunnel? Come and see for yourself. Take a
candlelight tour of the basement and listen to
some of the tunnel tales we've been collecting
from visitors. Come in costume and get your
picture taken in a spooky setting. Children will
take home a goodie bag of old fashioned treats.
Rivertown News (se~tember 2007 -November 2007) 3
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City of Hastings
101 Fourth Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
HRA Director
John Grossman 480-2347
Grossman@ci. hastings. mn. us
Planning Director
John Hinzman 480-2378
jhinzman@ci. hastings. mn. us
Associate Planning
Kari Barker 480-2377
kbarker@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Associate Planning
Justin Fortney 480-2381
jfortney@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Building Green
Because traditional buildings consume large
amounts of energy and other natural resources
and can harm the environment around them,
there's a growing interest in designing, building,
and occupying more environmentally sensitive
structures. By integrating natural resources, human
health, and community concerns into building
design and construction, architects, designers,
and contractors can create buildings that are
cleaner and healthier for occupants and the
environment, and which deplete fewer resources.
A well designed "green" building can be cheaper to
build and operate over the building's lifetime.
Conventionally built commercial and residential
buildings use one-third of all the energy consumed
in the United States, and two-thirds of all electricity.
These buildings produce roughly a third of the carbon
dioxide emissions and other emissions that harm
air quality and contribute to global warming.
Additionally, these buildings generate waste during
construction and can have poor indoor air quality,
which can affect workers health.
What can you do to help the environment by
using "green" building techniques?
• Replace old appliances and heating cooling
equipment with energy efficient appliances
• Properly dispose of old appliances to
be recycled
• Use energy saving light fixtures and lamps
(such as compact fluorescents)
• Use programmable thermostats
• Plant trees for shade to aid in cooling your
structure in the summer and protect it from
cold winds in the winter
• Landscape to reduce rain run off from your
property
• Check filters on furnaces and ventilation
systems, and have a maintenance program in
place. Clean dryer ducts on a regular schedule
to maximize efficiency and reduce the chance
of fire
• Recycle waste properly
• Use energy efficient windows and skylights
strategically placed to maximize natural light.
• Build your garage on the north-west side
of your home to help block cold winds in the
winter
• Build with locally made materials
• Consider naturally ventilating buildings using
operable windows and skylights instead of air
conditioning
• Insulate walls, ceiling, and attics with the best
materials currently available.
• Evaluate the thermal performance and
heat/loss characteristics of existing windows.
Weather-stripping, caulking, interior storm
sashes, and interior shading devices are
possible methods of improving their
performance.
• Use renewable or alternative energy sources
for all or part of the building's energy needs.
(e.g., wind generators and solar water heating).
• consider roofing color and the effect it will
have on heating and cooling
• use siding products that are durable and will
last for many years.
• use materials that are reusable, salvaged,
recyclable or biodegradable
There are many trends and challenges to green
building for the future and these are just some of
the suggestions. Green building will helps to
sustain our future locally and world wide.
Building owners can do their part by choosing to
build and maintain structures in a way that helps
provide living and working spaces that are less
environmentally damaging, cheaper to maintain
and operate, and less harmful to human health.
• Dry clothes on a clothes line
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4 Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
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Fall 2007
Hastings Artists Show
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November 10 - 18, 10 am - 5 pm daily
Like the beautiful Hudson River Valley that inspired landscape architect
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A 1904 article in House Beautiful illustrated how the natural beauty of the ~ \~
Andrew Jackson Downing, designer of the LeDuc Estate, the natural , ;j,;'~
beauty of the Hastings area has inspired its own artists. `~`_ ~',~
St. Croix River Valley inspired Alice LeDuc's creative and unique needle
point designs.
Come and appreciate the inspired work of local artists displayed at the
LeDuc Estate. Much of the art will be available for purchase and the
Museum Store will be open, providing a wonderful opportunity to pick up
unique gifts for the holidays.
Over the Years Bought Your Copy Yet?
It's not too late to purchase your copy of:
Over the Years, Tales of an Historic Rivertown: 150 Years of
Progress and Pride.
As part of Hastings' Sesquicentennial Celebration, Dakota County
Historical Society has published a book of stories, written by Hastings
Historian Dick Darsow, about the growth of our historic rivertown and the
Dakota County Seat.
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Copies of this book are available at several locations throughout Hastings,
(including City Hall, Emily's Bakery, Clancy's, and several shops Downtown)
as well as through the Dakota
County Historical Society and
by mail order. {~VRA mrs,a ZT rt
To order a copy by mail please
send a check or money order
for $15.00 (includes tax,
shipping and handling) to:
Hastings Pioneer Room
101 East Fourth Street
Hastings, MN 55033
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Vermillion Street Historic
Wall Repair
Historic architects McDonald and Mack and civil
engineers TKDA, contracted by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation, are working on plans
for the repair of the stone retaining walls along
Vermillion, 7th and 8th Streets and the alleys in
between. Construction is scheduled for 2008.
These walls, which have been failing for some
years, were built in the 1870s. They now stand
on property listed on the National Register of
Historic Places or are included in the Old
Hastings Historic District.
MnDOT is considered the "lead agency" on this
project because the walls along Vermillion are
within the Highway 61 right-of-way and they
secured a TEA 21 Federal Highway
Enhancements Grant to help pay for the costs.
The stone walls on 7th and 8th Street and the
alleys in between are in the City's right-of-way and
are proposed to be repaired at the same time as
the Vermillion Street walls, but as part of the 2008
City public improvement project. (For details on
this project, see the "2008 Construction Project" article
on Page 11.)
A plan for the City and MnDOT to share design
and construction costs will be presented for
Council consideration after an neighborhood
meeting sometime this winter. (Dates and information
will be made available as they are known)
The City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) is also contributing $50,000 to this
project. The Heritage Preservation Commission
supports the preservation of the walls as a
prominent feature of Hastings' historic landscape.
Plans for the repair and stabilization will be
7 reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office.
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}~~ '~ map of the proposed project area please visit the
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RIVEYtOW11 NEWS (se~tember 2007 -November 2007) 5
/ALES ON,~~ f-J~CTURiC 1ZiLTt RTOR~N;
150 YEARS U£ PRfIGRESS ANll PHIUL
Hastings POlice Fun for the Whole Neighborhood
Department
The City of Hastings again participated in the National Night Out,
150 Third Street East which was held on Tuesday, August 7th.
Hastings, MN 55033
2007 saw 19 neighborhood block parties participating throughout
Non-Emergency: 480-2300 the community. Families took time out of their summer schedules
Emergency: 911 to meet each other and City officials to discuss information
www.ci.hastings.mn.us concerning their neighborhoods and to make Hastings a safer
place to live for all residents.
Police Chief:
Mike McMenomy 480-2300
m mcmenomy@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Lieutenant:
Joe Kegley 480-2300
jkegley@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Lieutenant:
Jim Rgnonti 480-2300
jrgnonti@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Hastings Police, Fire Department and elected officials visited the various neighborhood block parties in
an attempt to give citizens a chance to meet their Police and Fire Departments on a more personal level,
which makes working together against crime and establishing a cooperative effort in crime prevention
easier.
This year's National Night Out was a huge success and the City thanks everyone involved
for their participation.
if you are interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Watch Program please contact Sergeant Wayne Hicks
or Officer Craig Puch of the Hastings Police Department at 480-2300 and they will gladly assist you in starting a pro-
gram in your neighborhood.
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School's Open -Drive Safe
School is back in session and it's an exciting
time for children, especially youngsters
attending school for the first time.
Unfortunately, it also means that young,
inexperienced pedestrians and bicyclists are in the
traffic mix, where they are more likely to be struck
by vehicles. Motorists can help reduce the risk by:
• Slow down in school and residential areas;
• Watching for clues that give warning of children
in the area, (i.e. signs, safety patrols, bikes,
adult crossing guards, school buses);
• Obey all school bus stop laws;
• Clear ALL fogged or frosty windows on your
vehicle before driving (notjust the driver's side
of the front windshield);
• Obey all traffic signs;
• Avoid school zones during arrival and dismissal
hours when possible.
Each year thousands of children are struck
by cars.
Here are some suggestions for parents:
• Teach your children safe street crossing practices
before the start of school;
• Know the walking route to school or the bus
route and bus stop;
• Instruct children how to judge if there is adequate
time to cross a street and to never cross
between two parked cars;
• Teach children that when there is no sidewalk
and it is necessary to walk on the roadway,
walk on the far left side of the street facing
traffic and use cross walks and designated
school crossings whenever possible.
Some youngsters, especially those venturing away
from home for the first time, may never have
learned pedestrian safety and older students may
have forgotten over the summer. Drivers also need
to be cautious, especially around schools, bus stops
and areas where children are walking to school.
6 Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
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Police K-9 Passes National Certification Test
Hastings Police Officer Mike Schmitz and K-9 Eis training and recertification to continue to
("Ice") participated in the annual National K-9
Certification test for police dogs, which this year
was held on June 25th and 26th in Owatonna.
The certification process involved several different
events including basic obedience, agility, drug
search, search techniques and patrol work tech-
niques, such as bite work on a suspect.
The handler and dog earn various points for
these different events and must achieve a
cumulative benchmark score to receive
certification and not require additional
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work as a police dog.
Officer Schmitz and Eis did very well in
this certification process, earning more
than enough points to pass the
certification process.
Officer Schmitz and Eis also participated
in the 2007 Hastings Rivertown Days
festivities by conducting three different
K-9 demonstrations throughout the
three-day festival held July 20th,
21st and 22nd.
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DCC Start-Up Fast Approaching (continued from page 3)
The DCC is staffed with 64 employees, mostly hired from the existing
dispatch centers. With 58 dispatch staff and a small administrative
and technical support staff, the DCC provides critical communications
services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The DCC will operate on the newly constructed Dakota County 800
MHz radio subsystem, which is part of the metropolitan regional and
statewide public safety radio system. When the Dakota County sub-
system goes "live" this fall, it will join Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka,
and Carver Counties on the system, which will soon include
Washington and Scott County as well. Largely because of this system,
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area was one of the very few U.S.
metropolitan areas that received a perfect score from the
Department of Homeland Security for our ability to work across
jurisdictional lines in times of public safety emergencies.
Major benefits of the consolidated dispatch center include:
• Improved communications between police, fire, emergency
medical responders as well as other units of government in times
of emergency, not only within Dakota County, but throughout
the metropolitan region and beyond.
• Cost effective transition to the regional 800 MHz network. The
DCC and its county agencies saved $3.8 million by building
800 MHz into one centralized dispatch center.
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• Service enhancements including:
* County-Wide fire paging system.
* Emergency Medical Dispatch to customize responses and
provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.
* Seamless communications with surrounding jurisdictions.
• Operational cost savings through staffing and equipment
efficiencies estimated at $6-$8 million over first five years.
The public should notice little change in how they are served after
the consolidation is completed. 9-1-1 calls will be answered quickly
by experienced dispatchers who will dispatch the same police, fire
and emergency medical responders who serve the community
today. (See re/ated antic/e on 9-1-1 usage on page 9). Informational or
follow-up calls from the public should be directed to the Hastings
Police Department at 651-480-2300.
Transition to the new facility, located in Empire Township, is scheduled
to begin in early November, and expected to be completed by
December. For additional information, please go to
http://www. mn-dcc.org
Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000 7
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Hastings Fire
Department
115 Fifth Street West
Hastings, MN 55033
Non- Em a rge n cy: 480-6150
Emergency: 911
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Fire Chief:
Mark Holmes 480-6150
Practice Your Escape Plan
That is the message of Fire Prevention Week
2007; October 7-13. It's not enough just to have
a fire escape plan; you have to make sure that
everyone in your home has practiced the plan as
well.
Advanced Planning
• Gather everyone in your household and make a
plan. Walk through your home and inspect all
possible exits and escape routes.
• Everyone in the household must understand
the escape plan. When you walk through your
plan, check to make sure the escape routes
are clear and doors and windows can be easily
opened.
• Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room,
in the hallway leading to the sleeping rooms,
and on every level of your home.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe
distance in front of your home where everyone
can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to
mark the location of the meeting place on your
escape plan.
• Make sure your address numbers are visible
from the roadway.
• If there are infants or family members with
mobility limitations, make sure that someone is
assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in
the event of an emergency. Assign aback-up
person too, in case the designee is not home
during the emergency.
• Be fully prepared for a real fire. When a smoke
alarm sounds, call 911 and get out immediately.
• Once you are out, STAY OUT.i Never go back
into a burning building. If someone is missing,
inform the 911 dispatcher when you call or tell
the firefighters when they arrive.
mhol mes@ci. hasti ngs. m n. us
Assistant Fire Chief/
Fire Marshal:
Mike Schutt 480-6150
msch utt@ci . hasti ngs. m n. u s
Fire Inspector:
AI Storlie 480-6155
astorl ie@ci. hasti ngs. m n. us
Working Smoke
Detectors
Save Lives
Test Yours
Regularly
and Replace
Batteries at Least
Once A Year!
Practice Your Plan, continued on page 9
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Fire Chief Mark Holmes
Starting as a volunteer firefighter in 1977, Mark
was hired full-time in 1978. Shortly thereafter,
Mark took on additional responsibilities by over-
seeing medical training for the department.
In 1986, the Hastings Fire Department became a
licensed training institute to teach the National
Emergency Medical Technician curriculum. Under
Mark's tenure, the fire department has maintained
a 100°~ pass rate for all new employees. This is
quite an accomplishment when the national
average pass rate is less than 70°~ for first
time test takers.
Chief Holmes has served in the following areas:
• President of the Dakota County Fire Chief's
Association
• President of the Wakota Mutual-Aid
Firefighters Association
• Dakota County Emergency Medical Consortium
• Minnesota State Fire Chief's Association
Board of Directors
• Treasurer of the Hastings Fire Department
Relief Association
• Instructed many classes throughout the
State of Minnesota in the following areas:
Technical Rope Rescue, CPR, National
Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians,
Relief Association, and Fire Suppression
Everyone at the Hastings Fire Department would
like to congratulate Mark and his wife Linda, on
his upcoming retirement and wish him the best
of luck. We know spending time with his grand-
children is tops on his list.
8 Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
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Fall 2007
Practice Your Plan (continued from page 8)
Testing Your Plan
• Practice your home fire escape plan
twice a year.
• Allow children to practice exiting during
a fire drill during the daytime before
you practice at night.
stay L®w
• Smoke from a fire is toxic and deadly
no matter what kind of structure you
live in. When you perform your fire
drill, everyone in the family should
practice getting low and going under
the smoke to the exit.
• If the smoke is too thick or there is
fire in the hallway and you can't exit
out your room or apartment, place a
wet towel or clothing at the base of
the door to avoid smoke entering
under the door. Go to the window and
place a blanket, a piece of clothing or
Using 9-1-1
The City of Hastings, along with the Dakota
Communications Center (DCC), encour-
ages the use of 9-1-1 for any situation
requiring the response of police, fire or
emergency medical personnel. This
includes non-emergency situations such
as reporting a crime, a traffic situation or
suspicious activity. The dispatcher will
ask questions to determine the proper
level of response and assure that emer-
gencies receive the highest response pri-
ority. 9-1-1 should not be used for infor-
mationonly purposes.
The dispatcher will ask questions to verify
your location and learn more about the
situation requiring a response. Stay on the
something unusual in the window.
Stay by the window. The firefighters
will walk around the building to look
for this.
• If you have a phone in your room, call
911 and let them know where you are
located.
Sound The Alarm
• The majority of fatal fires occur when
people are sleeping. Your chances of
surviving a fire are 80°~ higher with a
working smoke detector.
• Test your smoke detectors and change
the batteries annually.
Open Up
• Make sure that you are able to open
all doors and windows in your home.
Locks and pins should be easily open
able from the inside.
line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
Call the Hastings Police
administrative line at 480-2300 to:
• Ask for information regarding the
status of a report or investigation.
• Ask for information regarding a city
ordinance.
• Talk with a specific officer or
employee of the department.
• Request information regarding
persons under arrest.
• Inquire about impounded vehicles or
animals.
• Request a copy of a police report.
For more information on 9-1-1 usage,
please visit the DCC web site at
http://www.mn-dcc.org or call the DCC at
651-322-1900 between Sam - 4:30pm.
BOOYA
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Starting at 11:OU a.m.
For Raffle Tickets See Any Hastings Fir~figMar ur t:a11 r51-~8i~-6150
Knights of Colurubus Hall ;°
Highway 61 Soulh • Hastings, MN ~il ri~~ ~ -
Door Prizes Throughout The Day '~ ~a 3
n.., ~;
What will be served? Booya, Hot Dogs,
Brats, Baked goods.
Entertainment? Of course! There will be
a raffle, with lots of prizes and games for
the kids.
It's great fun for the entire family!
The Firefighters will be making over 1,100
gallons of Booya, so there will be plenty!
Proceeds from this event help fund:
• Scholarships
• The Local Chapter
of the Salvation
Army
• The Hastings Lions
Club Toy Project
• The Hastings High
School all-night
graduation party
• MDA
• Multiple Sclerosis
• The Courage
Center
• The Special
Olympics
and many other
worthy local charities
Don~~ hiss ~`h~s Y~ar~s .Annual Open ~Ious~!
Tuesday, October g, 7 p.rn. - g p.rn.
Activities For The Entire Family!
HASTINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000 9
,~
.~
.Ivv ~/rrv//~1
Hastings Public Works
Department
Public Works Garage
1225 Progress Drive
Hastings, MN 55033
480-6185
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Public Works Director:
Tom Montgomery 480-6185
tmontgomery@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
City Engineer:
Nick Egger 480-2334
engineeringdept@ci.hastings.mn.us
Streets & Utilities:
John Zgoda 480-6185
publicworksdept@ci.hastings.mn.us
- - -,,,_
~~_. • -
-•~~_-
_~ ~
°x • ~.
~; r
~_ r.
Landscaping and Construction Reminder
Homeowners often rush to complete landscaping
or construction projects in the fall that were
planned for the summer but did not get
completed.
A quick reminder that City streets cannot be used
for storage of landscaping materials such as rock,
mulch or topsoil, and dumpsters used for disposal
of construction debris are not allowed in the street.
t~
a
~- ~ I 1
~~~
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~1 ~~~~
~~
~~
~~~~
Storage of landscaping materials or dumpsters in
the street not only causes unnecessary damage
to the streets, but it also creates a safety issues
for drivers and pedestrian. Please store these and
other landscape materials on your driveway or in
your yard.
~ r~
~~'~
'~'~\
City Adopts Wellhead Protection Plan
Earlier this year, the Hastings City Council formally adopted a Wellhead Protection Plan, which is a
State and Federally Mandated plan for protecting the ground water used for our municipal water supply.
The first phase of the Wellhead Protection Plan consisted of delineating the ground surface area where
water falling on the ground surface would infiltrate 300 feet down to our water supply aquifer.
This area is called our Drinking Water Surface Management Area (DWSMA.) The City's DWSMA covers
about 2/3 of the City and also extends a good distance outside of the City limits.
The second phase of the Wellhead Protection Plan consists of maintaining a potential contaminant
source inventory - a list of storage tanks, dump sites, hazardous waste generators, private and public
wells, septic systems and chemical spill sites within our DWSMA.
The Wellhead Protection Plan also includes development and implementation of a management plan to
reduce the risk of contamination of the drinking water supply, with components for educational programs,
land use controls, continued coordination with Dakota County and the Hastings Area Nitrate Study
(HANS) goals and activities, and storm water management activities to promote storm water quality
improvements.
For further information pertaining to Wellhead Protection Plan, or for maps illustrating the areas
involved, please visit our website at www.ci.hasting.mn.us and click on Engineering.
1o Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
.~
r I ~
1(1 /~/~r11~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~/~~.
Fall 2007
2008 Street & Utility Construction ~~~
Vermillion Walls and Street Reconstruction: - --f_~%, ~,r
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The Hastings Engineering Department will be preparing a feasibility - ,
~~
%
study and preliminary design for street and utility reconstruction j,,
~
a-' 2...
proposed for the summer of 2008. The proposed construction ).,_,
~
would involve streets both east and west of Highway 61 and `\~
would be coordinated with the planned restoration of the historic
retaining walls along Highway 61 and the side streets and alleys
between 6th Street and 9th Street.
~ ~
he proposed reconstruction would include street, curb and _,
=a ,,f. ~ -
~
.,,:
1w'._
gutter and sidewalk replacements, along with storm sewer ~};*~'
improvements and replacing the 100 year old sewer and water ,~
" ~~,i
mains. This project would also include paving three alleys to further
protect historic walls in these alleys that will be restored as part
of the Highway 61 historic retaining wall restoration project.
\ ~;,
Once the Engineering Department has substantially completed the
feasibility study and preliminary plans this winter, a neighborhood ~~~'~~~
meeting will be held with affected homeowners. At the neighborhood ~~ -
meetin ~~~.~
g, project cost and proposed assessment information will ~~„
be available, and homeowners will be asked to review and comment~?~7!w
on the preliminary plans. `~
The City Council will hold a public hearing in early January to
determine whether to proceed with proposed street and utility
construction in this area. If approved, construction should begin
by early June 2008 and be completed before the end of October.
The streets included in the proposed reconstruction
project are:
• Spring St. from 6th St. to 10th St.
• Eddy S. from south of 5th St. to 10th St.
• Sibley St. from 6th St. to 8th St.
• 6th St. from Spring St. to Hwy. 61
• 7th St. from Spring St. to Bailly St.
• 8th St. from Spring St. to Bailly St.
• 9th St. from Spring St. to Hwy. 61
• Alley between 6th & 7th St. from Eddy St. to Hwy. 61
• Alley between 7th & 8th St. from Eddy St. to Hwy. 61
• Alley between 7th & 8th St. from Hwy. 61 to Sibley St.
^~~
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1''
~: •2.
~~~
Protecting Water Quality -Tips
for Autumn
Fall Yard Work As you are doing your fall lawn maintenance,
please remember to keep leaves, litter, and debris out of
the street, gutter and storm drains. Storm drains outlet
directly into streams and rivers. This means the water is
essentially untreated -whatever is in the gutters washes
directly into our wetlands and can be a source of pollution.
Grass clippings contain valuable nutrients that provide up
to 25°~ of your lawn's fertilizer needs. Grass clippings should
be either left on the lawn or bagged, not left in the gutter
or any other hard surface.
Fall fertilizing should be completed with aphosphorus-free
fertilizer. Verify the middle number on the fertilizer bag is a
zero (for example 18 - 0 - 12). Keep all fertilizer off of the
pavement and gutters by sweeping it back onto the lawn
where it can be of a benefit.
Finish Landscaping Projects Complete all landscaping
projects prior to the end of year frost. Bare soil that is
exposed to the erosive forces of rain can run off into ditch-
es, gutters, and ultimately into streams and rivers.
However, all turf that cannot be established in time should
contain an erosion control measure such as silt fence, wood
fiber blanket, filter logs, compost burms, or mulch in order
to minimize spring runoff.
Complete landscaping projects using hardy plants that are
relatively pest-free and suited to your site to reduce the
need for chemical upkeep.
~tl;'~ Weed Control Spot treat weeds and only apply herbi-
~ ~,~ cides when needed. Don't kill unwanted weeds or vegeta-
Y I
~~'.,~ tion with motor oil, gasoline, or kerosene.
iii .~.
-~
`~ - ' ' ~
~f. ~\ ~
~~`' Properly dispose of any unwanted materials from your
garage. Take all unwanted paints, solvents, cleaners, and
pesticides to a Household Hazardous Waste Turn-In site,
(details for which can be found on page 12.) Under no
_~ circumstance should they be dumped down the storm sewer.
`~'~ ~`
~~'~ And remember, always pick up pet waste and dispose of it
.:
~:~. M
.
in the trash.
~~~
~.
For a map of this project area, please visit the City's Website a
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000 11
Hastings Department
of Building Safety:
101 Fourth Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
480-2342
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Building Official
Tom Bakken 480-2342
tbakken@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Code Enforcement: 480-2342
dwest@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
City Recycling Coordinator
Kristin Behrens 480-6175
kbeh rens@ci. hasti ngs. mn. us
Sorting out the Sort
Which Boxes are Recyclable?
/"~illOW
~ "Can I recycle my
,~~ ~f WhatTa
I ThIDW"
cereal boxes? What
~ri,! about the boxes
~~ that hold my frozen
,lam t~ ~, dinners?" These are
GreenG~aardian.COrti common questions
asked by Twin Cities
metro area residents. You may be pleased to hear
that the answers are actually q uite simple:
• if a box is kept in the cupboard, it is
recyclable.
• if it goes in the fridge, freezer, or microwave,
it is not.
The glossy coating that is used on toothpaste,
cereal, pasta, and some cardboard boxes does
not affect the recycling process. However, the wax
that makes refrigerator, freezer, and microwavable
boxes water-resistant is a problem. The freezer
box wax, because it acts as a separator, does
not intermingle with the water used to make
paper pulp, impeding the recycling process.
C , ,' I
~~ )
i
~~'
~~x ` ~ L
~~
Dakota County Eco-Site
3365 South Highway 149, Eagan, MN 55124
(952) 891-7020
Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste should not be
dumped down the drain or tossed in the trash.
The following items can be taken to the Eco-Site
where Dakota County oversees its proper reuse or
disposal at no charge to residents:
• Aerosols, antifreeze, auto batteries, fire
extinguishers, fluorescent lights, gasoline,
household cleaners, latex or oil paint, lawn &
garden products, mercury thermometers,
pesticides, propane tanks, gas cylinders,
12 Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000
~i / 1 ' \' ` / ' 1 ~1`
..~vv ~/ rrv//~•
So the next time you dispose of your medicine,
toothpaste, or cracker boxes, head to the recycling
bin. Take the boxes that go in the refrigerator,
freezer, or microwave to the waste bin. Use the
following list as a BOX RECYCLING GUIDE:
Yes
• Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes and
cake mix boxes
• Shoe boxes, gift boxes and electronics boxes
• Boxes from toothpaste, medications and other
toiletries
• Cardboard boxes
H~
• Boxes that go in the refrigerator, freezer, or
microwave
• Pizza boxes, egg cartons, or other boxes
soiled with food
Remember to recycle your cans, bottles,
and other types of paper too!
Rethink recycling. You can recycle more kinds of
paper than you think. To learn more, contact your
community recycling program coordinator or visit
www.Gre2nGuardian.com, the metro area's
resource for recycling and waste disposal.
~~ ~~~
~ C
,~~
~~ ~~~~
tires (for a fee), used oil and filters, weed killer,
driveway sealer, and most products labeled
dangerous, flammable, poison, combustible,
or corrosive.
For your safety and Eco-Site employee safety,
place household hazardous waste products in a
box when transporting. Product contents should be
labeled and in the original package. Never mix or
pour household hazardous wastes together.
Hazardous Waste Area Hours:
Wednesdays - 3 pm to 8 pm
Thursdays - 9 am to 2 pm
Saturdays - 9 am to 2 pm
Dakota County Eco-Site Info Continues on page 13
~~,,
~ P4
~~ ~~
'/.
Street Light Out?
,~
.~
~ - ~~ ~ ~~ r
Are Your Street Lights Dark? The Public Works Department will report non-functioning
street lights to the electric utility companies for repair. But we need help from you!
Homeowners are asked to please let the Public Works Department know when the lights in
their area are not working. Most of the City's street lights are maintained by Xcel energy or
Dakota electric and the Public Works Department will let them know.
Just call the Public Works Department at 480-6185 to report street light outages.
Congratulations Youth
Green Teams!!
The City and Waste Management
congratulate Girl Scout Troop 531 for
all of their hard work in recycling during
the 2nd quarter of 2007. They collected
over 49 tons of recyclable mixed paper
and received about $740.00 for their
participation in the Youth Green Team
Recycling Program!
Leaf Raking How can our group participate?
If your youth group is interested in this
Just a reminder for all home owners, please do not rake your leaves into the street program, contact Sandy Spring at
for City crews to sweep up. 480-0307, ext. 0104, complete the
application form, and submit to:
While raking leaves into the street is prohibited by City Ordinance, this practice can also
create problems with storm drainage and water quality. During a rainstorm, leaves can Waste Management,
quickly plug storm drains and pipes, causing street flooding. 2800 Millard Avenue
Hastings, MN 55033.
Leaves that are washed into the storm sewer system will end up in the City's lakes and
rivers, degrading the water quality and providing a nutrient source for spring and summer Groups selected to participate will be
algae blooms. Thanks! notified well in advance of their three
month term.
'~ y
(~
Dakota County Eco-Site
Info Continued
(continued from page 12)
Aluminum Buy Back
The Eco-Site Recycling Area buys
aluminum cans from the public and
businesses. Call 651-905-4520 for can
redemption prices.
Compost Bin Sales
Gopher Resource Corporation offers
backyard compost bins for sale. The bin is
13 cubic ft (36" L x 32" W x 32" T) and
fits in most any car. Call 651-905-4520
for compost bin availability and price.
Lead Sinker Exchange
Detoxify your tackle box. Bring in your lead
sinkers and exchange them for free non-toxic
sinkers.
Product Reuse Area
Usable household chemical products
such as paints, cleaners, and solvents are
placed in the reuse area and are free for
the taking.
Recycle Electronics at the EcoSite
Gopher Resource Corporation accepts
electronics from residents for a fee. No
business electronics are accepted. Fee?
Only 40 cents per pound!
Electronics Drop-Off Hours:
Wednesdays - 9 am - 8 pm
Thursdays - 9 am to 5 pm
Fridays - 9 am to 5 pm
Saturdays - 8 am to 5 pm
PLEASE NOTE: There is road construction
occurring this summer which involves the
Eco-Site. Please call the Eco-Site at
952-891-7020 or visit their website at
www. dakotacounty. us/environmentroads/e
cosite/default.htm for construction
updates.
Rivertown News (se~tember 200 -November 2000 13
,1
I i
~~ ~~1r~~~r~Jy!~
Hastings Parks and
Recreation
920 10th Street West
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: 480-6175
Fax: 437-5396
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Hotline: 480-2392
Parks & Recreation Director:
Barry Bernstein 480-6176
bbernstein@ci. hastings. mn.us
Public Dock Update
By now, many of you who visit the Hastings River
Rats (Jaycee Park) along the Mississippi River have
noticed the newly constructed public boat dock. The
boat dock is a culmination of several years of
attempting to build a public boat dock along the
Mississippi River. The City is thrilled to finaly have ~(- G
accomplished this project. This new Public Dock will'" ~ u
serve the many boaters who enjoy the River _ `
throughout the summer as well as being and
added amenity for the City of Hastings. _ - ~ '„• `
Annually the dock is expected to be set in place
Parks Superintendent: each spring around Memorial Day and removed
Kevin Smith 480-6178 in late September or early October as
ksmithC~ci.hastings.mn.us weather/conditions dictate.
City Forester:
Paul Mahoney 480-6177
pmahoney@ci. hastings. mn.us
Recreation Coordinator:
Jared Flewellen 480-6181
jflewellen@ci. hastings. mn.us
Recreation Weather Hotline
480-3102
Aquatic Center Manager:
Darbie Johnson 480-6179
djohnson@ci.hastings.mn.us
Hastings Family Aquatic
Center: 437-6999
HFAC Hotline 480-2392
Civic Arena Manager:
Sliv McGree 480-6195
jmcgree@ci. hastings. mn.us
~ ~~ti~~~ ~ C.~
I~
Lake Isabel Update
The Lake Isabel access is a sight to see. For residents who are not familiar with this project, the City of
Hastings, with assistance from the East Hastings Improvement Association, are working together to
improve both the lake access and the fishing opportunities at this lake.
Lake Isabel, which is located at 800 East 2nd Street, has been undergoing improvements all summer
long. These include an improved boat access and parking, pedestrian access, and a fishing pier.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to regain your senses, you should visit Lake Isabel!
Park, Picnic, and Ballfield Reservations
Picnic Shelters and Ballfield reservation permits are available at Roadside Park, Vermillion Falls Park,
Wallin Park or any ballfield within Hastings. To reserve a shelter and/or ballfield, you must complete
and return a reservation form to the Parks & Recreation Department.*
Reservation Forms are available on the city website, at City Hall, by stopping by the Parks &
Recreation Office or by calling 480-6175 to have one mailed to you. Fees apply for both ballfield and
park shelter reservations at resident and non-resident rates, and vary from location to location, so
please call for details!
* Reservations are taken on a firstcome first-served basis. These reservations do not provide you with exclusive
rights to the park, just the ballfield or shelter. Other residents are still welcome to enjoy the park's other amenities.
14 RIVEYtOW11 NEWS (se~tember 2007 -November 2007)
,~
Hastings Civic Arena '07 - `08 Season
Arena Phone: 651-480-6195
Learn to Skate: Advanced Lessons with Skate Instructor
Amanda Truax Korobko, River Blades Skating School
Email: rive rbladesskatingschoolC~yahoo.com
First Session: Second Session:
Starts 10/13/07; Every Saturday Starts 1/12/08; Every Saturday
for 10 weeks, 9:30 - 11:00 am for 10 weeks, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Contact Amanda for pricing and more information at 763-232-5195 or
riverbladesskatingschoolC~yahoo. com
Hastings Hockey Boosters
Winter Session: 10/14/07 - 3/15/08
For more information, www.hastingshockey.com
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Parks & Recreation Information
Financial Assistance Avai/able: Financial assistance
is available for most programs. For assistance, or
additional information, please call 480-6175.
Photo/Video PO/icy. Periodically the City of Hastings
takes pictures or video of participants during programs,
special events or people enjoying the parks. These
photos may appear in local newspapers, Department
and/or the City's website/publication.
r
~~ ~~
~~
~~~~
Lost and Found: We retrieve many personal belongings
each year that are left behind at parks, programs or
special events. If you have lost something at any of
our locations, contact us at 480-6175 to see if it was
recovered. We hold items for six months before being
disposed of.
Removal of Dog Waste: Citizens are reminded that it
is their responsibility to clean up after their pets!
~'°v,
Data Privacy Advisory. In accordance with MN
Govn't Data Practices Act, the Parks & Recreation staff
of Hastings hereby informs you that the personal infor-
mation we are requesting of you and/or your child on
our registration form is considered private. Private data is
available to staff to perform their duties. While you may
choose to withhold this data, the result could be that
staff may not be able to complete your registration and/or
you may not receive updated program information such
as schedule changes, etc.
Rivertown News (se~tember 2007 -November 2007) 15
Be Good To Your
Neighbors
A Message From Ward 2 Council
Member Turney Hazlet
It's been a warm summer, with many days
over 90 degrees. The pools have been
busy and the Saturday Night Car Shows are
a great place to spend time. Rivertown Days
was exciting, with the great entertainment
and food along the river, crafts at the park and all the historic
tours of Hastings.
Living in Hastings is one of the better things of life. I think this is
true for us all in Hastings.
However, there are a few things that can make our City not so
pleasant sometimes and these things can be attributed to not
being "a good neighbor." Included in the category of the "not being
a good neighbor" are:
• Not maintaining property up to neighborhood standards
(leaving grass to just grow tall, poor building maintenance,
old vehicles stored in yards, bushes and trees overgrowing in
to neighboring yards)
• Loud noise (parties, music, vehicles without proper mufflers)
• Pets (running lose through the neighborhood or NOT picking up
after pets when walking)
• Smoke from backyard fire pits (having pits to close to buildings,
burning inappropriate materials and having fires when the
wind is blowing towards the neighbors windows)
City of Hastings
101 Fourth Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
City Hall:
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 480-2350
Fax: 437-7082
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
cityhallC~ci.hastings.mn.us
It's hard to believe that approximately 80°~ of the calls I receive
from residents has to do with these issues.
It's also hard to believe, that the City's Code Enforcement Staff
had to be increased in order to deal with all these issues. City
Staff and City Council regularly have to go to court to deal with
some of these issues. Currently, City Staff is researching whether
the City of Hastings should increase fines for repeat offenders.
And City Police Officers are called upon to deal with some of these
issues. These issues consume an increadible amount of tax
dollarseach year asthe city deal with them.
So, please be good to your neighbors by maintaining your property,
having the kids put appropriate mufflers on vehicles, being
responsible for pets and letting your neighbors have their windows
open during the cooler fall weather.
Enjoy this Fall and our great City of Hastings.
fir,~il~
2nd Ward City Council
PRSRT-STD
ECR
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Hastings MN
Permit No. 166
Postal Customer
Printed on recycled paper containing no less than 10% post-consumer waste.