HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 1999
!
I
Hastings Rivertown News
~;;~:k~~~~~~
~=...=...="..... .~- ---------------
-~i;-ofHastings 101 East Fourth Street, Hastings, MN 55033-1955 (651) 437-4127
Comprehensive Plan
Update
The Planning Department is cur-
rently finishing the Land Use
Component of the City's New
Comprehensive Plan. The land
use component of the plan in-
volves existing land uses, hous-
ing, redevelopment, and future
growth. The Future Land Use
Plan has been built around input
from the Community, the City
Council and Planning Commis-
sion, and City Staff. The main
land use issues facing Hastings
in the future revolve around fu-
ture growth and redevelopment.
The City will need to grow out-
side of it's existing boundaries
over the next 20 years in order
to accommodate projected
growth. The future growth of
Hastings is based on Metropoli-
tan Council's population projec-
tions and historic growth in the
City. The City needs to plan for
future growth in order to ensure
that the future areas of the City
Can be properly served with in-
frastructure. The City wants to
grow in areas that enhance and
will improve the City's overall in-
frastructure system. Infrastruc-
ture includes vital road connec-
tions and utilities.
What is a
Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan is a
city's vision for the future of the
City and a guide to get the city
to that vision;
It is a policy guide ITom which
City staff and City Officials will
base future land use and devel-
opment decisions;
It examines the cumulative ef-
fects of growth and land use and
minimizes these effects through
thoughtful planning;
It is the goal of the City of
Hastings to plan for balanced
growth in order to maintain the
high level of services to it's citi-
zens and to keep the strong level
of community identity that
Hastings currently has.
Comprehensive Plan
Open House
Tuesday, October 26, 1999
S:00-7:oop.m.
Presentation at 7 :00 p.m.
Hastings City Hall
101 Fourth Street East
Comnrehensive Land Use
and Growth Map
All citizens of the community are invited
to examine and comment on the proposed
plan. There will be a community wide
Open House held on October 26, 1999, to
discuss this plan. Citizens may also con-
tact Matthew Weiland, City Planner, with
questions, comments, or to set up a time
to view the comprehensive plan materials
at 437-4127.
Hastings Population Forecast 1990 - 2020
30,000_ //
15,000 //
/"
10,000-/
/
15,000./ i/
/
/
10,000 -
5.000
o.
Volume IV Issue 3
(Comprehensive Plan continued on back page)
II Population
m Households
Page 1
October 1999
IIALLOWEEN 5AFEIY IrP5
HOW IS MYWATER BILL CALCULATED?
Water & Sewer Rates
For Residents of Hastings
It's that time of year again when thoughts of
costumes, candy and trick-or-treating are in the
air! In order to help keep our little ghosts and
goblins safe while they are gathering candy, here
are a few tips:
A regular utility bill is based on a quarterly (tbree-month)
period. All meters are individually read per billing period,
and an estimate is done only if a meter is not accessible and
repeated attempts to contact the property owner have failed.
Your bill consists of the following charges:
1.
Talk to your kids about being safe be-
fore they go trick-or-treating. It's so
much fun, little ones may be too excited to
listen carefully if you give safety advice
while they are getting ready on Halloween.
Some things to remember:
Don't forget a flashlight
Only visit homes with lights on
Always stay on the side of the
street
Look both ways before crossing the
street
It's also a good idea to put reflec-
tive patches on their bunny and
cowboy costumes so it's easier for
cars to spot.
Have a Safe Costume Be careful of
masks which may obstruct vision, baggy
clothing that may restrict mobility, and dark
colors that may be hard to spot as the sun
goes down.
Trick or Treat during the Early
Evening Hours It's easier to see!
Go Trick-or- Treating With Them! Es-
pecially with children under the age of eight,
it's important to have an adult along. Plus,
it gives you an excuse to dress up, too!
Stay Close to Home. Find a safe place
for your kids to trick-or-treat; if you go to
an unfamiliar neighborhood, get out of the
car and walk with your kids.
Don't Eat Candy Before you Get
Home While the temptation may be tough
to resist, the safest thing is to wait until you
get home to allow your kids to have any
candy. This gives parents an opportunity
to check for anything that looks curious.
Water
Consumption Charge
This is the actual amount of water used and covers the cost
of supply, purification, pumping, distribution and adminis-
tration.
Rates
The 1999 water rate is $1.30 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
Service Charge
This is collected by the City to maintain the inftastructure.
A qnarterly service charge is applied to each bill, depend-
ing on the size ofthe meter being used.
5/8 - 3/4" - $6.00' I" - $8.00
11/4" - $9.00 1 y,"-$14.00
2" -$19.00 3" -$43.00
4" -$70.00 6" -$100.00
*average residential home
2.
3.
Sales Tax
MN state sales tax of 6.5% is applied to water consumption
charges for all nonresidential properties.
4.
Testing Charge (MN)
An annual charge of$5.21 goes to the Mn Department of
Health for testing public water supplies, as required by the
Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
5.
(Water Bill Continued on Page 8)
I. Drive Slowly. Excited kids may not be pay-
ing attention to cars; watch for children run-
ning out into the street and be aware of kids in
dark costumes who may be difficult to spot.
2. Don't Drink & Drive. While this may seem
obvious, many adults go out and celebrate Hal-
loween at their own parties. Nothing will ruin
a fun night more than a ticket or an accident.
6.
Even if you don't have children to take trick-or-treat-
ing, there are some things that you can do to help oth-
ers have a safe holiday:
Volume IV Issue 3
With a few precautions, our children can have a safe
and fun Halloween!
Page 2
~
o
~
"
,
"
,
,
CIVIC ARENA OPENS!
The Hastings Civic Arena West opens on Octo-
ber 16, 1999, and Civic Arena East opens Octo-
ber 30, 1999. For ice rentals or information, please
ca11437-8279.
Public skating at the Hastings Civic Arena is avail-
able; the schedule is published in the Hastings Star
Gazette on a weekly basis and is also available at
the Civic Arena.
Morning public skate hours are
available every Friday, 9:30 -
11:30 a.m. rromNovember 5,
1999 to March 17, 2000.
This year, the Arena is offering Patch skating
times for figure skating practice.
Sunday, November 7
Thursday, November 11
Sunday, November 14
Sunday, November 28
Thursday, December 2
Sunday, December 5
Sunday, December 12
Thursday, December 16
Sunday, December 19
Sunday, December 26
Thursday, December 30
8:15-9:00p.m
8:45-9:30p.m
8:15-9:00p.m
8:15-9:00p.m
9:00-9:45p.m
8:15-9:00p.m
8:15-9:00p.m
9:00-9:45p.m
8:15-9:00p.m
8:15-9:00p.m.
9:00-9:45p.m
Volume IV Issue 3
1999 OPEN
SKATING SCHEDULE
OCTOBER
Sunday, October 17
Tuesday, October 19
Thursday, October 21
Saturday, October 23
Sunday, October 24
Tuesday, October 26
Saturday, October 30
NOVEMBER
Wednesday, November 3
Saturday, November 6
Sunday, November 7
Wednesday, November 10
Thursday, November II
Sunday, November 14
Wednesday, November 17
Saturday, November 20
Sunday, November 21
Wednesday, November 24
Saturday, November 27
Sunday, November 28
DECEMBER
Wednesday, December I
Thursday, December 2
Saturday, December 4
Sunday, December 5
Wednesday, December 8
Thursday, December 9
Saturday, December II
Sunday, December 12
Wednesday, December 15
Thursday, December 16
Saturday, December 18
Sunday, December 19
Wednesday, December 22
Thursday, December 23
Sunday, December 26
Wednesday, December 29
Thursday, December 30
1:45 - 3:45 p.m
6:30- 8:00p.m.
6:45 - 8: 15 p.m.
12:oo-2:00p.m.
1:00-3:oop.m.
l:oo-3:oop.m.
6:45 p.m.-8:15p.m.
7:oo-9:00p.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
1:45-3:45p.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
7:00- 8:30p.m.
6:30-8:oop.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
1:15-3:15p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
12:30-2:30p.rn.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
7: 15 - 8:45 p.m.
4:45 - 6:45 p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
4:45 - 6:45 p.m.
1:45-3:45 p.m.
6:30-8:oop.m.
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
7:15-8:45p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.m.
1 :45 - 3:45 p.rn.
12:30-2:30p.rn.
7:15-8:45p.m.
1:45 - 3:45 p.rn.
6:30-8:oop.m.
12:30-2:30p.m.
7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Page 3
, ;
1..-. /
/ .... ;c,J
<-, ~
~'f. + .
~ JIlT
Hastings Family
Aquatic Center
Wraps It Up for
1999
~ .,./f--~
Al1hough 1he first season of1henew Hastings Fam-
ily Aquatic Center has come to an end, it was a
tremendous success. Here are some figures to
illustrate how popular the pool was:
Approximately 40,000 patrons visited the
aquatic center in its first year;
The pool was at capacity 26 out of the 71 days
it was open;
Seventy individuals worked at 1he pool1his
summer, and the first year could not
have been a success without all of1hem;
Approximately 2,700 season passes were sold,
over halfbeing sold after the pool
opened.
The mon1h of September was busywi1h 1hepool
and ba1hhouse undergoing 1he winterization pr0-
cess. Several summer staff including, Wendy
Czuprynski, Matt Hoffinan, Adam Hoffinan,
Amanda Schmitt, and Jeff Morehead put in ex-
tra off season hours helping with cleaning the
inside of the building, scrubbing and storing out-
door furniture, and securing and storing sum-
mer equipment. Pool Construction Incorpo-
rated, under the original contract, drained the
pool and was responsible for clearing all pipes
of water and securing for the winter months.
The pipes, toilets, and other fixtures inside the
bathhouse were also drained and secured for
winter. Wi1hout heat in the bathhouse, all equip-
ment and supplies susceptible to freezing were
moved out and stored or winterized to sustain
the cold Minnesota winter.
Volume IV Issue 3
Aquatic Center
Season Pass Information
Are you looking for a great birthday, anniversary,
or holiday gift? The Hastings Family Aquatic Cen-
terwill begin selling season passes for the YEAR
2000 on December 6, 1999. What better gift then
a pass for a summer filled with sun, slides, and
snacks?
To purchase a pass, stop by Hastings City Hall, 101
East 4th Street, on the following days:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m.
Passes will also be sold Monday December 13,
1999 through Wednesday December 15, 1999
from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Instructors Wanted
Are you interested in teaching swimming lessons?
The fall swimming lesson program at 1he Hastings
High School is looking for swimming lesson instruc-
tors. If you are interested or would like more infor-
mation, please contact Darbie Johnson at 480-
2360.
Possible changes to look for in the year 2000
season at the Hastings Family Aquatic Center...
(F\JJ Season passes to be sold beginning December 6,
~' 1999
AJ, Adult Lap Swim to be offered in the morning and
\'::;/ evening
~ Birthday party rental during open swim, with spe-
'~ cial activities included
Extended exclusive rental hours after open swim
~1 '
'=
Page 4
**
* SNOW EMERGENCY
*
With winter approaching, this is just a quick reminder
concerning snow emergencies and on street parking.
A snow emergency automatically goes into effect when
2 inches or more of snow (as measured at the Minne-
apolis/St. Paul Airport) has fallen. Under a snow emer-
gency, no parking on any City street is allowed until that
street has been cleared to its full width. Violators will
be ticketed and towed. Check cable channel 12 or
KDWA 1460 AM if you are not sure if a snow emer-
gency is in effect.
Public Works
LEAF RAKiNG
Please do not rake your leaves into the street
for City crews to sweep up.
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 quickly
plug storm drains and pipes causing street flooding.
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 algae blooms.
VETERANS BIKEWAY PROJECT
The new bike and pedestrian path on the east side
of the City should be completed by the end of Octo-
ber. The path connects to the Rotary bridge over
the Vermillion River gorge that links Old Mill Park
and Vermillion Falls Park. The new path is about 3
miles long, and extends north from Old Mill Park,
running behind Kennedy Elementary School to 8th
and Bailey Streets, and back east and south along
10th Street to connect to the trail loop in C.P. Adams
Park. Smead Manufacturing, Intek Weatherseal,
and the Hastings School District all generously do-
nated easements to allow this trail to cross their prop-
erties.
Volume IV Issue 3
WATER METERS ~
The Utility Department is in the process of converting
all water meters to a radio read system that will allow
meter readers to read water meters from the street.
The Utility Department's goal is to convert all of the
City meters to the radio read system by 2002. In
order to convert the meters, Utility Department em-
ployees must have access to the water meters inside
homes and businesses. The conversion takes approxi-
mately 15 to 20 minutes. If you receive a notice re-
questing access to convert your water meter, please
call the Utility Department to schedule an appointment.
To READ HOW YOUR WATER BILL
IS CALCULATED, TURN TO PAGE 2
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Work on the water system improvements is nearly
complete. This was a three year project that included
replacing the water tank on Highway 55, building a
new water tower in the Industrial Park, removing two
small, deteriorated water towers, redeveloping two
wells to increase pumping capacity, installing booster
pumps to allow the transfer of water ftom the low sys-
tem to the high system, and repairing and rebuilding
the five well pumphouses. A new computer control
system was also installed, making the water system
Y2K compliant. As a result of these water system
improvements, 25 - 50 year old buildings, tanks, and
components were upgraded or replaced, and more
water storage and pumping capacity was added to
the system to better handle the City's growth.
WATER SYSTEM CONSUMER
CONFIDENCE REpORTS
Included in this newsletter, all residents should receive
a consumer confidence report detailing the water qual-
ity ofthe Hastings water system by late October. The
federal government now requires the City to issue these
reports annually to all users of its water system. The
content of the report and language and descriptions used
to describe the water quality have been furnished by
the Minnesota Health Department, as required by regu-
lation.
Page 5
" The Hastings Police De-
partment would like to
. e remind all drivers that,
when driving in the downtown (2od
Street) area, it is illegal and improper
to turn left and cross over the double
yellow lines in the middle of the street.
We ask that drivers please refrain ftom
these improper and illegal turns; en-
forcement ofthese violations could
resuItin a traffic citation with an $80.00
fine. Thank you for your cooperation.
~
?~"
Police Department
~ Comings & Goings t
in the Police
Department
School is Open
Members of the Hastings Po-
lice Department hope all Hastings resi-
dents had an enjoyable summer. Now
that the Fall season is here, it is also the
beginning of the 1999-2000 school year.
Hastings Police Department members
would like to remind all citizens to be
extra alert this time of year for school
buses and children walking to school.
Residents and drivers should also be re-
minded that there are speed restrictions
and reductions in speed around certain
school areas.
4
~.......:'C'
~
<".'. "-"1
~...
'~
~..
II
......,.....71:
--
.......".....'
~
~
,~~
Chief and Lieutenant
Announce Retirements
Hastings Police Department Chief
Nick Wasylik has announced his
retirement as the Chief ofPolice for
the City ofHastings. His retirement
is effective January 28, 2000.
ChiefWasylik has served the City
for the past 27 years.
Also in February 2000, Lt.
Sam Sorenson will be retiring as a
member of the Hastings Police De-
partment after 29 years of service
to the City of Hastings.
Other Depart-
ment Changes
In August 1999,
Hastings Officer
Mark Belisle sub-
mitted his resigna-
tion and began
employment with
the City ofRoch-
ester Police De-
partment on Sep-
tember I, 1999.
Officer Belisle
served the citizens
of Hastings for
seven years.
Good luck to Of-
ficer Belisle in
Rochester!
Preliminary 2000
City Budget
at
The City's preliminary tax levy has been set by the
City Council at the September 8, 1999 Council meet-
ing. The preliminary levy of$4,682,747 represents
an approximate decrease of I .5% ftom the 1999 levy.
This levy is intended to reflect a decrease in the City's
tax rate.
The City's proposed debt levy has been decreased
$314,000 or 26.2% ftom the prior year. This is due to
primarily to the maturity of several debt issues during
the year. The preliminary general levy reflects an in-
Volume IV Issue 3
crease of$242,000 approximately 7.5% ftom the
current year levy. The City's combined levy, how-
ever, is a reduction wm 1999 levy amounts and will
result in a reduction to the overall city tax rate.
The final City budget and tax levy will be adopted in
late December 1999 after the City holds a public
hearing on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 7:00 p.m.
Specific information On a taxpayers' total property
tax amount for 2000 will be sent in November by
the County Treasurer-Auditor's Office.
Page 6
c-it(_.~.
Carbon Monoxide -
The Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a color-
less, odorless, deadly gas. Because
you can't see, taste, or smell it, car-
bon monoxide can kill you before you
know it's there. Today's more en-
ergy-efficient, airtight home designs contribute to the
problem by trapping CO-polluted air inside the home.
-.
away from the house for a period
of time? If so, you may be suffer-
ing from carbon monoxide poison-
ing. To be sure, see a physician
and request a carboxyhemoglobin
test. This will determine the per-
centage of carbon monoxide
present in your blood.
If your CO detector goes off, get out of the house
immediately. It is best to have a plan that includes
a pre-designated meeting place so that all family
members can be accounted for. (Most fatalities
occur when people re-enter the home to search
for loved ones.) Call the Fire Department from a
neighbor's home. Do not re-enter until the Fire
Department tells you it is okay to do so. Discuss
the source of carbon monoxide with a Fire Official
and have it repaired immediately.
Fire Department
The reason co is so dangerous is its attraction to he-
moglobin in the bloodstream. CO is breathed in through
the lungs, and bonds with hemoglobin in your blood, dis-
placing the oxygen that cells need to function. When
CO is present in the air it rapidly accumulates in the
blood. it will eventually displace enough oxygen in your
system to suffocate you from the inside out, resulting in
brain damage or death.
Carbon monoxide occurs as a common by-product of
appliances that run on flammable fuel, carbon monox-
ide can be emitted by gas or oil furnaces, refrigerators
or clothes dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves,
charcoal grills, gas ranges, and space heaters. A clogged
chimney or improper venting can cause problems as
well.
Everyone is at risk. Carbon monoxide poisoning can
happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Experts believe
that vulnerability to CO poisoning increases for unborn
babies, infants, senior citizens, and people with coro-
nary or respiratory problems. These people are consid-
ered to be at greatest risk.
To protect you and your family from CO poisoning, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends
installing at least one carbon monoxide detector per
household. Reliable, cost-effective protectIOn from car-
bon monoxide poisoning is now available from many
local stores.
Determining if you may be suffering from CO P?is?n-
ing may be difficult. Because its symptoms are sImIlar
to other common diseases, such as the flu, carbon mon-
oxide is often called "The Great Imitator." Symptoms
f low level CO poisoning can include headaches, fa-
~gue, nausea, dizzy spells, and confusion.. There are,
however, a few hints that can help. To IdentIfy CO
. . . ur home' Are other members of the house-
pOIsomng In yo .
hold feeling ill as well? Do you feel better when you
(continued on next column)
Volume IV Issue 3
-
it is best to place your CO detector near the sleep-
ing area, according to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, which recommends at least one de-
tector per household. A second detector located
near the home's heating source adds an extra mea-
sure of safety.
~
Fire Prevention Tips
It's cooling down so the heaters are warming up.
Before the severe cold comes upon us, remember
the following:
Space heaters need space - at least 18" from any-
thing combustible.
Have your furnace checked by a professional to
make sure it is in the best working order.
Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
for batteries and make sure they work.
Do not overload outlets or run extension cords un-
der carpets, across doorways, on or under heat-
ers, or pinched behind furniture.
Unplug all decorative lights before leaving home or
going to bed.
Never leave candles burning unattended.
~
Page 7
(Water Bill continued from page 2)
SanitarY Sewer
Consumption Charge
This pays for the operation, maintenance, and
treatment costs. For one and two family
homes, the sewer charge is based on the
water consumption during the winter sewer
quarter (November, December, January &
February are used, depending on home lo-
cation). Sewer charges are established an-
nually.
Rates (SW)
The 1999 sewer rate is $2.25 per 1,000 gal-
lons used during the winter sewer quarter.
Service Charge
This is collected by the City to maintain the
inftastructure. A quarterly service charge
of$I.50 is applied to each bill.
Minimum Charge
Based on a zero consumption billing period.
These charges continue as long as the water
meter is on the premises. Meters may be
removed at the request of the owner,
owner's agent, or at the discretion of the City
Utilities Department.
Late Payment Charge
An additional 1 0% is levied to utility bills not
paid by due date. Payments must be re-
ceived by due date, postmarks are not ac-
cepted. A flat rate of$IO.OO is applied to all
bills not paid by the second notice due date.
Disconnection occurs after all attempts to
collect payment on a delinquent account have
been unsuccessful.
(
City of Hastings
101 Fourth Street East
Hastings, MN 55033-1955
Ward
Hastin!!s City Council
Mayor Mike Werner 437-4143
Janette Yandrasits 438-3194
Mike Simacek 437-3387
Ed Riveness 437-4416
Janice Johnson 437-2831
Paul Hicks 437-8866
Lynn Moratzka 437-7869
1
2
3
4
At-Large
At Large
City Phone Numbers
City Hall General Information 437-4127
Police Department 437-4126
Fire Department & Ambulance 437-5610
Civic Arena 437-4940
Y2K UPDATE
The City of Hastings has identified and
is correcting any and all devices and
equipment that requires time or date spe-
cific infonnation to operate properly.
The City continues to plan and prepare for this event in the same
manner that it has for other emergency preparedness events. City
Staffwill be available at the Hastings Fire Station at various times
throughout the days of December 31, 1999 and January 1, 2000
to monitor the City's equipment and services as they may or may
not be impacted by the "Y2k" bug.
Additionally, the City is encouraging all businesses, industries, and
residents to also prepare for this event in a similar manner. Please
review the attached insert prepared by the American Red Cross
for further information and advice to assure that you are prepared
for "Y2k."
Carrier Route
Sort
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Hastings, MN
Permit No. 166
Volume IV Issue 3
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CONTAINING NO LESS THAN 10% POST CONSUMER WASTE
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Page 8
October 1999