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Home My WebLink About20201221 - CC Minutes Hastings,Minnesota City Council Meeting Minutes December 21,2020 The City Council of the City of Hastings,Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday,December 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom video conference. Mayor Fasbender explained why and referenced various city, state and federal declarations and guidelines that an in-person meeting was not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Members Present: Mayor Fasbender,Councilmembers Balsanek, Braucks,Folch,Leifeld, Lund and Vaughan Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Administrative Services Director Julie Flaten City Attorney Dan Fluegel Community Development Director John Hinzman Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller Parks&Recreation Director Chris Jenkins Employee Recognition: 5 years 10 years 20 years 35 years Geoffrey Latsch Chad Jensen Tom Bakken Al Storlie Paige Marschall Bigler Brock Bukkila Quentin Nelson 15 years Jeremy Jacobson Craig Schultz Amy Carlson Natalie Judge Alan Gaylor Tina Gipson Brenda McGrath John Jamison Kevin Okeson Terry Meier Joe Cysiewski Dawn West Craig Nowlan Renier Steenkamp Joy Schroeder Chris Weid Justin Wolfe John Townsend A recognition video was shown thanking employees for their 360 years of combined service! Recognition—HEDRA Commissioners Joe Balsanek and Jen Fox Recognition—Planning Commissioners Mitch Johnson and Lisa Siebenaler Recognition—Parks&Recreation Commissioner Nicole DePalma Recognition—Heritage Preservation Commissioners Karen Douglas and Christina Johnson Appreciation was given to outgoing Commissioners. Presentation—Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik Commissioner Slavik updated the Council of Dakota County's various activities,the 2021 budget,the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and CARES Act money allocation and spending in the County. Council thanked Commissioner Slavik for his efforts and discussed the COVID-19 vaccine timeline. Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council Workshop and Regular Meetings on December 7,2020. Minutes were approved as presented. Consent Agenda 1. Pay Bills as Audited Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at http://www.hastin mn.gov/city-govemment/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes 2. Resolution No. 12-06-20:Approve Final Payment—Water Chlorination Plumbing&Mechanical Systems($15,170.24)-MJ O'Connor,Inc. 3. Resolution No. 12-07-20:Approve Final Payment—2020 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements($477,472.72)—A-1 Excavating, Inc. 4. Approve Pay Estimate#2—E 21"Street Water Quality Improvements ($125,761.34)—Minnesota Dirt Works 5. Resolution No. 12-08-20: Support of Amendment to Dakota County All Hazards Mitigation Plan for Flood Mitigation 6. Resolution No. 12-09-20:Approve New Location of Massage Establishment License for Barb's Therapeutic Massage and Massage Therapy License for Barb Odman 7. Resolution No. 12-10-20: Approve 2021 Massage Therapist Licenses Renewal 8. Resolution No. 12-11-20:Adopt Election Polling Places 9. Approve 2021 Police Sergeants Labor Union Contract 10. Resolution No. 12-12-20:Acceptance and Appreciation of a Donation to the Police Department from the Langenfeld's 11. Resolution No. 12-13-20: Declare Surplus Property &Authorizing Sale of Public Works 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid 12. Reappoint Planning Commissioners: Rob Halberg and Todd Matzke 13. Appoint Planning Commissioners: Melanie Peters and Chris Teiken 14. Appoint HEDRA Commissioner: Margaret"Peggy"Horsch 15. Reappoint Public Safety Advisory Commissioners Gary Stevens and Jesse Starkson 16. Reappoint Heritage Preservation Commissioners: Mark Borchardt and Cindy Toppin 17. Reappoint Parks &Recreation Commissioners Bruce Karnick,Dave Pemble, Chelsea Piskor,and Ben Spader 18. Appoint Public Safety Advisory Commissioner: Dozier Hunter Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented,seconded by Councilmember Folch. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Public Hearing and 2"Reading/Ordinance Amendment No.2020-14: Amend City Code Chapter 34: Fees Wietecha discussed the adjustment to the City fees and fee schedule. He detailed that staff recommended water rates increase 3.5%, sewer rates increase 1% and the Storm Water fee increases 4% and how this revenue is expected to be spent.The proposed utility rate increases are included in the 2021 budget and will be effective with the January 2021 billing. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 7:51 p.m. Hearing no comments,she closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld.Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Resolution No. 12-14-20: Adopt 2040 Comprehensive Plan Hinzman detailed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the recommended Metropolitan Council amendments. He also summarized the community outreach that was previously done to obtain information from the public and the efforts of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Council discussed the last update they received about the Comprehensive Plan, suggested perhaps having regular updates,discussions and review of action steps,the lack of Council input for the 2040 Plan, possibly aligning the Comprehensive Plan with the strategic planning goals and recognition and thanks for the work of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at http://www.hastingsmn. oe v/city-sovernment/city-council/city-council-aeendas-and-minutes Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented,seconded by Councilmember Vaughan. Roll Call:Ayes 7;Nays 0. Resolution No. 12-15-20: Conduit Housing Revenue Bond-Call for Public Hearing and Preliminary Approval-Schoolhouse Square Senior Housing-Real Estate Equities Hinzman discussed the proposal from Real Estate Equities for a housing finance program and to grant a preliminary approval to a housing facility revenue bond for financing associated with the Schoolhouse Square Senior Housing Facility. He also summarized the project,past Council land use approval actions and the creation of the TIF District. Council discussed whether there was any risk to the City's bond rating, if the conduit bond opportunity should be given to other developers and that due to competitiveness,the Dakota County CDA denied Real Estate Equities application for funding. Tammy Omdal,Northland Securities,provided additional information. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Downtown Business Association -Winter\Spring Request for Assistance Hinzman summarized the most recent requests from the Downtown Business Association(DBA) for City Assistance. He also summarized recent discussions with HEDRA and the amount of money dispersed for COVID-19 relief and the remaining balance of the fund. Kristy Barse,Chamber of Commerce President,provided options how the City and Tourism Board may partner,the importance of a year-round attraction and the impact of tourism to the entire City. Council discussed the request for City funding to provide lighting in Levee Park and downtown area, year-round versus seasonal lighting,the effectiveness.of lighting to create increased business in the downtown area,possible sources of funding including the balance in the COVID-19 relief fund, lighting of the railroad bridge and of the buildings along second street which are privately owned, Levee Park ice rink and its possible expansion,how businesses outside the downtown area may benefit, input needed from businesses outside the downtown area if using City funds for lighting,creating a year-round attraction/destination, location priorities for creating an attraction or beautification, that efforts are focused on downtown area to draw people to the City, maintenance of the City's current amenities and being cognizant of the time and manpower to maintain lights and/or the new attraction,the Chamber of Commerce and/or Tourism Board to take lead and to provide events and other attractions,the City may help with funding and City staff serving in a supportive role,more collaboration between the DBA,the Chamber and the City,and the need to move quickly and task force to assist. Lacy Quail, Eye Candy REfind owner,expressed frustration that the City isn't providing enough support fast enough. Councilmember Folch motioned to light trees on the riverfront from the Highway 61 bridge up to and including the Rotary Pavilion, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. Council discussed possible costs, funding sources and obtaining multiple quotes. Councilmember Balsanek motioned to amend the original motion to take the funds out of HEDRA, pending HEDRA's approval. Council discussed that due to the short time line if HEDRA's approval was needed,that the specified Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at http://www.hastin gsm n.gov/city_govemment/city-counci I/city-counci 1-agendas-and-minutes contractor in the memo requires a three-year contract and the use of CARES Act funding. Councilmember Balsanek withdrew the motion. Councilmember Folch amended the main motion to allocate up to$30,000 of City funds and authorize staff to enter into a contract with a vendor to place lights in Levee Park,seconded by Councilmember Leifeld. Council discussed bidding requirements, use of local vendors and not having a contract for the Council to review prior to voting. Roll call vote:Ayes 5;Nays 2—Braucks and Vaughan. Resolution No. 12-16-20: Approve 2021 Final Budget and Final Levy Resolution No. 12-17-20: Approve the 2021 Special Levy Resolution No. 12-18-20: Approve 2021-2025 Capital Improvement and Capital Equipment Plan Wietecha discussed the 2021 Budget and Final Levy, Special Levy and the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement and Equipment Plans.The 2021 budget includes a 3.54% levy increase and is operationally balanced and was developed with economic uncertainty in mind. Council discussed the approval markers for capital project expenditures and the prioritization of projects. Resolution No. 12-16-20:Approve 2021 Final Budget and Final Levy Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented,seconded by Councilmember Vaughan. Roll Call:Ayes 7;Nays 0. Resolution No. 12-17-20:Approve the 2021 Special Levy Councilmember Vaughan motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Resolution No. 12-18-20:Approve 2021 -2025 Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Equipment Plan Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Extend FFCRA Emergency Paid Sick Leave Benefit Flaten specified why the Emergency Sick Leave provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act should be extended and how the unused hours could be allocated. Councilmember Balsanek motioned to approve as presented,seconded by Councilmember Lund. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Recognition of Councilmember Joe Balsanek Former Mayor Paul Hicks,recognized Councilmember Balsanek for his years of service to the citizens of Ward 2 and the entire City. Mayor Fasbender recognized and expressed appreciation for Councilmember Balsanek's tenure on the City Council and HEDRA. a. Joint Legislative House Resolution by Representative Jurgens and Senator Bigham Representative Jurgens and Senator Bigham shared a Joint Legislative Resolution for Councilmember Balsanek. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at ham://www.hasting mn. oe v/city-govemment/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes b. City Hall Photo by Hastings City Council Mayor Fasbender displayed a recognition print created for Councilmember Balsanek. Councilmembers Vaughan and Braucks conveyed their appreciation for Councilmember Balsanek. Councilmember Balsanek thanked everyone for their words,staff for their help and residents for having confidence in him, and spoke of his time on the Council. Mayor Fasbender and Councilmembers made the following announcements: • City Offices will be closed on December 25h and January 15` • Holiday light recycling drop off running through December 30'. Dakota County residents can drop off their unwanted light strands at the Joint Maintenance Facility located at 920 W. 10th Street. • Show Us How You Shine Hastings. If you are decorating your home or business with outdoor lights this holiday season, please consider sharing a picture for all to see. Photos will be shared on the City website/ social media, and placed on a map for a self-guided,drive-by tour.This is not a contest,just a chance to have fun. • Planning Commission will meet on Monday, December 28'at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Balsanek motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:41 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Vaughan. Roll Call: Ayes 7;Nays 0. Mary F sbender,Mayor Julie at n, City Clerk Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City's website at http//www hastin smn og v/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes