HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220222 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
February 22, 2022
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Tuesday,
February 22, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th
Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Braucks, Folch, Fox, Leifeld,
Vaughan
Members Absent: Councilmember Lund
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:37 p.m. and welcomed John Hinzman,
Community Development Director.
Hinzman gave an overview of Community Development Department structure and their work
with the Planning Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and HEDRA (Hastings
Economic Development Authority).
Hinzman described recent activity in the Building and Code Enforcement areas, with a 15 year
high in the number of new development permits, commercial/industrial permits, building
permits, and staffing updates. Busy construction season is anticipated due to the new permits
requested--2021-2022 added 850 housing units approved or in the process of being approved.
Commercial/Industrial efforts welcomed Fleet Farm, a Quality One expansion, Jersey Mikes,
Custom Sawdust, Simply Secure Storage, and KO Storage.
Hinzman outlined ways in which Community Development supports the community:
redevelopment incentive grant, outdoor dining grants, revolving loan fund, Makers Alleyway
Market, and Riverfront Holiday Lighting.
Future activity includes additional new home development, expanding the downtown population,
Vermillion street reconstruction, wastewater treatment redevelopment, 410/412 Vermillion Street
property purchases (block 28), Downtown Property Use Study, and business outreach.
Council discussion about the HEDRA levy amounts and how they are set. Discussion about the
timing of and process of returning the wastewater treatment area back to the City when it is
relocated. Discussion of rental property and housing availability. Hinzman reported that the Twin
Cities area currently has 4500 homes on the market—lowest it has ever been. He also reported
that significant impact to the City’s economic development happens just outside the City
boundaries with area job creation. Council discussion on the impact of downtown apartment
construction on parking, revisiting the parking study, and adding electric charging stations.
Council discussion on engaging the Planning Commission to street project discussions. Council
discussion on interests of residents in certain businesses and how that may be conveyed to
business owners. Hinzman reported that the Confluence has lots of activity at the moment and
substantial progress is expected going forward. Council discussion on bringing geographically
close businesses together to discuss the future use of the area. Hinzman reported that the Special
Tax District for downtown real estate is beginning.
ADJOURNMENT
The workshop adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk