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Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 20, 2022
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, June 20, 2022 at
7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Braucks, Folch, Fox, Leifeld, Lund, and Vaughan.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
City Attorney Korine Land
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller
Proclamation: Make Music Day
Mayor Fasbender and City Councilmembers read the proclamation.
Presentation: Certification of Appreciation – HEDRA Commissioner Martha Sullivan
Hinzman presented the certificate of appreciation to Martha Sullivan. Hinzman shared background information
on what the HEDRA Commission does and the service they provide. Hinzman thanked Sullivan for her service
to the commission.
Hastings Arts Task Force, Barb Hollenbeck
Hollenbeck presented background information on the Hastings Arts Task Force and their goals to promote art
in the City. Hollenbeck shared seventeen (17) applicants applied for seven (7) positions, expressing the
overwhelming interest within the community for this commission. Hollenbeck shared the recommendations
from the work of the task force to date. They were tasked with identifying a structure and work plan. The Task
Force recommends a commission format, created a charter document, and a workplan. Some project ideas:
review policies, review design elements for the TH 61 project, early stages in event planning for new festivals,
promote local art groups to get together to collaborate, QR codes on memorial/honorary benches, Ardent Mills
façade project, use for the old blue bridge in River Flats. Recommend dedicating 1% of capital project funds
annually to provide the new Arts Commission with funding to carry out the projects. They will also seek staff
liaison for (five) 5 hours per week.
Council thanked Hollenbeck as the Chair for the Hastings Arts Task Force, and the rest of the Task Force
Members, for their work. Council discussion on the funding request and source of funds. Discussion led to the
need for the recommendations to go to a Council Committee for further discussion.
Councilmember Fox moved to have this discussion assigned to the Planning Committee of Council, seconded
by Councilmember Leifeld.
Additional discussion about the funding options and if a City staff person is available to support the
commission at this time. Commissions are resources for the various departments. An Arts Commission is a
different structure than other commissions as there is no art department where this commission naturally fits
and projects may be connected to any of the departments.
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7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular City
Council meeting on June 6, 2022.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Comments from the Audience
Brandon Spillman (125 18th Street West) expressed his concerns about KFC coming to the proposed location.
He has lived at his home since 1995. He shared he understands that change is inevitable but is concerned about
traffic on residential streets. He would like Council to deny the site plan for KFC and send it back to the
Planning Commission. Mr. Spillman submitted a petition.
Marcy Jorgensen (122 18th Street West) is a neighbor of the proposed KFC. Ms. Jorgensen attended the
Planning Commission meeting last week to voice her concerns and shared the information she learned while
attending. Ms. Jorgensen’s property abuts the proposed KFC drive-thru. Jorgensen feels that this is not an
appropriate business for the Vermillion Corridor plan as she reviewed it. Ms. Jorgensen shared concern for the
increased traffic the restaurant will cause considering the close proximity to the already dangerous 18th Street /
Vermillion Street intersection. Ms. Jorgensen shared her thoughts on other locations within the City for fast-
food restaurants in town.
Tony & Lynn Vinge (115 17th Street West) live behind the new Hastings Dairy Store. They share about one
hundred (100) feet of property line with the proposed KFC. They agreed with the concerns presented and
expressed additional concern about dumpster odor and critters that it will attract. They also shared concerns
with cars sitting idle in drive-thru exposing them to a higher level of carbon monoxide and reducing their time
to enjoy their back yard. They are concerned this proposal could reduce their property values in the area. They
asked Council to deny or spend additional time considering this before approving.
Consent Agenda
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. Resolution No. 06-07-22: Approve Renewal of Liquor Licenses for 2022 – 2023 Licensing Period
3. Resolution No. 06-08-22: Approve Renewal of Tobacco Licenses for 2022 – 2023 Licensing Period
4. Resolution No. 06-09-22: Approve New Tobacco License for Westview Smokes, Inc. dba Westview
Smokes
5. Resolution No. 06-10-22: Approve Liquor License Modification for Pizza on 50th & France dba
Carbone’s Pizza of Hastings
6. Resolution No. 06-11-22: Approve Dugarel’s Outdoor Music Tent and Liquor License Amendment
Request
7. Resolution No. 06-12-22: Approve One-Day Temporary Liquor License and One-Day Charitable
Gambling Permit Request for the Hastings Fire Relief Association for their 81st Annual Booya
8. Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Public Sale
9. Approve Pay Estimate No. 1 for the 2022 Mill & Overlay Program – Minnesota Paving and Materials
($145,539.90)
10. Authorize Signature: Contract for Use of Fire Safety House for Safety Camp Agreement
11. Criminal Justice Service Agreement
12. 2022 Budget Amendments
13. Resolution No. 06-13-22: Approving Out of State Travel with Great River Rail Commission by
Councilmember Vaughan
14. Memorandum of Agreement: Police Sergeant Base Wages
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Councilmember Lund motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays
Presentation and Approval of 2021 Comprehensive Financial Report
Eitemiller introduced Bergen KDV representative, Nancy Schulzetenberg, who presented the 2021
audit findings. One written finding of lack of segregation of accounting duties and no compliance findings for
2021. Ms. Schulzetenberg provided an overview of the revenues and expenditures as compared to 2020. Ms.
Schulzetenberg then reviewed the special funds (Ambulance, Parks, Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and Hydro).
Councilmember Vaughan thanked City Finance staff for the preparation and work they contributed to
a strong report.
Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve 2021 Comprehensive Financial Report as presented,
seconded by Councilmember Leifeld.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 06-14-22: Variance – Accessory Building – Heselton (707 1st Street E.)
Hinzman provided an overview of the variance request. Hinzman reviewed the existing additional
structures on the property sharing that they would be removed when construction of the new accessory
building takes place if approved.
Council discussion on the side of the garage and the intended use. Terry Heselton (707 1st Street East)
indicated the use for the structure would be for storage of his car and motorcycles.
Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Fox.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 06-15-22: Site Plan – KFC (1726 Vermillion Street)
Hinzman presented the site plan for a KFC restaurant proposed for the former Freedom Gas Station
site. The Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend approval. Residents expressed concerns at the
Planning Commission meeting similar to public comments heard at this Council meeting. Hinzman shared the
site plan, photos showing the site in relation to the residential area nearby and street access to the restaurant.
Council discussion on the location of dumpsters on the property. Councilmember Leifeld shared
memories of this area and how there is a need for development in the area. Leifeld shared her support of the
plan. Braucks asked how traffic impact is assessed, what process is used, and trash storage concerns. Hinzman
shared the possible traffic patterns and explained that 18th Street East is a collector road and was designed to
carry an increased traffic. Hinzman shared there are requirements in property management, and Code
Enforcement would be able to assist if necessary. Councilmember Lund shared his concern with traffic flow
being directed to 18th Street East. Lund asked if there is a requirement for the amount of access points and
traffic concerns at 18th Street East and TH 61. Hinzman responded there is no requirements for access points
and shared the possible improvements to the intersection that have been shared with MnDOT. Councilmember
Folch shared thoughts on flipping the site plan in relation to the Vermillion Corridor Project. Hinzman shared
staff looked at other configurations and shared this site plan is ultimately what was agreed upon. Folch shared
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her concerns of the dangerous intersection of TH 61 and 18th Street and asked what control Council has in the
site plan. Hinzman shared the specific regulations and requirements staff reviews when developments are
proposed and compared the Vermillion Corridor Project to the Zoning Code. Fox thanked Hinzman for the
clarification provided. Fox shared her thoughts on the intentionality, people movement plan, traffic safety, and
pedestrian safety. Vaughan shared his thoughts of the dangerous intersection and the need for safety in the
area. Vaughan shared his concerns of hours of operation. Leifeld asked if KFC representatives could speak to
the hours of operation concern. Land indicated that when directly adjacent to residential areas, it is appropriate
to place reasonable operational conditions. Mayor Fasbender shared the Planning Commission review of the
plan and shared the need for growth within the City.
Shannon Smith, engineering consultant for the project, provided information about screening, fence and adding
trees from the residential area and intended hours. The traffic flow consideration was initially based on the
prior existence of the gas station at that location. Folch asked if restricting access to 18th Street is a possibility.
Folch asked if MnDOT has proposed any intersection improvements. Smith shared that conversations with
MnDOT are in the preliminary stages. Hinzman provided further explanation of possible traffic flow
improvements. Land indicated the City cannot impact access to TH 61 and any restrictions on 18th would be
taking rights away from property owner and would come at cost to the City.
Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld.
5 Ayes, 2 Nays (Lund, Folch)
DBA Music Series
Wietecha provided an overview of Councilmember request to consider open consumption of alcohol
during the DBA Music Series. It is recommended that if this is something the Council wishes to consider, it
should be referred to staff, then meet with the DBA, and bars/restaurant participants to prepare the details for a
future Council meeting.
Council discussion on sending the complex discussion back to staff, then sending it to the Public
Safety Committee. Vaughan shared the complications of expanding and expressed his concerns of liability
against the City. Councilmember Leifeld asked City Attorney Land for guidance. Land indicated that there are
different mechanisms for approving this kind of event if there is an interest. Land indicated more discussion
needs to be held due to legal complexities which should include representatives from the DBA. Leifeld shared
the concern about lack of space in existing parklets and shared input on the different crowd the event brings
and the hours of the event.
Councilmember Braucks motioned to refer the conversation to staff and Public Safety Committee,
seconded by Councilmember Folch.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays
Announcements
• Tomorrow, June 21, is Make Music Day with 12 performers over 12 hours at 4 locations. Bring a
blanket or chair to enjoy live music from talented musicians in Hastings parks.
• Summer Programs at Levee Park…
o Thursday, June23, Music in the Park with “The Southern Express Band.” Supported by the
Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund.
o Friday, June24, Movies in the Park will be “Encanto.” Sponsored by Ardent Mills. Please
bring a non-perishable food donation for Hastings Family Service.
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http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
o Tuesday, June 28, Performances in the Park will be a “Comic Magician and Illusionist.”
Sponsored by SMEAD.
o Thursday, June 30, Music in the Park with “Sawyer’s Dream.” Supported by the Ruth and
George Doffing Charitable Fund.
• The City’s Parks & Recreation and Police Departments are partnering with Hastings Prescott Area
Arts Council to serve up fun for youth in Hastings. The Rec + Art + Police program will offer free
activities, treats, and giveaways this summer. The first event is Wednesday, June 22, from 1 to 2 pm at
Levee Park with a hula hoop contest, DJ, games, and crystal magic art. Recommended for tweens and
teens. Supported by SC Toys and Country Financial.
• City Offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in observation of Independence Day.
• Appreciation to Hastings Golf Club for organizing a Fourth of July Parade, at 6:30 pm from SEAS
Church, then eastbound on 15thStreet, and ending at Westview Drive. Followed by live music, then
fireworks at 10 pm. And appreciation to Vermillion Bank and Hastings Golf Club for the fireworks.
• And coming up soon, Happy Birthday to Councilmember Folch.
• Councilmember Folch provided an update from a recent Dakota Broad Band technical advisory group.
A joint powers agreement was going to be drafted to reform and focus the DBB on City collaboration
on fiber assets within the County. The County has decided to withdraw participation in the DBB and
this shifts the power for asset use. Technical advisory group of the DBB have reiterated the benefits of
working together but this was dismissed by the larger cities and the county. Survey results from
residents and businesses may be available soon.
Meetings
• Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting on Tuesday June 7, 2022 – CANCELLED
• Arts Task Force on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM
• Planning Commission Meeting on Monday June 27, 2022 at 7:00 PM
• City Council Regular Meeting on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 7:00 PM
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 PM, seconded by Councilmember
Braucks. Ayes 7; Nays 0.
____________________________ ______________________________
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor