HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230221 - CC Workshop MinutesHastings, Minnesota
City Council Workshop
February 21, 2023
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a workshop on Tuesday,
February 21, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. in the Volunteer Room at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th
Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Folch, Fox, Haus, Lund, Pemble
Members Absent: Leifeld
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Interim Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
Community Development Director John Hinzman
Mayor Fasbender called the workshop to order at 5:03 p.m., welcoming Council members and
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski to discuss PFAS. Stempski introduced the topic of PFAS
(per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). He shared the current measurement standards that the six
City wells must adhere to and our current index. He provided graphics that demonstrate how the
moving contaminant may interact with the area geology and then impact the City wells. How this
all impacts the City’s water is the purpose of further detailed study.
1. Drinking Water Standards – Update on EPA and MDH
a. There are 6 elements that are tested for when wells are tested. The most prevalent
for health impact are the PFOS and PFOA. When the levels are adjusted, this will
affect the index for City wells. The levels of these elements have remained
relatively constant during the decade of this type of testing.
b. The EPA is expected to release proposed reduced the levels of PFOA and PFOS
in March 2023. Public comment will follow the release.
c. The MDH (Mn Dept of Health) will also release updated standards later this
spring. This could trigger a drinking water advisory for the City and a requirement
for mitigation.
2. Limited Phase One Environmental Review
a. Done by the MPCA
i. Identified potential source locations
ii. Identified data gaps, including along the Mississippi River
iii. Considering additional modeling efforts to fill current data gaps
iv. Conduct additional groundwater investigation to delineate PFAS plume
with Pine Street dump
v. Regular meetings with MPCA
3. Preliminary Project Scope and Cost Estimate
a. Three preliminary sites have been identified for future filtration plants. Need to
also run raw water lines from wells to these sites for treatment.
b. Would treat for nitrates prior to treating for PFAS, for effectiveness of filtration.
c. Estimate of $62M to construct this treatment system.
4. Communications Plan
a. 6 principles of CERC Framework, CDC & Prevention
i. Be first, be right, be credible, express empathy, promote action, show
respect (tell our story; drafts prepared)
b. Local plan: City Council Talking Points, message from City Council, Press
release, FAQs, Links to MDH, CCR, Open House with State Agencies (MDH,
MCPA)
c. Talking points—council discussion on possible questions; resources to be
proactive; and listening for common themes at the public meeting to further
develop the FAQs
d. Message from City Council—council discussion on message from Council—do
not until the numbers are released this spring; start with an open letter to the
community from Council then possibly follow up with a video after the release of
the standards and for updates
5. Potential Funding Sources
a. There are some potential funding sources
i. Water rates—would more than double the rates just to cover principal
ii. 3M settlement funds—must prove connection to any of the 4 disposal sites
in Washington County
iii. Governor’s budget proposal includes help for planning or source
investigation (but not treatment)
iv. Other state and/or federal funding
6. Next Steps
a. MPCA lead on phase 2 environmental assessment
b. Council discussion--Partner with other cities that may also be impacted by the
change in standards; is there help needed to help keep this moving forward
(meetings, seeking funds/lobbying, engineering, communications consultant)?
Council supportive of attorney, engineer, and staff support.
c. Communication plan, communicate and be transparent with residents
d. Continue awareness of potential funding, submit project for PPL
The workshop adjourned at 6:57 pm.
____________________________ ______________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk