Hastings City Council: From Public Art to Public Safety, a Busy Start to February!
Our city's water supply is currently facing significant contamination issues. Thank you, 3M, for your contribution in the form of sticky notes and for the introduction of PFAS into our environment. Love from the residents of Hastings, Minnesota.
Hey Hastings Neighbors!
Your City Council had a packed agenda at their meeting on Monday, February 3rd, and we've got all the highlights for you. Here's a quick recap of what went down at City Hall:
A Full House
The meeting kicked off with a full quorum, with Mayor Fasbender and Councilmembers Beck, Haus, Pemble, and Vihrachoff present. Council members Lawrence and Leifeld were absent.
Quick Approvals
The council quickly approved the minutes from the January 21st meeting. Then, they moved on to a Consent Agenda, which included a number of routine items. Some of the items approved were:
Paying the bills
Declaring surplus property from the Police Department and authorizing its public sale
A new tobacco license for H2 Tobacco
A new massage therapist license for Harmon Givens
A change order for the Hastings City Hall HVAC
Accepting a feasibility report for neighborhood infrastructure improvements
An environmental site assessment for 1292 North Frontage Road
Sponsorship for Movies in the Park from Ardent Mills
An advertising agreement with Midstate Plumbing and Heating
Public Hearing and Community Engagement
The council also discussed the awarding of contracts and public hearings, which allows the public to express concerns and ask questions. This is an important step in ensuring community engagement and transparency in local government.
Arts & Culture on the Rise
The Arts & Culture Commission's 2025 work plan was a key topic, with a focus on increased public art access, support for local arts groups, and operational/policy initiatives. The council showed its appreciation for the commission's work and asked for a six-month review of the plan.
Important Discussion on Public Safety
A resolution regarding the Gores Pool #3 Wildlife Management Area was tabled for further neighborhood discussion. This demonstrates the council's commitment to community input on important decisions.
PFAS and Water Treatment Plant Updates
City Administrator Wietecha presented a PFAS update. The grant agreement for the 3M settlement funds is now in place, and the council approved an earlier consent item for a phase II environmental assessment which will delay a purchase. In exciting news, both Senator Seeberger and Representative Dippel are showing strong support for our water treatment plant project. Senator Seeberger is working on two bills totaling $33.2 million to fund the Eastern WTP, while Representative Dippel is working on three bills to help fund the three WTP's. This shows strong movement towards securing the funding needed.
Community Events and Announcements
There are many great events coming up!
The Hastings Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the Community on Wednesday, February 5th.
The Hastings Rivertown Lions Club is hosting a "Super Breakfast" on Saturday, February 8th, with proceeds going to the Fire & EMS Department.
There will be ice fishing at Lake Rebecca Park and snowshoeing at Jaycee Park on February 8th and 9th, respectively.
Mark Your Calendars
City offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th, for Presidents Day.
The next City Council Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th, at 7:00 pm.
There will be a City Council Workshop on Emergency Management on Tuesday, February 18th, at 5:30 PM.
Stay Informed
You can sign up for automatic notifications of council agendas at ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350. You can also view City Council packets on the city's website.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
That's all for this recap. Stay tuned for more updates, Hastings!
For the facts, correct pronunciations and more please visit, https://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-documents-copy.
