**[0:00] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** 7:00. Time being 7:00, I call the Hastings City Council meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. **[0:00] Audience:** I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. **[0:28] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Welcome. and let the role reflect. We do have a quorum and a full council tonight. Tonight is always a fun and exciting night, not only for our city, but for our community to recognize promotions in our um with our staff and to introduce new employees. So with that, Chief, you didn't know. **[1:02] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** Mayor wasn't ready. I thought someone else was going first. My apologies. Okay. Uh, Mayor Fasbender, council members, and city leaders. Uh, tonight I have the honor of recognizing Officer James Domire. So, Jim, could you come up here, please? You can't put your hat on because I don't have mine on. So, So, Officer Domire has been selected to the city's uh position of the second school resource officer. Officer Domire started his uh career with Hastings PD in June of 2023 uh with prior law enforcement experience at Brooklyn Center Police Department. Officer Domire is known for his calm demeanor and ability to connect with everyone he meets. This has been evident with his first two weeks as a school resource officer. I have received several emails from parents and school officials about the impact officer Domire is already making. Although James started with the school year, he will return to the patrol division until staffing allows us to keep him in the schools full-time. Officer Domire will work alongside Officer Georganne Freeman Den, who has been in the schools for two years now and doing a fantastic job. So, please assist me in congratulating Officer James Domire on his new role. **[2:19] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** All right, community service officer Nathan Welt. You get to step forward now. So, I also have the honor of introducing community service officer Nathan Welt. Nathan is a graduate of our very own Hastings High School and grew up in our community. Nathan has a full plate working 20 hours a week at Hastings Police Department. He also serves as a park ranger for Dakota County. He volunteers as a police reserve for Cottage Grove Police Department and is attending Inver Hills Community College. Nathan is enrolled in the criminal justice program and his goal is to become a sworn police officer someday. So, Nathan, welcome. [Applause] And last, but certainly not least, uh, I'm going to ask Officer Travis Lorch to come forward. Travis is actually on duty now, so if he has to run out of the room, we might have to reschedule. We'll see how it goes. **[3:20] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** So, tonight we'll be administering the oath of office uh to Travis, but before that, a little bit about him. Travis grew up in Eagan and attended Rosemount High School. Travis enlisted in the US Army and was part of the Third Infantry Division. Upon completion of his tour, Travis attended Mankato State University and received his law enforcement degree. We knew immediately that Travis was a solid fit for the city of Hastings and the City of Hastings Police Department. Travis has been with uh the police department since July 28th of this year and has already made a very positive impact in our community, which is reflected by two thank you emails from citizens after separate calls for service. So very impressive. One of the most well-known symbols of policing is the badge. Hastings officers wear the badge with pride, but it means so much more. The badge is a sign to the community that we are there to assist, to move them away from danger and run in when others may be running out. The badge allow uh also shows you are part of a brotherhood and a sisterhood and that your family size has increased tremendously. We will have the oath of office and then the pinning of the badge this evening. So Travis, I did you a favor and you get to read along. Okay. **[4:39] Officer Travis Lorch:** Appreciate that. **[4:40] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** I'm going to have you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Travis Lorch, **[4:43] Officer Travis Lorch:** I, Travis Lorch, **[4:43] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America. **[4:43] Officer Travis Lorch:** Do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America. **[4:43] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** The Constitution of the State of Minnesota. **[4:43] Officer Travis Lorch:** the Constitution of the State of Minnesota **[4:43] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** and the ordinances of the city of Hastings **[4:43] Officer Travis Lorch:** and the ordinances of the city of Hastings **[4:43] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of a police officer for the city of Hastings. **[5:01] Officer Travis Lorch:** And that I will faithfully discharge the duties of a police officer for the city of Hastings. **[5:01] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** counties of Dakota and Washington **[5:01] Officer Travis Lorch:** counties of Dakota and Washington **[5:01] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** and state of Minnesota **[5:01] Officer Travis Lorch:** and state of Minnesota. **[5:01] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** According to the best of my judgment and ability **[5:01] Officer Travis Lorch:** according to the best of my judgment and ability. On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. **[5:21] Officer Travis Lorch:** On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. **[5:21] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. **[5:21] Officer Travis Lorch:** I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. **[5:21] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the agency I serve. **[5:39] Officer Travis Lorch:** I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the agency I serve. **[5:39] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** All right. Tonight, the badge will be pinned on Officer Lorch by his father, Charlie Lorch. So, Charlie, if you could come forward. **[6:02] Charlie Lorch:** Thank you. **[6:02] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** Congratulations. Please welcome Officer Lorch. **[6:14] Officer Travis Lorch:** Thank you. **[6:14] Police Chief Kyle Linscheid:** Thanks. **[6:25] Parks Director Chris Jenkins:** Corey Anen was promoted to Civic Arena manager on August 1st this year. Just a month and a half into the job. Corey has been with our team as the civic arena facility supervisor since September of 2016. Over the last nine years, Corey has proven to be an exceptional employee, an all-around awesome guy. He has been a key influence in developing and maintaining positive relationships with our user groups, keeping the facility well-maintained, and ensuring a positive environment for all skaters who visit our facility. Corey is an employee that we have always depended upon to do great work and create great relationships and to look out for the best interests of the operation and the city. He is very thoughtful in his supervision of employees and operations. He is eager to continue professional development and to enhance the civic arena operation to the best of his and our abilities. Corey thinks outside of the box, generating new ideas on processes and policy, as well as staying in touch with the trends and issues related to ice arenas. We are grateful to have Corey as part of our team and are looking forward to many more years of great service in his new role as civic arena manager. Congratulations Corey. **[8:10] Civic Arena Manager Corey Anen:** Mayor and Council, uh, introduce Michael Clemck as the new assistant manager at the Hastings Civic Arena. Uh, Michael is a Hastings graduate, born and raised in Hastings all his life. Uh, well-known family. Michael has been a part of the arena team for the past 15 years as a dedicated part-time staff member where he's built great knowledge of our operations and reputation for excellent customer service. During that time, Michael has also worked at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul and for the last six years, he was the recreation operator at Northfield Arena and the pool. In his new role, Michael will continue bringing his experience, commitment, and positive energy to support both the arena staff and the community we serve. Please join us in welcoming Michael to this new position. **[9:07] Public Works Director Ryan Stempski:** Mayor Council, we have two employees from public works that joined us in late June and unfortunately I don't think either of them could be with us this evening. Uh, and so I have the pleasure of introducing Jordan Castello. Jordan was born and raised here in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School in 2021. After high school, he worked part-time at the Hastings Ice Arena and while attending college. Jordan just might hold the record as new hire at the city with his multiple seasonal positions held for both public works and parks here with the city and then now full-time with with public works. After a couple of years when he decided school wasn't his thing, he worked for the city of Red Wing parks department and gained some valuable experience in preparation to be able to work toward a full-time role back in Hastings. Jordan loves just about anything related to sports and is very committed to his workout routine. So, apparently when you see Jordan around city, feel free to ask him how much he benches. **[10:11] Public Works Director Ryan Stempski:** Uh, starting the exact same day as Jordan is Charlie Rodosvich. Charlie was born and raised in River Falls, Wisconsin. He attended college at UW-Eau Claire. Post college, Charlie spent six years in different utility fields, including locating, inspection, planning, excavating, and installation, which prepared him very well to be part of our public works team. Charlie and his wife moved to Hastings about three years ago. They have a baby on the way and he is very excited to be a father. In his free time, of course, until that baby shows up, he enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, volleyball, walking his two dogs, and working on home improvements. Charlie's very grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the city and he and his that he and his wife have enjoyed for the past few years. So, welcome Jordan and Charlie. **[11:05] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Council. As we probably still have our smiles on, let's take some photos. **[12:01] Photographer:** All right. Count down. Three, two, one. Three, two, one. Two. We good. **[12:18] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Congratulations. [Applause] Guys, you can stay. They have a party to go to. Okay. It's a nice crowd. **[13:27] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** All right. As said, this is always an exciting evening, but we'll move on. The loud noise in the corridor will go upstairs and we'll be good. All right. Um, approval of minutes. Council, are there any corrections to the September 2nd meeting? Okay. Comments from the audience at this time. If the council, if someone in the audience would like to speak to the council, please step forward. Please state your name and your address. **[14:07] Mary Nehring:** Good evening. My name is Mary Nehring. I live at 58 Three Rivers Drive. Um, I am a member of Senate District 41, DFL in the city of Hastings, which covers Hastings, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, all the way up to Grant. We are providing, we are hosting a working families picnic this Saturday at Vermillion Falls Park from 11 to 3, which we would like to invite the community and the council to attend. We will be providing food. We have games um and all sorts of activities. It's a nonpartisan event. We just want to get the community together to have um fun conversation and spend time. So, we would like you all to attend on Saturday, September 20th from 11 to 3 at Vermillion Falls Park. In trouble with that word. So, thank you very much. **[15:23] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak to the council at this time? No one on Zoom. All right. Council, any items to be considered? Okay. Council, I would look for a motion for the consent agenda. **[15:42] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Councilmember Pemble with a Councilmember Haus seconding that. Any discussion? Council. All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. **[15:42] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[15:42] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Opposed to that motion, state by saying nay. And that motion prevails. Tonight, under awarding of contracts, we will have uh a contract to be awarded for the Lion's Park Shelter Reconstruction Project. And for this introduction, we will have our City Administrator, Dan Wietecha, with his introduction. Welcome, Dan. **[16:18] City Administrator Dan Wietecha:** Thank you. As we all know, last fall 2023, we had a fire at the Lions Park shelter. Severely damaged the shelter. This is actually the pre-fire photo. Um, and it took some coordinating with our insurance carrier in terms of the extent of the damage, what might be able to be salvaged, what needed to be replaced. Um, but worked through all that. Earlier this summer we put it out for, actually earlier this spring we put out for bids for architectural service and then this summer put it out for bids for reconstructing essentially the same building. Because of the insurance, we had six bids ranging from $270,000 to $487,000. The lowest apparent bidder is Action Construction Services. Uh, and they are confident that they can have substantial completion of the project by early November, so before snow flies. Um, the recommendation is awarding the contract to Action Construction as well as two alternates. One of those is for automatic flushes versus manual flush and then also some change out of the material I think in the ceiling so it's easier for maintenance of the facilities. Other than a little bit of ADA requirements um that might have changed since it was originally built, it essentially is the same building. The paint scheme might be a little bit different instead of the sort of magenta burgundy color you see. I think it's more of a neutral, more of a brown or dark gray. But essentially, same building because it's covered by insurance. In the end, it's about $8,000 beyond our coverage that the city will be picking up. Um, but with that, I can take some questions. Recommendation is to award the contract to Action Construction, including both alternates. Great. **[18:30] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Dan. Any questions, council? Councilmember Haus. **[18:30] Councilmember Angie Haus:** Quick question, a couple questions here, Dan. One of them you may not know. Have we done construction with Action before and then other question was do you know why there was a difference in such a drastic difference between um bidding on this as well? **[18:48] City Administrator Dan Wietecha:** We have not uh I don't believe we've worked with Action before um but the architect did speak with them and vetted them and is comfortable with their bids being accurate. Um, I don't know specifically on this one. I know my experience is much more on street projects, but usually if we see a big spread in utilities, it's because somebody doesn't quite want the job, but they'll raise the price. Um, you know, if you're willing to pay for it, they'll find a way to get in here. So, that might be where you're seeing a difference on on that high end, but I really don't know the spread here. **[19:25] Councilmember Angie Haus:** Thank you. **[19:25] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Councilmember Haus. Councilmember Vihrachoff. **[19:25] Councilmember DawnMarie Vihrachoff:** Thank you, your honor. Uh Dan, I know that we had talked about this a little bit this morning, but I just wanted to clarify um because I know that the city prides itself on getting feedback from and input from community members. And we know that this is um a very popular, beautiful park. We know that we've had lots of events out there, most recently National Night Out. Um the city had its celebration out there. And so the reason that there's not a community input piece and the reason that we haven't gone back and forth and maybe asked neighbors what might be most helpful is because it's covered by insurance and because of that they're simply paying for reconstructing the same building with very minimal changes except the paint. Is that—do I have that right? **[20:07] City Administrator Dan Wietecha:** I think there's also something with some ADA requirements but essentially it is the same building. The word that the architect used was replica. So it's it's identical. **[20:07] Councilmember DawnMarie Vihrachoff:** Thank you for clarifying. Thank you mayor. **[20:07] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Councilmember Vihrachoff. Councilmember Leifeld. **[20:27] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld:** Thanks, your honor. Uh Dan, did we ever—did the city ever find out who started this fire? **[20:27] City Administrator Dan Wietecha:** That is not uh determined. **[20:27] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld:** Not part of the discussion. So, them ever paying back the $8,000, is that ever a possibility instead of making the taxpayer split that bill? **[20:43] City Administrator Dan Wietecha:** That's a legal question I can't answer. **[20:43] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld:** Something to think about. Just saying. **[20:43] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Councilmember Leifeld. With that, council, I would—Councilmember Pemble, **[20:43] Councilmember Dave Pemble:** I'd like to make a motion that we move ahead and accept that low bid and make sure that it's included of the automatic flushing and whatever the other item you said there to add into that to make sure that uh we could get the building put back together and get it in service yet this year. **[21:16] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Councilmember Pemble. Councilmember Beck will second that. Additional discussion, council. All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. **[21:16] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[21:16] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Opposed to that motion, state by saying nay. And that motion prevails. Thanks, Dan. Under community development tonight, we have a resolution for a special use permit for retail sales for Mike Theson at 624 Spiral Boulevard. and we will hear an introduction by our City Planner, Justin Fortney. Welcome Justin. **[21:48] City Planner Justin Fortney:** Thank you very much, Mayor Fasbender. The property is owned by Industrial Battery Products who utilizes the rear warehouse space of the building. The applicant proposes to lease the front office space showroom area for Princecraft Boat dealership franchise. The zoning code permits industrial uses by right within the industrial park and allows retail and service sales with a special use permit. The purpose of the special use permit review is to ensure that uh proposed use is compatible with the surrounding areas. A surrounding area conditions may be added to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area. **[21:48] City Planner Justin Fortney:** This is just a picture of the front of the building showing both entrances. The traffic and activities related to a boat dealership are anticipated to be typical for the area. The proposal includes an outdoor yard for the storage of new and used boats shown here in yellow. As required by industrial park zoning requirements, the area must be screened for view of merchandise and any kind of materials. They're proposing a 7 to 8 foot tall fence to go around that um area highlighted in yellow along with the area being paved and concrete curb and gutter. This is the area um where the boats would be stored. When the building was constructed in 2002, this area was identified for future expansion of the building or parking lot. And this is a picture of the proposed fence to go around that area. **[23:51] City Planner Justin Fortney:** The parking lot entrances are pre-existing and appear to function well. The boat storage area aligns with the west entrance. The building was constructed as a retail and warehouse use which had a higher parking requirement. And so there's 47 spaces on the site and 32 are required for the proposed use. They're proposing an overhead door on the east side of the building which would um eliminate four or five of those extra parking spaces. And this would be to bring in boats for storage and service into the building. This is a floor plan of the proposed changes to the area um which would include a service area, parts department, repair and office and showroom space. **[24:56] City Planner Justin Fortney:** Uh, the property owners within 350 ft were notified of the special use permit request and we have not received any um questions or complaints for the proposal. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval at their September 8th planning commission meeting. Um approval of a special use permit requires six of seven council members. And with that staff can answer any questions. The applicant is also here if you have any questions for them. **[25:19] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Great. Thank you, Justin. Councilmember Haus. **[25:19] Councilmember Angie Haus:** Thank you, Honor. Well, I think this is a great use for this building, but one of the main questions I have is will that fencing go throughout the front of the building as well to block out the scenery of it. **[25:39] City Planner Justin Fortney:** It will see it in front of when you pull in. **[25:39] Councilmember Angie Haus:** Right. Okay. **[25:39] Mike Theson:** Otherwise, if you're driving by—Mike Theson is my name and this is Melissa Thor. Um, and she's my business partner. So, we're 50/50 owners. So, we've worked together for 20 years and we both started at the bottom. She started as a receptionist. I started as a car washer in the car business and moved on to boat sales now. And I want to say this city and what I just heard there as you'll see my your sister—it reminds me of what we do and what we came as far as the dealership that we built. Because it feels like the values you guys believe in our dealerships community but also you'll have our support and all that. I promise you that. **[26:18] Councilmember Angie Haus:** We're grateful that you're wanting to come into the community as well. And with that, I'd like to make a motion to approve this as well. **[26:49] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Thank you, Councilmember Haus. **[26:49] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld:** Second, your honor. **[26:49] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** With a second by Councilmember Leifeld. Additional questions, council. All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. **[26:49] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[27:05] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Opposed to that motion state by saying nay. And that motion prevails. Good luck. Welcome. Thank you, [Applause] Council. Any announcements? Anything? Okay. All right. No, I have some or a couple. Uh, Tuesday, September 16th is Comedy in the Park with Tim Harmston, standup comedian sponsored by Smeed Manufacturing Company. Wednesday, September 17th, story time in the Park. The theme is Rhythm, a partnership with Pleasant Hill Library. Join us for Paws in the Park for an evening of fun and socializing with fellow dog lovers and their furry companions on Thursday, September 25th, sponsored by Flegal's Lawn Garden and Pet Supply. In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the fire and EMS department open house is Tuesday, October 7th. Meet the department, learn about fire safety, and see the trucks and equipment. All ages are welcome. A very special happy birthday to Councilmember Angie Haus tomorrow. **[28:21] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Meetings: Tuesday, September 16th, 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation Commission. Wednesday, September 17th, the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting has been cancelled. Thursday, September 18th, public safety advisory commission, 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 22nd, 7:00 p.m. we have an operations committee meeting and 7 p.m. is a planning commission meeting. Monday, September 29th, 7 p.m. parks and recreation committee. Monday, October 6th, city council meeting. With that, I would ask for a motion to adjourn. **[28:48] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld:** Motion to adjourn. **[28:48] Councilmember Dave Pemble:** Second. **[28:48] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Councilmember Leifeld and a second with Pemble. No discussion. All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. **[29:08] Councilmembers:** Aye. **[29:08] Mayor Mary Fasbender:** Opposed to that motion state by saying nay. We are adjourned.