Based on the context provided and the dialogue within the transcript, here is the speaker-identified version of the townhall meeting. [0:57] Mary Fasbender: City council meeting to order. Please stand and face the flag and state the Pledge of Allegiance. [1:14] [Group]: [Pledge of Allegiance] [1:27] Mary Fasbender: Welcome everyone to one of our highlights of the year to give a chance to celebrate the dedication of our great employees. And these employees had milestones, milestone anniversaries this year, and I will welcome Dan Wietecha to deliver their awards. [1:55] Dan Wietecha: Thank you. This is my favorite meeting of the year. I am pleased to recognize the employees of the City of Hastings who have celebrated milestone anniversaries this year. We are fortunate to have their service and expertise on staff and are happy we could recognize many of them in person this evening. Thank you to those of you who are here with us tonight. In terms of how we'll work with this, when I call your name, please make your way up here with Megan. I think at the end we'll also have some group photos with the council. So, a little bit different format to our typical meetings, but this one's a lot of fun. The following employees have been with the City of Hastings for five years: Michael Beard began as a police reserve with the Hastings Police Department in December of 2016... [Dan Wietecha continues reading bios for Michael Beard, Jonathan Buck, Richard Brown, Pat Dietrich, Adam Haro, Brian Jansen, Alana Siebenaller, Rainier Steenkamp, David Wilski, Scott Whittle, Randy Gray, Ryan Klein, PJ Lippert, Jamie Stevens, Robert Wargo III, Kathy Belial, Justin Fortney, Adam Schumacher, Al Storley, Chris Stone, John Townsend, Joey Troutman, John Hinzman, Bill McNamara, Gary Rudy, and Mark Piney]. [23:16] Dan Wietecha: But that institutional knowledge is really going to matter this time. Thank you, Mark. [23:30] [Applause] [23:45] Dan Wietecha: These employees represent nearly 300 years of combined service to the city of Hastings. We are fortunate to have their knowledge, dedication and continued service. Thank you to each of you. [24:00] Mary Fasbender: With that, do we want to do some photos now? Thank you, Council. If we could do some photos, please. [25:02] [Group Photos and Music] [27:35] Mary Fasbender: All right. Now we're going to have John Hinzman give out some retirement recognition of Commissioners for the Community Development Area. [27:45] John Hinzman: Thank you, Mayor, City Council Members. We're blessed to have many individuals who serve in commissions for the city of Hastings. Commissions help the City Council in providing expertise and guidance on a variety of different issues. So tonight, I have a few Commissioners that are outgoing that I want to recognize... [Recognizes Todd Matske, Kathy Silvik-Siemens, Emily Shulman, and Connie Blasing]. Thank you, Mayor. [31:05] Mary Fasbender: Thank you, John. Next, we will have the Public Safety Advisory Committee, and Chief Wilski is with us. [31:21] David Wilski: Madam Mayor, City Council Members, thank you for the opportunity. I would like to recognize a couple of outgoing Public Safety Advisory Commission members... [Recognizes Brian Asherman and Jesse Starkson]. And with that, if we could just have a round of applause for both Commissioners. Thank you. [33:30] Mary Fasbender: Thank you. And then lastly, we have Chris Jenkins from our Parks Department to honor the Parks and Rec Commission. [33:48] Chris Jenkins: Thank you, Mayor, Council. Pleasure to be here tonight. As both John and the Chief have said, our commissioners do so much good work for the city. These three Commissioners that we have outgoing from the Parks Commission this evening have all served six years with us... [Recognizes Dave Pemble, Ben Spader, and Chelsea Piskor]. Thank you. [35:00] Mary Fasbender: At this time, if Commissioners would step up, we'll do a photo with the Council. [35:21] [Group Photos and Music] [36:27] Mary Fasbender: All right. Also tonight here, we have Commissioner Mike Slavic and he will give us an update from the county. Welcome, Mike. [36:41] Mike Slavic: Well, good evening Mayor, Council Members, City staff, and those who decide to stick it out and watch the rest of this. It's much appreciated... [Gives Dakota County update regarding valuations, budget, bison at Spring Lake Park, and housing]. To Councilmember Brax and Councilmember Vaughn, thank you very much for all your service to the city. I also appreciate your friendship. It was about nine years ago when I sat down with both of you separately and said I think you'd be really good city council members, and I'm glad to be right tonight. Thank you very much for that. That's all I have, Mayor and Council. [49:15] Mary Fasbender: Thank you, Commissioner Slavic. Okay, Council Members, are there any corrections to the minutes from the December 5th meeting? Anyone in the audience wish to speak to the Council at this time? And we have no one on Zoom. Council, I would accept a motion to accept the consent agenda. [49:40] Mark Vaughn: So moved. [49:42] Lori Brax: Second. [49:48] Mary Fasbender: All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. (Aye). Opposed to that motion state by saying nay. That motion prevails. Tonight, under city code chapter 34, we have a fee schedule, and with us, we will have Mr. Wietecha give us an update on that. [50:23] Dan Wietecha: We do have a public hearing scheduled and following that potentially action by Council for second reading and approval of the ordinance. The fees recommended this evening are all in the utility rates—the water, sewer, and storm water utilities. [Explains the rate increases]. With that, I can stand for any questions. [51:20] Mary Fasbender: At this time I will open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to the fee structure at this time? No one on Zoom. I would close the public hearing. Council discussion? Councilmember Vaughn. [51:41] Mark Vaughn: Thank you, Mary. Dan, I just want to check: were we close with what the consultant suggested for us? Are we on target to keep the same continued increases to pay for our infrastructure? [52:01] Dan Wietecha: Yes, overall I believe that's the case. The study a couple of years ago had indicated these should be annual increases to avoid having big swings up and down. [52:26] Mark Vaughn: I recommend that. I think the study is due—we approved that a long time ago and I think it's time we revisit that so we don't have to keep continually going up like we are. Thank you, everyone. [52:48] Mary Fasbender: Councilmember Fox. [52:54] Jen Fox: Your Honor, again just a question about that rate structure study that we're going to be doing this spring. Are we going to be incorporating any of the PFAS types of modifications that we're going to require for our water system soon? [53:31] Dan Wietecha: Certainly keeping an eye on it, but I do not believe that it would be part of the study. That will be a unique, extremely expensive piece of capital investment that we are presently pursuing outside funding for. [53:49] Mary Fasbender: Councilmember Fox, any other discussion? If not, I would accept a motion to conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 34. [54:15] Jen Fox: So moved. [54:18] Councilmember Lund: Second. [54:25] Mary Fasbender: All those in favor of the motion state by saying aye. (Aye). Opposed? That motion prevails. Tonight we also have a public hearing, and with us we have Public Works Director Ryan Stempski. [54:49] Ryan Stempski: Thank you, Mayor, members of City Council. Tonight we're here to conduct a public hearing on some stormwater chapters. [Explains compliance with Watershed and MS4 permit regulations, salt management, and linear projects]. With that, I'll turn it over to the Mayor for any questions or to conduct the public hearing. [59:33] Mary Fasbender: Thank you, Ryan. At this time, I open the public hearing. Anyone wish to speak to the Council at this time? No one at Zoom. I will close the public hearing. Open the floor for discussion. Councilmember Fox. [59:44] Jen Fox: Thank you, Your Honor. Ryan, I was just wondering, have you talked to any of the local developers on what the impacts to these changes will be? [1:00:07] Ryan Stempski: As far as impact to a developer, it's going to be very similar to what's already in place. It's more on the backside of calculation and regulation. [1:00:30] Mary Fasbender: Thank you, Ryan. Any other discussion, Council? If not, I'd accept a motion. [1:01:00] Jen Fox: So moved. [1:01:05] Councilmember Haus: Second. [1:01:18] Mary Fasbender: All those in favor? (Aye). That motion prevails. We're nearing the end of our meeting, but first, we have a couple things of housekeeping to do. I'd like Representative Jurgens and Senator Bigham to step forward, please. This is their last meeting representing the city. Thank you for your extraordinary service and dedication. [1:02:47] Tony Jurgens: You tricked us to get us here! Thank you very much, Mayor Mary, and to the Council. It has been a pleasure to represent you for the last six years. I think we're leaving you in good hands with Representative Hudella and Senator Sieberger. [1:03:42] Carla Bigham: It's been awesome getting to know Hastings. You guys are in incredible hands. This town is so welcoming. [Carla Bigham and Tony Jurgens read House Resolutions honoring Mark Vaughn and Lori Brax for their retirement and service]. [1:11:41] Mary Fasbender: Thank you to you both. At this time, I'd like to invite Former Mayor Paul Hicks, who was a part of your team, to step forward. [1:12:44] Paul Hicks: Well, good evening, Council. I wanted to come down here because it was important. In December of 2014, Councilmember Brax and Councilmember Vaughn came to my office to talk about expectations. The art of governing is hard, but you have demonstrated it so well. You know how to build consensus, and you know how to disagree and still move the ball forward. Thank you for being great public servants. [1:18:49] Mary Fasbender: Thank you, Mayor Hicks. I personally have learned a lot from you both. I've learned to listen for what is best for the community. I will look back and think, "What would Mark think? What would Lori do?" I am thankful for your patience with me. Council, would you like to give a few words? Councilmember Fox. [1:20:53] Jen Fox: Thank you, Your Honor. The two of you have been the anchors of the Council in the last six years. You've made me a better councilmember. You come to every meeting prepared; you've done your homework. You're going to be sorely missed. [1:24:00] Councilmember Lund: I'm very saddened to see both of you go, but I understand the personal sacrifice. I very much appreciate your friendship, and that's something that doesn't end today. [1:25:21] Mary Fasbender: Councilmember Brax, would you step up please? [Presents awards to Lori Brax and Mark Vaughn]. [1:27:35] Mark Vaughn: It's truly been an honor. It's a privilege to serve the residents of Hastings. I thank my current and former colleagues, and especially the staff. They are the experts; they are amazing. To my family, thank you for the dedication. I challenge the next Council to continue to trust our partners in the community. Thank you very much. [1:30:29] Lori Brax: Thank you to the residents for trusting me. I love doing this job, but what's amazing is how much happens in Hastings that has nothing to do with me—individual great efforts going on every day. To my husband, Tommy, and my kids—my life has changed since I started, and I look forward to sitting on the soccer field more. We can respectfully disagree and still move forward and love each other as people. Thank you so much. [1:36:20] Mary Fasbender: Thank you. Council members, any announcements? [Reads holiday announcements regarding Santa, light recycling, and office closures]. I hope you all have a happy holiday filled with love, joy, and peace. Council, I would accept a motion to adjourn. [1:38:20] Mark Vaughn: So moved. [1:38:22] Lori Brax: I second it! [1:38:25] Mary Fasbender: All those in favor state by saying aye. (Aye). Opposed? We are adjourned. Thank you.