This transcript features the **Hastings City Council Meeting**. I have identified the speakers based on the provided list of officials and the context of the dialogue (recognitions, ward references, and departmental reports). Please note that "Chief bski" in the original text appears to be a transcription error for **Police Chief Kyle Linscheid**, and "Councilmember Veru" is **Councilmember Vihrachoff**. *** [0:07] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Time being 7 o'clock, I call the Hastings City Council meeting to order. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 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. Welcome, and let the roll reflect we do have a full council tonight. Tonight we will have a recognition of milestone employees, and one of the highlights each year is the chance to be able to celebrate the dedication of great employees. City Administrator Dan Wietecha... [0:53] Mayor Mary Fasbender: ...will recognize each of these employees after I recognize his five years with the City of Hastings. Dan started with the City of Hastings in October of 2019. With municipal administration experiences first in Minnesota, then after stints in Wisconsin and Michigan, he returned to Minnesota. He brought broad experience in management and planning as well as integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail. We welcome Dan with some high-powered acronyms, so his skills have been part of the test—managing during COVID and addressing PFAS contamination may be a part of his legacy with the city. Dan is very engaged in many aspects of the city surrounding areas—just ask him about the bison at Spring Lake Park—and while he embraces most things Minnesota, he insists on wearing his Green Bay Packer tie. With that, I would like to give Dan a personal note of recognition as he has really shown our council and our staff his leadership. We wouldn't be able to do that, Dan, without your leadership and your integrity. I love seeing you in the community and volunteering, and I think that helps bring our city and community together as well. [Applause] [2:28] Mayor Mary Fasbender: All right, with that out of the way, I am pleased to recognize 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 some of them in person this evening. I do realize a few were unable to join us. Thank you to those who are here with us tonight. When your name is mentioned, please come on up. The following employees have been with the City of Hastings for 5 years: In the Fire Department, we recognize Phil Nelson... Phil is always willing to step up to progress the department and is committed to helping his co-workers. His work ethic and commitment are tremendous assets to the department and to the community. Phil could not join us this evening. James Heck started with the Fire Department in 2019 as a full-time firefighter paramedic... James's continual positive approach along with his professionalism are tremendous assets to the department and community. Mr. Heck also could not join us tonight. [4:45] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Moving on to the Police Department, we recognize—come on up—we recognize Police Administrative Specialist II Ginger Glazer. Ginger came to the Hastings Police Department Records Division in July of 2019... Ginger is known for her smile and laughter in the records division and for keeping partners' spirits lifted... Thank you, Ginger, for the work you do daily and the incredible energy and attitude that you bring to PD every day. [Applause] [6:21] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Police Investigator Chad Schlick grew up in Cottage Grove and completed his Master's Degree at Mankato State... Chad is known around the department for handling a difficult workload and always having a smile on his face... Thank you for being part of the team. We appreciate all you do, Investigator Schlick. [Applause] [7:07] Mayor Mary Fasbender: In the Parks Department, we recognize David Truax as one of our Park Keepers. David spends his days taking care of our parks, trails, playgrounds, buildings, equipment, and whatever else is needed... Dave is instrumental to the Parks and Recreation team, brings a positive attitude, good humor, support, and an incredible work ethic each and every day. Thank you, Dave. [8:54] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Moving on to the Public Works Department, we recognize Josh Serenic, Public Works Operator. There is no such thing as a normal day for Josh with streetlights, hydrant flushing, sewer cleaning, tree trimming, etc. Josh is a jack of all trades... Thank you for five years of service, Josh. [Applause] [9:39] Mayor Mary Fasbender: The following employees have been with the City of Hastings for 10 years: In the Police Department, we are pleased to recognize Officer Paul Young... Paul is working day shift patrol and has his hands busy keeping his fellow officers in line... Thank you for your 10 years of service to the Hastings community and the Hastings Police Department, Paul. [Applause] [10:27] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Community Engagement Officer Whitney Rowski started her law enforcement career with the Hastings PD in March 2014... Whitney immediately began meeting with members of the community and developing ideas to showcase HPD and work on homelessness and mental health issues in the city... Thank you for all you do, Whitney. Your ability to highlight and promote the great work HPD is doing every day is greatly appreciated. [Applause] [11:59] Mayor Mary Fasbender: From the Community Development Department, we recognize Building Official Jerry Backland. "Just a minute please, I need to access my carpenter brain"—if you've ever heard this statement, you know I'm referring to Jerry Backland... Jerry has been a pillar in the Building Safety Department for 10 years now... Thank you, Jerry, congratulations on 10 years of service. [Applause] [13:32] Mayor Mary Fasbender: From the Parks Department, we recognize Phil Vargas for his 10 years of service as the Sports and Recreation Coordinator. Not only does Phil do a fantastic job coordinating adult softball, volleyball, bags, wiffle ball, and warming houses, he also coordinates field use with all of our local youth sports associations, which is not a small task... Phil is vitally important to our Parks and Recreation team and we are proud to have him with us. Thank you, Phil. [14:57] Mayor Mary Fasbender: In our Public Works Department—come on up—we recognize Bryce Thompson, Public Works Operator. He has become the go-to on everything hydroplant... Bryce always has a smile on his face and is willing to help the department. Thanks for 10 years of service, Bryce. [Applause] [15:45] Mayor Mary Fasbender: And now, although she could not join us tonight—drumroll please—for her 35 years of service, we recognize Kim Neer-Corn. Kim is the lead accountant for the utility billing module as well as accounts receivable... Her attention to detail greatly helped us as the city made this transition between systems. Thank you, Kim, for your hard work for all these years. In closing, thank you to all of our employees who are celebrating milestones this year. [16:46] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Tonight we will be recognizing several residents who have volunteered their time on citizen commissions. First off, John Hinzman. [17:25] John Hinzman (Community Development Director): Thank you, Mayor, City Council members. The citizen commissions that we have here in the city provide a wealth of information... I'd like to recognize a couple of individuals. First of all is Genie Tribe. Genie, why don't you come on up here please. We had a new commission starting up lately called the Arts and Culture Commission... Genie was very good at providing information to us to direct us on the different arts and culture activities... We do really appreciate Genie and the time that she spent on the commission. Thank you so much. [Applause] [19:05] John Hinzman: Next, HEDRA is our Hastings Economic Development Redevelopment Authority... I do want to recognize one of our outgoing HEDRA Commissioners who is also a City Council member; that would be Jen Fox. Jen served a couple of stints on HEDRA... As a business owner downtown, she recognized the value of things like parklets... I'm very honored to be able to serve with Jen. I offer this to you as well. Thank you. [Applause] [20:39] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Are we recognizing Commissioners that aren't here? [20:45] John Hinzman: Sure. Well, then I will say Mr. Dave Joren... Dave serves on our Heritage Preservation Commission and has been in that role for five years... The commission and staff really appreciated his skills and willingness to photograph properties. We wish him the best in his future historic endeavors. [Applause] [21:52] Chris Jenkins (Parks Director): Mayor and Council, we've got two members from the Parks and Recreation Commission: Bruce and Craig. If you guys can come on up here. Both these gentlemen have served with our commission for multiple years... Helping to plan park projects, reviewing policies, and making suggestions for budgets... Gentlemen, thank you very much. You've done a fantastic job. [Applause] [23:51] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): Hello, Mayor and Council. We have two Public Safety Advisory Commission members; one is here and one is not. I'll invite Melissa up here. Steve Anderson served through most of 2024 with us and has moved on, but we thank him for his service. Melissa here started with us in April of 2018... She has been engaged in every meeting and brought plenty of ideas. Melissa, thank you for your service to the community. [Applause] [24:56] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Okay, we would like to have a photo first of all with the employees, and then the Commissioners with the Council. *(Break for photos)* [27:45] Mayor Mary Fasbender: All right, next we have outgoing Councilmember Fox's last council meeting. Already getting choked up... You know, it's never easy to say goodbye to someone who puts time and energy into our city. Jen, for four years, you have done that... We will miss you dearly. I would like to present this to you: "Jen Fox, in recognition of your years of public service to the great city of Hastings, Minnesota and the citizens of Ward 2, 2021 through 2024." [29:35] Councilmember Jen Fox: Thank you, your honor and Council. Local government is the most fundamental form of government. It's incredibly important to our daily lives... Creating economic development is something that has become really near and dear to my heart... Thank you for letting me serve our community. I believe that it's important to do great things with big love... My biggest inspiring thing I want to share is that if you have something to say, say it. Reach out, get involved, join a commission, or run for something. I'm very proud to have been a part of this moment of our story. Thank you, Hastings. [33:00] Councilmember Angie Haus: Thank you, honor. Councilmember Fox, working alongside you has been an honor. Your passion, insight, guidance, and thoughtful approach have made a lasting impact. I've learned so much from your leadership... I'm going to miss you up here unconditionally. [33:48] Councilmember DawnMarie Vihrachoff: Mayor, I actually got up to get tissues... I wrote down all of my thoughts and promptly left it on my kitchen island. Your passion and dedication are incredibly inspiring. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed in this way... As sad as I am to not have you sitting beside me on this dais, there's a teeny tiny part of me that's happy because I can now wear my jean jackets and black glasses to meetings again! Thank you for being a champion for your community. [35:22] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld: Thanks, your honor. I'm not going to cry because I'm not one of those kind of people. Councilmember Fox, you mentioned getting involved... Some people show up when they've got an agenda, and then there's other people like you, Councilmember Fox. It's your passion for our community that caused you to show up. It's that "big love." I'm just finishing my second term and I still feel like I'm figuring stuff out, and you were a huge part of that for me. I love you very much, cousin, and I'll be seeing you around. And thank you to your spouse, Chris, for sharing her with us. [37:43] Councilmember Tim Lawrence: I just want to thank you as well. I am not a politician, and you've taught me so much in the last year that it's helped me find my voice. I appreciate the passion that you have. Thank you. [38:31] Councilmember Dave Pemble: Thank you, Jen. Councilmember Fox, it's been a pleasure serving with you. You've emphasized that people need to think about giving back... Here is a perfect example: a person grown in this community, a business individual, who serves on a commission and the City Council. A community needs a heart, and a community needs that heart from people that live in the community... Thank you very much. And P.S., just take one term off and run again! [40:04] Mayor Mary Fasbender: All right, tonight we have a Dakota County update from Commissioner Slavic, and we want to congratulate him on being elected the President of the Association of Minnesota Counties last week. [40:52] Commissioner Mike Slavic: Thank you very much. I'll do my darnest to continue to represent Hastings, Dakota County, and the whole state. Good evening Mayor, Council members, and staff. This is my 12th annual update in a row... I want to talk about partnership. The first one: the City of Hastings was instrumental regarding the solar garden on the Hastings campus... This will save the county just under $19 million in energy costs. Second: pedestrian safety and speed issues related to County Road 42... We have really put that on steroids in the last four years and we will see results in 2025. Also, the transfer of the Vermillion River Greenway; 10 miles of trail will now be county-owned and maintained, saving Hastings taxpayers those costs. Lastly, I want to mention the embedded social workers; Dakota County is covering 100% of the cost to put a social worker within our police departments. Thank you, Councilmember Fox, for our work together on the 911 board. I've known you since you were in elementary school. Thank you. [52:09] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Thank you, Mike. Council, are there any corrections to the minutes? [None]. At this time, we will hear comments from the audience. Please step to the podium, state your name and address, and keep comments to two minutes. [52:43] Councilmember DawnMarie Vihrachoff: Mayor, can I just have a point of information? I just wanted to remind folks that during public comment, we are encouraged not to go back and forth or answer questions. There is an actual reason why if you see us nodding but not answering. [52:54] Megan Meski (Resident): My name is Megan Meski, I live at 2002 4th Street East. I've lived by DNR land for almost 16 years. I'm talking today about the issue of hunting in my neighborhood. I am very concerned for safety. We kids were told not to go outside or walk down our road during certain seasons unless wearing orange. My neighbors have evidence of stray bullets and BBs hitting houses and sheds. My uncle has bullet indents on his shed. I had a recent encounter where a hunter was aiming towards our property and started open firing. We should not have to fear being caught in the crossfire. We are asking for change. [54:25] Pete Likes (Resident): Pete Likes, 3000 East 4th Street. This all transpired when the DNR bought the property. There are two sets of rules. The DNR runs the Aquatic Zone; the City runs Bullfrog Pond. About a month ago, a guy walked out carrying a rifle and dragging a deer out of the Aquatic Zone. We called the DNR and they never came. One resident has a propane tank 150 feet from where people shoot. There are 12 kids down there. You call the police, they say call the DNR. You call the DNR, they say call the police. Somebody is going to get hurt. [58:56] Corey Likes (Resident): Corey Likes, 2900 East 4th Street. My northern property runs adjacent to state property. There are bullet holes in the side of my house. I didn't do it; the people hunting recklessly did. BBs are laying in my driveway. The land has become a playground for people without common sense. What if a 3-year-old is walking and someone with a shotgun flings bullets? Nobody is there to enforce the rules. We need to figure out who is going to enforce the rules in play. [1:03:17] Bruce Lepine (Resident): My name is Bruce Lepine, I own land adjacent to the Meskis. I agree with what they're saying; clarification would be wonderful. Enforcement is the key. Hastings is a hunting community, but it needs to be safe. I'd like to have a meeting but include all the owners that own property down there. [1:04:52] Pete Likes: Just for clarification, when the property was sold to the DNR, they paid $775,000 for 360 acres. At the time, it was valued at $300 an acre. They paid 300 times more than what it was worth. [1:06:01] Bob Meski (Resident): I'm Bob Meski, 1800 Brittney Road. Those are my grandkids. I've witnessed my son's shed getting peppered by BBs. We went inside so we wouldn't get hit. We contacted the Police Department; they came right away but said they couldn't go in because they weren't dressed in red/orange. There needs to be a compromise before someone gets hurt. [1:09:41] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld: Mayor, a point of clarification. This sounds very alarming, but it sounds like a lot of moving parts—City, Township, and DNR land. Is it possible to send this to Public Safety to have it looked at? We need the parties to sit at a table. [1:11:11] Mayor Mary Fasbender: This is further on the agenda under Public Safety. The Chief will give us a presentation. [1:12:01] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): Thank you, Mayor, City Council. I’m going to welcome Wildlife Supervisor Tim Ferris to come up here. I’ve been Chief for about two and a half years and we’ve been talking about this for two and a half years. The DNR has been good to work with; signage has improved. Gors Pool Number 3 has an MOU between the DNR and City from 2008. It’s a 25-year agreement. There was conversation about a 200-foot buffer zone for "special controlled hunts," but the DNR has never enacted one. There is a safety need. In the city jurisdiction, it is a "Special Restrictions Wildlife Management Area," meaning hunters can only use triple-BB or smaller shotgun rounds or archery. No slugs or rifles are allowed. [1:19:47] Tim Ferris (DNR Wildlife Supervisor): First off, I've only been a supervisor in the Rosemount office for about a year. State land is generally exempt from the 500-foot buffer rule that applies to private dwellings. However, we can work with landowners on creating a buffer. I can't make the ultimate decision; it has to come from leadership in St. Paul. [1:23:35] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): Under the MOU, a request can come from residents or the Council for that 200-foot buffer. [1:24:22] Tim Ferris: We are willing to listen and talk to residents. We've recently refreshed the signage, and I've heard positive comments from hunters that it's easier to understand now. [1:25:08] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): We also discussed a QR code for maps. People use apps like OnX, but they aren't always accurate. We encourage people to go to the DNR website. This is a 25-year agreement from 2008; we can't stop hunting entirely, but we can request this buffer. [1:27:28] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Council, any questions? [1:29:09] Councilmember Angie Haus: Is there a specific website where people can look at this info? [1:29:15] Tim Ferris: You can just go to the Minnesota DNR website. [1:29:43] Councilmember Jen Fox: Thank you, Chief. I wonder, Dan or your honor, would it be wise to refer this to the Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) for a conversation between multiple parties? [1:31:28] Dan Wietecha (City Administrator): It’s an option. PSAC is booked up until April, but there is time before next fall's hunting season. [1:32:14] Councilmember Dave Pemble: I used to hunt down there when the Frytags owned it. I think the folks hunting there now aren't locals. We need to clearly emphasize the restrictions. It’s distressing to hear about high-powered rifles. I think we should move this to PSAC and move towards a request for a buffer zone. [1:33:46] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): Signage is very important. I feel like it assisted this year as we didn't get as many reports during deer season, though neighbors might disagree. [1:35:20] Councilmember Tim Lawrence: As a hunter, usually 90% police themselves, it's the 10% we worry about. Is there a way to put "residence dwelling" markers on the map so hunters know not to shoot in that direction? [1:36:53] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld: I recommend we move this to PSAC. We don't want to keep kicking the can. And I want to hear that if people call the Hastings Police, they will respond. [1:37:39] Kyle Linscheid (Police Chief): We will always respond. We tell officers: respond, and contact the DNR with questions. [1:39:11] Councilmember DawnMarie Vihrachoff: These are my neighbors. It is literally me and my little black and white dog that pass by there. I don't go out without wearing blaze orange. I support moving this to PSAC, but it needs to be well-publicized so the community can be part of that meeting. I second the motion to move this to PSAC. [1:41:28] Mayor Mary Fasbender: Thank you for the input. Motion and second to move this to PSAC. All those in favor? [Unanimous "Aye"]. Motion prevails. Council, any announcements? [The Mayor reads holiday announcements regarding light tours, office closures, ice fishing, and meeting cancellations]. I wish everyone a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. Motion to adjourn? [1:43:32] Councilmember Jen Fox: Motion. [1:43:32] Councilmember Lisa Leifeld: Second. [1:43:32] Mayor Mary Fasbender: All those in favor? [Unanimous "Aye"]. Meeting adjourned.