Hastings Public Schools — Transcript
Thursday, September 10, 2026
HA Levy and Budget Discussion
Downtown Parking Study
Block 16 Redevelopment Public Survey
Block 28 Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation
Trunk Highway 61 Reconstruction
General Development Updates
Votes (7)
2027 HA Levy Authorization
Moved by Board Member 1 [00:02:08] · Seconded by Unknown [00:02:30]
John presented the resolution to authorize the 2027 HA levy, explaining its role in funding HA operations, its statutory maximum (0.0185%, equating to about $580,000), and how it supplements general fund allocations. He highlighted the approved budget's inclusion of $75,000 for Trunk Highway 61 business assistance and re-implementation of loan programs. A board member expressed satisfaction with these specific allocations.
HA Budget Review and Clarification
Following the HA levy approval, the board engaged in a detailed discussion of the budget. A board member sought clarification on the $150,000 allocated for Block 28 Gateway ongoing maintenance in fund 413 for 2027. John explained that this amount is specifically for environmental remediation in preparation for future development, with routine maintenance covered by income from ATM and billboard leases. He also confirmed that the full loan balance for the Block 28 property purchase remains an obligation.
Downtown Parking Study Findings
Community Development Intern Natalie Rogus presented findings from the annual downtown parking study. The study revealed overall adequate parking capacity (36% utilization) but noted demand concentration near downtown and Sibly Street, and significantly higher utilization (58%) during special events. A recurring theme was the public perception of limited parking despite actual availability. Recommendations included improving communication on free parking options and considering parking impacts in future downtown developments.
Block 16 Redevelopment Public Survey Results
Natalie Rogus presented the final findings from the Block 16 redevelopment survey, co-authored with Alex. The survey indicated that 45% of respondents were satisfied with the current use of Block 16 as a park and parking lot, while 55% were unsure or open to redevelopment. Key concerns included the potential loss of parking and open space, and increased traffic/noise if housing were developed. Preferred redevelopment options included destination entertainment and restaurants. The importance of preserving downtown character was paramount. Next steps include engaging business owners and developing a broader plan for the east side of downtown.
Block 28 Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Planning
Alex provided an update on Block 28, confirming the completion of the Phase 2 environmental site assessment, response action plan (RAP), construction contingency plan (CCP), and asbestos abatement plans. GZA will manage future remediation and demolition. Staff learned that competitive cleanup grants require a developer tied to the project, informing future timing. Past land uses (gas stations, auto shops) are sources of contamination, and structures contain asbestos. The $150,000 budget for 2027 is for environmental remediation, with potential grant funding. Demolition is strategically delayed to avoid triggering a three-year TIF district timeline, awaiting alignment with a developer.
Trunk Highway 61 Reconstruction Project Update
John provided an update on the Trunk Highway 61 reconstruction project. He noted Hedra members Mr. Golish and Ben are serving on the visual quality committee. MNDOT is preparing for municipal consent, with a public hearing scheduled for October 19th and a workshop for the council on October 5th. Meetings with the business community, hosted by the chamber and MNDOT on September 29th, will address staging impacts and explore funding opportunities, which will inform Hedra's assistance parameters for Highway 61 in November.
General Development Updates
John provided updates on several development projects. Pleasant Valley Farms is progressing, with a neighborhood meeting, environmental assessment worksheet nearing public comment conclusion, and comprehensive plan amendment moving forward; construction is targeted for 2027. The Hulk Hastings Co-op Creamery and Polka Dot area property is slated for an online auction in late October/early November, allowing bids on two separate tracks. Chase Bank is nearing completion in the Cub parking lot. Finally, a neighborhood meeting is scheduled for October 7th for the CDA property (former KDWA radio tower site), proposing approximately 40 townhome units.
Notable Quotes (13)
So what we do with our budget is we have an allocation to what's called our HA levy which is a separate levy from the the city levy that generates about $580,000. And on top of that we also have allocation from the city council through the general fund for the rest of their budgets. So in order to fund our operations, we need to be able to pass the levy. Now the levy by state statute can be up to 0.0185% which is the maximum and that is what we have done since the inception of hedra here.
I just comment that I'm glad you decide or put some funds in for for Vermillion Street corridor and and also reimplement the loan fund because I think there will be some need in the next year or two.
I guess just a little clarifi clarification on the block 28 gateway ongoing maintenance of property change in fund 413. um the $150,000 and that we spent two the 200 thou $230,000 was that acquisition costs at that time and then then we spent 4,500 till today through 2026 and then we have an item for 150,000 in our budget. Can you explain those numbers to me?
No, that is for some of the expenditures we may have for environmental remediation of the block in preparation.
As noted in past parking studies and I think just being reiterated again is that there is adequate overall parking capacity we're seeing like 36% utilization across all lots. That doesn't mean that every lot is uh has the same utilization. There are some that are near zero on average and some that are uh you know getting closer to to 70 70%. So um that utilization is um uh spread out uh in different parts of the uh the downtown and then is also um changing uh depending on the time of day. Um so the second point demand is concentrated.
To your point about awareness of where the parking is. I don't know if that's something we can address. Is that a signage issue? Is it like a website with here's the parking spaces? And not that people are going to check it, but is there a place you go here's here's our parking spaces if you can't find one? I don't know if we can help the public understand that because some of those lots that were on there I guess I don't know people know like the fire department one it's public property but they know they can park there again it's not close to a lot of the events but
Overall, people were very satisfied with how it is today as a park and parking lot. Um but there are 55% of people who are unsure. So um I think people are are open to to something different perhaps. Um and as noted in the previous presentation, parking is uh a concern and and that's really why people are are hesitant um for any sort of redevelopment on this site.
I think one of the things that you know big picture we have to look at we cannot let our community our downtown get stagnant. And part of that is okay, what do we see in the future looking not only just block 16, but what else is going to come into play, you know, in the next 10, 20 years that will affect overall the downtown.
The key takeaway from those was to have a competitive grant application in that is you have to be ready to do that work. and to be ready to do that work. They like to see projects that have a developer tied to it.
Yeah, anytime you're dealing with an environmental remediation demolition, there can be things that come forward that are unanticipated. I think we're in a good position with what we've allocated next year. Uh hopefully we will get grant funding for a lot of those costs, but we be on the hook for some of those.
The big thing that Mandot is contemplating right now is moving forward for what's called municipal consent. Anytime a mindot project is constructed within a city, the city needs to provide a consent for the project to move forward on that one.
Our goal is to be able to have the entitlements complete by the end of the year, transfer and construction beginning in 27 on that project.
What it would include is an online auction for about a period of a week in late October, early November. There would be what they call two tracks. One of the tracks would be Polka Dot Dairy. The other one would be the three lots that make up what used to be Hastings Crearyy. Entities can bid on them separately or they can bid on those together.
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Resolution for authority to authorize the 2027 HA levy, set at the statutory maximum of 0.0185% or approximately $580,000.
Public survey conducted to gather feedback on redevelopment opportunities for Block 16.
Document being finalized for Pleasant Valley Farms, currently under public comment period.
Amendment for Pleasant Valley Farms to change land use and provide sewer/water extension.
Application being prepared by the CDA for the Seawart Town Homes development.
Completed assessment for Block 28 detailing environmental conditions.
Plan developed for Block 28 outlining steps for environmental remediation.
Plan developed for Block 28 detailing contingencies for construction-related environmental issues.
Plans developed for Block 28 outlining removal of asbestos materials prior to demolition.
Required consent from the city for the MNDOT Highway 61 reconstruction project to proceed.