Hastings Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, September 21, 2026
Manufactured Homeowner Protections
Pleasant Valley Farms Subdivision Development
Downtown Parking Study Findings
Highway 61 Streetscape Design Services
Sewer Bill Adjustment for Hastings Terrace
Votes (6)
Project Order Agreement for Lead Service Line Replacement Program (Consent Agenda Addendum)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Pemble [0:16:53] · Seconded by Council member House [0:17:02]
The City Administrator requested that the Project Order Agreement for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program be added to the consent agenda for approval.
Awarding of Contract: Tali Collaborative Additional Streetscape Design Services for Highway 61 Reconstruction Project
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Pemble [0:22:20] · Seconded by Council member Verichoff [0:22:24]
City Engineer Brent Thompson introduced a proposal from Tali Collaborative for streetscape design services for the Highway 61 reconstruction. These services are for conceptual design and preliminary cost estimates, based on recommendations from a Visual Quality Committee, and are enhancements funded by the city's municipal state aid fund.
Resolution for Pleasant Valley Farms, EAW (Negative Declaration for EIS)
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Lifeel [0:33:55] · Seconded by Council member Lawrence [0:34:02]
Community Development Director John Hinsman presented the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Pleasant Valley Farms subdivision, recommending a negative declaration for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). He explained that comments from regulatory agencies and a resident had been addressed, and the development did not meet the threshold for a full EIS. Council members inquired about traffic impacts, planned roadway extensions (General Sean Drive), and the typical timeline for such large developments, which is estimated at around 10 years for 407 units.
Resolution for Pleasant Valley Farms Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Pemble [0:38:19] · Seconded by Council member Verichoff [0:38:22]
John Hinsman introduced a resolution to amend the city's 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Pleasant Valley Farms area. This amendment updates the future land use map to designate the area as low-density residential (3-6 units/acre) and formally adjusts the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) boundary to include the development, ensuring consistency with long-term plans for utility services. Hinsman noted this amendment effectively formalizes plans the city had already anticipated.
Downtown Parking Study Presentation
Natalie, a community development intern, presented the findings of a summer downtown parking study. The study showed overall adequate parking capacity (36% utilization) but noted demand concentrated in riverfront and Sibly Street areas, especially during events. Natalie highlighted a conflict between actual availability and public perception, recommending improved wayfinding, signage, and publicizing free parking options. Council members discussed local parking habits versus visitor needs and the importance of Block 16 for parking.
Resolution for Adjusting Sewer Bill for Hastings Terrace
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Pemble [1:09:03] · Seconded by Council member Beck [1:09:05]
City Administrator Dan Waticha presented a resolution to adjust the sewer bill for Hastings Terrace due to a significant water leak (735,000 gallons) that occurred between March and May. The water soaked into the ground and did not enter the sanitary sewer system, thus no treatment costs were incurred. The proposed adjustment was a reduction of $3,697.75 for the sewer portion of the bill. Council members clarified that only the sewer portion was being waived and questioned the leak's magnitude and the crediting of the bill to the management company.
Notable Quotes (7)
Streetscaping and aesthetic elements are enhancements to trunk highway projects. They're character elements that help to define a corridor within the context of a community and are generally assets that are owned and maintained by the city.
Normally an environmental impact statement is is reserved for something in which it has been defined that negative that a negative impact from the environment from the development to the environment is going to occur... By declaring a negative declaration... we do not believe that this uh development rises to that level.
This is one of those where, you know, this isn't us going out and saying, 'Hey, do you want to make a development out on your property?' This is, you know, farm owners or land owners coming to us. They've spoke to developers. They're coming to us and this is their right as well. This is their land.
The way that I look at it is we're basically amending the plan to adopt a plan we've already agreed to.
Perception of parking and availability of parking are sort of in conflict. Uh we we see that we have ample parking and and perhaps um the the perception comes from certain lots that are uh seen as most convenient being uh used quite frequently.
From a local standpoint, right, where the the locals, we're filling out these questionnaires. Yeah, we'd love that. But to those coming to visit us, wow, we've got some awesome parking, right? You're just a couple blocks from the from the river and a couple blocks from your restaurants or your your the riverfront and the bars or what have you. So, excellent.
This water uh simply soaked into the ground rather than going down uh the drain for treatment at the wastewater treatment plant.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Proposed state legislation aiming to protect manufactured homeowners by limiting rent increases, late fees, providing opportunity to purchase, and other protections.
Agreement added to the consent agenda for a lead service line replacement program.
Environmental work undertaken by Mindot for the Highway 61 project, which provided information for visual quality recommendations.
Investigation laying out basic facts and environmental impacts for the Pleasant Valley Farm subdivision, triggering a mandatory review.
A greater level of environmental review that the City Council declared a negative need for regarding the Pleasant Valley Farms subdivision.
City document updated every 10 years for growth over 20 years; amended for Pleasant Valley Farms.
Component of the Comprehensive Plan; amended to designate Pleasant Valley Farms as low-density residential.
Limits for sewer service established by Metropolitan Council; amended to include the Pleasant Valley Farms development area.
A study conducted by a community development intern analyzing parking supply, utilization, and public perception in downtown Hastings.
A preliminary survey on the community's thoughts and usage of Block 16 and appetite for downtown redevelopment.
Official City Council resolution to reduce a sewer bill due to a water leak that did not enter the sewer system.