The January 5th Hastings City Council meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a 
moment of silence in remembrance of Pastor Jim Bzoskie. A proclamation was read, recognizing Pastor Jim Bzoskie for the community of Hastings. From the proclamation:
Pastor James Bzoskie founded Cornerstone Bible Church in 1983 in the City of Hastings and served faithfully.
Pastor Jim was a chaplain to the Hastings Police and Fire Departments beginning in 1979. As well as providing chaplain services to the Dakota County Sheriff’s office and ministering to inmates at the Dakota County Jail, leading faith services and sharing hope.
Pastor Bzoskie was known for always seeing the good in others, offering prayer to those in need, and serving the community as a compassionate and dedicated servant leader. Pastor Jim was devoted to his family and took great pride in the children he raised with his wife, Charlie.
Mayor Fasbender declared, “Therefore let it be resolved by the Hastings City Council that January 10, 2026, is hereby proclaimed Pastor James Bzoskie Day, in honor of his lifelong service and selfless acts of kindness to the Hastings community.”
(The full broadcast can be heard in the sound bite at the bottom of the page.)
Also from January 5th Hastings City Council meeting, in the Report from City Staff portion, Public Works Director Ryan Stempski delivered a report about the hydroelectric plant. There was a two-part request. One, authorize the signature of the letter of intent, and secondly, a resolution for the disposal and sale of the hydroelectric plant to J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. J.F. Brennan is a marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediation and dam construction. J.F. Brennan has submitted a letter of intent to the City of Hastings to acquire the hydroelectric plant.
Under the proposed terms, J.F. Brennan and Company, Inc., will purchase the facility for $1 and assume full ownership and responsibilities.
The City of Hastings will provide transition assistance for one year following the closing date. According to the agreement, J.F. Brennan will have a 60-day due diligence period after approval of the letter of intent. If down the road, J.F. Brennan decides to sell the facility within five years, a percentage of the net sale would be paid to the City of Hastings.
KDWA spoke with Public Works Director Ryan Stempski about the facility transfer to J.F. Brennan, and
Director Stempski talks about what it means to be at this stage and the work that goes into the process.
(For the full broadcast, listen to the sound bite.)