The Hastings City Council met Monday night to discuss a handful of items, with the bulk of time spent on the decision whether or not to approve a waiver requested by the Hastings Family YMCA to dismiss just over 52,200 dollars in SAC(Sewer Availability Charge) and WAC(Water Availability Charge) fees that are slated to be charged as part of the 3.5 million dollar expansion to their existing building. When the non-profit entity approached the city in 2004, incentive funding was provided by the city to encourage the construction of the building located at 85 Pleasant Avenue, at the West end of the Regina Healthcare Property. Capital Campaign Chair Todd Siewert and Executive Director Derrick Jaeger attended the meeting in which council members asked for confirmation of facts prior to making their decision. Councilmember Vaughan expressed his position.
Council member Nelson then asked if any other businesses had received such a waiver The answer was provided by City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee
Lee also informed the council on the effect the loss of those fees would have on the city budget.
Finance Committee Chair Schultz stated that several meetings had taken place with representatives of the YMCA, and she was satisfied the incentive was warranted.
Councilmember Laurie Braucks voiced her position on the request
Her comments were followed by Councilman Balsanek
Council member Alongi then gave his support to the proposal specifically addressing the term presedent and why others may not qualify in the same way.
Public Works Director Nick Eggers was also consulted and asked how the city used SAC and WAC fees
Mayor Paul Hicks reiterated his support and asked the roll call be taken for a vote on approval of the full waiver.
Although voicing prior dissent, councilmembers Balsanek and Vaughan joined Alongi and Schultz in voting their approval to the motion with Nelson and Braucks voting no. The motion to approve the 52,250 dollar waiver was passed by a majority. YMCA representatives expressed their thanks for the vote and are expected to move ahead with construction this summer following the completion of their capital fundraising campaign.
