On Monday, March 2, 2026, there was a Hastings City Council meeting.
In an earlier report, KDWA highlighted the two proclamations from the Hastings City Council: proclamations that March is Minnesota FoodShare Month and that March 8 – 14, 2026, is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
In the awarding of the contracts and public hearing, there was a request regarding the 2026 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements and Authorized Advertisement for bids. This included the requirement to conduct a public hearing and a resolution to approve the plans and specifications.
Kimely Horn Consulting Engineer Cody Mathisen presented the scope and features of the Pleasant Drive and 4th Street W project, such as goals, proposed improvements, project cost, and estimated timeline. The city council approved Mathisen’s request for a public hearing. At 7:30 pm, the public hearing was held, and with no one bidding to speak, it was closed at 7:31 pm.
The project goals include enhancing pedestrian connectivity, optimizing street widths, addressing failing pavement and curbing, improving street drainage with storm sewers and grades, and addressing aging utilities—such as replacing aged water main pipes and/or sanitary sewer pipes or individual services as needed.
On 4th Street West from Farm Street to River Street, Mathisen spoke into the full reconstruction and noted that there have been three water main breaks on 4th Street in two years.
Councilmember Leifeld inquired about the assessment rates for properties along Pleasant Street and 4th Street. Mathisen verified that the City is paying more towards this project, as there aren’t as many doors on the assessment.
Mathisen pointed out that the City is generating lower assessment revenue.
Councilmember Leifeld reiterated for the public that “homeowners aren’t being charge additional or more than another homeowner just because there aren’t as many driveways facing the street.”
Mathisen says there will be street access during construction for residents near Pleasant and 4th Street, as the project will be done in phases.
In the Public Safety portion of the meeting, there was a resolution imposing sanctions upon liquor license holder Broadway Bar & Pizza.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh presented the compliance violation.
Broadway Bar & Pizza failed an alcohol compliance check in late September. A staff member sold alcohol to an underage patron. Since this was the first offense, there were two options by way of penalty: a $500 fine or a $1000 penalty with a 3-day license suspension. The defining factor for which penalty an establishment receives is dependent on participation in the Best Practices Program. The Best Practices Program focuses on the prevention of selling alcohol to underage patrons.
Broadway hadn’t submitted paperwork of participation in the Best Practices Program, and Broadway Bar & Pizza received the higher penalty.
Dean Hansen, a representative of Broadway Bar & Pizza, spoke before the council. Henson informed the council that the staff member who sold alcohol to the underage patron was fired within two hours of the offense. Henson requested that the penalty be reduced to fines already and no suspension of the establishment’s liquor license.
The council discussed the requirements of the Best Practices Program offered through the City, as well as similar training that is offered through the State of Minnesota.
The City of Hastings asks for proof of training if establishments are not participating in the annual Best Practices Program offered by the City.
Councilmember Leifeld made a motion to table the topic until further information is provided and a formal resolution is presented before the city council on March 16, 2026.
In a PFAS update, City Administrator Dan Wietecha presented that Magney began underground work relocating utilities. Excavation and pipe installation will soon be complete, and construction will move on to the next stage in late March.
Neighboring properties around the construction site have submitted claims to insurance about cracked concrete. Magney, as the contractor, is the responsible party for damage claims because of work; this is stated in the City’s contract with Magney.
And the last item, required mediation with Carbone’s Pizza, is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
The Hastings City Council agenda can be found at the Hastings government website.