Clean & Safe Drinking Water Remains Top Priority

The City Council approved a number of legislative priorities for 2026, with clean and safe drinking water topping the list. The city is requesting state bonding, additional state funding and federal funding to help pay for water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from city drinking water. Other legislative priority topics include crypto currency kiosk fraud, local option sales and use tax, affordable housing, cannabis, Hastings Community Television and Vets Park. 

2026 City of Hastings Legislative Priorities Fact Sheet

Sale Would Save Taxpayers Millions of Dollars

The City Council approved a resolution regarding the disposal and sale of the Hydroelectric Plant located at Lock and Dam No. 2 on the Mississippi River. It was constructed in 1985 and operated by the city to capture revenue from the sale of hydro power. Since then, the facility has required extensive annual costs and increasing maintenance, and the revenues have decreased. The city expects the sale of the plant will save taxpayers more than $14 million dollars over the next 25 years due to required maintenance.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc., a marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediation, dam construction and related services, intends to acquire the plant and assume full ownership and maintenance responsibilities. The city would sell the plant for $1 and provide administrative and regulatory transition assistance for one year following closing. The company will have a 60-day due diligence period after execution of the Letter of Intent to purchase the plant. If J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. sells the plant to an unrelated third party within five years, a declining percentage of net sale proceeds would be paid to the city.

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Monthly PFAS Update

City Administrator Dan Wietecha provided a monthly update on efforts to build three water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from city drinking water.

• Environmental investigations continue as planned by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to determine potential connection of additional city wells to 3M plant operations and funding eligibility. City and MPCA officials plan to review the studies later this month.
• The city authorized a 10 percent increase on utility bill water rates beginning this month, with additional 10 percent increases potentially for July 2026 and January 2027. The phased approach allows additional time to seek state bonding, grants and/or direct connection to 3M Cottage Grove and recognizes the complexity of loan and grant paperwork with the Public Facilities Authority.
• Construction on the Central Water Treatment Plant continues. Vibration monitoring equipment was installed, and forensic engineers are inspecting cracks at an adjacent property.

Read PFAS Updates

Council Proclaims Jan. 10 as Pastor James Bzoskie Day

The City Council proclaims Jan. 10 as Pastor James Bzoskie Day in Hastings. Pastor "Jim" Bzoskie faithfully served as chaplain to the Hastings Police and Fire Departments and Dakota County Sheriff's Office for more than four decades. He passed away last month after helping someone in need. He was the embodiment of a good and faithful servant and will be profoundly missed by the Hastings community.

Read the Proclamation

Dakota County to Pay Homage to Blue Bridge Remnant

Dakota County staff presented plans to the City Council outlining proposed interpretive exhibits along the Mississippi River Greenway trail. One of the proposed exhibits includes a salvaged blue bridge structure from the previous Hastings bridge over the river. Construction is planned for this summer.

Dakota County Mississippi River Greenway Improvements

Jan. 5, 2026 City Council Meeting

• Approved submittal of the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget to Dakota County. The estimated funding of $43,993 would be allocated towards assessment abatement for homeowners impacted by the annual neighborhood infrastructure improvements project. Information will be shared with homeowners at an upcoming open house.
• Accepted a donation of $200 from Jeffrey and Stephanie Anderson to the Fire Department.
• Accepted an anonymous donation of $3,500 to support the LeDuc Historic Estate ongoing maintenance costs.

Read the Council Documents

Holiday Lights Recycling Through Jan. 31

Parks and Recreation office

Don’t toss out your broken or unwanted light strings! Drop off your tangle of lights and cords at the Parks & Recreation Department.

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Landscaping for Clean Water Classes Start Soon

Registration continues for Landscaping for Clean Water Classes offered through the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District. Residents are encouraged to register to learn how native plants, raingardens and shoreline projects will benefit pollinators and local water quality!

Register Today