City to Design and Build a New Well to Meet Water Demand

The city plans to construct a new well in Wallin Park to support future water needs. The site was selected after several years of monitoring and is identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Water Plan. In 2026, the city will share architectural renderings of the No. 9 wellhouse for public and City Council review, with design and approvals continuing throughout the year. Bidding is anticipated in fall 2026, and construction is expected to begin in 2027. The project includes an estimated $165,892 in engineering design and bidding services to be provided by WSB. The approved $1.7 million project budget for 2026 will carry over into 2027.



Learn More

Eastern Water Treatment Plant Moves Forward

The City Council has approved the site plan and bidding process for the new Eastern Water Treatment Plant at 850 Spiral Boulevard, an important project designed to remove PFAS from the city’s drinking water. The project includes removing the existing driveway, updating the wellhouse, and building a treatment facility that will clean water from Wells 6 and 8. The building will also be sized to support possible future nitrate treatment. That system will be included as a bid alternate, allowing the city to decide whether to add it once funding is confirmed. The Council approved the plans and specifications and authorized the advertisement for bids. The city remains committed to investing in safe, reliable drinking water for all residents, and this project represents the second of three water treatment plants planned for construction by 2029.

Learn More

Central Water Treatment Plant Construction and Funding Efforts Continue

City Administrator Dan Wietecha shared progress on the Central Water Treatment Plant project at Monday's Council meeting, noting construction is on schedule while advocacy efforts continue at the state level for additional funding. The plant is one of three planned to remove PFAS from city drinking water. The raw watermain feeding the new treatment facility is nearly completed, while footings and construction at the plant site continues.

City leaders also met with key legislators on April 23 at the State Capitol to advocate for Hastings’ bonding request and discussed raising the cap on the state’s emerging contaminants grant. While the city has secured more than $23 million in grants and 3M settlement funds, the project remains extremely costly. Without additional funding, water rates are projected to increase by roughly 150%. Current increases have reached only 33%, underscoring the importance of continued state support.

Watch the Update (1 hour and 38-minute mark)

Business Meeting Video Airs

The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a business meeting to provide information to Hastings' business owners about plans for the Highway 61 reconstruction project slated to begin in 2027, with the majority of work occurring in 2028. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the City of Hastings presented. Hastings Community Television recorded and recently aired the April 28 meeting.

Watch the Video Recording

Honoring our Public Sector Staff in May

The month of May marks many opportunities to recognize and honor all of the city departments and staff who serve our community! Visit our Facebook page throughout the month as we celebrate our employees and raise awareness of the services they provide.

Learn more about the history of organizations and recognition events that celebrate service, safety, history, professionalism and more:

Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9

Municipal Clerks Week, May 3-9

National Police Week, May 11-16

EMS Week, May 17-23

National Public Works Week, May 17-23

Building Safety Month in May

Historic Preservation Month in May

Hastings Police Department Announces Two Leadership Promotions

The Hastings Police Department announces promotions that strengthen the leadership team and support the ongoing commitment to high‑quality service. Congratulations to:

Sergeant Sam Beuch Promoted to Commander – Effective May 11

A proven and trusted leader, Sgt. Beuch brings 14 years of patrol officer and patrol sergeant experience, along with a tactical mindset and extensive background in SWAT operations. He is a valued use of force instructor whose guidance helps enhance department training and morale.

Officer Paul Young Promoted to Patrol Sergeant – Effective May 18

Officer Young brings 17 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including his work as an investigator, field training officer, crisis negotiator (recently promoted to team leader in March 2026), and most recently as the department’s reserve officer liaison. His broad experience and steady leadership will be a strong asset to our patrol team. 

Learn More About the HPD

Hastings Fire Represents

Hastings Firefighter/Paramedic Kaitlin Neuman participated in the first Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota event last week, where she answered questions about the fire service, equipment, responsibilities and education requirements for a career in firefighting. Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota was held at 15 locations throughout the state, and was the largest event of its kind in the state. Neuman represented the Hastings Fire Department in the Region 1 event located at the East Metro Training Facility, where approximately 60 women attended to explore the fire service. Thank you, Kaitlin for representing the Hastings Fire Department.

Learn More

Mayor and Council Recognize the Buddy Poppy Program

The Veterans of Foreign Wars adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood sacrificed by troops in wartime. Poppies are worn and displayed as a symbolic tribute to our fallen and the future of living veterans and service members. The Buddy Poppy program provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national Veterans rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home. Hastings Mayor and Council encourage all citizens to generously support the Buddy Poppy program and wear a Buddy Poppy. Mark Gelhar attended the May 4 City Council meeting and indicated that the distribution and sale of the poppies will take place at local stores on May 16 and 17.

Read the Proclamation

May 4, 2026 Council Meeting

• Several residents and visitors commented on an agenda item related to the city's display of the State flag. The agenda item was removed.
• Approved the issuance and sale of nearly $7 million of general obligation bonds to finance the 2026 Neighborhood Project, Well #9 and pumphouse, and water and sewer improvement work connected to the Highway 61 project.
• Accepted a $1,000 donation from Avionte LLC and $1,000 from SC Toys for the summer Rec + Art + Police programs.

View the Council Meeting Packet

Monday, May 11

7 p.m. Planning Commission

7 p.m. Finance Committee

View Meeting Calendar and Documents