The Hastings City Council this week held a public hearing for the Downtown Development Authority. The existing DDA plan was approved in 2008 and would be good for another 2 years, but in order to commit the funds to pay back a loan for the Downtown Hastings Streetscape Project scheduled for this summer, the DDA is being amended and re-authorized now for the maximum allowable 30 years. There will be no other significant changes at this time to the plan… the move was recommended by a Citizens Area Council made up of residents in the DDA district. Final approval is set for the April 10th council meeting.
The City Council held a separate public hearing to receive comments regarding application for a Natural Resources Trust Grant to cover 50% of the cost to renovate the restrooms at Fish Hatchery Park with matching funds from the city.
The Hastings City Council approved new increased water and sewer rates for the next five years. Effective with the July bills, typical homeowners will see their monthly bill increase by approximately $8.
The City Council also approved spending $28,786 with McGrath Consulting Group for a Fire Department Assessment to evaluate operations. It is part of the ongoing process by the Emergency Services Building Committee that is in the planning stage to replace the aging Fire Department building.
