The City of Hastings is looking for citizens to fill vacancies coming up on various city commissions.

Commissioners serve an advisory role to the City Council by providing review and recommendation of policies and activities. Commissions generally meet 1-2 hours in the evening once a month. City staff provides background information and guidance for Commission discussion and recommendations.  

An interest form is located on the city website at hastingsmn.gov and should be submitted to Dec. 1 for consideration.

City commissions and their described duties include:

• Arts and Culture Commission

The City of Hastings Arts & Culture Commission was formed in 2022. 

The purpose of the commission is to assist Hastings in becoming a community in which arts and cultural activities:

-Are recognized as vital components of community life that are worthy of investment and support from the public, private and non-profit sectors.

-Are valued and promoted for their economic benefits and development potential throughout the city.

-Include Hastings’ historic, existing and emerging cultural groups' identity and sense of community.

-Support the goals of Hastings’ arts education and programs for young people.

-Engage the talents and involvement of retirees and senior citizens.

-Enhance the public perception of Hastings’ identity and quality of life in the community itself, the surrounding region, and beyond.

-Achieve a strong sense of place through beautification and the creative activation of arts and culture.

The Arts & Culture Commission meets every second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Volunteer Room at Hastings City Hall.   

For more information, contact Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh, kmurtaugh@hastings mn.gov.

• Charter Commission

The City of Hastings is a Home Rule Charter city. This means that Hastings voters approved a local constitution (called a charter) and thus, it was adopted by the city.  

Charters detail the powers a city may exercise. These powers do not conflict with state laws and may restrict the authority of a city. Voters in home rule charter cities have more control over their city’s powers than voters in statutory cities (cities without a charter). The City of Hastings Charter describes the duties and procedures of the City Council, taxation and finance,  elections and other regulations. 

The Charter Commission is a 7-to-15-member commission which is required to meet at least once in a calendar year. Members are elected to a 4-year term with staggering start dates. Members may hold any type of employment, except for a judicial office and must be a qualified voter living in the City of Hastings.

For more information, contact City Administrator Dan Wietecha, dwietecha@hastingsmn.gov.

• Hastings Economic Development and Redevelop Commission

HEDRA guides the development and implementation of the City's economic and redevelopment strategies.  The seven-member board is appointed by the City Council and consists of five citizen members and two City Councilmembers. 

HEDRA meets every second Thursday at 6 o,n, in the City Council Chambers.   

For more information, contact Community Development Director John Hinzman, jhinzman@hastingsmn.gov.

• Heritage Preseveration Commission

The City of Hastings prides itself on its historical and interesting past, from the first buildings to the first residents. Because of these factors, the city has committed itself to historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, and cultural heritage and preservation. 

The Heritage Preservation Commission works with property owners to retain the historical and unique past of our community. The Commission identifies significant sites throughout the city for preservation. Research and surveys assist the commission in identifying properties with important and interesting factors which contribute to the historical feeling of Hastings. Once a property is identified, the commission may recommend that it be deemed a Heritage Preservation Site. 

Most of the Commission's time is devoted to the review of proposed changes to Heritage Preservation Sites. This review of work, before a permit is issued, is meant to protect the historical property by retaining the historically significant aspects of the property. The commission will also assist property owners during the planning phase.

Nine voting members make up the Heritage Preservation Commission, and there is an emphasis on a prospective commissioner's related background for this commission. Residents with experience or interest in architecture, history, archaeology, planning, design, real estate, building trades, and landscape architecture are encouraged to participate and share their knowledge.

For more information, contact City Planner Justin Fortney, jfortney@hastingsmn.gov.

• Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is an appointed commission of the City Council of volunteer citizens. The purpose of the PRC is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning parks, recreation, open space, and trail issues. In addition, the PRC provides input to City staff, in effect, acting as an advisory board on community interests concerning recreation and parks. Commissioners serve two-year terms, with a limit of three consecutive terms. 

Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Hastings City Hall..

For more information, contact Parks & Recreation Director Christ Jenkins, cjenkins@hastingsmn.gov.

• Planning Commission

The Planning Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council on matters related to land use development and zoning.  Primary responsibilities include review of residential subdivisions, commercial site plans, and special use permits.  Commissioners meet twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 

For more information, contact Community Development Director John Hinzman, jhinzman@hastingsmn.gov.

• Public Safety Advisory Commission

The Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) is an advisory commission relating to public safety (police and fire) programs of the City of Hastings. 

This commission provides an opportunity for citizen involvement in police and fire services and encourages exchange between these services and the community. The PSAC is made up of seven members serving varied terms and is staffed by the City Fire/EMS and Police Chiefs. Commissioners meet at least three times annually.

For more information, contact Police Chief David Wilske at dwilske@hastingsmn.gov.