By Bruce Karnick

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We all know the bummer that has been 2020. Some good things happen this year as well, and the Hastings City Council took time to recognize some milestones for staff and commission volunteers at the December 21st meeting.

First was employee recognition for years with the city: 5 Years: Geoffrey Latsch, Paige Marshall Bigler, Quentin Nelson, Craig Schultz, Alan Gaylor, John Jamison, Joe Cysiewski, Renier Steenkamp 10 Years: Chad Jensen 15 years: Amy Carlson, Tina Gipson, Kevin Okeson, Dawn West, Joy Schroeder 20 Years: Tom Bakken, Brock Bukkila, Jeremy Jacobson, Natalie Judge, Brenda McGrath, Terry Meier, Craig Nowlan, Chris Weid, Justin Wolfe, John Townsend.

35 Years: Al Storlie.

Recognition HEDRA Commissioners Joe Balsanek and Jen Fox Planning Commissioners Mitch Johnson and Lisa Siebenaler Parks & Recreation Commissioner Nicole DePalma Heritage Preservation Commissioners Karen Douglas and Christina Johnson The consent agenda including the appointment of new commissioners as well as reappointment of commissioners continuing their terms.

Reappoint Planning Commissioners: Rob Halberg and Todd Matzke Appoint Planning Commissioners: Melanie Peters and Chris Teiken Appoint HEDRA Commissioner: Margaret “Peggy” Horsch Reappoint Public Safety Advisory Commissioners Gary Stevens and Jesse Starkson Reappoint Heritage Preservation Commissioners: Mark Borchardt and Cindy Toppin Reappoint Parks & Recreation Commissioners Bruce Karnick, Dave Pemble, Chelsea Piskor, and Ben Spader Appoint Public Safety Advisory Commissioner: Dozier Hunter Commissioners play a vital role in the development and planning for many key elements in Hastings and are a great way to impact your community. If you would like to join a commission, please visit https:// www.hastingsmn.gov/ city-government/commissions- task-forces