In its third year, the City of Hastings’ Community Investment Funds seeks to help community groups make improvements on city property.
The city invests $100,000 into its Community Investment fund annually, and groups have utilized the funding for park, public art and other improvements.
The city council approved five applications at its meeting Monday night, totaling $50,712.25. Successful applicants are matching the city allocation with $28,762.25 in funds and $6,000 in in-kind labor to complete projects.
After this round of applicants, the city has a remaining balance of $49,287.75 to fund additional Community Investment Fund projects this year. The money also could be carried forward until next year.
Approved projects include:
•Barb Hollenbeck: $6,705 for a public-facing mural at 209 Sibley St., including an anti- graffiti topcoat. Hollenbeck is providing $6,705 in matching funds.
•Downtown Business Association: $9,557.25 for downtown holiday lighting of rooftops, including additional lighting on Sibley and 3rd St. and trees in Oliver’s Grove Park. DBA is providing $9,557.25 in matching funds.
•Hastings Hawks: $22,800 for expansion and roof replacement of existing concessions building, contingent on receiving State approval under the terms of the City’s lease agreement with the State. Hawks are providing $10,000 in matching funds and $6,000 in-kind labor.
•Hastings Environmental Protectors: $750 for portable signs to advertise events and provide directions.
• Hastings Pickleball Association: $10,900 for windscreen, picnic tables, and signage. Pickleball Association is providing $2,500 in matching funds.
The approved projects were forwarded to the council by the city council’s Finance Committee, which met March 11. Two projects weren’t forwarded for council approval. They are, with committee rationale included:
• LeDuc Estate: $15,000 for woodwork restoration. This is more appropriate as maintenance and part of the city’s normal budget process rather than a CIF “enhancement” project.
• Hastings Pickleball Association: $6,600 for racking system, storage bin, pitching machine, electric hookup, and court dividers. The committee was concerned about maintenance of the racking system. The other items would serve the association rather than the general public.
