4:16 → 5:05(49s)
Hastings City Council held a work session that focused on two substantive agenda items: a staff presentation and council discussion on a proposed local restaurant tax to raise general-fund revenue, and review of a draft ordinance regulating e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices. Councilmembers generally expressed support for directing staff to draft a restaurant-tax ordinance (council preference coalesced around 1% as a starting point) and asked for further detail on taxable categories, exemptions (schools/boosters), collection mechanics and implementation timing. On the e-bike ordinance, staff presented a redlined draft that would limit speeds to 25 mph outside private property, prohibit devices in the business improvement/downtown district, allow trail use unless expressly prohibited by signage, and include education and police vetting; council asked staff to return the ordinance for formal consideration.
