October 19, 2026 Hastings City Council Special Meeting: Animal Shelter Negotiations and Rescission of Cool-Off Period

The Hastings City Council held a special meeting on October 19, 2026 to consider a single agenda item: a motion to rescind the "cool-off period" that had been imposed at a July 28 meeting, and to restart negotiations with Heartland Pet Connection (HPC) regarding the city's animal shelter contract. City staff provided an extensive update on recent developments, including HPC's termination notice and the city's contingency plans. After discussion, the council voted 6-0 to rescind the cool-off period, allowing staff to proceed with contract termination discussions and prepare for a request for proposals (RFP) process for future shelter services.

Discussion Items

• Timeline Overview: City staff (likely City Administrator Mark Funkey or a development services representative) presented a chronology since the last special meeting on July 28, 2026. Key dates included: September 11 – city received a termination notice from HPC; September 14 – notice provided to mayor and council; September 30 – Councilmember Huntley emailed the city administrator about removing the cool-off period; October 12 – council requested the special meeting. Staff noted that since the termination notice, the city has had weekly conversations with HPC and internal meetings to prepare for potential operational changes.
• Contract Status and Termination Dispute: Staff explained that HPC's termination notice materially changed the relationship, and the city no longer considers HPC a sole source provider. As a result, any future contract would need to go through an RFP process, in which HPC could bid. The termination period is disputed: HPC asserts a 45-day notice (ending October 27), while the city believes a 120-day notice is more appropriate. Staff continue to negotiate the terms of termination with HPC's new attorney, Matt Bach, but not a new contract.
• City's Contingency Plans: Staff stated that the city has no intention of running an animal shelter long-term, but state law requires shelter services. To prepare for a possible transition, the city is applying for a state shelter license (verbal go-ahead received) and considering temporary locations such as the old police department on 2nd Street. Personnel changes are also being evaluated to accommodate any gap in service. The goal is to have a temporary arrangement until a new nonprofit can take over via an RFP.
• Motion Justification: Councilmember Huntley, who made the motion, explained that the cool-off period was hindering direct communication between staff and HPC as required by the contract's Section 7(c). Rescinding the period would remove ambiguity and allow staff to engage fully in termination discussions and future planning. Other councilmembers expressed support for the clean-up, noting that it removes a council-imposed barrier without harming the city's position.
• Animal Ownership and Transition Questions: Councilmembers asked about the number of animals that might be returned to the city (unknown), whether HPC is still accepting animals (yes, during the contract period), and whether other shelters could interimly house animals. Staff clarified that boarding facilities have different licensure requirements and are being explored as options. The council also confirmed that the temporary shelter plan does not expand general fund expenditures beyond what is necessary.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed: A motion to rescind the cool-off period and restart negotiations with Heartland Pet Connection, made by Councilmember Anderson and seconded by Councilmember Huntley, passed unanimously, 6-0.
• Directive to Staff: The council directed staff to continue working through the contract termination process with HPC, including resolving the 45-day vs. 120-day notice disagreement, and to move forward with an RFP process to secure a long-term shelter provider. The city will maintain temporary shelter operations only as needed to comply with state statutory requirements.