The Public Meeting Index

The Milford Board of Adjustment met on September 10, 2026, with a full quorum, and held public hearings on three variance applications. Staff reported that for each hearing, notice was published in the Daily State News on August 21, 2026, mailed to property owners within 200 feet, and posted on the property. The board unanimously granted all three variances and also approved two findings of fact. No previous meeting minutes were presented for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Heidi Barnhart, who said she owns and lives at 513 Truett Avenue, submitted a letter about the Tellos Properties application. Her only concern was that she could not discern the parking plan; she said street parking would be dangerous and could impede emergency vehicles, trash collection, delivery, snow removal, and travel by residents. Staff and the applicant responded that the plan includes two off-street parking spaces. - Julie Morris spoke on the Baltimore Air Coil application. She said she thought the pavilion was great for staff but questioned the large increase in impervious surface and why it needed to be that large. She also noted that Baltimore Air Coil is renewing its industrial stormwater discharge authorization through DNREC and asked how the new impervious structure would affect Milford's water quality. - No public comments were offered for the Timothy Lesnar application. Application BOA-374-2026: Tellos Properties Kyle Nichols, representing Tellos Properties, requested variances to build a single-family detached home on a nonconforming R3-zoned lot along the south side of Northwest Sixth Street between Truett Avenue and West Street. The applicant sought four variances: - Reduce the front yard setback along Northwest Sixth Street from 30 feet to 1.9 feet, a 28.1-foot reduction. - Reduce the rear yard setback from 15 feet to 5 feet, a 10-foot reduction. - Reduce the western side yard setback from 8 feet to 5 feet, a 3-foot reduction. - Increase maximum lot coverage from 40% to 65%, a 25-percentage-point increase. Nichols said the hardship is that the existing lot is nonconforming and zero square feet of it would conform to current building code setbacks. He described a two-story house of 26 by 28 feet with a first floor of about 700 square feet, a 10 by 36 foot driveway to meet the minimum two-space parking requirement, and a side deck to provide two points of egress. The target sales price was about $290,000, with three bedrooms and two and a half baths. Board discussion addressed the deck's encroachment; the applicant said a crawl-space foundation requires a landing, so the deck could be shortened but probably not eliminated. Mr. Wiley commented that the applicant had done a responsible job of choosing the minimum footprint for the legal nonconforming lot. All four variances were approved unanimously. Application BOA-380-2026: Baltimore Air Coil Company Jonathan Richard of Beckhamorgan Group, on behalf of Baltimore Air Coil Company, requested a variance to build an 828-square-foot employee pavilion in the front yard of the industrial property at 1162 Holly Hill Road, zoned I2. The only variance sought was from the code requirement that accessory structures be located in side and rear lot areas. Richard explained that the site is largely paved and used for material storage and truck transport, is secured by a fence, and the only available green space within the secured area is in front. The pavilion would be screened by existing trees from Holly Hill Road. A board member said the location made sense and was a safety issue because employees would not have to walk near truck and loading areas. Julie Morris raised environmental concerns about impervious surface and stormwater; after the hearing, the board unanimously granted the variance. Application BOA-387-2026: Timothy Lesnar Timothy Lesnar requested a variance to install a five-foot-tall fence in the front yard of a corner lot at 1 East Thrush Drive in an R1 district. The code limits front-yard fence height to 3.5 feet, so the request was a 1.5-foot increase. He proposed an 8-foot panel, a 5-foot gate, and another 8-foot panel toward Meadowlark Drive, then the fence would run straight back. Lesnar stated the HOA approved the fence, he has a German Shepherd, the fence is not solid and has three-quarter-inch gaps, and it is intended to keep the dog safely contained. Staff noted that moving the fence back from Meadowlark Drive would still leave it in the front yard and would reduce the fenced backyard by about 21 feet; Lesnar said the fence would still be about 30 feet from the street. Board discussion referenced the corner lot's two front yards. No public comments were made. The board unanimously granted the variance. Findings of Fact and Adjournment Following the public hearings, the board found no unfinished or new business. It approved findings of fact for application 371-2026, identified as the Walmart application, and application 373-2026, identified as a Tellos Properties application similar to the one heard today. The board then adjourned. Key Outcomes - Granted all four requested variances in BOA-374-2026. - Granted the requested variance in BOA-380-2026. - Granted the requested variance in BOA-387-2026. - Approved findings of fact for applications 371-2026 and 373-2026. - Adjourned without further business.

The Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board convened on September 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM under Chair Christine King, joined by Commissioners Pardo, Gabella, Escalona, and Rosado. Executive Director James D. McQueen and Assistant City Attorney Domini Gibbs Sory were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 10 minutes, with all agenda items passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Resolution (Item 1): Approved the CRA's general operating and tax increment fund budget of $272,763,521 for fiscal year 2026-2027, including executive director compensation, the performance analyst report, and deallocation of $1,060,884 from certain projects and activities. - Resolution (Item 2): Authorized a $38,350 grant to AM Cohen Temple Church for critical infrastructure repairs at 1747 Northwest Third Avenue. - Resolution (Item 3): Authorized a $235,000 grant to Temple Missionary Baptist Church for critical infrastructure repairs at 1723 Northwest Third Avenue. - Resolution (Item 4): Rescinded Resolution CRA R-250072 adopted on November 20, 2025. - Resolution (Item 5): Retroactively authorized a settlement agreement and release between the CRA and Miami Creative Lab Inc. and State National Insurance for $1,560 related to a property damage dispute at 1074 Northwest Third Avenue. (Item 5 was approved as amended, though the nature of the amendment was not specified.) - Minutes: Approved minutes from previous meetings (identified as A.M. 1, 2, and 3). Public Comments & Testimony - A representative of Temple Missionary Baptist Church (96-year-old congregation in Overtown) expressed gratitude to Chair King, the board, and Mr. McQueen for considering and granting the church's petition for infrastructure repair funding. No other public comments were made. Key Outcomes - All five resolutions and the minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote with a motion and second, with no discussion or opposition. - The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM, with a brief five-minute break called before the next session.

The Midtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners met on September 10, 2026, to consider a single resolution: approval of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026–2027. The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman King, and public comment was opened but no members of the public spoke. The board then adopted the resolution without further discussion. Consent Calendar - The board approved a resolution (not numbered in the transcript) accepting and approving the 2026–2027 proposed budget of the Midtown CRA in the amount of $16,878,968. The resolution was adopted after updating the title. No discussion or roll call vote was recorded. Key Outcomes - The Midtown CRA's proposed budget for 2026–2027, totaling $16,878,968, was formally approved and accepted. The meeting concluded immediately thereafter.

On September 10, 2026, at 5:01 p.m., the Broward County Board of County Commissioners held the first of two required public hearings at the Broward County Governmental Center East on proposed FY2027 millage rates, budgets, and special assessments. County Administrator Monica Sapiro presented a $9.219 billion proposed FY2027 budget, a $483.1 million increase over FY2026. The board voted on all advertised items; the countywide millage and general fund budget passed 8-1, and all other items passed 9-0. Countywide Millage and Budget Presentation - The proposed general county millage rate was advertised at 5.6658, representing a 5.03% increase in property taxes compared with the rolled-back rate of 5.3946. Sapiro stated the total FY2027 millage rate remains the same as FY2026; most taxpayer changes would come from assessed property values. - Proposed FY2027 total budget: $9.219 billion, up $483.1 million from FY2026, including a $185.2 million operating increase, a $332.7 million capital increase, and a $34.7 million debt service decrease. The general fund is $2.145 billion, an increase of $109.4 million. - The Broward Sheriff's Office budget increases by $44.2 million (2.3%), including $41.5 million in the general fund transfer and $2.7 million for the dispatch contract. Sapiro called the public safety investment the largest operating investment in Broward County history. - The FY2027 personnel cap is 6,657 positions, a net reduction of 21 positions. - Reserves increase by $3 million for revenue fluctuations and $5.5 million for property tax revenue fluctuations. The certified property tax roll grew 5.40%, but the county does not expect that level of growth to continue. - Homestead assessed-value increases are capped at 2.7%; county taxes make up about one-quarter of the total property tax bill. Public Comments & Testimony Most speakers on the countywide item discussed animal care and community-cat/TNR services. - Franco Magnato, a U.S. Army veteran and volunteer, supported higher wages for kennel staff, staffing to actual need, and enrichment funding for shelter dogs. - Nancy Biacentino, a cat trapper, said Broward County helped with only 74 of her 700 cats in 2025 and 38 of her 526 cats in 2026; she criticized two appointments six weeks out and the end of drop-off-and-return, and asked for more help. - Laura Rand said there are over 300,000 stray cats in Broward County, and called a free, no-appointment TNR program the most accessible and cost-effective way to reduce the population. - Kimberly Friedman, a Sunrise resident and physical therapist, said the cat population has increased sharply and asked for a better appointment system or more resources. - Andrea Worth said cutbacks had already produced more cats in neighborhoods she helps and asked the commission to help volunteers help residents. - Lydia Miranovska, a TNR volunteer, said appointment-only service does not work for feral cats and asked for more affordable or free services. - Kathleen Seppelak cited a cat reproduction chart projecting one unspayed cat and offspring could total 66,088 cats in six years; she described volunteers as an unpaid army and pleaded for support. - Deborah Hoya, a senior on Social Security, said her taxes are about $1,600 per year and she received notices proposing $800 increases from both Broward County and Pompano Beach; she said she would be homeless if the budget passed. The mayor responded that the county did not raise the millage rate and directed her to the property appraiser's office. - Linda Ashby, a former Broward Sheriff's employee, proposed a six-month 'TNR on Patrol' pilot program in two high-need zones and cited an Animal Care estimate of about 800,000 community cats. - Natalie Schein said TNR funding tied to dog-rabies-tag revenue is unsustainable; she said the shelter takes only six TNR appointments per day with a two-month wait and asked for dedicated funding. - Cashelle Anderson, a kennel technician, emphasized low pay in rescue work and asked for more funding and TNR services. - Hernan Castello, speaking for Noemi Hermita, described a North Lauderdale tax bill rising from about $3,000 to more than $6,000 after losing a 100% homestead exemption; staff explained the homestead cap no longer applied and referred him to the property appraiser's office. - Tina DeMarco, a longtime rescuer, said a 10-year study showed TNR works; she pays about $250 per cat at a private vet and supported Linda Ashby's proposal as a cost-saving approach. Leanne Barber, secretary of the Roosevelt Gardens Civic Association in the Broward Municipal Services District, expressed support for continued county services, particularly speed tables and solid-waste litter/bulk pickup improvements. Discussion on Animal Care and TNR Funding - Board members thanked the volunteers and discussed the current dog-tag funding system, under which $21 of each $25 tag goes to the general fund for the first 100,000 tags; after that, tag revenue goes exclusively to TNR. - Commissioner Furr questioned why more of that revenue is not directed to TNR and suggested promotional efforts to increase pet registration, noting that only an estimated 5-10% of animals are registered. He also discussed a possible $30 dog-tag fee. - Administrator Sapiro said diverting more tag revenue would require cutting six to eight animal care employees or replacing the money from another source. She said staff would return with proposals after the scheduled September 17 TNR meeting with the community, and a mid-year budget amendment could be considered as early as October 6. - The proposed FY2027 TNR budget is $379,000, a $50,000 increase from $329,000 in FY2026. - The board announced that Animal Care leadership would meet with TNR stakeholders on September 17 at 2 p.m. at Animal Care, and immediately after the hearing in room 430. Adoption of Tentative Millage Rates, Budgets, and Special Assessments All votes adopted tentative rates and budgets for FY2027. - Resolution 2026-561, countywide general millage: passed 8-1, with Commissioner Udine opposed. - Resolution 2026-562, countywide general fund budget, personnel cap, and travel budget report: passed 8-1; Commissioner Udine objected to county position cuts and asked that part of the $3 million stabilization fund be used for taxpayer relief and more spay/neuter funding. - Resolutions 2026-563 and 2026-564, Broward Municipal Services District millage and budget: passed 9-0. - Resolutions 2026-565 and 2026-566, Fire Rescue Municipal Services District millage and budget: passed 9-0. - Resolutions 2026-567 and 2026-568, Street Lighting Subdistrict millage and budget: passed 9-0. - Resolution 2026-569, Fire Municipal Services District non-ad valorem assessment: passed 9-0; fire assessment rates remain unchanged for FY2027. - Resolution 2026-570, Garbage and Trash Municipal Services District non-ad valorem assessment: passed 9-0; rates for single-family homes and multifamily complexes with nine units or less remain unchanged. - Resolutions 2026-571 through 2026-578, Water Control Districts 2, 3, 4 and subdistricts, and Cocomar Water Control District unit area 1 millage and tentative budgets: all passed 9-0; advertised millage rates were unchanged from rolled-back rates. Key Outcomes - The board approved all advertised tentative FY2027 millage rates, budgets, special assessment rates, and the personnel cap. These are the first-hearing approvals; a second public hearing is required before final adoption. - Voted 8-1 to approve the countywide general millage and general fund budget; all other advertised items passed 9-0. - Directed staff to follow up after the September 17 TNR meeting with options for additional TNR funding, including possible dog-tag fee structure changes and an October 6 mid-year budget amendment. - The last day to file an appeal with the Value Adjustment Board to challenge a property assessment is September 18, 2026.

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections held a regular meeting on September 10, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The meeting included approval of minutes, extensive public comment focusing on a Pledge of Allegiance controversy from the previous meeting, a director's report on election preparations, and board member comments. The meeting was briefly adjourned due to a disruption during public comment and then reconvened. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the August 3 regular meeting minutes, August 28 special call meeting minutes, and August 31 special call meeting minutes. - The meeting agenda was also approved by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Dudley: Urged the board to protect voting rights from ICE and referenced historical anti-Klan laws; expressed confidence in the board's planning for free and fair elections. - Liz Shroop: Thanked the board for staying focused on election business and opposed adding items like the Pledge of Allegiance, calling them divisive and a distraction. - William Freeman (DeKalb resident, veteran, candidate for State House 88): Asked the board to correct the August 31 record regarding Real ID not being proof of citizenship; supported the Pledge of Allegiance. - Dr. Kendra Bogowski (Chair, DeKalb County Republican Party): Objected to a statement by Member Lohman that the special session was to "take voting representation away from black people," noting that 80% of DeKalb Republican candidates on the November ballot are Black. Asked for the record to be corrected and for unbiased election administration. - Dr. Angazero Brazer (Republican candidate for Senate District 44): Disagreed with Member Lohman's comments; requested the Pledge be placed on the agenda and a clean election. - Andrea Smith (candidate for DeKalb County Commission District 3): Supported beginning meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance, citing public service to the nation. - Earl Ferguson (Fulton County resident, retired military): Disagreed with the objection to the Pledge but affirmed the objector's right to free speech; requested the board reconsider its decision. - Jan Appling (sixth-generation DeKalb native): Asked that the board stand and recite the Pledge; her comment was cut short as the chair called for adjournment due to disruption. - Janet Grant (area poll manager): Thanked the department for securing additional early voting locations and for bipartisan collaboration; also urged support for an amicus brief on mail-in ballots. - Jim Duffy (DeKalb resident since 1948, Navy veteran): Argued that Democrat members' remarks at the August 31 meeting disqualify them from the board; called for their resignation. - Bill Henderson: Sang the national anthem and suggested placing a flag in the room. - John Arnold (poll assistant manager): Expressed concern about trust in the board after August 31 comments; questioned board members' allegiances. - Nancy Arnold (DeKalb resident): Stated that the August 31 meeting proved the board is not nonpartisan; called for impartial election administration. - State Representative Ray Martinez (District 111): Challenged the claim that the special session took representation from Black people; asked for an explanation. - Catherine Gaunt (poll worker): Expressed faith in the board's ability to oversee elections; argued that patriotic symbols do not define patriotism. - Beth Ann Freelan: Supported the board's decision not to add the Pledge; thanked the department for early voting sites; clarified that voter ID is for identity, not citizenship proof. Discussion Items - Director's Report (Director Smith): - Total registered voters: 576,004 (active 505,700, inactive 70,304). - Outstanding applications to process: 8,081 (mostly from DDS). Department will extend hours to clear backlog. - Post-election audits showed no discrepancies. - Ballot proofing underway; logic and accuracy testing begins September 21. - Absentee applications received: 2,488 (down from prior cycles). - Early voting period: October 13–30, with two additional sites—Live and Grace and Wade Walker YMCA—added for the final week, bringing total to 22 sites, the highest under current leadership. - "Registered and Ready" event on September 26. - Budget update: $6,652,238.47 spent as of August 31; $7,963,295.10 remaining. An additional $26,000 was moved for equipment rental (quad mail machine) due to breakdowns; contract will end December 15. - Board questions/comments: - Member Lee noted density of early voting sites in one area (Bessie Branham) and questioned funding; Director Smith explained the quad mail situation. - Member Abarahan praised the addition of sites and emphasized the importance of processing voter registrations and maximizing early voting. - Chair Swift clarified that multiple sites in urban areas are due to density and city boundaries; the board has a budget to support them. Key Outcomes - The board acknowledged the addition of two new early voting locations (Live and Grace, Wade Walker YMCA) for the final week of early voting; the chair stated the board would move forward with these locations. - No further action was taken on the Pledge of Allegiance; the issue was discussed extensively in board comments. - The board did not go into executive session. - The meeting was briefly adjourned after a public commenter (Jan Appling) exceeded time, then reconvened to complete the agenda. - The meeting adjourned on a motion.

On September 10, 2026, the Kansas City Council convened at 9:30 AM with 12 members present. The meeting included special actions recognizing community events, debate over a health levy resolution that was ultimately referred to committee, approval of a major stadium expansion for the Kansas City Current, acceptance of FAA grants, and adoption of several routine ordinances. Special Actions - Resolution 260861: Recognizing September 2026 as Walk for Alopecia Day. Councilmember Willett spoke in support, noting the National Alopecia Areata Foundation's work. A community member, Leela, also spoke about the upcoming walk on September 26. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 260862: Declaring Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 and authorizing the city manager to fly the Hispanic Heritage Flag. Councilmember Duncan emphasized supporting the Latino community amid national attacks. Erica Torres from Vamos KC expressed gratitude. Adopted unanimously. Discussion Items - Ordinance 260854: Directing the city manager to implement health commission recommendations, retain current safety net providers, and conduct a competitive solicitation for a health levy innovation fund. Councilmember Duncan detailed subcommittee work, including feedback from five current safety nets (University Health, Sam Rogers, Casey Care, SWOP, Children's Mercy) and potential new providers (Matty Rhodes, La Clinica, Care Beyond the Boulevard). The recommendation would create a reimbursement process and updated accountability. Councilmember Robinson opposed the same-day adoption process, arguing it bypassed committee and public input. Councilmember Curls noted staff said there was no delay if sent to committee. The item was referred to the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee by voice vote (no objection). - Ordinance 2604748: Authorizing a development agreement for the Kansas City Current stadium expansion in the Berkeley Riverfront Park area, up to 155 million in total funding. Councilmember Willett asked about Modessa eligibility. Councilmember Bunch raised capacity concerns for streetcar operations. Councilmember Duncan opposed, citing redirection of general fund revenue. Councilmember Rogers supported, noting downtown revitalization. Passed 9-3 (Duncan, Willett, Patterson Hasley nay). - Ordinance 26027: Creating a new internal auditor classification and adjusting salary grades. Passed unanimously. - Ordinance 260863 (FAA grant): $456,000 for vehicle movement area transmitters, passed unanimously. - Ordinance 260864 (FAA grant): $14,711,183 for AOA fencing replacement phase two, passed unanimously. - Ordinance 260865: Authorizing a one-year child care pilot program for first responders (not to exceed $3 million), referred to committee. - Ordinance 260866: Amending compensation for the city manager, passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Resolution 260854 (health levy) was referred to committee; no vote on substance was taken. - Ordinance 2604748 (Current stadium) passed 9-3. - All other ordinances (26027, 260863, 260864, 260866) passed unanimously. - Ordinance 260865 was assigned to committee.

The Police Policy Oversight Commission met on September 10, 2026, to discuss proposed changes to its rules and regulations, particularly the removal of the NAACP-designated seat and the incident review process. Three NAACP representatives spoke in opposition during public comment, emphasizing the organization's historical role in forming the commission and ongoing racial disparities. The commission held a lengthy discussion but took no final action, voting to continue the discussion to the next meeting in December. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Phillips, former commissioner, expressed concern about a possible motion to remove the NAACP from the commission and requested an explanation. - Dr. Wale Elegbede, president of the Rochester branch of the NAACP, stated the NAACP was foundational in creating the commission over 18 months of advocacy and warned that proposed changes (removing the NAACP seat and complaint review process) would be a disservice. He urged no decisions until the commission receives additional background information. - Jill Leet-Otley, NAACP chair, argued against removing the designated NAACP seat, citing that other organizations could request their own seats rather than take the NAACP seat away. She also opposed removing language about appointing people based on social justice involvement and eliminating the incident review process, noting ongoing racial disparities in police use of force (e.g., firearms: 52% Black/African American vs 35% white; canine: 69.7% Black/African American vs 27% white). She requested the seat remain and the incident review process be preserved. Discussion Items - Rules and Regulations (Old Business): The commission reviewed several proposed changes to the ordinance, including: - Removing the designated NAACP seat (Section 213.1) and making all seven seats open. - Adding disqualifiers for felony convictions (debated with differing opinions on inclusion of all felonies vs. types). - Standardizing rulemaking language (Section 213.3) to align with other city commissions. - Eliminating the incident review process (Section 213.2a) due to conflict with state law. - Adding a requirement for an annual presentation from the Police Department's Professional Standards Manager. - Commissioners expressed varied opinions: Some supported opening seats to allow other marginalized groups; others argued the NAACP's seat was important and could be expanded. The felony disqualification proposal was contentious, with some arguing it should not be added or should distinguish types. The incident review change was seen as altering the commission's foundational purpose. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue: Commissioner Phil Wheeler moved, seconded by Omar Nur, to continue the rules and regulations discussion to the next meeting. Approved unanimously (6-0, with Kauth-Fisher absent). The meeting scheduled for December will include further deliberation. - No formal votes were taken on any proposed changes, following Deputy City Attorney Grant Carlson's recommendation to not make decisions at this meeting and to publish the proposed changes for public input. - The commission approved the June 9, 2026 minutes and adopted the agenda (both unanimous with 5-0 votes, Parker and Kauth-Fisher absent for those items). Note: Linda Parker arrived later and participated in the motion to continue and adjournment. Note: Date discrepancy – Agenda lists September 8, 2026; transcript states October 8, 2026. The instruction directs to use September 10, 2026.

A special meeting of the Richmond City Council was held on September 10, 2026, to consider Resolution 2026-R034, authorizing the city's participation as a respondent in State Corporation Commission Case No. PUR-2026-0012, regarding the joint petition of Dominion Energy Incorporated and NextEra Energy Incorporated for approval of a disposition and acquisition of control of a public utility. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present (five members, with four absent: Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, and Abu Bakr). Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-R034: Council President Newbill introduced the resolution, emphasizing the city's direct interest in the outcome due to the potential creation of the world's largest regulated electric utility, with one of two headquarters located in Richmond. Concerns were raised about impacts on rates, service reliability, and the city as a ratepayer. - Councilwoman Gibson expressed support, noting the vote is about affordability for working families. She cited that NextEra's subsidiary Florida Power and Light is facing a $7 billion rate increase, and a report found NextEra profits accounted for 27.4% of the average bill in Florida. She also highlighted the burden of data center growth on utility bills and thanked resident groups in Henrico and Hanover for organizing against the merger. - Vice President Jordan supported the resolution, appreciating the quick turnaround and noting that public hearings are now occurring as a result of public pressure. He added that Dominion has over 5,000 employees in Richmond and relayed concerns from a Dominion employee at a listening session about future protections. - Public Hearing: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-R034 was adopted unanimously by a vote of 5-0 (Breton aye, Gibson yes, Jones aye, Jordan aye, Newbill aye). The resolution authorizes the city to participate as a respondent in the State Corporation Commission proceeding to monitor and advocate for ratepayers and employees.

The Hastings Utility Board held its regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 10, 2026, in Council Chambers at Hastings City Hall, 615 West 3rd Street, Hastings, Nebraska. Official notice was published in the Hastings Tribune on September 8, 2026. Board members present were Scott Kvols, Jeanette Dewalt, Susan Meeske, Regg Rutt, and Pat Mertens; Larry Consbruck was absent. The meeting was called to order by Scott Kvols, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board unanimously adopted the agenda, approved the prior meeting minutes, heard a public comment about a utility well, received a Q3 financial update and the FNIC insurance presentation, and entered closed session to discuss a potential real estate purchase. Manager Derek welcomed everyone to the new City Hall location, noted construction would continue because of deadlines, and said the utility is beginning to implement the recently passed rate ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 a.m. Consent Calendar - The board adopted the September 10, 2026 regular meeting agenda by a unanimous roll-call vote. - The minutes of the August 13, 2026 Hastings Utility Board meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Susan Meeske, seconded by Regg Rutt. Public Comments & Testimony - Willis Hunt, a farmer from 616 Madden Road, Hastings, said he observed unit number four running, the ditch full, and water running to Lake Hastings. He asked whether a meter is installed on the well that supplies unit four. - Hunt expressed concern about water accounting in Nebraska, noting that farmers receive water allotments and face substantial fines with no appeal if they exceed them. He said water is critical for farmers and that he supports development in the Lake Hastings area. - Manager Derek responded that the question was not on the agenda and could be discussed at a later time. Discussion Items Q3 Financial Update Derek presented the Q3 financial update on behalf of JC, who was unavailable. Key points included: - Electric Department: The planned WEC1 six-week turbine overhaul uncovered discovery items that extended beyond the initial timeframe, and the unit remains de-rated until a fall outage. The improvement in net change in financial position compared with FY2025 was primarily due to receiving $4.266 million for Solar Farm II. - Gas Department: An extremely mild winter compared with FY2025 reduced gas revenue. The net change in financial position improved mainly because of monthly Transportation Credits of just over $1.9 million from October through June; these credits are market-driven, reported as Other Income, and represent an exceptionally unique year. - Water Department: Significant rainfall from April through June compared with FY2025 reduced yard watering and operating revenue. As of FY2026, water, electric, and gas operating expenses no longer include the Payment in Lieu of Tax expense. - Sewer Department: Operating revenue was lower than the prior year because of unbilled sewer usage; Derek stated that of the roughly $400,000 in unbilled usage, about $60,000 remained to be collected through agreed future payments. - Cash position: Cash is in a good position and trending in the right direction, supported in part by the Solar Farm II receipt. The Highway 6 project, 80 percent reimbursable, has pushed some capital projects back. FNIC Insurance Presentation Jeff and Mark from FNIC presented the Hastings Utilities insurance renewal remotely. Points included: - Property coverage remains with FM Global, which they described as the standard for power-generating facilities; FM Global insures roughly 20 percent of all power-generating facilities nationwide and, in FNIC's understanding, all of Hastings Utilities' Nebraska peer-group utilities. - FM Global provides a single $450 million per-event property limit, unchanged from the expiring term. Total insured values were increased from $561 million to just under $650 million for 2026 on a replacement-cost basis, reflecting sharply higher replacement costs for power-generation assets driven by data-center demand. In response to Jeanette DeWalt, FNIC confirmed this is replacement cost, not depreciated value. - The property renewal premium is effectively flat, with a total premium of $673,721 after TRIA (federal terrorism coverage) and credits. FNIC noted an FM membership credit of just under $169,000 and a resilience credit that increased from 5 percent to roughly 10 percent this year. - A separate equipment floater through Chubb renews with no meaningful premium change and a $5,000 deductible. - Excess liability is placed with Aegis, a utility-formed insurer, providing $35 million in limits above a $500,000 retention. FNIC said this policy includes specialized coverages such as pollution, failure to supply, and wildfire. The excess liability premium increased about 7 percent. - The overall year-over-year premium increase was about 3 percent, or $38,946, compared with roughly 2.5 percent for the city program as a whole. - Asked about cyber coverage, FNIC said Hastings Utilities' cyber liability is covered through the city of Hastings' separate cyber policy. IT staff noted they receive monthly vendor reports and scans and work with the vendor on vulnerabilities. - The presentation was informational; no formal board action was taken. Derek indicated he believed the insurance item may go to the city council at its Monday, September 14 meeting. Closed Session - The board unanimously approved a motion to enter closed session at 9:34 a.m. to discuss a potential real estate purchase, citing the protection of the public interest. The board returned to open session at 9:56 a.m. and took no further action on the matter. Key Outcomes - Agenda adopted unanimously: Ayes - Kvols, Dewalt, Meeske, Rutt, Mertens; Nays - none. - August 13, 2026 minutes approved unanimously: Ayes - Kvols, Dewalt, Meeske, Rutt, Mertens; Nays - none. - Q3 financial update received; no action taken. - FNIC insurance presentation received; no action taken. - Closed session authorized unanimously at 9:34 a.m.; board reconvened at 9:56 a.m. with no action. - Meeting adjourned at 9:57 a.m. by unanimous consent.