Public Meetings - Hastings, Nebraska

The Hastings City Council met on October 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included council liaison reports, a citizen communication, and a lengthy consent agenda where several items were pulled for individual discussion and clarification. Two required second public hearings were held for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects involving Revive, Inc. and Pacha Soap. Consent Calendar - Items A & B: The minutes of the October 12, 2026 meeting and routine claims and payroll were approved unanimously. - Item C: A request for siting approval for the future expansion of the Solid Waste Disposal Area was approved. The council noted that a required public hearing for this expansion is scheduled for February 8, 2027. - Items D & E: Approval of Invoice No. 2170 ($2,144.60) and the related fund drawdown for Brownfield grant administrative services provided by the South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD) were approved. Council members emphasized that these funds come entirely from the EPA grant, not city tax dollars, and support asbestos cleanup at the old middle school. - Items F & G: Approval of Pay Estimate No. 5 ($46,369.50) and the related CDBG fund drawdown ($35,658.15) for the Revive, Inc. project (24-PWF-001) were approved. The council clarified that the pay estimate is directed to the contractor, Duncan Tice, while Revive is the grant recipient. The difference in the two amounts reflects the federal CDBG share of this payment, with Revive covering the local match balance specified in the grant agreement. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen Communication: Robert Lemke of 1016 North Hewitt raised a question about the clarity of language on voter ballots. The Mayor noted the topic was not on the agenda and directed him to city staff for discussion after the meeting. - Public Hearing – Revive Inc.: Lori Ferguson of SCEDD presented the CDBG project details. The $450,000 grant was awarded in November 2024 to assist Revive in renovating public space on Osborne Drive East. The project requires Revive to provide a $135,000 match and ensure that 51% of their clients (84 out of an estimated 164) meet low-to-moderate income thresholds. Ms. Ferguson expressed strong support for the project and thanked the city and staff for their partnership. No members of the public spoke against the project. - Public Hearing – Pacha Soap: Lori Ferguson of SCEDD and Sydney Erickson of the Hastings Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) spoke in support. Ms. Ferguson detailed the $245,000 CDBG grant (project 25-ED-001) awarded in November 2025 for Pacha Soap's expansion, requiring a 1:1 match and the creation of 7 full-time jobs (4 for LMI individuals). Ms. Erickson confirmed HEDC's role as sub-recipient, noting that half of the funds are forgivable and the other half is repaid to HEDC's revolving loan fund. She highlighted that Pacha Soap has created 25 jobs across three CDBG grants. No opposition was voiced. Council Liaison Reports & Community Updates - A council member recognized the Hastings Professional Firefighters (Local 675) for their 6th annual Stash Bash, which raised over $12,000 for the family of Lexi Longshore, who passed away in August at age 16. - A council member attending the HEDC meeting provided updates on Hastings Manufacturing Month events and the Seeds entrepreneurship education series at the Schneezy 1906 District. - A council member moved to pull items C through G from the consent agenda to allow for individual discussion and ensure transparency regarding funding sources and payees. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items A-G: All items were approved unanimously after discussion. - Public Hearings: The second public hearings for CDBG projects 24-PWF-001 (Revive, Inc.) and 25-ED-001 (Pacha Soap) were formally closed, fulfilling regulatory requirements. - Adjournment: The council adjourned the regular meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026.

The Hastings Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall, 615 W 3rd St., Hastings. The meeting was largely administrative: the commission adopted the agenda and previous minutes, heard no public testimony, and took up no public hearings, subdivisions, or unfinished business. The main substantive item was a staff-led worksession on Robert's Rules of Order and ex parte communication, followed by brief city project updates. Consent Calendar - The commission adopted the current agenda by unanimous vote (motion by Greg, second by Sean). - The commission approved the minutes of the September 22, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote (motion by Sean, second by Joe). Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens appeared to offer public comment during Citizen Communication. Discussion Items - Staff led a worksession on Robert's Rules of Order, covering main motions, amendments, tabling versus postponement, and the eight-step procedure for handling a motion. Staff advised that the chair typically restates motions verbatim and that commissioners may propose amended conditions if they do not support staff's recommended motion. - Staff also explained ex parte communication: any discussion of a quasi-judicial matter outside the public meeting, such as a conditional use permit, subdivision plat, or rezoning, can violate due process if other parties are not present to respond. Commissioners were instructed to end such conversations, disclose them on the record, and consider recusal if the communication affects impartiality. - In response to commissioner questions, staff clarified: a legal conflict of interest requires a direct financial interest; personal relationships can justify voluntary recusal; a subcontractor who has only submitted a bid generally does not have a conflict yet, but the situation is case-by-case; and commissioners should avoid discussing commission business with other commissioners outside the meeting, especially if a quorum is involved. Staff Reports and Project Updates - Chairman comments were deferred until after the worksession. - Danny reported that Tommy's was expected to begin work the prior week and has not yet officially confirmed; Hartwell Renewables hopes to receive train cars within a couple of weeks and begin biodiesel production by the end of 2026 or early 2027; Air Chief is expanding with grain bins and grant support to roughly triple ethanol production; and residential new construction and expansions continue in the city. Key Outcomes - No special order of business, unfinished business, public hearings, or subdivisions were considered. - The commission completed the worksession on Robert's Rules of Order and ex parte communication. - The meeting adjourned by voice vote after a motion by Greg and a second by Lou.

The Hastings City Council held a worksession on October 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation on data centers from State Senator Dan Lonowski and a discussion on proposed regulations for e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. No formal votes were taken, but the council provided direction on next steps for e-bike regulations. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted unanimously on a motion by Huntley, second by Anderson. Public Comments & Testimony - Michelle (4820 West 12th Street) described nearly witnessing a fatal crash involving two children on e-bikes at Third and Baltimore. She expressed concern about e-bikes, one-wheels, and scooters driving recklessly, and noted the death of a woman on an electric scooter at South Street and Hastings Avenue. She questioned liability and the city’s responsibility. - Caroline Kemp (1006 Glenwood Avenue) spoke in favor of safety but advocated for education rather than additional restrictions. She noted that both her sons use e-bikes and cited driver inattention as a broader issue. She suggested partnering with Central Community College to offer free or low-cost e-bike safety courses. - Nathan Cummins (1006 Glenwood Avenue) supported e-bikes as a safer alternative to bicycles for his two 14‑year‑olds commuting to school. He emphasized that responsible parenting and training can mitigate risks and asked the council to preserve e‑bike access for students. - Bob Rodenbeck (615 North Briggs) asked for an age limit on helmet requirements and requested that e‑bikes be kept out of the middle of the road. Discussion Items 1. Presentation on Data Centers – Senator Dan Lonowski Senator Lonowski presented an overview of data centers in Nebraska. He noted that there are currently 39 data centers in the state, most concentrated near Omaha and Lincoln, with three near Grand Island and a planned Bitcoin mining center in Kearney. Average home energy use is 30 kilowatts per day; data centers consume gigawatts (1 billion watts). Existing facilities in Nebraska use about one gigawatt. The largest providers are Google and Meta. Benefits cited include property tax relief for local schools (e.g., Springfield Platteview built a new middle school without raising levies) and community investments (STEM grants, hardware). Downsides include high water consumption (some centers using three times the claimed amount), noise (especially fan-cooled facilities), air/light pollution, and minimal employment (typically fewer than 200 jobs). Senator Lonowski emphasized that data centers are coming regardless, and communities need to prepare with regulations on water usage, energy self-generation, and cybersecurity. He mentioned LB 1261, which protects ratepayers from increased costs if data centers generate their own power. Council members asked about employment, tax revenue, and the feasibility of requiring data centers to produce their own power. No action was taken; the presentation was for informational purposes. 2. Discussion of E-bike, E-scooter, and Hoverboard Regulations The council reviewed proposed amendments to the existing ordinance (enacted November 2025). Key points raised: - Enforcement challenges: Chief Story stated that with only five to seven officers per shift, enforcement is difficult. The council discussed that officers cannot easily catch e‑bikes that weave through traffic. - Age restrictions: Council debated tying age limits to Nebraska’s school permit age (14) or agricultural permit age (13). Councilmember Consbruck noted that young riders often lack identification, making age enforcement impractical. - Helmet requirement: Most council members supported a helmet requirement for riders of any age, noting it is easily observable. City Attorney Jesse noted that a helmet rule would likely be a secondary offense (like cell phone or seat belt laws), and the type of helmet (bicycle vs. motorcycle helmet would need to be defined. - Reflective vests and lighting: The existing ordinance requires front and rear lights at night. Suggestions were made to also require reflective vests. - License/permit and insurance: Council considered a city-issued permit with a fee to fund education and education. However, Chief Story noted that the police department is not a DMV and issuing licenses would add administrative burdens. Insurance requirements are likely not feasible because no insurers cover e‑bikes are currently not recognized as motor vehicles. - Education: Councilmember Rowan reported that he spoke with three e‑bike riders who said they would require helmets and reflectors and that they also thought helmets should be required. Mayor suggested creating a training display at the public library with an e‑bike stand to teach road rules and safety. Council also discussed using online safety courses (costing $20–$120) which could be required or offered to for education. - Data: Council asked for a count of e‑bikes parked at the middle school and high school to assess usage. They also considered whether to survey student opinions. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on either agenda item; the worksession was for discussion only. - For e‑bike regulations, the council directed city staff to bring back a revised ordinance that includes: - A helmet requirement for all riders (age to be defined). - Reflective vests or other high-visibility gear, especially for nighttime riding. - Enhanced education partnerships with schools, the library, and possibly Central Community College. - Explore creating a city permit or certificate program that ties to a safety course. - Investigate enforcement tools such as secondary offenses for observable violations (e.g., no helmet). - The council will review data on e‑bike numbers at schools and consider further input from the public before finalizing amendments. - The data center presentation was received as information; no immediate action was taken. The council may refer the topic to the Utility Advisory Board for further study.

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.

The Hastings City Council met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All eight council members were present: Steve Huntley, Michael Anderson, Brad Consbruck, Larry Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Marc Rowan, Brian Hoffman, and Matt Fong. Mayor George J.J. Beckby presided. The meeting focused on the Business Improvement District assessments, a comprehensive amendment to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, and an attempted override of the Mayor's veto for road resurfacing at Parkview Cemetery. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda 8-0, including the minutes of September 21 (Special Meeting) and September 28, claims/payroll, work orders for relocating sanitary sewer outfall and water main on "M" Street, Resolution 2026-60 for Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance, a letter of support for BNSF railroad safety improvements, CDBG pay estimates and drawdown requests for the Mobile Home Communities Project, and a 3% cost of living adjustment for the Water and Sewer Designated Operator position. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Butler (1505 Highland Drive): Urged the council to override the Mayor's veto of the $605,000 Phase VI road resurfacing project at Parkview Cemetery, noting the favorable low bid of $537,000 from Warner Construction and arguing the project provides a fitting place for veterans' memorial services. - Edward Krontz (1203 East Night): Supported the veto override, describing the rough condition of the cemetery roads. He questioned the budgetary impact of sustaining the veto, expressing a strong position against raising the tax levy. - Sara Malcom (BID Director): Spoke during the public hearing on BID assessments, detailing the district's beautification, marketing, and event work. She reported that the budget is stable and the assessment rate has decreased. - Randy Chick (Community Redevelopment Authority): During the Comprehensive Plan hearing, requested a land use change from High Density to Medium Density Residential on a parcel at South Franklin and West F Streets to facilitate a development of 34 single-family homes. - Edward Krontz: Expressed opposition to the process of the Comprehensive Plan amendments, stating that residents at public meetings voiced significant pushback which he felt was not being reflected in the proposed changes. - Roy DeMars (111 North Burlington): Questioned the consistency of future land use along South Street as a downtown entry corridor, urging the council to adopt a cohesive vision before finalizing amendments. Discussion Items Business Improvement District (BID) Assessments (Resolution 2026-61) The council reconvened as the Board of Equalization for the public hearing. Sara Malcom outlined activities and budget. Randy Chick provided historical context on boundaries and assessment calculation. The council approved Resolution 2026-61 making assessments by an 8-0 vote. 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Resolution 2026-59) City Planner Ember Batelaan presented updates to demographic data, housing data, and the future land use map. Amendment to the Resolution: Councilmember Michael Anderson moved to amend the resolution to change the future land use designation of a lot at the southeast corner of South Franklin Avenue and West F Street from High Density Residential to Medium Density Residential, directly supporting the CRA's proposed housing project. The amendment passed 7-1 (Brad Consbruck dissenting). Main Resolution Debate: Debate included changes to the Showboat Boulevard area (Flex to Low Density Residential with commercial strip) and middle school wetlands (Medium Density to Parks and Recreation). Councilmember Huntley expressed reservations about the scope of changes and perceived public opposition. Final Vote on Main Resolution: The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie. Mayor Beckby cast the deciding vote in favor, approving Resolution 2026-59 5-4. Ayes (5): Steve Huntley, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong, Mayor George J.J. Beckby. Nays (4): Michael Anderson, Brad Consbruck, Larry Consbruck, Marc Rowan. Golden Triangle Third Subdivision Plat Approved the preliminary/final plat for the Golden Triangle Third Subdivision, a 3.74-acre lot near Industry Circle and South Industry Circle, unanimously 8-0. Override of Mayor's Veto (Phase VI Road Resurfacing) The council considered overriding Mayor Beckby's veto of the $605,000 road resurfacing project at Parkview Cemetery. The Mayor outlined his position, citing the use of $2.4 million in cash reserves and the ability to modify the project's scope in the future. Discussion highlighted the low bid of $537,000 (below the $605,000 budget), the risk of higher costs upon deferral, and the project's importance to the Veteran's Circle and Memorial Day services. Councilmembers Esch, Hoffman, and Fong supported the Mayor's veto for fiscal reasons, while Councilmembers Huntley, Anderson, and the Consbruck brothers advocated for accepting the current favorable bid. Key Outcomes - Mayor's Veto Sustained: The motion to override the veto failed 5-3 (requires 6 votes). The $605,000 remains removed from the budget for the current fiscal year. The city plans to revisit the project in a future budget cycle, potentially with a different scope. - BID Assessments Approved: Resolution 2026-61 passed 8-0. - Comprehensive Plan Updated: Resolution 2026-59 passed 5-4, updating demographic/housing data and the future land use map, including the designation change for the CRA's housing project. - Subdivision Plat Approved: 8-0 vote for the Golden Triangle Third Subdivision. - Future Agenda Item Requested: Councilmember Huntley requested a future discussion on removing the contractual "cool off" period regarding the Heartland Pet Connection. The City Attorney noted this requires proper agenda scheduling.

The Hastings Utility Board met on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers of Hastings City Hall. The meeting covered electric reliability performance, lead water service and main replacement progress, results of a smart watering pilot program, and preliminary discussions on a computational load rate for data centers. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda and adjourned at 9:49 AM without entering closed session. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the September 10, 2026 meeting: Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Rutt. Roll call vote: all five members present (Kvols, Dewalt, Meeske, Rutt, Mertens) voted aye. Motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Discrepancy noted: The official minutes record no citizen communications. However, the raw transcript contains an exchange initiated by an unidentified speaker (likely a board member or manager) who stated they were contacted by an individual asking about water usage at the generating stations—specifically whether the wells are metered and if estimates of water consumption per unit can be provided. The manager agreed to compile information and get back to the requestor. This item did not appear under formal citizen communications on the agenda or minutes. Discussion Items - Manager’s Communications: The manager acknowledged that October 4–10, 2026 is both Public Power Week and Public Natural Gas Week, commending utility employees for maintaining safe and reliable service. - Utility Electric Reliability Report (J.C.): The electric department presented four key reliability indices for Hastings Utilities (HU) compared to a peer “Rate Class” of similar-sized utilities (customer count 7,000–15,000). - SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index): HU 5-year average of 12.92 minutes/year vs. Rate Class 38.42 minutes—meaning HU customers experience about 25.5 fewer minutes of interrupted service annually. - CAIDI (Customer Average Interruption Duration Index): HU 5-year average 92.17 minutes per outage; this closely matches the Rate Class benchmark. The presenter noted HU’s practice of physically driving or walking lines before re-closing breakers for safety adds time but prevents hazards. - SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index): HU 5-year average 0.13 outages/customer vs. Rate Class 0.47—a 46.2% reduction from 2021, with a five-year low of 0.078 in 2025. - ASAI (Average Service Availability Index): HU 5-year average 99.99750%—nearly 100% uninterrupted power. - Summary (2021–2025): HU customers experience outages 3.6 times less often than peer utilities; annual outage duration decreased approximately 51% between 2021 and 2025. - Lead Water Service and Main Replacement – History and Progress (Brandan Lubken): - Prioritization drivers: Break history, size/fire flow, and lead services. Average main breaks per year: 7.5 (1988–present). Break rate is up 50% from 2000–2025 (10-year rolling average). Oldest mains date to the late 1880s (approaching 140 years). Cast iron mains constitute 37% of the system but cause 84% of failures. Mains built 1920–1939 (9% of system) are responsible for 28% of failures; mains built 1980–present (50% of system) cause only 3% of failures. - Fire flow: HU has 23 miles of 4-inch water mains. National fire code requires minimum 1,500 GPM at hydrants; 4-inch mains supply only 500–1,000 GPM. Fire flow was recognized as the primary driver for main replacement. - Lead & Copper Rule (LCR) / Lead & Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI): Stricter penalties, lower action level (10 ppb vs. 15 ppb), expanded notification. All municipalities must remove all lead services within 10 years after the rule takes effect (November 1, 2027). About 70% of known lead services are on 4-inch mains. - Revised goals: Remove 100% lead services by 2037 (accelerated from 2040). Replace 1–1.5 miles of main per year currently, ramping to 1% system replacement per year by 2040. As of October 2026, HU has replaced 322 lead services and 4 miles of water main since program start. A planned two-mile project with 150 lead services would bring completion to 30–33% before the federal mandate deadline. - Cost efficiency: HU’s in-house lead replacement cost is $4,500 per service (among the lowest in Nebraska per state SRF staff). Local contractor potholing costs $230 per pothole. For comparison: Omaha M.U.D. budgets $12,000/service, Detroit internal crews $9,300/service, Cleveland reported $1,800/pothole. HU has secured a $2 million loan (62% forgivable, 38% zero-interest 30-year loan) and received $1 million in forgivable reimbursements to date. - Smart Watering Pilot Program Results (Brandan Lubken): - 24 smart landscape irrigation controllers were installed (12 residential, 12 on city parks properties) between May 18 and September 20, 2026. - Estimated water savings: 1.4 million gallons, representing a 33.5% reduction compared to the reconstructed irrigation total. Seven sites accounted for 81% of savings. - Peak demand management: Four targeted watering shifts were successfully executed during anticipated peak events by deferring selected controllers; no actual capacity threat occurred during the pilot. - Preliminary program sizing: Assuming 60% peak overlap and 90% response, approximately 120 devices (at 12 GPM each) could shave 800 GPM off peak—equivalent to deferring one well’s capacity. Phase 2 public rollout began the week before the meeting, with 30 new devices arriving and social media outreach yielding 5–6 early signups. - Computational Load Rate – Discussion (Derek Zeisler, Shane Stone): - Staff reported that Nebraska state law has changed to ensure that data centers (computational loads) cover all costs and do not shift costs to existing ratepayers. Hastings is in discussions with multiple potential data center developers. - A dedicated rate class for computational loads is being developed with assistance from a consultant. Key components include energy, capacity, transmission, and O&M costs that are currently embedded in general rates and must be extracted and separately allocated. - Advantages for Hastings: existing excess capacity, high reliability (as shown in the electric report), and a recent ordinance change requiring developers to fund upfront infrastructure improvements—protecting the utility’s cash reserves. - Staff plan to return at the next board meeting with a proposed rate structure for board consideration. Key Outcomes - Unanimous consent: Approved minutes of September 10, 2026. - No substantive votes were taken on the discussion items; they were presented for information and board awareness. - Directive: Staff will return next month (November 2026) with a proposed computational load rate structure for board review and potential recommendation. - Adjournment: Motion by Meeske, seconded by Mertens. Roll call: all ayes. Meeting adjourned at 9:49 AM.

The Hastings City Council met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on September 28, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 615 W. 3rd Street, Hastings, Nebraska, and adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Mayor Beckby presided and all eight council members were present. The council adopted the agenda, approved a consent agenda, conducted a public hearing and approved a Class I liquor license, approved combined funding agreements for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hastings Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), and adopted the FY 2026-2027 Annual Appropriation Bill on final reading. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the September 14, 2026 regular meeting and special council meeting; approved claims and payroll. - Approved the Hastings Public Library request to use city property for Trunk or Treat on October 31, 2026. - Approved Resolution No. 2026-58 authorizing the Mayor to sign Exhibit E for the US Highway 6 Improvement/Construction Supplemental Agreement No. 2. - Approved the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce request to use city property for Celebration of Lights on November 19, 2026. - Approved Pay Estimate No. 4 to Revive, Inc. for $29,228.65 for Community Development Block Grant Project 24-PFW-001 Revive, and a related CDBG drawdown of $22,476.83 (76.9% per MOU) covering construction management and administrative services. - Approved Atlas Technical Invoice No. 2731264 for $12,000 for contracted professional services from June 1 through August 31, 2026, for the Hastings Former Middle School Asbestos Cleanup, along with a request to draw funds to pay the invoice. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard French opposed the city's proposed 16% property tax increase, calling it almost obscene, and said schools and Adams County government had kept their property tax requests level. He cited utility increases of 8-10%, a motel facing a $25,000 property tax increase, and urged the city to reduce the levy. - Edward Krontz urged the council not to raise the levy and raised a budget concern about the possible closure of the Cat & Pet Connection, asking what it would cost the city if it had to care for those animals. - Scott Kvols expressed support for the HEDC funding request of $175,000 and the Chamber request of $30,000, saying the requests were an investment, not an expense, and encouraged approval. Note: The minutes identify this speaker as Scott Kvols, while the transcript names him Scott Coles. Discussion Items - Public Hearing - What the Dickens? LLC Class I Liquor License: Mayor Beckby opened the public hearing for a Class I beer, wine, and spirits on-sale license at 537 W. 2nd Street, Suite 102. No one spoke for or against the application. Police Chief Adam Story reported that the Hastings Police Department processed the application and recommended approval. - Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and HEDC Funding Agreements: Councilmember Huntley withdrew an initial motion on the Chamber agreement and moved to combine Items 4(a) and 4(b) for one vote. Executive Director Shannon Landauer reported that the Chamber was requesting $30,000 for calendar year 2027, funded through Hastings Utilities ratepayer funds rather than the property tax levy, to promote local shopping, marketing, and events; she noted chamber dollars issued exceeded $160,000 over a 12-month cycle in $10 increments. She reported that HEDC was requesting $175,000, paired with Adams County and private-sector partners, for business retention, recruitment, workforce, housing, and advocacy. She said a housing study completed about 10 months earlier showed a need for about 90 housing units per year over 10 years. She cited expansion projects at Bruckman Rubber, Pacha Soap, and Western Reserve, representing more than 550 retained jobs and 55 new jobs, with approximately 80 additional new jobs associated with Western Reserve and other expansions. She also discussed active projects and the need for advocacy on the expiring half-cent sales tax and the absence of an LB 840 program. Utility Manager Derek Zeisler confirmed that the $30,000 and $175,000 amounts were built into the utility rate structure and would not materially affect rates. - Ordinance No. 4844 - Annual Appropriation Bill FY 2026-2027: The council took up the third and final reading of the appropriation ordinance. Councilmember Anderson asked about the timing and size of potential cuts; Mayor Beckby discussed deferring approximately $670,000 in cemetery and columbarium projects and beginning a budget-cutting process in October. Mayor Beckby later explained his tie-breaking vote, saying the city had lowered its levy in three of the past four years and had to address its budget position; he also questioned the 16% figure cited in public comment. Key Outcomes - Adopted the agenda and approved the consent agenda by 8-0 votes. - Approved Resolution No. 2026-56, granting the Class I liquor license to What the Dickens? LLC at 537 W. 2nd Street, Suite 102, by an 8-0 vote. - Approved the combined Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Funding Agreement ($30,000) and Hastings Economic Development Corporation Funding Agreement ($175,000) by a 7-0-1 vote; Larry Consbruck abstained. - Adopted Ordinance No. 4844, the FY 2026-2027 Annual Appropriation Bill, on final reading by a 5-3-1 vote. Voting yes were Brad Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong, and Mayor Beckby; voting no were Steve Huntley, Larry Consbruck, and Marc Rowan; Michael Anderson abstained. - No appointments or closed session were held; the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

The Hastings Planning Commission met in regular session at Hastings City Hall, 615 W 3rd Street, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Chair Chuck Rosenberg called the meeting to order at about 4:07 p.m.; the agenda listed 4:00 p.m. and the transcript says 4:08 p.m. Present were Craig Hubbard, Chuck Rosenberg, Greg Sinner, Shawn Rossi, Rick Schnase, James Carson, Joe Kindig, and Sarah Bruce. Lou Kully and Shannon Adler were absent. Staff present included City Administrator Mark Funkey, City Attorney Jesse Oswald, Director/City Engineer Lee Vrooman, Director of Development Services Kevin Kubo, City Planner Ember Batelaan, and other city officials. The commission voted 8-0 on all agenda items requiring a vote. Call to Order, Agenda, and Minutes - Public notice was read into the record as required by Nebraska law, and the Open Meetings Act posting was noted. - No citizen communications were offered during the citizen communication portion. - The agenda was adopted with one correction: the minutes date was corrected to August 18, 2026. The agenda itself had listed the minutes as 'Meeting of September 22, 2026.' Motion by Sinner, second by Rossi. The transcript initially records 7-0, but City Attorney Oswald clarified that Commissioner Carson's voice vote made the final tally 8-0. - The August 18, 2026 minutes were approved with that correction. Motion by Schnase, second by Hubbard; carried 8-0. - No special order of business or unfinished business was reported. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizen communications were offered during the citizen communication portion of the meeting. - During the public hearings, applicant Mark Reinhard testified that he purchased the 50-foot strip north of his property to plant a windbreak and later stated he had no objection to annexation, while asking about potential property tax effects. Public Hearings 2026-411 – Comprehensive Plan Amendment - City Planner Ember Batelaan presented the staff report and recommended approval of the amendment to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan to update demographic and housing data and the future land use map. - The demographic update, based on 2024 American Community Survey data compared with 2022 data, showed the 20–24 age group as the largest population group; owner households were most often two-person households, and renter households most often one-person households. - Future land use map changes included wetland and housing-mix adjustments, downtown/general commercial areas, transitional agricultural buffers near feedlots, Showboat Boulevard, MPH, South Street, and Parkview Cemetery. - Commissioner Hubbard asked whether vacancy rates had changed; Batelaan said updated vacancy rates had not been reviewed and that recent housing studies have consistently identified a need for additional housing. - Chairman Rosenberg asked about South Street residents after the proposed change to General Commercial. Batelaan explained that the zoning code implements the Comprehensive Plan; existing residences could remain, but if single-family residential use is not allowed in a future commercial district, the homes would become nonconforming and would have to comply with the new code after major damage or demolition. - Motion by Sinner, second by Kindig; carried 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. 2026-408 – Rezoning from A-Agriculture to R-1A - Kevin Kubo presented the request to rezone land northwest of North Wildflower Avenue and East Lochland Road from A-Agriculture District to R-1A Single Family Large Lot Residential District and amend the Official Zoning District Map. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Mark Reinhard, 575 E Lochland Road, said he and his family moved there in 2014 and he bought 50 feet north of his property to plant a windbreak against cold winter winds. - Motion by Schnase, second by Sinner; carried 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. 2026-409 – Annexation - Kubo presented the request to annex the 1.47-acre Reinhard parcel into the city. He explained the process involved rezoning, annexation, and a subsequent plat. Staff recommended approval. - Reinhard said the process began in March and asked about potential tax changes. Rosenberg explained taxes could increase, more than half of property taxes go to the school district, and the city receives roughly 20%. City Attorney Oswald confirmed an additional city levy would apply. - Reinhard said he had no objection to annexation, noting the city already maintains the street. Rosenberg noted annexations are uncommon and the City Council has final authority. - Motion by Kindig, second by Hubbard; carried 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. Subdivisions 2026-410 – Reinhard Addition Preliminary/Final Plat - Staff explained the plat would create a separate parcel for the 50-foot windbreak purchase and was part of the larger Reinhard application. The minutes list the motion by Kindig and second by Schnase, though the transcript's account is less clear; the vote carried 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. 2026-423 – Golden Triangle Third Subdivision Preliminary/Final Plat - Batelaan presented the request to subdivide an unplatted tract southeast of Industry Circle and South Industry Circle to separate and sell agricultural buildings. Staff recommended approval. - Motion by Carson, second by Rossi; carried 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. Reports and Staff Discussions - Committee reports: none. - Chairman Rosenberg said he was glad to be back in City Hall and that the larger facility should serve the city well. 2026 Housing Dashboard - Batelaan presented the 2026 Housing Dashboard, an annual staff-created online tool with housing information. It includes tabs for population, the 2025 housing assessment, housing-type maps, owner/renter tenure, affordability, market data, commuter information, and new development. - The affordability tab showed fair-market rent versus hourly wages. At the 2025 minimum wage, only a studio apartment was affordable; 30% area-median-income households would need assistance, 50% AMI could afford a studio and one-bedroom, and 80% AMI could afford all unit sizes except a four-bedroom at fair-market rent. - The new development tab showed permits by housing type and location, with 84 apartment units permitted in 2019, 78 in 2022, and 188 in 2024. Batelaan noted the chart counts the year a permit was issued, not project completion, so a December 2024 permit would be counted in 2024. - Hubbard asked about website traffic; Batelaan said she would need to check with Lindsey and noted a news release/public notice had been issued about the dashboard. - Hubbard asked about abandoned homes; Batelaan said vacancy is difficult to determine and those data were not included, though past maps have shown hot spots for homes in poor condition. - Carson asked about additional tabs; Batelaan reviewed commuter information showing more people employed in Hastings but living elsewhere and more people living in Hastings but working elsewhere, which may indicate housing and job needs. Residential Zoning and Missing Middle - Batelaan defined missing middle housing as duplexes, townhomes, triplexes, fourplexes, row houses, and cottage courts – housing between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. - She showed maps and photos of existing examples in Hastings, including converted single-family homes, duplexes near Hastings College, townhomes off 26th Street, the 1889 Magic Flats, a fourplex identifiable only by four mailboxes, row houses near downtown and Mary Lanning, and a cottage court on 9th Street. - Asked how Hastings compares with other Nebraska communities, Batelaan said Grand Island and Kearney have promoted more duplexes and townhomes, but like Hastings most built housing is single-family; Hastings is similar to surrounding communities in the amount of missing middle. - In response to a commissioner's question about unpermitted conversions in R-1 areas, Batelaan said the city has limited knowledge of interior changes. Many older structures are nonconforming and could not be rebuilt if badly damaged. She cited the fourplex example and said zoning code updates are intended to address housing types that are currently not permitted. Key Outcomes - 2026-411: Recommended approval to City Council (8-0). - 2026-408: Recommended approval to City Council (8-0). - 2026-409: Recommended approval to City Council (8-0). - 2026-410: Recommended approval to City Council (8-0). - 2026-423: Recommended approval to City Council (8-0). - The meeting adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Motion by Sinner, second by Kindig; carried 8-0.

The Hastings City Council held a special meeting on September 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:21 PM to adopt the Annual Appropriation Bill (Ordinance No. 4844) and the Property Tax Request (Resolution No. 2026-57) for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The agenda was reordered to consider the tax resolution first. Mayor George J.J. Beckby presided. Public Comments & Testimony - Willis Hunt (616 Madden Road) suggested trimming the police budget, citing that it was not fully spent in the current year. - Curtis Johnson (926 South St. Joseph) opposed the proposed tax and fee increases (restaurant tax, property tax, utility hikes) and questioned spending on city hall construction and consulting fees. - Jody Stutzman (709 North Briggs Avenue) called for greater transparency from the council on how to achieve budget reductions rather than simply rejecting staff proposals. She questioned the council spending time on specific zoning decisions rather than broader fiscal priorities. - Edward Krontz (1203 East Dancer) expressed opposition to property tax increases, noting public sentiment from the pink card meeting, and asked for transparency on the use of city hall savings and underspent funds. Discussion Items - Mayor's Statement on Budget: Mayor Beckby detailed the structural deficit, noting that staff proposed approximately $600,000 in budget reductions and $700,000 in project deferrals (cemetery roads, columbarium), which the council did not adopt. He stated that the council approved a police payroll increase and an additional $35,000 for the Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA). He warned against using cash reserves to cover operating expenses, which risk dropping to dangerously low levels by 2029–2030. He announced that starting with the next budget, he will direct city administration to establish clear spending targets and hard departmental caps at the beginning of the process. - Resolution No. 2026-57 (Property Tax Request): City Attorney Jesse Oswald confirmed the resolution was for the same amount (0.406359 levy, $9,886,943) provided at the prior meeting, necessitating a new vote following the joint public meeting. Councilmember Brad Consbruck moved to amend the levy to 0.387076 ($9,417,782). During discussion, City Administrator Mark Funkey detailed prior cuts (1 full-time and 6 part-time positions, $140,000 in police 911 funding shifts) and warned that deeper cuts would materially affect services such as parks, libraries, and public safety. Council members debated the merits of a hiring freeze. - Ordinance No. 4844 (Annual Appropriation Bill): The council considered the second and final reading of the budget bill. Questions were raised about the restaurant tax and dividend fee resolutions, which staff indicated were not being brought forward at this time. Key Outcomes - Amendment to Resolution No. 2026-57 (reduce levy to 0.387076): Failed. Roll call: Ayes — Brad Consbruck, Larry Consbruck, Marc Rowan. Nays — Michael Anderson, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong. Abstention — Steve Huntley. - Resolution No. 2026-57 (Property Tax Request at 0.406359, $9,886,943): Passed. Roll call: Ayes — Brad Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong, Mayor George J.J. Beckby. Nays — Michael Anderson, Larry Consbruck, Marc Rowan. Abstention — Steve Huntley. - Ordinance No. 4844 (Appropriation Bill for FY 2026–2027): Passed. Roll call: Ayes — Michael Anderson, Brad Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong. Nays — Steve Huntley, Larry Consbruck, Marc Rowan. No abstentions. - Future Budget Process: Mayor Beckby committed to directing the city administration to begin the next budget cycle with clear spending targets and hard departmental caps to provide the council and public with earlier, more specific choices on potential spending reductions.