Hastings City Council Regular Meeting – November 24, 2025

The Hastings City Council met in regular session on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Hastings Municipal Airport. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Beckby with all eight council members present. The agenda included routine consent items, a number of financial and contractual approvals, a contentious request for additional funding from Heartland Pet Connection, and a resolution for airport grant acceptance.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the November 10, 2025 meeting approved.
• Payment of claims and payroll (except Vaughan’s Printing).
• Work orders for a new two-inch gas main on Quail Ridge Avenue and for lift station control equipment upgrades.
• Multiple invoices and drawdown requests from the South Central Economic Development District for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects (water line, downtown revitalization, public works facilities, economic development support).
• Agreements with the South Central Economic Development District for construction management services.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Against Heartland Pet Connection amendment (Item 4d):
  • Tiffany McDonnell (801 N Baltimore) – Former six-year employee; alleged strained partnership, unprofessional management by shelter manager Jenny, lack of accountability, unethical euthanasia decisions, retaliation against staff who raised concerns. Stated she was fired after sending a letter to the board.
  • Samuel Johnston (602 N 6th Ave) – Raised concerns about financial transparency, lack of cash reconciliation, euthanasia decisions not made by a licensed veterinarian, and insufficient data to justify a funding increase.
  • Marilyn Johnson (2421 W 9th St) – Recalled being denied adoption of a Shih Tzu because she kissed the dog, citing arbitrary rules.
  • Tammy Craig (1124 Oswego) – Alleged mismanagement of funds, lack of accountability by shelter manager, failure to find owners before euthanasia, and questioned use of funds. Identified herself as a veterinarian for other local shelters.
• In favor of Heartland Pet Connection amendment:
  • Jake Klabenes (current treasurer, Heartland board) – Presented as a CPA; described financial difficulties: rising costs, increasing animal intake, flat contract for first 12 years, recent year loss of $20,925, projected increases in minimum wage, insurance, and vet costs. Requested a total of $80,000 to sustain operations through the remainder of the contract (to 2028).
• Other comment: Edward Krontz (1203 N) suggested installing smart sprinkler controllers in city parks to conserve water.

Discussion Items

• Heartland Pet Connection Amendment (Item 4d): City Administrator Mark Funkey reported that the city was approached by Heartland in October; a November 4 meeting with the executive committee identified an estimated $20,000 shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year. However, after reviewing October financials (a $12,000 loss), Heartland’s board submitted a formal request for $80,000 to get through the contract period (to 2028). Council heard extensive public testimony raising management and financial concerns. Jake Klabenes defended the request, detailing losses, increasing animal numbers (765 in 2024-25, 688 from Hastings), and operating expenses rising from $199,000 (2023-24) to $228,000 (2024-25). Several council members questioned the jump from $20,000 to $80,000, the timing, and the organization’s management practices. Councilmember Brad Consbruck suggested a $20,000 “band‑aid.” City Attorney Jesse Oswald advised that substantially changing the contract amount would require reposting for public notice. Councilmember Steve Huntley motioned to postpone the item with stipulations: (1) Heartland and city staff work out a new number; (2) Heartland provide a written plan for solvency, fundraising, and operational changes; (3) explore whether Start Over Rover might merge with or take over the contract. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Anderson and passed 7-1 (Rowan opposed). Heartland staff indicated they could likely make payroll until the next meeting.

• Public Consulting Group (PCG) Emergency Services Agreement (Item 4b): Fire Chief Troy Vorderstrasse presented the agreement, which allows the city to participate in a new state program (enabled by LB380) to increase Medicaid revenues. PCG would handle data collection, reporting, and audits, receiving 10% of new federal funds. Estimated new annual revenue for Hastings Fire & Rescue is approximately $170,000, including funding for “dry runs” (emergency responses without transport). Council expressed support, noting the program had strong potential with minimal risk. Approved unanimously (8-0).

• CDBG Facade Loan for Old Middle School (Item 4c): Community Redevelopment Authority Director Randy Chick explained that the city was awarded $445,000 from CDBG Downtown Revitalization funds for a forgivable loan to Queen City Development for facade improvements at 714 W. 5th Street (the former middle school). He outlined program history, guideline changes (no longer allowed to fund city-owned buildings without a developer), project status (asbestos removal via an EPA grant underway), and other funding sources (Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust funds, TIF, workforce housing loans). Council members asked about the Downtown Revitalization Committee, remaining funds ($80,000 in the bucket), and the developer’s steps. Councilmember Hoffman praised the project. Approved 7-1 (Anderson dissenting).

• Payment in‑Lieu of Tax Calculation Change (Item 4e): Finance Director Roger Nash described a clean-up accounting adjustment to remove accruals from financial statements now that the payment-in-lieu of tax has been replaced with a dividend paid from current monthly revenue. No impact on cash or revenues. Approved unanimously (8-0).

• Airport Grant Resolution (Item 5a): Airport Manager Matt Kuhr requested approval of Resolution 2025-44 to accept a federal grant (NDOT/FAA) for the apron project. He explained “grant stacking” to fund the city’s share. Approved unanimously (8-0).

Council and Mayor Communications

• Councilmember Rowan congratulated Ward 4 on its town hall.
• Councilmember Hoffman and Mayor Beckby commended the Chamber of Commerce and community for the successful 2025 Celebration of Lights event.
• Councilmember Huntley prompted Utility Manager Derek Zeisler to report on the Utility Board meeting, which covered a budget update and a water conservation plan (smart sprinklers and conservation rates).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda – Approved (8-0).
• Claims (Vaughan’s Printing $107.50) – Approved (7-0, Esch abstained).
• PCG Emergency Services Agreement – Approved (8-0).
• CDBG Facade Loan ($445,000) – Approved (7-1; Anderson nay).
• Heartland Pet Connection Amendment ($80,000) – Postponed (7-1; Rowan nay) with stipulations that the organization and city staff develop a revised funding number, a written solvency plan, and explore options with Start Over Rover. The item will return at the next regular meeting.
• Payment in‑Lieu of Tax Calculation Change – Approved (8-0).
• Airport Resolution 2025-44 – Approved (8-0).

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.