Hastings City Council Regular Meeting - December 8, 2025

The Hastings City Council held a regular meeting on December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Hastings Municipal Airport. Mayor George J.J. Beckby presided, with all eight council members present (Steve Huntley, Michael Anderson, Brian Hoffman, Maggie Esch, Larry Consbruck, Brad Consbruck, Matt Fong, Marc Rowan). The agenda was adopted 7-1, with Marc Rowan voting against. The meeting covered four public hearings, several general business items, a resolution, appointments, and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the November 24, 2025 council meeting.
• Approved claims and payroll.
• Approved Work Order EL-320 to complete a connection between Feeders 291 and 294 along the Hike and Bike Trail from 26th Street to West Laux.
• Approved Work Order EL-312 for installation of a three-phase underground electric line and padmount transformer for the new Gosper Building Automotive Training Center at CCC. All consent items were approved 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amy Peirce (835 North Briggs) provided background on the Sunnyside Foundation’s project to place headstones for 20 unmarked graves at Parkview Cemetery and requested a fee waiver.
• Jeff Laubach (SBB Engineering, Topeka, KS), speaking on behalf of Enrique Meraz, answered questions during the public hearings for two properties at 909 and 911 West J Street for rezoning to C-3 Commercial Business District.

Discussion Items

3(a) Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit for Self-Service Storage Units (230 East D Street)

• Applicant: Maendele Properties, LLC. Development Services Director Kevin Kubo reported minimal traffic impact, no utility extension needed, and consistency with surrounding industrial uses. Planning Commission recommended 6-0. No public comments. Resolution 2025-45 approved 8-0.

3(b) Public Hearing – Rezoning to RP-3 Multifamily Residential Planned District (West G Street & Franklin Avenue)

• Applicant: Fairway Villas, LLC. Kevin Kubo explained the rezoning was needed to fix front setback issues discovered after construction. The multifamily development (age 55+) already has a waiting list. Planning Commission recommended 6-0. Council questioned the survey error and the gravel cul-de-sac; contractor must address it before final certificate of occupancy. Ordinance 4817 approved 8-0 on first and second reading after suspending the rules.

3(c) Public Hearing – Rezoning 909 West J Street to C-3

• Applicant: Enrique Meraz (Casey’s General Store). City Planner Ember Batelaan noted the property is partially R-1 and C-3; rezoning would align with surrounding commercial/industrial uses. City is working on a comprehensive zoning overhaul expected within a year. Planning Commission recommended approval. Ordinance 4818 approved 8-0 on first and second reading after suspending the rules.

3(d) Public Hearing – Rezoning 911 West J Street to C-3

• Similar to item 3(c), this is part of the same Casey’s development. The property includes a 35-year-old auto showroom building. The vacated street right-of-way will be included in the rezoning. Planning Commission recommended 6-0. Ordinance 4819 approved 8-0 on first and second reading after suspending the rules.

4(a) Final Plat – Les Schwab Subdivision

• A 4.31-acre property on Osborne Drive East, divided into two lots (front lot with access easements through lot one). Zoned I-2 Heavy Industrial. Planning Commission recommended 6-0. Final plat approved 8-0.

4(b) Request from Sunnyside Foundation – Waive Cemetery Stone Permit Fees

• Sunnyside Foundation requested waiver of the $40 per stone permit fee for 20 headstones (total $800) for unmarked graves of Sunnyside occupants who died between 1914 and 1944. Director of Parks & Recreation Jeff Hassenstab reported staff lacks authority to waive fees. Councilmember Hoffman expressed concern about setting a precedent for future fee waivers. Motion to approve waiver passed 8-0.

4(c) Work Order #2 – Airport Runway Lighting Rehabilitation

• Work Order #2 with Garver LLC for $198,700 for engineering services on the Hastings Municipal Airport Runway 14-32 Lighting Rehabilitation Project (AIP #3-31-0040-024). Airport Manager Matt Kuhr reported the project is 95% federally funded; the city’s 5% share is in the budget. The goal is to begin construction in 2026. Approved 8-0.

5(a) Resolution 2025-43 – Year-End Certification of City Street Superintendent

• Director of Engineering Lee Vrooman reported the certification allows the city to receive $7,500 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Approved 8-0.

7. Appointments to Business Improvement Board

• Two appointments: Carrie Ann Block and Dan Strecker. Motion approved 7-1 (Marc Rowan dissenting).

8. Miscellaneous & Other Business

• None.

9. Closed Session

• Council moved into closed session at 6:59 PM to discuss imminent litigation and possible settlement authority (motion by Fong, second by L. Consbruck; approved 8-0). Exited closed session at 7:08 PM. Subsequently, council authorized the settlement of claim by Mayor and City Attorney (motion by Fong, second by Esch; approved 8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approvals granted for all four rezoning/conditional use permits (8-0 each), including ordinances passed on first and second reading after suspending rules.
• Final plat for Les Schwab Subdivision approved (8-0).
• Waiver of cemetery stone permit fees for 20 headstones approved (8-0).
• Work Order #2 for airport runway lighting engineering approved for $198,700 (8-0).
• Resolution 2025-43 for street superintendent certification approved (8-0), securing $7,500 state funding.
• Two appointments to Business Improvement Board approved (7-1).
• Closed session held to discuss imminent litigation; settlement authority subsequently authorized (8-0).
• The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.