Hastings City Council Regular Meeting – January 26, 2026

The Hastings City Council met at 6:00 p.m. on January 26, 2026, at the Hastings Municipal Airport, 3300 West 12th Street. Mayor Beckby presided with all eight councilmembers present. The council adopted the agenda 8–0, approved the consent agenda 8–0, and adjourned at 7:27 p.m. after a divided debate on the proposed elimination of the Utility Advisory Board.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the January 12, 2026 council meeting.
• Approved claims and payroll, except Vaughan's Printing.
• Approved Work Order PL-629 replacing North Denver Station 5 480V switchgear.
• Approved a quitclaim deed to Eileen Harmon; city staff explained it conveys any possible past city interest in the property so the purchaser can obtain clear title.
• Approved the second renewal option of the lease between Hastings Utilities and USCOC Nebraska/Kansas, LLC (US Cellular).

Council Communications

• Councilmember Matt Fong highlighted upcoming Hastings Public Library events, noted filing deadlines for candidates (incumbents by February 17; non-incumbents by March 2), and said he will not seek re-election for Ward 4.
• Councilmember Marc Rowan praised the Museum and encouraged visits to the gift shop and planetarium.

Mayor's Communications

• Mayor Beckby said he opposes abolishing the Utility Advisory Board, citing the value of free citizen oversight, and encouraged the council to sit down with the board to understand its role.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rich Wilton supported the proposal to eliminate the Utility Advisory Board, arguing it would save time and be more efficient.
• Bill Hitesman, chair of the Utility Advisory Board for nine years and a board member for ten, opposed elimination, saying the board filters utility issues for the council and complements, not replaces, the council.
• Jody Stutzman opposed elimination, arguing it reduces transparency and oversight and undermines citizen trust.
• Chuck Shoemaker, former chair of the Board of Public Works, opposed elimination, saying it would discard accumulated expertise.
• Scott Kvols (listed in minutes; transcript says Scott Coles), a Utility Advisory Board member, opposed elimination, calling the board the city's most consistent transparency tool and noting the Novak study did not create or recommend eliminating the advisory board.
• Scott Barwick, owner of Drake Tool and Design and part of Hastings area manufacturing, opposed elimination, saying the board provides specialized, long-term knowledge.
• Susan Meeske, a board member since 2022, opposed elimination, citing specialized expertise, political insulation, operational continuity, financial oversight, and customer representation.

Public Hearing — Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Liquor License

• Public hearing opened for Los Posos, LLC dba Jalisco Mexican Restaurant for a Class "I" liquor license (beer, wine, spirits, on sale) at 3609 Cimarron Plaza, Suite 130.
• A speaker (transcript names Edwin Ayala; minutes list Edward Aguirre) said his father owns El Puerto, which has operated in Hastings for about 15 years, and asked for approval.
• Police Chief Adam Story recommended approval and said the same ownership has operated El Puerto without issues.
• Resolution No. 2026-03 was approved 8–0, and the manager application for Jose G. Aguirre was approved 8–0.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 4823 (annexation of The Garages 7th Addition) passed on second reading 8–0. Development Services Director Kevin Kubo explained infrastructure already exists; the annexation brings re-platted lots into city limits.
• Resolution No. 2026-02 authorizing the mayor to sign the state agreement for Automated License Plate Readers on state highways was approved 7–1. Police Chief Adam Story said cameras read plates, alert police to stolen or wanted vehicles, do not detect speed or issue citations, and can provide traffic analytics. Michael Anderson voted no.
• Ordinance No. 4825, eliminating the Utility Advisory Board, prompted lengthy discussion. Utilities Manager Derek Zeisler said he values the board's skills and transparency. Councilmember Marc Rowan said he wanted more information before voting on utility matters, not necessarily to eliminate the board. Councilmember Michael Anderson agreed he wants the same information the board receives. Councilmembers Brian Hoffman and Maggie Esch said the board adds transparency and accountability. Councilmember Steve Huntley called it a communication issue and suggested a joint worksession in March. City Administrator Mark Funkey said he would work with Derek Zeisler on providing summaries and minutes directly to the council.
• Ordinance No. 4826, adding "Utility and Public Works Matters" to all council worksessions, was also considered and failed (see Key Outcomes).

Key Outcomes

• Agenda, consent agenda, liquor license, manager application, and annexation all passed 8–0.
• Vaughan's Printing claim for $42.00 passed 7–0, with Maggie Esch abstaining.
• Resolution 2026-02 (ALPR) passed 7–1; Michael Anderson voted no.
• Motion to postpone Ordinance 4825 until after the March worksession failed 3–5 (Anderson, B. Consbruck, and Rowan in favor).
• Ordinance 4825 failed 1–7; only Marc Rowan voted yes.
• Ordinance 4826 failed 1–7 according to the transcript, with only Marc Rowan voting yes; the minutes contain conflicting language saying "the motion carried" despite the same 1–7 roll call. The council agreed to continue the discussion at a March worksession.