Hastings City Council Regular Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Hastings City Council met in regular session at the Hastings Municipal Airport, 3300 West 12th Street, on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor George J. J. Beckby presided. Councilmembers Steve Huntley, Michael Anderson, Brian Hoffman, Larry Consbruck, Brad Consbruck, Matt Fong, and Marc Rowan were present; Councilmember Maggie Esch was absent. The agenda was adopted 6-1, with Marc Rowan voting no. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

Council Communications

• Councilmember Hoffman welcomed Hastings College students to the meeting.
• Councilmember Rowan reported on the new Museum exhibit.
• At Councilmember Huntley’s request, Utilities Manager Derek Zeiser reported on utility bill postage charges, late fees, the At Your Service newsletter, and the upcoming water and sewer cost-of-service study to be presented during budget time. He said Hastings utility rates remain competitive when all considerations are included.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the February 9, 2026 Council meeting.
• Approved claims and payroll.
• Approved the Hastings Public Library’s request to use city property for the Summer Reading Program Block Party on May 30, 2026.
• Approved the agreement with Mary Lanning Healthcare to use the South Fire Station for car seat installation demonstrations.
• Approved CDBG drawdown #3 of $350,000 for Project 24-ED-003 (Bruckman Rubber Expansion Project).
• Approved Work Order SW-321 to install new plastic sewer main, manholes, and services along Highway 6.
• Approved Noah’s Ark Processor’s LLC to occupy or use city property to access Western Reserve.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizen communications were presented.
• Public hearings were held for the Class C liquor license, CDBG Project #21-DTR-007, and CDBG Project #24-ED-003. Testimony is summarized below.

Liquor License Public Hearing

• Mayor Beckby recused himself and turned the gavel over to Council President Huntley from approximately 6:05 to 6:10 p.m. because he was the applicant. Police Chief Adam Story reported the Hastings Police Department processed the applications and recommended approval.
• The Council approved Resolution No. 2026-09 granting Knees and Martinis, LLC dba "Valentinis" a Class C liquor license (beer, wine, spirits, on and off sale) at 3609 Cimarron Plaza, Suite 135. Motion by Matt Fong, second by Brian Hoffman; passed 7-0.
• The Council approved the manager application of George J. J. Beckby for the same license. Motion by Larry Consbruck, second by Michael Anderson; passed 7-0.

CDBG Project #21-DTR-007 Public Hearing

• Lori Ferguson of the South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD) explained that this was the required second public hearing. The project was funded in November 2021, was originally to be completed in April 2024, and received three amendments extending the timeline. The final improvement at the old Pacha building is under construction and expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.
• Community Redevelopment Authority Director Randy Chick reported the project is behind schedule due to changes and withdrawals, but has produced strong results: $468,000 in local match leveraged with $1.45 million from the Department of Economic Development, approximately $13 million in private investment, and over $1 million more anticipated at 405 West Second Street. Completed results include 11 buildings, 15 commercial spaces, 13 new downtown businesses, and 26 housing units.

CDBG Project #24-ED-003 Public Hearing

• Lori Ferguson reported the Bruckman Rubber Co. Economic Development Expansion Project was approved in July 2025. Bruckman was tasked with creating 7 new full-time equivalent jobs and hiring at least 10 individuals; as of December 31, 2025, the company had hired 11 or 12, putting the project into its maintenance period for the new jobs and the 42 base employees. The city was awarded $350,000 plus $10,000 for administration, and Bruckman matched the award 1-to-1. Half of the loan is forgivable and half is repayable.
• Kirk Feeney of Bruckman Rubber Co. displayed examples of manufactured products and stated that, of the 11 hires, four are above the minimum pay threshold, six others have since exceeded it through the raise progression, and nine are considered low-income individuals.
• Sydney Erickson, speaking on behalf of HEDC and the Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for the project and noted that $175,000 will be repaid to the NDO revolving loan fund and can be loaned again at zero percent interest to other businesses.

General Business: Chief Ethanol Fuels MOU

• The Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Hastings and Chief Ethanol Fuels designating the City as public sponsor/lead applicant for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant. Motion by Brad Consbruck, second by Matt Fong; passed 7-0.
• City Administrator Mark Funkey explained the grant requires a public-sector lead applicant. Wayne Garrett, Chief Ethanol General Manager, stated the 41-year-old plant is being modernized and expanded and is expected to become one of the most efficient ethanol plants in the country; it is the largest investment Chief Industries has made with any of its brands. Tory Court, Environmental and Regulatory Manager, said the rail portion will improve safety, efficiency, and production, with production expected to increase by over 40 percent. The federal grant request to the Federal Railroad Administration is expected to be approximately $10 million; Chief representatives described it as well over $10 million, with Chief Ethanol providing an estimated 30–50 percent match.

Ordinances and Resolutions: Lochland Meadows Improvement Districts

• The Council approved Resolutions No. 2026-11 through 2026-18 accepting the City Engineer’s certificates of completion and assessment schedules for Street Improvement District 2025-1, Gas Extension District 2025-1, Sewer Connection District 2024-1, and Water Extension District 2025-1 in Lochland Meadows Subdivision Number 17. The motion also set the Board of Equalization/public hearing date for April 13, 2026, to consider the special assessment levies. Motion by Steve Huntley, second by Michael Anderson; passed 7-0.
• Director of Engineering Lee Vrooman stated notices will be mailed to adjacent property owners following the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda adopted 6-1, with Marc Rowan opposed.
• Consent agenda and all listed resolutions passed 7-0 unless otherwise noted.
• Mayor Beckby recused himself from the liquor license hearing, and Council President Huntley conducted that item.
• The City will serve as public sponsor/lead applicant for Chief Ethanol Fuels’ federal rail grant application.
• The special assessment hearing for the four Lochland Meadows districts is set for April 13, 2026.