Hastings City Council Regular Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Hastings City Council met in regular session at the Hastings Municipal Airport on July 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Mayor Beckby presided over the meeting which adjourned at 6:34 PM. All council members were present except Maggie Esch.

Council Communications & Mayor's Report

• Councilmember Hoffman highlighted the Adams County Fair.
• Councilmember Huntley inquired about the food truck ordinance; City Attorney Jesse Oswald stated it is still in process without a definitive timeline.
• Councilmember Anderson obtained the required four signatures to schedule a special meeting regarding the Heartland Pet Connection.
• Mayor Beckby stated that from his perspective, the Heartland Pet Connection matter is closed, citing that the city spent extensive time and resources developing a contract that was ultimately rejected by the organization's board, even against the advice of their own lawyer.
• Service anniversaries were recognized: Nathan Cummins (15 years), John Adams (15), Doyle Bankson (15), Shaun Propp (25), and Jon Rojewski (25).

Consent Calendar

All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously (7-0). This included approvals of meeting minutes from June 15 and June 22, 2026, claims and payroll, several special event permits (Stash Bash, Turkey Trot, Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour), a work order for well and sidewalk improvements at Wells 36 and 4, a $245,000 Community Development Block Grant drawdown for the Pacha Soap Expansion Project, a First Amendment to the Electric Service Agreement with Heartwell Renewables, and an agreement with Emerson Process Management for the Don Henry Power Center Controls Replacement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during Citizen Communications.
• A public hearing was held for the application of Hastings Sports, LLC (dba "Hastings Sodbusters") for a Class "I" Liquor License at 601 East South Street. There was no public testimony for or against the application.

Discussion Items

• Community Health Update: Michele Bever, Director of the South Heartland District Health Department, reported on mosquito surveillance. Over 30,000 mosquitoes were collected in the first week of July across four local sites, which the state suggested might be a record, though no diseases have been detected. She also provided an update on the Community Health Improvement Plan, specifically the chronic disease conditions priority. She highlighted a new "Movement Campaign" launched July 1st aiming for 2.5 million minutes of physical activity over six months, noting 0.8% of the goal was achieved in the first week and a half. The health department is also assisting local restaurants with providing nutrition information.
• 2026-2027 Budget Presentations:
  • Landfill: Director of Engineering Lee Vrooman presented the landfill budget. It includes no new headcount, acquisition of a dozer and skid steer, an asphalt overlay of the main road to address dust and air permit requirements, and a proposed 5% fee increase. Councilmember Huntley stressed the landfill is self-funded and does not use property tax revenue. Councilmember Fong requested the department study expanding operating hours to improve public access beyond current Saturday mornings.
  • Streets: Director Vrooman presented the streets budget, including no new headcount, a used motorgrader, a new loader, and an electronic message board to be shared with utilities. The second payment for the Hastings Southeast Project will be made from the street fund. Councilmember Huntley asked if this would stress the fund. Vrooman responded that funding all proposed projects would leave the fund with roughly three months of cash reserves, against a six-month ideal, but the fund can be rebuilt.
• Lakeview 11th Subdivision: Development Services Director Kevin Kubo presented the final plat for the 16-lot, single-family subdivision, located northwest of Lakeridge Drive and Lakeview Avenue. The plat conforms to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and applicable zoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 7-0.

Ordinances, Resolutions & Key Outcomes

• Hastings Sodbusters Liquor License (Resolution 2026-42): Approved 7-0 following a supporting report from Police Chief Adam Story. The manager application of Scott Galusha was also approved 7-0.
• Lakeview 11th Final Plat: Approved 7-0.
• Utility and Street Improvement Districts (Ordinances 4832, 4833, 4834, 4835): Creating Water, Sanitary Sewer, Gas, and Street Improvement Districts for the Lakeview 11th Subdivision. Approved on first reading 7-0. The rules were then suspended, and the ordinances were approved on second and final reading 7-0.
• Public Meeting Notice (Resolution 2026-44): Approved 7-0. City Attorney Jesse Oswald explained the resolution is required due to a legislative change and designates the method of publicized notice for public meetings, continuing the existing practice of publication in the Hastings Tribune.