Hastings City Council Regular Meeting - July 27, 2026

The Hastings City Council held a regular meeting on July 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Hastings Municipal Airport. The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM. All votes were unanimous (8-0) except where noted. Key actions included approving a veteran parking sign program, updating the animal cruelty code, establishing a natural gas rate for large industrial customers, and approving several special event permits.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0) except for items D and F, which were considered separately. Items approved in the consent agenda included:
  • (a) Approval of minutes from July 13, 2026
  • (b) Approval of claims and payroll (except the claim of Vaughan's Printing)
  • (c) Work Order EL-322 for installation of a padmount switch and transformer
  • (e) Special designated liquor license for the Antique Airplane Fly-In (Paul's Cigar Bar)
  • (g) through (z) Multiple resolutions and invoices for CDBG projects and other routine approvals, including:
    • Resolution 2026-45: plans for Lakeview 11th Subdivision water/sewer project
    • Resolution 2026-46: plans for Lakeview 11th Subdivision paving project
    • Numerous invoices and drawdown requests from South Central Economic Development District for various CDBG projects (e.g., downtown revitalization, public works, public facilities, economic development) and a Brownfield Grant, totaling over $230,000 in expenditures and reimbursements.
• Item D (Antique Airplane Fly-In): Approved (8-0). The Nebraska Chapter of the Antique Airplane Association may use city property at the Hastings Municipal Airport for the Annual Fly In from August 28-31, 2026 (insurance pending). Council discussed the family-friendly nature and history of the event.
• Item F (ASAPP Color Run): Approved (8-0). Area Substance & Alcohol Abuse Prevention (ASAPP) may use city property for the "Support Starts Here Color Run" on August 22, 2026 (insurance pending).

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Dieken (120 S. Minnesota Ave.) complained about nuisance lighting from a nearby plumbing business that has persisted for three weeks. He stated that Development Services Director Kevin Kubo investigated but no enforcement action has occurred, despite the city's nuisance code (Article 5) prohibiting unreasonable or offensive light that causes discomfort or sleep disruption. He requested action.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Communication: Mayor Beckby announced a public meeting on taxes to be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the City Auditorium. The event will include presentations on how property taxes are derived and allocated, with free hot dogs and water (personally funded by the mayor). The mayor noted he often receives questions about taxes during his "Thursdays with the Mayor" sessions.
• Council Communication:
  • Councilmember Fong reported the summer reading program at the library has recorded 391,811 minutes so far, with events continuing.
  • Councilmember Hoffman recognized Scout Troop 207, who were attending the meeting to work on their Communications merit badge.
  • Councilmember Rowan highlighted community events, including a comedy night at the Masonic Theater.
  • Councilmember Esch announced she has returned from maternity leave after having a baby girl in late May and is back in time for budget season.
  • Councilmember Huntley invited Utility Manager Derek Zeisler to report on the utility board meeting. Zeisler stated that due to hot weather, peak units (Units #4, #5, and the Don Henry quick-start unit) have been called to run; the Don Henry unit was called again that day. He also reviewed the utility budget, noting a proposed 1.5% increase in water rates, with no changes to electric, sewer, or gas rates.
• Resolution 2026-43 – Veteran Parking Signs: Resolution to place veteran-designated parking signs at six city locations: City Hall parking lot, City Auditorium parking lot, Parks & Recreation Armory building lot, Hastings Police Department, and city right-of-way outside the U.S. Post Office and Hastings Veteran Service Office. Signs are provided at no cost by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; the city will pay for installation using staff time. Stacie Moody Gilbert (union representative) presented the sign, stated the program operates on the honor system, and offered to provide signs to any additional businesses that contact her (email: smgilbert2004@gmail.com, phone: 402-984-8488). Council agreed to add contact information to the city website.
• Ordinance 4836 – Cruelty to Animals Code Amendment: Amends City Code Section 6-223 by adding definitions (e.g., living quarters, hygiene, ventilation, bedding) and clarifying owners' duties of care (food, water, care for injured animals). City Attorney Jesse Oswald reported the changes were requested by Community Service Officers (CSOs) to improve enforcement clarity.
• Ordinance 4837 – Natural Gas Rate for Large Volume Industrial Customers: Establishes a new rate schedule allowing the city to enter into prepaid natural gas agreements with large volume industrial users (e.g., ethanol or biofuel plants) that are not currently on the city's gas distribution system. The ordinance implements Legislative Bill 548, which expanded the service territory for gas suppliers. The city would act as a middleman, leveraging its lower municipal borrowing rates to offer discounts on gas purchases. No physical gas lines would be extended; agreements would be on paper with existing transmission lines. Utility Manager Derek Zeisler noted that prepaid deals typically have a 30-year term with 5-7 year lock-in periods and would require council approval. He stated the item is time-sensitive and must be completed before the end of 2026 to pursue potential customers.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (excluding D & F): Approved (8-0).
• Item D (Antique Airplane Fly-In): Approved (8-0).
• Item F (ASAPP Color Run): Approved (8-0).
• Vaughan's Printing Claim ($330.00): Approved (7-0-1, Councilmember Esch abstaining).
• Resolution 2026-43 (Veteran Parking Signs): Approved (8-0).
• Ordinance 4836 (Animal Cruelty): Approved on first reading (8-0). Subsequently, a motion to suspend rules and approve on second and final reading carried (8-0). Ordinance declared lawfully adopted upon publication.
• Ordinance 4837 (Natural Gas Rate Schedule): Approved on first reading (8-0). Subsequently, a motion to suspend rules and approve on second and final reading carried (8-0). Ordinance declared lawfully adopted upon publication.
• Appointment of Bruce Sandal to the Museum Board (reappointment): Approved (8-0).