Hastings City Council Meeting Summary – October 12, 2026

The Hastings City Council met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. All eight council members were present: Steve Huntley, Michael Anderson, Brad Consbruck, Larry Consbruck, Maggie Esch, Marc Rowan, Brian Hoffman, and Matt Fong. Mayor George J.J. Beckby presided. The meeting focused on the Business Improvement District assessments, a comprehensive amendment to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, and an attempted override of the Mayor's veto for road resurfacing at Parkview Cemetery. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda 8-0, including the minutes of September 21 (Special Meeting) and September 28, claims/payroll, work orders for relocating sanitary sewer outfall and water main on "M" Street, Resolution 2026-60 for Municipal Annual Certification of Program Compliance, a letter of support for BNSF railroad safety improvements, CDBG pay estimates and drawdown requests for the Mobile Home Communities Project, and a 3% cost of living adjustment for the Water and Sewer Designated Operator position.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Butler (1505 Highland Drive): Urged the council to override the Mayor's veto of the $605,000 Phase VI road resurfacing project at Parkview Cemetery, noting the favorable low bid of $537,000 from Warner Construction and arguing the project provides a fitting place for veterans' memorial services.
• Edward Krontz (1203 East Night): Supported the veto override, describing the rough condition of the cemetery roads. He questioned the budgetary impact of sustaining the veto, expressing a strong position against raising the tax levy.
• Sara Malcom (BID Director): Spoke during the public hearing on BID assessments, detailing the district's beautification, marketing, and event work. She reported that the budget is stable and the assessment rate has decreased.
• Randy Chick (Community Redevelopment Authority): During the Comprehensive Plan hearing, requested a land use change from High Density to Medium Density Residential on a parcel at South Franklin and West F Streets to facilitate a development of 34 single-family homes.
• Edward Krontz: Expressed opposition to the process of the Comprehensive Plan amendments, stating that residents at public meetings voiced significant pushback which he felt was not being reflected in the proposed changes.
• Roy DeMars (111 North Burlington): Questioned the consistency of future land use along South Street as a downtown entry corridor, urging the council to adopt a cohesive vision before finalizing amendments.

Discussion Items

Business Improvement District (BID) Assessments (Resolution 2026-61)

The council reconvened as the Board of Equalization for the public hearing. Sara Malcom outlined activities and budget. Randy Chick provided historical context on boundaries and assessment calculation. The council approved Resolution 2026-61 making assessments by an 8-0 vote.

2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Resolution 2026-59)

City Planner Ember Batelaan presented updates to demographic data, housing data, and the future land use map.

Amendment to the Resolution: Councilmember Michael Anderson moved to amend the resolution to change the future land use designation of a lot at the southeast corner of South Franklin Avenue and West F Street from High Density Residential to Medium Density Residential, directly supporting the CRA's proposed housing project. The amendment passed 7-1 (Brad Consbruck dissenting).

Main Resolution Debate: Debate included changes to the Showboat Boulevard area (Flex to Low Density Residential with commercial strip) and middle school wetlands (Medium Density to Parks and Recreation). Councilmember Huntley expressed reservations about the scope of changes and perceived public opposition.

Final Vote on Main Resolution: The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie. Mayor Beckby cast the deciding vote in favor, approving Resolution 2026-59 5-4. Ayes (5): Steve Huntley, Maggie Esch, Brian Hoffman, Matt Fong, Mayor George J.J. Beckby. Nays (4): Michael Anderson, Brad Consbruck, Larry Consbruck, Marc Rowan.

Golden Triangle Third Subdivision Plat

Approved the preliminary/final plat for the Golden Triangle Third Subdivision, a 3.74-acre lot near Industry Circle and South Industry Circle, unanimously 8-0.

Override of Mayor's Veto (Phase VI Road Resurfacing)

The council considered overriding Mayor Beckby's veto of the $605,000 road resurfacing project at Parkview Cemetery. The Mayor outlined his position, citing the use of $2.4 million in cash reserves and the ability to modify the project's scope in the future.

Discussion highlighted the low bid of $537,000 (below the $605,000 budget), the risk of higher costs upon deferral, and the project's importance to the Veteran's Circle and Memorial Day services. Councilmembers Esch, Hoffman, and Fong supported the Mayor's veto for fiscal reasons, while Councilmembers Huntley, Anderson, and the Consbruck brothers advocated for accepting the current favorable bid.

Key Outcomes

• Mayor's Veto Sustained: The motion to override the veto failed 5-3 (requires 6 votes). The $605,000 remains removed from the budget for the current fiscal year. The city plans to revisit the project in a future budget cycle, potentially with a different scope.
• BID Assessments Approved: Resolution 2026-61 passed 8-0.
• Comprehensive Plan Updated: Resolution 2026-59 passed 5-4, updating demographic/housing data and the future land use map, including the designation change for the CRA's housing project.
• Subdivision Plat Approved: 8-0 vote for the Golden Triangle Third Subdivision.
• Future Agenda Item Requested: Councilmember Huntley requested a future discussion on removing the contractual "cool off" period regarding the Heartland Pet Connection. The City Attorney noted this requires proper agenda scheduling.