Hastings Planning Commission Meeting – August 18, 2026

This meeting took place on August 18, 2026 at the Hastings Municipal Airport. The meeting included a presentation on the City’s One and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan, an informational update on a Micro-TIF amendment, and a public hearing on a conditional use permit (CUP) for the proposed Johnny the Knife micro-social club. The commission also held a work session on updating the Comprehensive Plan. New Commissioner James Carson attended his first meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda for the August 18, 2026 meeting was adopted (8-0).
• The minutes of the June 16, 2026 meeting were approved (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizen communications unrelated to the public hearing were received.
• John Ferrone, applicant for 223 E 14th St, presented his proposal for Johnny the Knife, a speakeasy-themed Martini Social Club. He stated the business would operate by reservation, not as a traditional bar, with anticipated attendance of 15-22 people on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. He requested flexibility for private events and an extension of the 180-day establishment timeline to one year.
• Bradley Starling, representing Wabi Sabi Behavioral Health Center (a tenant in the same building), testified in a neutral position. He expressed that Wabi Sabi’s primary concern was ensuring the CUP included conditions for low-impact operations, addressed ownership changes, and provided a mechanism for regular review.
• Bernard Goff, Vice President of Operations for Talon Properties (the property owner), spoke in support. He stated the building’s substantial stone construction and proposed late hours would not negatively impact other tenants, and he characterized Mr. Ferrone as an operator who would maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
• Gloriann Peddicord, a nearby resident at 112 E 14th St, spoke in support, citing Mr. Ferrone's integrity and professionalism and stating that intentional, reservation-based business models contribute to Hastings' growth.

Discussion Items

• One and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan (Director/City Engineer Lee Vrooman): Vrooman reviewed completed projects, the proposed budget for Year One (subject to City Council approval in September), and future projects. Key points included a 2027 target for Quiet Crossings, re-striping plans for Hastings Avenue to Baltimore, a FEMA BRIC grant application covering 70% of construction costs for Central Hastings Drainage, and the City’s 20% share ($3.2 million payment) on the Southeast Project, with anticipated completion in spring 2028. Chair Rosenberg asked for the City's actual cost on the SE Corridor, with Vrooman detailing the $6.3 million street portion and the $8.5 million utility portion (with 80% state reimbursement).
• Micro-TIF Amendment (City Planner Ember Batelaan): Batelaan presented the amendment aligning city code with state statute reducing the eligible property age from 60 to 25 years. This was informational; the program remains limited to single-family homes. Chair Rosenberg stated he believed the expansion would be beneficial. Commissioner Hubbard confirmed the program’s scope.
• Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit 2026-312 (Johnny the Knife): The commission deliberated on the appropriate zoning classification, noting the city code lacks a definition for alcohol-related uses, making “Convenience Retail, Automobile” the closest fit. City Attorney Jesse Oswald guided the commission to focus on the five criteria for CUP approval (traffic, utilities, noise, development patterns, property values).
  • Commissioner Hubbard expressed concerns about the location within a medical/counseling building and its proximity to Wabi Sabi’s services for youth.
  • Commissioner Kully argued against overly restrictive conditions, suggesting restrictions on hallway use could be discriminatory and that annual reviews would waste city resources barring complaints.
  • Mayor Jay Beckby questioned why the use was not classified as a bar, with Batelaan explaining the current code limitations and noting the city is revising its zoning code to address this.
• Comprehensive Plan Update (Work Session): Batelaan and Director of Development Services Kevin Kubo presented proposed updates to the plan. These included updating demographic and housing data (from 2024 ACS estimates) and revising the Future Land Use Map. Specific changes included designating a buffer zone near the Junietta feed yard and the Idle Wild area, changing the Good Samaritan campus classification, and adjusting designations on East South Street. Chair Rosenberg commented positively on the feedlot buffer zones.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit 2026-312 (John Ferrone / Johnny the Knife): The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council with the following conditions:
  1. Hours of operation limited to 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
  2. The use shall be established within 180 days of approval.
  3. (Added via amendment) The business shall operate as presented as a Micro-Social Club, with registration and membership limited to 30 people. Vote on amendment: 7-0 (moved by Sinner, seconded by Kully). Vote on the main motion: 6-0-1 (Hubbard abstaining; moved by Kully, seconded by Sinner).
• Comprehensive Plan: Work session held. The update is scheduled to return as a voting item at a future Planning Commission meeting before going to City Council.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:42 PM (7-0).