Hastings Utility Board Regular Meeting - May 14, 2026

The Hastings Utility Board convened on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Airport Conference Room at the Hastings Municipal Airport, with Chairman Bill Hitesman presiding. The meeting featured updates on utility billing corrections from a new software implementation, the annual Consumer Confidence Report highlighting water quality exceedances, a major Google grant for water projects, progress on the water conservation plan, and discussions on the use of utility resources for Lake Hastings.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the consent agenda, including the minutes of the April 9, 2026 meeting, via a unanimous roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Humblebirg, a local landlord, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the utility. He described a situation where he requested a disconnect for an apartment, but power was unexpectedly restored mid-work, resulting in a $75 charge for a few hours of service. He argued that Hastings Utilities is no longer the cheapest in the state and criticized a significant loss of experienced personnel.
• Board Member Susan Meeske reported receiving three phone calls from ratepayers with questions about the billed accrued sewer charges.

Discussion Items

• Utility Billing Update (Tyler Munis): Staff reported that a post-implementation review of the new billing software is ongoing with Tyler Munis support. Corrections to sewer consumption billing have been completed. All affected customers were notified, payment arrangements are being made, and over 50% of the back charges have been collected. Staff is implementing additional auditing procedures. Derek (staff) explained the delay in catching the errors was due to the high volume of issues during the initial software rollout and significant staff turnover. The board is also reviewing an RFP for an external audit.
• Share the Warmth Program: Tony reported that the program raised $8,505 through Give Hastings Day (May 7), exceeding the average annual total of $7,000. The funds assist Hastings Utilities customers struggling to pay their bills.
• Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) / Lead and Copper Rule: Brandon presented the 2025 CCR, highlighting three areas of public interest:
  • Coliform: Three positive system samples from Well 15 were isolated and resolved. The state did not deem this a violation.
  • Copper: An exceedance of 1.44 ppm (MCL: 1.3 ppm) was detected. This mandates increased sampling (60 sites every 6 months) and a corrosion control study. Brandon noted copper is an essential nutrient and expressed frustration at it being held to the same standard as lead.
  • Nitrate: One sample from Well 26 showed 11 ppm, exceeding the 10 ppm MCL, though internal and confirmation tests were lower. The state required the 11 ppm figure be included in the report. A real-time nitrate analyzer has been installed.
• Google Grant for Well 17: Brandon announced the utility won a $1,261,500 grant from Google. The funds cover the capital costs of a dual-pump ASR system at Well 17 and 10 years of estimated operation and maintenance costs, supporting efforts to treat high-nitrate groundwater.
• Water Conservation Plan Update: 28 of 30 smart sprinkler controllers have been deployed (17 residential, 11 parks). Early data from NDS grounds showed significant runtime savings. A proposal for tiered residential water rates is under development.
• Lake Hastings Consideration: A significant discussion arose regarding the conflict between the utility's conservation plan and the potential use of utility water to fill Lake Hastings. Staff articulated a position that filling the lake would conflict with water conservation mandates from the Little Blue NRD and impact drinking water and power generation priorities. The City Council is expected to discuss the issue further in June. The board noted it was important to be briefed on this due to its direct impact on utility operations.
• Natural Gas Public Awareness Survey: A triennial survey is being distributed in May bills in English and Spanish to educate the public on natural gas safety. Early response rates (15 responses) are outpacing the previous cycle.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved.
• Billing System Corrections Acknowledged: The board acknowledged the progress on the Tyler Munis billing corrections and the proactive customer outreach.
• Google Grant Acknowledged: The board recognized the $1,261,500 Google Grant for the Well 17 ASR project.
• Tiered Rates in Development: Staff will continue developing a tiered water rate proposal for residential customers.
• Lake Hastings Decision Pending: The board will await the City Council's direction on Lake Hastings in June before bringing formal utility impacts to a vote.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 AM.