Hastings meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Utility Board approves $205K in funding; Council adopts off-road vehicle rules

The Hastings Utility Board approved $205,000 in funding for the Hastings Economic Development Corp. and the Chamber of Commerce at its Aug. 13 meeting, along with several utility ordinances and the utility budget. All votes were 5-0.

City Council (Aug. 10)

The City Council approved Ordinance No. 4838, adding provisions to city code for operating off-road motor vehicles on public property, including bike trails. The change addresses complaints about electric dirt bikes in parks and trails, with enforcement via education, warnings, and citations. The council also approved the consent agenda (items a-d), which included minutes, claims/payroll, and liquor license renewals. It separately approved requests for the Special Olympics Nebraska Truck Convoy on Sept. 19 and the Hastings College Melody Round-Up Parade on Sept. 26.

Utility Board (Aug. 13)

The Utility Board approved $175,000 for HEDC and $30,000 for the Chamber of Commerce, all in 5-0 votes. It also approved Water Ordinance 4839, Sewer Ordinance 4840, Community Solar Farm Ordinance 4841, fee schedule changes, and the utility budget to move to the City Council. The board elected Scott Kvols as chairman, Jeanette Dewalt as co-chairman, and Susan Meeske as secretary.

Worksession and Planning Commission (Aug. 17-18)

The City Council held a worksession Aug. 17 to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 city and utility budgets, with presentations from the League of Nebraska Municipalities, the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, and HEDC. No formal votes were taken. The Planning Commission met Aug. 18 to receive a presentation on the One and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan and held public hearings on a conditional use permit for a convenience retail and automobile use at 223 E 14th Street, with hours limited to 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. and use to be established within 180 days, and a Micro-TIF Amendment to reduce the time limit from 60 to 25 years. The commission also discussed a Comprehensive Plan Update. No decisions were recorded.

Coming up

• **City Council (Aug. 24):** Public hearings on the 2027-2032 Street Improvement Plan, a proposed increase to the Adams County Enhanced 911 surcharge, and a Class D liquor license for S Mart 10 at 500 S. Burlington Ave. The council will also discuss the 2026-2027 budget and consider ordinances on water/sewer rates, e-bike rules, and solar farm rates.
• **Board of Adjustment (Aug. 27):** Review of staff report on mock cases for variance approval or denial.

Hastings City Council sets industrial natural gas rate schedule; approves Lakeview 11th subdivision bids

The Hastings City Council approved a new natural gas rate schedule for large-volume industrial customers on July 27, the most consequential action in a busy stretch of city meetings. The council voted 8-0 to pass Ordinance No. 4837, which establishes the Natural Gas Rate Schedule for Large Volume Industrial Customers. The ordinance had advanced from the Utility Board, which voted 4-0 on July 23 to send it forward.

City Council — July 27

The council took several other 8-0 votes:

• **Ordinance No. 4836** — amended City Code Section 6-223 regarding cruelty to animals.
• **Resolution No. 2026-43** — authorized veteran parking signs in city lots.
• **Resolutions No. 2026-45 and 2026-46** — approved water, sewer, and paving bids for the Lakeview 11th Subdivision.
• Approved use of city property for the Antique Airplane Annual Fly-In.
• Approved use of city property for the ASAPP Support Starts Here Color Run.
• Approved various Community Development Block Grant invoices and drawdowns.

The council also approved a $330.00 claim for Vaughan's Printing on a 7-0 vote.

Utility Board — July 23

The Utility Board voted 4-0 to approve Proposed Ordinance No. 4837, moving it to the City Council to expand gas user services. The board also approved minutes of its June 11, 2026 meeting (4-0) and adopted its July 23 regular meeting agenda (4-0). Board members received a detailed presentation on the FY 26-27 Utilities Budget, covering the electric, gas, water, and sewer departments.

City Council Worksession — July 20

The council held a worksession to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 City Budget and Utility Department Budget. The meeting also included an update from the Midland Area Agency on Aging and Hastings Senior Center. Minutes from this session have not yet been published.

Planning Commission — July 21

The Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing on a conditional use permit request from John Ferrone (JTK, LLC) to operate a convenience retail/automobile business at 223 E 14th Street. Staff recommended approval with conditions: hours limited to 8 a.m.–1 a.m. and the use established within 180 days. The agenda also included approval of June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update, and discussion of the 2026 Housing Dashboard. Minutes have not yet been published.

City Council Special Meeting — July 28

The council held a special meeting to discuss the current situation regarding Heartland Pet Connection, with the possibility of a vote. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcome is available.

Coming up

• **Board of Adjustment — Aug. 6:** The board will review a staff report featuring mock variance cases to determine approval or denial of variances.