Hastings, NE

City Council

The Hastings City Council will hold public hearings on the 2027-2032 One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan, a proposed increase to the Adams County Enhanced 911 surcharge, and a Class D liquor license for S Mart 10. The council will also discuss the 2026-2027 budget and consider ordinances on water/sewer rates, e-bike rules, and solar farm rates.

• Public hearing on 2027-2032 Street Improvement Plan (Resolution 2026-50)
• Public hearing on Adams County Enhanced 911 surcharge increase (Ordinance 4842)
• Public hearing on Class D liquor license for S Mart 10 at 500 S. Burlington Ave
• Budget discussion and special meeting for 2026-2027 budget hearing
• Ordinances on water/sewer rates, e-bike rules, and solar farm rate rider

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to conduct business and review staff reports. The agenda includes a staff report featuring mock cases to determine the approval or denial of variances.

• Staff report on mock cases for variance approval or denial

Utility Board

City Council

General

City Council Worksession

Planning Commission

City Council

Utility Board

City Council

City Council Worksession

Planning Commission

City Council

City Council

Utility Board

City Council Worksession

Planning Commission

City Council

Utility Board

City Council

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

The Hastings Planning Commission will receive a presentation on the city's One and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan. Two public hearings are scheduled: one for a conditional use permit for a convenience retail and automobile use at 223 E 14th Street, and another for a Micro-TIF Amendment to reduce the time limit from 60 to 25 years. The commission will also discuss a Comprehensive Plan Update.

• Presentation of the City of Hastings One and Six-Year Street Improvement Plan
• Public hearing for conditional use permit (John Ferrone, JTK) at 223 E 14th Street for convenience retail/automobile; hours limited to 8 am–1 am, use must be established within 180 days
• Public hearing for Micro-TIF Amendment to revise time limit from 60 years to 25 years (state statute 18-2155)
• Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update

City Council Worksession

The Hastings City Council is holding a worksession to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 City Budget and Utility Budget. The agenda also includes presentations from the League of Nebraska Municipalities, the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Hastings Economic Development Corp. This is a discussion-only meeting; no formal votes are listed beyond adopting the agenda.

• Discussion of proposed 2026-2027 City Budget and Utility Budget
• Presentation by League of Nebraska Municipalities
• Presentation from Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
• Presentation from Hastings Economic Development Corp

Utility Board

The Hastings Utility Board is meeting to handle routine business and several financial items. The board will consider approving funding for the Chamber of Commerce and HEDC, water and sewer ordinance recommendations, a community solar farm financing recommendation, fee schedule changes, and a utility budget update and approval recommendation. The meeting also includes election of officers and a possible closed session.

• Funding recommendation for Chamber of Commerce and HEDC
• Water ordinance approval recommendation
• Sewer ordinance approval recommendation
• Community solar farm financing approval recommendation
• Utility budget approval recommendation

The Utility Board approved funding recommendations for the Chamber of Commerce ($30,000) and HEDC ($175,000), along with several ordinances and the utility budget. All votes were unanimous (5-0). The board also elected new officers: Scott Kvols as Chairman, Jeanette Dewalt as Co-Chairman, and Susan Meeske as Secretary.

• Approved $175,000 for HEDC and $30,000 for Chamber of Commerce (5-0)
• Approved Water Ordinance 4839 (5-0)
• Approved Sewer Ordinance 4840 (5-0)
• Approved Community Solar Farm Ordinance 4841 (5-0)
• Approved Fee Schedule Changes (5-0)
• Approved utility budget to move to City Council (5-0)
• Elected Scott Kvols as Chairman, Jeanette Dewalt as Co-Chairman, Susan Meeske as Secretary (5-0)

City Council

The Hastings City Council will hold its regular meeting, primarily handling routine consent items such as approving minutes, claims, and liquor license renewals. The main substantive item is a proposed ordinance (No. 4838) that would amend city code to regulate off-road motor vehicles on public property. The agenda also includes several event requests and standard procedural matters.

• Ordinance No. 4838 amending Section 50-704 regarding E-bikes, E-scooters, hoverboards, and off-road motor vehicles on public property
• Renewal of numerous Class C liquor licenses, catering permits, and a cigar shop license for Nov 1, 2026 – Oct 31, 2027
• Special Olympics Nebraska Truck Convoy on September 19, 2026
• Hastings College Melody Round-Up Parade on September 26, 2026
• Approval of minutes, claims, and payroll

The City Council approved Ordinance No. 4838, amending city code to add provisions on 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 (excluding items e and f), which included liquor license renewals, and separately approved requests for the Special Olympics Nebraska Truck Convoy and the Hastings College Melody Round-Up Parade.

• Approved Ordinance No. 4838, adding off-road motor vehicle provisions to city code, including on bike trails.
• Approved the consent agenda (items a-d), including minutes, claims/payroll, and liquor license renewals.
• Approved Special Olympics Nebraska's request to travel through Hastings for its Truck Convoy on September 19, 2026.
• Approved Hastings College's request to use city property for the Melody Round-Up Parade on September 26, 2026.

City Council Special

The City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the current situation regarding Heartland Pet Connection. The body may take a vote on the matter following the discussion.

• Discussion and possible vote regarding Heartland Pet Connection

The Hastings City Council discussed the Heartland Pet Connection contract and voted 5-3 to postpone negotiations until January 1, 2027. The current contract remains in place until 2028. No new contract was approved or denied.

• Postponed Heartland Pet Connection contract negotiations until January 1, 2027 (5-3)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several infrastructure projects and administrative grants. The body is deciding on new natural gas rate schedules for large industrial customers and updates to animal cruelty codes.

• Ordinance No. 4837 establishing a Natural Gas Rate Schedule For Sales to Large Volume Industrial Customers
• Resolution No. 2026-45 and 2026-46 for Lakeview 11th Subdivision water, sewer, and paving projects
• Ordinance No. 4836 amending City Code Section 6-223 regarding cruelty to animals
• Pay Estimate No. 2 to Revive, Inc. in the amount of $87,516.97 for CDBG Project 24-PFW-001
• Special Designated Liquor License for Paul's Cigar Bar for the Antique Airplane Annual Fly-in

The City Council approved a new natural gas rate schedule for large volume industrial customers and updated city code regarding animal cruelty. Other actions included authorizing infrastructure bids for Lakeview 11th Subdivision and approving several community development grant payments.

• Approved Ordinance No. 4837 establishing Natural Gas Rate Schedule for Large Volume Industrial Customers (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 4836 amending City Code Section 6-223 regarding cruelty to animals (8-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-43 for veteran parking signs in city lots (8-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-45 and 2026-46 for Lakeview 11th Subdivision water, sewer, and paving bids (8-0)
• Approved use of city property for Antique Airplane Annual Fly-In (8-0)
• Approved use of city property for ASAPP Support Starts Here Color Run (8-0)
• Approved $330.00 claim for Vaughan's Printing (7-0)
• Approved various Community Development Block Grant invoices and drawdowns (8-0)

Utility Board

The Hastings Utility Board will meet to approve prior meeting minutes and discuss updates on WEC Unit 1, Solar Phase II, and a proposed ordinance. The board will also receive a presentation on the Utilities Budget.

• Approval of June 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• WEC Unit 1 Update
• Solar Phase II Update
• Proposed Ordinance No. 4837
• Utilities Budget Presentation

The Utility Board approved the advancement of Proposed Ordinance No. 4837 to the City Council to expand gas user services. The board also received a detailed presentation on the FY 26-27 Utilities Budget, covering electric, gas, water, and sewer departments.

• Approved Proposed Ordinance No. 4837 to move forward to city council (4-0)
• Approved minutes of the June 11, 2026 meeting (4-0)
• Adopted the July 23, 2026 regular meeting agenda (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request from John Ferrone (JTK, LLC) for a conditional use permit to operate a convenience retail/automobile business at 223 E 14th Street. Staff recommends approval with conditions limiting hours to 8 am–1 am and requiring establishment within 180 days. The commission will also approve June meeting minutes and discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update and the 2026 Housing Dashboard.

• Public hearing: conditional use permit for convenience retail/automobile at 223 E 14th St (John Ferrone/JTK)
• Staff recommendation: approve with conditions (hours 8 am–1 am, use established within 180 days)
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 16, 2026
• Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update
• Discussion of 2026 Housing Dashboard

The Hastings Planning Commission voted 6-1 to deny a request to rezone property east of South Colorado Avenue from R-1 (Urban Single-Family Residential) to R-2 (Mixed Density Neighborhood), which would have allowed a duplex. The commission also approved the final plat for the Lakeview 11th Subdivision, a 16-lot addition, by a 7-0 vote. Staff presented proposed revisions to the sign code and zoning code, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Denied rezoning of property east of South Colorado Ave from R-1 to R-2 (1-6)
• Approved final plat for Lakeview 11th Subdivision, 16 lots (7-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes of April 21, 2026 meeting (7-0)

City Council Worksession

The Hastings City Council will hold a worksession to discuss the proposed 2026-2027 City Budget and Utility Department Budget. The meeting also includes an update from the Midland Area Agency on Aging and Hastings Senior Center.

• Proposed 2026-2027 City Budget
• Proposed 2026-2027 Utility Department Budget
• Update from Midland Area Agency on Aging and Hastings Senior Center

The City Council held a worksession to review the proposed 2026-2027 City and Utility Department budgets, with no formal votes taken. The utility consultant recommended water rate increases of 1.5% annually for most customers and 10% for CMS customers over three years, plus a 10% increase for wastewater class S-3, all incorporated into the proposed utility budget. The Finance Director warned of a structural budget gap, noting that 2023 was the last year revenues exceeded expenses and that without changes, the city may struggle to balance the budget in two years. The council also heard updates from the Midland Area Agency on Aging and the Senior Center, which is outgrowing its space.

• Adopted the meeting agenda with a change in order for the Utility Department presentation (7-0)
• Reviewed proposed water rate increases: 1.5% annual for most classes, 10% for CMS, over FY2027-29
• Reviewed proposed wastewater rate increase: 10% annual for class S-3 over FY2027-29
• Discussed General Fund budget gap and potential need for future levy adjustments
• Heard update from Midland Area Agency on Aging on Senior Center space needs
• No formal decisions or votes on budget items taken at worksession

City Council

The Hastings City Council will hold public hearings on a liquor license for Hastings Sodbusters and consider multiple ordinances creating water, sewer, gas, and street improvement districts for Lakeview 11th Subdivision. Consent items include a $245,000 CDBG drawdown for the Pacha Soap Expansion Project, event permits for the Stash Bash and Turkey Trot, and agreements for power plant controls and electric service. Budget presentations for Landfill and Streets are scheduled, along with a community update from the South Heartland District Health Department.

• Public hearing on Class I liquor license for Hastings Sports, LLC dba Hastings Sodbusters at 601 East South Street
• Ordinances creating Water, Sanitary Sewer, Gas, and Street Improvement Extension Districts for Lakeview 11th Subdivision
• Drawdown request of $245,000 from CDBG funds for Pacha Soap Expansion Project 25-ED-001
• Agreement with Emerson Process Management for Don Henry Power Center Controls Replacement
• First Amendment to Electric Service Agreement between City of Hastings and Heartwell Renewables, LLC

The City Council approved a Class "I" liquor license and manager application for Hastings Sports, LLC dba "Hastings Sodbusters." Additionally, the council approved the final plat and several extension district ordinances for the Lakeview 11th Subdivision.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved Class "I" liquor license for Hastings Sports, LLC dba "Hastings Sodbusters" (7-0)
• Approved manager application for Scott Galusha (7-0)
• Approved final plat for Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)
• Approved Water Extension District 2026-1 Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)
• Approved Sanitary Sewer Extension District 2026-1 Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)
• Approved Gas Extension District 2026-1 Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)
• Approved Street Improvement District 2026-1 Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)

Airport Advisory Board

City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution maintaining natural water levels at Lake Hastings without city intervention, postponed from May 11. A public hearing will be held on a Community Development Block Grant project for mobile home park improvements. The council will also vote on a purchase agreement for a Pierce fire apparatus and an MOU changing the Fire & Rescue shift schedule. Budget presentations for the Museum and Library are scheduled.

• Resolution 2026-41 to maintain natural water levels at Lake Hastings without city intervention
• Second public hearing on CDBG Project 24-PWI-008: Hastings Mobile Home Park/Communities Improvement
• Approval of purchase agreement with MacQueen Equipment LLC for a Pierce Fire Apparatus
• Approval of MOU with Hastings Fire & Rescue changing shift schedule for remainder of union contract
• 2026-2027 Budget presentations for the Museum and Library

The council approved Resolution 2026-41 (6-1) to maintain natural water levels of Lake Hastings without adding city water, a policy shift for drought planning. It also approved a purchase agreement for a new Pierce fire apparatus (7-0) and a memorandum of understanding adopting a 48/96 shift schedule for Hastings Fire & Rescue (7-0). Consent agenda items, including minutes, claims, and several Community Development Block Grant actions, were approved unanimously.

• Approved Resolution 2026-41 maintaining natural water levels of Lake Hastings without city intervention (6-1)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, claims, and CDBG items a–j (7-0)
• Approved purchase agreement with MacQueen Equipment for Pierce fire apparatus Option 1 (7-0)
• Approved MOU with Hastings Fire & Rescue for 48/96 shift schedule (7-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning change for a property east of S Colorado Avenue, from R-1 (Urban Single-Family Residential) to R-2 (Mixed Density Neighborhood District). They will also consider the final plat for the Lakeview 11th Subdivision. Additionally, a work session on proposed revisions to the sign code and a presentation on zoning code revisions compared to other communities are scheduled.

• Public hearing for zone change 2026-275: Lot 2, Clark Property Subdivision, from R-1 to R-2
• Final plat for Lakeview 11th Subdivision (2026-276) northwest of Lakeridge Dr and Lakeview Ave
• Work session on proposed revisions to the sign code
• Presentation of zoning code revisions in comparison to other communities

The planning commission voted 1-6 to deny a request to rezone a lot east of South Colorado Avenue from R-1 to R-2 for a proposed duplex rental. The commission also approved (7-0) the final plat for Lakeview 11th Subdivision, a 16-lot addition. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Denied rezoning of property east of South Colorado Avenue from R-1 to R-2 (1-6)
• Approved final plat for Lakeview 11th Subdivision (7-0)

City Council Worksession

The Hastings City Council will hold a worksession at the Municipal Airport to discuss the 2026-2027 budget presentations for the IT, Development Services, and Parks and Recreation/Airport departments. No formal votes are expected as this is a discussion-only session.

• Discussion of 2026-2027 budget for IT Department
• Discussion of 2026-2027 budget for Development Services
• Discussion of 2026-2027 budget for Parks and Recreation/Airport

The City Council held a worksession to discuss budget goals and requests for Information Technology, Development Services, and Parks and Recreation/Airport. No formal votes were taken on budget approvals during this session.

• Adopted the June 15, 2026 worksession agenda

Utility Board

The Hastings Utility Board will receive financial and budget updates, including a cost of service study for water and sewer that may inform future rate recommendations. They will also consider a proposal to reschedule the July 9 meeting to July 23. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and citizen communications.

• Financial update (Q2)
• Budget update and schedule
• Cost of Service Water and Sewer Update and Recommendation for Budget
• Propose to move July 9 meeting to July 23
• Approval of minutes from May 14, 2026

The Utility Board adopted its agenda and approved the May 14 minutes. It voted to refer the water and sewer cost‑of‑service rate recommendations to the City Council. The board also agreed to reschedule the July 9 meeting to July 23 and then adjourned.

• Adopted agenda for June 11 meeting (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 14, 2026 meeting (3-0)
• Approved recommendation to refer water and sewer cost‑of‑service rate changes to City Council (3-0)
• Moved July 9 meeting to July 23 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:00 am (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes multiple infrastructure work orders (gas main for Central Community College, sewer relines on South Cedar and North Briggs Avenue, Well 17 upgrades, and electric conversion on 2nd Street), an agreement for asbestos cleanup at the former middle school, and a water stewardship sponsorship with Google LLC. The regular agenda features budget presentations for the Police, 911, and Fire departments for the upcoming fiscal year. Citizen communications are open for non-hearing items.

• Approval of Work Order GA-396 for a new 4" medium pressure gas main and regulator station at Central Community College Phase 4
• Approval of Work Order SW-392 for relining 10" sewer on South Cedar from D to E Street and 8" sewer on North Briggs Avenue from 9th to 14th Street
• Approval of Work Orders WA-126 and WA-139 for Well 17 on North Shore Drive: dual pump upgrade and conversion to ASR extraction well
• Approval of agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants for Qualified Environmental Professional Services for former middle school asbestos cleanup grant
• Water Stewardship Sponsorship Agreement between City of Hastings and Google LLC

The City Council approved a consent agenda covering minutes, payroll, and various infrastructure work orders. The Council also approved a $42,000 agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants for asbestos oversight at the former middle school.

• Adopted meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (6-0)
• Approved $42,000 Atlas Technical Consultants contract (6-0)
• Approved YWCA use of city property for July 4 parade
• Approved water stewardship sponsorship with Google LLC
• Approved gas main and sewer reline work orders
• Approved water pipe installation at Well 17
• Approved electrical conversion work order

City Council

The Hastings City Council will hold regular business including public hearings, ordinances, and consent items. Key decisions include a second reading of Ordinance 4830 to convey a right-of-way to the Community Redevelopment Authority, and introduction of Ordinance 4831 to amend alcohol sales hours and create license revocation/suspension rules. The council will also discuss a library impact report, approve a skate park renovation fabrication contract, and authorize a contract for infield turf replacement at Duncan Field.

• Ordinance 4830 (second reading) to convey 6th Street right-of-way between Hastings Avenue and Lincoln Avenue and the alley to the Community Redevelopment Authority
• Ordinance 4831 to amend Section 4-104 (Hours of Sale) and enact Section 4-118 (Alcohol License Revocation or Suspension)
• Approval of fabrication work by Spohn Ranch for skate park renovation
• Contract with Mammoth Sports Construction to replace infield turf and netting at Duncan Field
• CDBG pay requests totaling $146,810.56 for Downtown Revitalization (21-DTR-007) and $160,160.40 / $112,112.28 for Mobile Home Communities (24-PWI-008)

The City Council approved funding for skate park renovations, Duncan Field turf replacement, and a contract extension for the WR Reserve/Noah's Ark project. Additionally, the council passed an ordinance to convey a street right-of-way to the Community Redevelopment Authority.

• Approved consent agenda (6-0)
• Approved $79,500.00 for skate park renovation fabrication by Spohn Ranch Inc. (6-0)
• Approved one-year extension for CDBG project 23-ED-001, WR Reserve/Noah's Ark (6-0)
• Approved $402,000 contract with Mammoth Sports Construction for Duncan Field turf and netting (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 4830 to convey 6th Street right-of-way to the CRA (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 4831 regarding alcohol sale hours and license revocation (4-2)

Planning Commission

Utility Board

The Hastings Utility Board is holding a regular meeting to discuss operational updates, including the Consumer Confidence Report and Lead Copper Rule compliance, a Conservation Plan update, and a Natural Gas Public Awareness Survey. The board will also consider approval of April 2026 meeting minutes and receive reports on finance, production, administration, and other general business. No major decisions or significant financial actions are on the agenda.

• Consumer Confidence Report and Lead Copper Rule compliance discussion
• Conservation Plan Update
• Natural Gas Public Awareness Survey
• Utility Billing Update and Share the Warmth/Give Hastings Day update
• Google Grant discussion

The Utility Board received a $1,261,500 grant from Google to offset water usage for data centers. The funds cover capital costs and ten years of estimated operation and maintenance for the Well 17 piping and pump system. Staff also provided updates on the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report regarding water quality levels.

• Approved April 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• Awarded $1,261,500 Google grant for Well 17 piping and pump system

City Council

The Hastings City Council will hold a regular meeting with several public hearings and a second reading of a new occupation tax ordinance. Key items include a public hearing for a liquor license at 1008 S. Burlington Avenue, a conditional use permit for first-floor residential at 714 West 5th Street, and a resolution to levy special assessments for property clean-up costs. The council will also consider amending the airport engineering agreement for runway lighting design.

• Public hearing for Class I liquor license at 1008 S. Burlington Avenue (El Puerto)
• Public hearing for conditional use permit for first-floor residential at 714 West 5th Street
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 4829 establishing a Restaurant and Drinking Place Occupation Tax
• Resolution No. 2026-41 maintaining natural water levels of Lake Hastings without city intervention
• Approval of special assessments for mowing, demolition, and property clean-up costs

The Hastings City Council voted 3-3 on Ordinance 4829 to establish a Restaurant and Drinking Place Occupation Tax, causing it to fail. The council approved a conditional use permit for first-floor residential at 714 West 5th Street, a liquor license for El Puerto at 1008 S. Burlington Avenue, and a conveyance of right-of-way to the Community Redevelopment Authority. Several consent agenda items and routine business were also approved; the outcome of a resolution on Lake Hastings water levels was not recorded due to incomplete minutes.

• Ordinance 4829 (restaurant tax) failed on second reading (3-3)
• Approved conditional use permit for first-floor residential at 714 W 5th St (6-0)
• Approved Class I liquor license for El Puerto at 1008 S. Burlington Ave (6-0)
• Approved manager application for Rafael Ayala for El Puerto (6-0)
• Approved special assessment for property cleanup costs (6-0)
• Approved ordinance conveying 6th Street ROW and alley to CRA (6-0)
• Approved amendment to airport engineering agreement with Garver for lighting (6-0)
• Approved moving May 25 council meeting to May 26 due to holiday (6-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Hastings Board of Adjustment will adopt the current agenda for the Planning Commission meeting, approve the minutes from the February 5, 2026 meeting, and consider unfinished appeals and requests. The board will also receive committee, chair, and staff reports, including a staff presentation on state statutes related to the board. No specific rezoning, contract, or ordinance items appear on the agenda.

• Adopt current agenda for Planning Commission meeting
• Approve minutes from February 5, 2026 meeting
• Discuss unfinished appeals and requests
• Receive committee, chair, and staff reports
• Staff presentation on state statutes related to the Board of Adjustment

The Board participated in an educational work session regarding the legal requirements for granting variances. Staff reviewed the four specific criteria required by State Statute 19.910 to prove undue hardship.

• Approved May 7, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Approved February 5, 2026 minutes (5-0)

City Council

The Hastings City Council will consider a consent agenda with event permits and lease addenda, followed by regular business including a new occupation tax ordinance and a federal grant application. The most consequential item is Ordinance No. 4829, which would establish a Restaurant and Drinking Place Occupation Tax. The council will also consider authorizing the mayor to apply for a Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 grant.

• Ordinance No. 4829 establishing a Restaurant and Drinking Place Occupation Tax
• Authorization for mayor to sign Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 grant application
• Resolution No. 2026-37 approving agency agreement with NDOT for airport development project
• Approval of special event requests and liquor licenses for First Street Brewing Company's Fun Run and BBQ events
• Approval of Addendum to Duncan Field Lease Agreement adding Hastings Sports LLC

The City Council approved Ordinance 4829 establishing a 2.5% occupation tax on restaurants and drinking places, with revenue allocated to the museum and general fund. The council also approved the consent agenda, a $215 claim from Vaughan's Printing, authorization for a Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 grant application, and a resolution for an airport project agency agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

• Approved consent agenda (8-0) including minutes, claims, event permits, liquor licenses, lease addendum, and brownfield grant invoice
• Approved $215 claim from Vaughan's Printing (7-0, Esch abstaining)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 grant application (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-37 for airport project agency agreement (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 4829 establishing 2.5% restaurant and drinking place occupation tax (6-2)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a request from Queen City Development LLC for a conditional use permit to allow first-floor residential units at 714 West 5th Street. The commission is expected to vote on recommending approval of the permit. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on conditional use permit for first-floor residential at 714 West 5th Street (Queen City Development LLC)

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for first-floor residential use at 714 West 5th Street. The meeting also included updates on various city development projects and the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to outgoing Chair Greg Sinner.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for 714 West 5th Street (7-0)
• Approved minutes of March 17, 2026 meeting (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:31 p.m. (7-0)

City Council Worksession

The Hastings City Council will hold a worksession to discuss two items: the Lake Hastings Water Plan and proposed zoning changes. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting. The public may address agenda items during citizen communications.

• Discussion of Lake Hastings Water Plan
• Discussion of proposed zoning changes

After discussing four options to address Lake Hastings' historically low water level, the City Council reached consensus to move forward with Options 3 (construct a dedicated well) and 4 (do not fill) for a formal vote at the May 11 meeting. Staff will provide additional information. No action was taken on proposed zoning code changes, which remain in early draft stage for further public input.

• Advanced Options 3 and 4 of Lake Hastings water level plan to May 11 City Council meeting for a vote (consensus)
• No action taken on proposed zoning code changes; discussion only

City Council

The council will hold public hearings on levying assessments for street, gas, sewer, and water improvements in Lochland Meadows and Elm Meadows subdivisions, followed by resolutions to make those assessments. They will also hold a public hearing on a Class C liquor license application for Wanda's Place at 623 W. 1st Street. The consent agenda includes approval of several work orders, professional service agreements, and drawdown requests for Community Development Block Grant projects, including $71,187.49 for mobile home community improvements.

• Public hearing and resolution for Class C liquor license for Wanda's Place at 623 W. 1st Street
• Public hearings and resolutions for assessments in Street Improvement, Gas Extension, Sewer Connection, and Water Extension districts for Lochland Meadows and Elm Meadows subdivisions
• Approval of contract for construction of airport hangar and acceptance of grant for airport apron sealing/replacement (Project No. 3-31-0040-025-2026)
• Consent items include $71,187.49 Pay Estimate #1 for CDBG Project 24-PWI-008 (Mobile Home Communities) and multiple work orders for electric and sewer infrastructure
• Ordinances vacating and conveying a 14-foot alley in Block 3 of M.J. Smith's Addition

The council adopted the consent agenda, which included approvals for grant payments, a release of easement, and several utility work orders. It unanimously approved a Class C liquor license for Wanda’s Place at 623 W. 1st St. and the related manager application. The council also approved a series of resolutions creating assessments for the Lochland Meadows and Elm Meadows subdivisions.

• Approved consent agenda items including grant invoices, drawdowns, easement release and work orders (unanimous)
• Approved Class C liquor license for Wanda's Place, 623 W. 1st St. (unanimous)
• Approved manager application for Grant Hohlfeld for Wanda's Place liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved release of easement to Brent Terwey near West South St. and South Colorado Ave. (unanimous)
• Approved utility work orders EL-323 through EL-327 and SW-389 (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions 2026-27 through 2026-34 creating assessments for Lochland Meadows and Elm Meadows subdivisions (unanimous)

Utility Board

The Hastings Utility Board will consider a sewer billing error/correction, discuss an electric production outage, and review a budget schedule. The board will also discuss implementing live data in the field. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and potential closed session.

• Approval of March 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of sewer billing error/correction
• Review of electric production outage
• Discussion on live data in the field
• Review of budget schedule

The Utility Board approved the minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting and discussed the upcoming budget schedule, which will be presented at the July 23 board meeting. The board also received updates on electric production maintenance, field operations technology, and a billing software correction affecting approximately 870 customer accounts.

• Approved minutes of March 12, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Set July 23 as date for first budget presentation
• Discussed potential for Solar Phase III
• Discussed Next Gen Nuclear timeline and studies
• Discussed billing software correction for seasonal sewer exempt accounts

Airport Advisory Board

City Council

The Hastings City Council will consider a consent agenda including approval of minutes, claims, and several event permits. They will also receive the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and consider a quitclaim deed of city property to the Community Redevelopment Authority.

• Presentation of Financial Audit for City of Hastings ending September 30, 2025 by AMGL, P.C.
• Approval of Quitclaim Deed from City to Community Redevelopment Authority for property near 'F' Street and Lexington Avenue
• Approval of Nebraska LIHEAP Home Energy Utility Provider Agreement
• Approval of Special Designated Liquor License for Prairie Loft Center for craft beer festival on April 25, 2026
• Approval of multiple Community Development Block Grant invoices and drawdowns totaling $17,929.50 for various projects

The council unanimously approved all items on the consent agenda, which included approval of prior meeting minutes, several invoices and drawdown requests for Community Development Block Grants, a quitclaim deed to the Community Redevelopment Authority, and a special liquor license for a craft‑beer festival. The council also approved a $107.50 claim from Vaughan's Printing. No other ordinances, resolutions, or appointments were acted upon.

• Approved all consent agenda items (8-0)
• Approved claim of Vaughan's Printing for $107.50 (8-0)
• Approved quitclaim deed to Community Redevelopment Authority for property near "F" Street and Lexington Avenue (8-0)
• Approved Do the Brew event use of city property on April 25, 2026 (8-0)
• Approved special designated liquor license for craft‑beer festival at City Auditorium (8-0)
• Approved invoices and drawdown requests for Community Development Block Grants (8-0)
• Approved LIHEAP Home Energy Utility Provider Agreement (8-0)

Planning Commission

The Commission will elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Second Vice-Chair. Staff will lead a discussion on proposed changes to the zoning code. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from January 21, 2026, and routine procedural items. No public hearings or subdivision applications are scheduled.

• Election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Second Vice-Chairperson
• Staff report and discussion on proposed changes to zoning code
• Approval of minutes from January 21, 2026 meeting
• No public hearings or subdivision items listed

The commission adopted the March 17 agenda and approved the January 21 minutes, each by a 5‑0 vote. Chuck Rosenberg was elected Chairperson, Shawn Rossi Vice‑Chairperson, and Greg Sinner Second Vice‑Chairperson, all unanimously approved. No other formal actions were taken.

• Adopted current agenda (5-0)
• Approved January 21, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Elected Chuck Rosenberg as Chairperson (5-0)
• Elected Shawn Rossi as Vice‑Chairperson (5-0)
• Elected Greg Sinner as Second Vice‑Chairperson (5-0)

City Council Worksession

The City Council will hold a worksession to discuss updates from the Library, Museum, Airport, and Utilities departments. The meeting will also include a proclamation recognizing Ag Week. The session is procedural and open to public discussion.

• Proclamation declaring March 15-21, 2026 as Ag Week
• Discussion of Department Updates - Library, Museum, Airport and Utilities