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.