The Hastings City Council voted 5 to 3 to reconsider Ordinance 47‑98 and then approved the same ordinance establishing term limits and restrictions on multiple appointments to city boards and committees.

Supporters said the change will open opportunities for new volunteers on boards and avoid long‑standing incumbency; opponents argued it could limit mayoral appointment flexibility and might hamper future councils. The council first approved a motion to reconsider the prior vote, then took a separate vote to adopt the ordinance.

The council’s reconsideration motion was offered by Councilmember Konsberg and seconded by Councilmember Anderson. After discussion about the reconsideration process and the merits of term limits, the motion to reconsider passed, setting up a second, final vote on adoption. The final vote to adopt Ordinance 47‑98 also passed 5 to 3.

Public commenters spoke in favor of term limits before the ordinance debate. Edward Krantz of East State Street told the council, “I am actually for the term limits.” Jackie Cranston, who said she has served on the planning commission, also urged the council to approve term limits so “we can get some new people in and out in a town of 25,000 people.”

Council members who opposed final approval said they value institutional knowledge and warned that formal limits could hinder future councils’ flexibility. One councilmember said the mayor already has appointment authority and the council retains the power to deny appointments. Supporters countered that term limits help prevent stagnation and create openings for new participants; one supporter noted he had campaigned on term limits and that the change would fulfill that promise.

The council followed its procedural rule for reconsideration. City code 2‑204 (rules of procedure) was cited during the discussion to explain that a motion to reconsider must be made within three regular meetings of the original vote.

With the ordinance adopted, the city will apply the new limits to appointments and reappointments to local boards and commissions unless further amendments are made by future council action. No specific effective date or transition language beyond what is contained in the ordinance text was stated during the meeting.

Council action summary: the motion to reconsider Ordinance 47‑98 was moved by Councilmember Konsberg and seconded by Councilmember Anderson and passed 5 to 3. A subsequent motion to approve Ordinance 47‑98 passed 5 to 3.