Hastings council approves routine claims, meeting time change, subdivision bidding and two appointments; executive session authorized

At a regular meeting for which public notice was published Feb. 7, 2025, the Hastings City Council approved several routine claims and resolutions, set a new start time for council meetings, authorized plans and bidding for a subdivision infrastructure project, appointed a fire chief and library director, and voted to enter an executive session to discuss an existing agreement.

Claims and consent items The council approved the consent agenda 8‑0. The council approved a general‑business claim for Vaughn’s Printing in the amount of $140; the motion to approve that claim passed 7‑0 with one abstention (Maggie). Motion by Hoffman; second by Huntley.

Meeting start time change Council passed Resolution 2025‑05 to change the start time of regular council meetings and work sessions to 6:00 p.m.; the motion passed 8‑0 (mover: Konsbrook; second: Anderson). Council discussion referenced prior public requests and councilmembers’ work schedules; the mayor noted the change will take effect beginning with the first March meeting and that staff will publicize the time change.

Elm Meadows First subdivision — plans and bids The council approved Resolution 2025‑06, authorizing plans, specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for the Elm Meadows First subdivision water, sewer and paving project; the motion passed 8‑0 (motion by Esch; second by Fong). City staff told council the water, sewer and paving districts for the project were created by the council on Nov. 12, 2024; a bid opening is scheduled for March 5 and council consideration of awards is planned for March 24. Staff confirmed the costs for district work will be assessed to properties within the subdivision, with limited exceptions for intersection betterments and any oversized water main intended to continue beyond the subdivision.

Appointments The council appointed Troy Vorderstrasse as fire chief, motion by Huntley and second by Konsbrook; the appointment passed 8‑0. Vorderstrasse addressed the council and thanked them for the opportunity to serve.

The council appointed Brianna Weichel as the new director of the Hastings Public Library by an 8‑0 vote (motion by Fong; second by Hoffman). Weichel told the council she has lived in Hastings since 2014 and has more than 10 years of library and leadership experience, including time at the Hastings Public Library and Hastings College. Matt, a library advisory board member who participated in interviews, thanked the council and said he was pleased with the final selection.

Executive session Council voted to go into executive session to discuss an existing agreement for the protection of the public interest; the motion was made by Larry Konsbrook and seconded by Huntley and was approved 8‑0. The mayor announced that Mark Funke and Jesse Oswald, two city staff members, would participate in the executive session. The mayor declared the executive session time as 5:56 p.m. and said no official action would be taken during executive session.

Other votes The consent agenda passed 8‑0 earlier in the meeting; the council approved the agenda at the start of the meeting. Several ceremonial recognitions and service anniversaries were read but those items did not require council action.