Commission forwards Les Schwab final plat to council, tables two plats; staff updates utilities and city hall timeline

The Hastings Planning Commission forwarded the final plat for the Les Schwab Subdivision to City Council and voted to table two other subdivision items after staff said additional review was needed.

City staff presented the Les Schwab final plat, which divides the parcel southeast of East 39th Street and Osborne Drive East into two lots to allow development of a tire shop. Staff recommended approval, noting that adequate access and public infrastructure meet the city's minimum standards. A commission motion to approve the final plat passed and the item will be forwarded to City Council.

Earlier in the meeting staff asked to table two subdivision/plat items (agenda items 20‑25‑499 and 20‑25‑528) because the review process was not complete; motions to table those items were approved.

In reports, city staff provided a utility update for South Street and South Elm related to a highway project: staff said gas work is roughly 75–80% complete and electric work about 50% complete, with the state opening bids for the highway contractor and major construction expected to start in spring and continue through 2027–2028 in phases. City administrator Mark reported progress on city hall construction and said the city hopes to move back into city hall "sometime in March," noting the project has been delayed about two to three months from earlier schedules.

Commissioners also noted outreach efforts, including a recent tour of the middle school and staff presentations to high school students about building codes.