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City Council - Media
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Fire Department Secures New Rescue Pumper and Adopts New Shift Schedule
The City Council approved the purchase of a new rescue pumper for the Hastings Fire Department. The decision was between two options: a 'spec unit' available in September (Option 1) or a custom-built unit available in two years (Option 2). The preferred Option 1 was approved. The new unit will replace two existing vehicles (engine and heavy rescue), costing $1.2 million, with a $22,000 trade-in value for the two old vehicles. Funding will come from the fire department's sinking fund, which is projected to have sufficient balance to cover annual payments without depleting funds needed for other equipment replacements. The council also approved an MOU to change the fire department's shift schedule from a 24-hour shift with 48 hours off (2448) to a 48-hour shift with 96 hours off (4896), effective September 20th, to improve firefighter well-being, retention, and potentially reduce overtime and sick leave costs.
Museum and Library Present Budget Proposals with Focus on Flat Operations and Capital Needs
The City Council reviewed budget presentations for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on the museum and library. The museum presented a flat budget with no new positions, maintaining current revenue and expenses, with increased costs for building maintenance and equipment. Capital projects include converting exhibit space to collection storage and rehousing the collection, funded by sales tax and grants. The library also presented a budget with no new positions, aiming for flat operations with increases due to cost of living and inflation, notably for contract renewals. A significant capital expense is the replacement of the aging bookmobile, with two options presented at costs between $325,000 and $345,000. The library also highlighted its return on investment, with residents saving over $4.1 million due to library services.
Council Approves Resolution to Maintain Natural Water Levels at Lake Hastings
The City Council voted to pass a resolution establishing a policy that the water level of Lake Hastings shall not be artificially raised, maintained, or supplemented through physical intervention by the city, with exceptions for ordinary utility operations. This resolution was debated extensively, with council members and staff discussing the historical contract regarding lake levels, the current water level (which is high), drought concerns, water allocation restrictions, and the implications for municipal water and electric systems. The resolution passed 6-1, with supporters arguing it aligns with water conservation efforts and Little Blue NRD recommendations, while opponents expressed concern about setting a rigid policy and potentially neglecting the lake's recreational and community value.
CDBG Project for Mobile Home Parks Advances with Second Public Hearing
A second public hearing was held for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project for the Hastings Mobile Home Park Communities, KNK, and Nebraska Improvement Project. The city was awarded $335,900 in November 2024 for this project, which will improve water systems, including fire suppression, in K and K Mobile Park and Nebraskan Mobile Park. Originally intended only for K and K, redesign efficiencies allowed for the inclusion of Nebraskan. The project aims to benefit residents with improved infrastructure and enhance fire safety due to a past tragedy. The project is expected to be completed before the May 2027 deadline.
Police and Fire Rescue Personnel Honored with Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Actions
The City Council recognized police and fire rescue personnel for life-saving efforts in an incident involving an 18-month-old child who suffered cardiac arrest due to a complete airway obstruction. The Phoenix Award was presented to Lieutenant Jared Hackler, Firefighter Paramedics Bryce Bottleson and Shane Parker, Firefighter EMTs Tanner Klein and Shane Parker, Corporal Grady Gardner, Officer Cambron Montague, Sergeant Ethan Sharman, and Officer Stephen Gonzalez. Their coordinated actions, from initial police response and airway intervention to advanced life support by fire and rescue, successfully removed an intact grape lodged in the child's airway and resuscitated the patient, who has since fully recovered.
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