Mayor Frank Campbell read the following message to the community before Mthe July 11 Hastings City Council meeting:
“As you are aware, this past Thursday night a gunman in Dallas killed five police officers and wounded seven others. And, now today, we have leaned that two additional law enforcement officers in Berrien County were cruelly gunned down by an inmate at the Berrien County Courthouse right here in our own back yard in St. Joseph, Michigan.
“We cannot and must not let the sacrifice made by these brave officers go unnoticed. Our hearts break for the families of these courageous individuals who must now go on without those they loved so dearly. Those engaged in law enforcement here in Hastings and across the country put their lives on the line each and every day.
“They do so without regard for their own personal safety, bravely placing themselves in harm’s way whenever they are called to do so. Pease join me in recognizing their efforts in making this world a better place for all of us to live.
“Please take the time to say thank you when you see them on the streets and to acknowledge their service to our country and our community. Let’s all work together to make sure that the tragic events in Dallas, St. Joseph and elsewhere come to an end.” Campbell led a minute of silence to honor the fallen officers and members of their families.
In city business, Public Service Director Lee Hays told the council that Andre Randal is the new Utilities Superintendent for the city water and wastewater plants with Mead and Hunt replacing Casey Rose/George Holzworth.
Randal, who started on July 5, worked for the City of Lyons for 20 years and has the licenses required for the operation of both facilities. He and his family will relocate to Hastings.//
The council had a first reading of an ordinance that would allow first floor residential units in the rear of buildings State Street B-1 Downtown Business District with some conditions.
And another first reading of an ordinance changing zoning of a parcel of land at the Hastings Country Club, 1550 North Broadway, from single family residential (R-1) and residential suburban (R-S) to B-2 commercial to be sold for commercial development. The Planning Commission has recommended denying the change. Both ordinances will be brought up for action at the next council meeting.
The council also approved:
* Michigan Avenue Church of Christ using the Tyden Park pavilion for a worship service and family picnic on Aug. 7. with about 30 attending, and waive the fees.
* Barry County Road Commission holding a company picnic at Bob King Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 4 or 5 and waive the fees.
* a request from Renae Feldpausch to use city-owned green space behind the old city hall for a one hour at 3:30 p.m. performance by a traveling Theatre Troupe Aug. 27, during Summerfest. She will coordinate the activity with the Barry County and Summerfest Committee.
* a YMCA request to use of Fish Hatchery ball fields Friday nights in September and October for men’s and coed fall softball games, and also permission for another group to hold a softball tournament on Aug. 6 at the park.
* a request from Dairy Queen owner Tyler Guernsey to hold a one mile fun run fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network on July 28 which will occur mainly in Fish Hatchery Park.
