The Hastings City Council held a special workshop session Monday night before the regular council meeting for the purpose of interviewing four applicants to fill the vacant Fourth Ward council seat.
During the regular meeting, after three ballots failed to produce the needed five votes for any one candidate to be appointed, Council voted to temporarily suspend their rules to allow election by simple majority. Fourth Ward resident Deborah Hatfield was then elected 4 votes to 3 and will be sworn in at the next meeting to fill the vacancy.
Much of the time at the meeting was spent updating the council and public on the status of the Ricin exposure situation at Tyden Lofts apartments and thanking the City Staff, Fire Department, Police Department, First Responders, Health Department, and all parties involved for their excellent response in handling the situation.
In other business, Council approved equipment purchases for the Fire Department including a positive-pressure ventilation fan, thermal imaging camera, and replacement of expiring protective clothing.
The fall Girl’s Night Out event by Hastings Business Connection was approved for October 1st.
City Council approved a proposal from Lettinga Carriage Service to allow their carriage service to operate within city limits. The carriage, drawn by their horse named “Bud” will be allowed to operate for special events and occasions in the downtown area.
