New Hastings council member has plans for public safety

HASTINGS, Neb. — One of Hastings newly elected council members is already planning for when he takes up the position next year.

Shawn Hartmann was elected to represent Ward 4 last Tuesday and said he's already got plans to introduce a solution to the City of Hastings emergency response time.

Hartmann said with the viaduct out of the question, it's time to think about building another fire station on the north side of town.

"I know for several million dollars that we could probably staff and put together a fire station here on the south side of town and then we could eliminate the emergency responder situation and with the way that everything has grown out here, I think it's the right way to go," said Hartmann.

Another item Hartmann said is on his radar is to provide a solution for the Algae growing in Heartwell park.

"Hartwell Park is actually run off of the city and because it was so dry there wasn't enough fresh water that runs through and then the algae can actually build up to the point where they have to clear it out. It's kind of a big project and I think some people have some ideas on how they can eliminate that and I'd like to hear them," Hartmann said.

Hartmann is slated to take his seat on the council to represent Ward 4 in January.