Editor’s note: The author of this story, Lisa Mills, is a reporter for The Grand Prairie Herald.

The Hazen City Council met on February 19th. Mayor David Hardke, Recorder/Treasurer David Hoover, Police Chief Bradley Taylor, Fire Chief Seth Skarda, and council members Larry Anthony, Barbara Rogers, Tim Juola, and Stevie Chlapecka were present. The biggest discussion of the night was the current extremely high gas cost from WoodRiver Energy.

Mayor Hardke provided the breakdown sent from the city’s gas supplier, WoodRiver Energy showing the current cost of $92,392 for January compared to the highest amount in 2025 being $31,443 for December. He also provided a copy of an email he sent to Blake Bastien at WoodRiver asking him to explain the huge amount, and Bastien’s reply. It basically boils down to supply and demand which, of course, is affected by much colder weather than usual creating higher demand. WoodRiver’s gas comes from the pipeline companies, which control the gas prices to them, so if their cost is increased, they have to pass the increase to customers, like Hazen, which will also lead to an increase to Hazen’s gas customers.

A resolution was passed authorizing the mayor and recorder to enter into a lease agreement renewal with Mark Marek and Jeff Marek for farmland associated with the Hazen Airport. Payments will be made to the city at $12,452 by March 1st and $24,940 by December 1st.

Mayor Hardke reported that there had been Ice Storm damage at Love’s and an insurance claim had been filed. He also reported that McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc had done the preliminary work to evaluate options prior to beginning the design phase for constructing a new water treatment plant. The cost for this work is based on an hourly basis and not expected to exceed $10,000, The city will begin applying for grants and explore other funding options for the project. He provided an update for the property at 105 N Livermore saying that he and Public Works Director Chad Swaim had spoken to the owners and they were willing to sell, so he had the architect from McClelland to look at it who said that it needed so much work and needs to be torn down. Hardke said he will have city attorney file a condemnation letter giving owners 30 days to take care of it or be fined $50 per day.

Fire Chief Skarda reported five 1st Responder calls and one grass fire. Police Chief Taylor reported that officers were showing a high presence and some arrests in a nuisance neighborhood. Public Works Director Chad Swaim was absent but provided a written report showing the following: 1. Water: replaced a busted meter at Love’s RV Park, replaced a meter and shut-off valve at Eastwood Apartments, and repaired a leak on West Crowly St. 2. Sewer: unstopped sewer mains at 302 S. Hazen Ave and 503 W. Cleveland St., and installed a sewer tap to the Massery Development Group building. 3. For City Property a hole was repaired at the end of walking trail, sewer lines were unstopped at the dog pound, and light bulbs were replaced at the Police Department.

Rogers asked for an update on the house in Grady Addition (1011 E, Sims). Hardke said that owner had been given until May 1st to clean it up and replace roof. Chalpecka asked Hardke if the city was aware of a tiny home/storage building being moved in on Washington St. Hardke said that the owner had been contacted and told that it could only be used for storage and not as a residence because it does not comply with state fire codes. The owner said that is was for storage only.