By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, February 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Office. The council addressed routine approvals, development projects, community initiatives, infrastructure updates, and departmental reports in a session that highlighted ongoing growth and proactive planning in the city.
The meeting opened with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the January 12, 2026, meeting minutes, January bills paid, Keno receipts of $9,223.98 (at 8.75%), and several JEO Consulting invoices for engineering services related to general engineering ($8,205), the Public Works Building ($691.25), Bennington Road Bridge repair ($4,257.50), Neumeyer Park Soccer Complex ($12,640), and 2026 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Improvements ($7,650). All items were approved without issue.
A key development item was the final plat approval for the Prairie Ridge project, a 7.3-acre mixed residential development in a Medium Density (R-3) and Clustered/Mixed Use (CMD) zoning district at Lot 1, Bennington Park Plaza. Minor adjustments to the plat included setting a minimum lot width of 26 feet and increasing impervious surface coverage to 69% on lots (with an updated drainage study to follow). Additional refinements addressed sidewalk easements, grading near existing duplexes for better maintenance and proper stormwater flow, and planting native grasses on steeper inclines to ease upkeep. The Planning Commission recommended approval contingent on addressing engineer comments, and the council approved the plat.
The council also granted a Conditional Use Permit for the Bennington Community Theatre (BCT) to operate a Theater Training Studio in a Highway Commercial (C-1) zoning district at Lot 2, Building #1, McGregor Brae (12720 N. 158th St.), in the Bennington Contractor Bays space. The facility will support rehearsals, workshops, set design, training, and storage, with performances continuing at off-site venues. Operations are expected primarily evenings and weekends, minimizing impact on neighbors. Parking concerns were discussed but deemed low-risk given the hours of operation. BCT President Blake Thompson addressed the council, expressing gratitude for community support and the affordable space, stating, “Our goal is to bring music and theater to the community… We’ve had support from a lot of people in this room, so thank you to everyone.” The Planning Commission recommended approval, and the council concurred.
In a presentation from Brock Beran of Trekk Design Group LLC, the council learned about a proposed GIS mapping project for the city’s sanitary and storm sewer systems. Triggered in part by previous cracking issues on C W Hadan, the initiative would scan and map manholes and lines to enable proactive maintenance rather than reactive fixes. The estimated cost is $305,000 over five years, including a condition assessment program, scoring of structures, and rehabilitation recommendations. The city would retain full ownership of the data and map for ongoing use by planning, utilities, and developers. Officials expressed interest in exploring a potential contract further.
Other approvals included Pay Application #9 to Darland for $44,443.29 and substantial completion of the Public Works Building, along with Change Order #9 ($0.00) for an extended warranty on exterior pavement.
An update on the Papio Creek Trail grant noted plans for an ADA-compliant crossing at Bennington Road, with the trail extending across Bennington Road and 156th Street, then back into downtown. While additional funding could support a bridge over/under 156th Street, it would delay the project by a year and would incur a considerable cost; the council opted to proceed without further delays.
Departmental reports included:
– Library: A busy month with the winter reading challenge (a bingo card format yielding valuable programming feedback), successful recent events, positive reviews, and a new part-time employee. Residents were encouraged to check the calendar for upcoming activities as there are several exciting events planned in February.
– Police: Highlights included 338 calls for service, 42 citations, a K9 Ducky deployment resulting in an arrest, ongoing investigations (including a sexual assault case at the high school and a theft/trespassing matter referred to Douglas County Sheriff’s Office), repairs to the Explorer cruiser, and recent participation in a podcast featuring Chief Andrew Hilscher, K9 Officer Jon Starke, and Ducky (available on the department’s Facebook page).
– Public Works: The department saw approval of a cost-share agreement with Bennington Soccer Club for removable fencing at Neumeyer Farm Soccer Field ($3,252.17 total, city covering half from miscellaneous parks budget) to keep balls off Bennington Road and in parking lots. The fencing, installable in 70-ft segments by city crews, will be stored off-season by the club and offers dual benefit for city use. Additional notes included gradual move-in to the new Public Works building and start of crosswalk construction between the police department lot and library across 156th Street.
During public comments, Bennington resident Derek Schwartz introduced himself as a candidate for Nebraska Legislature District 18 (which includes Bennington). A local Bennington resident, husband, father, and police officer in La Vista, Schwartz emphasized his values of service, faith, family, and hard work, expressing eagerness to connect with residents, answer questions, and learn more about community needs.
The meeting adjourned after covering the project tracker and other routine office matters. The session reflected Bennington’s continued focus on balanced residential growth, cultural enrichment, infrastructure investment, and community safety and engagement. For full details, residents can refer to official city records or the Bennington website.
