By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington City Council unanimously approved key infrastructure bids, a city website modernization project, and other items during its regular meeting on Monday, March 9 at the City Office. Mayor Clint Adams highlighted several positive developments, including significant budget savings on projects and a farewell to a long-time city employee.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a plaque to City Director John Bohrer, recognizing his 13 years of dedicated service to the City of Bennington. March will mark Bohrer’s final month before his official retirement. The council and mayor expressed deep appreciation for his contributions over the years.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included Keno receipts totaling $12,082.13 for February. They also greenlit a street closure for the GEARS Car Show on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. downtown, continuing the popular annual event organized by the Greater Elkhorn Area Rods (GEARS) group.
Infrastructure approvals delivered notable savings:
– The sanitary and storm sewer lining bid for Allen, Stark, Molley, and CW Hadan areas (Municipal Tool) was awarded, coming in $34,000 under budget.
– The Bennington Road bridge approaches repair bid came in $63,000 under the budgeted amount. Work is set to start after Bennington Daze and is planned to be completed and open to traffic before school resumes in mid-August.
– The 2026 street patching program bid was approved at $56,322.08.
The council passed Resolution No. 2026-01, updating the City Personnel Manual with changes to part-time employee benefits, city property policies, a new Code of Conduct and Ethics, and enhanced harassment and drug-free workplace provisions.
The 2026 Bennington Soccer Club use agreement was renewed with minor additions, including the new Neumeyer Farm field and fencing updates, while keeping rates unchanged.
In a move toward better digital services, the council approved a bid with local firm JM Online to update the city website at approximately $8,856. The new, user-friendly site will make it easier to find documents, enable online payments (such as for dog tags/pet licensing), improve accessibility and search functions, and meet modern standards like ADA compliance. The library’s website upgrade was tabled for additional review.
Mayor Adams noted that the city will switch trash providers in April, resulting in tax dollar savings. He also reminded residents that mulch remains available for public pickup next to the police station.
The police report noted 13 speeding tickets issued recently, highlighting ongoing traffic enforcement efforts. The library promoted its “Finding Gobi” event on March 10 at 6:00 p.m., featuring a presentation about a remarkable dog trek across the Gobi Desert (more about this in another article). Public Works discussed potential tree replanting near the creek area via a pending grant.
During public comments, a resident advocated for Dark Sky Week (March 13–20), highlighting successful local efforts to reduce light pollution, such as adjusted lighting along roads and the Ridgewood Senior Center.
