By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 13 at the City Office, approving several infrastructure projects, community events, and a blight study while tabling the Bennington Daze parade application amid questions and resident concerns.
The meeting opened with Library Director Lisa Flaxbeard receiving a 20-year service award.
The council continued with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the March 9 meeting minutes, March bills paid, March Keno receipts of $9,007.02, an Arbor Day Proclamation for Friday, April 24, and multiple invoices from JEO Consulting totaling over $41,000 for engineering work on general projects, the public works building, sanitary sewer improvements, and the Neumeyer Park Soccer Complex.
City Auditor Tim Lens from Creative Planning presented the annual audit, highlighting a positive $243,000 increase in sales tax revenue for the previous year.
The council tabled the street closure and event application for Bennington Daze (June 6-7) after representatives were unavailable to answer questions. Legion Commander Merlin Kay raised concerns about the proposed parade route along Bennington Road from 168th to Allen Streets. He noted that the change would make it difficult for Legion veterans to lead the parade and present the colors as they have since the tradition began in 1980. Kay added, “It’s a high honor because we are showing respect to all veterans current and from the past.” The proposed route changes would make it very difficult for longtime members to walk up the hills while displaying the colors, something Kay says helps bring awareness to the community about our veterans.
Additional public comments highlighted the importance of maintaining the traditional downtown parade route as well as emergency access issues, since closures on Second Street and Warehouse Street would leave some residential areas without road access if Bennington Road were also closed. The related Farmer’s Market application for 2026 was approved, with over 115 vendors expected. Organizers noted they are working with businesses to maintain access and will adjust the Bennington Daze layout to use Warehouse Street instead of 2nd.
The council unanimously approved multiple items for the Ironman 70.3 Omaha Triathlon scheduled for Sunday, June 7. Approximately 2,200 athletes are expected to participate, with the 56-mile bike portion routing along Highway 36 from Lake Cunningham. Closures will begin around 7 a.m., with peak activity between 9-9:45 a.m. World Triathlon Corporation is providing traffic control, and Bennington Police will assist locally (with costs reimbursed). The council also approved related agreements and a resolution for state highway closure and indemnification.
In a key action, the council approved Resolution No. 2026-02, declaring a developing plat within the city limits as substandard and blighted under the Nebraska Community Development Law following a public hearing and staff reports on the 2026 Prairie Ridge Blight Study. This opens the door for current redevelopment efforts.
The council voted to award the Bennington Road Bridge Approach project to the second-low bidder, ME Collins Contracting, for $162,910 after the original low bidder asked to be released due to staffing issues. ME Collins requested an extra week for full road closure, though the road is expected to reopen before school starts. There may be ongoing work next to the roads after school begins though. The city is seeking to have the original contractor cover the roughly $16,000 cost difference, so this approval is subject to successful negotiations. Council members chose to proceed this year rather than delay and risk higher bids next year.
Other approvals included:
– A Municipal Utility District (MUD) agreement to reconvey property for the city water tower and adjoining well (subject to insurance review).
– Subdivision, sewer connection, maintenance, and annexation agreements with S.I.D. No. 645 for the Rainwood Square Subdivision, located just outside current city limits. The annexation agreement provides future flexibility for the city to annex the development without requiring immediate action.
– Updated plan sheets for Neumeyer Farm Park Soccer Fields Phase 2 (see below), with the council opting to proceed with grading and sodding this year in hopes the fields can be used next spring.
Director Reports:
The library report noted the ongoing art contest display (in partnership with the Bennington Women’s Club), upcoming return of state-level entries, and heavy use of the conference room: 291 times by outside groups and over 300 times for library programs last year. Plans for potential expansion into former public works bays are underway.
Police Chief reports included warnings about e-bikes and scooters, with several incidents involving children not following traffic laws. Per the Attorney General’s classifications, vehicles exceeding 25 mph or lacking manual pedals are not legal on city roads. Officers issued 27 speeding tickets in March, prompting a “Slow down, Bennington!” reminder. Positive news included SRO Officer Stacia Nelson partnering with a golden retriever therapy dog for school use. More to come on this soon!
Public Works staff updated the council on the new city website (with logo revisions needed), spring park maintenance (fertilizing, tree trimming), pothole patching, sign repairs, and upcoming crosswalk repainting. Temporary crosswalks will be added across Bennington Road during Bennington Soccer Club tournaments.
The meeting concluded with an executive session on contract negotiations and litigation before adjournment.
The next regular City Council meeting is expected on May 11 at 6pm at the city offices.
