By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington City Council approved a series of infrastructure projects and planning agreements during its July 13 meeting, moving several long-term city improvements another step forward while also receiving updates on ongoing construction projects.

Among the largest items discussed was the Big Papio Creek Trail, where council members approved multiple agreements and invoices necessary to continue engineering and environmental work on the project.

The supplemental agreements with HDR Engineering cover additional environmental analysis required for federally funded projects, as well as preliminary engineering work. City staff explained that although the agreements increase the engineering contract, the city’s required local match will not increase because contingency funds remain available within the grant. Construction on the trail is still expected to be about a year away.

Council members also approved the city’s $22,800 local match for the Bennington Trail and Park Plan, which will be supplemented by additional funding from the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

An update on the city’s sanitary sewer lining project showed the work is nearing completion.

City staff reported that all sanitary sewer lining has been finished, service connections have been restored, and only one section of larger storm sewer pipe remains. After discovering the existing pipe was larger than originally documented, engineers determined the remaining section can also be lined without increasing the overall contract price.

The project is now expected to finish roughly $11,000 under its original budget.

The council approved the first pay application for repairs to the Bennington Road bridge near Bennington Elementary School, along with a small geotechnical invoice and a change order for additional repairs discovered during construction.

During demolition, crews uncovered several unexpected issues, including deteriorated concrete beneath the approaches, damaged pavement near the guardrail, and repairs needed around the bridge expansion joint.

Even with the additional work, the project remains well under budget and is expected to reopen before school begins this fall. If conditions allow, the bridge could reopen even sooner.

Council members approved an engineering agreement with JEO Consulting Group to begin designing an asphalt overlay project for several older residential streets.

Current plans include portions of Molley Street, Stark Street, Allen Street, and North Second Street. Additional sections may be included depending on final construction costs and available funding.

City staff said many of the streets have not received significant improvements in approximately 15 years and are good candidates for resurfacing rather than more extensive reconstruction. The engineering agreement covers design, bidding assistance, and construction management.

The council also authorized design work to determine the cost of paving the entrance road into the baseball complex.

The project would evaluate paving approximately 600 feet of roadway leading from the existing pavement to the parking area. City officials said the improvement is being considered ahead of the opening of Bennington’s second high school, which is expected to significantly increase traffic and baseball activity at the complex beginning in 2028.

The design process will allow the city to determine construction costs before exploring potential partnerships with Bennington Public Schools, American Legion baseball, and other organizations to help fund the project. In the meantime, dust suppressant will again be applied to the entrance road later this month.

City officials reported that Phase 2 of Neumeyer Farm Park is moving closer to construction.

Pending final approval from HUD, the city expects to advertise for construction bids later this month, with bids anticipated to open in mid-August. If a contractor is ready to begin quickly, the project could potentially be awarded during the city’s special budget meeting at the end of August.

Officials remain hopeful grading work can begin this fall, depending on the selected contractor’s schedule.

Other business

The council also:

• Approved Ordinance No. 548, amending the city’s zoning map to establish a Clustered/Mixed Use Overlay District for the Prairie Ridge subdivision.
• Approved 2027 fireworks permits for the Bennington Jaycees and American Legion Post 266.
• Received reports from the library, police department, public works, city office, and project tracker.
• Learned that dust suppressant will also be applied to several unpaved city alleys later this month.
• Received an update that work continues on the city’s redesigned website, which remains on schedule for completion later this year.

Police Chief reports showed officers issued 49 traffic citations last month.

During public comments, downtown business owners discussed ideas for additional signage promoting Bennington’s downtown business district and expressed interest in exploring the creation of a downtown business association. City officials encouraged further discussion and suggested researching how similar-sized communities have organized downtown development efforts. Business owners also raised concerns about the condition of downtown alleys and asked about future improvements. City staff explained that while routine maintenance and dust control are provided, paving would require the formation of an alley improvement district supported by affected property owners.