By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington City Council approved a downtown redevelopment plan, advanced sewer rate changes, authorized bidding for street improvements and discussed several park projects during its Tuesday, October 13 meeting.
The meeting began with recognition of William Cunard for his service to the city with the Flower Posse. His service includes caring for the flowers around downtown with watering and more. Layne Laaker from Public Works said, “He takes his own time out of his own day multiple times a week to water all the plants around town and make sure Bennington looks beautiful.”
Cunard also serves on the tree board and provides knowledge around trees and plants to the public works department.
“He’s a beloved member in the Bennington society and we couldn’t thank him any more,” Laaker added.
The Community Development Agency recommended approval of an updated downtown redevelopment plan designed to identify improvement opportunities and guide projects eligible for redevelopment funding.
The plan divides the city into four zones: core downtown, industrial, commercial and residential. The core downtown district extends from 156th Street to Stark Street and from Bennington Road to Warehouse Street, excluding residential properties. Each zone includes goals and objectives to help the city evaluate potential projects, ranging from sidewalk improvements to individual property redevelopment. The council approved the plan unanimously.
During public comment, Gordon Mueller emphasized the importance of preserving Bennington’s history as redevelopment moves forward. He noted that four local buildings date to 1888 and a home within the redevelopment district dates to 1864.
“I hope that the developers of those plans take those things into consideration when they issue those permits,” Mueller said.
Mayor Clint Adams encouraged Mueller to participate in public hearings involving the properties.
The council introduced an ordinance updating sanitary sewer connection fees to account for changes in Omaha’s rate schedule and Bennington’s administrative costs. The proposed structure also includes increases for commercial and industrial connections. The ordinance will follow the required three readings before final action. The council also approved an approximately 7% average sewer rate increase for the upcoming fiscal year. The adjustment accounts for operating expenses, maintenance and future infrastructure needs as the city prepares for continued growth.
City Engineer Julie Ogden said the city is budgeting for potential future sewer extensions, including a possible connection beneath Highway 36 to serve multiple properties. The city is also nearing completion of its sewer lining project. The council approved a related pay application, with final payment and project closeout anticipated in November.
The council authorized advertising for bids for an asphalt overlay project covering portions of Molley Street, Howard Street, Stark Street, Bennington Road, Allen Street and North Second Street, with additional segments potentially included depending on the final scope. Molley Street and Stark Street were identified as priorities. The city will determine which sections can be completed within the available budget, considering road conditions and necessary repairs.
Some locations will require curb work and updated curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements. Bids are expected to open near the end of October, with construction targeted for spring before Bennington Daze.
The council approved moving forward with the next steps for a grant application supporting a proposed “Play for All” playground at Neumeyer Farm Park.
The project is estimated to cost at least $600,000, with the city responsible for securing matching funds and providing long-term maintenance. The Bennington Community Foundation has expressed interest in helping raise the required match. Grant funding is not expected until 2028, giving the city additional time to organize fundraising. The playground could incorporate a farm theme.
Meanwhile, planning continues for Phase 2 of the city’s park improvements. Staff are exploring an electrical connection to power irrigation rather than relying on solar power, with cost estimates and quotes to be obtained before the proposal returns to the council.
Bonds for the project were expected by the end of the week, allowing the city to schedule a preconstruction meeting. Grading and other preliminary work could begin before the end of October. Officials said all playing surfaces will be sodded, which should allow them to become playable sooner than seeded fields.
The council heard a presentation from Derek Brechbill of Public Works about partnering with Pheasants Forever to establish a native prairie and wildlife habitat at Logeman Park.
The city is considering how to use approximately 5.5 acres near its baseball fields that are currently being farmed. Pheasants Forever has expressed interest in funding work that could include grading, native seeding and planting plugs to establish prairie vegetation.
The concept includes trails for public access while restoring much of the property to native habitat. Pheasants Forever would assist with maintenance and controlled burns as needed, with a formal agreement outlining each party’s responsibilities.
The project would also provide educational opportunities about native plants, wildlife and prairie ecosystems. Work could begin as early as Nov. 15, with native plugs planted by April 30. The organization requested signage identifying the habitat. City officials preferred signage consistent with other city parks, incorporating the Logemann Park name.
Brechbill said residents already use the area’s trails for walking and bring their dogs to the property.
“I would like to make it something that’s generally accessible for that activity,” he said.
The Bennington Public Library reported a busy fall schedule, including Halloween programming and popular sourdough classes. Staff were scheduled to attend the Nebraska Library Association conference in La Vista during a staff development day.
Planning also continues for the library’s expansion master plan. JEO has completed an assessment, and a building committee kickoff meeting was scheduled for the following week.
The Bennington Police Department reported that Officer Jon Starke and Ducky, the department’s canine, were featured in a national calendar produced by the organization that donated Ducky’s protective vest: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. These calendars are for sale as part of a fundraiser for the organization on their website at www.vik9s.org. The department also issued 26 speeding tickets. Slow down Bennington!
Public works staff discussed recurring sprinkler head problems at athletic fields, potential irrigation improvements and positive feedback from a solid waste workshop that raised the possibility of partnering with Hillside Solutions. The city’s website redesign is progressing, with staff reporting positive initial feedback on the design mockups.
City officials also discussed potentially replacing the welcome sign near the bank after community member Dee Clark raised the idea.
The council reviewed its project tracker. No public comments were received during the final comment period, and the meeting concluded with an executive session.
