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Bennet council approves intent to apply for Nemaha NRD grant, discusses Firefly Festival street closure and enters closed session
Summary
The council voted to submit an Intent-to-Apply for a Nemaha Natural Resources District grant to support trails or native grass at Whispering Pines Park, adjusted the planned Firefly Festival street closure to Saturday only, noted a Public Works hire resigned before starting and entered closed session for legal advice on pending litigation.
At its Feb. 9 meeting the Bennet City Council voted to submit an Intent-to-Apply form to the Nemaha Natural Resources District for potential grant funds that could be used for the city’s trail program or for native grass at Whispering Pines Park.
Mayor Ryan Cheney introduced the grant item and Dan Zieg moved to submit the Intent-to-Apply form; Josh Buck seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The council discussed possible uses for the funds if the grant is awarded but took no further formal action until an application is prepared.
Kristin Nelson answered council questions about a Block Party Application from BEDA for the Firefly Festival (June 12–13, 2026). After discussion the council decided to close Garden Street only on Saturday, June 13 from morning until midnight; staff will present a formal resolution for that closure at the March 9 meeting.
Utility Superintendent Zach Fergus reported an applicant for the Public Works position had accepted the job but resigned before beginning employment; the city will reopen the position for applications.
The council voted unanimously to go into closed session at 7:30 p.m. to receive legal advice regarding threatening or pending litigation and returned to open session at 8:12 p.m. No final action resulting from the closed session was recorded in the minutes. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
