Bennet City Council adopts hazard plan, approves five‑year refuse contract and OKs 6% pay increase

The Bennet City Council on Dec. 8 adopted an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved a five‑year residential refuse contract with Uribe Refuse Services, authorized solicitation of bids for a new maintenance building and approved a 6% cost‑of‑living salary increase for city employees.

Mayor Ryan Cheney called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. at Bennet City Hall. Following roll call by City Clerk Sue Biltoft, the council approved the consent agenda — including the minutes of the Nov. 10 meeting, claims for payment, the treasurer’s report, Resolution 2025‑12.2 (Master Fee Schedule) and Resolution 2025‑12.4 setting the water usage rate for Bennet Elementary School — on a roll‑call vote.

The council then took up an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan and accompanying Resolution 2025‑11.3. City Engineer Brian Schuele reviewed changes to the plan. Councilmember Pete Simmons moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑11.3; Dan Zieg seconded and the motion passed on a roll‑call vote. The council’s adoption implements the revised local plan as presented to the body.

Next the council considered an updated contract with Uribe Refuse Services. Attorney Matt Blaser, of the Solheim Law Office, explained that the agreement differs from the original three‑year bid by extending the term to five years and including two annual renewal options. The contract covers residential curbside pickup only. Councilmember Josh Buck moved to approve the updated agreement; Pete Simmons seconded and the council approved the contract by roll‑call vote.

Council members discussed the costs associated with inspecting the Post Office building and the potential lease renewal. No action was taken; the item was tabled for the January 2026 meeting.

Brian Schuele presented performance specifications for bidders on a new maintenance building. The council authorized solicitation of bids with a required project completion date of August 31, 2026; that motion passed on a roll‑call vote.

During the annual reorganization, Jesse Schmidt nominated Pete Simmons as council president; Josh Buck seconded the nomination. The motion carried with Dan Zieg recorded as abstaining. The mayor also presented the 2026 City Council committee appointments, re‑appointing members to Finance, Housing, Streets, Parks, Personnel and Utilities committees.

The council approved Resolution 2025‑12‑1 appointing municipal officials after a motion by Dan Zieg and seconded by Pete Simmons. On personnel pay, the council debated whether to apply a flat dollar amount or a percentage increase. The council approved a 6% salary increase for all city employees, effective Jan. 1, 2026, via Resolution 2025‑12‑3.

At 8:11 p.m. the council voted to go into closed session to discuss litigation and returned to open session at 8:36 p.m. With no further business, the council adjourned at 8:37 p.m. The minutes were signed by City Clerk Sue Biltoft and Mayor Ryan Cheney.

Votes at a glance • Consent agenda (minutes, claims, treasurer’s report, Res. 2025‑12.2, Res. 2025‑12.4): Approved (roll call: Buck, Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg — yes). • Resolution 2025‑11.3 (Hazard Mitigation Plan): Approved (roll call: Buck, Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg — yes). • Uribe Refuse Services contract (five‑year residential curbside pickup): Approved (roll call: Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg, Buck — yes). • Authorization to solicit bids for maintenance building (completion by Aug. 31, 2026): Approved (roll call: Buck, Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg — yes). • Nomination of Pete Simmons as Council President: Approved (record shows Zieg abstained). • Resolution 2025‑12‑1 (Appointment of Officials): Approved (roll call: Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg, Buck — yes). • Resolution 2025‑12‑3 (6% salary increase effective Jan. 1, 2026): Approved (roll call: Buck, Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg — yes).

What’s next The Post Office inspection and lease renewal item was tabled until the January 2026 meeting. Bid specifications for the maintenance building will move to solicitation with a listed completion target of Aug. 31, 2026.