Bennet council approves USPS lease, Quincy right‑of‑way plat changes, planning contract and fund transfers

The City Council of Bennet, Nebraska, took several administrative and land‑use actions at its regular meeting on Jan. 19, approving multiple resolutions, contracts and fund transfers.

Consent agenda: The council approved the Dec. 8, 2025 minutes, claims for payment and the treasurer’s report. The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved by Dan Zieg and seconded by Josh Buck. Roll call vote recorded YES: Pete Simmons, Dan Zieg and Josh Buck; Jesse Schmidt was listed as absent for that vote.

USPS lease renewal: Mayor Ryan Cheney re‑introduced the U.S. Postal Service lease renewal and Matt Blaser reviewed lease options. The council directed Blaser to negotiate a five‑year renewal with the USPS leasing agent to be presented in February, then approved Resolution 2026‑1.2 to renew the post office lease for a single five‑year term. Dan Zieg moved and Jesse Schmidt seconded; roll call vote: YES—Josh Buck, Jesse Schmidt, Pete Simmons and Dan Zieg.

Quincy right‑of‑way project: The council discussed required lot changes and the need for a new plat with owners’ signatures and Lancaster County confirmation. Council member Pete Simmons moved to approve the Quincy Right‑of‑Way project; Jesse Schmidt seconded. Roll call vote: YES—Schmidt, Simmons and Zieg; Council member Josh Buck abstained with a conflict noted.

Planning support contract: The council approved an agreement with Ray Planning Solutions to provide assistance on building permits and zoning requirements. The motion, moved by Josh Buck and seconded by Jesse Schmidt, passed unanimously (YES—Simmons, Zieg, Schmidt, Buck).

Fund transfers: Councilman Jesse Schmidt outlined recommended transfers, including moving $143,000 from the Sewer Bond to an NPAIT Debt Service Subaccount and consolidating Park Fund and maturing CDs into NPAIT subaccounts. The council approved the transfers (motion: Dan Zieg; second: Jesse Schmidt). Roll call vote: YES—Buck, Schmidt, Simmons and Zieg.

Closed session and adjournment: The council voted to go into closed session at 8:15 PM (motion: Dan Zieg; second: Josh Buck) and returned to open session at 8:43 PM. With no further business, the council adjourned at 8:44 PM (motion: Dan Zieg; second: Pete Simmons).