Bennet reallocates municipal funds, reviews T-Ball parking plan and addresses water-main leak

Councilman Jesse Schmidt outlined several suggested transfers among city accounts: move $143,000 from the Sewer Bond to the NPAIT Debt Service Subaccount; transfer the entire Park Fund Savings Account into the NPAIT General Fund; and move funds from two CDs that matured on Dec. 29, 2025 (the Water Sinking Fund and Sewer Sinking Fund) at Union Bank & Trust into NPAIT Water and Sewer subaccounts. The council approved the transfers by roll call vote: YES — Buck, Schmidt, Simmons, Zieg.

City Engineer Brian Schuele introduced a concept for constructing a concrete parking lot on the east side of the T-Ball field for council review; the minutes record the concept was presented but do not record a construction decision or cost estimates.

Utilities Superintendent Zach Fergus reported a water-main leak near the Lancaster Rural Water meter area by the water tower. The minutes state that Lovell Excavating will locate the leak and assist with repair; no repair cost or timeline is provided in the record.

The council later entered closed session at 8:15 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:43 p.m.; it adjourned at 8:44 p.m.