During the Becker City Council meeting Tuesday, two new police officers, Preston Voigt and Tristian Mello, were sworn into the ranks of the police department. Both have served on the department for a while, but this was the first opportunity they had to be officially sworn in in front of city council, friends, and family.
Charlie’s Purchase Agreement
Council approved a purchase agreement with Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill on Hancock St. The city will be selling their lot adjacent to the restaurant property. The restaurant owners intend to add onto the building and construct an outdoor dining patio.
Xcel AUAR
Xcel Energy, in partnership with Becker City, has been working to complete an AUAR (Alternative Urban Areawide Review). The purpose of an AUAR is to determine how different types of development would impact the surrounding environment.
The document is being submitted for review to the Environmental Quality Board. It will be open to a public comment period for 30 days. Jacob Sanders, of the community development department, said information on how to submit comments would be available at the city’s website.
Building Official
The city council agreed upon a job description for a new building official. They also agreed to advertise for the new position. Council heard from administrator Greg Lerud that two individuals have already inquired about the position.
Election Results
The council canvassed the election results for the city. A total of 60.38% of the registered voters in the city turned out for the election. Of the voters, 1,636 voted in person at city hall and another 222 voted absentee.
Council members Robin Dingmann and Rick Hendrickson retained their seats, running unopposed. Their terms will continue until 2026.
In Other Business, the Council:
• Held two public hearings to certify delinquent utility and weed/grass removal fees to property taxes;
• Heard an update on the facilities study underway at city hall, which assess the needs of city staff and the police department against the space available;
• Approved the purchase of a new snow blower for 2023;
• Decided to apply for a Corridors of Commerce grant for potential road projects.
