An annexation request from the City of Becker, as well as a battle over insurance claims were the two topics that dominated discussion at Monday’s Becker Twp. Board meeting.

The City Of Becker requested to annex two parcels, totaling approximately 153 acres.  Parcel A has been owned by the city for many years, while Parcel B was acquired recently and is home to a well head that connects to the water supply.

According to the orderly annexation agreement between the city and township, the city can annex any municipally owned parcels even if they leapfrog over other township property.

City staffer Jacob Sanders was at the meeting to answer any questions and Supervisor Luke Babler asked why the city wanted to bring forward the annexation at this time.

Sanders replied that it is the city’s intention to have any of its property within its own jurisdiction, and added that the benefit to the city is limited to the farm rental income generated on the parcels.

Babler asked if the city had any intentions of putting a sewer connection to either property and also mentioned that he struggled with the city having all of these acres sitting there idly and not generating any tax revenue.

“Why does the city need it?” Babler asked.

Sanders again responded that there were not plans for developments or improvements to the parcels.  “There’s been no discussion (on development).  Zero,” Sanders said.

With the question period done, the board passed a motion to approve the annexation request with Babler being the lone dissenting vote.

Insurance

For several months, the Township has been trying to negotiate a better settlement on the Town Hall hail damage claim and former supervisor Mark Limpert appeared before the board to offer his contractor services in helping to get more damage covered.

The insurance company is declining to cover the entire roof, as well as offering a low estimate for the cost of repairs.

Limpert’s services would include negotiating with the insurance company and filing appeals as needed.

The board approved the contract with Limpert and he was planning to get started ASAP, although with the appeals process he assumed construction would not commence until spring.

In Other Business, the Board:

• Heard from Sgt. Dan Frank of the SCSO about last month’s 207 calls for service, which included 98 traffic stops. Frank also noted that several aircraft calls have come in about crop dusters in the area, but there were no crashes, as the planes are designed to dive towards the ground as part of their work;

• Learned that the first home-based business CUP for the new ordinance is coming before the planning board;

• Heard from Engineer Wes Davis about upcoming road projects, including the 82nd street project which will commence this coming week;

• Learned that the CMRP will be re-configured to have a sole focus on transportation, meaning the bridge crossing discussion will continue;

• Decided to further study the compensation rates for Election Judges for next year;

• Heard from Babler that the old fire hall issue is moving forward and it appears likely that a resolution will be reached to give the Becker American Legion a more permanent home in the near future.