The Becker City Council met Tuesday to discuss committee reports, a gate upgrade to the WWTF, then held a closed meeting to discuss real estate options.

WWTF Gate

 Chris Lisson of public works asked council to approve contracting with Authority Fence and Decks, Hubbard Electric and Pro-Tec Design to complete the WWTF security gate project.

Lisson said the City of Becker Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) currently has a manual gate with no light or added security measures. He told council city staff proposes an upgrade that would include a motor operated gate with card readers for facility access and the addition of a light over the gate. 

“This project is important due to the many users that come and go through the WWTF gate each day,” said Lisson. 

Lisson said city staff access the WWTF as part of their duties as water/wastewater operators, staff receive deliveries on an almost daily basis, the City of Becker Police Dept. stores impounded/confiscated vehicles on the campus, contractors doing work in the city will often store large equipment on site, the Becker Fire Dept. has installed burn boxes on the campus that are used for training, leachate from GRE is delivered almost daily and contractors needing water for construction projects fill their trucks at the WWTF (often after hours). 

“Many people and vehicles travel in and out of the WWTF each day,” he said. “Staff are recommending this upgrade as a way to better monitor who comes and goes from the WWTF while allowing for better, more secure, access to staff and contractors who have been approved to enter the facility.”

Lisson received quotes from several contractors for the work to add power and data to the site, electrical work, gate and gate operator installation and installation of security equipment. Authority Fence, Hubbard Electric and Pro-Tec all came in with the lowest, most-qualified bids.

Staff has $21,000 set aside between the Water, Domestic Wastewater and Industrial Wastewater CIP’s to cover the gate, gate operator and electrical work. Approximately $15,000 remains on the Administration/Planning/EDA CIP for Surveillance/Camera System/Security items that will cover the installation of the security equipment.

Total cost for the project is estimated at $34,040.60.

Committee Reports

Council discussed the recent tour of the high bridge gas plant, the tour of Northern Metals Recycling site, budget & finance committee, fire joint powers board, joint planning board, golf committee and planning commission.

Closed Session

Council adjourned to a private setting to determine the asking price for real or personal property to be sold by the government entity and to review confidential or protected nonpublic appraisal data under section 13.44, subdivision 3 and to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property.

The parcel discussed is Parcel 05-128-4100 which was recently explored for a possible well site.

Up Next

The next Becker City Council meeting is Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.