During Tuesday’s meeting, the Becker city council was happy to not have to wear masks for the first time in over a year. 

In other news, Connie Robinson, director of finance, will be stepping down. She has accepted a new job working for MetroBus in St. Cloud, in their finance department.

Committee Reports

The joint fire board reported having a high volume of calls for the month of April, and they received a $10,000 donation from the Lions Club.

Public works recently approved the streets department use an experimental new sealer on Third St., between Hancock St. and Brenda Blvd. 

The board gave a big thank-you to Northern Metals Recycling for hosting the Becker recycle day.

Water Well

The city will be creating a new water well along Co. Rd. 24. This project has been in the works for a long time, but has been delayed due to the grant process from the state. The city advertised for bids in 2020, so city staff asked the bidders to submit new bids, rather than start the whole process over again. Phil Knutson of public services felt the city probably saved some money by asking the bidders to update their bids rather than submit new ones. He stated that it seemed the only increase came from the cost of materials and not an increase in pay for labor hours.

The council awarded the bid to Northdale Construction for $941,099.08. Part of the cost for the project will be matched by the state.

Wastewater Biofilter Conversion

The wastewater biofilter cell four will be converted into a solids dump station. This essentially means that it will become a place where solid objects that cannot be handled by the sewer system can be dumped (such as wet wipes, paper towels, and other things people flush but should not). Without these items causing damage to the system, Chris Lisson of public works believes the equipment will last much longer and work better. 

In Other Business,the Board:

• Approved easement agreements with New Energy Equity, LLC, for the new solar array;

• Approved cart path maintenance for hole 13 at Pebble Creek for $1,200;

• Approved a panel replacement for lift station 16 at public works;

• Agreed to allow Liberty Paper a higher limit on sewer resources;

• Committed special revenue funds in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards.