In April, the Becker City Council interviewed candidates for the vacant police chief position. Council identified one candidate as their best fit for the job, and, at the May 6 meeting, directed staff to extend a job offer to the individual. 

Audit Presentation

The city hired Abdo to complete the annual audit. The auditor presented a clean (unmodified) opinion of the city’s finances for 2024. This is the best “score” on an audit a city can receive. They noted that city staff were very helpful and great to work with. 

Parks and Trails

The city is looking to spend up to $180,000 (with a plan to spend no more than $165,000) on updates at Pleasant Valley Park. The current equipment is becoming aged. The old equipment at the toddler part of the playground may be saved for another future use depending on how worn it is when staff investigates it. 

Staff is planning to revamp the current swings and keep them, which will save $10,000 on the project. 

Webber Recreation submitted proposals for the new playground equipment and council opted to move forward with them. 

The city is also working on improvements to the trail on Brenda Blvd. and Joseph Ave. The current trail is cracked in places and generally in need of updating. Council approved the work for a cost of about $55,000.

First Street Zoning

The owners of a 5.5 acre parcel of land on First St. want to change the zoning of their property from commercial to high-density residential, which would allow it to be used for apartments. 

Staff didn’t see any issues with the request and recommended council approval. The staff believed it would support goals of walkable spaces in the city, as the parcel is walking distance from the schools, Kolbinger Park, the grocery store, and other amenities. 

A public hearing was held April 28 with no comments being submitted for consideration. 

In Other Business, the Council:

• Signed a supplemental letter of agreement with their engineering firm, Short Elliot HendricksonInc (SEH), for services during road construction;

• Approved a minor subdivision for the Danielson family;

• Approved replacing a domestic non-pot system pump and control panel at public works.