Becker public works will be getting three major upgrades after this week’s city council meeting. They will be moving forward with purchasing a new solar array, replacing pumps, and repainting a water tower. 

Arbor Day Proclamation

Mayor Tracy Bertram started the meeting by proclaiming April 23 as Arbor Day in Becker. She encouraged residents to continue to plant trees in the community for future generations to enjoy.

Power Purchase Agreement

The city is engaging with Cedar Creek Energy to have a solar array installed at the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). New Energy Equity is the financial partner of Cedar Creek Energy, and the city has come to an agreement on a contract for the project. 

The solar array should offset a lot of the city’s energy expenses over time, and staff expects the equipment should work for a long time. 

Domestic Influent Pump Replacement

The influent well at the WWTF receives all domestic wastewater flow from the city. Three pumps move the wastewater in this well. The pumps are projected to have a life span of 9-12 years, and have currently been in use for 13 years. 

The city received two bids to replace the pumps, the lower being at $68,915. Staff asked council to approve a budget for the project at $97,500. Council member Rick Hendrickson asked about the discrepancy in the amount for the bid and the requested amount for the budget, and Chris Lisson of the public works department responded that it was to cover the cost of replacing broken parts that might be discovered as the pumps are replaced. 

Water Tower Painting

One water tower, of three total owned by the city, is due to be painted. The towers are painted regularly in order to ensure they have a long life and are preserved well. Central Tank Coatings will be engaged to clean and paint the exterior of the water tower at a cost not to exceed $50,000. The word “Becker” will be painted on the side which faces Hwy. 10 at no additional cost.