The county asked Becker City Council to support an amendment allowing for the future exchange of Co. Rd. 11 and Hwy. 25. The county has been projecting on what the next big road project will be after work in Zimmerman is completed. They have identified that there is much more traffic that travels on Co. Rd. 11 than Hwy. 25, and so they are pursuing switching the two, making 11 a state highway and turning 25 into a county road. 

The county will need state approval to make the switch, and so they are seeking agreements from all involved partners (cities, townships) to make sure the process goes smoothly. 

Committee Reports

Public Works reported that the tentative date for Recycling Day is May 21, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Northern Metals site.

The Economic Development Authority gave a report for the housing market for the month. Currently, there are eight houses up for sale in the 55308 zip code. Ten houses were pending sale, and 13 sales have been closed so far this calendar year. 

Charge to Xcel

Last year, the city received funding from the state in order to update and add infrastructure to the business park as the Sherco plant is planned to be decommissioned. The city hoped to add in necessary infrastructure in order to attract new businesses.

Because of the work done in the business park, the property value of Xcel Energy’s land has increased. Because of this, the city is required to ask for some funds from Xcel Energy so the landowner is not enriched by state funding. These funds will be held for a public improvement project. 

City staff will be working closely with Xcel as this process moves forward. 

In Other Business, the Council:

• Approved an easement for Imholte Brothers, LLC, in the business park;

• Supported Mary McComber to replace former city clerk Greg Pruszinske on the energy transition advisory committee.