The 2020 census has led to redistricting conversations across state and county level units of government and on Monday, the Becker Twp. Board of Supervisors were able to discuss local impacts.
Sherburne County is tasked with trying to come up with five commissioner districts that each represent approximately 19,000 residents and some of the options could have a profound impact on Becker Twp. residents.
Some of the options under consideration would split the township into two separate districts.
This caused the supervisors to discuss if it would be better to have one person or two representing the township’s interests in Elk River.
Supervisor Luke Babler let his opinion be known in no uncertain terms, stating that he was completely against splitting the township into two separate commissioner districts.
“Since I’ve been on the board, not one commissioner has ever come in to talk to us,” Babler said. “Why would two come in.”
Clerk Lucinda Messman noted that Sherburne County just that day sent another proposal for the board to review. This one would separate Becker city from the township in terms of commissioner districts, and in the process create an “island” of 47 residents near Mallard Drive who would have to be placed in a separate precinct for voting purposes. The county offered to provide the voting machines and computers needed for that separate precinct, but the supervisors were worried about ongoing costs for a two precinct election. There was also the issue of finding enough election judges from that precinct, as well as the issue of finding enough judges to follow the guidelines for political party representation.
Usually the county has authority to apportion the districts, but if it creates additional percincts then the township gets to make the decision.
After the discussion, the supervisors unanimously approved a resolution calling for Messman to notify the Secretary of State that Becker Township will have just one precinct for the elections.
Broadband
Messman discussed the ongoing request from Midco and Sherburne County as it relates to a broadband project in the township. The proposal would ask for up to $75,000 in township ARPA funds to help extend high speed internet to 49 residences, with Midco approximating that 22 families would likely take advantage of the new service.
The Supervisors kicked around a number of options and seemed to be stuck on the merits of the proposal and the public funding of a private enterprise.
In the end, the board asked Messman to invite a representative from Midco to the next meeting to explain the merits and financing of the project, including what future additions could benefit the township.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Heard from Sgt. Dan Frank about last month’s 174 calls for service. Frank also previewed an upcoming Toward Zero Deaths (previously Safe and Sober) law enforcement saturation that could bring officers from several surrounding jurisdictions to the area;
• Discussed Xcel Energy’s proposal for moving a power transmission line completely out of the existing right of way on Co. Rd. 11 - a public hearing will be held at the next Planning Commission meeting;
• Discussed a variety or fees and permits for swimming pools;
• Approved a motion seeking quotes for the replacement of fire signs in the township;
• Approved a motion to acquire land for the reconstruction of 97th St.;
• Authorized a $6,800 quote for the scraping and re-painting of the Town Hall;
• Reminded the public of several upcoming meetings, including the CMRP meeting scheduled for 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. on April 6th at Pebble Creek; the Public Hearing for home based businesses on April 11, and the reorganizational meeting at 7 p.m. on April 4;
• Discussed the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to be held on April 5 at 6:00 p.m.
The board’s next regular meeting will be held on April 18 at 7 p.m.
