During Monday’s meeting, the Becker township board approved the motion to allow Xcel Energy to begin its orderly annexation, after city council created the resolution. Marie Pflipsen attended the meeting on behalf of the city of Becker. The vote was three to two but was enough to pass. In last month’s meeting, there was concern over the fact that this was brought to the township so late in the game, because it takes about nine months to complete an annexation process, yet Xcel representatives were making it seem that they intended to be done with it in less than three weeks from the date of the meeting. Board members suspected the city had been more involved for months; they were surprised that a citizen of Becker was notified before they were. 

 

 

For the engineer’s report, the major item was Boulder Crossing. This area is at 62% for sales of lots but only 40% occupancy so far. It does not become a maintenance responsibility for the town until occupancy is at 50%, which will probably happen in 2019. The board is preparing to handle this, and it is not expected to be a big deal. 

 

 

Meanwhile, attorney Kelli Bourgeois has been updating the developer’s agreement. It has been 10 years since its last revision so it is due for some modifications. The developer’s agreement deals with the sale of new plats of land and anything involving its development. 

 

 

Minimum maintenance is dealing with disposing of tires, couches, mattresses and other large items not typically allowed for dumpster areas in town. Just recently, a board member cleaned up a couch that was found overnight after sitting in snow and rain. He wanted to donate it but it took him two attempts before Goodwill finally accepted it. The board would like to remind citizens that there are some items which are not appropriate for disposal in minimum maintenance areas.

 

 

In other business, the Board of Equalization has been tentatively scheduled for April 9, 2019 at 9 a.m. This board listens to requests from individuals and businesses related to tax relief situations. The date is not yet set in stone.

 

 

Finally, the board members discussed how to handle Kelli’s new position with the city of Champlain. She has been the Becker attorney for years now but wanted to give the board an opportunity to hire someone else in case they felt she would not be able to fulfill her duties adequately. Kelli introduced Dove Fretlund as her potential replacement for times she is absent, and the board decided to continue working with her and around her schedule conflicts due to her history with Becker and her expertise. Kelli doesn’t expect her work load will be changing from what she currently juggles; her only conflict will be a few meetings which the board is prepared to handle. Kelli was happy to hear this news and will remain the township attorney.

 

The next Becker township meeting will be held Jan. 28. Additionally, from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, the township office will be closed, but messages and emails will be checked for emergencies and forwarded as necessary.