The Becker Twp. Board met Monday evening and spent a good deal of time making preparations for the upcoming construction season.
Twp. Engineer Wes Davis updated the board on a variety of roadway issues, including trying out a new chip seal application that could cut down on maintenance costs.
The LRIP grant has been submitted to the State of Minnesota and Davis expects to hear back about the awarding of the funds sometime in late May or early June. The program received much attention statewide and requests are expected to far outpace available funds.
Construction plans for 2021 include some gravel roadway maintenance, as well as chip sealing for Garden Grove and Georgia Circle, both of which are set to go to bids this week. 164th Avenue is another road that will be sent out for bids very soon, while Davis also asked the board to consider adding 127th Street to the chip seal project.
The supervisors felt like the timing was right to test the chip seal on this road and then assess how it holds up.
Supervisor Joe Danielson felt that if they did the application this year, it could save some grading costs. The board decided to add the road to the plan, yet keep a clause in the bidding allowing them to reject the project if it is too expensive.
In other road business, Danielson and Supervisor Robin Boros reported that some pothole patching has already been accomplished, as well as some brush cutting.
There was also discussion regarding some signage in the township, most notably the fire number signs that are placed by driveways.
Many units of government have moved towards markers that include the roadway at the bottom of the sign, allowing people to identity residences easier. Because many roads, especially ones with major curves in them, actually contain different roadway numbers, this signage can help first responders, deliver drivers, etc. identify correct addresses.
When replacement signs are considered, the board will further discuss the issue as a phased in approach.
The board also discussed meeting with the Santiago town board regarding the shared roadway, 67th street, which is scheduled for reconstruction this year.
Sheriff/Fire
Sgt. Dan Frank updated the board on the activity from last month, which numbered 120 calls for service and included several theft complaints.
Frank also explained increased enforcement efforts coming up in the next several weeks aimed at speeding drivers. A TZD (Toward Zero Deaths) grant has been received and residents will notice an increase in patrols to help address the situation.
Supervisor Luke Babler reported that the new fire truck has been received and is in service, while the old truck is being readied for sale.
Variance
Kevin and Angela Maas appeared before the board seeking a variance for a storage shed they had constructed on their property near Duffy Lake on 112th Street. The shed currently sits approximately five feet within the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL), therefore they were seeking the board’s positive comment to receive the variance from Sherburne County, which has the zoning authority since it involves a wetland.
After reviewing the site plan and photos, the board will recommend approval of the variance to the county.
150 Year Celebration
While it has been in the works for over a year, ideas were reviewed for the 150th year celebration planned for this summer to coincide with Freedom Days. Clerk Lucinda Messman noted that there are just two more board meetings scheduled to be held before the event.
Ideas for the day included a float in the parade and perhaps some music in the bandstand. There was also talk of perhaps seeing the supervisors dressed up in period appropriate attire to help celebrate the Township’s 150th anniversary.
It was decided that Babler will join Board Chair Brian Kolbinger and Deputy Clerk Fran Seeley on a committee to put the finishing touches on the celebration planning.
In Other Business, The Board:
• Discussed their joint meeting with the Becker City Council scheduled for Wed., March 17 at City Hall;
• Heard an update on the engagement workshop related to the CMRP;
• Discussed the placement of the dumpster at the Town Hall and possible removal of the old fire department tower. Complicating the matter is that the city owns the building portion of the hall and the township owns the land;
• Heard an update on Midge’s franchise agreement;
• Learned that North Metro Animal Control has taken over all services for the township.
• Discussed the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization scheduled for April 6 at 6 p.m.
