The Becker Twp Board met Monday evening and discussed a variety of topics, including the news that they were awarded significant funding for an important upcoming road project.

MnDOT recently announced their Local Road Improvement Project (LRIP) grants and the township received $1.25 million towards the reconstruction of 97th Street, a significant connector route since it is one of the few east-west connections in the middle of the county that reaches Hwy. 10.  Township Engineer Wes Davis informed the board that he has a meeting scheduled soon with the MN state grant coordinator to learn additional details about the funding mechanism and the requirements of the multi-jurisdictional project.  Portions of the roadway fall within the City of Becker, as well as Clear Lake Township, meaning there will be three governmental entities involved in the effort.  In addition, Davis expects to hear more about the standards that will apply to the road, as well as recommendations from MnDOT in making the endeavor successful.

One specific item he noted was the sharp corners on the township portion of the road and what speed standards the grant will require for the road to qualify for the funds.  The board expects a number of meetings to occur in the future, as the project is slated for construction in 2023.

In other roads business, Davis reviewed several upcoming projects including 142nd Street, Garden Grove and Georgia Circle.

He also said he has been in contact with City of Becker representative Phil Knutson regarding 127th Street, as the city and township may be scheduling a meeting in the near future to discuss a double chip seal proposed application for this roadway.

The board next approved the Knife River quote for gravel application on the eastern portion of 67th Street, a shared roadway with Santiago Twp.  The western portion of the roadway continues to be a saga all by itself, as the two townships are struggling to find a solution to the unstable peat ground road base.  

Supervisor Robin Boros met with Santiago contractor John Herbst and representatives of Knife River on site to try and determine the next course of action.  A skim lift of asphalt had been discussed last month, but after the site visit the group is looking at possibly recommending a reclamation project again.  Concerns abound regarding the spongy road base, however it was noted that the current road survived for over 25 years on those conditions.  A culvert under the road will need to be replaced regardless of the asphalt solution and Boros and Supervisor Joe Danielson will contact Santiago to again be on the July agenda for further discussions.

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt. Dan Frank appeared before the board to share last month’s activity report which showed 178 calls for service, including 67 traffic stops.

Twp. Clerk Lucinda Messman had asked Frank to look into an accident history on 175th Avenue, as there were recent resident’s concerns about the safety of the corners.  Frank looked back and there was only one recent accident in the area, and he happened to take the call which involved a man who slid into the ditch during slippery road conditions.  

Residents in attendance shared several roadway concerns, including stop sign violations on 97th St. and Co. Rd. 53.  Frank assured the board that increased enforcement action is forthcoming as a result of a state grant that the SCSO is participating in for speed and other violations.

Audit

Ashley Meagher of Schlenner Wenner and Co. presented the 2020 township audit, which showed an unmodified “clean” opinion.  This designation means that the auditors found no significant issues or errors during the procedure.

A highlight of the presentation included that the twp. has nearly six months cash balance on hand which puts them in line with state recommendations and local policy.  In addition, as of December 2020, the township showed no long term debt on the books.

Last year’s numbers showed an increase in property tax and permit revenue due to the growth in the area, while the expenditures also increased with most of that coming from increased fees for building inspections.

In Other Business, The Board:

• Approved in principle a septic encroachment agreement for Jeff Anderson, 168th avenue.  Township attorney Kelli Bourgeois will draft the agreement;

• Approved a property line relocation for two lots in the Boulder Crossing development;

• Heard from Supervisor Luke Babler that the Woodberry Farms cul-de-sacs had been seeded with native prairie plants;

• Accepted the easement agreement for drainage and utility purposes near the Salida crossing;

• Discussed the successful 150th township birthday celebration that coincided with Freedom Days;

• Discussed the July meeting sealed bid openings for the maintenance and snowplow contracts.