With less than two months until the deadline to utilize its CARES Act funding, the Becker town board approved an application process for business relief at its Monday meeting. The application process will allow affected businesses, including sole proprietorships, to apply for a grant if they have experienced a negative financial situation because of the COVID pandemic.

“Let’s keep the money local,” was the refrain from several board members, who noted that any unspent funds at the local level would be required to be returned to the State of Minnesota.

The board decided that they would award grants not to exceed $10,000 based on a demonstrated need in the application. If more applicants apply than funds that are available, then the board will most likely help as many businesses as possible by awarding the grants on a percentage basis of the available funds. Based on experiences in surrounding areas, the board thought it unlikely that the number of applicants would outpace the funds available. Final awarding of the grants will occur at a special board meeting slated for Nov. 9, which was scheduled to meet the Nov. 15 deadline for CARES Act expenditures.

Applications can be obtained from the town hall or residents can visit the Becker township website at www.BeckerTownship.org.

Audit

The board approved the audit report as presented by Ashley Meagher of Schlenner Wenner, the township’s financial auditing firm. 

Meagher noted a high rate of compliance for the township and was complimentary of the efforts of township staff in their professionalism and assistance during the process. The township remains in good financial shape overall and Meagher cited only the segregation of duties as an area where it could improve.  This recommendation is very common for a township with limited staff, as there aren’t enough employees to effectively spread out the financial duties across positions.

Engineer’s Report

Engineer Wes Davis presented cost scenarios for the completion of 164th street, a 450 foot long roadway that has been discussed for several years. The cost came in around $84,000 and includes drainage, buildup of the roadway and two lifts of asphalt. The board agreed to take a look at the construction in the spring.

“The intent was to see what we were dealing with and look at it next year,” said board chair Brian Kolbinger.

The board also reviewed the 112th street cul-de-sac and the proposed easement to ensure the township has the right of way for the necessary improvements. A decision will come at a later date.

Davis updated the board on the interactive map that is under development and could be presented as early as next month. This will allow for the GIS mapping of all roadways, signage and culverts within the township.

On a different issue, the board looked at the Gateway Plaza area off Hwy. 10 and discussed the current plans for a township roadway that was dedicated in 1999. Currently the land is vacant, but there is a party interested in purchasing it and developing it into two commercial properties. The main issue is what MNDOT would allow for access and the configuration of a possible intersection so close to the highway. Davis commented on potential stacking issues for the highway as being a main safety concern.

Township attorney Kelli Bourgeois weighed in on the matter, noting that any decision on the plans for the property would require a developer’s agreement and a change in zoning from its current agricultural use to commercial designation.

The board ultimately decided to gather more information from MNDOT about the access issue, as the construction of the road would include yearly maintenance costs for a very small portion of roadway. Depending on the MNDOT decision, the most financially prudent solution could be for the township to vacate the proposed roadway.

In other business, the board: Heard an update from planner Jacob Sanders regarding the CMRP and a meeting on October 13 to gather public input on the proposed guidance strategies; Approved additional CARES Act funding for the Becker Fire Dept. to be able to install audio/visual equipment for the purposes of remote trainings; Heard from Supervisor Robin Boros regarding roads in need of maintenance. No fall road tour is being planned as Boros and Supervisor Joe Danielson will be inspecting the roads; Listened to Clerk Lucinda Messman regarding an update on the Town Hall’s final steps with audio-visual equipment; Declined to impose a franchise fee on Arvig for the establishment of a new cable TV franchise in select developments in the township. However, the board will require a franchise agreement via ordinance.