Becker City Councilmembers discussed big changes for Becker in the works during Tuesday’s council meeting.

Snuffy’s Landing

The DNR has donated a dock to Becker City for use at Snuffy’s Landing. It is a roll-in dock, and was not being used by the DNR. The city will refurbish the dock after reclaiming it from a park in Sauk Rapids. City staff are planning to place the dock at the landing every spring and remove it every fall. It will be available for public use.

The Becker Lions Club is interested in sponsoring Snuffy’s Landing, in order to maintain the park and its history.

The city is applying for a grant to build a trail from Co. Rd. 53 to Snuffy’s Landing. This would offer a safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Hwy. 10. With the planned construction on Co. Rd. 53, and with the opportunities that are available for grants right now, the council thought this was the perfect time to start pursuing this project, rather than wait. If given the grant, and with assistance from Sherburne County, the city could pay as little as 10% of the total costs for the trail. The project would be slated for 2024 or 2025.

City staff is looking to purchase a Ford F-250 with a snowplow and a mobile toolbox in order to monitor, maintain and repair equipment throughout the water and wastewater systems in the city. The total cost for all of these items will be just over $68,000. This purchase will replace an older vehicle — a 2003 Ford F-250. The old vehicle will continue to be used in the city for as long as is feasible.

New Waste Recieving Station

The city is planning to hire Wenck to create a hauled waste receiving station at the wastewater treatment plant. If everything stays on track, the project should be able to move forward by the first of the year. The council moved to ask Wenck to create final plans for the project.

Alcohol Compliance Failure

Recently, there was an alcohol compliance failure at Jubilee Liquors. An underage individual was sold alcohol. The owner said that masks make it more difficult to tell someone’s age. Police Chief Baloun said it was important to stay vigilant in checking ID for this very reason. This is the second violation by Jubilee Liquors, and their liquor license will be suspended for three days. A public hearing about the issue will take place at the next city council meeting on Nov. 3.

Splash Pad

The Parks and Rec Dept. is looking into details to bring a splash pad to Becker. Currently, they are considering locations and ways to run and maintain the splash pad without charging admission.