Road work, erosion and water drainage occupied most of the discussions at Monday’s Becker Township Board meeting.

 

Homeowner John Basol  was told by Rep. Jim Newberger that a DNR approval had been granted in regards to drainage issues experienced by Bridgeview Development residents. A number of residents in Bridgeview Addition have been plagued by flooded basements for years and they had taken the issue before Sherburne County Becker Township and political representatives in an attempt to get a resolution.

 

The DNR is involved because   they are trying to protect the wetlands and forestry. Nothing can be done in regards to the builders or developers, since they are no longer in business due to the recession.

 

The Becker Town Board on Monday acknowledged Basol’s news of the grant approval but has not received any verification that permission has been granted to proceed.

 

Engineer Terrance VanderEyk said he’s been dealing with two erosion situations — one at 102nd Street and one at 13302 108th Street and he found out 102nd Street is still under warranty and the 108th Street situation is where the township was recently cleared the right of way for better visibility. Eyk plans on visiting the two sites this week to make a final determination. 

 

Building permit fees are still being discussed with Metro West.

 

A draft right-of-way ordinance was presented to the board for initial review.  Several comments were taken regarding current procedure. Updates are scheduled to be made for next month.

 

A final decision for assistance in paying for the realignment of 137th Street (benefitting both township and railroad) was to be made  Friday of this week.  The township sent a letter of support stating the township could contribute up to $150,000 of the cost, but would need assurances of the additional funding before any work would begin.  A final plan of the realigned intersection (if funding is secured) was presented.

 

A feasibility estimate for reclaim and surface of 185th Avenue was reviewed by the board.  Part of this project would occur this year if funding for the 137th Street realignment cannot be secured.  

 

Eyk said residents of portions of 87th Street and 103rd Avenue will be mailed postcards this week regarding reclaim and surfacing in their area scheduled to occur in June.  Cedar Oak Estates, Cedar Crest Acres, Crestview and Sand Hill subdivisions will receive postcards regarding seal coats that will occur in their areas in June.

 

The township website will be updated with final dates for these projects — sometimes daily once they begin.  Township residents can subscribe to the website by emailing the clerk@beckertownship.org.  

 

A  new grass truck is still being built and is on schedule for delivery later this year.   The joint fire board meeting (city and township) will be July 20 at 8 p.m. at Becker Town Hall.

 

Daytime calls coming in will be forwarded to the city. 

 

Tanya Danielson gave an audit update, saying it was progressing normally and she is working on scheduling an onsite visit.

 

The board approved the payment of warrants in the amount of $90,038.91.

 

One hundred and eighty calls for the township came into the sheriff’s department this past month.  Six were fraud complaints - latest one was Monday.  The board and public were advised if someone tells you they are from the FBI or IRS and will send you to jail if you don't send money, it is a fraud.  Call the Sheriff's office if one is in doubt that these calls are real.  The IRS doesn’t call but sends letters.

 

•  A contract was presented to board for signature from the  Sherburne County Association of Townships;

 

• Phil Knutson was appointed to the vacant joint planning commission position as township at-large resident.

 

• The Hanson Shoreland variance request  was granted.

 

The next Becker Township Board meeting is June 15 at 7 p.m.