The Becker City Council Tuesday discussed opting out of health care dwellings, approval of two CUPs, consent to produce a business attraction letter, approve a water lab upgrade, adoption of preliminary levy, debt management, space needs analysis and the next steps to address Sarah Brunn’s departure.

 

It was reported that Brunn — the city’s financial director for the last 2-1/2 years — has resigned and is leaving the city for another job Sept. 16. 

 

City Administrator Greg Pruszinske asked council to authorize himself to enter into a contract for short term financial services with either AEM Financial Services or KDV, Inc. at his discretion.

Council approved and thanked Brunn for her work and facilitation while being employed with the City of Becker.

 

Minnesota legislators  recently passed legislation to require cities to allow temporary family health care dwellings, going into effect Sept. 1. 

 

Community Development Coordinator Marie Pfiipsen, and staff reviewed the proposed legislation and had multiple concerns about it. The option to opt-out of the state legislation was suggested even though the legislation date had passed. is available. 

 

Pflipsen said while the law may be necessary in certain communities, it is staff’s recommendation to opt-out at this time. She said if the local community decides to pursue an ordinance allowing for this type of structure, the city can revisit the issue to see what would work best for the City of Becker.

 

Council agreed and approved the ordinance.

 

Kwik Trip Inc. submitted an application to amend the original conditional use permit (CUP) for the property located at 12950 Rolling Ridge Road SE (SuperAmerica Store). 

 

The amendment request is to allow for the demolition of the car wash, a building remodel and addition and a new fueling canopy.

 

In 1996, the Becker City Council granted a CUP for the development of a Super America gas station, car wash and convenience store via Resolution 96-93 which stated the property must be developed in accordance with the site plan as submitted. Said site plan was to have 19 parking stalls. 

 

At the time, the 19 parking stalls was less than required under the ordinance, but the site plan had shown five additional "proof of parking" stalls to meet minimum standards.

 

The planning commission had (and still has) the authority to determine if the additional parking spots are warranted in the future.

 

With the building expansion and fuel stations, current ordinance would require 74 parking stalls. Kwik Trip, Inc. will need to submit a variance application.

 

 Legal has reviewed the CUP amendment request and the parking and the amendment can move forward with the variance listed as a condition. 

 

The proposed architectural plan will consist of a brick facade with standing seam metal roof. The building and canopy fascia will tie in with franchise colors. Kwik Trip officials are proposing expanding the retail floor area as well as kitchen and mechanical space. Architectural plans to follow at a later date. The total estimated project costs is $1,500,000.

 

Larry Sperr submitted an application for a CUP  for the property located at 12180 Hancock Street SE (Pedal Inn Antiques). The request is to allow for a Restaurant/Cafe, exterior dining and a residence on the second floor within the T -Town district.

 

The Becker Planning Commission recommended approval of the CUP at their last board meeting as long as the project and conditional use proposal is in compliance with the current zoning ordinance, the public hearing was publicized, the CUP will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted and  the CUP will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property for predominant uses in the area. 

 

The CUP must also indicate the applicant will provide adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and other necessary facilities, that adequate measures will be taken to provide sufficient off-street parking and loading space to serve the proposed use, that adequate measures have been taken to prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise, and vibration, so that none of these will constitute a nuisance and to control lighted signs and other lights in such a manner that no disturbance to neighboring properties will result.

 

The CUP applicant must also have proper facilities provided which would eliminate any traffic congestion to traffic hazard which may result from the proposed use, that there is a demonstrated need for the proposed use, that the land use is in compliance with the comprehensive land use plan adopted by the city and the use does not result in adverse effects on the public health, safety and welfare, nor does it create additional pollution potential for ground and surface waters.

 

Pflipsen said the City of Becker is partnering with Xcel Energy in their business attraction efforts. 

 

Pflipsen said Xcel Energy is currently completing a site certification process for some of their property and the city's shovel-ready lots. The hired consultant requested a letter of official local support for the sites to include in the marketing packet and Pflipsen and her staff completed one presented to council Tuesday night for approval.