The City of Becker had an 86% turnout of voters in total. On election day, 1,795 came to vote in person. An additional 804 voted absentee. Tracy Bertrum was once again elected Mayor of Becker. Becky Olmsheid and Mike Doering took places on the city council. 

Robin Dingman won the special election seat. She was sworn in before Tuesday’s Becker City Council Meeting began. 

Public Hearings

A public hearing was held regarding outstanding bills for mowing charges. Seven different property owners have outstanding bills, totaling $1,600. 

No one came to speak at the hearing. The delinquent bills will be applied to the 2021 property taxes of the owners.

Another public hearing was held regarding delinquent utility bills. There are 44 outstanding accounts, totaling $20,657.87.

Property owners have until Nov. 30 to pay their bills.

No one came to speak at the public hearing. The delinquent bills will be added to the 2021 property tax.

Vehicle Purchases

The Becker Police Department will be purchasing a new squad car to replace one purchased in 2017. By the time Tenvoorde Ford has the vehicle ready, expected in spring of 2021, the old squad car #917 is projected to have over 90,000 miles. For the new vehicle, $51,000 has been set aside. 

Public works will also be purchasing a new vehicle: a Ford 2021 F-350 with a snow plow. The cost will be $60,788.90.

Water Systems Controls Upgrade

The public works’ water systems controls are due for an upgrade. All of the equipment being upgraded is more than 15 years old. The total cost of the upgrades will be $34,565.

Golf Simulator at Pebble Creek

Pebble Creek will be purchasing some golf simulation games. The games will provide year-round entertainment so Pebble Creek can continue to bring in profit in the off seasons. There will even be an option to install other sports games, such as baseball, and even a zombie shooting game.

The simulators in question are slightly used, and therefore are being sold at a significant discount. The city expects to save about $50,000 as opposed to purchasing new equipment. The simulators will be installed in 2021. 

Along with the new simulators, the city will be adding an expansion to the  clubhouse, in order to house the new games. Mahler & Associates Architecture will be taking on this job, starting with an appraisal of the work.