At Tuesday’s Becker City Council Meeting, the City received and approved an application to open a drive-through coffee shop, Dueling Brews, on Bank St. This new business generated some interest last week as it was reported by local radio stations. The applicant would begin by opening a coffee shop, but has plans to possibly operate a bar featuring local breweries in the same location.
Committee Reports
Robin Dingmann reported on behalf of budget and finance. The committee discussed current finances, grant applications, and certification of past due utilities, among other items.
Rick Hendrickson reported on behalf of the police committee that the department is finally fully staffed, a rare feat in law enforcement lately. Calls are up from last year, mainly due to an increase in traffic stops. The BPD, as well as other local agencies, has teamed up with Roy Neumann, a mental health professional co-responder, in a program which has worked out very well for the department. (See an exclusive interview with Neumann in next week’s issue of the Patriot.) The department will be undergoing mandated training on working with individuals with Autism.
The planning commission continued to discuss the fence code, but did not come to any conclusions on suggested actions at this time. There is an opening in the commission. Citizens are welcome to apply for the position by stopping by city hall. The commission also discussed political signage rules in the city (currently, candidate owned signs need to be removed by a certain date, while individually-owned signs can stay up indefinitely.)
Public Hearings
A public hearing was held to certify weed removal charges in the city. None of those impacted spoke at the hearing, and the charges were certified to the homeowners’ property taxes.
Later, council called for a public hearing regarding driveway and parking ordinances for Dec. 20, and called for another hearing regarding the fee schedule on the 21st.
Hiring New Administrator
Greg Pruszinske will be stepping down from his position as city administrator. In light of this, council authorized Gov HR to begin the search for his replacement.
In Other Business, the Council:
• Made some edits to Chapter 11 of city code, based on feedback from landowners in the city;
• Approved a final plat application for River Oaks Estates Third Addition;
• Entered into an agreement with Diamond Leaf and Connexus Energy to install a generator at the Community Center;
• Approved a change order for the municipal well project;
• Encouraged residents to stop by city hall to pick up free 2022 calendars, featuring council member and staff member pet photos;
• Held the truth in taxation annual presentation (video of this presentation and the breakdown of the budget available at City of Becker Youtube Page, in the video of the 12/7/2021 meeting.)
