The Becker Township Board met Monday evening, approving several driveway fixes and a concept that could bring a bus sales business relocation to the area.

Engineer William Tessmer explained an issue that arose in the Bridgeview development, as in some places the reclaim and asphalt application had raised the bituminous level as much as six to 10 inches.  This caused the three foot driveway cuts to be much steeper than anticipated, with some homeowners’ vehicles bottoming out.

The proposed fix is to bring the cuts back further into the driveway, allowing for a more gradual slope.

Because the original contractor cannot return to the area for several months, Tessmer and Road Supervisors Joe Danielson and Robin Boros are working to find a different contractor to initiate the fix much sooner.

The board agreed with the plan and will make modifications to its process in the future to ensure that a similar situation does not occur in subsequent road construction projects.

Danielson noted that one reason for the situation is that the township is upgrading roads to a higher tonnage rating, which will allow them to last longer and require fewer repairs.

Next, Justin Robinson, representing United Bus Sales, joined the meeting online seeking permission to cross the township right of way with a driveway entrance for the company’s parcel located on Hwy. 10.

Supervisor Brad Wilkening stated he was in favor of the concept and he did not see any reason to require a frontage road since the parcels on either side did not have one platted.

The board approved the plan and Robinson was granted permission to include the concept in his plans that will be submitted to MnDOT.  Because the property abuts Hwy. 10, the state wields the ultimate authority in approving of the design.

Planning Consultant Ben Wikstrom then updated the board on the septic system compliance ordinance, noting a pause as Sherburne County was reviewing recent legislation that could impact the rules.  Attorney Kelli Bourgeois noted that septic systems are one area in which state statute requires all townships to be at least as restrictive in their ordinances as the counties of residence.  In previewing the issue, Wikstrom noted that bedroom additions, for example, may require updated septic compliance inspections within the past three years versus current language allowing for a 10 year period.

Supervisor Luke Babler reported that the township continues to have open dialogue with the Becker Legion and recently discussed items such as the flag retirement ceremony, cardboard recycling and ceiling tile work.  The roof will be repaired in time for the Primary Election to be held at the Legion Hall on August 13 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.  Clerk Lucinda Messman noted that the curbside voting option will change for this election, with vehicles entering from Central Avenue and then exiting on Hancock Street, or the opposite of what had occurred in the past.

In final business, Babler asked Bourgeois if there was any legal recourse that could be pursued relating to the Co. Rd. 23 trail that is planned for installation by the City of Becker and Sherburne County in the future.  Babler contended that the township had denied the concept twice, yet it was pursued anyway.  Bourgeois noted that because the grant had been awarded, there was little recourse that the township itself could take.

Fire Board

At the conclusion of the regular meeting, the board was joined by Becker City Councilors for the annual Joint Powers Becker Fire Department Annual Meeting.

Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram called the meeting to order and turned things over to Fire Chief Doug Kolbinger, who presented the proposed budget.

Kolbinger went through each line item in the budget, noting where he was proposing increases and decreases.  

A sampling of line items showed an increase of $5,000 for wages due to an increased call volume (35 to 40 calls a month), whereas that item had been decreased $18,000 a year ago.

The Conferences and Training budget was proposed to be the same as last year, while the CUP was adjusted to reflect some future repairs to the roof as the building is now 20 years old.

Council Member Rick Hendrickson questioned the need for a future replacement of the ladder truck, inquiring as to the necessity of a 100 foot ladder now that Sherco is being decommissioned.  Kolbinger responded that although that vehicle isn’t up for replacement for nearly 10 years, there was a likelihood that 100 feet would still be needed with the other structures in the Industrial Park and several taller apartment buildings in the area.

Council Member Mike Doering asked how often the ladder truck responds to calls, with Kolbinger noting that any structure fire that can be fought using a hydrant draws a response from that apparatus.

With no further questions, a motion was made by Hendrickson and seconded by Doering to approve the Fire Budget at $641,350, or a 3.6% increase over last year.  The new budget did not provide any additional compensation (raises) for firefighters.