Mark Ebensteiner, Becker’s new finance director, gave his first presentation to council during Tuesday’s meeting. Ebensteiner was hired to replace Connie Robinson after she accepted a job with MetroBus in St. Cloud. 

Ebensteiner updated council on the city’s finances for the second quarter of the year. He noted that the BCC’s (Becker Community Center) revenue was trending upwards after the hard year they had in 2020, and again noted Pebble Creek is also doing better. The general fund is right where staff wanted it to be, and the city is slightly under budget for expenditures.

After his report, Ebensteiner was appointed to the Fire and Relief Board, another position Robinson held before she left.

Alcohol Compliance Failure

A public hearing was held in regards to the recent alcohol compliance failure by Jubilee Liquors. A compliance check was conducted with all Becker businesses holding liquor licenses on June 23. No other business failed the check.

This is the store’s third compliance failure within the last three years. In accordance with city ordinance, the store must pay $2,000 and have their license suspended for seven days. If Jubilee Liquors fails another compliance check, their license will be revoked for a period of time determined by the city council. 

Police Chief Brent Baloun reported that the owners were “devastated” by the negligence of the employee who got caught selling alcohol to a minor, and that the employee has since been fired. 

No one spoke at the public hearing.

Committee Reports

The Planning Commission held a hearing on driveway compliance as it related to the case of one particular homeowner. They determined that the city’s ordinance on the matter was unclear, and allowed the homeowner to keep their driveway. They will be working to clarify the ordinance in question for future situations.

The Golf Committee reported talking about the budget. This year has seen Pebble Creek making more money than last year, even given the intense popularity of the course during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joint Planning approved several variance requests.

In Other Business,council:

• Approved a noise exemption application for a movie in the park event, a screening of Trolls World Tour, which will be hosted by the BCC in Pleasant Valley Park August 28 at 9 p.m.;

• Wished Mayor Tracy Bertram a happy birthday.