Storz was officially appointed as a police officer  May 20 and is soon to complete his field training program. Baloun says Storz has done an exceptional job fitting in and learning about being a police officer.

 

Baloun said Storz is originally from Denver, CO and moved to Richmond, MN in 1995. He graduated from Rocori High School in 2000 and immediately began a career in construction, even gaining the position of Asphalt Plants Foreman with Hardrives.

 

In 2011, Storz decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and began attending North Hennepin Community College to complete his coursework and SKILLS training. He graduated from NHCC in 2004.

 

Storz and his girlfriend, Jessica Green, city administrator and finance director for the City of Big Lake, have settled in the area and Storz said he is “excited to be chosen as a police officer here in Becker and is eager to begin his career, especially in Becker.”

 

City Clerk Julie Blesi conducted the swearing-in with Storz, Green and family and friends in attendance.

 

Amanda Othoudt asked council to approve a resolution replacing the current Industrial Park signs that are outdated.

 

Othoudt said during a current business retention visit to the park, it was noted several of the businesses listed on the signs were either no longer located in Becker or the latest businesses were not even identified even though they’ve been part of the park for a number of years.

 

Othoudt sent out RFPs and got three bids back from area sign-lettering businesses. Rheaumes out of St. Cloud gave a bid of approximately $840 (not including drive time) to replace and update the signage. Mustang Signs of St. Cloud gave an estimate of approximately $1,020 (not including drive time) and Franklin Graphics submitted a bid for approximately $800 with the promise of updating future names for a cost of $100 per change.

 

Othoudt suggested council accept the proposal from Franklin to do the sign changes and council concurred.

 

• Council approved the purchase of a Toshiba eStudio Multi-Function printer for city hall in the amount of $13,000;

 

• Council approved a resolution accepting donations from the Becker/Big Lake KofC for $650 and Smart Signs of St. Cloud ($250) for a new drug dropoff box located at the police station;

 

• A partial pay request was honored by council in the amount of $109,250 for the 2013 water tank recoating project to Central Tank Coatings;

• Mike Abrahamson and Lori Keller volunteered to serve on the Parks & Rec Board;

 

• A Meet with the Mayor get-together is scheduled for Sat., July 26 at Gily’s from 9 - 11 a.m.

 

The next Becker City Council meeting is Wed., Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. (not Tuesday because of the annual Night to Unite celebration Aug. 5).