In a quick, 50-minute meeting Tuesday, the Becker City Council discussed failed alcohol compliances, real estate negotiations and the possibility of a new business building constructed in T-Town.

 

During Tuesday’s open forum, local Real Estate mogul Kyle Haller presented council with an offer to buy some property in T-Town for development.

 

Haller said he was interested in two parcels next to and behind Nix Restaurant. He told council he has an idea to develop the property into a business district with his company, Haller Realty, occupying one of the spaces.

 

Haller told council he was interested in what they deem the property’s value at and how do they go about selling such properties. The business plan and offer he has for the city is for a $500,000-valued building.

 

Because it was presented during open forum, council  took the information from Haller and instructed him no council action was to take place until it is presented to city staff and boards or commissions.

 

Brent Baloun of the Becker Police Dept. asked council to approve a future date on the calendar for a public hearing for two non-compliant businesses who failed by selling alcohol to an underage customer.

 

BPD and members of  Sherburne County Public Health conducted alcohol compliance checks Oct. 3 at area businesses who carry alcohol and tobacco licenses. As a result of this compliance check, two businesses sold alcohol to a minor in violation of MN Statute and Becker City ordinance.

 

The two businesses in violation were Los Ortizes Restaurant and The Cave Wine and Spirits.

 

For the offense, the two businesses face civil and criminal penalties. The criminal penalty involves the salesperson who sold the alcohol to the minor — they are identified, questioned and cited and are required to appear in court.

 

The civil penalty for a first offense is a $750 minimum fine, $1,000 for a second offense.

 

Becker PD cannot impose the civil penalty against the businesses without a public hearing.

 

The date for the public hearing is set for the Nov. 21 Becker City Council meeting at 6 p.m.

 

Council adjourned the regular council meeting at 6:14 p.m. and spent about a half-an-hour discussing in private the asking price for real or personal property to be sold by the city.

 

Council Member Rick Hendrickson said council gave further direction to staff to order an appraisal and start a re-plotting process.

 

Mayor Tracy Bertram announced that Ken Hage of public works/streets was given the September Safety Award.

 

Hage, Bertram said, is honored for always wearing proper personal protection equipment and leading the workers at the public works department on morning stretches. She said he also always has a “can do” attitude for any project or task and keeps the public’s safety at the forefront.

 

The next becker City Council meeting is Nov. 8 (Wed.) at 6 p.m.