Just two items of business were on the agenda as the Becker City Council held their first bi-monthly meeting of March Wednesday night.

 

City Administrator Greg Pruszinske brought forth a master agreement for professional services — along with a supplemental letter agreement (SLA) for engineering services with SEH.

 

Pruszinske pointed out the city always signs an SLA for engineering services for specific projects (ie, BNSF utility extensions, First Street Corridor, etc.) even though they have rate schedules and a good communication City Engineer Randy Sabart of SEH. Pruszinske said he came to the conclusion that the city should also have a master agreement for professional services in place to better document and manage this critical business relationship.

 

The agreement identifies  hourly basis or lump sum plus expenses options, expenses and equipment utilization along with duties and responsibilities and limits of authority.

 

The letter outlines the scope and basic services provided by the consultant including general services, city engineer services, report phase, preliminary design phase, final design phase, construction phase, additional services, design-build alternative project delivery and payment.

 

Jamie Cassidy presented council with an agreement for preliminary engineering services to develop the concept design of the replacement project of a Dumont dehumidification unit, and to develop a specification for the replacement of the unit.

 

Cassidy said the Becker Community Center was built in 1994 and the existing dehumidification unit has been steadily growing in needed repairs.

 

“The unit is a critical piece of equipment that is seriously in need of replacement,” he said. “As you know, the replacement of the dehumidification unit has been discussed for the past few years and is scheduled and approved for replacement this year.” 

 

Cassidy went on to say the replacement of the Dumont unit is scheduled to be paid out of the BCC Capital Improvement Plan.

 

The contractor is Wenck Associates. The proposed fees for the evaluation and inspection of the existing system, engineering and review of specifics and the removal and installation of the new units is $8,200. The work will be performed on a time and expense basis for a sum not to exceed the amount above without prior authorization.

 

The schedule shows a proposal submitted by Wenck by Mar. 29, complete plans and specs by May 13, the receipt of contractor bids by June 28 and the contract awarded by July 5. Construction is slated to begin Aug. 1 and be completed by Oct. 1.

 

This Saturday, the BCC will be hosting their annual Chase a Leprechaun Run/walk at 10:30 a.m. Following that is a Shamrock Challenge Course at 11:30 a.m. for 2-12 year olds to promote exercise by making it through 10 challenge stations.

 

The BCC will also be hosting their Spring Fling March 11-13 which features a Friday fish fry, a visit from the Easter Bunny Saturday (9-11 a.m.) and a pool fun float party Sunday from noon until 5:45 p.m.

 

 The Sherburne History Center will be holding their annual Rhythm and Brews fundraiser at Carousell Works in Big Lake March 12 at 7 p.m.

 

Come out and have coffee with the mayor March 19 at Ellis Bakery from 9-11 a.m.

 

Pebble Creek Golf Course will be holding their annual Open House April 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

• The Becker Police Dept.hired Cody Siebert as a part-time police officer Mar.1;

 

• Marie Pflipsen was hired by the BCC as a fulltime community development coordinator and is scheduled to start on March 21;

 

• Jack Anderson was hired by public works as a part-time maintenance worker March 4;

 

• The city declared four vehicles acquired via forfeiture as surplus and council ordered their disposal in the most efficient way possible (auction, direct negotiation, online auction, etc.).

 

The next Becker City Council meeting is March 16 at 6 p.m.