y Bill Morgan, Staff Writer
The major overhaul at the City of Becker continued Tuesday with the consent agenda identifying the terminations of Lead Wastewater Operator Dave Pesola and BCC Director Jamie Cassidy. Communication attempts by phone and email to Troy Malo at Pebble Creek discerned the golf course director as “no longer working here.”
It was also announced that Joshua Kuha was hired in public services as the new recreation and leisure services assistant director.
Open Forum
Dennis Carlson spoke to council during open forum and talked about balancing budgets, future financing for irrigation replacement at Pebble Creek and asked for full disclosure for council to set aside funds for future expenditures.
Christine Poe spoke with concern about community development and how it all meshes with working with the township. She also wondered how some city leaders can live outside the city and still make decisions and plans while not being city citizens.
During all open forum situations, the city is obliged to listen to concerns but is not obligated to act on them during that session.
Pool Standards
Recently, the planning commission and city council updated the pool requirements in the general performance standards. Part of these changes included setbacks for pools as there were not any at the time. The setbacks, and other regulations. were put in place in order to mitigate the effects of pools being placed close to or right on the property line.
Recently, staff had a building permit submitted for an in-ground swimming pool. The individual wanted to put the pool in their back yard, however, due to the 20 foot setback they were unable to do so and would have had to apply for a variance. Based upon discussion, staff is recommending that the pool setback would be better at a distance of 10 feet than 20 feet from the rear property line. A 10 foot setback would bring pools — which are accessory structures by definition — in the zoning code, in line with the current setbacks of all other accessory structures.
Other changes to the standards include removing the street side setback, as the city code does do not allow pools in the front yard, removable ladders for above ground pools. certificate of survey requirements and a few minor word changes and re-formatting.
It was also agreed the wording in the ordinance should require all swimming pools to have a fully-enclosed, permanent fence no shorter than four feet.
Northern Metals CUP
The City of Becker received an application for a conditional use permit from Northern Metals.
The CUP would allow for the establishment of end-of-life vehicle processing on the subject property. The property is currently zoned general industrial, which allows automobile salvaging operations under a CUP.
As a component of the overall recycling center facility, the end of life vehicle processing operation will be subject to the provisions and conditions of multiple local and state permits. Permitting requirements include the implementation of measures addressing a range of potential impacts of the proposed use.
Marie Pflipsen said the owner (NMR) must obtain and maintain in good standing at all times, all necessary local, state and/or federal licenses or permits.
Staff Augmentation
Recently, the Becker City Council authorized a professional services contract with WSB for 16 hours a week for planning and zoning services.
Since the execution of the contract, the city planner position has been vacated resulting in a need for additional service hours. Pflipsen attached a proposal that would allow for the contract to be increased to 32 hours per week to maintain the city's level of service and response times for planning and zoning projects. With the added hours, the per hour rate would decrease to $82.03. The contract still lists the ability to end the contract with the 30-day notice.
Asbestos Abatement
The City of Becker purchased a building located at 12196 Hancock Street and completed an environmental test where it was discovered asbestos was located within the building. The city has since contacted an abatement company to handle the deadly mineral.
The abatement company (Envirobate) would be tasked to remove only the materials with the asbestos and provide the city with the necessary documentation at a cost of $4,900. Herbst would still complete the rest of the demolition and site grading work.
Public Hearing
Two weeks ago, Sherburne County Public Health conducted alcohol compliance checks within the City of Becker on all available alcohol license holders. As a result of this compliance check, one business sold alcohol to a minor in violation of Minnesota State Statute and Becker City Ordinance. The lone business was Jubilee Liquors.
Police Chief Brent Baloun called on council to call for a public hearing at the Aug. 21 city council meeting to discuss the matter and set an appropriate fine.
Irrigation Upgrades
City Administrator Greg Pruszinske asked
