In another efficient, 35-minute meeting Tuesday, the Becker City Council discussed committee meeting updates, a zoning code amendment public hearing and equipment leasing at Pebble Creek.
Equipment Lease
Golf Director Troy Malo told council he and his staff have been working toward leasing maintenance equipment for the last five years. Malo said several “high use” pieces of equipment that need to be replaced have been deferred in the past.
Malo told council staff has been working on a two year lease plan to replace the “high use” pieces and begin to turn them over on a regular basis through leasing. Leasing allows the city a consistent payment in the budget, increases staff efficiency, and provides less down time for the equipment.
The golf committee discussed the equipment lease at their last meeting and recommended approval.
Malo received a quote from Frontier Ag & Turf (John Deere), TurfWerks (Jacobsen) and MTI Distributing (Toro). Frontier came in with the best bid and also offered staff training at no charge, a four-year warranty on electrical and $2,500 credit for parts and services.
The five-year equipment lease will replace equipment at Pebble Creek in payments not to exceed the annually-budgeted amount of $39,000.
Zoning Amendment
Community Development Director Marie Pflipsen asked Mayor Tracy Bertram to open a public hearing to allow for public comment on the amendments issued to the city zoning code.
No one from the public spoke at the hearing.
After closing the public hearing, Mayor Bertram asked Pfilpsen to describe the proposed changes to the code.
Pflipsen said the planning commission began discussions on potential amendment changes in 2015 and early 2016 with the previous Community Development Director (Therese Haffner). Pflipsen said one section highlighted for changes is the minimum parking requirements. The change in parking regulations is to reduce the parking infrastructure requirements for a variety of businesses. Businesses may install extra parking stalls, as long as they meet the minimum.
Pflipsen said the planning commission held a public hearing during their Jan. 30 meeting and recommended the ordinance amending the general regulations as noted in the resolution.
Pflipsen said the cost of the ordinance summary publishing is within the budget.
Council voted to approve the changes to Ordinance 187, 2nd series and the summary for publication ordinance.
Other News
• Mayor Bertram and Member Rick Hendrickson recently testified at the state capitol on the proposal to build a gas-powered energy plant at Sherco;
• Member Todd Hanrahan commended the staff at Pebble Creek for the successful production of the Coach Purse Bingo event benefitting veterans;
• Mike Berenger (17 years) and Robert Rierson (12 years) of the WWTF and Jamie Cassidy (10 years) of the BCC were acknowledged for their employment anniversaries;
• Russ Klimmek was appointed to the planning commission;
• City Administrator Greg Pruszinske rode in on a fat tire bike to help promote the Celebrate Becker event scheduled for Feb. 25 at Pebble Creek.
Up Next
The next Becker City Council meeting is Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.
