Residential issues, website spamming, elections, roads and railroads were all items brought forth for discussion at last month’s Becker Twp. Board meeting.

 

One unidentified resident came forward with a request for a “school bus stop ahead” sign to be erected on 127th.  The board weighed the information received and decided since the area proposed is not a blind area — and since those signs are normally used in areas with visibility issues — there will not be a sign placed.

 

For the upcoming and future elections, Becker Twp. has upgraded the Sherburne County Equipment and the county will share in ½ the cost.  The township portion will be around $6,000 if they decide to keep it as a single precinct like it is now.  

 

Old equipment was purchased around $2,000.  

 

Clerk Lucinda Messman said there are breakdowns with the M100 system and the new system would wirelessly transmit data to speed up election returns.  If the township adds a precinct, Messman says the  township portion would be approximately $9,000.

 

The board discussed adding a precinct including scouring information on history, number of voters, setup, etc. The issue wa tabled.

 

The board consensus was to go ahead with purchasing the election equipment upgrades at cost of approximately $6,000.  However, they decided to not go ahead with precinct split at this time.

 

The board asked Messman how the new website spam protection was working?   

 

She said the free one-month trial will be over at the end of September.  Clerk Messman  noticed the software is definitely cutting down on spam (actual spam - not legit companies advertising product).  It was the board consensus to add the service to website package.

 

A Sherburne County Association of Townships Meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 at the Sherburne County History Center.  Becker Township has been tasked to provide the meal.

 

Messman said she is looking at hiring a caterer for the event.   She said the RSVP deadline was Oct. 9.  

 

Also, Becker still needs to submit the Joint Powers Agreement to the county for their checking account by that meeting.  Clerk Messman has the duty of obtaining signatures. 

 

The board reviewed document control, expense reimbursement and IT policy reports.  A motion was proposed to approve all three draft policies as presented by acting Chairman Brad Wilkening. Second by Janie Johnson.  

 

Attorney Kelli Bourgeios reminded the board in the IT policy that all personal devices (for example,cell phones) are discoverable by statute.  She also reminded the board members that if personal cell phones and computers are used for township business, those devices would be considered discoverable.  

 

“This is something to keep in mind,” she said. 

 

A snowplow contract document from last year was presented to board for review.  The township plans to advertise in October.  Discussions resulted in regards to how the contract is written, bidded and quoted. They also talked about the possibility of the township purchasing salt with the city versus buying, salt mixtures and a review of last year’s billing. The clerk will refine the documents further and bring them to the next board meeting.

 

Engineer Terrance VanderEyk said 102nd Street’s rip rap has been put in and the repairs completed. He also noted 137th was realigned and plans will not be through MnDOT quick enough for fall work to be done on the NW portion of Hwy. 10.  

 

Eyk said the reason is because the SW portion (railroad side) with BNSF has to be done this year.  MnDOT is concerned regarding the hazardous crossing created by this work.  Most likely the intersection with be a right-in/right-out situation for the winter season and until the entire realignment process is completed.  

 

Eyk said the costs to the township for the railroad portion is a $2,000 administration fee, a $2,500 fee for right of way and $80,000 for materials.  

 

A motion was declared from Wilkening to execute the CNC1 agreement with BNSF after the attorney and engineer clarified the possible language changes, it was seconded by Joe Danielson.  

 

Costs for the other portions (including the 137th realignment) will be split with MnDOT.  At the last meeting with MnDOT, BNSF,the township engineer and the township chair, MnDOT pointed out they are expediting processes as much as possible to help accommodate BNSF.

 

A plan and profile view of the proposed Bridgeview pipe was presented to the board. The proposal included a plan for a five-foot drop over 2,200 feet and a question was asked, “will it work?” 

 

The answer given was “maybe, but maybe not.”

 

The installation cost is “guessed” to be around $200,000, but was not deemed an official estimate.  

 

A perforated pipe would be installed past Riverview, then a solid pipe with a couple open catch basins at the top of the cul-de-sac. Cleanouts would also need to be put in.

 

Another question was brought up, “would this be something the homeowners association would take over for maintenance?”

 

No answer was forthright. 

 

“Is the 911 feet lower than the basements?” was another question asked by the board.

 

The answer given was, “no”.

 

Discussion continued with the topic of groundwater starting at Salida and flowing toward the Mississippi. 

 

The fire board held a light meeting with normal procedures discussed. It was also mentioned they had a recent heavy call week and a new grass truck (minus the bed) is in and should be ready to go next month.

 

Sherburne County Parks, Trails and Active Living Plan Advisory Committee is forming and the members requested a township representative.  Supervisor Danielson was appointed, with Clerk Messman to be alternate if he cannot attend meetings.  

 

A motion was made for township aid to be deposited into the General Fund by Wilkening, seconded by Johnson.  

 

The treasurer pointed out two errors on permits this month – one an overcharge  (township will refund the approximate $92 next month) and one an undercharge.

 

Warrants 12955-12981 were paid and a purchase order (23066) in the amount of $44,742.86 was issued.

 

One hundred and sixty calls for service came into the county sheriff’s department including 68 traffic stops, two shooting complaints and five thefts. Sergeant Dan Franks said that is a reminder to residents to lock their vehicles and bring in valuables.

 

Franks said they was also a fraud complaints from a resident who got a supposed call from the IRS.

 

“The IRS will never call you at home,” said Franks.

 

The next Becker Township Board meeting is Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.