Mike Doering and Becky Olmscheid were absent at the Tues., Sept. 17 Becker City Council meeting. However, that did not stop public works from dominating the agenda of the council.
Chris Lisson, Public Works and Parks Assistant Director, addressed present water issues before the council. In a resolution that was passed, Lisson requested approval for the replacement of the water tower #3 valve not to exceed $27,162. Staff had noticed that the current valve was leaking. The replacement was not planned and not budgeted for. The valve allows staff to manage service capacity which is not needed over the winter months. People stop watering their lawns and washing their cars outside.
“When this valve doesn’t seal properly, as is occurring now, water is able to leak past and could freeze in the lower section of the tower,” said Lisson. “Freezing water can damage piping which could lead to the inability to use the tower if needed during an emergency.”
The low bid was accepted from Becker’s Wruck Excavating.
Lisson also addressed future water concerns. A resolution was passed to allow public works to hire Traut Companies to explore new well placement on 212 acres owned by the city east of the Elk River. Lisson noted that the city still needs well capacity to meet current demand and to be ready for additional development within the city. The cost of the exploration will not exceed $60,000.
HQ Renovations
Jessica Green, Managing Director for Public Finance, informed the council that the Economic Development Authority of the city of Becker issued bonds in the amount of $5,760,000 on Tues. Sept. 17, to finance improvements to the City Hall and Police Station. The bonds have a term of 15 years.
DEED Funds
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced $5.21 million dollars in grants to help drive economic development and community sustainability for communities with power plants that are scheduled to close. The city of Becker had applied for a grant and was awarded $770,000 to cover planning costs for a new interchange at U.S. Hwy. 10 and Hwy. 25.
“The Becker City Council thanks DEED for this grant to assist us in planning the grade-separated interchange,” said Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram. “The grant funds will be used along with Becker’s previously received, congressionally-directed funding to complete the planning and design for the intersection’s improvements. The work at this intersection will not only enhance safety and mobility, but also improve access to the city’s business park as Becker moves forward on the Sherco power plants planned retirement.”
