Another full agenda greeted the Becker Town Board during its monthly meeting Monday evening, with road-related issues continuing to dominate the discussion.

 

Sgt. Dan Frank of the SCSO was on hand to deliver the sheriff’s office update, noting there were 90 calls for service in the past month, down a bit from the usual call load.

 

After the adoption of the township’s new right-of-way and parking ordinances that were adopted last month, Frank stated that he and other deputies had done extra patrol on 96th Street due to complaints of garbage cans in the roadway.  No law enforcement violations had been noted, according to Frank.  

 

“As a board, we have spent an incredible amount of time on this issue,” stated Board Chair Brian Kolbinger.  “We have adopted the parking ordinance and as a board we have done what we can do at this point.”  Residents were encouraged to keep the board updated on any issues and to refer potential ordinance violations to the sheriff’s office.

 

 

The board turned towards road construction issues on 185th Avenue.  While the overall project is ahead of schedule and going smoothly, the issue of merging private driveways with the new roadway came into focus with this project.  

 

City Engineer Wes Davis addressed the issue, saying that when new roads surfaces are being installed, “We try to limit the concrete that is taken out in driveways”. 

 

However, when elevation changes occur or culverts need to be installed or replaced, it can impact driveways.

 

Current ordinance language calls for a three foot cut in the driveway to be replaced with a bituminous apron to merge the roadway with the driveway, but sometimes this is insufficient because of the construction.  

 

Resident Richard Johnson addressed the board, contending that his concrete driveway was damaged when the construction crew cut it back further to address drainage issues with the new roadway.  Johnson asked for his concrete to be replaced.

 

Davis pointed out that in certain cases, such as Mr. Johnson’s, the driveways need to be cut back further to lessen the hinge point to get on the roadway.  Davis said he looked at Johnson’s driveway and Davis contends there is some chipping that has occurred to the concrete.

 

The board sought advice from attorney Kelli Bourgeois in regards to replacing the concrete or other road surface in what is described as a “like for like” manner, meaning the township would be responsible to basically replace the driveway with the same surface that was removed due to the road construction.

 

“Legally there is justification to do either one, meaning you can decide to replace the concrete or not,” said Bourgeois.  “I would recommend that the board states the reasons for whatever decision it makes.”

 

Supervisor Gary Gilbert said he had checked with Sherburne County who uses a “like for like” standard, while fellow Supervisor Brad Wilkening said he is in favor of this as well from the past projects he has done.

 

Ultimately, the board made a motion (passed unanimously with Supv. Danielson absent from the meeting) to use the “like for like” standard on the 185th Avenue project and directed staff to bring an ordinance update to the next meeting to address this for future road projects.

 

 

Gilbert also updated the board on sign replacement and right-of-way tree removal within the township.  One piece of unfinished business continues to be what to do with signs that are damaged by County snowplows during the winter.  Despite repeated attempts by Gilbert, there seems to be little response from Sherburne County on a plan to get them fixed.

 

“I’m not sure what to do,” said Gilbert.  “I’ve checked with other townships and they also hold the county responsible, but something needs to get done here soon.”

 

The board directed Clerk Lucinda Messman to send a formal letter to Sherburne County requesting action on the damaged signs.

 

 

The final major roadway issue tackled by the board was in regards to the decorative islands within two cul-de-sacs in the Woodberry Farms development.  These are the only two such cul-de-sacs within the township and contain islands with trees and boulders that represent a maintenance and liability concern to the township.

 

The township has sought advice from its insurer in regards to the issue and they recommended removal of the islands.

 

Resident Carrie Rehborg had submitted a list of questions to the board ahead of the meeting and several other residents of Woodberry Farms also appeared and asked the board what could be done to leave the islands intact, as the residents feel they add positively to the seclusion, aesthetics and land values of the area.

 

After some discussion between the supervisors and attorney Bourgeois, the board gave the residents one month to explore the creation of a homeowner’s association which in theory could be created and then assume ownership, and liability, of the center islands.

 

 

• Sent favorable comment to the county board for a shoreline ordinance variance for Carefree Country Club resident Paul Poore;

 

• Directed Wes Davis to look at the stop sign configuration on 120th Street to address speed concerns;

 

• Received a joint planning update from Wilkening, who reported that despite a request from the county, Becker was not in favor of having Carefree Country Club apply for a new CUP;

 

• Heard from Supv. Luke Babler that the joint powers fire board budget proposal will be heard by both the township and city in July;

 

• Listened to Kolbinger update the board on the Hwy. 25 Corridor and future plans for a river crossing;

 

• Approved final language edits for the snow and ice removal contract, which will be published soon seeking bids;

 

• Heard from Bourgeois regarding progress being made on the updated developer’s agreement.  It was noted this will include updated road standards for maintenance and when the township will take over warranty periods on roadways;

 

• Set parking violation fines at $100 each and added permit fees for minor ($500) and major ($700) extractions;

 

• Discussed putting together a committee or beginning planning for the township’s 150 year anniversary which will occur in January of 2021.