The Becker Twp. Board met Monday for two hours to discuss a frontage road, a property hazard, winter parking rules, the engineer’s report, roads and a visit from a familiar war veteran.

 

Roger Bigalke, a Becker resident and Vietnam war veteran, approached the board to ask for the township’s support in having a Veteran’s Memorial constructed in Becker in honor of those who are serving, those who have served and those who will serve in the future.

 

Bigalke said he first visited the parks & recreation committee in the City of Becker in 2017 and made a request to have a patch of land donated to accommodate such a structure. Sites were examined  and two potential sites at city hall emerged as leading candidates.

 

Bigalke presented the board with conceptual drawings showing what the memorial would look like and where on the grounds of city hall it would be planted. The memorial would be 40’x32’ or 30’x20’ (depending on chosen site) and consist of a granite memorial, a U.S. flag, a POW flag and flags from each of the five branches of the military.

 

Bigalke said the timeframe to have the memorial finished is for Freedom Days of 2020, the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

 

The board advised Bigalke they were in full support and asked that he keep them apprised of further actions.

 

“Thanks for including us,” said Chairman Brian Kolbinger.

 

Discussion commenced on a frontage road by the old Salida building at Hwy. 10 and Co. Rd. 11 that appears to be in the township right-of-way. 

 

Attorney Kelli Bourgeois said she discovered the “road” — or driveway — was dedicated as a service road in the 1970’s. According to county records, the township does own the right-of-way there. Bourgeois said someone built that road or driveway which was never formally approved. The sign for the business is also partially in the ROW, which is a violation.

 

A prospective buyer of the building and property was at the meeting Monday and told the board he wants to proceed, but not before the ROW issue and sign placement are rectified.

 

The topic was tabled while the board continues their inquiry into the matter.

 

A property located on 103rd Street in Becker Twp. was deemed having hazardous material on their land and after numerous contacts with the property owner, the township went in and removed the items.

 

The board said the removal costs came to around $900 and will be assessed to the property owner over one year.

 

The board called for a public hearing to be held May 21 at 7 p.m.

 

Discussion on winter parking rules transpired Monday with a new, revised ordinance draft that included hours, odd/even sides and duration changes.

 

The draft ordinance was incomplete, asking for the board to decide on the dates for the winter parking ban and the hours of the day. The draft showed the dates Nov. 15-Apr. 1 from midnight to 6 a.m.

 

Further discussion narrowed down the ordinance to show the dates to be Nov. 15 - Apr. 1 with no time restraints — all parking on township streets during those months would be prohibited. The township had a policy in regards to winter parking, but now wants an ordinance to ensure plow trucks and emergency vehicles have access on roads during the winter season.

 

Wes Davis gave a mapping and inventory update. He presented a design and was looking for feedback on bringing the concept forward and what the impacts would be on the wetlands areas.

 

Davis discussed low floor elevation and a certificate of survey and asked what language needed to be change to make it easier to understand. It was tabled for further discussion and to ensure the language is correct.

 

The board discussed a proposed agreement contract with Orrock Twp. for snowplowing of shared roads. The board reviewed and agreed they wanted to keep the agreement operative.

 

Road Supervisor Gary Gilbert was given direction to reach out to the road supervisor at Orrock for a new agreement and bring back to the board.

 

Sgt. Dan Franks said his department received 191 calls for service in the month of February. Eighty-nine of the calls were traffic related.

 

Franks said speeding issues on Co. Rd. 11 are being addressed and a speed sign may be utilized there.

 

The next Becker Twp. Board meeting is April 16 at 7 p.m.