Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Commander Ben Zawacki visited the Becker Twp. Board Monday evening to deliver this year’s annual report.
In 2022, Zawacki reported a total of 2,361 calls for service within the township, up from 2021’s total of 2,125 and 2020’s 1,957.
While the vast majority of the calls are for contacts such as traffic stops or security checks, Zawacki highlighted a slide that tracked a three year trend for more serious crimes. Thefts totaled 44 for 2022, while there were also three burglaries and six DUI’s. In general, DUI incidents are showing a downward trend, while thefts are increasing.
Other noted highlights included a new K-9 Deputy, Bruno, who works alongside Deputy Derek Sorensen and can perform drug detection, tracking and apprehension.
In terms of traffic enforcement, Sherburne County was part of a first of its kind Traffic Task Force in alliance with Stearns and Wright Counties, as well as the State Patrol. The agencies collaborate to provide enhanced enforcement in high crash/speeding areas.
97th St.
Engineer Wes Davis updated the board on the efforts to rebuild 97th St., a project that will also include the City of Becker and Clear Lake Township. With Sherburne County and MnDOT review and approval, Davis hopes to be ready to seek bids for the project by early March at the latest.
Solar Overlay
Becker CIty Community Development Director Jacob Sanders updated the board on a recent meeting with township representatives (Chair Brian Kolbinger and Supv. Luke Babler) and Apex Energy officials as work continues on the Solar Overlay Map. The next step includes the city trying to accurately predict their development needs over the next 40-50 years, a task that Supervisor Brad Wilkening warned can be wrought with inaccurate assumptions.
Wilkening asked if the forecast will include statistics from what happened over the past 20 years, as many growth projections assumed a very high level of development that never materialized.
Sanders responded that past trends will be considered, as well as anticipated land needs for the next few decades. The ultimate goal is to try and define future boundaries for the city limits, accounting for potential land needs. Once that process is complete, the Solar Overlay Map will be revisited.
Supervisor Reports
Babler updated the board on last year’s fire department statistics, which included 598 calls for service, up just two from 2021. He noted that Pizza Depot and Ralph’s Auto Body each donated $150 towards Fire Safety Day.
Supervisor Joe Danielson reviewed the roads report, and the board unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a future “grade separation” plan for the intersection of CSAH 11 and US Hwy. 10.
Unanimous approval was also given to upgrading the sound mixer at Town Hall, as well as purchasing two fireproof file cabinets from Clear Lake Twp.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Heard from Zawacki about December’s calls for service, which totaled 193 calls;
• Approved transfer of funds from CDs to an interest-bearing money market account;
• Announced the Local Board of Adjustment and Equalization meeting will be held April 11 at 6 p.m.
