The most pressing topic at the Becker City Council meeting was the strategic grant application for infrastructure improvements. Discussions centered on securing funding for road enhancements that could make the area more appealing to multifamily developers. The grant, although with a reduced budget from $8 million to $2 million, represented a key opportunity for the city, despite the low likelihood of securing the funds. Council members emphasized the importance of applying, as failure to do so would ensure no funding was received. Concerns were aired regarding the vague nature of the grant’s criteria and the potential for being locked into an unfavorable agreement. Preparations for the application were reportedly well-advanced, with engineering drawings and estimates ready, and a meeting was set for June 3 to finalize and approve the submission before the June 12 deadline.

Another topic that generated considerable discussion was the increasing presence of ebikes on city trails. Concerns were raised about safety issues, with ebikes being operated at high speeds and posing risks to pedestrians, including senior citizens. Despite an ordinance prohibiting motorized vehicles on trails, ebikes are not classified as such under state law, complicating enforcement. The council grappled with potential regulations, such as imposing a speed limit on trails or requiring ebikes to operate on streets. Suggestions for better signage and regulations along trails were made, including posting stop signs at major intersections and installing non-motorized vehicle signs. The council expressed intentions to collaborate with local law enforcement and explore potential strategies.

In another significant decision, the council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for outdoor aggregate storage at the Semstone property. The CUP application covered 65 acres zoned for industrial use, where unauthorized storage activities had been identified through aerial imagery. The permit was deemed consistent with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan goals, and conditions included limitations on storage area, material height, and requirements for dust control and drainage management. The council moved to adopt resolution 2545, recommending approval of the CUP, with no objections raised.

The council also addressed a request to donate fencing from the former community garden site to the Farm Friends Barn. The community garden had been relocated following the city’s sale of the original property for housing development. The Farm Friends Barn expressed interest in establishing community gardens on their property and requested the city donate approximately 100 by 40 feet of fencing. City staff recommended approval of the donation, noting that the Farm Friends Barn would manage maintenance and rental of garden plots. The motion to approve the donation was unanimously passed.

The meeting also included a review of financial reports. Overall revenue was at 4.18% of the budget, higher than in previous years, with general fund expenditures slightly over 19%. In the water and wastewater sectors, revenues and expenditures were consistent with budget expectations, although some capital expenditure delays were noted. Notably, the golf course fund reported revenues slightly behind the previous year, but overall expenditures were at 16% of the budget, with a return of about $69,000 in income for the first quarter.

Lastly, the council reviewed and approved several items on the consent agenda, including a revised hiring and termination report, temporary liquor licenses, and resolutions regarding an appraisal for city-owned industrial lots and a demolition contract. The meeting concluded with a motion to pay the bills, which was passed unanimously.