The Council passed Ordinance 298, which amends the city code and Unified Development Ordinance to incorporate updated terminology and zoning regulations for cannabis and hemp products. This ordinance allows cannabis wholesalers and lower potency hemp edible wholesalers to operate in commercial, mixed-use, and industrial districts while prohibiting them in residential and institutional areas. The decision follows a public hearing by the Planning Commission, which received no public comments, leading to the council’s unanimous adoption of the ordinance. The changes reflect the latest state definitions and ensure local regulations are consistent with wider legal standards.

The council accepted a $430,325 Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant. This award will fund half of the costs for the Luan Drive infrastructure project, which is estimated at $860,650. The project aims to extend Luan Drive to Edgewood Street Southeast and is part of the broader Becker 2040 comprehensive plan. The development is expected to add 198 housing units, including affordable and workforce options, thus enhancing the city’s housing capabilities. The council acknowledged the collaborative effort among staff in securing this grant, emphasizing the teamwork involved.

The council also discussed a wastewater handling agreement with Excel Energy, focusing on RO reject water. This agreement mirrors a previous arrangement regarding ash leachate and is designed to reduce truck traffic by enabling direct discharge through existing mechanisms. The agreement, structured as a trial, includes milestones over an eight-week ramp-up to ensure the plant can handle the water before increasing production. Legal reviews found no issues, and the agreement is expected to generate additional revenue without hindering future community development.

In budgetary matters, the council engaged in discussions on enterprise fund budgets and capital improvement plans. A 3% general wage increase was highlighted, alongside healthcare renewal assumptions. The council decided to maintain the preliminary levy, opting to earmark savings for healthcare costs to prepare for future increases. Additionally, changes legislated in the 2025 session will increase the safe drinking water service connection fee, affecting the rate schedule but not directly impacting the budget.

The council also reviewed the 2026 street improvements, approving a supplemental letter agreement for engineering services. Streets earmarked for improvement include Hillrest Road, with Birdie Lane considered an alternate for potential development. This planning is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and accommodate future growth.

The council addressed Energy Park’s 10th edition preliminary and final plat, consolidating multiple parcels into five industrial lots and one out lot for drainage and utility purposes. This development covers 143.85 acres, and its approval included a stipulation for removing tree debris to ensure a clean transfer of the parcel.

In other developments, the council deliberated on extending the “sack and wack” discount for another year, a decision open for further discussion. This would help facilitate developer engagement for projects along Lann Drive, projected to start in 2027 or 2028. The council was encouraged to consider this extension’s impact on the development landscape.

The meeting also touched on capital improvements and utility budgets. The council was informed about the projected decline in water sales for 2026, contributing to decreased utility fee income, while capital expenditures for water operations are expected to rise. Projects include pump rehabilitation and well exploration.

Lastly, the council reviewed proposed meeting schedules for 2026, considering conflicts with National Night Out and the general election. Adjustments were proposed, including moving meetings to subsequent Wednesdays for those dates. The council also discussed the nuclear energy issue within a resolution, deciding to prioritize energy transition aid clarification.