The Becker Fire Relief Association’s potential move to the statewide volunteer firefighter plan was a key discussion point. Traditionally, local fire departments have managed their own relief associations to create pension funds. However, the state established a centralized plan about 15 years ago, offering professional management and several operational advantages. These benefits include the elimination of annual audit requirements, reduced costs for actuarial studies, and lower investment fees. The relief association, already over 100% funded, recommended this transition due to these benefits. A resolution to approve the move was proposed and passed without opposition.

Another issue addressed was pedestrian safety on Edgewood Street, which had become a community concern following a recent tragedy. The council discussed infrastructure improvements as part of the capital improvement plan for the next two years. They approved moving forward with engineering and design work to assess and enhance road width, speed limits, and crosswalk visibility. A multi-agency roundtable discussion was also held to address traffic issues and improve safety measures. Residents were reassured that the city was attentive to their concerns, with further recommendations and timelines expected later in the year.

Beyond these topics, the council reviewed routine agenda items, including the consent agenda, which covered the payment of bills, minutes from previous meetings, and acceptance of a $7,500 donation from the Becker Lions Club for lighting at Snuffy’s Landing. Other approved items included several partial pay requests for ongoing projects, and the estimated population for Becker in 2024 was noted as 5,221.

The meeting also featured an amendment to discuss updates on e-bikes and their regulation. Chief Lindlum reported ongoing efforts to educate the public about e-bike use and laws through social media and a collaborative article with the school superintendent. An ordinance is being developed to address specific e-bike regulations in Becker, with proposals such as installing stop signs on pedestrian trails to manage speed concerns.

In a presentation from the Great River Regional Library, Hillary Dawson provided an overview of the library system serving six counties through 32 branches. She highlighted that the Becker branch has over 2,500 patrons and circulated approximately 56,000 items last year. The library’s collection is dynamic, with many items circulating between branches. A $12,000 grant from the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange funded new lounge seating, study table chairs, and shelving units to enhance the library environment. The Friends of the Library organization supports the library through fundraising and volunteer efforts, including book sales and promoting services within the community.

Dawson also emphasized the library’s digital resources, such as Libby and Hoopla for e-books and streaming content, accessible remotely with a library card. The library offers databases for driving tests, genealogy research, and LinkedIn Learning courses. Additionally, the library engaged in 141 community programs last year, attended by 2,286 people, including story times, book clubs, and presentations by authors and performers. The library’s community outreach efforts include participation in public health celebrations and partnerships with local schools.

In committee reports, the Joint Fire Board discussed budget considerations, while the Parks and Recreation Committee focused on the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026 and sought ideas for a new park’s name on the east side of the river. Preparations for Pleasant Valley Park equipment replacement were mentioned, with installation scheduled for early August. The committee decided to monitor issues with the poured-in-place surfacing at the community park over winter before determining further action.

The Budget and Finance Committee continued discussions on the proposed 2026 budget, and the Planning Commission addressed edits to Chapter 4, reviewing staff-proposed feedback on Sherburn County zoning and subdivision ordinances.

Additionally, the council addressed the replacement of the HVAC system for the water administration building. The existing system, installed in 1996, had exceeded its typical service life. Two quotes were presented, and the council adopted a resolution for the replacement, passing without further discussion.