Robert Hackler

The meeting commenced with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and approving the agenda, with an addition for Strategic Communication Training. The Sherburne County Attorney presented the annual report, detailing 2025 statistics for Becker, which included 32 felonies and 59 misdemeanors. Committee reports covered the Park & Recreation Commission's pursuit of sponsorship banners for youth baseball, the Fire Board's transition to HK for accounting and ordering turnout gear, the Planning Commission approving its annual calendar and appointing officers, the joint Planning Board's discussion on curbside waste pickup, the Fire Relief annual meeting adopting PERA as the new pension plan, and the Golf Committee reviewing financials and discussing membership rates. Preliminary 4th Quarter 2025 financials were presented, showing strong revenue collection and reserve maintenance. A proposal for communication training for council and leadership staff regarding public speaking during major events was approved in concept, with further details to follow. An Industrial Park Roundtable update noted high business attendance and requests for better signage.

The meeting included the election of EDA officials, naming Kathy Hollenhorst as President, Paige Krumme as Vice President, and Caryn Dunderi as Secretary. Key discussions involved interviews and presentations for the Housing Study Request for Proposal (RFP) by Bolton & Menk, Inc., Redevelopment Resources LLC, and Confluence, Inc., resulting in a recommendation to utilize Redevelopment Resources, LLC for the comprehensive housing study. Updates covered the monthly market review, noting 20 homes for sale in the 55308 zip code, and planning developments including Fossum Fields Third Addition and Luann Drive. The board also discussed a potential contribution to the Sherburne County EDA for a new economic development website and billboard.

The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting included the call to order, appointment of Planning Commission officials (Chair and Vice-Chair), agenda review, discussion of a Conflict of Interest Policy, and approval of the 2026 Planning Commission Calendar. The meeting also scheduled time for guests and open forum comments, though no previous minutes were approved as part of this agenda document structure.

The agenda for the Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled interviews and presentations from three shortlisted firms—Bolton & Menk, Redevelopment Resources LLC, and Confluence, Inc.—for the Comprehensive Housing Study Request for Proposal. Other items included annual EDA appointments for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary positions, as well as updates on the monthly housing market, a conflict of interest policy review, and planning reports covering recent council approvals, demolition permits, and updates on an industrial property replatting proposal with Xcel Energy.

The key discussions included the presentation of an updated Housing Study Request for Proposal (RFP), which was subsequently moved for City Council approval, incorporating new requirements for data analysis and regional trend reporting. An update was provided regarding the intended purchase of a 1.41-acre industrial park parcel from Mr. Huseby for $45,000, which will include a clause for cost recoupment upon resale. Furthermore, updates covered the EDA's participation in the national JTF conference concerning coal community transitions, market statistics for the 55308 zip code, planning matters such as an expansion application for Von Hanson Snacks and a setback variance request for Angell's Construction, and the progress of a regional Economic Development District involving Sherburne, Benton, and Stearns Counties. The authority also learned about securing a state-funded infrastructure grant to extend utilities to a future development area.