Big Lake City and Township have been collaborating on projects to save money in the community, as well as help businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Snow Removal

Big Lake City and Township have come to an agreement regarding who is responsible for plowing roads throughout the area. It was brought to the attention of the city and township that a few roads were receiving snow plow services from both of them, and so, to save money, an agreement was laid out outlining exactly which roads are the responsibility of each. The new policy will be put into effect starting immediately and ending April 30, 2021.

CARES Funding

Big Lake Twp. has requested that the city act as a distributor of COVID-19 relief funding to businesses in the area. The township decided to take this action in order to support the local businesses on which township residents rely, but they lacked the staff and resources that the city had in order to pursue that mission. Any business or nonprofit wishing to receive funding from the township, via the city, must apply before Oct. 30. Eligible parties can apply at www.BigLakeTownship.com/CARES.

Public Hearing for Delinquent City Bills

There will be a public hearing for those residents who have delinquent water/sewer bills, water availability fees, weed/grass removal and snow removal services. The hearing will take place in the city hall council chambers Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Residents with delinquent bills will receive a notification in the mail with information about the hearing.

New Police Vehicles

A Big Lake Police Dept. vehicle was totaled in an accident on Sept. 23. The vehicle had been purchased in March, and the insurance was estimated to return almost all of what the city paid for it. Rather than purchasing another brand-new vehicle, the department found a car dealership in Chicago specializing in used police vehicles selling a 2015 Ford Explorer for $17,400. The department will also be auctioning off a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban with 199,000 miles and a diesel Kawasaki Mule with a snow blade. With the insurance and the sale of those two vehicles, this endeavor will end in a net gain for the city.

The police dept. was also slated to receive two new vehicles next year. The department rotates replacing vehicles, acquiring five over the course of a three year period. The funding for the purchase of the vehicles will come from the 2021 Capital Improvement Fund.

Hand Sanitizing Station

Paragon Store Fixtures has donated a hand sanitizing station to city hall. The station consists of a post with compartments attached to hold face masks, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a box of sanitizing wipes, and a trash can. The estimated value of the sanitizing station is $595. The station should prove very useful for voters on the upcoming election day.