The Santiago Twp. Board met last Wednesday and welcomed several visitors to the meeting, including County Administrator Bruce Messelt, as well as Becker Twp. Supervisors Joe Danielson and Robin Boros.

The board began the meeting with a law enforcement update provided by Sgt. Andy Ochs, who reported a higher than usual 86 calls for service last month.  Most of the additional activity was in response to the township’s request for additional patrols to combat speed issues along Co. Rd. 11, and Ochs reported a number of traffic stops with citations being issued.  

Next, the board discussed 67th Street and welcomed Boros and Danielson to the meeting as the roadway is shared between the two units of government.

Since last month, the Becker supervisors obtained a pair of additional quotes for gravel to be applied to the eastern section of the roadway.  The bids ranged from $59,558 to $67,714 to fulfill the specifications of four inches of impacted material.  Santiago had also advertised for bids and they opened two at the meeting, which ranged from $60,210 to the lowest of all the bids at $53,465 from Knife River.  In looking at all the bids, the two entities agreed that Knife River’s met all of the needs and was the lowest cost and would make the most sense.  However, Becker Twp. will have to take formal action on the award during its June meeting.  

Discussion also centered around engineering fees for the project and both sides agreed they would each pay their own when it comes to this road’s construction.

The western section of the roadway was then discussed, as it is currently asphalt but continues to show deterioration problems with an unstable road base.  Becker had obtained soil borings which showed up to 12 feet of peat material under the asphalt, which would make a reclamation project most likely difficult and uncertain to work in the long run.  

Several possible solutions were discussed, including doing a micro overlay and chip seal or a possible new asphalt application over the existing bed.  After a lengthy discussion about the best long-term solution, it was decided that Boros would join Santiago contractor John Herbst and a representative from Knife River for a site inspection before the group reports back to both boards with a preferred plan of action.

Messelt Update

Messelt was present at the meeting to discuss the county’s efforts over the past year and to look at options for addressing the speed on Co. Rd. 11.

He detailed some of the issues facing the county as the Covid-19 pandemic winds down, including a major backlog of court cases that are taxing the system.  Not only do the court cases put a strain on the county attorney’s office, but they also have related effects on other departments.  Messelt noted that several child abuse and neglect cases have yet to work their way through the courts, meaning that the county incurs sometimes as much as $5,000 a month in long-term foster care expenses for each out of home placement.  These expenses are being offset by federal aid, but Messelt explained the courts are ramping up their schedules and staffing levels to address the caseload.

In a discussion about broadband and the county’s efforts to bring high speed internet to more residents, he used the analogy of the rural electric and rural telephone initiatives of the past.  With the recently completed broadband study, the county now has a detailed map of the “broadband desert” areas and are formulating plans for how to address the situation moving forward.  A significant portion of the county’s newly $19 million in ARPA funds will be dedicated to broadband issues.

One transportation issue Messlet discussed was the Hwy. 169 overpass in Zimmerman and how this is a priority for the county.  Elk River already has plans to address traffic concerns in the city and Messelt stated that when that happens, that the stoplight in Zimmerman will be the only one for 75 miles.  Without action to help that traffic concern, it will be greatly exacerbated once the Elk River projects are completed.

Last Month, the board had contacted the county for help to address the speed issues on Co. Rd. 11 and Messelt spoke of the efforts over the past month to come up with solutions.

He shared research stating that driver awareness signs (LED speed signs) have been shown to decrease speeds by as much as eight mph on roadways and he is exploring possibilities for how the county might be able to help the township in this area.  He is working with Sheriff Joel Brott, Commissioner Felix Schmiesing and Public Works Director Andrew Witter on the matter and will report back soon.

The board was also interested moving the speed limit signs further out of town, but this would fall under MnDOT jurisdiction and require a speed study.  The board will forward a letter to Messelt indicating the desire for a speed study and the commissioners will take it up at a future meeting.

In other business, the board:

• Decided to research 10th street in the county’s records to try and determine its official legal status;

• Directed that the Town Hall reopen for rental starting July 1;

• Heard from Matt Weber regarding the Fire Dept.’s activities over the past month, including seven calls for service in Santiago.