The Santiago Twp. Board met last week to discuss several items, including the approval of the fire services contract.

The Becker Fire Dept. is governed by the joint powers fire board, which includes the City of Becker and Becker Twp.  Because Station Two of the department is located in Santiago Twp., a new contract is looked at each year to cover the department’s operating expenses.

The board reviewed the available information and approved the contract as presented.  This allows all of Santiago to be covered for fire and EMS services by the Becker Fire Dept.

Next, Clerk Kathy Woolard updated the board on the insurance claim for damage to the building that had affected the brick facing along the fire truck bays.  Because the existing brick has been discontinued and can no longer be color matched, the board wanted the insurance company to cover the costs of replacing the entire section of the molding with a new, colored tin siding.  The insurance company concurred with the claim and agreed to cover the costs so the repair work will be able to move forward in the near future.

The board also approved the CARES Act expenditures through the legal grant period and authorized staff to finalize purchases that will qualify under the law.  Some remaining funds will be returned, as not every dollar was spent by the township.  Overall, the supervisors felt like they accomplished what they could to help area residents including some important additions to the capabilities of Station Two of the fire department.

In a nod to looking at road maintenance for 2021, several members of the Becker Twp. Board joined the meeting to have a discussion regarding 67th Street. This is a shared roadway between the two townships and the two entities strategized about plans for how to approach the maintenance starting next spring.  Letters will be sent to affected homeowners explaining the process and possible timelines.

The board will meet next on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.