A discussion of on-going problems with beaver dams and other ditch obstructions, a review of shared responsibilities for Santiago Town Park with the Santiago Lions Club and a report on problems with water pressure at the fire hall were among the items discussed at the regular meeting of the Santiago Town Board Wednesday night.
Chairman Stuart Nelson said he would have to “excusehimself” from action on the problem on 7th St., since it includes property he owns and he would benefit from any action taken by the township to clear the ditches and remove the beaver dams that are causing water back-ups in that area.
Supervisor Jeff Pappenfus suggested that the Sherburne County ditch inspector be invited to a board meeting in Santiago to explain just what the county is doing in regard to county ditch maintenance. Pappenfus noted that he and other residents pay a “ditch tax” every year, yet beaver dams near his property continue to cause problems.
Contractor John Herbst told the board that the cost of cleaning Ditch # 7 to Ditch #5, which would involve roughly 120 yards along 7th St. would cost between $1,000 and $1,500.
A meeting with county officials on this matter is set for Tue., Oct, 20 at 9 a.m. at the Sherburne County Government Center, and several board members stated that they would attend. Following the discussion, the board moved to table any action on ditch clearing until the November regular meeting.
In the Park Report, the Lions Club representatives noted that the construction on the new pavilion has begun. The club and the board also discussed disposition of the funds provided by the township and the club regarding maintenance and improvements to the town park, and which organization is responsible for which activity. Nelson stated that the two groups must “do our homework” for next year so that both organizations are “on the same page” in regards to the shared responsibilities. He also said that the board’s January organizational meeting is generally the best place to finalize these decisions, and the club members present agreed.
Firefighter Matt Weber told the board that there is an ongoing problem with the water pressure system in the building. The 10,000 gallon tank can be filled by manually operating the controls, Weber said, but the automatic control box continues to malfunction.
The lack of water pressure also affects the town hall, and the board gave Weber, in his position as building custodian, the authority to close the town hall if the water situation dictates that he do so while a solution to the control problem is still being investigated. The facility is used by card players and for other social functions during the week.
Weber also told the board that the batteries and pads for the defibrillators at the town hall and three other locations in the township will need to be replaced. Following a short discussion, the board authorized $3,000 for the replacement parts, and agreed to place the replacement costs into future budgets every year.
The sheriff’s report listed 39 calls for service in September, with 10 traffic stops and three accidents reported. The fire department report indicated 42 calls for service in September, none in Santiago Township.
