During their meeting Monday night, the Santiago Twp. Board of Supervisors was informed their new fire engine had arrived and would be ready for service in about a month. The truck was purchased and shipped from New Jersey.

A discussion was held on what to do with the old engine, which is only worth around $2,500;  everything that can still be used will be removed before sale. Because of its age the engine will likely not go to another fire department, but individuals often purchase old fire trucks to use for a variety of purposes.

A decision was made to research the engine’s actual worth, after which they will first try to sell it locally.

Road Report 

Supervisor Dave Jehoich informed the board Becker Twp. is refusing to pay their portion of the bill for ditch work done on their side of the shared township road, however, their road agreement states they’re responsible for fallen trees and brushing on that side. He recommended the board write a letter saying Santiago Twp. was going to stop doing the work.

Chairman Stuart Nelson stated his concern was if there’s issues in the roadway they should do what’s right for the public and continue with what they’d been doing. 

“I’d like to let them (Becker Twp.) know they’re not upholding their end of the deal,” he said. “I certainly don’t think we should just stop taking care of the road, we’re here for public safety. We have to work together and it has to be done right.”

The board agreed to inform Becker Twp. of their decision, and if the issue isn’t resolved they would look at next steps.

Supervisor Dave Jehoich told the board he had received quite a few calls concerning washboarding on 67th. The road has a lot of traffic, which is why it’s currently being graded weekly. He was also told there may be upcoming issues on 7th Street due to animal digging, possibly from gophers.

A resident on 125th Ave. contacted the township about a large dead tree she’d like removed, however, as it’s not on township property they have no authority to do so.

Seventeen tires were found and removed from the ditch on 7th Street.

Other Business

Tedd Schulte approached the board to discuss the future simple plat he will be requesting for dividing his 40-acre property on 127th. He stated he attended the meeting because he had received conflicting information on the process and wanted the board’s advice on the correct steps to take.

He showed them an arial view of the property, and after discussing what he would be requesting the board was able to give him the advice he was looking for.

The Santiago Lions Club will be holding their annual Halloween party at Bailey Ray’s from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 26. The event will feature lots of fun and activities for children.

The sheriff reported 25 calls for service for September, including two accidents, two domestics and one DUI accident.

The fire department reported 33 calls for September, which included 24 medical, five fire alarms, two gas leaks, one fire and one vehicle accident.

The next Santiago Twp. meeting will be Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.