A report on the preparation work currently underway on 62nd st. and a discussion on a request for disposition of funds from the Santiago Lions Club for completion of a pavilion at the town park were the main items on the agenda at the regular meeting of the Santiago Town Board Wednesday night.

 

Supervisor Dave Jehoich informed the board  preparation work involving filling of holes and unblocking culverts is currently underway.  Township contractor John Herbst told the board  five loads of removed tree stumps and seven truckloads of “muck” have already been removed from the roadway during the preparation process.  Herbst estimated that an additional $5,000 to $6,000 will be needed before the roadway will be ready for re-paving.

 

Last month, the board approved a bid from Knife River Corp. of $28,120 for the project. The township will still realize a cost savings by performing much of the preparation work on the road project, which will include removal of existing blacktop, application of Class 5 gravel and traffic control during the resurfacing.

 

The board heard a report from new Santiago Lions Club President Mike Rogers regarding the pavilion planned for construction in the Santiago Town Park.  The club requested $10,250 to complete the project, including $2,500 from the township Capital Improvement Fund (CIP) set aside for park projects, with the remainder potentially coming from the proceeds of the insurance settlement for storm damages that occurred in 2013.

 

Some of the materials for the pavilion are already on site, and Rogers told the board that the enclosure would help to expand use of the park going forward. 

 

Work on the concession stand building has been completed, Rogers said, and the club and the insurance payment have met the $32,000 cost on that project.  Rogers said that the club had hoped to have the pavilion completed in time for the annual Santiago Fun Fest that takes place today, but the financing could not be sorted out in time for the event.

 

The discussion revealed some confusion over the status of the disposition of the various claims for portions of the work done on the park to date, and the board voted to table action on the funding request until the September meeting, by which time the details can be clarified.

 

Fun Fest activities will include a vintage car show, a kickball tournament, a craft fair, and an appearance by the North Memorial air ambulance helicopter, some racing cars and a horseshoe tournament. Entertainment will be provided by the Youth Group from the South Santiago Lutheran Church, and the popular beer garden and grilled pork chop and corn stands will be in full operation.

 

The sheriff’s report indicated 18 traffic stops in Santiago in July, along with one disturbing the peace complaint and complaints of vehicles parked on the bridge on Hwy 23.  A number of complaints of vehicles speeding and running stop signs at the intersections of county roads 16 and 23 and 3 and 23, resulting in several close calls for motorists.  Jehoich also stated that the stop sign at the intersection of 175th St. and Co. Rd. 16 had recently been stolen as well.