During their meeting Wednesday night, Fire Captain Gary Evens updated the Santiago Twp. Board of Supervisors on the search for a replacement vehicle for Fire Engine 3. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a 25-year replacement schedule for fire equipment; Engine 3 is almost 32 years old. Along with that issue, replacement parts for the vehicle are nearly nonexistent, and if a major problem occurred it wouldn’t be worth the cost of repair. The truck is only worth around $2,500 due to its age.

Evens explained Fire Engine 3 recently went through pump testing. It didn’t pass on the capacity side and barely passed the vacuum side. Along with the pump getting weak the transmission was starting to slip, and it isn’t up-to-date with current safety measures.

He informed the board he’d found a 1993 engine that had everything they were looking for in a replacement, and it also comes with 300’ of LDH fire hose, ladders and other extras.

“I like everything about it,” said Evens. “The only problem is that it’s older than we were hoping for and it’s in New Jersey.”

The cost of the engine is $20,000. Shipping costs to Minnesota are estimated at $4,500.

Replacement engines in the department’s price range have been hard to find and when advertised they sell fast.

The board requested Evens pursue the purchase and get all of the vehicle’s information, including certifications. They asked if the seller would be willing to put a hold on it until the next township meeting when they would have a full board again. Evens indicated they would be willing to do so.

Road Report

Supervisor Dave Jehoich communicated the road report to the board through detailed notes as he was unable to attend the meeting. It was noted that this was the only meeting he’s ever missed since being voted onto the township board.

A pothole on 19th Street needs to be patched; 62nd has already been patched and is ready for sealcoating. The 7th Street/Co Road 9 repair project is still in progress but is near completion.

The board was informed the 7th Street and 155th sign has been stolen again.

An estimate for the dip in the Santiago/Palmer shared road is needed; Palmer Twp. will cost share with Santiago.

Tower Variances

Verizon representative Rick Adams approached the board to discuss the need for new setback variances for the company’s proposed communications tower on Craig Schwartzkopf’s land. Last month the board denied the requests.

Adams explained the original variances that were approved in 2016 had lapsed, as at the time the site wasn’t a priority for Verizon, and they didn’t have enough capital for all of their proposed projects. The CUP that had been granted at the time is still valid. He gave a lengthy description of the history of the project and why the tower was important to the community.

Chairman Stuart Nelson asked about the solid waste violations, which were also an issue previously. He was informed everything had been cleaned up.

A motion carried approving both variances under the condition of county approval.

Other Business

Dave and Jan Wambeke, the Lions and sheriff were all thanked for the work they put into the township’s Night to Unite event. They had a great turnout, with over 100 residents attending.

A motion carried approving the exempt permit for the Central MN Youth for Christ event at Wild Marsh Shooting Clays.

A motion carried to use Centra Sota Coop for the township’s LP needs for the upcoming season.

The board was informed their SCORE grant for cleanup day was expected to be $2,900, bringing the township’s total cost for the event down to $400.

The sheriff reported 31 calls for service for July, with the largest number being medicals.

Fire and Rescue reported 43 calls for service for July seven of which were in Santiago Twp.; five medicals, one fire and one car accident.

The next Santiago Twp. meeting will be Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.