The Santiago Town Board met last Wednesday to consider several agenda items, including a review of the gravel roadways in the township.  Last month, the board responded to a spate of vandalism and roadway destruction by voting to temporarily suspend road maintenance in an effort to try a new approach to the yearslong issue.

Supervisor Dave Jehoich reported that there seemed to be fewer instances of rutting and other damage on the roadways and he was in favor of grading the gravel roads once to ensure that they can be maintained for the winter.

“If it freezes it will be too late,” said Jehoich. 

Chair Stu Nelson voiced some reservation to the idea based on the board’s decision from September.  However, he ultimately agreed that it would be prudent to grade them once and see what happens before making additional plans for maintenance.  Supervisor Jeff Pappenfus was absent from the meeting.

Resident Roseanne Wiltsey was present at the meeting to address the disrepair of the roadways, as well as the profanity on the bridge near her home.

“My grandchildren have to see that filth,” said Wiltsey, referencing the vandalism from a month ago.  She also wanted the board to know that the people who live on the gravel roads have to deal with the lack of maintenance and she has been calling the sheriff’s office anytime she sees suspicious behavior.

“I feel sorry for you,” said Nelson.  “But we felt it was the only thing we could do to address the ongoing issue.”

Jehoich and Nelson agreed, however, that it was time to paint the bridge.  Clerk Kathy Woolard will contact Sherburne County ASAP to inquire about the Sentence to Serve program painting the bridge.

In his road report, Jehoich reported that several trees that had blown down had been removed from the right of way and the ditch mowing had been completed.

Sheriff’s Report

Sergeant Aaron Sturm reported the monthly statistics to the board, which included 52 calls for service.  Traffic complaints were the most common occurrence, while there was also one theft and one domestic abuse complaint.

In an ironic twist, one Neighborhood Watch sign had been reported stolen.

Sturm discussed the extra patrols being carried out by deputies and identified times that the unseemly behavior seems to be occurring.  He pledged that the deputies will continue to beef up the presence in the area.

Hall Repairs

Contractor Mike Peterson has been contacted to repair the brick moulding on the back side of the building.  Matching the brick is no longer possible, as it is a discontinued item.  Woolard will check with the insurance company about the color match issue, as steel will be used to repair the damaged section and might have to be extended to other areas of the building.  The board felt that the insurance company should pay for the steel to ensure that the building’s exterior looks the same from all sides.

The intent is to have the building repaired and sealed up before the winter weather hits and moisture issues could become a problem.

CARES Act

The board approved expenditures for plumbing upgrades to the town hall using CARES Act funding for items such as touchless sink faucets and toilet flushers.  Some additional disinfectant will also be purchased for the building, as well as the fire station.

Matt Weber of the Becker Fire Department discussed the purchase of a used rescue truck that had recently been made available by the Zimmerman Fire Department. 

The 2017 one ton truck has only 3,000 miles on it, making it nearly brand new.  Zimmerman is replacing it with a larger and more heavy duty truck, but Station Two could utilize this truck to replace its current aging rescue rig. 

Weber said they have been researching trucks and the price for this one, $38,000, is more than fair and they can sell their current truck for perhaps $8,000.  They also plan to use the current radio equipment and install this on the new truck, saving about $10,000 in equipment costs.

The newer truck is also a double cab, allowing for much more space than the older truck especially on medical calls where as many as five firefighters have been going to the calls.

The board passed a resolution authorizing Chairman Nelson to work with Woolard and Weber on the potential purchase of the new vehicle.

Zoning

The board held discussion on the simple plat request from Tedd Schulte TR Estates and approved a motion for favorable recommendation to Sherburne County.  Both Nelson and Jehoich felt the request was in line with the surrounding area, thus the positive recommendation.

The board will meet next on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. at the town hall.