During their meeting Wednesday night, Becker firefighter Gary Evens presented the Santiago Twp. Board of Supervisors with a 10-year informational assessment of the township’s fire equipment.

 

Currently, there are four vehicles; Engine 3, which is 32 years old, is projected to be replaced in 2019. Evens’ estimated cost at $40,000 for a 2000 vintage engine.

 

Tender 3 is projected to be replaced in 2025 for an estimated cost of $50,000, Rescue 3 is projected to be replaced in 2027 for an estimated cost of $30,000, and replacement of Grass 3 is projected for 2029 with an estimated cost of $30,000.

 

In 2030, Engine 3 is projected to need replacement once again; estimated cost $50,000.

 

In total, the projected replacement costs are $200,000. With an estimated $20,000 in sales of the old vehicles, $180,000 will be needed. 

 

A 25-year replacement schedule is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

 

A discussion was held on whether or not the $10,000 per year the township has been putting away for this purpose will be enough to cover the costs over the long run.

 

Supervisor Stuart Nelson suggested the issue be discussed at the township’s upcoming annual meeting in March, and asked Evens if he would give the same presentation at that time. Evens agreed; the issue will be included on the meeting’s agenda.

 

Evens explained that currently the fire department has a potential used truck that could be purchased to replace Engine 3. Because of the large expenditure, the board felt they should wait to discuss the issue until all members were present; Supervisor Jeff Pappenfus was unable to attend that evening. The discussion was tabled until the February meeting.

 

 

Nelson informed the board he had been directed to speak about social media; in particular, any reference to the township people associated with it may have on their profiles.

 

“If you’re involved with social media you should be very cognizant of what you put out there,” he said. “If you’re going to be involved with anything controversial you need to get any reference to Santiago Twp. off of there.”

 

A brief discussion was held on the subject; the main reason for the concern was not to attach the township to anything questionable individuals may say or be involved in.

 

“Just please be aware and take any reference of us off your profile just in case,” said Nelson.

 

 

The township was contacted by a resident inquiring if they had projects he could take on to help work off his community service hours. After a brief discussion, it was determined they may be able to use his help with some township hall maintenance as well as various other projects for the Lions and fire department. Clerk Kathy Wollard will follow up.

 

The Santiago Lions will be holding a pancake breakfast Sun., Jan. 13 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

 

Cleanup day is tentatively scheduled for April 27 from 8 a.m. to noon.

 

The sheriff reported 53 calls for service for December, the majority of which were traffic stops.

 

The Becker Fire Dept. reported 47 calls for December; five of them in Santiago Twp. that included four medical and one car accident. 

 

The annual Board of Equalization meeting will be April 8 at 9 a.m.

 

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