At the beginning of the Santiago Twp. meeting Wednesday night, Chairman Stuart Nelson asked everyone to remember 9/11 and where they were at the time. He stated since then many have thanked him for his part, and he’d like to see that continue [for everyone].

Fire Engine

Fire Captain Gary Evens approached the board to discuss the replacement of 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.

The engine 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.

Evens found a 1993 engine in New Jersey for $20,000 that had everything they were looking for in a replacement, and it also comes with 300’ of LDH fire hose, ladders and other extras.

He informed the board he traveled to New Jersey to inspect the truck and found it to be in very nice condition, only a few minor issues to repair and no rust. Everything on the truck has been tested and certified 100% working condition.

“It matches everything we need, and we’d be gaining several nice features,” said Evens. “Even though it’s only three years newer than our current engine it’s a drastic step up.”

Even with the few minor repairs and $4,500 to ship to Minnesota, the entire engine will cost less than $30,000. Evens recommended purchase.

A motion carried to purchase the new truck.

Road Report

One of the township’s roads was torn up and signs stolen from it. A Sherburne Co. deputy spoke in person with the minors they felt were guilty, although they didn’t admit to it. The signs have been replaced.

The township has written letters to the believed perpetrators but will hold off on sending them out unless further damage or theft occurs. A letter to the editor may be sent to the paper about the incident, the danger to the public and the possible penalties for the offenses.

An estimate for the pothole issue on 135th, the Santiago/Palmer Twp. line, was received from John Herbst Excavating; each township will pay half. 

A motion carried approving the estimate with the contingency that Palmer Twp. also approves; the estimate hasn’t been presented to them yet.

Sealcoating 62nd Street will begin the beginning of October; the total project will run around $30,000.

Herbst Excavating was the only bid received for the township’s three-year road maintenance contract, which runs from May 1 to April 30 and is for regular road maintenance and snow plowing.

A motion carried accepting the bid.

A culvert on 7th Street will be installed after the ditch work is completed.

Other Business

The Santiago Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast and bake sale on Sun., (Sept. 15) from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Santiago Town Hall. All proceeds will go toward purchasing equipment for the fire department.

The sheriff reported 45 calls for service for August, mostly traffic and medicals. There was also one personal property damage from a person who had screws in their tires; the perpetrator putting them in the road has been arrested.

The fire department reported four calls for service in Santiago Twp., including three medical and one fire.

The next Santiago Twp. meeting will be Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.