TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Chairman Jessica Estridge called the September 13, 2023 monthly board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present were Chairman Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Ron Gallagher, Dori Willett, Marty Pearson and Bill Fish.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve the August 9, 2023 monthly board meeting minutes as submitted. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Bremer Bank and Community Bank of Cameron.
Expenses: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve payment of monthly expenditures as submitted. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input: Blaine resident, Marty Pearson, was in attendance representing his neighbors on Montgomery Road. He asked that the road be plowed to the end as residents will be using it regularly. The brush will be cut as well as the road graded with gravel brought in to improve the turnaround on this road.
Chairman’s Report: 1) Chairman Jessica Estridge wanted to make every resident aware that while the Town Board supports freedom of speech, and freedom of just about everything, the board does not support discrimination or harassment of its employees on the job or at anytime and will not tolerate it. If any harassment or threatening behavior is reported by a Town of Blaine employee, the board will pursue legal counsel and legal action could be taken.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Update:
Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported that the roads were looking good. There was some interest from someone to buy the old loader. The board will take a reasonable offer. Brushing is still ongoing until it snows. Extra hours related to trees down and damage are to be kept track of and submitted for possible emergency funds. ATV/UTV damage is less, but is still happening. Updated signs for trails are still pending. Chairman Jessica Estridge stated she has a new contact person for Cooper Engineering and is also waiting for notice on FEMA approving the extension. Discussion took place on exploring ways to increase the GTA and a possible loan.
Fire Report: Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to add approval of the loan amount from Community Bank of Cameron for the pumper tanker truck to the agenda. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The Dairyland Volunteer Fire Department Open House was held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 with a good turnout. The fire department will be including a donation letter in the tax statements this year. The town has received an invoice for the pumper tanker in the amount of $118,853, which is about half of what the total is.
Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to approve the loan from Community Bank of Cameron for $276,386.00 to start paying invoices from the purchase of a pumper tanker truck. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
Northland Community Center:
- Saturday, September 30, 2023 Celebration of Life
- Saturday, October 14, 2023 DOVR dinner/fundraising event
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday’s.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Burnett County Humane Society sent a letter asking every municipality in the county for a minimum of $500 per year due to their increasing costs. A discussion took place regarding this request and the board will not donate at this time.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE OCTOBER AGENDA:
- Budget meeting workshop October 11, 2023 immediately following the monthly board meeting.
Agenda items due Friday before each meeting.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 7:56 pm. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 13th day of September, 2023
By: ________________________________________
Jessica Estridge, Chairman