TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Chairman Jessica Estridge called the November 8, 2023 monthly board meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Present were Chairman Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via telephone), Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Ron Gallagher, Jason Walters, Brandie Fornengo, Matt Holter and Dori Willett.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve the October 11, 2023 monthly board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor, Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Clerk Charla Zaccardi reported on bank balances for Bremer Bank and Community Bank of Cameron. We are in the process of slowly moving funds to Community Bank and that is why we have two bank accounts to report on at this time.
Expenses: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve payment of monthly expenditures as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input: None
Chairman’s Report: Chairman Jessica Estridge mentioned that she will be updating CDL license information for insurance records soon. She also mentioned that she attended the recent ambulance meeting and it is expected that expenses will increase 5-6% over the next five years.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Update: Ron Gallagher mentioned he was having trouble with the mower again.
Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported that the roads are good and that brush and trees have been cut back.
Fire Report: None.
Northland Community Center: Fellowship Tuesday’s from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, all are welcome. Community church services 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday’s at 10 AM.
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday’s. Ryan has passed out Holiday Hour notices to residents. Ron Gallagher has agreed to attend at the WARTS on Sunday, November 19, 2023, Thank You Ron!
NEW BUSINESS
1) A discussion was had regarding the town budget. There was concern that the budget has been constantly negative over a number of years. Two items of disscussion to note were the cost of the WARTS and road conditions due to ATV/UTV’s. These two items will be addressed at upcoming monthly meetings. It was mentioned that a lot of neighboring towns charge for waste and recycling. An update on the roads/trails will be had to see if expenses have gone down. There won’t be a raise of the levy this year, but there will be next year.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to officially approve the 2024 budget as presented. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion unamimously approved.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE DECEMBER AGENDA:
- WARTS propoal for residents
Agenda items due Friday before each meeting.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 7:25 pm. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 8th day of November 2023
By: ________________________________________
Jessica Estridge, Chairman