TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Supervisor Josh Fornengo called the February 14, 2024 monthly board meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Present were Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Jason Walters, Ryan Brennan, Matt Holter, Jim Mahr, Brandie Fornengo, Vern Drake, Ron Proffit, Dori and Dean Willett.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve the January 10, 2024 monthly board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor, Bryan Holter 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. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to open a savings account with the Community Bank of Cameron. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Citizen’s Input: Vern Drake thanked Dori Willett for bringing back the Pledge of Allegiance to the town board meetings as it was overlooked for some time. He also mentioned he purchased a new flag pole for the Evergreen Cemetery due to a storm last summer and within six months later he noticed it had vanished from the cemetery. Vern offered to order a new flag pole and will ask the board for reimbursement this time. The pole will now be bolted in place more securely. Vern also asked about the status of the FEMA commitment on the Low Water Crossing (cement bridge project) and the board updated him about the engineering not being complete, no bids were received and also after Covid, the pricing went up. The board is still working on this project. It was mentioned that South Markville Road was resurfaced and this cost was more than what the town was compensated for. North Markville Road was discussed and the road will probably go out again. It was suggested that the town take pictures or video of current conditions of roads and culverts in advance of a storm. Vern was also curious and asked why the new fire truck tax levy shows on an individual line on the tax bill and why it was not folded into the taxes. It is above the tax levy. It is hoped to have a fire association up and running before the end of the 10 year loan for the fire truck.
Chairman’s Report: None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Report: Ron Gallagher reported that everything is good right now. Bryan is working on the truck development. The outfitter for equipment on the truck is in place and we will possibly use Boyer in Superior.
Road Condition Report: The roads are good and trees have been cut. Clean up has begun.
Fire Report: None
Northland Community Center: None
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday’s.
NEW BUSINESS
1) This has been delayed until Chairman, Jessica Estridge hears back from the Wisconsin Towns Association. Ryan will help with the continued development of permits/passes.
2) The levy process to raise taxes will begin in September. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will help us create a plan for notification, meeting, and a vote. The tax levy will not go into effect until 2026.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH AGENDA
Agenda items due Friday before each meeting.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 pm. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 14th day of February 2024
By: ________________________________________
Jessica Estridge, Chairman