TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
March 10, 2020
Chairman Vern Drake called the March 10, 2020 monthly board meeting to order at 6:03 pm.
Present were Supervisor Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Treasurer Larry Holter, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Bonnie Young, Matt Holter, Brandie Fornengo and Dean and Dori Willett.
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Estridge made the motion to approve the February 11, 2020 board meeting minutes. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
Chairman Drake read the Special February 25, 2020 Meeting Minutes aloud. Supervisor Estridge made the motion to approve the minutes. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report was provided by Treasurer Holter.
Expenses: Supervisor Estridge made a motion to approve payment of the bills as submitted. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input:
a) A citizen asked why we do not recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the board meetings. The board agreed that in the future we should start board meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance.
b) A citizen also suggested that we should have a handicapped toilet seat installed for the women’s restroom at the NCC. The board agreed and this will be done.
c) The silverware at the NCC was not left clean for the most recent past event. All silverware had to be hand washed before the event. It was also noted the silverware drawer will need adjustment.
d) There was a discussion about emergency response times (EMT and ambulance) for the Town of Blaine. Supervisor Estridge has been in touch with Burnett County Sheriff Tracy Finch and she also attends WTA quarterly ambulance meetings. Supervisor Estridge will keep the board informed of any new emergency alert procedures.
e) Ongoing repairs for the NCC were discussed and a few items identified for future maintenance. It was suggested the board look into the cost of a replacement building. This will be discussed in more depth at the Annual April Electors Meeting. The board will consider investing more into maintaining the NCC building and the shop/garage area and also consider the impact it would have on resident property taxes. The board thanked Dori Willett for making a lot of good suggestions.
Chairman’s Report: Chairman Drake noted he had been out of town for about one month and received only a few calls while gone. Chairman Drake will attend a DNR tour on May 12th in Hayward regarding river crossings.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Update: Ron Gallagher stated equipment is in good condition.
Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported the weight restrictions go into place March 15 to May 15, 2020.
Northland Community Center: a) East Pine County Wander’s luncheon, Wednesday, March 25, 2020; b) Election 7am – 8pm, Tuesday, April 7, 2020; c) Election 7am – 8pm, Tuesday May 12, 2020
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: (Winter Hours – Sunday’s 11 am to 3 pm) Supervisor Fornengo and Ron Gallagher will clean up the trailer and discard the debris.
NEW BUSINESS:
-
Open Book for Real Estate taxes will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 9 to 11 a.m. and the Board of Review will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 9 to 11 a.m. both at the NCC with the town assessor Bob Pardun in attendance.
-
The bid for tuck pointing the NCC from TC Concrete was reviewed and discussed. Supervisor Estridge made a motion to accept the bid for $24,500.00. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
-
Chairman Drake stated he and Ron Gallagher discussed the WI DOT standard drug and alcohol testing regulation and will make arrangements to comply with the regulation. Supervisor Fornengo volunteered as a substitute town equipment operator and will also comply with the WI DOT regulation.
Supervisor Estridge made a motion to adjourn at 6:57 pm. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 10th day of March, 2020
By: ________________________________________
Vern Drake, Chairman