TOWN OF BLAINE
ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
 
July 14, 2020 6:00 PM NCC

Vern Drake called the 2020 Annual Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

In attendance were Chairman Drake, Supervisor Estridge, Supervisor Fornengo, Treasurer Holter, Clerk Zaccardi, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Ron and Sharon Proffit, Dan and Nicole Sear, Bonnie Young, Merle Meyer, Barb Fall, Gary Proffit, Klaus Nieder, Mona and John Velebir, Bill Fish and Matt Holter.

Chairman Vern Drake called the Annual Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. This meeting was postponed from April 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pledge of Allegiance

Chairman Vern Drake reviewed the purpose and procedure for conducting the Annual Electors Town Meeting along with the voting procedure.

  1. The 2019 Annual Town Meeting Minutes were reviewed and Chairman Drake highlighted the agenda items that had been addressed. Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to accept the April 16, 2019 minutes as submitted, Supervisor Jessica Estridge seconded the motion. Motion passed.

New Business:

  1. Chairman Vern Drake passed out copies of the Road Conditions Report and Improvement Plan and the 2020-2022 Road Improvement Plan Summary, and briefly reviewed both reports.

  2. It was noted there are two newly installed signs at the Waste and Recycle Transfer Station. Chairman Vern Drake went over costs and improvements to the facility.

  3. Chairman Vern Drake shared the many improvements that have been made to the NCC over the past 7 years. The ads have been placed for replacement of the NCC rubber roof. The board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 28th to open bids. There was conversation regarding the pros and cons of maintaining the building versus constructing a new facility. Fire Chief, Bill Fish commented that the town shop should be replaced first. The unanimous consensus seemed to be to invest and maintain the NCC and to make and improvements as it is a well-structured building.

  1. Chairman Drake shared a handout about the planned Northwest Sands Auto Tour which is promoting the ecological uniqueness of the South Unit of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area, and the historical significance of the 1863 Stagecoach Road which ran through that part of the Town of Blaine. Chairman Drake is working with the DNR to construct a new Scenic road pull-off on the south end of Namekagon Trail. Supervisor Estridge made a motion that the Town of Blaine will spend no more than 2 days of operator time and equipment toward the construction of this scenic road pull-off and also dedicate $2,500 towards proper historical and ecological signage and future improvement to the road pull-off, Klaus Nieder seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection.

  2. Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to set the date for 2021 Annual Electors Meeting for 6 pm April 20, 2021 at the Northland Community Center. Supervisor Jessica Estridge seconded the motion. Motion passed.

  3. Motion to adjourn was made by Ron Gallagher, seconded by Supervisor Estridge. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk                                                                                               

Signed and dated this 14th day of July, 2020

By: _____________________________________
Vern Drake, Board Chairman