TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

 

Supervisor Josh Fornengo called the July 13, 2022 monthly board meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Present were Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via telephone), Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Dori Willett, Ron Gallagher, Klaus Nieder, Matt Holter and Bill Fish.

Pledge of Allegiance

Clerk’s Report:  Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the June 8, 2022 meeting minutes, Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported.

Expenses:  Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve payment of expenditures as submitted.  Bryan Holter seconded.  Motion approved.

Citizen’s Input: A resident brought up the fact that the WARTS dumpster has been full every week and has also noticed out-of-state plates recently entering the WARTS piled high with bags full. It was reported that St. Paul, MN is having issues with residential garbage pick up. The residents agreed that this type of disposal needs to stop. A discussion took place about suggestions regarding disposal for residents in the Town of Blaine. There needs to be more regulation in what is disposed of. Also, residents bring items to discard hoping that someone might want these items and find them useful. During the month of June the garbage dumpsters were disposed of 4 times and the recycling is always full. The town board will be looking for more ideas and discussing ways to cut back. Some ideas brought up were to change days, limiting bags, issuing permit cards with identification required. There are a lot more people up here this time of year and no one wants to see garbage in the ditches. Opening the WARTS at different hours will inconvenience some residents, but might be a solution. The discussion about a better plan will be included on next months agenda and open for discussion.

McGraw Lake Tavern parking was discussed. There is a “No Parking” sign placed near the corner intersection, but you cannot see the highway when pickups are parked along the guardrail. Winter parking is an issue with the snow piles as well. It was suggested we talk to the owners and request blocking off a few spots on the corner for ATV/UTV or compact car parking only. The town board will try to find a better resolution concerning this intersection.

Chairman’s Report: None.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Road Equipment Update:  Ron Gallagher reported it is getting better. Truck is back working. There are new tires on the grader and a new blade arm will be ordered.

Road Condition Report:  Roads are good.

 

Fire Report: Dairyland Fire Chief Bill Fish – The new tanker truck information is still pending at this time.

 

Northland Community Center:

Upcoming Events:

- Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Fall Partisan Primary

- Saturday, October 15, 2022 Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat event

- Tuesday, November 8, 2022 General Election

- Saturday, June 3, 2023 Sear Family event

- Saturday, September 9, 2023 Holmstrom Family event

The new furnace will be installed the week of July 19, 2022. The contracted painters have recently reached out to paint the NCC. An update will be provided when there is more information.

Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: Now open Wednesday, 4-7 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM and Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM. It was discussed lengthly and it was suggested of leaving it open Wednesday and Sunday. Clerk Zaccardi will contact the recycling commission to see if we can make this change in hours as we have signed a contract with them. This will be placed on the August agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

1) Supervisor Holter reported that the beaver contract on Big McGraw Road was returned but the contract was sent back blank. We are not able to do anything at this time. The town board will try again to obtain permission.

2) Supervisor Holter discussed window replacement at the NCC. Spooner Glass and Menards in Superior were contacted for bids. The prices had new adjustments and were about the same price for replacement. It was noted there is siding around the window on that side of the building so this will be looked into further before replacement.

ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE AUGUST AGENDA

- WARTS discussion

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 13th day of July, 2022
  By: ________________________________________

          Josh Fornengo, Supervisor