TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Chairman Jessica Estridge called the February 8, 2023 monthly board meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Present were Chairman Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Nicole and Dan Sear, Brandie Fornengo and Matt Holter.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the January 11, 2023 meeting minutes. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported balances on both Bremer and Community Banks.
Expenses: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve payment of monthly expenditures as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input: None
Chairman’s Report: None
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Update: Ron Gallagher reported that a pair of chains were ordered for the grader. Service for the grader will be done when time permits this spring. A new block heater for the mower is needed.
Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported that roads are plowed, sanded and are in good condition. Chopping of brush is being done along the roadways.
Fire Report: Chairman Jessica Estridge reported that the quarterly ambulance meeting was held recently. Calls were good for the quarter. One call to the Barrens had a longer response time due to the snowy roads.
Northland Community Center: Chairman Jessica Estridge reported that Tammy Baer e-mailed her recently noting that Woodland Wesleyan Church is not renewing their lease for the use of the NCC at this time. They will continue church services at their original location. Vacation Bible School will still continue at our community center in the future. They were very thankful that we allowed them the use of our facility.
- Monday, February 13, 2023 – PreLat (voting machine set up)
- Tuesday, February 21 – Spring Primary
- Tuesday, April 4 – Spring Election
- DOVR (5/14-5/30, 2023) Event 26th-29th
- Saturday, June 3, 2023 Sear Family
- Saturday, June 9-10, 2023 Cozy Corner Trails
- Saturday, September 9, 2023 Holmstrom Family
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday’s . It was noted Ryan is doing a good job!
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Road maintenance plan accomplishments for this year were discussed. Brushing is going to be the immediate care, which will include St Croix Trail, Perkins, Little McGraw Lake Road and South Markville Road. The time of the year and restrictions to do this brushing is being considered. The cost of maintenance is being looked at for possible bidding. Brushing will be started in April. It was noted brushing on gravel roads will be faster to proceed on versus paved roads. Springbrook could use gravel in June. Cockerham Road should be graveled in July when dried out. Big Island Road will receive gravel for shouldering. Stateline Road should be worked on in August. We will look at equipment for additional use of state aid funds in the future. A front end loader, a one ton to a ton and a half truck should be considered if possible.
2) Road maintenance position benefits were reviewed. Wage, life insurance, mileage and telephone reimbursement are provided now. Discussion of a one ton to a ton and a half truck, life insurance, vacation and overtime are being considered. Chairman Jessica Estridge will write up a benefits proposal.
3) A temporary picnic liquor license was requested by the Cozy Corner Trails snowmobile club. A temporary picnic liquor license cannot be issued at an already identified licensed establishment. A discussion was held regarding the liability of the raffle on town property. It was suggested by a Special Agent from Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco that the snowmobile club notify the county sheriff’s department of the event as a courtesy.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to disapprove the request for a temporary picnic liquor license to Cozy Corner Trails for the Saturday, March 4, 2023 Annual Booya. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
In the future the board will still require approval for appointing tempoary picnic liquor licenses .
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH AGENDA:
- Set dates for Open Book/Board of Review
- Set regular Monthly Board Meeting to the date of the Annual Meeting
- Hiring applications
Agenda items due Friday before each meeting.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 8:14 pm. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 8th day of February, 2023
By: ________________________________________
Jessica Estridge, Chairman