TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Chairman Jessica Estridge called the August 9, 2023 monthly board meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Present were Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Ron Gallagher, Matt Holter, Dori Willett, Bill Fish and Jason Walters.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve the July 12, 2023 monthly Board Meeting Minutes as submitted. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances and the transfer of funds to Community Bank are in process.
Expenses: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve payment of monthly expenditures as submitted. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input: It was mentioned that parking on both sides of the road at McGraw Lake Tavern is happening again. Patrons are parking right next to the “No Parking” sign. When this is the case, anyone could call the sheriff's department to report parking issues. There was some discussion about what the sign should say to make it more clear.
Chairman’s Report: 1) A Thank You card from the “Hillside gang” was received for the recent use of the NCC for the DOVR garage sale. 2) ECE sent out a notice about tree brushing and clearing and also the improvements to the distribution grid rebuild for the Summer/Fall of 2023 upgrading of electrical service. You may see electrical work going on from Big McGraw Road south for about one mile.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Update: Ron Gallagher reported that the mower is down again. Jason Walters was introduced to some of the board members and residents for the first time.
Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported that the roads were looking good. Hand patching of roads has been done. Mowing will be done before Labor Day. Road conditions were discussed regarding ATV/UTV usage. The damage is not as bad as it has been. Certain sections are rough as conditions are dry. Sign updates are in process.
Cooper Engineering will need to submit a final draft for the cement bridge project before work will be completed.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo will follow up with road work that was done by Carlson Company on 2.5 miles of shared roads with Minong.
Fire Report: The Dairyland Volunteer Fire Department Open House will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023. This event has been posted on Facebook. The Town has received an invoice for the pumper tanker in the amount of $118,853, which is about half of what the total is. Ron Gallagher mentioned that the one ton truck transmission went out, so the board should think about replacement for the future.
Northland Community Center:
- Woodland Wesleyan Church Community Vacation Bible School
August 6th-11th from 5-8 pm. VBS Program, Friday 6 pm.
- Saturday, September 9, 2023 Holmstrom Family
- Saturday, October 14, 2023 DOVR dinner/fundraising event
The front sign area will be weeded and flowers planted in the near future by volunteers.
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday’s.
Ryan has done some weed whipping with his own equipment near the town WARTS area the board will reimburse him for this expense. The board will provide wasp spray and in the near future it is hoped to be able to supply an air conditioner for the small shelter.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. NCC gym floor update – The board will be receiving two estimates from companies regarding replacing the floor area involved and also receiving an estimate on replacing the whole floor. Two options that are suitable for that room were discussed. Hardwood flooring is costly, LPV flooring and low pile carpet were mentioned. It was one resident’s opinion that this is an old building that is now nickel and dimming us. It was mentioned by a board member that more money should have been provided for repairs years ago (windows, bathroom, furnace, etc.), but a new building is more costly. It was mentioned that the bones of the building, the location and property are good. A smaller building with an area for the town to hold meetings and shop buildings were discussed. This topic will be put up for residents discussion at the next annual board meeting.
2. Employee review process – This is a new administrative item that in the past we have not had to address as we now have 4 appointed positions. Elected positions do not have a review process because they are elected by the residents. We now have a need for structure and job descriptions which should include a hiring contract, terms and reviews. It was suggested these reviews be an annual review in October before the budget meeting and a bi-annual review after the annual meeting in June. Employees can request a meeting at anytime with the board members as well. Sample contracts will be reviewed by board members and job descriptions for appointed positions will be developed. It was hoped a 90-day review will take place with our newest member, Jason, within the next month.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE SEPTEMBER AGENDA:
Agenda items due Friday before each meeting.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 8:01pm. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 9th day of August, 2023
By: ________________________________________
Jessica Estridge, Chairman