TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
PENDING TOWN BOARD APPROVAL
Chairman Jessica Estridge called the November 13, 2024 monthly board meeting to order at 7:06 pm.
Present were Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via telephone), Treasurer Mona
Velebir, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Phillip Jackson, Dan, Nicole and Elijah Sear,
William and Rebecca Jonasen, Nick Karan, Scott Kunz, Kevin Tidemand, Billy Fish, Curt Blodgett,
Amy Kopecky, Mike Metcalf and Jerry Metcalf.
Pledge of Allegiance
Clerk’s Report: Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve the October 16, 2024 monthly
board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Bremer Bank and
Community Bank of Cameron.
Expenses: Expenditures were reviewed by the board. Supervisor Josh Fornengo moved to approve
the submitted expenses, Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
Citizen’s Input:
Chairman Jessica Estridge gave a quick overview of how citizen’s input is used during board
meetings (as the subject on the agenda is not a vote to adopt an ordinance, but rather
information shared in order to decide if the board wants to initiate the next process).
1) Resident, Jerry Metcalf shared some new information and updates on wake surfing activity. The
Burnett County Lake and Rivers Association newsletter was shared and the Town of Scott passed their
ordinance (the first one in Burnett County) and it is identical to what is being proposed to our board.
Emily Moore is a water resource specialist for Burnett County and is willing to present at a future
board meeting if needed.
2) It was asked how the town board was going to handle the increased cost of waste? Chairman Jessica
Estridge explained the process. The cost for the card this year would be $200.00 per year and the next
year for 2026 would be a special assessment included on property tax statements. The 2025 waste
application will be in the tax statements this year as well as fire protection letters from the Dairyland
Volunteer Fire Department, who covers the Town of Blaine for fire protection.
3) McGraw Lake landowners discussed the activity of wake surfing and the possibility of banning the
activity. It was brought to the Town board’s attention at last month’s board meeting. Lake shore safety
as well as fish habitat and the depth of the lake were discussed. A few of the McGraw Lake landowners
outlined how they are aware of what they are doing and are conscientious while using their wake boat.
There will be more data and opinions presented at the public hearing.
Chairman’s Report:
1) Chairman Estridge reported that the cement bridge project is moving along and it might be finished
by the end of November 2024. A few issues have been taken care of with the DNR.
2) Chairman Estridge mentioned that an ad for a full time road worker position will be going into the
paper, as Ron Gallagher will be retiring. An ad for the Town Clerk position will be posted for
applications as Town Clerk, Charla Zaccardi, will be leaving her appointed position. This position does
not have to be a resident of the Town of Blaine, but commensurate with experience.
OLD BUSINESS:
Road Equipment Report: Ron Gallagher reported the equipment is fine.
Road Condition Report: Ron mentioned black top roads are in good condition. Gravel roads have
been graded and hopefully won’t be torn up before freezing.
Supervisor Josh Fornengo made a motion to approve a 6 month, 4.5% interest loan for the remaining
truck chassis in the amount of $84,954.50 from Community Bank of Cameron. Supervisor Bryan
Holter seconded, all in favor showed a unanimous vote. Motion passed.
Fire Report: Fire Chief Bill Fish reported there were a couple of fires and a couple of medical calls.
He noted fire extinguishers need to be serviced at the NCC. This will be scheduled as soon as possible.
Northland Community Center:
- Sundays, 1st, 3rd and 5th 2024 Community Church
- Tuesdays, Bible study 6:30 pm for 13 weeks – Community Church
- Saturday, November 16, 2024 – Celebration of Life
- Thursday, November 28, 2024 – Thanksgiving Private Event
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Christmas Private Event
Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: HOURS: 4 PM to 7PM Wednesday evenings, and 11 AM to 3
PM Sunday’s. Things are going well.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to edit the current agenda to add approval of the 2025
budget to the New Business section of today’s agenda, Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion
approved.
2) Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to approve the 2025 budget as proposed. Supervisor Josh
Fornengo moved, Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded, all in favor unanimous. Motion approved.
3) Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to approve a provisional liquor license for McGraw Lake
Tavern for 60 days pending the required application signature and a sales and tax use identification
number. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
4) The Northland Community Center Charter agreement was read and reviewed by the board. Some
wording suggestions were communicated to NCC committee members along with the review of their
monthly meeting frequency. Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to approve the presented
Northland Community Center Advisory Committee Charter with the correction of removing the term
“budget” and replacing it with “total monthly expenditure cap.” and the approval of assigned roles as
follows: Chairperson: Kevin Tidemand, Vice-Chair: Mona Velebir, Secretary: Nicole Sear, Facilities
Liaison: Dan Sear, Church Liaison: Phillip Jackson. Supervisor Josh Fornengo moved to approve the
Northland Community Center Charter agreement with the required word changes and monthly meeting
frequency update, Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. All in favor say Aye, all opposed say No. Motion
passed with unanimous vote. Motion approved.
5) Chairman Jessica Estridge put forward the motion to initiate the process of further review, including
the requirement to hold a public hearing between the Town of Blaine and the Town of Dairyland, for
adopting an ordinance restricting the activity of wake surfing on the lakes within the Town’s
jurisdiction. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded, all in favor say Aye, all opposed say No, unanimous
Ayes. Motion passed.
The next step is to bring it to the DNR and then hold a public hearing. From there the Town Board will
review all information presented and holding a meeting to adopt or abandon the proposed ordinance.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE DECEMBER AGENDA
● Update on five year road plan
● NCC Advisory updates under Northland Community Center
Chairman Jessica Estridge made a motion to adjourn at 8:02 pm. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded.
Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk
Signed and dated this 13th day of November 2024
By: ________________________________________
Chairman, Jessica Estridge