TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 12th, 2025
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Jessica Estridge called the February 12th, 2025 monthly board meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron & Sandy Gallagher, Mike Metcalf, Jerry Metcalf, Dan, Nicole & Elijah Sear, Matt Holter, Brandie Fornengo, Dan & Dawn Kegli
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CLERK’S REPORT:
1) Supervisor Bryan Holter motioned to approve the January 8th, 2025 monthly board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
2) Supervisor Bryan Holter motioned to approve the January 8th, 2025 caucus meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Josh Fornengo 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. A discussion took place regarding those listed for the highway department regarding St. Croix Trail bridges. Upon clarification, Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the submitted expenses. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
CITIZEN’S INPUT: None
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: None
OLD BUSINESS
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Ron Gallagher reported the equipment is in good condition.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT:
1) Ron Gallagher reported that most of the roads have been plowed, and the remaining couple will be plowed this upcoming Friday.
2) Regarding beaver control, Supervisor Bryan Holter reported that 3 to 4 sites have been problematic and the costs incurred have gradually increased. The cost of the USDA beaver control agreement with APHIS is $2,250. Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to approve the agreement. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Matt Holter reported that calls have increased over the last month.
NCC ADVISORY REPORT:
1) Quotes for providing pest control to the premises have been provided by Madsen Pest Management and reviewed. Treasurer Mona Velebir reported that cluster flies are the biggest priority. Clerk Ryan Brennan requested that a quote also be provided from MPM for treating the warming hut located at the transfer station as cluster flies and Asian beetles are problematic there.
2) Nicole Sear provided updates and the status of progress on asbestos testing, the replacement of broken glass in some windows, and the installation of new toilets.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT:
1) Clerk Ryan Brennan reported that as we approach the start date of April 1st for enforcement of the permit system, many questions have been asked about its details from guests in addition to some complaints made. Although the nature of the complaints from some guests have varied in degree, none have yet risen to the level of requiring disciplinary action. Guests are reminded to present their permit to the attendant every visit to the transfer station—failure to do so will result in the guest being turned away regardless of whether they are a permanent or temporary resident.
2) Treasurer Mona Velebir reported that 67 permit requests have been received to date with a revenue of $13,400 collected. Given that there are 342 landowners in the township, this means only 20% of households have voluntarily requested a permit, and the amount collected so far does not cover the total yearly costs of the transfer station. However, once the permit cost appears on the 2026 tax levy, this trend will significantly reverse and total yearly costs are expected to be covered. The cost of the permit for households with multiple property parcels will be affected, but such factors will be determined in the future.
3) Due to Attendant Ryan Brennan being hired on as the Municipal Clerk and continuing to work both positions concurrently for the township, the Wednesday schedule will be changed slightly to accommodate his mandatory attendance at the monthly town hall meetings. Beginning April 1st, the Wednesday schedule will be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4) Mike Metcalf suggested we update our signage to reflect the new schedule and permit requirement. Compliments to Ron Gallagher for plowing a parking space near the warming hut for the attendant.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Dan & Dawn Kegli from REM Inspection gave a brief description of their services provided and presented data on open permits from prior years.
2) The final payment due to Larson Construction is $503,253.15. Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to approve the payment. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
3) The draft DNR recommendations for the wake surfing ordinance have been reviewed along with their response, and any changes are up to our own discretion. Jerry Metcalf summarized the details of the draft, stated that the ordinance has to be enforced by residents with proof of any violations submitted to law enforcement since the DNR cannot intervene, and complimented the town board for providing the venue needed to address this issue of concern for many lakeside residents. Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve corrections on the draft ordinance. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
4) Advertisement of the public hearing for the wake surfing ordinance needs to be posted 30 days in advance. The meeting will take place on March 22nd, 2025, 5:00 p.m. at the NCC. The posting will be submitted to the Burnett County Sentinel.
5) Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to conduct a voice vote regarding the approval to hire and appoint Ryan Brennan as the new Municipal Clerk: 3 votes in support (Jessica Estridge, Bryan Holter, Josh Fornengo), 0 votes in opposition. Unanimous support, motion passed.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH AGENDA
1) Discussion of WARTS permit details
2) Addressing excess furniture and equipment stored at NCC
3) Coordination of pest management services & water heater/furnace repairs
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
1) Spring primary election is being held Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Municipal Clerk
Signed and dated this 12th day of February, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Chairman, Jessica Estridge