TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
(PENDING TOWN BOARD APPROVAL)
I. OPENING
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Jessica Estridge called the March 12th, 2025 town board meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Ryan Brennan, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Mike Metcalf, Jerry Metcalf, Kevin Tidemand, Ron Gallagher, Dan & Nicole Sear, Matt Holter, Phil Jackson, Dori Willett
ABSENT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CLERK’S REPORT:
1) Supervisor Bryan Holter motioned to approve corrections to the February 12th, 2025 town board meeting minutes. Chairman Jessica Estridge 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 Bryan Holter motioned to approve the submitted expenses. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion approved.
CITIZEN’S INPUT: Jerry Metcalf discussed details for the upcoming wake surfing ordinance meeting on March 22nd, including setting up the venue, arranging an agenda, and setting time limits for speakers.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Jessica Estridge reported that the loan payment came through for the State Line Bridge FEMA project.
II. OLD BUSINESS
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Ron Gallagher reported that service work was done on the grater last week and the mower will be worked on soon.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Ron Gallagher reported that most roads are in good condition, while some of the back roads are still very wet.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: None
NCC ADVISORY REPORT:
1) Kevin Tidemand reported on the status of toilet installations and that this project is nearing completion after much work was done on the restrooms over the past weekend.
2) Quotes have been gathered regarding asbestos removal, and consideration was given to placing this project on the budget with the next couple years. In the meantime, maintenance of the existing floor can still take place, including waxing and sealing.
3) Although the installation of glass in the front doors is almost complete, Clerk Ryan Brennan drew attention to cracks recently discovered in the plexiglass pane of the window in the clerk’s office while cleaning and preparing it for renovation. Kevin Tidemand will coordinate with both Clerk Ryan Brennan and the company currently repairing the glass of the front doors to devise a solution.
4) Treasurer Mona Velebir reviewed quotes and reports for both pest management and maintenance of the furnace and water heater. The maintenance contract provided by Aquarius can be sent over for review and possible approval at the April meeting. A discussion took place regarding the difference in costs of various pest management quotes and the pests of greatest concern, which includes black flies and Asian beetles. Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to approve the bid provided by Northern Pest Management, LLC to address black flies at the NCC in addition to black flies and Asian beetles at the transfer station’s warming shed. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
5) Compliments to Treasurer Mona Velebir, Nicole Sear and members from her place of employment who did an excellent job of cleaning & organizing the NCC on Monday, 3/10, as well as adding historical items of the former Dairyland School to the bulletin board.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT:
1) Clerk Ryan Brennan discussed multiple points from a policy proposal he submitted previously to fellow board members regarding enforcement of the permit system beginning April 1st. These included topics such as the expectation of civil behavior from guests, indefinite duration of the permit system, requiring a valid permit be presented from every guest during every visit, the need for improvements to security, and more.
2) A discussion took place regarding the need for updates to our signage to accommodate the permit system. Clerk Ryan Brennan will design new signage to include all necessary information, including new hours and permit requirements, and will coordinate with Treasurer Mona Velebir on consulting with a signage company to produce the desired result.
3) Kevin Tidemand asked about the option of opening up the permit system to Dairyland residents, especially those who find themselves isolated by township boundaries. He will send a proposal to the board soon so it can be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
III. NEW BUSINESS
1) A discussion took place regarding the scheduling of the town board meeting in coordination with the annual meeting. Attendees wished to move the town board meeting to the subsequent week to allow time for the results of the annual meeting to be organized along with an adequate response. Chairman Jessica Estridge motioned to approve moving the town board meeting to the following week on Wednesday, April 23rd, @ 7 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
2) Excess furnishings and equipment stored at the NCC are in the process of gradually being removed by means of relocation, discounting, donation, and disposal. Members of both the town board and the advisory committee can coordinate informally with one another to ensure this project is completed successfully.
3) Compliments to Clerk Ryan Brennan for organizing the agenda, which now includes a list of community services for greater visibility and some updates to the overview and calendar for easier referencing.
IV. CLOSING
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE APRIL AGENDA:
1) Swearing in of new officers post-election
2) Review of mowing contracts
3) Trimming of tree limbs obscuring the NCC sign near the parking lot
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) The public hearing on the wake enhancement activities ordinance will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, at 5 p.m.
2) The spring primary election will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
3) The annual electors meeting will be held Wednesday, April 16th, at 6 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Supervisor Bryan Holter motioned to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Chairman Jessica Estridge seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Municipal Clerk
Signed and dated this 12th day of March, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Chairman, Jessica Estridge