TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
I. OPENING
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mike Metcalf called the June 11th, 2025 town board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via conference call), Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Charla Zaccardi, Kevin Tidemand, Ron Gallagher, Jerry Metcalf, Vern Drake, Bob Holmstrom, Matt Holter, Mikaela Hughes, Billy Fish
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the May 14th, 2025 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan redesigned the town website, which included changes to the template, consistent formatting across most menu selections, updated town board contact information, and more. He also added monthly NCC Reservation Calendars that clearly list all activities scheduled. Chairman Mike Metcalf relayed compliments from multiple residents over the new changes to the town website and town board meeting minutes. Clerk Ryan Brennan then reviewed a new expense tracking & reimbursement form he created. This new form will improve overall tracking of expenses and provide accurate information to be used in our financial reporting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. We have now closed the Bremer Bank account and moved its assets to our Community Bank account.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: Clerk Ryan Brennan reviewed the updates he made to the expenditure summary spreadsheets on their layout and formatting. These included graphical changes, increased detailing of item descriptions, listing general and road expenditures separately, revising the summary of payroll taxes withheld, and updating the running total of year-to-date road costs—all changes that enhance GTA reporting. Chairman Mike Metcalf complimented him on the quality of the work and then mentioned that Clerk Ryan Brennan & Charla Zaccardi will be making changes in the future regarding our financial reporting, including a revised income statement. Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the expenditures submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Mike Metcalf reviewed the current status of the town’s revenue and expenses. He also requested warning signs alerting drivers to the large bump on the bridge on Big McGraw Rd. be placed on both sides, so Ron Gallagher will look for any related signs already in our possession and consult with the county on acquiring more. Chairman Mike Metcalf reviewed notes on the former Big Hill Road legal matter regarding determination of the type of road it qualifies as, what work still remains to be done on it, and how it relates to the funding of our GTA allowance. He also thanked Kevin Tidemand for assistance on a letter addressing the dog-barking complaint submitted by the Willett residence and gave compliments to the volunteer cleaners of the NCC for their excellent work.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Ron Gallagher reported that pulverizing and regrading of St. Croix Trail & Perkin’s Trail has now been completed. ECE is currently proceeding with their fiber optic line road work.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Per Chairman Mike Metcalf’s request, Ronald Gallagher will be taking a complete inventory of garage equipment over the course of this summer.
HILLCREST CEMETERY REPORT: Supervisor Bryan Holter reported that progress on recent activity has stalled due to clerical & legal matters which need to be addressed. He will consult with Sexton Jessica Estridge on how to proceed.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Billy Fish reported that although activity has been high recently as expected, current rainfall has helped keep matters under control. Chairman Mike Metcalf reported that he will be contacting the Burnett County Dispatch Office regarding emergency services for the Town of Blaine.
NCC ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT: Kevin Tidemand reported on the recent activities of the volunteer committee, including the removal of the remaining spare tables and coat rack, the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner, cleaning equipment, and US flags, the donation of display board trim and decorative flowers from Mona & John Velebir, and more. Spooner Window & Door will be arriving Monday, June 23rd to install a new window in the administrative office, and the committee also plans to clean the basement on Saturday, June 28th and requested access to the transfer station for prompt removal of disposable items found, which the supervisory board granted. Kevin Tidemand will coordinate with Clerk Ryan Brennan on gaining access to the administrative office and transfer station for the times requested. Clerk Ryan Brennan also updated the NCC User Agreement, Reservation Details & Liability Statement paperwork with changes to the reservationist contact email and references to the room layout photos for efficient cleaning by users.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan coordinated with Holdt Disposal and NW Regional Planning Commission to move all of their respective dumpsters forward onto the gravel portion of the lot. This will allow Ron Gallagher to eventually brush the large section of tall grass behind the dumpsters for cleanup of loose debris and future projects. Clerk Ryan Brennan has also looked into options for the potential disposal of normally-prohibited items at our transfer station in the future. However, updates will need to take place to the security and layout of our transfer station first before any implementation can occur.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1) Clerk Ryan Brennan will look into making an interest-only payment on the fire truck loan’s accrued interest remaining after it is rolled over into the debt-consolidation loan.
2) Chris Diggs has been contacted and granted approval to resume crushing at the gravel pit next year, and east boundary lines will also be identified prior to the work commencing.
3) Purchase of the front-end loader from Ray Sandstrom will take place and payment will occur soon.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1) McGraw Lake Tavern & Hillside Inn have both submitted applications for renewal of their liquor licenses. Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve their renewal applications. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
2) The supervisory board approved a resolution stating that a minimum of 2 signers are required when issuing check payments.
3) The supervisory board approved a resolution delegating custody of the town’s records to the town clerk.
4) A public hearing will need to take place in the future regarding changes to the driveway ordinance. Billy Fish advised comparing our ordinance with the county’s and their means of enforcement, so Chairman Mike Metcalf will be contacting Jason Townes for more information. It should also be noted that building permits must be addressed with the county if the property is located on the border of a river, lake, or stream.
5) Kevin Tidemand will be following up with Spooner Window & Door on the repair of the broken window located in the gymnasium.
6) Per Chairman Mike Metcalf’s request, Kevin Tidemand will look into developing a policy for the NCC establishing permissible usage guidelines for residents and other interested parties, which will then be presented to the supervisory board for their review and approval at a later time.
7) Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned for the supervisory board to enter a closed session to review and discuss applications received for the roads/maintenance position at 8:45 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
8) The supervisory board returned from the closed session at 8:55 p.m.
V. CLOSING
REVIEW OF PROJECTS: Chairman Mike Metcalf reviewed current projects as well as assignments and follow-ups to the old and new business items listed above.
ITEMS FOR NEXT MONTH’S AGENDA:
1) Status of repair of the broken windows in the administrative office & gymnasium.
2) Budget preparations for FY 2026.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
ADJOURNMENT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk
Signed and dated this 11th day of June, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Chairman, Mike Metcalf