TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
I. OPENING
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Josh Fornengo called the July 9th, 2025 town board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Chairman Mike Metcalf (via conference call), Supervisor Bryan Holter (via conference call), Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Dan, Nicole & Elijah Sear, Brandie Fornengo, Mikaela Hughes, Matt Holter, Ron & Sandy Gallagher, Kevin Tidemand, Phil & Deb Jackson, Klaus Nieder, Billy Fish
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Mike Metcalf motioned to approve the June 11th, 2025 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan reported that he is wrapping up this year’s liquor & operator license applications & renewals and that McGraw Lake Tavern, Hillside Inn, and all of their respective bartenders are in compliance and good standing with local ordinances. With the office window repaired and the bulletin board completed, Clerk Ryan Brennan will resume office renovations and bulletin board postings during the latter half of the summer. He also contacted Raska Sewer Service in Osceola, WI to empty and clean the portable toilets located at both the transfer station and public landing of Big McGraw Lake, concluding with thanking Sandy Gallagher for bringing their condition to his attention.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balance is currently $216,986.61.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: A discussion took place regarding recent towing charges incurred during the operation of road equipment, upon which Ron Gallagher stated that electrical issues have been the cause. Chairman Mike Metcalf motioned to approve the expenditures as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Mike Metcalf reported that he had been notified that Blaine resident Chase Fornengo didn’t apply for a building permit before constructing a new dwelling on his property, so Dawn Kelley from REM Inspecting will be contacting him to help bring him into compliance. Chairman Mike Metcalf also mentioned that Burnett Transfer Station in Siren, WI has moved to a new location and asked Clerk Ryan Brennan to update the town website with their new address.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo requested that Ron Gallagher grade N. Markville, although more gravel will need to be transported there first before grading can commence. Due to the high volume of recent lumber activity and transportation, roads will be inspected to measure the damage incurred, including the most distant section of Big McGraw Rd. and Rocky Brook Trail. Chairman Mike Metcalf reported that 16 road signs in the Barrens have aged considerably with extensive weathering present and need to be replaced.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Ron Gallagher reported that equipment has been maintained and is running well.
HILLCREST CEMETERY REPORT: Chairman Mike Metcalf will review documentation regarding ownership of the cemetery with Sexton Jessica Estridge. Supervisor Bryan Holter will trim branches as soon as weather permits.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Billy Fish reported that activity is at normal levels and under control.
NCC ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT: Kevin Tidemand reported that the playground’s teeter-totter has been fixed, the merry-go-round’s base boards have been disassembled and will be reassembled once the woodworking is complete. Kevin Tidemand, Phil & Deb Jackson, have donated multiple items used in the repair of the playground. He also reported that multiple sinks in the NCC have been sealed and fixed, and that the cracked window in the gym will be repaired in the near future. Kevin Tidemand announced that he has recently resigned from the volunteer committee, although he will continue to address maintenance & inspection of the NCC under Chairman Mike Metcalf’s direction going forward.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan reported that with all of the dumpsters now being moved several feet south and routinely placed on the gravel, brushing can take place on the premises once the weather permits. He also mentioned that he has been closely observing guest demographics and noticed the number of visitors/non-permanent residents has dropped significantly during the busy summer months and is now on par with the number of locals/permanent residents. This interesting development can most likely be attributed to the introduction and enforcement of the new permit system, which numerous guests have independently verified that many of their neighbors, family, and friends from the Twin Cities have been taking their bagged household waste with them on their return home in order to avoid paying the respective yearly fee. This moderate decrease in the total number of guests during the summer months brings a welcome decrease in the transfer station’s expenditures and eases its burden on the town’s budget.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1) The broken window in the NCC’s gymnasium has been addressed and will be fixed soon.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1) Klaus Nieder inquired of when State Line Rd. will be repaired, and Ron Gallagher replied that it will be addressed in the near future.
2) The closed-door session to discuss ongoing efforts to fill the roads/maintenance position will be tabled until the next meeting when more of the supervisory board members will be physically present to conduct it.
3) Per Supervisor Josh Fornengo’s request, purchase of the front-end loader from Ray Sandstrom will take place and Clerk Ryan Brennan will produce the respective check payment for $20,000.
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) Discussion of driveway ordinance.
2) Closed-door session to discuss status of roads/maintenance position.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: A special meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. to discuss budgetary preparations for FY 2026 and the capping & repairing of the NCC well. The public is welcome to attend.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf motioned to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motioned approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk
Signed and dated this 9th day of July, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Chairman, Mike Metcalf