TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
(PENDING TOWN BOARD APPROVAL)
I. OPENING
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mike Metcalf called the October 8th, 2025 town board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via conference call), Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Dan & Nicole Sear, Dan Kegley, Ron & Sandy Gallagher, Billy Fish, Phil & Deb Jackson, Matt Holter & Mikaela Hughes, Kevin Tidemand, Tyler Holden
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Mike Metcalf motioned to approve the September 10th, 2025 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan reported that our projected GTA for FY 2026 experienced a modest, beneficial increase and that it was the result of the hard work of former Clerk Charla Zaccardi in her filing of the town’s annual CT report. Direct deposit of the payroll for town board members and staff experienced a small delay due to date adjustments made in QuickBooks Online during September. However, corrections have been made and direct deposits will occur without further issue tomorrow on Thursday, October 9th.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balance is currently $205,016.58.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: Clerk Ryan Brennan reviewed the expenditure summary from the prior month. He updated payroll tax information by separating employee vs. employer contributions in both general & road expenditures for improved accuracy and easier monthly reporting. Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approved the expenditure & payroll summary as submitted. Chairman Mike Metcalf seconded. Motion approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Mike Metcalf summarized details of ongoing preparations for the FY 2026 budget, including town board members meeting for 3 special budget workshops during the past month. The town board members will be meeting once more on Wednesday, October 15th @ 6:30 p.m. to finish the FY 2026 budget. A public hearing for approval of the budget must take place before the end of the year will be scheduled soon. Chairman Mike Metcalf reviewed the projected 2025 financial report and proposed 5-year (2026-2030) road-improvement plans & projects with attendees and provided handouts of the details. He also thanked Sharon Proffit for helping organize Ron Gallagher’s retirement party, Treasurer Mona Velebir for purchasing the supplies, Clerk Ryan Brennan for advertising of the event, and everyone who attended the celebration. Chairman Mike Metcalf will be attending the WTA Burnett County meeting on Thursday, October 23rd. Chairman Mike Metcalf asked Kevin Tidemand to work on the necessary paperwork and documentation to submit 2 grant applications to secure state funds for road improvements on N. Markville Rd. and St. Croix Trail. There was discussion about the need to detail YTD and projected road expenditures for GTA. The town is required to spend not less than $188,268 in road-related expenditures for the 2025 calendar year. The town will be receiving $163,712 from state funds and $24,557 directly from the town. For 2027, GTA will increase to $175,448.40, requiring the town’s minimum contribution to increase to $26,317.26 for a total of $201,765.66.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo reported that he met with Tyler Holden of Rural Mutual Insurance Company before this meeting to review garage inventory and respective coverages. Supervisor Bryan Holter reported that Monroe will not be able to install accessories on the town’s new plow truck until December due to labor shortages. The anticipated date of completion will be December 31st, 2025.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Dan Sear reported that roads in the Barrens are currently rough and dry. He graded Little McGraw Rd. and mowed alongside S. Markville Rd. to the bridge, as well as Big Hill Rd. He will be mowing alongside St. Croix Trail soon.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Dan Sear reported that the town’s dump truck is currently being repaired. Ron Gallagher has gathered information on new sign purchases and will be purchasing the majority of them from the Burnett County Highway Department. Chairman Mike Metcalf reported that old equipment located at the garage has now been sold and transported off of the premises, and insurance coverages have been purchased for the dump truck.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Billy Fish thanked those who attended their Open House in September, and they had great weather and a great turnout. He has also done much outreach to schools in Burnett County on fire safety awareness. The Dairyland Fire Department received $109,000 from FEMA, in addition to other grants and donations.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan reported that guest activity continues to gradually decrease as expected and settle into the slower winter season. Cost-control methods such as improved timing of calling in the swapping out of full dumpsters have proven successful. He also thanked Treasurer Mona Velebir for coordinating pest control treatments to address the presence of black flies and Asian beetles within the warming hut.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1) Discussion of the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) has been tabled for now but will be addressed in the near future.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1) Chairman Mike Metcalf reviewed the history of the building permit violation by Chase Fornengo. Outreach was attempted multiple times by representatives from REM Inspecting as well as by Chairman Mike Metcalf & Assessor Bob Pardun. Chase Fornengo was officially served notice 45 days ago in order to get into compliance, yet failed to do so. Legal counsel has been consulted with and arranged, and the town board will be proceeding with legal measures in order to enforce compliance and impose penalties. REM Inspecting will be representing the Town of Blaine during legal proceedings.
2) Phil Jackson requested that gravel be added to the parking lot in front of the NCC after the cold season concludes. This measure was also approved by the town board during last winter. Ron Gallagher & Dan Sear will be addressing the matter very soon.
V. CLOSING
REVIEW OF PROJECTS: Town board members 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) Budget hearing for FY 2026.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: The DOVR Fundraiser will take place at the NCC this Saturday, October 11th @ 4:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat will take place at the NCC Saturday, October 25th, @ 3:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Chairman Mike Metcalf seconded. Motioned approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk
Signed and dated this 8th day of October, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Michael C. Metcalf, Chairman