TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
Blaine Town Hall/Northland Community Center
(PENDING TOWN BOARD APPROVAL)
I. OPENING
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf (via remote call), Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron Gallagher, Dan & Nicole Sear, Matt Holter, Brandie Fornengo, Jerry Metcalf, Josh Hetfeld
CALL TO ORDER: Josh Fornengo called the March 11th, 2026 town board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ryan Brennan decided to start using double-sided printing for the minutes and other documents reviewed during town board meetings in an effort to reduce print paper & toner usage. Josh Fornengo motioned to approve both the February 11th, 2026 town board meeting minutes and March 4th, 2026 joint town board meeting minutes as submitted. Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Ryan Brennan attended clerk election training in preparation for the 2026-2027 biennium. Since becoming the lead election official for the town in 2025, he’s nearly doubled the amount of available poll workers after networking often with fellow residents while also coordinating their attendance for general election training provided by the county clerk. In addition to the spring election, Ryan Brennan will be very busy tending to multiple important projects for the town’s benefit, such as completing NCC hallway renovations, updating the bookkeeping software, completing the CT report for GTA reimbursements, processing liquor & operator license application renewals, and more.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balance is currently $49,037.50, and $202,300.00 was transferred from our checking account into our money-market savings account.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: Ryan Brennan reviewed the expenditure & payroll summary of the prior month. Both he and Mona Velebir activated Dan Sear’s new debit card for direct road purchases. Ryan Brennan explained that although payments are approved & checks are issued to vendors upon approval at town board meetings, those for both settlement & PILT expenses are an exception to the rule and can be paid earlier per the due dates established by the county treasurer and DNR respectively. This exception can also apply to some urgent payments, including but not limited to vehicle registration and large debt payments. In all instances, however, 2 signatures from official signatories are always required. Poll workers for the 2026-2027 biennium have also received mileage reimbursement for their attendance of general election inspector training. Bryan Holter motioned to approve the expenditure & payroll summary as submitted. Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
SUPERVISORS’ REPORT: Brian Holter acquired a bumper for the plow truck & corresponded with Monroe Equipment for warranty coverage for repairs. Josh Fornengo then contacted them to schedule a meeting to review details.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mike Metcalf reminded attendees that the next town board meeting and annual electors meeting will both take place on April 15th, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. He is currently gathering data for revisions to the ATV/UTV ordinance. He met with Ray Sandstrom to review ideas for a potential new garage and will be corresponding with multiple parties about its construction and financing. Mike Metcalf will also be corresponding with Jessie Estridge and legal consultation on Hillcrest Cemetery. In the meantime, Jessie Estridge will look for a copy of the fire truck contract made with the fire department. Ryan Brennan will also check with Charla Zaccardi to see if there is a copy available. Mike Metcalf asked Dan Sear to update the snow removal procedures document and forward that to Ryan Brennan for posting to the town website.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Dan Sear has put up road signs in the Barrens, pulled bags off due to road restrictions, and ordered one more truck load of sand to get the town through the last of the winter season.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Dan Sear reported that the new plow truck certainly has more power than old one and that new mower blades will need to be purchased. He also successfully installed the new chain for the gate at the garage & transfer station.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Billy Fish reported that activity has thankfully been low recently.
TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Ryan Brennan thanked Dan Sear for his compacting of garbage within the large dumpster and requested that he continue to do so as he deems necessary, as it both reduces the frequency of hauling and mitigates the degree to which loose plastic bags and light items are blown away.
III. TOWN BUSINESS
1) Superintendent Josh Hetfeld spoke in support of the operational referendum for the Webster School District. Although strong financial stewardship has kept the district stable, rising costs are creating current and future deficits. State funding has not kept pace with inflation for Wisconsin school. Successful passing of the referendum will strengthen the district’s financial health, eliminate the negative impacts of short-term borrowing, maintain quality student programming, and ensure the continuation of adequate facilities.
2) Ryan Brennan presented a list of poll workers recruited for the 2026-2027 election season biennium to be approved. In addition to himself, Joan Jameson, Bruce Rivard, and Mona Velebir will be certified as chief inspectors. Kevin Tidemand, Kathy Tidemand, Nick Karan, Trudy Demars, Maureen Rivard, Sharon Proffit, and Jim Marr will serve as election inspectors. Mike Metcalf motioned to approve the poll workers recruited. Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
3) Ryan Brennan reviewed proposed dates for the upcoming Open Book & Board of Review forwarded to him by Bob Pardun. Open Book will take place on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. The Board of Review will then take place on the following Thursday, May 14th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
4) The discussion of the building information & occupancy permits and the annual municipal visit from REM Inspecting will be postponed until the April 15th town board meeting.
IV. 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) Discussion of the building information & occupancy permits.
2) Annual municipal visit from REM Inspecting.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) The Spring Election will take place on April 7th, 2026.
2) The next town board meeting and annual electors meeting will both take place on April 15th, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Bryan Holter motioned to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk
Signed and dated this 11th day of March, 2026
By: __________________________________________
Michael C. Metcalf, Chairman