TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Blaine Town Hall/Northland Community Center
(PENDING TOWN BOARD APPROVAL)
I. OPENING
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter, Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Dan & Nicole Sear, Ron & Sandy Gallagher, Kevin & Kathy Tidemand, Matt Holter, Vern Drake, Billy Fish, Bob Pardun, Nicky Weiss, Annamari Kemling
CALL TO ORDER: Mike Metcalf called the April 15th, 2026 town board meeting to order at 6:41 p.m., immediately following the adjournment of the annual electors meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bryan Holter motioned to approve the March 11th, 2026 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Josh Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Ryan Brennan finally completed his long-standing project of renovating a significant portion of the NCC before the first election of the year, including the hallways, administrative office, and record & equipment storage closet, and is especially grateful for the heart-felt compliments received from multiple members of the community as a result. He also thanked Kevin Tidemand for his assistance in occasionally assisting him in more difficult tasks, particularly electricity and drilling. Ryan Brennan also successfully ran the April 7th Spring Election with the help of his excellent poll worker staff. They were very cooperative, eager to learn, and contributed to a very enjoyable day. Ryan Brennan will be gradually preparing the administrative postings bulletin board near the administrative office with handouts of various municipal forms available for the general public, including reservation forms, permit applications, and more. He will also be reviewing training materials with Mike Metcalf & Josh Fornengo for the upcoming Board of Review meeting in May, in addition to filing the town’s financial report with the Department of Review.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balances are currently $61,189.79 for our checking account and $202,926.65 for our money-market savings account. Mike Metcalf thanked her for her efforts in setting up the money-market savings account.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: The expenditure & payroll summary of the prior month was discussed at the end of the meeting within a closed session. Mike Metcalf motioned to approve the expenditure & payroll summary as submitted. Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
SUPERVISORS’ REPORT: Josh Fornengo & Dan Sear met with Monroe Equipment to discuss welding issues on the new plow truck, and they agreed to come and take care of them soon.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mike Metcalf reported that the state notified him that our TRIS application was not selected. The county notified us that road restrictions will end on April 20th. Mike Metcalf contacted Doug Brown from Northland Builders for an estimate on a new garage for the town, which is currently estimated at $315,000 plus an additional $50,000 if state-approved plans are required. Financing options will soon be explored for this project. Discussions on the potential forming of a new fire association continue to take place between committee representatives of the Town of Blaine, Town of Dairyland, and the Dairyland Volunteer Fire Department.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Dan Sear has been mowing Big McGraw Rd. and cut it back substantially. He also has been grading roads out in the Barrens, which have required additional time and effort due to winter damage.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Dan Sear reported that the front-end loader is currently at Fornengo Transport for the repair of multiple leaks present. A new town pickup truck is currently being looked into for purchase.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: The fire department’s fundraiser will take place at the NCC on Saturday, April 18th. Ryan Brennan confirmed the general arrival time for data on the maintenance of effort report with Billy Fish, which usually comes from both the Dairyland Volunteer Fire Department and North Memorial Health in April & May.
TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Ryan Brennan reminded attendees that he will be once again regularly checking for new permits with guests and asked they be ready to present them upon request. He also thanked Dan Sear for his diligence in frequently compacting the garbage dumpster, as it has significantly reduced the rate of dumping and thus mitigated costs.
III. TOWN BUSINESS
1) Nicky Weiss & Annamari Kemling from REM Inspecting gave their annual report and informed attendees that the Chase Fornengo case has been officially closed. The bill for their services should be arriving soon from the attorney’s office.
2) Going forward, REM Inspecting will be referring all clients to the town clerk to acquire a separate building information & occupancy permit in addition to their own building construction permits. Properties containing shoreland are an exception, however, to the building information & occupancy permit requirement and will need to contact the county for proper permitting.
3) Mike Metcalf motioned to conduct a voice vote regarding the reappointment of Mona Velebir to the role of Town Treasurer for another 3-year term: 3 votes in support (Mike Metcalf, Josh Fornengo, Bryan Holter), 0 votes in opposition. Unanimous support. Motion approved.
4) Bids for the mowing & trimming of the grounds at the NCC and Hillcrest Cemetery were discussed and approved. Larry Kern was awarded his bid for Hillcrest Cemetery of $300 per occurrence and additional fees for any storm-damage cleanup. Matt Holter was awarded his bid for the NCC of $100 per occurrence.
5) The Northland Community Fellowship (NCF) donated a Hamilton Beach microwave oven to the NCC & continues to do an excellent job of providing monthly volunteer cleaning of the premises.
IV. CLOSING
REVIEW OF PROJECTS: Town board members reviewed current projects, assignments and follow-ups to town business items.
ITEMS FOR NEXT MONTH’S AGENDA:
1) Approval of resolution supporting transportation funding solutions.
2) Approval of ordinance appointing town clerk to the Board of Review.
3) Review & discuss proposed changes to the town’s ATV/UTV route ordinance.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Open Book will take place on Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2) The Board of Review will take place on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Mike Metcalf motioned to adjourn at 8:44 p.m. Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk: __________________________________________
Submitted this 15th day of April, 2026
Subsequently approved,
Michael C. Metcalf, Town Chairman: __________________________________________
Approved this 13th day of May, 2026