TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Blaine Town Hall/Northland Community Center
I. OPENING
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via conference call), Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron & Sandy Gallagher, Dan & Nicole Sear, Matt Holter
CALL TO ORDER: Mike Metcalf called the June 10th, 2026 town board meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the May 13th, 2026 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Mike Metcalf seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Ryan Brennan posted multiple updated documents on the town website, including the town ordinance appointing the town clerk to the Board of Review and snow removal procedures. He placed ads for the LRIP road-resurfacing project on N. Markville Rd. and liquor license renewal applications submitted by McGraw Lake Tavern & Hillside Inn in the legal section of the Sentinel regarding and corresponded further with the local taverns to confirm they are currently in compliance with all requirements. Upon approval, Ryan Brennan will soon file the Municipal Retail License Report and issue liquor & operator licenses. North Memorial Health & Dairyland Volunteer Fire Department have now respectively submitted their portions of the Maintenance of Effort Report for EMS & FPS services, so he will also soon file the final municipal portion of the report. Ryan Brennan attended the Board of Review & joint town board meetings recently held. He will also be obtaining certification for becoming a notary public sometime in the future.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balances are currently $8,141.66 for our checking account and $183,585.77 for our money-market savings account. Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the treasurer’s report as submitted. Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: Ryan Brennan reviewed the expenditure & payroll summary of the prior month. He also reviewed the process required to ensure all taverns are compliant before approval of liquor license renewal applications, the issuance of both liquor & operator licenses, and the town revenue received. Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the expenditure & payroll summary as submitted. Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
SUPERVISORS’ REPORT: Bryan Holter mentioned no beaver report has been received for May & June. Josh Fornengo will be exploring options for temporarily filling the FT Roads-Maintenance Supervisor position.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mike Metcalf reviewed a PowerPoint presentation with attendees on multiple points, including payment owed to Dairyland for work & equipment usage performed over the past year, gravel purchased by Dairyland, intergovernmental agreements between townships, consideration of Town of Blaine signs at our borders, updates made to the revised ATV/UTV route ordinance draft, details regarding the TRI grant for the N. Markville Rd. road-resurfacing project, new garage estimates, progress in fire association discussions, and more. He assured Ryan Brennan that the town has legal standing to request reimbursement for legal expenses occurred from the Chase Fornengo case, in addition to Chase Fornengo having been informed of his responsibility by multiple sources, so Ryan Brennan will proceed with sending a formal request for reimbursement to him. The portable privy located at Big McGraw Lake’s public landing will need more frequent in response to heavy use and occasional misuse, so Ryan Brennan recently contacted Raska Sewer Services to schedule more frequent cleanings throughout the summer months. Mike Metcalf also informed attendees that our Roads-Maintenance Supervisor Dan Sear will be resigning effective June 12th, 2026, so efforts to fill the position will soon begin, including Josh Fornengo consulting with Tiffany Fornengo in creating a professional advertisement for posting to the town’s Facebook page and Ryan Brennan posting ads on the town website and Indeed.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Dan Sear will provide a copy of road signs needing to be replaced to Mona Velebir and will coordinate with Ron Gallagher on determining how many roads enter the town for placing a “Welcome to Blaine” sign at their locations. Potholes have been patched on most of the roads, although the lake roads will need more work.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Dan Sear will soon drop the grader off with Fornengo Transport for repairs.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: None
TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Ryan Brennan followed up with Lori Hancock of Waste Management on when 2 of our recycling bins will be replaced and delivered a copy of the gate padlock key to Holdts Disposal. He has been making sure summer visitors are following through with completing permit applications as well. Josh Fornengo will assist in compacting the garbage dumpster in between operating hours.
III. TOWN BUSINESS
1) Mike Metcalf motioned to conduct a voice vote regarding the approval of liquor license renewal applications for both McGraw Lake Tavern & Hillside Inn: 3 votes in support (Mike Metcalf, Josh Fornengo, Bryan Holter), 0 votes in opposition. Unanimous support. Motion passed.
2) A discussion took place regarding updates to the ATV/UTV route ordinance draft. Ryan Brennan will look into an ideal date in August for a public hearing on the matter and post an advertisement well in advance.
3) Mike Metcalf reviewed the status of road-resurfacing project bids for N. Markville Rd. Burnett County will cover only 40% of the proposed project costs.
4) Sandy Gallagher talked about the Memorial Day Service and would like a veterans memorial placed out by the Hillcrest Cemetery lots. Mike Metcalf will consult with Donny McConkey and DOVR about options and available funding for the project.
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) Further discussion of final draft of ATV/UTV route ordinance before public hearing.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) The Partisan Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT: Josh Fornengo motioned to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Mike Metcalf seconded. Motion approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk: __________________________________________
Submitted this 10th day of June, 2026
Subsequently approved,
Michael C. Metcalf, Town Chairman: __________________________________________
Approved this 12th day of August, 2026