TOWN OF BLAINE
MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

 

Chairman Vern Drake called the August 11, 2020 monthly board meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 

Present were Chairman Vern Drake, Supervisor Jessica Estridge, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Treasurer Larry Holter, Clerk Charla Zaccardi, Sharon and Ron Proffit, Bonnie Young, Ron and Sandy Gallagher, Dan and Nicole Sear, Mona and John Velebir, Dori Willett, Kent Klausing, Cole Fornengo and Matt Holter.

Pledge of Allegiance

Clerk’s Report:  Supervisor Fornengo motioned to approve the July 14, 2020 meeting minutes. Supervisor Estridge seconded. Motion approved. Supervisor Estridge motioned to approve the Special Meeting July 28, 2020 minutes. Supervisor Fornengo seconded. Motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report  A bank balance was provided by Larry Holter.

Expenses:  Supervisor Estridge made a motion to approve payment of July expenditures as submitted.  Supervisor Fornengo seconded.  Motion approved.

Citizen’s Input: A resident brought up a question regarding how a town road improvement project could be scheduled and started without advance notice. Chairman Vern Drake mentioned that even though he tries to communicate regarding these projects, often those doing the work, asphalt pulverizing by the county in this case, give little if any advance notice. Also, for information regarding planned road improvement projects citizens should forward their email address to him, and also ask for the Road Condition Report and Improvement Plan and the 2020-2022 Road Improvement Plan Summary.

Chairman’s Report: None.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Road Equipment Update:  Ron Gallagher stated the International gravel truck is in for a major engine overhaul and will not be available for a couple weeks.

Road Condition Report: Ron Gallagher reported that St. Croix Trail and Little McGraw Lake Road are being chip sealed.

Northland Community Center: Cleaning the bathrooms will be done before painting. The playground equipment will be put back if in good condition.

Waste & Recycle Transfer Station: Chairman Drake will respond to Eagle Waste & Recycle, Inc., regarding their inquiry for waste hauling as they are expanding in our area.

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Supervisor Fornengo explained what happened to the International gravel truck and provided an estimate of repair. The truck is a vital part of our road operations and a discussion took place regarding options and recommendations. Ron Gallagher and Supervisor Fornengo will bring recommendations of how to move forward at our September meeting.

  2. A driveway ordinance has already been in place for 5 years. It was noted residents need to be in compliance for purposes of allowing turnaround room for large firetrucks.

  3. Chairman Drake shared an updated handout of the ATV/UTV Ordinance. The Town of Webb Lake is requesting to purchase a relatively small amount of gravel from the town Perkins Trail pit for road shouldering material. Chairman Drake recommended selling the Town of Webb Lake the small pile of gravel leftover from the 2016 gravel crush as a good example of intergovernmental cooperation and in recognition of the recent road work Webb Lake did on the Blaine side of East Adams Lake Road. A motion to approve selling the gravel for $3.67 per ton to the Town of Webb Lake was made by Supervisor Estridge, seconded by Supervisor Fornengo. Motion approved. Chairman Drake will contact the Town of Webb Lake.

  4. There was discussion regarding the official length of Big Hill Road, and Chairman Drake shared the background of the road based on official Wisconsin DOT maps and the DOT list of Town Roads. Since there has been some misunderstanding, the town board decided to pass a resolution expressing their opinion stating the official length of this town road to be 0.73 miles and that no Town Board approval has been granted for any Big Hill Road extension. Supervisor Estridge made the motion to approve the resolution; Supervisor Fornengo seconded; motion was approved unanimously.

  5. Supervisor Fornengo will negotiate with the Burnett County Dairy Coop regarding prepay on propane.

Supervisor Fornengo made a motion to adjourn at 7:10 PM. Supervisor Estridge seconded. Motion passed.  Meeting was adjourned.

                                            

Respectfully submitted, 
Charla Zaccardi, Clerk 

Signed and dated this 11th day of August 2020
  

By: ________________________________________

          Vern Drake, Chairman