TOWN OF BLAINE
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
I. OPENING
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mike Metcalf called the November 12th, 2025 town board meeting to order at 7:21 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Mike Metcalf, Supervisor Josh Fornengo, Supervisor Bryan Holter (via conference call), Clerk Ryan Brennan, Treasurer Mona Velebir, Ron Gallagher, Dan & Nicole Sear, Billy Fish, Phil & Deb Jackson, Matt Holter
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the October 8th, 2025 town board meeting minutes as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
II. STANDING REPORTS
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan coordinated efforts for the closing out of old credit card accounts formerly provided by Bremer Bank and thanked Vern Drake, Charla Zaccardi, & Treasurer Mona Velebir for their assistance. He then reviewed efforts to secure future training from the county for election inspectors and highlights from his recent renovation work on the administrative office at the NCC.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Mona Velebir reported on bank balances for Community Bank of Siren. Our net balance is currently $191,167.42.
APPROVAL TO PAY EXPENDITURES: Clerk Ryan Brennan reviewed the expenditure summary from the prior month. Discussion took place regarding the categorization of expenditures from REM Inspecting, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, and Heinz Fuel Company in QuickBooks Online. Larry Kern did one last mowing & trimming at Hillcrest Cemetery for the season and forwarded his gratitude to the town board for their patronage. Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to approve the expenditure & payroll summary as submitted. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motion approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Mike Metcalf mentioned that with the approval of the FY 2026 budget, the 2025 municipal levy limit worksheet will need to be submitted for preparation of the town’s property taxes. Clerk Ryan Brennan will submit this while he prepares the tax roll. Kevin Tidemand completed & submitted state road grant applications on behalf of the town. The proposed 5-year (2026-2030) road improvement plan, along with the 2025 WISLR road rating certification spreadsheet, has recently been submitted to the state. A projected cash flow statement will need to be created for the remainder of the calendar year. Options for covering the balance due for the FEMA loan were discussed. Culvert work for Dog Town Creek has been discussed with the DNR. Insurance coverage for the new truck has been secured by Clerk Ryan Brennan. Chairman Mike Metcalf provided updates on the building-permit violation case regarding Chase Fornengo. REM Inspecting will be representing the town in this matter, and attorney Steve Olson has corresponding with them to create and develop a plan. The second “red notice” has been sent to Fornengo Cattle Company c/o Tony Fornengo on November 10th, 2025. After 30 days have passed without Mr. Fornengo not responding to the notice, the attorney will issue a citation and require that he appear in court on the forfeiture matter.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Supervisor Bryan Holter reported that the last beaver trap for the year has been placed on Markville Rd.
ROAD CONDITION REPORT: Dan Sear reported that multiple roads have been graded (including Dry Landing, Springbrook Trail, and Namekagon Trail) and will be finished before the ground freezes, in addition to shouldering on N. Markville Rd. Much work has been accomplished in replacing heavily-weathered road name signs, with work being done on more than 60 signs. Posting of some road signs will need to be increased in height to satisfy regulations.
ROAD EQUIPMENT REPORT: Dan Sear reported that both he & Ron Gallagher will use road equipment available to temporarily move the dumpsters located at the transfer station in order to lay dirt and gravel down on the last section of tall grass present.
DAIRYLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Billy Fish reported that the fire department has been busy with over a dozen calls in the last month which included some structure fires. FEMA grant details are almost ready for submission after recent approval from the Dairyland town board, although some remaining paperwork needs to be completed.
WARTS/TRANSFER STATION REPORT: Clerk Ryan Brennan will coordinate with Holdt’s Disposal & Northwest Regional Planning & Commission (NWRPC) to move the dumpsters back to their original positions once dirt and gravel has been laid down over the remaining tall grass. This will keep both the dumpsters and guests to the transfer station within view of the warming shed window and provide full 360-degree access for the large garbage dumpster.
III. OLD BUSINESS
1) None
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1) Clerk Ryan Brennan announced that local resident Bruce Rivard has recently expressed interest in establishing regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the NCC. Town board members and those in attendance were very receptive to the proposition after a brief discussion but would like to see an organized proposal presented first before granting approval. Clerk Ryan Brennan will relay the request to Bruce Rivard and look into details surrounding insurance coverage provided by Rural Mutual Insurance Company for regular group activities at the NCC.
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) Proposal for establishing regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the NCC.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
ADJOURNMENT: Supervisor Josh Fornengo motioned to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Supervisor Bryan Holter seconded. Motioned approved. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ryan W. Brennan, Town Clerk
Signed and dated this 12th day of November, 2025
By: __________________________________________
Michael C. Metcalf, Chairman