Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Nov/Dec by City of Blaine

ne BlaiCityConnect

W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S

November/December 2011

Fall Home Maintenance Tips - Stay Warmer, Save Money

It seems like summer just arrived and now it’s time to get ready for another Minnesota winter. It’s time to start working on that fall maintenance “to do” list. Some of the items may take a bit of time or require the assistance of a trained professional and by starting now you can avoid the last minute rush before the snow flies.

Windows and Doors • Check weather-stripping on doors and windows for damage and a snug fit. Weather-stripping is inexpensive and easy to replace. Lack of proper weather-stripping is a source of cold air drafts, which can get very expensive in Minnesota. • Inspect door and window caulking between siding and trim. • Check storm doors and windows for proper working order. Repair any damaged or missing glass. Storm window sashes can usually be repaired at your local hardware store. Heating System • Have your heating system inspected by a qualified service person. If any service person recommends replacing your whole system, get a second opinion from licensed heating professional.

City Publishes 2011 Corporate Report For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Blaine has published its annual Corporate Report to the Community as an insert in this newsletter. This popular financial report is designed to give taxpayers an inside look at the levy, ultimately displaying how the City of Blaine turns taxpayer dollars into quality city services. Much of the information is shown in graphic form and put in terms of the cost to the owner of a median-valued home in Blaine. Financial data is also broken down to show the portion of the levy designated to funding the various services provided by the city. The Corporate Report to the Community is included in this issue of Blaine CityConnect.

• Replace the filter on your furnace every month during the heating season. Furnace filters are relatively inexpensive and can help to prolong the life of your furnace. • If you have a built-in humidifier, clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. • Test and change the batteries on smoke and CO detectors every year. (Try to pick a day like your birthday to help you remember!) Insulation • Roof and attic spaces are major sources of heat loss. This not only contributes to higher heating bills but also causes snow melt and ice damning, which in turn can produce leaks and permanent roof damage. If you had problems last year with ice damming, check if you have the proper amount of insulation and check for obstruction (bird nests) in the roof and soffit vents. • Insulate hot water pipes and warm air heat ducts in the basement. Pipes and ductwork can be wrapped in fiberglass batts, foam pipe covers or foil backed bubble wrap. This is a great time to look for small leaks in pipes. Don’t cover leaking pipes.

2011 Election Information Anoka County is handling school elections this fall for ISD 12 Centennial, ISD 11 Anoka-Hennepin and ISD 16 Spring Lake Park. Residents can apply for an absentee ballot application through Anoka County by calling 763-323-5275. Anoka County is processing all the absentee voting for the schools and all voting results will be posted on the Anoka County Elections web site. The county can also assist people to find where to vote for their particular school election as they are many times different than where they vote on an even year election. All other election related questions can be directed to the following school offices: ISD 11 – Anoka-Hennepin Karen George @ 763-506-1269 ISD 12 – Centennial Jodi Josephson @ 763-792-6010 ISD 16 – Spring Lake Park Karen Stisper @ 763-785-5570

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NOVEMBER

SUN

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4 1 11

5 11 12

16 1 23 2 30

17 2 24 3

1 14 8 21 15 28 22

12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland

8650 Van Buren St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick Swanson

P.O. Box 49725 Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 2 Dave Clark

10833 Fillmore St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-754-7643 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke

83 103rd Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986

DECEMBER JUNE

MAYOR Tom Ryan

CONTACTSJUNE

CITY COUNCIL

A zone recycling

DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb

Russ Herbst

12875 Lever St. NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson

763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

11308 Jefferson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

SUN

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18 25

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Nov. 3 | Nov. 17 | Dec. 1 | Dec. 15 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*

B zone recycling

MON

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Nov. 22 | Dec. 27 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

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Police and Fire................................................ 911 Police (non-emergency) ....................763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........................763-786-4436 Building Inspections..........................763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15..............................763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 ......................763-785-6192 City Clerk ........................................763-785-6124 City Manager....................................763-785-6120 Community Standards.......................763-785-6187 Crime Prevention..............................763-785-6113 Economic Development.....................763-785-6147 Engineering......................................763-785-6172 Fire Inspections ...............................763-785-6187 Forestry ..........................................763-717-2660 Housing Services .............................763-785-6146 Human Resources ............................763-785-6109 Job Line ..........................................763-717-2679 Newsletter ......................................763-717-2735 Operator..........................................763-784-6700 Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ............................763-785-6180 Public Works....................................763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ...................763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ......................763-786-9375 Streets ...........................................763-785-6165 Stormwater......................................763-785-6188 Utility Billing ....................................763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .....................763-785-6165 Web................................................763-717-2638 Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. www.facebook.com/Blaine.mn www.facebook.com/BlaineBizMN www.facebook.com/BlaineParksMN www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates www.twitter.com/BlaineMinnesota www.twitter.com/BlaineBizMN www.twitter.com/BlaineParksMN www.youtube.com/cityofblaine

Natural Resource Conservation Board Nov. 15 | Dec. 20 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Nov. 13 | Dec. 13 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Dec. 13 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

About this Newsletter... CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Feedback can be directed to newsletter@ci.blaine.mn.us . All city legal notices are published in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

november | december 2011

The Time to Santa to Visit Local Neighborhoods with SBM Fire Department in December Check into Your The Spring Lake Park Fire Department has been proud to serve the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View with the annual Santa Run and food shelf collection. In order to meet the needs of the growing communities we have changed the event to a parade. Along with the Fire Department, there will be vehicles from the community police departments and emergency services.

Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food shelves.

MONDAY, DEC. 5 West Blaine • Parade start 131st Ave and Jefferson St • 89th Ave to 99th Ave between University Ave 131st Ave to Taylor St to 126th Ave to Polk (cross Main St) to Oak Park Blvd to Jefferson St to Territorial Rd to Presidents Dr to Pleasure Creek Pkwy to Clover Leaf Pkwy to Polk St to 91st Ave to Tyler St to 92nd Ave to Van Buren St to 91st Ave to Jackson St, ending at that intersection.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7 Mounds View • Parade start Arden Ave and Spring Lake Park Rd • 81st Ave north to Sandburnol Dr between Arden Ave to Long Lake Rd to Hillview Rd to Jackson Dr to Bronson Dr to St. Stephen St (cross H2) to Edgewood Rd to County Rd H to Knollwood Dr to Bronson Dr to Spring Lake Rd to Hillview Rd, ending at Lakeside Park.

TUESDAY, DEC. 6 East Blaine • Parade start Rice Creek Pkwy and Xylite St • Rice Creek Pkwy to Flanders St to 95th Ave (cross 35W) to Hamline Ave to Edgewood Rd to Xebec St to 97th Ave to Xebec St to 99th Ln to Austin St to Cord St to 99th Ave (cross Lexington) to North Rd to Twilite Ter to 101st Ln to Ghia St to Ball Rd to Marmon St to 106th Ln to National St to 107th Ave to Packard St to 105th Ln to National St to 103rd Ln to Lever St, ending at Fire Station 4.

The Parade will start at 7:00 p.m. on days/ routes listed below. Non-perishable food items can also be brought to Station One located in Spring Lake Park during that week. Visit our web site at www.sbmfire.com for additional information.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 Spring Lake Park • Parade start Able St and 79th Ave Same route as Tower Days • Able St to 84th Ave to Terrace Rd to 79th Ave, ending at that intersection. All route information is posted online at www.sbmfire.com .

Shop Safely this Holiday Season As the holiday season approaches, retailers are more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. During this time, use extra caution when going out to shop. The following are some helpful safe shopping tips not just for the holidays, but also for the entire year: •

•

Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit: report any unattended packages to security or staff. Do not buy more than you can carry. If your packages are making it hard for you to walk upright or see, ask a store employee to help you carry them to your car. Check receipts to see whether your full credit card number appears. If a receipt has your full number on it, take a pen and thoroughly scratch it out.

•

Double-check that you have your credit cards and check book after you pay for your items.

If shopping with children, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety: •

Ensure any children with you know your cell phone number. Give cards with contact information to any who do not.

•

Make a plan with children in case you get separated. Have a central meeting place and review with your children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone.

•

Go over the dangers of strangers so that they know who not to talk to or follow.

Following this advice can help reduce the stress of shopping during the holiday season. As always, keep your personal safety in mind and be on the lookout for fraud and identity theft.

Home’s Safety is Now!

Get a Free CO Alarm too ! Submitted by: Rebecca Booker SLP-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department

Now is the best time ever to sign up for your Home Safety Survey. This is a free and confidential survey of your home. By appointment a firefighter will come to your home to heighten awareness of potential fire, injury or crime hazards. While there, they will check your smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, look for top causes of fire as they provide potential solutions. If there are children present, a firefighter will assist the family to develop and practice a safe escape plan. You will be given the opportunity to receive a Free Radon gas test and a FREE Carbon Monoxide Alarm (CO), as well as many other incentives upon completion of the survey. To schedule your free Home Safety Survey, call Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-767-4003.

Anoka Conservation District Offers Trees for Sale Submitted by: Kathy Berkness Anoka Conservation District

The The Anoka Conservation District offers a wide variety of trees and other native planting stock, including black cherry trees, mixed oak trees, red maple trees, and white pine trees. Most of the trees are approximately 18” to 24” in height and take the form of bare root seedlings. They may be purchased in bundles of ten for $16, or twenty-five for $29. There is an additional cost of $1 for online orders. If you are interested, go online and check out the Anoka Conservation District website at www.AnokaSWD.org or call the Anoka Conservation District at 763-434-2030. Orders will be accepted until April 13, 2012, and will be available for pickup the Saturday, April 28 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds in the morning.

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World Fest Diversity Essay Contest Winners Announced The winners of the Blaine World Fest Diversity Essay Contest, as scored by the Blaine Park Board, have been named. Winners received gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Dairy Queen and Best Buy. The winning essays are printed below.

Mackenzie Fodness Age 12

Tenzin Pasang Age 13

Taylor Morgan Age 13

I think that cultural and ethnic differences are important for every community. I remember a movie I watched with my mother where a black child that was very smart, was on the same bus with a white child who wasn’t very bright. The black child was reading and the white boy started to bully him. Their parents made them spend weekend nights at each other’s houses to understand how the other one lives and to ultimately understand each other. In the end they became inseparable best buds in spite they’re differences.

Diversity is important to our community because it brings all kinds of cultures together to make one community. Diversity teaches us to accept differences in others and look beyond the base of emotions of language, culture, race and color. It teaches us to be more open and accepting of things that are different then us. We all are individuals but we’re all unique, so we have to recognize our individual differences.

I am a freshman at Blaine High school and I play volleyball for the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. As an African American I am the only black girl on my team. There are girls with many different backgrounds than me, but I am treated with fairness and respect just like all of the other girls on the team. I also treat them with respect and fairness. All the girls on my team work hard the same, sweat the same and support each other the same. Diversity is a very good thing on my team and I am very glad we are diverse.

Whenever diversity comes up I think of “America the melting pot”. Where people come from near and far and it didn’t matter the color of your skin or what god you worshiped it was a new start for so many families. I believe diversity is just learning to be you and others accepting differences. Everyone is different in their own special way. For instance in my school Westwood Middle School there are lots of different cultures, personalities and ethnic differences between people. Since the beginning of time man had different DNA specific for each individual when a scientist takes a look at it they can find out a lot about the person. Everyone’s unique with our own DNA. Because some a more different than others does not mean there is a problem. That they weren’t normal or they messed up the status quo. As a community we need to come together for the sake of the better good and for our children’s generations. A wise man once said we all bleed the same color which means somehow were all connected. Differences, if we didn’t have them we’d all be the same prototype like version of a human soul. If all people of different races, ethnic groups, autistics, the blind, the elderly, the disabled, the business man, the stay at home mom were accepting we could understand the world better. Whatever faith you practice, whatever you believe in we’re all god’s children. To him we are all special he wants us to treat others that way. You just need to stand up and do the right thing. Being afraid, judgmental or being a bully, is not understanding. What are you exactly scared of. Don’t judge a book by its cover until you read the book. Everyone is different but that’s what makes everyone unique.

Without diversity, the world or community wouldn’t be complete because people wouldn’t know what other cultures are like, and there would be no life and excitement. Where would the history that we learn in school be if we didn’t have diversity? Where would everything be without the influence of those who fought for the diversity and people rights? Other cultures have different languages, different kinds of foods that they eat and even how they dress and so much more and we need to learn from that! To me diversity means having all cultures being together to share what they have brought to us. This makes at least some people know or understand what another culture is like. Also, people can see and learn about different cultures, and then they will understand the cultures and see why certain people do certain things. Diversity helps to bring a positive reform in society as well. Diversity can be everywhere from organizations to communities to businesses and etc. What you can learn from living in a diverse community is that we all are equal but we have different kinds of backgrounds. Dr. Martin Luther King fought for the rights of African Americans, but i think he was also fighting for the rights of diversity. He made us realize that all men and women are equal. I think diversity is important to our community! We must understand that we should all be treated the way we want to be treated and not let anyone else change that. We always have to remember that diversity is important because it provides our society and culture with unique and inspirational perspectives, leaving the world or community to be more colorful.

When I step on the court I am very proud that I can play another day of volleyball with some of my very good friends. The girls on my team are good friends to me because some are good listeners, helpers, and some make me laugh. We are a good team because we have learned to work together, put aside our differences and come together to win. Like my volleyball team, the city of Blaine is a strong and great city because of its diversity. In this city people all work together, compromise and grow. I am glad that my two younger sisters are going to grow up in the city of Blaine, because it is a wonderful and safe place to grow. In our backyard there are kids from all over the world that play on our swing set. The kids in my neighborhood are from Russia, Vietnam, Somalia, and the U.S.A. They are always laughing and playing together, not caring about their differences. When the children in my neighborhood grow up and go to Blaine high school and then become adults they will not see diversity as a disadvantage but as a good thing. Diversity is important for all people because we are all different for a reason. If everyone played the same position on the volleyball team we would all lose. We should be happy that we are all so different. If all the players looked the same, acted the same, and thought the same, the game of life would be boring. We need diversity to make our city, state, country and world strong and mighty, (Just like Blaine Volleyball).

Corporate Report to the community FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 2010 • BUDGET YEAR 2011

Inside

PAGE 2

• Buying Quality Services • Tax Rate Comparison • Dividing Your Dollar • Finance Awards

PAGE 3 • Operating Revenue Sources • Expenditures by Fund • The General Fund

PAGE 4 • Capital Improvements • Community Development

Truth in Taxation Hearing Dec. 8

The Truth in Taxation for the 2012 budget is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. in the Blaine City Hall Council Chambers.

View Financial Reports Online

City of Blaine financial information is posted online. The 2011 Annual Budget, 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and an electronic copy of this Corporate Report to the Community are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us by searching keyword finance . Budget information for 2012 will be posted online as it becomes available.

LEADING THROUGH A DOWNTURN Mayor Tom Ryan

ith the economic downturn we have experienced over the last few years, most local governments have seen severe declines in property values and development. However, despite this downturn, Blaine is one of the few cities in Minnesota that has experienced substantial growth continuous growth throughout the last decade, and by some measures was the fastest growing city in the metropolitan area. According to census figures, Blaine grew over 27% and now has a population of 57,186. It is a challenging leadership scenario for the Council; population is growing, yet development continues and service requests are increasing while market values are declining. With the new growth, Blaine has continued to maintain and meet existing services and address new needs such as a sixth patrol district, a new athletic complex, the lakeside commons beach, and others. The City has not reduced existing services, yet for the third year in a row the tax levy be reduced with the projected 2012 levy about $900,000 less than the 2011 levy leading to a corresponding reduction in expenditures. Since the downturn, the City reduced its staffing level by 15 positions. The monthly cost of City services to Blaine residents has dropped from $49.75 in 2008 to $40.73 in 2011. In addition to lowering the tax levy and reducing the budget and staffing, the City has invested in several areas to increase productivity. Examples include a new city finance software package, a software system to automate the agenda creation process, police and fire records software, and investment in three new fire trucks and other equipment. In addition to productivity measures, the city has been investing in its infrastructure by implementing a Pavement Management program. The City will annually invest in improving City streets with sealcoat, mill, and overlay, and major reconstruction projects. This year Blaine improved 9.7 miles of road at a cost of 3.3 million dollars. This annual program will eventually affect every street in Blaine, and provides a long-range commitment to our 250 miles of streets. Additional investments include squad car cameras, a police training facility, and a cold storage building for public works equipment. Once again in the area of road reconstruction projects, the City benefited from a strong partnership with Anoka County. The County completed Radisson Road improvements, and finalized plans for Lexington Ave. north of 125th Ave. Other projects under construction by Anoka County are 125th Ave. from Hwy. 65 to University Ave., and Naples north of Lake Dr. The City has implemented new productivity measures and made capital investment choices with an eye to the future. Blaine’s growth is projected to continue and these investments will prepare Blaine to meet the future service needs of our residents. At the time of this writing for 2011, Blaine is leading the metro in new housing starts and we expect to end the year with 350 new homes. In addition, we have continued to see retail development with more on the horizon. Looking forward, we have met the challenges to date and have plans in place to move the City forward in spite of the economic challenges. Until property values stabilize, the Council and I will work with staff to continue to ensure that the City uses taxpayers’ dollars wisely and efficiently in order to provide quality city services to the residents of Blaine.

CITY OF BLAINE The Median-Valued B laine Home

The $40.73 amount used throughout this report as the average monthly cost of city services was determined using a median-valued home in Blaine with an Anoka County assessor’s market value, payable in 2011, of $170,100.

City Earns Financial Awards

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Blaine for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, the 26th consecutive year the city has received this prestigious award. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, the city published an easily readable and efficiently organized Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This report satisfied both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. A certificate of achievement is valid for a one-year period. The city believes its current Comprehensive Annual Financial Report meets the program’s requirements and is awaiting word from the GFOA about earning a 27th consecutive certificate. In 2011, the City of Blaine’s bond rating improved to Aa1 after recalibration by Moody’s Investors Service. The rating indicates wellmanaged financial operations and healthy reserves as key strengths of the city. December 31,2010

Minnesota state law, Chapter 156 of the Session Laws of 2005, requires that “a city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees.” For the City of Blaine, names, titles and salaries are: Clark Arneson, city manager – $139,728; Joseph Huss, finance director – $119,483; and Bryan Schafer, planning and economic development director – $118,572.

1234 Any Street

10/10/10

9/1/10 - 10/1/10 DUE DATE

AVERAGE HOMEOWNER 1234 ANY STREET BLAINE MN 55449

11/10/10

$40

8 $18.8 7 $11.4 $2.78 $4.04 $2.33 $1.23

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Tax Dollars Buy Quality S ervices

The City of Blaine continues to provide quality services to residents at an affordable price. The checkbook graphic at left shows that the owner of a median-priced Blaine home paid $40.73 monthly for city services like police, fire and streets and parks maintenance in 2011. That number was determined by using the net property tax cost, which is calculated by subtracting all revenue sources other than property tax from departmental expenditures. Water and sewer utilities are fee-based. The average Blaine homeowner uses 8,000 gallons per month; the average monthly cost for all utility services – water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste – is $40.

Note: Utility bills are mailed quarterly and average $120 per bill. The numbers used are averages; individual households will vary.

Blaine’s Low Tax Rate Compares Favorably in Anoka County A comparison of the 2011 property Columbia Heights East Bethel tax rate of Anoka County cities with Anoka populations greater than 10,000 Lino Lakes residents shows Blaine among the Ramsey lowest. The low 32.7% property tax Coon Rapids rate on a median-valued Blaine home Andover pays $40.73 monthly for city services. Fridley Blaine A breakdown of the services purchased Ham Lake from property taxes is displayed in the 0% checkbook example above.

10%

20% 30% 40% city property tax rate

50%

Dividing Your 2011 Tax Dollar

The graphic at left shows the division of a dollar in property taxes paid by the typical Blaine homeowner; for each dollar paid, 32 40¢ Anoka County cents go to city services. 32¢ City of Blaine The dollar amount of taxes owed is 23¢ Anoka-Hennepin School District determined by market value, tax law and 5¢ Other agencies the levy. The tax levy for local governmental entities is distributed across properties within each entity’s boundary using tax capacity, a function of assessed property value and property type. A Blaine homeowner with a median-valued home pays $1,550.09 annually in property taxes, of which $488.74 ($40.73 monthly) goes toward city services. The remaining $1,061.35 goes to Anoka County, the school district and other taxing districts.

C O R P O R AT E R E P O RT

2011

Operating Revenue Sources

Blaine is able to keep its property tax rate low by maximizing other sources of funding. In diversifying revenue, the city is in a strong position to withstand varying economic conditions.

2011 Budgeted Expenditures by Fund

Property Taxes $16,912,060 Fees & Charges 15,902,640 Licenses & Permits 1,511,900 Intergovernmental 1,071,500 Interest Earnings 822,000 Interfund Transfers 660,000 Fines & Forfeits 308,000 Franchise Fees 179,300 Other Financing Sources 87,000 Sale of Fixed Assets 75,000 Charitable Gambling 35,000 Miscellaneous 5,000 total revenues

These funds represent $23,619,998 the city’s budgeted General Fund Utility Enterprise Fund 17,269,050 expenditures. General Fund Capital Equipment Fund 706,470 is detailed below. Utility Special Revenue Funds 206,000 Fund revenue comes from user fees and pays for total expenditures $41,801,518* operational maintenance and capital improvements. Capital Equipment Fund supplies the fixed assets of general city operations. Special Revenue Funds are from charitable gambling proceeds and cable television franchise fees. Charitable gambling proceeds support various non-profit groups.

$37,569,400*

*The difference between 2011 revenues and expenditures is for planned expenditure of reserves in funds other than the general fund.

General Fund

Totaling $23,619,998 or approximately 57% of the total 2011 budget, the General Fund is the primary fund of the city’s day-to-day operations and is funded primarily by property taxes, fees and licenses and charges for services.

Utility Enterprise Funds

Capital Equipment Fund Special Revenue Funds

2010 EXPENDITURES $8,759,594

Safety Services Public Services Finance SBM Fire Department Community Development Administration Legislative

2011 BUDGET $9,093,808

NET PROPERTY TAX* $15.87

Safety Services ensures public safety in Blaine through the efforts of the Police Department and Community Standards. 1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$7,743,786

$8,050,519

$11.47

Public Services includes all Public Works, Engineering, Geographic Information Services and Parks and Recreation functions, essentially managing and maintaining Blaine’s infrastructure and parkland while fostering recreational and educational opportunities for residents.

1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$2,117,132

$2,071,708

$2.33

Finance encompasses the city’s financial management and billing services in addition to information services.

1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$1,364,474

$1,389,323

$3.01

The City of Blaine partners with two communities to form the Spring Lake Park-BlaineMounds View Fire Department, which provides emergency response as well as fire prevention and education services.

1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$1,570,634

$1,343,274

$1.23

Community Development ensures quality development is achieved in Blaine through professional planning and inspection services. 1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$1.72

$484,246

$540,067

$1.06

Legislative includes the City Council, advisory commissions and legal services. Blaine is governed by six elected council members and a mayor. City Council appoints residents to advisory commissions. Legal advises city departments, City Council and advisory commissions.

1 Legislative

2 Administration

3 Finance

4 Safety Services (net SBM Fire)

5 SBM Fire

6 Public Services

7 Community Development

8 Unallocated

9 Capital & other financing uses

$1,131,299

Administration includes the offices of the City Manager and City Clerk, as well as Human Resources and Communications.

1 Legislative

Unallocated Capital & Other Financing Uses

$1,159,146

This is an unbudgeted expense that tpyically comes from excess year-end reserves generated in the General Fund that is transferred to fund capital purchases. In 2010, captial expenses were funded through the sale of capital notes, therefore no transfer was made. * Net property tax is the portion of the levy allocated to these services each month.

Corporate Report to the community Capital Projects

As part of its commitment to providing quality services to residents, the City of Blaine has identified significant capital projects to provide the infrastructure necessary to meet current and future service demands. Details of some major projects from 2011 are provided.

FIRE SERVICES Along with Spring Lake Park and Mounds View; Blaine continues to contract with the Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department for fire protection services. This approach continues our commitment to obtaining the most efficient, highest quality services available. The department is recognized at the local, state, and national level as a leader in prevention, efficiency, and innovation. The per capita cost ranks amongst the lowest in the region for similar size populations protected. Next year the department will be replacing/upgrading three of the departments main line engines as well as its trucks. Consistent with their efficiency and innovation, they are specifying a smaller, more agile, but adequately equipped engine with a price tag close to half of what other departments are spending! On the prevention front, the department recently was awarded a $150,000 federal grant to augment and expand fire prevention efforts. This represents the single largest fire prevention grant ever awarded in the State of Minnesota.

SAFETY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES The Blaine Safety Services department uses evolving technology to serve our community better. All Police Patrol response vehicles now have video cameras installed in them. These cameras help with officer training and enhance officer safety as well as the safety of public we serve. Additionally, public safety (police, fire, dispatch, and jail) throughout Anoka County is in the process of identifying a Countywide Records and Dispatch system. Anoka County public safety departments have a long history of collaborating with each other to achieve our region-wide safety goals as efficiently as possible. All of Anoka County will benefit from these shared resources and economy of scale.

Community Development

New home construction across the country has slowed considerably in the past 4-5 years. Blaine however has fared much better than most communities in term of housing permit activity and units constructed. Since the beginning of 2006 thru 2010 Blaine has issued permits for 1,554 new homes, an average of 310 new homes per year. In 2010 the city was third in the metro area with 331 new housing starts. Through the first nine months of 2011 Blaine remains near the top of metro communities with 275 new housing starts. Clearly Blaine remains in high demand when looking for a place to live. Commercial/industrial growth has been even more impacted by the national economy with very few new projects starting in the past 2-3 years. Nevertheless, Blaine has issued building permits in 2011 for approximately 200,000 square feet of new or expanded retail/industrial space. Tenant relocation to existing space has also resulted in several new businesses in 2011. The City views itself as extremely well suited in terms of available land and amenities for a quick surge in development when the national and regional economies improve.

About this Report

The City Council presents this report to display the performance of Blaine’s city government.

MAYOR Tom Ryan 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us COUNCILMEMBERS

Mike Bourke 763-784-1986 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us Dave Clark 763-754-7643 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us Russ Herbst 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us Wes Hovland 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us Kathy Kolb 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us Dick Swanson 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGER

Clark Arneson 763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

The City of Blaine reports yearly its financial position and activity in a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which is prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Corporate Report to the Community summarizes the most important and relevant information from the 2010 CAFR and 2011 Annual Budget. The City of Blaine Corporate Report to the Community is not audited. This is the fourth year financial information has been presented to residents in this format.

Feedback

Suggestions and comments can be directed to City Manager Clark Arneson at carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us or 763-785-6120.

november | december 2011

Winter Safety Information

As the snowpack continues to build this winter, the City of Blaine would like to remind residents of three very important snow-related safety concerns: 1. Help the SBM Fire Department by clearing snow from around fire hydrants. During winter fire emergencies, firefighters lose valuable time locating and accessing fire hydrants. Residents are asked to clear fire hydrants in their neighborhoods, removing snow three feet in each direction to allow clearance for hoses. The house – and life – you save could be your own.

What should you do in a winter storm watch verses a winter storm warning?

3. Do not place garbage and recycling carts in the street where they can be hit and damaged by snowplows.

Winter Parking Restrictions Begin Nov. 1

Along with the return of cold temperatures, parking restrictions between Nov. 1 and April 1 also go into effect. • No parking on any Blaine street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 through April 1. Please note that there are several posted signs regarding this parking restriction throughout the city; however, a sign is not posted on every city street. • No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.

Snowmobile Regulations

East of Highway 65, snowmobiles may operate on none-residential properties that are not next to residential areas. The operator of the snowmobile must have

Are You Ready for a Winter Storm? Here are some preparation tips: • Have extra blankets on hand. • Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots. • Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: 1. First aid kit and essential medications 2. Battery-powered weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries 3. Canned food and non-electric can opener 4. Bottled water • Have your car winterized before a winter storm • Assemble a winter storm supplies kit for your car

2. Do not allow children to build snow structures or tunnels in the snow banks at the end of driveways, in culsde-sac or along roadways. Snowplows and other snow removal machinery may pass by at any time to remove snow or make space for future snow events.

As winter approaches we begin to receive inquires from the public wondering where they are allowed to operate snowmobiles in Blaine. In general, snowmobiles may not be operated anywhere in the City west of Highway 65.

written permission from the property owner in their possession. Snowmobiling is not allowed on any City streets. A copy of the snowmobiling regulations is available from the City Clerk’s Office at 763-785-6124, from the Blaine Police Department at 763-785-6168 or on the web at:

www.ci.blaine.mn.us/index.cfm?id=901373.

When a winter storm watch is issued: • Listen to local TV and radio stations for weather updates. • Be alert to changing weather conditions. • Avoid unnecessary travel. When a winter storm warning is issued: • Stay indoors during the storm. • If you must go outside, dress in several lightweight layers of clothing. • Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. • After the storm, if you shovel snow, be careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion. Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must… • Have emergency supplies in the trunk. • Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. • Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. Put together a disaster kit for each trunk of each car used by members in your household. Include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.

w w w. b l a i n e p a r k s. c o m Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring Recreation Connection Parks and Recreation’s Winter/Spring 2011 Recreation Connection will not be mailed to residents this season. Winter and spring program information and registration tools will be online at www.blaineparks.com by Nov. 18. A limited number of printed Recreation Connection brochures will be available at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

More Great Programs are Coming Up Winter/Spring 2012 Recreation Connection

Online Registration Begins Nov. 18th

Community Outings

Check the winter/spring Recreation Connection for more information.

Treasure Island in Red Wing

Join us in Red Wing. Pay $5 get $3 food coupon and 10 pull tabs. Coffee and donutes before departure. DATE: Monday, Nov. 14 TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Plaid Tidings at the Chanhassen Register by Nov. 23. DATE: Wednesday, Dec. 7 TIME: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. FEE: $68

Free Indoor Concert Series Blaine City Hall Atrium Nov. 15, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Fairlanes (50’s & 60’s acapella & doo wop) CPR Certification Class: Infant, Child & Adult Nov. 17, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Call 763-717-2723 for more information. Moms on the Run Holiday Boot Camp Indoor boot camp combines cardio and strength training with resistance bands to tone up and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain. DATE: Wednesdays, Nov. 9 - Dec. 14 TIME: 7 – 7:45 p.m. FEE: $59 Outdoor Skating Lessons Youth ages 5 to 13 at Happy Acres Park Lessons start Jan. 2. Cost: $18 for four lessons.

Amazon at the Science Museum Enjoy coffee and roll at the Science Museum of St. Paul. Then view displays and enjoy the Amazon/Rain Forest Product at the Omni Theater. Lunch included at Cherokee Sirloin Room. Choice of sirloin steak or stuffed chicken breast when you sign up. Register by Jan. 4. DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 17 FEE: $58

St. Croix Casino

Pay $5 get $5 on casino players card. Coffee and donutes before departure. DATE: Wednesday, Jan 11 TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

Grades K to 5 DATE: Dec. 27 - 29 TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. FEE: $36/day NEW! Blaine Triathlon Ages 15 and Up | Lakeside Commons Park 1st Blaine Triathlon distances include; .3 mile swim, 16.5 mile bike, and finish with a 3.5 mile run. USAT Sanctioned Race, great for beginners or seasoned veterans for season warm-up! Questions call Nate at 763-785-6151. More information available Dec. 1 at blainetriathlon.com. Max. 250. DATE: Saturday, May 19 TIME: 8 a.m. FEE: $75 Individual/ After April 1 - $90 $100 Team Relay of 2 or 3 participants/ After April 1 - $125

Senior Scene

Annual Christmas Party at Turtle Lake

Enjoy Christmas treats, gifts, surprises, a wonderful sit down lunch and time to gamble are included on this festive day. You receive $5 on your player’s card and bring an unwrapped toy and receive an extra $5. DATE: Tuesday, Dec. 6 TIME: 8:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $39

Winter Break School’s Out Camps

Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375

Holiday Celebration All Families & Ages

Bring in the holidays with a bang! Join us for the 10th annual Winter Holiday Celebration at Blaine City Hall. There will be a variety of great activities for the whole family. Enjoy holiday entertainment, stories, crafts, hay rides, a coloring contest, live holiday music, refreshments and much more. All activities are free and run continuously throughout the evening. Santa will visit the event, but will not be available for individual visits or photographs. If you are looking to spend time with Santa, register for A Morning at the North Pole. Volunteers needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 763-717-2723. DATE: Monday, Dec. 5 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: FREE!

VOA Thanksgiving Meal – entertainment and traditional turkey dinner – Nov. 15 Fall Prevention Info. Session – by SBM Fire Dept. – Nov. 17 Movie: Water for Elephants – Nov. 17 Monthly Birthday Party – entertainment, noon meal, 1 p.m. prize bingo – Nov. 30 Tree Trimming – decorate the senior center – Dec. 2 Diabetic Foot Care & Peripheral Arterial Disease Presentation – Dec. 5 VOA Holiday Meal – entertainment and holiday meal – Dec. 15 Movie: TBD – Dec. 15 Monthly Birthday Party – Dec. 28 New Year’s Party – entertainment and refreshments – Dec. 30 The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.usand search keyword senior center.

november | december 2011

5 Bags of Leaves Left Unraked = 1,000 Pounds of Algae in the Lake I take a walk around my suburban neighborhood, I am disheartened to find curbs loaded with fertilizer, leaves and/or grass clippings left in the street. I always wonder if the residents who live there just don’t know that this is detrimental to our lakes or just don’t care. Although leaves have valuable nutrients that can be turned into rich compost, these nutrients are not natural to lakes and create excess algae. Raking up leaves and grass clippings is critical to keeping our lakes swimmable for our children. In natural landscapes, rain tends to soak into the ground gradually. However, nowadays, much

of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots and roofs - where the water runs off. Storm drains provide an expedient and direct route for pollutants on streets to flow into our waters. This fall, please do your part and rake up and compost your leaves. If you notice that your neighbors are leaving leaves and grass clippings on the street, please talk to them and explain why it is important to collect and compost them. Since most of land (about 78%) is privately owned in Minnesota, how individuals manage their own resources makes all the difference on our collective public resources.

Fall Leaf Season is Here !

Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park Each third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park. The collection event is staged near the Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most appliances cost $10 each; air conditioners and water softeners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may also be recycled for a small fee. Free items include scrap metal, car batteries, used clothing and all items collected as part of the city’s curbside recycling program. A free paper shedding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. To learn more about the city’s recycling drop-off program and for a list of acceptable items and associated fees, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword recycle .

Many of our residents live in fully wooded areas. As the leaves from the trees turn color and fall, they provide both a beautiful show and plenty of cleaning up effort. Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the Cities ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous levels and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street. Curbside Collection Available Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Veolia. Call 763-786-7233 for more information on seasonal fees for yardwaste collection. Home Composting Yard waste may be disposed by composting at home if the following guidelines are followed: Use only yard waste, twigs less than 1/4” diameter, straw, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds. Do not use pet waste, meat, dairy or egg waste. Contain composting material in a bin with a maximum height of 5 feet. Bin volume limited to 100 cubic feet on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet and 150 cubic feet

on lots greater than 10,000 square feet. Keep bin in rear yard only and a minimum of 5 feet from the property lines. It is essential that compost be actively turned and watered to avoid any odor. Further composting information can be Drop-Off Options obtained by calling the Anoka County Extension OfficeHills at 763-755-1280. Bunker Compost Site urbside leaf and grass collection is also 13285 Hanson Boulevard, Rapids available from Veolia. CallCoon 763-786-7233 (763) 767-7964 for more information on seasonal fees for Monday – Friday yardwaste collection. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier)

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes (651) 429-3723

Tuesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier) Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier) RRT Processing Solutions operates the Anoka County compost sites. More information about area compost sites is available from Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730 or www.AnokaCounty.us/recycle .

In Case of Sewer Backup, Contact Public Works Residents experiencing a sewer backup should immediately contact the City of Blaine Public Works Department. Public Works will check the sewer main for blockages, as tree roots in the line can cause backups for neighbors as well. During regular business hours, Blaine Public Works can be reached at 763-785-6165. Outside of business hours, call Anoka County Dispatch at 763-427-1212 in order to notify Blaine Public Works.

January Curbside Tree Collection Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular garbage days during the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9 on regular garbage days. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 32324 Minneapolis, MN

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 (763) 784-6700

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

Over 1000 Attend Third Annual World Fest

For the fourth consecutive year, residents packed into Town Square Park for a one-of-a-kind celebration aimed at recognizing Blaine’s growing cultural diversity. And for the fourth straight year, visitors feasted on ethnic cuisine, enjoyed cultural song and dance and learned about diverse ways of life from numerous informational vendors. This year’s World Fest, held on September 17, was our biggest and most diverse yet, with over 1000 people attending.

As with past World Fest celebrations, this year’s event featured a wide range of cultural entertainment and information booths. Performance groups gave the audience samples of West African dance; Swedish music and dance; traditional Aztec dance; Hmong dance; Irish Dance; an African Voice of Culture performance; as well as other music and dance groups. World Fest isn’t just about food and cultural entertainment, it also centered on fostering awareness of different cultures through informational learning booths so that residents can learn about the different cultures from around the world that make up our Blaine community. Attendees were able to learn from ten different displays about Indonesian culture; Chinese culture, including writing one’s name in Chinese; Indian culture and artwork; and the importance of folk art in Hmong

culture. An ethnic arts and crafts station coordinated by the Blaine Arts Council kept many of the kids busy. Experiencing different ethnic cuisine is a very popular part of the World Fest event. For $5 event goers could sample food from 10 food vendors including, German, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Italian food. The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Moundsview Fire Department had a ladder truck available to give bucket rides as a fund raiser for the Blaine Public Safety Committee, and the Blaine Police Department gave a demonstration of their K-9 Unit. Blaine World Fest was made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a grant from the McKnight Foundation and an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature. Sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and residents in attendance also deserve recognition for making World Fest a sensational event in which the entire community can take pride. More information about Blaine World Fest is available from Tom Godfrey at tgodfrey@ci.blaine.mn.us .

Thank you to the sponsors who made Blaine World Fest possible: GOLD SPONSORS: Bank of the West, Chili’s, Cub, Molly Maid of Blaine, NorthPark Dental, Target, Walmart. SILVER SPONSORS: 21st Century Bank, Allegra Design - Print - Mail, Manning Transfer. BRONZE SPONSORS: Heng Massage, Print Central.