ne BlaiCityConnect
W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S
January/February 2012
Blaine Police Shop With a Cop is a Success Again For the second year in a row, the Blaine Police Department teamed with Blaine SuperTarget to make the holiday season extra special for 30 local children. With the help of school social workers, the Blaine Police Department identified children from six local elementary schools who needed an extra special holiday season. Target then put together a special holiday shopping event for each these children. To make the day special, Blaine police officers, explorers, community service officers and reserves (all wearing Santa hats) picked up the children at home prior to their shopping spree. Once they arrived at SuperTarget, children were given a donated $85 gift card to complete holiday shopping for their family members. This year Target donated a total of $2,750 for the event. The children, many with shopping lists in hand, were paired with police helpers to guide them
throughout the store. They were also treated to a meal in the food court. After loading their carts and purchasing the presents, cops and kids gathered with Target employees to wrap the gifts.
At the end of the day, Blaine’s officers returned the children home with bags of presents to share with their families so they could help spread the holiday cheer at home this season.
Council Reduces Levy, Blaine Continues to Lead the Metro in Growth The Blaine City Council recently set the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2012, and for the third consecutive year, the Council reduced the City’s property tax levy. In fact, the levy for 2012 is 6% lower than the property tax levy adopted three years ago. Even with significant budget constraints, the City continues to provide the quality services that citizens have come to expect, and to develop initiatives to promote efficiency and productivity in order to “do more with less”. For this effort, the City has been rewarded with a high credit rating from Moody’s Investor Services, and national recognition from Money magazine. At the outset of this budget cycle, the City Council’s goals were to maintain services, achieve structural balance (where revenues match expenditures over the long term), and maintain a flat tax rate. The City Council achieved these goals while setting a tax levy that gives a median value home a larger percentage decrease in City taxes than they received in Anoka County’s recent tax reductions. The City Council reduced the tax levy by $943,000 from 2011, giving Blaine
the lowest tax rate for any full service city in Anoka County, and making it one of the few cities in the County to reduce its tax levy for three consecutive years. Since 2009, the City Council has cut the levy by $1.2 million and the monthly cost of all City services for the average homeowner has continually dropped.
levels that are required to meet the needs of new residents and businesses. The City has maintained service levels despite reduced staffing levels and without additional financial resources. Since 2008, the City has reduced staffing levels by 15 positions.
As part of the City’s goal to achieve structural balance, the City uses a 5-year budget model as a forecasting/planning tool. In part, because of the City Council commitment to longrange budget planning, the City had its Aa1 bond rating reaffirmed by Moody’s Investor Services. This is one notch below Aaa, the highest rating a City can achieve. A high bond rating means lower interest rates on borrowed money and reduced costs to Blaine taxpayers.
With reduced financial and staffing resources, the City is investing in new technology in order to maintain existing and future service levels, and “do more with less”. Examples of new technology the City is using to increase productivity include a new financial software system that utilizes efficiencies in utility billing and human resources, an automated agenda system, and in-squad cameras that digitally record and download street patrol activities.
While the City Council continues to reduce the tax levy, Blaine has continued to grow during the latest economic downturn. For 2011, Blaine has outpaced all other cities and is the metro and state leader in new housing growth. As the City continues to grow, the new additional tax base will provide financial resources to assist with additional service
As we look to the future, we expect to have more challenging budget years ahead of us due to the current economic downturn. However, the City Council has positioned the City well to meet the future challenges and to continue to meet its mission to provide residents and businesses with quality services and development.
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JANUARY
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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
DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb
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
FOLLOW US
11308 Jefferson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us
Russ Herbst
Jan. 5 | Jan. 12 | Jan. 19 Feb. 2 | Feb. 9 | Feb. 16 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Jan. 24 | Feb. 28 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
B zone recycling
Natural Resource Conservation Board
FEBRUARY JUNE
DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland
City Council Workshops
Jan. 10 | Feb. 14 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
A zone recycling
CONTACTSJUNE
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
Jan. 5 | Jan. 19 | Feb. 2 | Feb. 16 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
MAYOR Tom Ryan
City Council*
Planning Commission*
Blaine City Hall
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC MEETINGS
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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
Jan. 17 | Feb. 21 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council Jan. 10 | Feb. 14 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society Jan. 10 | Feb. 14 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 city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.
january | february 2012
Protect Your Child from Small Magnets Tips to Avoid Magnet Ingestion Injuries The CPSC offers the following tips to avoid magnet ingestion injuries and advice on what to do if you suspect that your child has swallowed magnets: • •
• The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reports an increase in children swallowing high-powered magnets. When two or more of these magnets are swallowed, they can attract one another internally resulting in serious injuries. These injuries include small holes in the stomach and intestines, intestinal blockage, and blood poisoning. If the injuries are serious enough, they can result in death. When a magnet has to be removed surgically, it often requires the repair of the child’s damaged stomach and intestines.
Keep small magnets and pieces containing magnets away from young children. Look out for loose magnet pieces and regularly inspect toys and children’s play areas for missing or dislodged magnets. If you suspect that magnets have been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately!
For more information, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at: www.cpsc.gov
Protecting Your Home from Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon Monoxide is another type of poison that can occur in your home. It is odorless, colorless, and invisible. Carbon monoxide can also injure or kill. In the home, carbon monoxide is produced mainly from equipment and appliances that burn fuel inefficiently. Appliances such as a furnace, gas water heater, gas stove, or fireplace can all produce carbon monoxide. Have your gas appliances checked and maintained annually by a qualified technician.
• Install the alarm away from fuel burning appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, fireplace, heat vents, etc.) and fresh air.
Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. A carbon monoxide alarm is an inexpensive way to help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. They are easy to install and some brands plug into a wall outlet. When installing carbon monoxide alarms:
Consider a FREE Home Safety Survey of your home to look for potential fire, injury and crime hazards and a FREE Carbon Monoxide Alarm if needed. For more information, call the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds Fire Department at 763-767-4003.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level where people are sleeping.
• Consider buying a digital carbon monoxide alarm and installing it where it can be seen in a high traffic area, within 10 feet of a bedroom. • Replace your carbon monoxide alarms every 5 years.
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Poisoning Preventing an Unintentional Injury
Submitted by: Rebecca Booker SLP-Blaine-Mounds View Department
Poisoning is still a common childhood injury in the U.S., with over 500,000 children exposed annually to poisons. We can prevent unintentional poisoning by arming ourselves with knowledge to keep our families safe. What you need to know: • • •
Ninety-five percent of all poison-related Emergency Room visits are a result of self-ingestion. Fifty-five percent of those are from ingestion of prescription medications. Once every eight seconds in the U.S., a Poison Control Center receives a call for help.
Find the poisons in your home. Medicines, alcohol, bug spray, anti-freeze, mouthwash, cigarettes, cleaners, gasoline, and even houseplants are just a few of the everyday household items that can be hazardous. Take a look around your home and evaluate where you keep these items. By keeping them on the bedside table, in your purse, on the kitchen counter, or in the bathroom you may be putting children that live or visit your home at risk. Proper Storage. We all have items in our homes that, if taken by the wrong person, can act as a poison. In addition, if too much is taken, or ingested for the wrong reason, it can also act as a poison. Medicines and supplements must be stored safely. Consider storing chemicals, medications, supplements and all other potential poisons up high in a locked cabinet. There are many types of child locks available, make sure you use the type that is the best child-resistant lock for your child. Remember, if you can easily get to the medication, so can your child! Being careful when dispensing medications. To prevent unintentional poisoning when giving medications, remember that every time you give a medication: • •
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Make sure it is the right medication for the right person. Make sure it is the right dose and you have measured carefully, in good lighting, and used the proper dispenser for the medication. Make sure it is taken at the right times. Communicate well with others in the home about when medications are being given, so double dosing or over dosing does not occur.
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Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility Information The Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 3230 - 101st Avenue NE in Blaine, off Radisson Road. The facility is open: Wednesday 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (April through October) Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Household hazardous wastes that are accepted include acids, aerosol cans with product remaining, drain cleaner, driveway sealer, liquid paint, liquid mercury, mercury thermometers, oven cleaner, paint thinner, paint stripper, pesticides, pool chemicals, and wood preservatives. For more information, call Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730 or visit the Integrated Waste Management Web page at www.AnokaCounty.us/recycle
City Accepting Applications for the Natural Resources Conservation Board The City will make three appointments to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) in early 2012. The City Council makes one appointment for each City Council District. The NRCB recommends policy to the City Council and the City Manager pertaining to the City’s natural resources and dedicated open spaces. The NRCB holds its monthly meetings in the evening on the third Tuesday of each month at Blaine City Hall. Requirements include being a resident of Blaine and having a community interest. Applications are available online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword vacancy, or by calling (763)785-6122. Interested citizens should complete and return their application no later than January 15, 2012. Please call Jim Hafner at (763) 785-6188 for additional information. Mail completed applications to: Jim Hafner City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine MN 55449 Email to: jhafner@ci.blaine.Mn.us
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Salt the Fish on Your Plate, Not the Ones in the Lake Did you know that our creeks and lakes can get polluted during the winter months? Since the early 1950’s, metro area waters have become increasingly more salty. Chloride (salt) levels in our water have become so high that many metro area creeks are now considered unhealthy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Standards are being developed to identify area lakes with chloride levels that are too high. Chlorides are applied on our roads, sidewalks, and parking lots to melt ice. However, once dissolved in water, the salty mixture goes directly to our creeks and lakes from our streets and homes via our storm drainage system. Chloride is considered a “conservative pollutant”, meaning it does not break-down into a non-toxic substance. Once chloride is in a stream or lake, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. Salt harms plants and animals, contaminates our drinking water, and damages buildings. It also corrodes vehicles, roads, and bridges. Too much salt results in costly damages and serious environmental consequences. Even if your bag of de-icer says environmentally friendly it does not mean it is friendly to our waters, especially if the word ‘chloride’ is listed in the ingredients. Make a difference this winter; help us keep salt out of our waters!
Tips to Keep Your Roads, Driveways and Sidwalks Safe and Our Waters Healthy 1. Before the storm, apply a liquid deicer before snow storms to prevent snow and ice from building up. This is not a substitute for shoveling; it just makes it more effective.
3. Less is better. When applying salt, if there are leftover crystals still visible, then the salt has been over-applied. The left-over salt can be swept up and reused or disposed of in the trash.
2. Shovel that snow. Shoveling, snow blowing, plowing, and/or sweeping are all effective measures that will remove snow and minimize ice buildup.
4. Temperature matters. At low temperatures, salt begins to become less effective. When the temperature falls below 15°F, consider using small amounts of sand for traction.
If you would like to know more about this topic and other topics related to water quality, go to www.ricecreek.org to sign up for the RCWD eNews on the right side of the homepage.
Tree Trimming Notice The Public Works Department will be trimming the street side of boulevard trees throughout the winter as weather permits. We try to maintain a minimum street clearance of thirteen feet for buses and street maintenance equipment. Sidewalks require a minimum clearance of eight feet. Please use the map to the right to see where the City will be concentrating our tree trimming efforts. For more information and detailed maps, go to www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keywords tree trimming. Please contact Marc Shippee, the Parks Supervisor/City Forester, at 763-717-2660 with any questions or concerns.
january | february 2012
Snow-Related Safety Concerns include Keeping Fire Hydrants Clear 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: Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear The fire and public works departments are asking for your help. Please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important for residents and business people to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street.
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Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park Each third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling dropoff 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.
If the fire department has to spend time trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. Please help us out by keeping your fire hydrants clear of snow. The house you help save may be your own.
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.
Snow Tunnels and Forts Do not allow children to build snow structures or tunnels in the snow banks at the end of driveways, in cul-de-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. For your children’s safety, don’t let them play in the right-of-way! Garbage and Recycling Carts Each winter as we get more and more snow, it becomes harder to find a place for garbage and recycling carts at the curb. Please DO NOT place garbage and recycling carts in the street where they can be hit and damaged by snowplows. Not only will this create problems for the plow drivers, but is also creates problems for the garbage and recycling truck drivers as well as creating a great deal of litter left on the ground when the snow melts each spring! Snowmobile Regulations
During the winter months, we 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. East of Highway 65, snowmobiles may operate on non-residential properties that are not next to residential areas. The operator of the snowmobile must have written permission from the property owner in their possession. Snowmobiling is not allowed on any City streets.
Winter Parking Restrictions Went into Effect Nov. 1 There is 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 street. No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall. For questions call, 763-784-6700.
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 .
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 during the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9, on regular garbage days. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.
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Upcoming Recreation Programs and Events Snow Day at Wargo Nature Center
CPR Certification: Infant, Child & Adult
Participants of all ages will have a chance to partake in a variety of winter activities including: snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick sledding, cross-country skiing, winter crafts, temporary tattoos, and Live Animal Presentation! No registration required, just show up!
This four-hour course is designed to meet the needs of lay rescuers learning CPR to protect family members, friends and coworkers. Course meets day care certification requirements, but does not meet the needs of health care professionals.
All ages welcome
Adult Outings
DATE: Saturday, Jan. 28 TIME: 1 – 4 p.m. FEE: FREE!
Amazon at the Science Museum
Sweetheart Party at Centennial Elementary School
Check the Winter/Spring Recreation Connection for detailed information.
DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 17 FEE: $58 Register by Jan. 4
“1968” DATE: Thursday, Feb. 9 TIME: 9:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. FEE: $25 Register by Jan. 4
“Coco’s Diary” The trials and tribulations of a 13-year-old girl never seem to change: sibling rivalry. DATE: Thursday, Mar. 15 TIME: 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. FEE: $20 Register by Feb. 8.
Upcoming Casino Trips St. Croix Casino – Wednesday, Jan. 11
Treasure Island, Red Wing – Monday, Feb. 6
Washington D.C. Cherry Blossoms DATES: Mar. 23 – 31, 2012 For a complete itinerary, please call 763-785-6164.
Free Indoor Concert Series Blaine City Hall Atrium All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.
Rum River Brass – Tuesday, Jan. 17 (classical to jazz to pop) Trent Romans – Tuesday, Feb. 21 (blues style music) More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .
Ages 8 and under with parent/adult
Dance to deejay music, make a valentine craft, get a sweet temporary tattoo, play in the gym, enjoy some refreshments, and have your pictures taken in front of our sweetheart backdrop! (bring your own camera). Registration is required. DATE: Friday, Feb. 3 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: $7/child
Super Hero Camp at Blue Heron Elementary School Ages 10 and under with parent/adult
Your child can dress up like their favorite Super Hero and fly around and try activities which include; carnival games, bingo, crafts, face painting, tattoos, coloring sheets, relay races - all with our Super Hero Theme! We will also have a few Super Heroes walking around for pictures and a photo backdrop for some additional photos. Don’t forget your camera! Refreshments provided. Registration required. DATE: Friday, Feb. 24 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: $10/child
NEW PROGRAM – Heat Yoga Class offers a therapeutic practice that is beneficial for ALL levels of ability, from the first timer to the seasoned yogi. The series includes a variety of postures to help improve flexibility, strength, posture, balance and mind body awareness, while enjoying a deep sense of calm. Class held at Heat Yoga Studios - 10190 Baltimore Street NE #300. DATE: Sundays, Jan. 22 – Feb. 26 TIME: 7 – 8:00 p.m. FEE: $50
DATE: Thursdays, Jan. 19 OR Feb. 16 TIME: 6 – 10:00 p.m. FEE: $32
Heartsaver Facts First Aid A four-hour course ideal for anyone interested in or required to implement First Aid training in an environment serving adult populations. DATE: Thursday, Jan. 12 TIME: 6 – 10:00 p.m. FEE: $45
Senior Scene
Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375
January Jan 5, 9:30 a.m. – Take Down Holiday Jan. 11, 11 a.m. – MN Byways Photo Presentation Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m. – Candle Safety and Carbon Monoxide Info Session Jan. 19, 1 p.m. – Movie: “Moneyball” Jan. 23, 1 p.m. – Prize/Penny Bingo Jan. 24, 9-noon – Wii Bowling Tourney Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m. – “500” Card Tourney Jan. 25, 11 a.m. – Monthly Birthday Party Jan. 26, 1 p.m. – Cribbage Tourney February Feb. 3, 11 a.m. – Pre-Super Bowl Party Feb. 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Income Tax Assistance (by appointment) Feb. 14, 11 a.m. – Valentine Celebration Feb. 23, 1 p.m. – Movie: “I Don’t Know How She Does It” Feb. 29, 11 a.m. – Montly Birthday Party 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.us and search keyword senior center.
january | february 2012
Fire Dept. Awarded $144,400 FEMA Fire Prevention Grant The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department will receive a $144,000 fire prevention grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. The grant process is competitive in nature and uses a PEER Review process to identify finalists. This is the second fire prevention grant awarded to the department in the past ten years. The current grant is one of the largest fire prevention grants awarded to a Minnesota fire department. Seeking to build upon a prevention program that has attained state and national recognition, the grant submission identified several areas where additional focus is needed. First amongst these is augmenting the Home Safety Survey. This is a free safety inspection program of homes to identify safety hazards, including fire. Grant funds will be used to develop web technology specific to the survey, marketing materials for the Home Safety Survey Program, and promotional items for the program. Other items funded by the grant include: upgrades to the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program, development of a fire prevention program manual, translation of printed media and video productions into other languages, development of kitchen fire prevention education materials, a juvenile fire play intervention program, and information promoting the use flameless candles. According to Fire Chief Nyle Zikmund, “This grant will provide an unprecedented opportunity to augment, refine, and most importantly increase our ability to have a much greater impact in the three communities we serve. The department boasts an impressive record of using prevention to eliminate the destructive forces of fire and other hazards to the citizens and guests in our communities.” Chief Zikmund cited a single fire death in the last 30 years and a 28% reduction in fire calls, when adjusted for population growth, over the last decade as proof of the effectiveness of fire education programs. Prevention Chief Connie Forster added, “The three City Councils and the Fire Board have been highly supportive of fire prevention in our communities, but simply could never provide this type of funding, especially in the current economic climate. This grant will allow us to take our programs to greater levels by reaching the hard to reach, hearing and sight impaired, disabled individuals, and our newest citizens still adapting to our language and culture. The cornerstone of the grant request is the Home Safety Survey, which is the single most important prevention program we have. More than 75% of all fire deaths occur in the home, the place people assume they are the safest. We must reach out to everyone with this free educational survey.” The department has 12 months to implement the grant program and is subject to a federal audit at any time.
Car Seat Clinic Set for January 10 The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake ParkBlaine-Mounds View Fire Department, and Safe Kids Anoka County will host a free car seat clinic on Tuesday, January 10. The clinic is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine, and is open to all Anoka County residents by appointment only. In Minnesota, four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. During this free clinic, experts will inspect your child’s installed car seat, provide installation tips, and check the seat for recalls. Parents will demonstrate proper installation of their seats and have an opportunity to ask specific questions of trained technicians. Effective July 1, 2009, a child who is both younger than age eight and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, is required to be fastened in a child safety seat or booster seat that meets federal safety standards. Booster seats are designed to keep the lap belt positioned properly around a child’s hips, and the shoulder belt in the correct position. Under this law, a child cannot use solely a seat belt until they are age eight or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113.
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Annual North Metro Home and Garden Show February 25, 2012 The cities of Blaine, Fridley, and Mounds View will host the 14th Annual North Metro Home and Garden Show at the Schwan Center at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 80 vendors will be available to answer home improvement questions and provide inspiration and encouragement to homeowners in the community to improve their homes and yards. Informational seminars will also be presented. Admission is free and door prizes will be awarded. More information about the 2012 North Metro Home and Garden Show is available at www.northmetrohomeandgarden.com.
Community Garden Plots For the fourth year, community garden plots will be available to residents interested in growing flowers and vegetables. Plots are located adjacent to the south parking lot at Blaine City Hall. The City will prepare the soil for planting, stake each plot, and make water accessible. Plots are 15- by 20feet and will be ready on May 19. Rental fees for gardeners are $48.21 per plot for Blaine residents; $37.49 for Blaine senior residents ages 55 and older; and $69.63 for non-residents (all rental fees include tax). Only one plot will be assigned per household. The registration priority for renting a garden plot is as follows: • Returning 2011 Blaine resident gardeners from last year can register for their same 2011 garden plot beginning Feb. 27 through March 16. • Returning 2011 Blaine resident gardeners who would like to switch to a different garden plot can register beginning March 19 through 21, if different plots are available. • New Blaine resident gardeners can register March 22 and 23, if plots are available. • Returning non-residents gardeners can register for a plot beginning March 26 through 30, if plots are available. • New non-resident gardeners can register for a plot beginning April 2, if plots are available. Call 763-785-6164 to register.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 29418 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
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Coming May 19, 2012 First Ever Blaine Triathlon Sponsored by: Blaine Medical Center
The Park and Recreation Department is excited to conduct the first ever triathlon in the City of Blaine on Saturday, May 19, 2012, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The inaugural Blaine Triathlon will be held at beautiful Lakeside Commons Park, located at 3020 Lakes Parkway. This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. From novices to veteran triathletes, the Blaine Triathlon will be a fun and challenging race consisting of a .3mile swim, 16.5-mile bike ride, and a 3.5-mile run. If swimming, biking, or running is not your favorite exercise, participants can register a relay team of two or three individuals. Team members can choose the leg of the race in which they will compete. The options of individual racers, or relay teams, maximizes participation opportunities for many different age and ability levels. The registration fee is $75 for individuals or $100 per relay team and includes a dry fit race tee shirt, swim cap, and post race refreshments. All finishers receive official race hardware. An awards ceremony follows the completion of the race to recognize the top three overall finishers in each age category, and the top two finishers in each team relay category. We are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us put on the triathlon. For more information, please go to www.blainetriathlon.com and click on volunteers for details. Title Sponsor
We welcome all community businesses or organizations that are interested in a sponsorship opportunity for this exciting event. Please check out the sponsorship brochure on our website to see how you can be part of the Blaine Triathlon. The following are current sponsors who have kindly contributed to the triathlon: Blaine Medical Center, Multicenter Physical Therapy, Suburban Imaging, Fitness Pros, Foss Swim School, Pioneer Cycle, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, Jack and Jill Childcare, Andrea Studio Web Design and Development, and Dixie Blue BarBQue. The Blaine Park Board will hold an informational discussion at their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m., at Blaine City Hall. Residents or participants that have questions, or want more information on the Blaine Triathlon are invited to attend. We hope to see many people from our community participate, volunteer, or cheer at this new and exciting event here in Blaine! For registration and more information about the first ever Blaine Triathlon, please go to www.blainetriathlon.com. Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring this event, go to www.BlaineTriathlon.com/Sponsors.