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New Value Tax Exclusion System
March/April 2012
16 Annual th
One of the more significant legislative changes in recent memory occurred this last session with the repeal of the state’s Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) program, and the replacement of MVHC with a Homestead Market Value Exclusion (HMVE) program. Under the previous system, MVHC was a credit program wherein qualifying homeowners received a tax credit on their property tax bill. In other words, the state became a co-payer on a homeowner’s property tax bill by reducing the amount of property taxes an individual homeowner paid to local governments with the promise to pay that credit portion on behalf of the homeowner. However, over the last ten years, the state has failed to fully reimburse local governments for this credit, effectively reducing Blaine’s certified tax levy. This failure to fully reimburse local governments for the MVHC was the major reason the program was repealed and replaced with the new HMVE program. With the implementation of the HMVE program, homeowners will receive a market value exclusion, meaning a portion of their property’s value will be excluded from the tax calculation. In Anoka County, while this exclusion is factored into the taxable value of the property, the exclusion is not itemized on the property tax statement as a deduction from the property’s market value. This might cause some confusion as, without additional information or direct knowledge of the program, it would appear to homeowners that their property suffered a sharp and relatively large reduction in value. Homeowners should not be alarmed by this apparent reduction in their home’s value and should realize that this figure does not represent the true market value of the property, but rather the portion of the property’s value that is subject to the calculation of the property tax. While in the long run, the overall effect of the new HMVE program on property taxes remains uncertain, one known effect of the program is that a portion of the share of the property tax levy previously paid by lower and moderately priced homes will shift and increase the portion of the tax levy paid by higher value homes and commercial and industrial properties.
Safety Camp Registration Begins in April
Registration for Blaine’s popular Safety Camp begins in April. This year will mark the 16th time that the City has held the two-day camp. Safety Camp is open only to children who will complete 3rd grade this spring. Blaine Safety Camp is an exciting program co-sponsored by the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department and Safety Services Division. Safety Camp teaches kids, through a variety of fun activities, how to be safe in their daily lives. Interactive safety and informational sessions include fire safety, head injury prevention, water safety, poison control, first aid, safety on wheels, and much more. Activities like a police K9 demonstration and helicopter visit are pending. SBM Fire Station 3 will again be the site for Safety Camp on Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 and 12, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The camp also includes an awards ceremony on Thursday night. The $30 fee includes lunches, snacks, t-shirt, fitted bike helmet, awards, all activities, and supervision. Fee assistance is available for Blaine residents who qualify. Registration for Blaine residents opens April 2; remaining spots are available to anyone beginning on April 9. Register by mail, in the night drop box outside City Hall, or in-person at the Parks and Recreation office. No online, fax, or phone registrations will be accepted. Registrants must provide a current report card to prove grade. For more information, call 763-785-6164.
Killebrew Memorial Miracle Field Dedication - May 5, 1:00 PM Blaine Baseball Complex
The Blaine Miracle League Field, located at the Blaine Baseball Complex, will be renamed Killebrew Memorial Miracle League Field in a dedication ceremony to honor late Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer, Harmon Killebrew. Harmon is an icon for Twins fans young and old, and was compassionately supportive of the Miracle League. In 2005, he attended the Blaine ground breaking for the first ever Miracle League Field in Minnesota. Since 2006, Killebrew’s foundation has given more than $250,000 to build more fields. Opening day for the Blaine field was May 6, 2006. The Miracle League provides opportunities for children with disabilities ages 3 -19 to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. The dedication will be part of the opening day ceremonies for players of the Miracle League of MN Metro North. We encourage the public to join us and TC Bear, Mudonna of the Saints, and live music from the North Suburban Concert Band, as we celebrate this special event in honor of Harmon Killebrew and his family!
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Blaine City Hall
A zone recycling
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 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us
APRIL JUNE CONTACTSJUNE
DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland
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
March 1 | March 15 | April 5 | April 19 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
City Council Workshops March 1 | March 8 | March 15 April 5 | April 12 | April 19 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Planning Commission* March 13 | April 10 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers March 27 | April 24 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
B zone recycling
Natural Resource Conservation Board
CITY COUNCIL 12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
City Council*
Park Board*
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
MAYOR Tom Ryan
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
March 20 | April 17 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council March 13 | April 10 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society March 13 | April 10 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.
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City Seeks Election Judges for 2012 Primary and General Elections
The City of Blaine is seeking new and experienced election judges to work full shifts for the 2012 Primary and General elections. The date for the Primary Election is August 14, 2012, and the General Election is November 6, 2012. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting precinct on Election Day. To qualify as an election judge you: •
Must be a resident of Minnesota and be at least 18 years of age
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Must be eligible to vote
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Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English
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Cannot be a candidate in an election or closely related to a candidate
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Cannot be closely related to another election judge in the same precinct
Anyone interested in serving their community as an election judge can see the detailed job descriptions online, and download the online application, at www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Please return the application to the City Clerk’s address on the form by April 30, 2012. If you have further questions about becoming an election judge, please call Blaine City Hall at (763) 785-6122 or 763-785-6124 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Watch the city’s web page, Comcast cable TV channel 16, and newsletter for future updates regarding the 2012 elections.
NEW!! In-Person Voting Will Be Available at Blaine City Hall
New in 2012, Blaine residents will be able to cast their absentee ballot in person at the City Clerk’s Office at Blaine City Hall, for the Primary and General Elections. Absentee voting is allowed if the voter: • • • • •
Will be absent from his or her precinct on Election Day Is ill or disabled Is serving as an election judge in another precinct Observes a religious discipline or religious holiday that prevents the voter from voting on Election Day Is subject to an eligible emergency declared by the governor or quarantine declared by the federal or state government prevents voting on Election Day.
Blaine residents will still be able to vote absentee by mail by requesting their ballot from Anoka County Elections. Watch for dates and more details in future city newsletters, cable TV and on the city’s website at www.ci.blaine.mn.us.
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Top 8 Life Safety Strategies What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You Submitted by: Rebecca Booker SLP-Blaine-Mounds View Department 1
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As a part of redistricting many residents could have a new or different polling place than in the past due to precinct boundary changes. When redistricting is completed all the way down through the school level, the Anoka County Elections office will mail a post verification card to all registered voters letting them know where their polling place will be for 2012. If someone has moved, the card will be returned to Anoka County Elections, the voter will be taken out of the State Voter Registration System, and they will have to re-register at the polls when they vote at their new polling place. Be sure to watch for this “Postal Verification Card” in the mail later this spring/early summer!
Prevent Fires Caused by Smoking
If you smoke, do so outside. Extinguish cigarette materials in water or sand. Do a before bed-check. Look for dropped ashes or butts on carpet, couches, and beds where ashes can hide, smolder, and start a fire.
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Candle Fire Prevention
Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles. Think twice before using traditional candles around children, pets, or near burnable items. Extinguish the flame before leaving the room when using traditional candles.
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Residential Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers can suppress and often extinguish a fire before the fire department arrives, giving your family time to escape. SBM Fire offers no interest loans for installation.
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Create a Family Fire Escape Plan
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Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Come up with a plan and discuss it. Pick a “family meeting place” where you will all meet if there should be a fire to prevent loved ones from searching for each other in the fire and smoke. Every room needs two ways out. Make it a habit to have each person in your home shut their bedroom door at night. Each room should have a working smoke alarm, as well as in the hallway, and every level of the home. Consider a fire ladder for a second story bedroom. Change the battery every 6 months. Install a new smoke alarm every 10 years, even if it is hard-wired. Vacuum the dust out of the unit annually.
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Watch the Mail Regarding Your 2012 Polling Place
Prevent Cooking Fires
Attend all cooking. Keep burnable things like food packages, paper, oil, decorations, potholders, towels, and calendars three feet away from the stove. If you do have a small fire in a pan; turn the stove off, cover it with a lid. NEVER USE WATER.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
This silent killer is an invisible poison in your home. Have a working CO alarm within 10 feet of bedrooms - it’s the law! Replace the alarm after 5 years and the battery every 6 months. Place in a high traffic area away from combustion, fresh air, or vents. Know the symptoms of possible poisoning: headache, nausea and vomiting, sleepiness. If you are sick and the alarm is sounding, get outside and call 911. If no one is sick and the alarm is sounding, open all the windows and doors and call the emergency gas number.
Let the SBM Fire Department assist you in common household hazard detection and insight to possible solutions. Call 7637678-4003 for your FREE HOME SAFETY SURVEY.
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Step-by-Step Residential Permit Process 1
TALK TO A BLAINE CODE OFFICIAL
Your code official wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. The Code Official will ask some basic questions ( What are you planning to do? Where?), advise you of any requirements and, if necessary, refer you to other departments for their approval. The code official will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with applicable building codes. You will then receive an application for a building permit.
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SUBMIT APPLICATION
At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, Where and How” of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work.
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REVIEW PROCESS
The code official will review the plans and determine if your project is in compliance with city requirements. If your plans meet the requirements, a permit is issued. If for some reason they do not, the code official will work with you to help correct the problem.
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RECEIVE PERMIT
Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. A fee is collected to cover the cost of the application, the plan review, and the inspection process. An experienced code official is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success. Normally, separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air conditioning work.
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SITE VISIT
On-site inspections are required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes, and plans. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help with questions or concerns regarding the project and to identify potentially costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project.
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FINAL APPROVAL
The code official will provide documentation when construction is completed and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done safely and correctly. You can enjoy your improvements with the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community. This is an important point should you wish to sell your home some day.
Plan Ahead for Spring and Summer Home Improvement Projects
Spring and Summer offers Minnesota residents a great opportunity to make an investment in their homes by undertaking home improvements. However, many projects require legal permission from the city to ensure the project conforms to city and state safety and construction codes. The information below will help as you begin to plan any home improvement projects. The best advice is to always call the city before proceeding with any construction project. By working with an expert code official with the City of Blaine, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built properly and safely. WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT? A legal document giving permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and code requirements. WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT? The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the City. Discuss your plans with code officials to determine whether you need a permit. If a permit is not needed, the code official will answer your construction questions and may provide valuable advice. Permits are usually required for: • • • • • •
New buildings Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, etc.) Miscellaneous residential work (decks, pools, garages, fences, fireplaces, water heaters, sheds, etc.) Electrical systems Plumbing systems HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) systems
WHAT GOOD DOES A BUILDING PERMIT DO? Your home is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City of Blaine and State of Minnesota, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met – as demonstrated by a code official’s carefully maintained records – has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potential lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety, and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owners. *Even when permits are not required, very specific location and setback requirements may exist. It is always a good idea to check with City Hall.
City of Blaine Building Inspections Department Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Inspectors are available at City Hall to answer questions at the following times: 8 – 9 a.m., noon – 1 p.m. and 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Contact us: 763-717-2628 or 763-785-6189
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12th Annual Blaine Arbor Day Tree Sale
Did you know that when a nomadic tree senses danger it packs up its trunk and leaves? Or that before a Christmas tree gets sold, it spruces itself up. However, the real question is, if a tree falls in the woods, do the other trees laugh? Ahhh, tree jokes really are a knock on wood. But there is nothing funny about missing the Blaine Arbor Day Tree Sale. The tree sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Blaine Public Works facility, 1801 101st Avenue NE.
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.
SIZE
PRICE*
Northwood Maple (Acer Rubrum ‘Franksred’)
1 in. (diameter)
$31.00
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
7 ft. (clump height)
$21.65
Blue Beech (Carpinus caroliniana)
6 ft. (height)
$27.50
Northern Acclaim Honeylocust
8 ft. (height)
$27.90
Snowdrift Crabapple (Malus ‘snowdrift’)
1 in. (diameter)
$18.40
Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)
1 in. (diameter)
$26.35
6 ft. (height)
$26.10
(Gleditsia triacanthos inermis)
Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulate) American Linden (Tilia americana) Discovery Elm (Ulmus Davidiana)
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.
You must be a Blaine resident and reserve your bare-root tree in advance. You will pay for your trees when you pick them up. Each residence is limited to two trees. There are no warranties on these trees. For more information, or to place an order, please contact Blaine Public Works, at 763-785-6165 or by email at mshippee@ci.blaine.mn.us.
SPECIES
Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park
1.25 in. (diameter)
$28.75
1 in. (diameter)
$25.35
*sales tax not included
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 15x20-feet, 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: •
New Blaine resident gardeners can register March 22 and March 23, 2012, if plots are available.
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Returning non-residents gardeners can register for a plot beginning March 26 through March 30, 2012, if plots are available.
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New non-resident gardeners can register for a plot beginning April 2, 2012, if plots are available.
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.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Ditch Obstructions The Coon Creek Watershed District needs help monitoring public drainage ditches in the watershed district this spring. Check for blockages of water flow or blocked culverts. Any backed up water, particularly after snowmelt, may be the result of an obstruction. Contact CCWD at 763.755.0975 or info @ cooncreekwd.org with information about obstructions in a creek or drainage ditch.
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Upcoming Parks and Recreation Events
Summer Program Registration Begins March 26! Blaine Parks and Recreation Summer Employment Opportunities
Community Outings For details, call 763-785-6164.
Casion Trips: Treasure Island-Redwing Monday, April 16, $5
St. Croix-Danbury – Hole in the Wall Casino Wednesday, May 9, $5
Day Trips: Sister’s Easter Catechism Thursday, March 29, $68
Spring Mystery Tour Tuesday, April 10, $58
Extended Trip: North Shore Colors October 2-4, 2012
Spring Egg Hunt Familes w/children ages 10 and under. Event held at Airport Park. DATE: Saturday, March 31 TIME: 10 a.m. FEE: FREE! No registration required. Check-in by 9:50 a.m.
Earth Day 2012 Families are invited to Hidden Ponds Park (11465 Polk Street) to help clean the park and enjoy a nature walk. Bags, gloves and refreshments provided. Call 763-717-2723 with questions about volunteering. DATE: Saturday, April 21 TIME: 10 a.m. – noon No registration required.
Sounds of the City FREE Indoor Concert
Blaine City Hall Atrium All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.
Greg Herriges – Tuesday, March 20 (eclectic mix of original and traditional) Bill Hammond – Tuesday, April 17 (finger style acoustic guitar and vocals) More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .
If you have enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids, then this is the perfect job for you! We offer great hours, competitive pay and excellent training, and a fun work environment. Applicants must be 17 years of age or older. Applications will be available February 1 in our office or at blaineparks.com. Application deadline is March 23. Interviews will take place in early April. Call 763-7856164 for more information.
Adult Softball and Kickball Register now for adult Men’s, Women’s, CoRec, and Church softball, and Co-Rec kickball leagues. For more information call 763-7856161.
Adult Traditional Hatha Yoga DATE: Wednesdays, March 21 – May 9 TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. FEE: $56
Dodgeball Dynamo Ages 8 to 14
We will play traditional Dodgeball, Dr. Dodgeball, Pin guard, Scramble, and much more! Program held at Centennial Elementary School Gym. DATE: Saturdays, March 24, April 14 TIME: 10 a.m. – noon FEE: $9/day
NEW! Blaine Triathlon Lakeside Commons Park Ages 15 and up Come out for our 1st Annual Blaine Triathlon. Distances include a .3 mile swim, a 16.7 mile bike ride, and finishes with a 3.5 mile run. For more information and to register go to blainetriathlon.com. DATE: TIME: FEE:
Saturday, May 19 8 a.m. $75/individual $90 (after April 1) $100/team relay of 2 or 3 participants $125 (after April 1)
Babysitting Class Ages 11 and up Held at Blaine City Hall DATE: Saturday, April 14 TIME: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. FEE: $60
Senior Scene
Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375
March March 15, 11 a.m., St. Patrick’s Day Party March Madness Week March 26, 1 p.m., Nickel/Prize Bingo March 27, 9 a.m., Wii Tournament March 27, 1 p.m., 500 Card Tournament March 28, 11 a.m., Birthday Entertainment March 28, 1 p.m., Prize Bingo March 29, 1 p.m., Cribbage Tournament Mondays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Income Tax Assistance (by appointment only)
April April 13, 1 p.m., 20th Annual Anoka County Cribbage Tournament, $12/couple. Register in advance. Limited to first 100 people. April 17, 11 a.m., Senior Dining Volunteer Appreciation Celebration April 18, 11 a.m., Travel Show on Alaska Cruise, Old West Trip April 19, 11 a.m., SBM Fire Dept. Talk – “What is Fire, Anyway” April 25, 11 a.m., Birthday Entertainment April 25, 1 p.m., Prize Bingo April 27, 11 a.m., “Reducing Stress in Your Everyday Life” Presentation Mondays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Income Tax Assistance (by appointment only, ends April 16) Property Tax/Rent Credit Assistance (date T.B.D., call for details)
May May 3, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Senior Safety and Wellness Fair at SBM Fire Station #3. $10/person. Advanced registration and payment required. Call for details. May 11, 11 a.m., Ladies Luncheon with entertainment by Blue Wolf. All welcome to register and attend. 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.
march | april 2012
Protecting the Source: Wellhead Protection
Be Seen, Be Safe
Your drinking water may come from your faucet, but the source of that water is the groundwater below. Protecting the source of our drinking water starts with protecting the well (wellhead), and the groundwater drawn into the well over the course of ten (10) or more years. This is called Wellhead Protection. The goal of wellhead protection is to prevent pollution of the immediate source of our drinking water. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires that water suppliers (e.g. cities, mobile home parks, schools, shopping centers) develop a wellhead protection program to address pollution sources within their wellhead protection areas. The City of Blaine has developed a wellhead protection plan, which was approved by the MDH in 2009. The City is in the process of putting measures in place to protect Blaine’s drinking water supply as detailed in the plan. A wellhead protection program determines the area and properties within the wellhead protection area, called the Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), based on property lines, roads, or other easily identified boundaries. Potential sources of pollution to the groundwater where the well draws water (e.g. leaking fuel oil tanks and abandoned wells) within the DWSMA are identified. Neighboring landowners are notified and asked to cooperate in protecting the DWSMA. Blaine has 17 water supply wells that are covered by ten DWSMA’s. These ten areas include over 5,700 properties.
What’s my part? People who live and work inside a DWSMA have a part in protecting the groundwater used by a public water supply well. The first step is to know that what you do (or don’t do) affects the quality and safety of the drinking water for your community. Next, take action to prevent pollution of soils and groundwater. Some examples of pollution sources are: • • • •
Unused/abandoned well Septic tank and drain-field Yard and pet waste Household waste
• • • •
Pesticides and fertilizers Hazardous waste materials Underground petroleum tank Business waste
What you can do when you have identified pollution sources on your property? • • • • • •
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Find and manage pollution sources on your property. Securely store and use hazardous products as directed. Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes at the Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (3230 – 101st Avenue NE, Blaine; 763-323-5730). Properly dispose of business hazardous waste through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Conserve water resources and use water wisely – “Make every drop count.” Contact your public water supplier if you have any concerns about the protection of your drinking water supply.
Learn More! There is a potential of hundreds of unused or abandoned private wells in the City of Blaine. Some of these are maintained for private use but most are never used and can be a direct source of pollution to the drinking water supply. Programs and cost sharing are available to assist residents in identifying and sealing unused wells. The City will have a public informational meeting on this topic in March. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Health will be on hand to answer questions. Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room A 7:00 PM Blaine is a member of the Anoka County Municipal Wellhead Protection Group, a collaborative effort of the cities of Anoka, Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Fridley, Lexington, Lino Lakes, and Spring Lake Park to protect the source of drinking water for our residents. The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services Department provides support to the Group in their efforts to protect their wells and the surrounding groundwater source of drinking water.
Headed out for a short jog or a nice long run? Here are a few tips to make your run a little safer: • If you run in the road, jog against the flow of traffic. Maintain eye contact with the driver of an oncoming vehicle to make sure that he sees you, and you can figure out what he is doing. You will see if a driver swerves his vehicle towards you, or if he is pulling over to the curb in your path. It is risky to jog with vehicles at your back. • Put your driver’s license and your medical insurance card (in case you are injured) in your pocket, or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you’re wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, try to run with your cell phone, and save your ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers to your phone. • It’s easy for drivers to miss a single runner on the road, so make sure you’re visible. If you’re running in the early morning, dusk, or at night, wear white, yellow, or orange clothes. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn’t hurt to add more, such as a reflective running vest. • Don’t make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren’t paying attention to the road because they’re listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, reading a map, etc. Don’t assume that drivers can see you, or that they’ll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross. Better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks, on paths, and on sidewalks.
Special Board of Review Meeting The Special Board of Review (Board of Appeal and Equalization) for the City of Blaine shall meet on Monday, April 16, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Drive. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office first at 763-323-5400 to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization.
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
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
Safety Services to Host Two Bike Helmet Sales and Fitting Events this Spring The City of Blaine Safety Services Division will host two bike helmet fitting and sales events this spring as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of bicyclists in the community. Sale dates are Tuesdays, April 10 and May 8, at Blaine City Hall, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Bike helmets are $12 each, and will be available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. All helmets are Bell® brand helmets, and comply with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards. Safety Services professionals will also ensure all helmets fit properly. Residents may also bring any helmets they already own for proper fitting. Parents are encouraged to get a helmet for themselves, or have an existing one fitted to model safety practices for their kids. No appointments are necessary and helmets are available only while supplies last. Cash or check only. Please note that Blaine does not require bicycles to be licensed. More information about the bike helmet, fitting and sales event is available from Andrea Hunt of the Blaine Police Department at 763-785-6113 or ahunt@ci.blaine.mn.us.
Ten Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety Here are a few quick tips to remember as our warmer weather begins and adults and children cyclists are out in full force. • Protect your head. Wear a helmet. Studies have shown that using a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 88%. Select a helmet that has a snug, but comfortable fit. The helmet should sit level on the head, just above the eyebrow. The straps should come down like a “V” under the ear. The strap below the chin should only allow for one finger-width of room between chin and strap. • See and be seen. Wear proper clothes. Wear clothes that make you more visible. Clothing should be light in color and close fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle’s moving parts. • Go with the flow of traffic. The safe way is the right way. You must obey the rules of the road. These include all traffic signs, signals, and road markings. Ride on the right side of the street and never weave from lane to lane, or tailgate to hitch rides on moving vehicles. • Look both ways. Be aware of traffic around you. Seven out of ten carbicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Walk your bicycle across busy streets at corners or crosswalks. • Stay alert. Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path. Watch out for potholes, sewer gratings, cracks, railroad tracks, loose gravel, and broken glass. • Beware the dark side. Be cautious when biking at night. If you must ride at night, make sure all of your reflectors are openly displayed. Wear reflective clothing, and ride in familiar and well-lit areas. • Go off-road. Follow designated bike routes if available. Bicycle routes are special areas reserved for bikes. • Fix it up. Make sure your bicycle is adjusted properly. Your bicycle should be correctly adjusted to fit you; your feet should rest on the ground while sitting in the seat. Before using your bike, check to make sure that all parts are secure and working. A pre-ride bike inspection will only make your bike ride more enjoyable. • Protect your bike against theft. A bicycle can be stolen form just about any place. Always lock your bicycle securely, whether you’re gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Record the serial number of your bicycle and keep it with the sales receipt and a photograph of the bike. Mark your bicycle with an engraver to deter thieves and to help in identifying and returning bicycles to the rightful owner. If your bicycle is missing, promptly notify the police department. • Enjoy your ride! Riding a bicycle is more than basic transportation – it can be a fun and exciting hobby. Source: Adapted from the National Crime Prevention Council