Blaine CityConnect The City Council approved the formation of the community center task force in May 2014 to explore if citizens have an interest in adding indoor recreational facilities in the City. On January 22, the Blaine City Council authorized the hiring of a consultant for $22,000 to conduct a citizen survey for indoor community facility amenities as part of a Community Center. The Community Center Task began meeting in June 2014. The Community Center Task Force is comprised of community residents from youth associations, the Metro North Chamber, Blaine Senior Advisory Council, Blaine Park Board, local school districts and residents at large. The group meets monthly at City Hall and will continue its work until a possible November 2016 citizen referendum. This past summer the task force toured community centers in the north metro communities of Maple Grove, Andover and Shoreview. More tours will take place in the coming months as amenities and areas of need are identified through the survey process. “This as much as anything is a public engagement process, to get people talking,” said Todd Olson, task force chairperson. Olson said the Community Center Task Force will work with the survey consultant over the next few months to compile a list of questions. When the City Council set up the task force last year, they said the project should be community driven and the city’s involvement limited to paying for consultants and having a City staff member attend meetings. Last fall the council authorized up to $115,000 for two surveys and a consultant. The projected cost of each survey was $15,000 to $20,000, and consultant could be $75,000. The Community Center Task Force will now begin the process of creating a request for proposal for an overall project consultant with the potential to have them in place in the coming months. The overall project consultant will lead the task force in analyzing survey results, develop a conceptual plan, identify potential sites, formalize partnerships, develop construction costs, assist in projecting operating costs as well as long term revenue projections. The overall project consultant would require council approval and would also facilitate public meetings as possible amenities are identified by the work of the task force and the survey process. All task force meetings are open to the public and are normally conducted the first Monday of the month at City Hall. For more information, contact the Manager’s Office at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 2 3 .
Bicycle Recycling Returns April 19
Correction to 2015 Recycling Calendar
Blaine holds its monthly recycling drop-off day on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 am until 2 pm at Aquatore Park. See page 7 for more information about Blaine’s monthly recycling drop-off day.
The 2015 recycling calendar that was recently sent out by Advanced Disposal contained two errors. Please note that service WILL NOT be delayed by one day on the Friday before Independence Day, which is on Saturday, July 4. There is NO delay that week. Also, ONLY Friday service will be delayed for Christmas Day, on Friday, December 25. Thursday, December 24, will be a normal collection day.
March/April 2015
6th Annual Green Expo will be held April 25 at the NSC
North Metro Region Leads MN to a More Sustainable Future The 6th annual Green Expo is bigger and better than ever this year. After the success of last year’s partnership, the City of Coon Rapids, the City of Blaine, and the National Sports Center (NSC) have decided to team up again to produce an even larger event. The expo will take advantage of the NSC’s expansive exhibition space in order to showcase the best ideas, products and services in sustainable living that will save Minnesotans money and our precious natural resources. Admission to this great event is free and open to the public.
April 25, 2015 9 am to 2 pm Schwan Center, NSC The Green Expo is a community event designed to give the public a better understanding of what “sustainability” really means. By bringing together local businesses, environmental experts and representatives who work in areas of conservation, this event strives to educate the public on the many environmental topics that affect our everyday lives. Whether a community member is passionate about growing groundwater concerns, reducing the amount of waste they produce, or purchasing local foods, the Green Expo is the right venue to continue educating and empowering themselves. cont’d on Page 4
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City Council*
Mar. 5 | Mar. 19 | Apr. 2 | Apr. 16 7:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Tom Ryan
P U B L I C MEETI NGS
Blaine City Hall
REC YCL I NG CAL ENDAR
City Council Workshops
WARD 3 Jason King
424 - 122nd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-360-5266 jking@ci.blaine.mn.us 12875 Lever Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us
CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson
763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us
ABOUT
Russ Herbst
Police and Fire...................................................... 911 Police (non-emergency) .......................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency).............................. 763-786-4436 Anoka County Dispatch........................... 763-427-1212 Advanced Disposal................................. 763-786-7233 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.......................... 763-785-6180 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 ........................................... 763-785-6192 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 Sewer Backup....................................... 763-785-6165 Streets ................................................ 763-785-6165 Stormwater........................................... 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ......................................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .......................... 763-785-6165 Web..................................................... 763-717-2638
Nat’l Resource Conservation Board Mar. 17 | Apr. 21 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council
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: W W W. C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S / G O / N E W S L E T T E R
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.
WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ EMAILUPDATES
STAY C ONNECTED
C ITY DIREC TORY
83 103rd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us
Mar. 24 | Apr. 28 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.
Dick Swanson
Mike Bourke
Park Board*
Mar. 10 | Apr. 14 6:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room
8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us
10833 Fillmore Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 612-940-5207 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us
Mar. 10 | Apr. 14 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Historical Society
WARD 1 Wes Hovland
WARD 2 Dave Clark
Planning Commission*
Mar. 10 | Apr. 14 5:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
8702 Hastings Circle Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us
Mar. 5 | Mar. 12 | Mar. 19 Apr. 2 | Apr. 9 | Apr. 16 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINE.MN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/ CITYOFBLAINE/ PLUS.GOOGLE.COM, THEN SEARCH BLAINE MINNESOTA WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ CITY-OF-BLAINE-MINNESOTA WWW.PINTEREST.COM/ BLAINEMINNESOTA/ WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEMINNESOTA WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ CITYOFBLAINE
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Don’t Let Your Dogs Run Loose!
Expect great speakers and vendors knowledgeable about a variety of topics applicable to the older adult population. Keynote speaker: Marcus Kubey-awarded the purple heart, will talk about his experiences while deployed in Iraq, and touch on the topic “choice during tough times”. Space is limited. Registration forms available at the Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Avenue NE, Blaine, MN 55434 For additional information contact Shelley at 7 6 3 - 7 8 6 - 9 3 7 5 or Connie at 7 6 3 - 7 6 7 - 4 0 0 3 .
City of Blaine Open House
Sponsored by the 50th Celebration Committee
Tuesday, April 21 3:30 – 8:00 pm
Get to know your City, services, and staff at the City of Blaine’s Open House on April 21. Explore a fire truck, police car, snow plow, maintenance trucks and more; tour the police department; sit in the Mayor’s chair and be on TV; put on fire fighter, police, and city worker uniforms and take a selfie; browse City departments and find out information: on where your tax dollars go, the life of an election ballot, recycling information, safety displays, home improvement permits, and more! Find out how you can get involved at the Community Involvement Expo. Check out Blaine’s Past, Present, and Future Art Show.
Schedule of Events 3:30–6:45 pm
Open House Community Involvement Expo
3:30–6:30 pm
Vehicle Displays and Concessions
6:30 pm
Essay Contest Awards in the Council Chambers
7:00 pm
Concert with Route 3 in the Atrium
BlaineEvents.com/50
Blaine Safety Services Division wants to ensure the safety of bicyclists in the community. In April and May, we will be distributing AND PROPERLY FITTING helmets. Bike helmets will be sold, while supplies last, for $10 each. Helmets are available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. All Bell® helmets comply with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards. Bring the whole family; we will fit adults also. Safety Services Specialists will also fit helmets you already own at no charge. No appointments necessary. This event is open to everyone. Cash or check only. For more information, please call Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt, 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 1 3 , or A H U NT @ C I. B L A INE . M N. U S .
As spring approaches, and more people are out using Blaine’s sidewalks, trails, and parks, we would like to remind residents that all dogs must be kept under restraint by their owners at all times. The term “restraint” means: Controlled by a leash or by a competent person and immediately obedient to that person’s commands, or within a vehicle being driven or parked on streets or within the property limits of its owner restricted by a secure “tether” which limits the dog’s movement on the property, or within a secure enclosure on the property of the owner which confines the dog. An unattended dog or other domestic animal on the property of another, without the consent of such property owner, is “at large” and not under “restraint”, even if it is on a leash. Also, immediately obedient means right beside or within a couple of feet of the competent person, not down the block, out in the woods, or running in the park. Dogs over six months of age must have a City dog license. If the City picks up an “at large” licensed dog, we will return it to the owner the first time. Any time after that, the “at large” dog will be taken to the dog pound where the owner will have to pay to get it back. All unlicensed “at large” dogs that are picked up will be taken to the dog pound. For more information on animal ordinances in Blaine or on how to get a dog license, please contact the Blaine Police Department at 763-785-6168.
You Need More Than a Leash to Walk Your Dog
Under City ordinance pet owners are required to clean up after their dogs when taking them for a walk. Dog owners must carry a plastic bag or some other means of picking up after their dog whenever they are off their own property. The ordinance was enacted in response to multiple complaints regarding the amount of feces accumulating within our park systems and along our walkways. Please be a courteous pet owner and clean up after your pet.
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Special Board of Review Convenes April 20 Minnesota law requires that all property be appraised at “estimated market value” for tax purposes. The market value represents a reasonable estimate of what your property may sell for based on current market conditions and information relating to your property. Although your local Special Board of Review (also referred to as the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization) cannot adjust property taxes or unrelated complaints, it can address problems concerning estimated market value or property classifications, which cannot be resolved by the County Assessor’s Office. Steps that must be followed in the appeals process: 1. If you believe the estimated market value and/or classification of your property has been determined incorrectly, you have the right to make an appeal. The first step in the appeals process is to direct inquiries concerning valuation or property classification to the Anoka County Assessor’s office. Many times questions and concerns can be addressed informally, prior to the local Board meeting. Contact the Anoka County Assessor’s Office at 763- 323-5400. 2. If you still believe your valuation or classification is incorrect, or you are not satisfied with the resolution offered by the assessor’s office, you may bring your case to the local Special Board of Review. You may appear in person, by letter or be represented by an authorized agent. It is required that you first attend the local Special Board of Review prior to attending the County Board of Appeal. The local Board of Review convenes at 7 pm, on Monday, April 20, in the City Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall.
Mayor Tom Ryan’s Office Hours
Mayor, Tom Ryan, has new offices hours. Tuesdays, 2:30 to 4:30 pm Westwood Conference Room Visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Westwood Conference Room located on the first floor of Blaine City Hall on a first come, first served basis.
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Open House Annouced for Trails and Nature Center Project The City of Blaine is pleased to announce a public open house to introduce the construction phase for the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. Scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 5:00PM to 7:30PM in the city hall atrium, residents will have the opportunity to view designs of the proposed project, its components and phases, and provide input on the details. A formal presentation will begin at 6:45PM. The concept design was approved in July 2014 by the Blaine City Council. In the concept phase, recommendations were made for trails and other amenities for the large open space north of 109th Ave. and west of Lexington Ave. Under the direction of the Natural Resources Conservation Board, this 500 acre property is one of a dozen other open spaces in Blaine being managed by the 2008 Open Space Management Plan, controlling invasive trees and plants, promoting the growth of plants native to this area, and restoring pre-development conditions. In the construction phase of the project, trail heads, parking areas, trails, bird watching blinds, overlooks and other features to enhance the enjoyment of the unique ecosystem of this area will be built over the next five to seven years. While this area mainly consists of wetlands there are also many upland areas and in total they create habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and a diverse community of native plant species. One of the end goals of this project is to build a nature center that will provide interpretive information as well as educational opportunities for families, school groups and others. The proposed location for the center is on Lexington Ave. just west of the new athletic complex that will be completed later this year. Portions of the open space area have been identified for restoration to improve and preserve the plant quality and diversity, and to protect endangered plant species. One project has been underway since 2009 and will be completed in 2015. A second project was approved at the same time as the new improvement project. This restoration project should get started in late 2015 with a completion date of 2020-2021. After a rigorous review process, the project proposal from Stantec, a consulting firm from Roseville, MN, was recommended to the City Council and approved at the December 4, 2014 council meeting. Stantec has a wealth of experience in designing and constructing open space amenities and working with the public to incorporate features to meet a variety of needs. Look on the City of Blaine website at W W W. C I. B L A INE . M N. U S for project updates. For additional information you can call 763-785-6188.
6th Annual Green Expo (cont’d from Page 1) Activities this year include: • Booths, displays and activities from local and regional sustainability-focused businesses. • Make your own non-toxic cleaner station. • Kids’ hands-on project presented by Home Depot. • The wellness center – the best place to learn and try out alternative healing such as: massage, chiropractic work, acupuncture, yoga, and herbal consults. • Prize giveaways including rain barrels, compost bins and more. • Gear Grab – donate items that no longer fit or pick up some new-to-you gear for the upcoming season! Items such as helmets, shin pads, balls, sticks, cleats, gloves, rackets and more. About the Green Expo The Green Expo started in 2010 as a partnership between the City of Coon Rapids and its Sustainability Commission. The commission is made up of residents with an interest in the environment and sustainable living practices for the future. From the beginning, the goal of the expo has been to educate and empower others to live sustainably and responsibly. In 2014, the NSC approached the cities of both Coon Rapids and Blaine about producing a Green Expo together. With Coon Rapids’ prior experience leading the way, the event has grown to provide more information to a much larger community. We understand that sustainability does not stop at city borders, and we hope that in years to come the expo continues to expand its audience and exhibitors. For more updates about the Green Expo,visit us on the web at W W W. M NG R E E NE X P O. OR G or W W W. FA C E B OOK. C OM / M NG R EEN EX P O .
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Blaine Arbor Day Tree Sale
-Marc Shippee, City Forester “I looked up my family tree, and found out I was the sap.” ~Rodney Dangerfield Ahhh, good ole Rodney, he never did get any respect. But you can respect the fact that this is your opportunity to purchase and plant one of the world’s longest living organisms. It’s true, some individual trees are over 5,000 years old, and some clonal tree colonies are over 80,000 years old. Wow! If I were a tree that old, I would have to cut down a buddy, just to use as a cane ... but I digress. when
where
Saturday, May 9,2015 9 am to 1 pm Mother’s Day Weekend Blaine Public Works 10801 Town Square Drive NE
To reserve a tree, you can contact Public Works at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 5 or by email at PW@C I . B LAI N E . M N. U S . These are bareroot trees, and there is no warranty. The sale is limited to two trees per residence, and you must be a Blaine resident to order. Order now, and pay for the trees when you pick them up (cash or check only). At the end of the sale, we’ll sell any remaining trees on a first come/first served basis. Bring your appetite because our friends at Advanced Disposal will be providing a barbeque lunch for everyone. Without further adieu, let’s meet this year’s timeless candidates:
Species
Size
Cost*
1.25 inch
$40
Autumn Blaze Maple River Birch Blue Beech Shademaster® Honeylocust
1.5 inch 5 foot clump 1.25 inch 6 foot
$57 $20 $45 $30
Japanese Tree Lilac Honeyscrisp Apple
6 foot clump Std. 1.25 inch
$37 $19
Sweet Sixteen Apple
Std. 1 inch
$17
Parker Pear
1 inch
$17
Summerscrisp Pear Mount Royal Plum
1 inch
$17 $14
Sugar Maple
Std. 11/16 inch
(Haralson and Honeycrisp will pollinate each other) *Sales tax included in price If you ever have a tree question or concern, please feel free to contact Marc Shippee at 763- 717- 2660 or MSHI P P E E @ C I. B L A INE . M N. U S .
Community Garden Plots
The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot and consists of 48 plots. The City will prepare the soil for planting, mark each plot, and provide water access. Plots are approximately 15 feet by 20 feet; half-plots are 15 feet x 10 feet. Plots will be ready for use in early May. One plot per household. Registration forms are available online at Blaineparks.com and at Blaine City Hall. The registration dates and priority for renting a garden plot are included on the right. All rental fees include tax.
M A R C H 2 – 6 - New resident gardeners
and returning gardeners request different plots. M A R C H 9 – U N TIL F U L L - Non-resident gardeners. AP R I L 2 9 - Community Garden Meeting R EG U L A R PL O TS ( 1 5 X2 0 )
Resident..................................... $68.57 Senior Resident (55+)................$57.85 Non-Resident.............................$80.34 H AL F -P L O TS ( 1 5 X1 0 , LIM ITE D N U M B E R )
Resident..................................... $44.85 Senior Resident (55+)................$32.14 Non-Resident............................. $53.56
Ditch Obstructions
We need your “eyes” to help monitor the public drainage ditches in Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD). Look for blockages of water flow or blocked culverts. Notice backed-up water, especially after snowmelt? It may be the result of an obstruction. Please call CCWD at 763-755-0975 or email us at JJANKE@COONCREEKWD.ORG if you see an obstruction in a creek or drainage ditch. Thank you for your help.
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. Call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 65 , during normal business hours from 7 am to 3 pm. Call 7 6 3 - 4 2 7 - 12 1 2 , outside of normal business hours.
Volunteer Van Driver
Have some time on your hands? Looking to give back to your community? We have a great opportunity for you to join our fleet of drivers to bring participants to and from the Senior Center for programs and lunch. Be a regular driver or be on the substitute list. Hours vary slightly from day to day based on riders registered and time of last event. Call 7 6 3 - 7 8 6 - 9 3 7 5 for further details. Training provided.
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Summer
20 15
Youth Activities Adult Activities Cookie Decorating
BlaineParks.com More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 763-7 85- 6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at B L AI N E PARK S.COM . FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
2015 Summer Recreation Connection
Summer
Registration begins at 8 am March 16! Visit BLA INEPA RKS . C O M .
20 15
Zumba & Zumba Gold
AGES 8 W/PARENT/ADULT
Recreation Connection
Held at Blaine City Hall lunchroom. DATE: Thursday, March 26 SESSION 1: 5:30 – 6:30 pm SESSION 2: 6:45 – 7:45 pm FEE: $9/resident; $10/non-resident
Amazing Athletes AGES 3 & 4 AND 4 THRU 6
Held at Sunnyside Park Building. DATES: Wed., March 11 – April 15 AGES 3 & 4: 5:45 – 6:30 pm AGES 4 – 6: 6:30 – 7:30 pm FEE: $57/resident; $63/non-resident
Robotics: Droids
Jedi
&
Imperial
GRADES 2 THRU 6
Held at Blaine City Hall. DATE: Saturdays, April 11 & 18 TIME: 9 am – Noon FEE: $72/resident; $79/non-resident
Babysitting AGES 11 & UP
Held at Blaine City Hall. DATES: Saturday, May 2 TIME: 9 am – 4 pm FEE: $70/resident; $77/non-resident
Blaine Parks and Recreation
Summer Employment
Spring Egg Hunt
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 10 & UNDER
Friday, March 27 6:30 pm FREE Airport Park 105th & Radisson Road Plastic eggs filled with candy are hidden on 3 different softball fields. Kids can gather at least 8 eggs. Egg hunt begins promptly at 6:30. No registration; check-in by 6:20.
DATE: TIME: FEE: LOCATION:
DATES: TIME: FEE:
ZUMBA AT QC DANCE STUDIO
ZUMBA GOLD AT QC DANCE STUDIO DATES: Wed., March 25 – April 22 TIME: 7:15 – 8 pm FEE: $28/resident;
Thu., March 26 – April 23 7:15 – 8 pm $28/resident; $33/non-resident
$33/non-resident
Zumba Jam!
Held at QC Dance Studio.
SPRING BREAK BEACH THEME DATE: Sat., March 14 TIME: 9 – 10:30 am
DATE: TIME:
DATE: TIME:
FEE:
ZUMBA JAM!
Sat., April 18 9 – 10:30 am
MOTHER’S DAY
Sun., May 10 3 – 4 pm $10/each session
Adult Softball
Leagues for Men’s Women’s, Co-Rec and Church teams are offered. Games are played at Airport and Aquatore Parks. Registration materials are available after Jan. 1 and registration begins Feb. 2.
Adult Co-Rec Kickball
Roster limit is 20 players. Entry fee includes one game ball, umpires and 16 games. Games are played at Airport and Aquatore Parks. Eight week season begins May 10. Teams play double headers each week. Register by April 24.
Community Outings
763-785-6164
If you have enthusiasm, energy and excitement to work with kids, then this is the job for you! We offer great hours, competitive pay, excellent training and a fun work environment. Applicants must be 17 years of age or older. Applications are available in our office or online at blaineparks.com. Deadline is March 27. Interviews will take place in early April. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.
Debutante’s Ball HISTORY THEATER
DATE: TIME: FEE:
Thursday, March 26 9 am – 2 pm $32
All community outings depart from and return to Blaine City Hall unless noted otherwise and include motor coach transportation. Times include pick-up and return. Outings include lunch and ticket (unless noted otherwise).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
St. Croix Casino
OLD LOG THEATHER
DATES: Thursday, April 16 TIME: 11 am – 4:45 pm FEE: $59
St. Paul’s Finest REGISTER BY APRIL 6
DATES: Tuesday, April 21 TIME: 8:45 am – 2:45 pm FEE: $55
TURTLE LAKE
DATE: Wednesday, April 15
TIME: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm FEE: $7 ($5 back in play)
(Register by April 8)
This casino trip departs from and returns to the Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE, and includes motor coach transportation and coffee & donuts prior to departure. Time includes pick-up and return.
For more information on these trips, please call 7 6 3 - 7 85 - 6 1 6 4 .
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Garbage and Recycling Rates Increase by 25 Cents per Month To keep pace with increasing collection, transportation, and processing costs, Blaine residents in single-family housing will see a small increase in their garbage and recycling rate. The rates will increase by $0.25 per month, or $0.75 per quarter. The new garbage and recycling rates are $43.95 per quarter for unlimited service, $37.95 per quarter for the 64-gallon garbage cart, and $27.45 per quarter for the 32-gallon cart. The new senior rate is $21.97 per quarter (see more information below). Remember, recycling is ALWAYS unlimited, so recycle as much as you can! Recycle to the Max and Save One of the best ways to save money on your garbage and recycling bill is to Recycle to the Max. Under Blaine’s curbside recycling program, ALMOST ALL of your household waste is actually recyclable. Putting more recyclables in your recycling cart will not cost you any more money! In fact, it can make it possible to SAVE MONEY by using a smaller garbage cart. Senior Garbage Rate Available to Seniors Who Qualify Blaine has a reduced garbage rate for seniors that meet the age and financial qualifications. In order to get the reduced garbage rate the resident must be: • 65 years of age or older and meet the following hardship condition. • The annual gross income of the household according to its most recent federal income tax return does not exceed the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for a family of four, plus $3,000. If no such return was filed, the City shall require the applicant to submit other documentation to show that this qualification is met. If you are interested in the reduced garbage rate for seniors, and meet the conditions, call 763- 785- 6141 for more information.
BLAINE
RECYCLING SATURDAYS! 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
3rd Saturday of Each Month Aquatore Park, 9150 Central Ave
The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month in the parking lot at Aquatore Park. The parking lot is near the City water tower and treatment plant. The collection event runs from 10 am until 2 pm and is open to anyone. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to partcipate. Please Note: No garbage will be accepted. JR’s Appliance Recyclers 651-454-9215 • Appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. There is a fee for some items. Most appliances $5 ea. Most electronics are between $2 and $25 depending on size. Drop off most tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee. Free items include scrap metal and car batteries.
Recycle to the Max and Save! Can You Really Put Most of Your Refuse in Your Recycling Cart? Yes, You Can! Did you know that most regular household waste is recyclable? IT IS! You can join the thousands of Blaine households that recycle the maximum amount of their household refuse and save money by using a smaller garbage cart. The following materials are all recyclable in Blaine’s single-family recycling program with Advance Disposal. Recycle these materials to Recycle to The Max and Save! • Newspapers, and all inserts • Brown paper bags • All magazines and catalogs • Aluminum cans • Phone books • Tin/steel cans • Training manuals • Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, and • All mixed mail including envelopes (if it green) comes in the mail and is paper, you can • Plastic containers and packaging number recycle it!) 1 through 7 • All office and school papers, file folders, Do not recycle the following items: fax sheets, notebooks, etc • Plastic bags • Paperback books • Corrugated cardboard boxes cut up to fit • Styrofoam in recycling cart (or flatten and bundle 3 • Plastic motor oil bottles feet by 3 feet by 1 foot thick, and place 3 • Pizza boxes • Any type of used tissue product feet from the recycling cart) • Box board (cake, cereal, cracker, tissue, and shoe/shirt boxes) If you need an additional recycling cart to handle all of the recycling material, you can get one AT NO ADDITIONAL COST! That’s right; you can put out as much recycling as possible without an increase in cost. In fact, it will save you money by allowing you to use a smaller garbage cart. Join the thousands of Blaine residents that are recycling to the max and saving money on their garbage bills! To change your level of garbage service, call 763- 785- 61 4 1 . For an additional or larger recycling cart, call Advanced Disposal at 7 6 3 - 7 8 6 - 7 2 3 3 .
Bikes 4 Kids (Returns April 19)
Drop off any size bike. Bikes are refurbished or used for parts on other bikes. Bikes are donated to people in need. No charge to drop off a bike. For more information visit BIKES4KIDSMN.ORG.
Randy’s Environmental Services
763-972-3335 • Free paper shredding.
Other City Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192
•
Call for more information about recycling opportunities available in Blaine or visit: WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US |
search keyword RECYCLE
Advanced Disposal 763-786-7233
For Information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 29418 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
NNeeww DDaattee!!
The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to conduct the fourth annual triathlon in the City of Blaine on a NEW DATE Saturday, September 12, 2015, beginning at 8:00a.m. The venue for the Blaine Triathlon will be held at beautiful Lakeside Commons Park located at 3020 Lakes Parkway. The race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. From novice to veteran triathletes, the Blaine Triathlon will be a fun and challenging race consisting of a 0.3 mile swim, 16.7 mile bike ride, and a 3.5 mile run. If swimming or biking or running is not your favorite exercise, participants can register a relay team of two or three individuals whereby they choose the leg of the race they want to compete. The registration fee is $75 for individuals and $100 per relay team and includes a dry fit race tee shirt, swim cap, post race refreshments, and all finishers receive official race hardware.
Ages 15 and up
For registration and more information about the Blaine Triathlon, go to WWW.BLAINETRIATHLON.COM. We are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help out at the triathlon that will include a wide range of duties throughout the race. For more information, go to WWW.BLAINETRIATHLON.COM and select VOLUNTEERS for details. We always welcome community businesses and organizations that are interested in a sponsorship opportunity for this exciting event. Please check out the sponsorship brochure on our website under the sponsors tab to see how you can be part of the Blaine Triathlon. Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Saturday, September 12 8:00 am Lakeside Common Park
www.BlaineTriathlon.com
NNeeww DDaattee!!
W
rld Fest Blaine ‘15
May 16, 2015 • 1-4 pm • Town Square Park
Now accepting applications for: Food Vendors • Sponsors • Cultural Exhibits • Volunteers Join us for the 8th annual Blaine World Fest as we celebrate the rich diversity of our community. Blaine World Fest promotes the sharing of cultural experiences and expands our community’s cultural understanding through entertainment, delicious cuisine, art, conversation, and exhibits.
BlaineEvents.com/World-Fest