Blaine CityConnect
March/April March/April 2018 2018
Jean Keely Named City Engineer of the Year
Jean Keely has been named 2017 Municipal City Engineer of the Year by the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM). The CEAM is a professional association for engineers that strives to work cooperatively and efficiently to help further the municipal engineering field by developing and refining best practices and continuing education for members of the civil engineering profession. The award is based on work experience, work within the organization to help improve the municipal engineering field in Minnesota, and continuing education. During Ms. Keely’s tenure with the City, Blaine was recognized as one of the top Pictured, Jean Keely, City Engineer, Blaine MN 100 places to live by Money Magazine and Glenn Olson, City Engineer, Marshall MN, due, in part, to its commitment to and 2018 President of CEAM building and maintaining quality roads and infrastructure. Ms. Keely is the second woman to be named lead City Engineer in Minnesota and the second woman to receive this award. Ms. Keely received her degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1981. She was hired as Assistant City Engineer in Blaine in 1988 and became City Engineer in 2005. During her time with the City, Ms. Keely is most proud of the joint project with the State of Minnesota and Anoka County which constructed the County Road 14/State Highway 65 interchange. This intersection was consistently rated as one of the most dangerous intersections in the State. Other major projects of note included extending trunk sanitary sewer and water to central Blaine which enabled the Lakes of Radisson development and developments now occurring north of County Road 14. Ms. Keely has also been vital to the most significant project for Blaine’s future, the Pavement Management Program. This is the long-range ranking and prioritization of all City streets with regard to maintenance, repair, and replacement. Congratulations to Ms. Keely on this well-deserved award.
Blaine Staff Pictured, Back Row: Jason Sundeen, Jon Haukaas, Al Thorp, Clark Arneson, Jerry Rud, Stefan Higgins, Eric Raatsi, Robert Therres, Stacy Dellich, Dan Schluender, Middle Row: Rebecca Haug, Tom Scott, Lucy Gray, Nancy Hupp, Front Row: Jean Keely
Special Board of Review Convenes April 16 The Blaine Board of Review, also known as the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization, convenes at 7 PM on Monday, April 16 in the City Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall. The purpose of this meeting, which may affect your 2019 property tax payments, is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor and to determine whether corrections need to be made. If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact the Anoka County Assessor’s Office at proptax@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-323-5400 to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with the Assessor you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The Board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary and correct as needed. Generally, an appearance before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. For questions or more information, contact the Clerk’s Office at 763-785-6124.
BlaineMN.gov
2 City Council*
March 1 | March 15 | April 5 | April 19 7:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers
10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL
March 1 | March 8 | March 15 April 5 | April 12 | April 19 6:30 PM | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Planning Commission*
March 13 | April 10 7 PM | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
March 27| April24 7 PM | City Hall Council Chambers
Traffic Commission*
March 6 | April 3 6:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers
Natural Resources Conservation Board* March 20 | April 17 7 PM | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council
March 13 | April 10 5:30 PM | City Hall Lunch Room
MAYOR Tom Ryan
RECYCLING CALE NDAR
Blaine City Hall
PUB LIC ME E TING S
City Council Workshops
Historical Society
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@blainemn.gov
Holiday
March 13 | April 10 6:30 PM | City Hall Sanctuary Room
Zone A
Zone B
For more information, visit www.WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464 .
*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.
WARD 1 Wes Hovland
8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@blainemn.gov
Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
WARD 2 Dave Clark
Julie Jeppson
1702 - 116th Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-4709 jjeppson@blainemn.gov
WARD 3 Jason King
424 - 122nd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-360-5266 jking@blainemn.gov
Andrew Garvais
12744 Petersburg Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-229-8890 agarvais@blainemn.gov
CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson
763-785-6120 carneson@blainemn.gov
CITY DIRECTORY
10833 Fillmore Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 612-940-5207 dclark@blainemn.gov
Police & Fire............................................................ 911 Police (non-emergency) ....................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........................... 763-786-4436 Anoka County Dispatch........................ 763-427-1212 Building Inspections............................. 763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15.................................. 763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 .......................... 763-785-6192 City Clerk ............................................... 763-785-6122 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 & 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
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ABOUT
926 - 97th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@blainemn.gov
STAY CO NNECTED
Dick Swanson
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 BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter Feedback can be directed to Newsletter@BlaineMN.gov All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.
March/April 2018
Bike Helmet Fitting and Sales Event
The City of Blaine Safety Services Division and the Spring Lake Park–Blaine– Mounds View Fire Department want to ensure the safety of bicyclists in the community. During the months of April and May, we will be distributing AND PROPERLY FITTING helmets. Bike helmets will be sold for $10 each while supplies last. Helmets are available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult, so bring the whole family. All Bell® helmets comply with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards. Do you have a previously purchased helmet, but are unsure of the fit? Feel free to bring any helmet you already own and trained staff will be happy to check the fit and make adjustments accordingly. No appointment necessary. This event is open to everyone. Can’t make it in April? Don’t worry; we will be receiving a fresh helmet shipment for the May event. Cash or check only. For more information, please call Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113 or ahunt@blainemn.gov.
Seasonal Position Openings
The City of Blaine is looking for people who can work a total of six months starting in April/May. Typical jobs include mowing, park trash/collection/recycling, ballfield maintenance, general landscaping, and street work. Great positions for retired folks just looking to stay active and make a little extra cash. Starting hourly wage is $11/hour with a dollar increase after 67 days. Blaine also has a seasonal opening for a Horticulture Technician. Starting hourly wage is $15/hour. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid drivers license, and a good driving record. Please contact the Public Works Department from 7AM3PM at 763-785-6165 for more information. You can get an application online at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs or at Public Works, 1801 101st Avenue. The application deadline is March 31.
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BlaineMN.gov
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Peddlers and Solicitors
Filing for Office
Filing for office is the process by which a candidate’s name gets placed on the ballot. All City office candidates must: • be an eligible voter of the City of Blaine • have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election • be 21 years of age or more upon assuming office • have maintained residence in their Ward for at least 30 days before the general election A filing fee of $50 or petition in place of the filing fee is required. City offices for the 2018 General Election include one seat in each of the three Council Wards. Filing begins May 22 at City Hall and ends at 5 PM on June 5. For more information, visit the City’s website or contact the Blaine Elections Office at BlaineElections@BlaineMN. gov or 763-717-2737.
Elections Judges Needed
Serving as an election judge is an excellent way to get involved in your community. You will learn election procedures and help ensure that elections are administered in a fair manner. Election judges are paid an hourly wage and are essential to our democracy. Interested in learning more? Visit the City’s website or contact the Blaine Elections Office at BlaineElections@blainemn.gov or 763-717-2737.
Throughout the year door-to-door peddling, soliciting and canvassing raises questions from Blaine residents. While most of these activities are regulated by the City they cannot be prohibited entirely. A canvasser, for example, may go door-to-door without a permit from the City. A canvasser may be a person asking for signatures on a petition, requesting support for a political candidate or position, seeking donations for a religious organization or fundraising for a high school booster club. All peddlers and solicitors are: • Required to obtain a permit from the City • Required to carry their City-issued Photo ID card with them and present upon request • Restricted to soliciting between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM and are not allowed to solicit on Sundays and State or National holidays For your safety, residents should: • Not let a peddler, solicitor, or canvasser into your home, even if they have a permit • Direct complaints about business practices to the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota at www.bbb.org or 651-699-1111 • Check contractor references at www.dli.mn.gov • Help in filing insurance claims can be found at www.mn.gov/commerce • Report suspicious persons or activities to the Police Department at 763-427-1212 or by dialing 911 Please join us in making our neighborhoods safer by promptly reporting unlicensed solicitors or any other suspicious activity.
at Aquatore Park. For more information on using the off leash dog park visit our web site and search ‘dog park’.
You’ll Need More Than a Leash to Walk Your Dog
Dogs Must be Leashed When Out for a Walk Please remember that all dogs must be on a leash and under control while off their owner’s property. If you wish at have your dog run and play off leash, the City has an off leash dog park
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. This 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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BlaineMN.gov/ Elections BlaineMN.gov/CivicReadySignup
Signing up is easy. Choose an option: 1. Go to BlaineMN.gov/ CivicReadySignup. 2. From your mobile device, text JOIN BLAINE to 30890. 3. Come into City Hall and fill out a signup form. We will send updated alerts through email, voice, or text. Modifications to alerts can be made at anytime after sign up.
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March/April 2018 Anoka County Compost Sites Open for Extended Hours Beginning April 1 Anoka County’s two compost sites will be open for extended hours from April 1 through November 30, 2018, weather permitting. The sites are located in Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Lino Lakes. Leaves, Grass and Non-Woody Yard Waste Yard waste includes debagged grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, weeds, softbodied green plant materials, straw, acorns, pine cones and needles. No charge to drop off up to four cubic yards. (Approximately eight lawn bags equal one yard.) A $5.00 fee will be assessed for each additional four cubic yards. Tree Waste Tree waste includes brush, evergreen boughs, logs and stumps. Tree waste may be loose or bundled. Fees vary based on the amount and the diameter of the materials. The more compact the load the lower the fee. Organics Organics include all food scraps, most non-recyclable and uncoated food-soiled paper and BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certified compostable products. FREE to county residents. For additional details visit AnokaCounty.us/Organics. Please keep yard waste, tree waste and organics separate as they are unloaded by residents in different areas of each site. Free unscreened compost is available at both sites. Please remember to bring your own shovel and containers with you. Compost Site Information Bunker Hills Compost Site Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site 13285 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes 763-767-7964 651-429-3723 Monday through Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM Tuesday and Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday: Noon - 5 PM Sunday: Noon - 5 PM For more information, go to AnokaCounty.us/Recycle or contact Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions at recycle@co.anoka.mn.us or 763-324-3400.
Mayor’s Office Hours at City Hall
Mayor Ryan holds regular office hours the second Tuesday of each month, from 2:30 – 5 PM. You can stop by Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE, and meet with Mayor Ryan on any issue you want. There is no need to call and make an appointment; visits are done on a drop-in basis. Office visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Laddie Lake Conference Room located on the second floor of Blaine City Hall, on the west side of the building.
Ditch Obstructions
Sewer Backup? Water Concerns?
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. Residents with questions regarding their water should contact the Public Works Department. Call 763-785-6165, during normal business hours from 7 AM to 3 PM, otherwise call 763-427-1212.
Do you notice backed-up water, especially after rains or snowmelt? We need your “eyes” to help monitor the public drainage ditches. Look for blockages of water flow or blocked culverts. It may simply be the result of an obstruction such as trash or leaves and sticks. (Please keep storm drains clear to prevent backups if you can safely clear these yourself.) Please call the Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975, or email us at info@ cooncreekwd.org, to report an obstruction in a creek or drainage ditch. If you live in the Rice Creek Watershed District, please call 763-398-3070 or email tschmidt@ricecreek.org. Not sure in which watershed you are located? Go to the “Are You in Our District?” link on the www.cooncreekwd.org homepage,and type in your address at the bottom of the map.
BLAINE RECYCLING SATURDAYS! 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
3rd Saturday of Each Month New Drop-Off Location Green Lights Recycling Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE
The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted.
Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456 | GLRNow.com Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. There is a small fee for some items: • Mattresses/box springs, $21 each. • Most appliances, $9 each. • Most electronics, between $2 and $50 depending on size. • Carpet - $4/ roll (up to 7 rolls). Drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee. See the complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/RecyclingSaturdays
Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 |
RandysEnvironmentalServices.com Offers free paper shredding. There may be long wait times for shredding.
Bikes 4 Kids (Returns April 21) Bikes4KidsMN.org Drop off any size bicycle that you no longer want. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need. There is no charge to drop of a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of The Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation.
Other City Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192 | BlaineMN.gov/Recycle Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464
For information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up. Recycling drop-off day is funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment)
BlaineParks.com
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parks & recreation
connection
Blaine Community Gardens Breakfast with the Bunny
Summer 2018 Online Registration Browse our catalog and register online beginning March 19 at
BlaineParks.com/Register
The Backyard Band Sunday, April 15, 7 PM FREE at Blaine City Hall Drawing on decades of experience playing in rock bands, folk groups, jazz combos, and bar ensembles, The Backyard Band specializes in fun, danceable rock ‘n roll, but isn’t afraid to throw in the occasional polka medley or country anthem to satisfy the crowd. Professional musicians and personal friends, this is a band that has as much fun playing together as audiences have listening to their music.
BlaineParks.com
More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 76378 5 -6 1 6 4 or in the current Recreation Connection online at BlaineParks.com. FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
BlaineEvents.com
Don’t miss out on this memorable event! Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, two crafts for one child, and pictures with the bunny. We will take a picture of your kids with the bunny and email it to you or you may bring your own camera for pictures. Extra adults may attend for $2 each. Event held at Blaine City Hall Atrium. For ages 10 and under. Space is limited to 25 per time slot! Saturday, March 17 9 AM – Activity #5774 11 AM – Activity #5776 Noon - Activity #5777 $10 resident; $11 non-resident
The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot and consists of 48 plots. Plots are approximately 15 foot by 20 foot; half-plots are 15 foot by 10 foot. Additional information and registration forms are available at BlaineParks.com/ CommunityGardens
Seasonal Employment Summer Recreation Leader and Recreation Coordinator jobs available! Must be 17 years of age or older. We offer great hours, competitive pay, excellent training, and a fun work environment. Applications are available in our office or at BlaineParks.com. Please submit applications by March 30.
Dance Classes and Camps Youth dance opportunities for kids up to age 11! All classes begin the week of March 7. Mighty Minis Camp Ages 3 to 7. Students will tumble, bounce, and jump. They will explore being a super hero with tons of fun. Themed craft is included. Saturday, March 17, 12 – 1:30 PM, Activity #5797 $15 resident; $17 non-resident Rhythm in the Reef Camp Ages 3 to 7. Come join this themed mini-camp where children will meet new friends, develop social skills, learn a dance to improve coordination, and make a craft to inspire creativity. Saturday, April 7, 12 – 1:30 PM, Activity #5798 $15 resident; $17 non-resident Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 763-785-6164 for more information or visit our website at BlaineParks.com. All dance classes are held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE.
Summer
2018
Babysitting
Adult Sports
Ages 11 & up Learn to be responsible babysitters by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Participants receive a packet of materials and certificates are awarded to all students who successfully demonstrate the skills during class. Bring a doll, lunch, and a beverage. Held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room A. Saturday, April 14, 9 AM – 4 PM Activity #5809 $80 resident; $88 non-resident
Adult Softball Currently accepting Adult Softball teams for the following leagues: Men’s, Women’s, Co-Rec. League play beings the week of April 23. Adult Kickball Currently accepting teams for Adult Co-Rec Kickball league which begins May 13. Visit BlaineParks.com or call 763-785-6161 for more detailed information.
Teen Art April 3 – 28 at Blaine City Hall The Blaine Arts Council invites local teens to participate in the 12th Annual Teen Art Show. Showcase your talent and have your artwork on display at Blaine City Hall. Prizes will be awarded! For more information visit our website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-785-6164.
Neighborhood Park Clean-Up! Celebrate Earth Day by gathering with your neighbors and cleaning up your neighborhood park! Select a date anytime between April 15 and May 15. You select the date, time, and park and we provide the supplies! To get started, contact Shari Kunza at 763-717-2723 or skunza@ blainemn.gov. Visit our website, at BlaineParks.com/EarthDay
Zumba/Zumba Gold These classes are held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE. $30/resident; $33 non-resident Zumba March 22 – April 19 Thursdays, 8-8:45 PM Activity #5827 Zumba Gold March 21 – April 18 Wednesdays, 7:45 – 8:30 PM Activity #5830
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Show us your best shot! From people, pets, and places to celebrations and locations, you are invited to show us your impression of Blaine! Impressions of Blaine Photo Contest is held quarterly, capturing the best that Blaine has to offer each season.
Winter Photo Contest Contest Details Finalists Announced March 7 People’s Choice Voting March 7 - 30 Winners Announced April 5
Spring Photo Contest Submission Dates May 1 - 31
Prizes $25 Gift Card Winner in Each Category per Season $100 Gift Card Photo of the Year
Photo Categories People & Familes Community Activities & Events Wildlife & Nature City Landmarks Pets Throwback Thursday For more information, visit BlaineEvents.com/ ImpressionsofBlaine
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
May 19, 2018 • 1-4 PM, Town Square Park Now Accepting Applications for Food Vendors • Sponsors • Cultural Exhibits • Volunteers
BlaineEvents.com/WorldFest
Blaine Market
Farmers & Handcrafted Indoor Market on Select Dates Blaine City Hall Atrium 10801 Town Square Drive
Indoor Market & Craft Fair Select Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM March 10 & 24 April 7 & 21 Don’t miss out on our special Crafters dates. For a list of vendors, visit our website at
BlaineEvents.com/FarmersMarket