Blaine CityConnect
November/December 2017 September/October 2017
Annual Truth in Taxation Hearing The annual Truth in Taxation hearing will be held on Thursday, December 14, at 8 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. City staff will share information regarding the City of Blaine 2018 general fund budget and annual tax levy. This is your opportunity to share your comments on the 2018 budget and tax levy. If you have any questions, please contact the Finance Department at 763-784-6700.
105th Avenue Construction Update The 105th Avenue reconstruction project remains on schedule. To date the contractor has constructed the east bound lanes and will finish the trails and sidewalk on the south side of the street yet this fall. In early November, traffic can expect to be switched to the newly constructed lanes for the remainder of this construction season and will remain over the winter. If the weather continues to hold this fall, the contractor is scheduled to replace the water main along the north side of the project from Davenport Street to Radisson Road. They are also scheduled to remove most of the existing bituminous on the west bound lanes and start preparing the grade for curb and gutter. If all goes well the roadway should be ready for curb and gutter first thing in the spring. The project is scheduled to be completed prior to the National Sports Center’s USA Cup Tournament in July. Continue to visit the City’s web page for project updates and the most current information. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Schluender at 763-785-6158.
Blaine Police Accepting Donations for Toys for Joy NOV 24 – DEC 7 Looking for a place to drop off your new unwrapped toys for children in need during the holiday season? The Blaine Police Department and Blaine City Hall will begin accepting toys on November 24 and will continue to accept toys thru December 7. Just look for the holiday wrapped donation box in the atrium at City Hall. Toys for Joy is an Anoka County based program that operates out of the Anoka County Armory. We are looking for some older kid toys this year to help with Toys for Joy.
BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
BlaineMN.gov
2 City Council*
November 2 | November 16 | December 7 | December 14 7:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL
November 2 | November 9 | November 16 December 7 | December 14 | December 21 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Planning Commission*
November 14 | December 12 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
November 28 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Traffic Commission*
November 8 | December 5 6:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Natural Resources Conservation Board* November 21 | December 19 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council
November 14 | December 12 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
November 14 | December 12 6:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room
Holiday
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
Share Anonymous Tips with Police or Download Our Blaine PD App BlaineMN.gov/Tip411
Conncect with Your Community and Sign Up for Topics that Interest You BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe
Visit BlaineMN.gov/SocialConnect for more communication options.
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.
November/December 2017
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Anoka Conservation District Tree Sale The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) is accepting orders for the 2018 Tree and Shrub sale. The ACD is offering 25+ varieties of economically priced seedlings and transplants, sold in bundles of 10 and 25, for just a little over $1+ per tree. They are now taking pre-orders until April 19, or until sold out with any remaining stock (if any) sold at the tree and shrub pick up on April 28th at the Anoka County Fairgrounds between 9am-11am.
Santa Parade & Food Shelf Donation
You do not need to be an Anoka County Resident to order!
SBM Fire Department November 11 thru 13
To assist you in making your selection, the AnokaSWCD.org website features each species with detailed descriptions and images of each of the varieties being offered. The website also contains information about the kinds of trees and shrubs to plant in your particular situation along with planting directions. If you would prefer one-on-one assistance in making your selection, call the Anoka Conservation District staff at 763-434-2030. They will be happy to provide guidance.
ELECTION
NOVEMBER 7 While there are no federal, state or city elections two school districts located within City limits will be holding elections:
The SBM Fire Department is proud to announce the Santa Parade for the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View. Along with the Fire Department, there will be vehicles from the community police departments and emergency services. Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food shelves. The Parade starts at 6:30 pm on days/routes listed below. Nonperishable food items can also be brought to Station One located in Spring Lake Park during that week. Visit BlaineMN.gov/SantaParade for an interactive map of the routes and www.SBMFire.com for additional information.
Dec.11 West Blaine
Anoka Hennepin Independent School District No. 11 School Board Members – 3 Seats 2 Levy Referendum Questions www.ahschools.us/ fitforthefuture Email: FitForTheFuture@ahschools.us 763-506-3383
Spring Lake Park Independent School District No. 16 School Board Members – 4 Seats www.springlakeparkschools.org Email: kstift@district16.org 763-600-5020
Parade Start: 131st Ave and Jefferson St
Dec.12 East Blaine
Parade Start: Rice Creek Pkwy and Xylite St
Dec.13 The Lakes
Parade Start: Eldorado St and 113th Ave
BlaineMN.gov
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A Friendly Winter Vehicle Reminder from the Blaine Police Department Winter in Minnesota is inevitable, so is remembering our winter driving and vehicle skills. The Blaine Police Department would like to remind you of a few vehicle safety tips this winter: If you must warm your vehicle before you leave: •
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Lock the door and don’t let the vehicle out of your sight. Many winter auto thefts occur because of an easy opportunity. Don’t warm your vehicle while it’s still in the garage. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up and drift into your home. If you’re at the gas pump, shut your vehicle off, lock the doors and take the keys with you. Don’t leave your purse out in the open. It takes seconds to break a window and steal it. Never, ever leave an unattended child in your vehicle. It only takes a few minutes to remove the child from his/her car seat. Take the extra time and bring them inside with you – this includes gas stations, convenience stores or restaurants.“I was only in there for a few minutes” isn’t an excuse and can put your child at risk if someone decides to take the opportunity you left for them by stealing your car.
When the first snow/slush hits the ground, take your time and slow down. Stopping distances increase. Even if your car has anti-lock brakes, that doesn’t mean you’ll stop before hitting the car in front of you. Don’t speed up to make it through that yellow traffic light. Slow down and prepare for the red light to follow. Check your wiper blades. Are they worn out and need to be replaced? Is your snow brush and scraper in the trunk? Taking a few moments to prepare will save you the headache of not being able to wipe that ice off your windshield or wipe the snow off your vehicle when you leave work.
Snow Plowing Information • Each snowplow route is approximately the same size or takes approximately the same amount of time to plow. • In most cases plowing will not start until the snow has stopped falling. • The City has an adequate plowing crew to plow the City in a reasonable amount of time, but does not have back-up crews to re-plow. • Plowing usually starts at 4:00 AM with most streets being clear by noon. Major events (over six inches) can take considerably longer. The routes are then gone back through for additional sanding. • In the event of equipment breakdown on any route, that route is finished when other routes are complete and as equipment from those routes becomes available. • Skating rinks, sidewalks, and trails are a second priority and, in most cases, will be cleared the day following the snow event--after the streets are cleared.
Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear The fire and public works departments are asking for your help. Please remember to shovel around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important for residents and businesses people to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street. If the fire department has to spend time trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. Please help keep your fire hydrants clear of snow. The house you help save may be your own.
Let It Snow While shoveling, the City would like to remind residents that City Ordinance does not allow residents to “throw” snow onto neighboring properties or into public right-of-way without permission. The City’s snow and ice policy is available online from the Public Works page on our web site. The address is BlaineMN.gov/SnowIcePolicy
Winter Parking Restrictions City plow trucks generally begin plowing after two inches of snow has fallen. To avoid a citation, keep vehicles off city streets until they have been plowed from curb to curb. This will ensure that the plow drivers can finish the job safely and efficiently. Don’t forget from November 1st to April 1st vehicles cannot be left on the street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. regardless of snowfall amounts. Help keep city streets safe and clear for everyone by keeping vehicles off the street until plowing is complete! Sec. 82-152. Parking During Snowfall It shall be unlawful to park or permit to be parked, or to continue to park or permit to stand, any vehicle upon any street after two inches (2”) or more of snowfall, until such time as the snow has been plowed from the street, curb to curb.
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November/December 2017 Drop-Off Options
You may bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites. Up to 4 cubic yards, no fee. Over 4 cubic yards, sliding fee scale. The hours for the sites are: Bunker Hills Site Hanson Blvd. 1 mile North of Hwy 242 in Coon Rapids • Monday thru Friday,10am–7pm or sundown, whichever is first • Saturdays, 9am –5pm • Sundays, Noon -5pm
Fall Leaf Season is Here Don’t Rake Leaves into the Street Many of our residents live in fully wooded areas. As the leaves from the trees turn color and fall, they provide both a beautiful show and plenty of clean up effort. Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the City’s ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous levels and poorer water quality.
Lino Lakes Site County Road 14 to the East of I-35W • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am– 7pm or sundown, whichever is first • Saturdays, 9am – 5pm • Sundays, Noon – 5pm
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 are $21 each. • Most appliances are $8 each. • Most electronics are 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. Please note: There may be long wait times for shredding.
Christmas Tree Collection Schedule Christmas trees will be collected during the first two weeks of the new year for all single-family homes, ONE DAY AFTER your regular garbage day.
January 2 – 6 January 8 – 12 Please remember, you must remove ALL ornaments, wire, lights, garland, wraps, etc., for the tree to be collected. Residents of apartments and manufactured housing parks should check with your management office to find out your collection schedule.
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.
No Bike Collection (Dec-Mar) Bikes4KidsMN.org Bikes for Kids will not be collecting bikes at the monthly recycling dropoff day until April 2018.
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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A Morning at the North Pole
parks & recreation
connection parks & recreation
connection
Spend a morning with your family at the North Pole! We will take a picture of your kids with Santa and email it to you OR bring your own camera for pictures with Santa. Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Event held at Blaine City Hall for ages 10 & under with an adult. Saturday, December 2 – Noon Saturday, December 9 – Noon $10 resident; $11 non-resident
WI NT E R / SPR I NG 2 0 1 8
skating rinks warming house hours & days of operation p. 2 5
teen art show warming house hours & days of operation p. 2 5
blaineparks.com
photo by Sarah Grace Photography
Winter/Spring 2018 Onine Registration starts December 4. Browse Our Catalog and Register Online Visit
BlaineParks.com/ Register
Holiday Concert Sunday, November 26, 7:30 pm Join us for our annual holiday concert featuring the Lake Country Chorus Men’s Chorus. This FREE concert is a great way to kick off your holiday season. Complimentary coffee and cookies available.
Cookie Decorating You and your child will have a great time decorating cookies for the holidays. We will supply one dozen cookies and all of the toppings. Bring a container to take your cookies home. Held at Blaine City Hall lunchroom. Ages 10 and under with a parent or adult. Register by December 1. Space is limited. Thursday, December 7, 6:45 – 7:45 pm $10 resident; $11 non-resident
Youth Enrichment League Gear Engineers, grades 1-5 STEM Enrichment using LEGO bricks for the 21st Century learner. Each {YEL!} STEM class follows four basic components: Teach It! Build It! Explore It! Play It! For more details about {YEL!} STEM classes, visit YouthEnrichmentLeague.com. Program is held at Blaine City Hall Sanctuary Room. Register by November 22. Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16 10 am – noon $54 resident; $59 non-resident
Tech Academy
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
Robotic Builders: Sport and Adventure, grades k-3 Learn basic programming skills, simple engineering concepts, and how to use robot components. Models may include: soccer players, goal keeper, helicopter, and racers. This is a great way to prepare young Robotics enthusiasts for our more advanced Robotics programs. Your kids will build LEGO models featuring motors, tilt sensors, motion detectors, and USB Robotics Hub. Please bring a lunch to class. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room B. Register by November 11. Saturday, December 2, 9 am – 3 pm $72 resident; $79 non-resident
November/December 2017
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First Aid A four hour course ideal for anyone interested in or required to implement First Aid training in an environment serving adult populations. Participants receive a course credential card. Class does not meet the needs of health care providers. Class is taught by certified instructors from the SBM Fire Department and held at Station 3 located at 11920 Ulysses Street NE. Wednesday, November 29, 6 – 10 pm, $47
Co-Rec Adult Volleyball Blaine and Fridley teams will combine to form a cooperative non-officiated league. Players must be at least 18 years old. Games held at Roosevelt Middle School and Hayes Elementary in Fridley. Register by November 10. Wednesdays beginning December 6, $225 per team
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 Photography This class will teach you tips and tricks to grab the best winter wonderland scenes. Learn how to capture falling snow, create interesting winter scenes and how to properly expose your subjects and protect your gear. Class held at Blaine City Hall. Requirements: A properly functioning camera and basic understanding of your camera’s settings & functions. Bring camera, manual & tripod and dress in layers. December 14 & 21, 5:30 – 6:45 pm $45 resident; $49 non-resident
Contest Details Submission Dates November 1-30 Finalists Announced December 7 People’s Choice Voting December 7-30 Winners Announced January 5
Community Outings All trips depart from and return to the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. Andy and Bing Christmas Paramount Theater, St. Cloud December 5, $79 Remembering Christmas past with the music of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. Seats are located on the main floor near the rear of the theater. Lunch before the performance at Anton’s, St. Cloud. Please choose your entrée when registering: • Baked Pork Chop • Baked Cod • Chicken Boursion (garlic cream sauce) All entrées are served with a starch, vegetable and fresh pop over. Departs Mary Ann Young Senior Center at 9:30 am returning at 5:10 pm. $79 includes the show, transportation, lunch and tour guide. Sea Life MN at Mall of America January 23, $50 Call 763-785-6164 for more detailed information.
Photo Contest
Red Wing Monday, November 13 8:30 am – 4:30 pm $7 ($3 food coupon)
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 Visit BlaineEvents.com/ ImpressionsofBlaine for more information.
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
Blaine Market
Farmers & Handcrafted Moving Indoors Beginning November 4 Blaine City Hall Atrium 10801 Town Square Drive
Indoor Market & Craft Fair Select Saturdays, 9am to 1pm November 4 & 18 December 16 January 13 & 27 February 10 & 24 Be a Fix-It Clinic Volunteer If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in computers, cell phones, soldering, electronics repair, small appliance and electrical repair, toy repair, bike repair, jewelry repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful. Clinics are held monthly beginning in January.
March 10 & 24 April 7 & 21 Shop a variety of locally grown and produced products at Blaine’s Indoor Farmers Market! Products may include root vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, bread, pasta, meat, and eggs. WANTED: Fix-It Clinic Volunteers Craft Fair Dates
Fix-it Clinic Dates
For a list of vendors, visit our website at
BlaineEvents.com/FarmersMarket