Blaine CityConnect - March/April 2020 by City of Blaine

BlaineMN.gov

CityConnect March/April 2020

What’s Inside

Community Heroes Honored by Blaine Police Department...................................3

Census Day is April 1 Spring High Water Levels....................................4

After years of planning it is time to conduct the 2020 census. The census takes place every 10 years and the data gathered in the census shapes the next decade in the city, state, and entire nation. Minnesota receives $15 billion a year from the federal government based on census data. That is $2,800 per person. Participating in the census is vital and in Blaine a complete count will go a long way to ensuring the completion of many high priority projects. Infrastructure improvements on Highway 65 are a high priority for all Blaine residents and businesses. Each year Minnesota receives $76 million in transportation grants from the federal government. Census data is used as one factor in determining which projects receive grant dollars. The funding formula for Highway 65 improvements will include federal dollars and complete census data for Blaine could improve the city’s standing in the grant selection process.

Spring Construction Update..............................8

Commercial and retail developers use census data to determine where to develop and build. A complete census count in Blaine is important to grow the local economy with more jobs. Many residents desire more options of places to shop or dine in Blaine and a complete census count will help in driving more of these types of businesses to Blaine.

City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324

How will the census work?

Who can access my personal data? •

All personal information collected in the census is protected private data and will not be made public for 72 years. No other government agency can access the data until it is made public 72 years after collection.

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All census workers take a binding lifetime oath to protect the data they collect. If that oath is violated the census worker can be sentenced to up to five years in prison. For more information and resources, visit BlaineMN.gov/2020Census

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In mid-March Blaine residents will receive a postcard from the U.S. Census Bureau. The postcard will include information on how to complete the census online.

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Those who do not respond to the postcard invitation will receive up to three reminder letters.

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Census workers will enter the field in late April to make an in person contact attempt at addresses that have not yet responded to the census.

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Census workers will remain in the field until August to attempt to collect a complete count.

Your data is confidential.

years

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Upcoming Meetings

Recycling Calendar March

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 Communications@BlaineMN.gov

City Council MAYOR Tom Ryan 12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 TRyan@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1 Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Dick Swanson 926 - 97th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-370-2557 DSwanson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 3062 Aspen Lake Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 4175 - 114th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-964-0503 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3 Andrew Garvais 12744 Petersburg Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-229-8890 AGarvais@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 1560 - 123rd Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-290-3000 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120 MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

Holiday

Zone A

May s

April s

City Council* March 2 | March 16 April 6 | April 20 7:30PM | City Hall Council Chambers

Zone B

For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.

City Directory

Stay Connected

Police & Fire................................................. 911 Police (non-emergency) ..........763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)...............763-786-4436 Public Works Aft. Hours...........763-427-1212 City Hall......................................763-784-6700 Mary Ann Young Center...........763-786-9375 Public Works..............................763-785-6165 Building Inspections.................763-785-6170 City Cable Channel 16 .............763-785-6192 City Clerk ...................................763-785-6122 City Manager.............................763-785-6120 Communications.......................763-785-6181 Community Standards.............763-785-6187 Community Outreach...............763-785-6113 Economic Development...........763-785-6180 Engineering................................763-785-6172 Finance.......................................763-717-2677 Fire Inspections ........................763-785-6187 Forestry .....................................763-717-2660 Housing Services ......................763-785-6146 Human Resources ....................763-785-6109 Newsletter.................................763-785-6192 North Metro TV.........................763-780-8241 Parks & Recreation ..................763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ....................763-785-6180 Recycling & Solid Waste ..........763-785-6192 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

Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

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Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you.

BlaineMN.gov/CommunityConnect 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

March/April 2020

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Three Heroes Honored by Blaine Police Department Maureen Rose Skinner, Michael Robert Blake, and Michael Reid Swenson were recently presented the Blaine Police Department Citizen Recognition/Life Saving Award. Maureen Rose Skinner, while working at the Blaine Human Service Center, witnessed a person collapse and stop breathing. She took immediate action and began performing CPR on the victim. Officers arrived on scene and assisted in providing compressions, breaths, and multiple AED shocks to the victim. He eventually began breathing on his own, sat up, and began talking. Because of Maureen’s immediate actions, she helped save a life. Michael Robert Blake and Michael Reid Swenson, while playing softball at Airport Park, witnessed a fellow player stop breathing and go unconscious. The victim collapsed while playing softball and had no pulse. Blake and Swenson both took immediate action and began performing CPR. Officers arrived on scene and applied an AED. They continued with CPR as the first shock was conducted on the victim. Officers took over lifesaving efforts, and after the AED shocked the victim four times a pulse was re-established and he started breathing. He was then transported by Allina to Mercy Hospital. While in route to the hospital, the victim regained consciousness and was alert and talking. Michael and Michael’s immediate actions helped save a life. Michael, Maureen, and Michael can view with pride their performance and selflessness. Their commitment to the community is to be celebrated and remembered.

Arbor Day Tree Sale Public Works Now Taking Tree Reservations

The annual Arbor Day Tree Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 9AM - 1PM. Blaine residents can purchase up to two trees per household. Available trees are bareroot and do not come with a warranty.

Available Trees Apple (Honeycrisp) 11/16 inch diameter......................$22 Apple (McIntosh) 11/16 inch diameter......................$21 Birch (River) 6 foot clump...................................$35 Crabapple (Spring Snow) 4 foot...............................................$21 Elm (Accolade) 6 foot...............................................$39

Recent City Council Approvals Renovation Church Renovation Church received approvals for a new church to be located at 12390 Fraizer Street NE, just north of the new Kwik Trip at 122nd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Renovation Church currently operates out of Northpoint Elementary School. The proposed church is 20,865 square feet and can accommodate up to 480 people per service. The building will also have six classrooms, a common area, and staff offices. Construction is anticipated to start this spring.

Hydrangea (Quickfire) 3.5 foot............................................$50 Lilac (Japanese) 3 foot tree.......................................$24 Linden (Redmond) 1 inch diameter..............................$41 Maple (Autumn Blaze) 1 inch diameter..............................$48 Maple (Sugar) 1.25 inch diameter.........................$54 Ironwood 6 foot...............................................$47 Willow (Weeping) 1 inch diameter..............................$28

Public Storage

How to Reserve a Tree

Public Storage received approvals for an expansion of their storage facility located at 11421 Ulysses Street NE, just south of the Wal-Mart on Highway 65. Public Storage will be adding 1,120 units within two climate controlled, single story buildings. Construction is anticipated to begin this spring.

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Lexington Cove Lennar Corporation received approvals for a 97-lot single family subdivision called Lexington Cove located a 12847 Lexington Avenue (east of Lexington Avenue and north of Main Street). The builder is proposing various types of homes with over 20 potential elevations. Prices will range between $335,000 and $420,000. Development of the site is expected to start this spring.

Oakwood Ponds Fourth Addition The developer of Oakwood Ponds received final plat approval for the fourth addition. This addition includes 26 single family lots and 6 detached townhome (villa) lots. This subdivision is located just east of Lever Street, north of Main Street. For more information or to sign up for the BizConnect Online, visit BlaineBiz.com

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Order online at BlaineMN.gov/TreeReservations Call Public Works at 763-785-6165 Send an email to Trees@BlaineMN.gov

Tree Pickup Information Tree pick up will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 9AM – 1PM at: Blaine Public Works facility 1801 - 101st Avenue NE For more information about the tree sale, tree varieties, and planting recommendations, visit BlaineMN.gov/TreeSale

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

City Receives Grant to Combat Emerald Ash Borer The City of Blaine received a grant to plant about 200 trees in the city and will help combat the loss of trees due to Emerald Ash Borer. This grant will help improve the urban forest in neighborhood city parks. This grant was awarded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Funding was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The $28,364 grant will be matched with city funding at the same amount. Blaine has been hit especially hard by Emerald Ash Borer due to the large number of ash trees in the city. Trees paid for through this grant will be planted in 2020 and 2021. For more information about Emerald Ash Borer, visit BlaineMN.gov/EAB

Spring High Water Levels Frequent and heavy rains across the area last fall caused creeks, lakes, ponds, and wetlands to be at their highest levels in years. With saturated soils and high levels of water already, the ability of the drainage system to hold the predicted higher snowmelt this spring looks compromised. Once the snow melts, be prepared for extra-saturated low areas in drainage and utility easements. Check your plat to see if there is one on your property. Floodplain elevations or wetlands might be harder to see or find, but are no less important. They function as floodwater storage areas on the landscape. Usually by fall they are lower from summer evaporation and plants taking up water then transpiring it through their leaves. Last fall, though, there was so much rain that storage capacity is low for the spring snowmelt. To reduce property damage from flooding please keep sheds, equipment, landscape materials, and piles of debris (including piles of grass clippings or leaves) out of low areas. If you plan to landscape or build on your property this year, please check that your activity will not cause flooding. If your property is located within the Coon Creek Watershed District (the western part of Blaine), please complete a technical assistance form for two hours of free review. If not in the Coon Creek Watershed District, contact the Blaine Water Resources Manager at 763-785-6188, to get routed to the correct entity. Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or online at CoonCreekWD.org

Spring Pet Reminders 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 ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property. If you wish to have dogs run and play off leash, the city has an off leash dog park available at Aquatore Park. For more information on using the off leash dog park, visit BlaineMN.gov/DogPark

Residents Will 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. This ordinance was enacted in response to multiple complaints regarding the amount of feces accumulating within the park system and along walkways. Please be a courteous pet owner and clean up after your pet.

Septic Tank Pumping Maintenance Information Just a reminder to have a licensed Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) service provider submit the required MPCA septic tank maintenance reporting form to the building inspections department at Blaine City Hall at least once every three years. Please submit forms by email to Septic@BlaineMN.gov. The form can be found at BlaineMN.gov/SepticTankMaintenance

March/April 2020

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Blaine Recycling Saturdays 10am — 2pm

3rd Saturday of Each Month Drop-Off Location Green Lights Recycling Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE

Make Your Private Security Camera a Crime Fighting Tool The Blaine Police Department wants to partner with residents and business owners who have video surveillance on the exterior of their homes or businesses. No matter your level of surveillance, a multi-camera system or a simple doorbell camera, your participation in this program will help the police department in the event of a crime in your area. Participation is voluntary and you can end your participation at any time. Your information will be kept confidential, secure, and only accessible to police personnel. If a crime occurs in your area, officers and/or detectives may contact you to ask if you have footage of the incident. The Blaine Police Department will not have a direct link or connection to any private alarm or camera system. • Registering your cameras takes just a few minutes via an easy online process. • Camera registration does not give the department access to your live video feeds. It simply allows police to easily contact you to request video recordings in the event a crime occurred at or near your location. • Only the Blaine Police Department will have access to the locations of your cameras, and it will help speed up the recording request process for both you and our detectives. Already registered with the CommunityConnect Camera Registration program? An email will be arriving shortly to invite past participants to setup cameras in the new system. For more information and to register cameras, visit BlaineMN.gov/Camera

Recycling in City Parks With spring around the corner, the city would like to remind everyone to please use the recycling program in city parks. There will be blue recycling carts located with the trash containers to make it easy for everyone to recycle at city parks. Park users can recycle the same materials in our parks as you do at home in the parks recycling program. Thank you for keeping our parks, trails, and open spaces clean.

Annual Stormwater Meeting Thursday, April 16 from 4:30 - 6:30pm

The annual public informational meeting for Blaine’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 4:30-6:30PM at Blaine City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to inform residents on stormwater related activities conducted by the city and allow for input on the stormwater program. For more information please call Water Resources Manager Rebecca Haug at 763-785-6188 or rhaug@blainemn.gov.

The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. Participants do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. The recycling drop-off day is funded by Anoka County and Minnesota SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment). Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456|GLRNow.com Cash or Check Only Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. See complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmental Services.com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding.

Bike Collection Begins April 20 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 off a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of the Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation. Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464 WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup. City Recycling Information 763-785-6192 BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

RecConnect Summer 2020

Creative Opportunities Teen Art Show and Children’s Art Workshop Teen Art Show

Children’s Art Workshop

The Blaine Arts Council invites local teens to participate in the 14th annual Teen Art Show. Showcase your talent and have your artwork on display at Blaine City Hall. Prizes will be awarded.

The Blaine Arts Council is celebrating Children’s Art Month by inviting area youth to Blaine City Hall to create a masterpiece under the guidance of professional artists. Artwork will be displayed at city hall in April for public viewing. Limited to 20 participants. Projects will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Parents must stay with their children. For more information, contact Joy Handt at jhandt@blainemn.gov or 763-717-2724.

March 30 - April 27 at Blaine City Hall

Ages 8 - 10 at Blaine City Hall

For more information, visit BlaineEvents.com/TeenArtShow or contact Joy Handt at jhandt@blainemn.gov or 763-717-2724

Saturday, April 18, 10 – 11:30AM $5/child, Activity #7492

Online Recreation Programs Summer Registration Opens March 16, 8am The Summer 2020 RecConnect catalog will be available online March 16 at

BlaineParks.com/ RecConnect Register for Summer 2020 programs at

Neighborhood Park Clean-up

BlaineParks.com/Register

Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.

Earth Day

Neighborhood Park Clean-up Celebrate Earth Day by gathering with your neighbors and cleaning up your neighborhood park. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for residents to organize an Earth Day Clean-up event at any of our 65 parks. You select the date, time, and park, we provide the supplies. Parks • Ponds • Rain Gardens Storm Drains • Drainage Ditches

BlaineEvents.com

Select a clean-up date anytime between April 15 and May 17. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation at 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/EarthDay

Winter/Spring 2020

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Saturday

April 4

RecConnect

Breakfast with the Bunny

Summer 2020

Families with children ages 10 & under

Enjoy a continental breakfast, craft time, and visit with the bunny. Staff will take a photo of your kids with the bunny and email it to you or bring your own camera. Fee includes breakfast for one child and one adult, two crafts for one child, and photos with the bunny. Extra adults may attend for $2 each. Registration is required and limited to 25 children per time slot. Event is held at Blaine City Hall. Some of the times may be full. 9am - Activity #7488, 10am - Activity #7489, 11am - Activity #7490, noon - Activity #7491, $10 res; $11 nr

Cookie Decorating

Community Outings

Ages 10 & under with parent or adult

All community outings depart from and return to the Mary Ann Young Center located at 9150 Central Avenue NE and include motorcoach transportation, lunch, and a ticket unless otherwise noted. Posted times include pick up and return.

Cookies and all toppings will be supplied. Bring a container to take the freshly decorated cookies home. Dress for the mess. Max 20. Held at Blaine City Hall. Deadline to register is March 20 or when spaces fill.

For more detailed descriptions of these trips, please call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Thursday, March 26 5:30-6:15pm, Activity #7509 6:30-7:15pm, Activity #7510 $10 RES; $11 NR

James J. Hill House and State Capitol Tour

Bike Helmet Fitting & Sales at Blaine City Hall The Blaine Safety Services and SBM Fire Departments are hosting the annual bike helmet fitting and sales event to promote the safety of bicyclists in the community.

Thursday, April 2, 9am-4pm $57, Activity #7608 Register by March 18

Breaking Up is Hard to Do at Ives Auditorium, Bloomington Wednesday, May 20, 10am-4:30pm $70, Activity #7618 Register by May 4

Helmets are available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. All helmets are US CPSC Safety approved. Already have a helmet? Bring it in and have it properly fit. No appointment necessary. Saturday, March 28, 9am - noon Tuesday, May 5, 5 - 7pm For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/Bike Helmet

Fat Tire Biking Ages 16 & older at the Lochness Park

This introductory level class is designed to show participants how much fun fat tire bikes can be. Bikes and helmets will be provided; all you need to do is register. Space is limited to 8 riders. Saturday, April 4, 1-3pm $10, Activity #7568

Australian Movies Movies from the Land Down Under

North Metro TV Studio Manager Eric Houston will explore the ins and outs of Australian cinema. This is a fascinating class that you will not want to miss. Class held at North Metro TV, 12520 Polk Street in Blaine NE, Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8pm $10, Activity #7571

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

Join the Team Public Works Seasonal Employment The City of Blaine is looking for seasonal employees who can work 40 hours per week. Positions are available in the parks, streets, utilities and mechanics departments.

2020 Road Construction Projects The City of Blaine is preparing for another season of street construction. This year there will be approximately eight miles of local streets reconstructed. There are several local collector streets included in the projects, they are:

Clover Leaf Parkway from Polk Street to 99th Avenue Jefferson Street from Territorial Road to 112th Avenue Ulysses Street from 121st Avenue to 125th Avenue Aberdeen Street from 117th Avenue to 125th Avenue Quail Creek Parkway from Radisson Road to Palisade Court Xylite Street/Rice Creek Parkway/Flanders from 85th Avenue to 95th Avenue The specific construction schedules have not yet been set for each of these projects. Watch the city website for project updates this spring. For more information on construction projects and to sign up for the Blaine Construciton Update, visit BlaineMN.gov/ConstructionProjects

Hours are 7AM to 3PM Monday through Friday. No weekends, nights, or holidays. The wage range is $12 to $17 an hour, depending on qualifications. You must be at least 17 years old, have a valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license and a good driving record. The application deadline is March 31. Come join a great team, work outside, and help keep Blaine beautiful. For more information, please contact Blaine Public Works at 763-785-6165 or PW@BlaineMN.gov. Applications are available at Blaine Public Works 1801 101st Avenue NE or apply online at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs

Summer Employment Ages 17 and up Blaine Parks and Recreation is looking for recreation leaders and coaches for summer youth programs. Individuals with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is March 31. Interviews will take place in early April. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 763-785-6164. Apply online at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs

Senior Safety & Wellness Fair at SBM Fire Station #3 The annual Senior Safety and Wellness Fair is a highly anticipated event for area seniors. For just $10, participants can expect great speakers, vendors, safety sessions, health screenings, food, refreshments, door prizes, and more. The keynote speaker this year is Tom Ryther, former news and sports broadcaster and two-time Emmy award winner. Space is limited to the first 80 registrants and advanced registration is required. Registration forms available at Blaine City Hall or the Mary Ann Young Center. Call the Mary Ann Young Center for more information at 763-786-9375. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/SeniorSafetyFair

Volunteer Van Drivers Needed Looking for an opportunity to serve the community? Substitute or permanent van drivers are needed to transport people to and from the Mary Ann Young Center for meals and programs. Join the group of volunteer van drivers by contacting the staff at the Mary Ann Young Center. Training is available and a free lunch provided the day you drive. Please consider this valuable volunteer opportunity. For more information, contact the Mary Ann Young Center at 763-786-9375.