BlaineMN.gov
CityConnect November/December 2020
What’s Inside
Introducing Blaine iMS A New Way to Conduct City Business............3
Blaine Wetland Santuary Trail Grand Opening, August 2017
CARES Act Spending Information....................4
Tom Ryan Retires as Mayor After 34 years on the Blaine City Council
New Interpretive Signs at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary.....................8
After his last election win in 2016 Ryan knew it would be his last. The longest serving public official in Blaine history is putting the gavel down but he is not leaving the city that he loves. Mayor Ryan will continue to live in Blaine and be involved in causes that are important to him, such as the Veterans Memorial that is under construction. POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
ECRWSS
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324 City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449
Mayor Tom Ryan was first sworn in on the Blaine City Council in 1987. He had served on the Blaine Planning Commission for a year and decided to run for the the city council. He won that election and has never lost an election since. He served 10 years as a councilmember and then in 1996 he ran for Mayor. Ryan took over as Mayor at the beginning of 1997 and has served ever since.
Mayor Ryan also wants residents to know that his phone will still work and he still wants to hear from residents and continue helping when he can. In October the Blaine City Council took action to recognize Mayor Ryan’s years of service to the community by renaming Town Square Park as Tom Ryan Park. Tom Ryan Park is located next to Blaine City Hall and is the home to the summer concert series, Blaine World Fest, and many other community events throughout the year. The park is also home to the Veterans Memorial that Mayor Ryan has worked diligently with others to bring to the community. Congratulations to Mayor Ryan and thank you for your unwavering commitment to Blaine and its people. A farewell celebration is planned for Monday, December 21. Learn more on page 5.
Coucilmember Swanson Leaves Office Blaine’s Longest Serving Councilmember
While Mayor Ryan holds the distinction for the longest serving member on the Blaine City Council, Councilmember Dick Swanson holds the record for longest serving in the role of councilmember. Swanson will retire at the end of his term this year after first being elected in 1994. Swanson was instrumental in adding an additional lane to Interstate 35W, a project now under construction after years of work. Another proud accomplishment for Swanson was the creation of Blaine’s first dog park. The dog park at Aquatore Park has been renamed by the city council as Swanson Dog Park. Congratulations Councilmember Swanson and thank you for your service to the people of Blaine.
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Upcoming Meetings
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For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.
City Directory
City Council* November 2 | November 16 December 7 | December 21 7:30PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional City Council Workshops November 2 | November 9 | November 16 December 7 | December 14 | December 21 6PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional Arts Council Meetings canceled until further notice. Historical Society Meetings canceled until further notice. Natural Resources Conservation Board* November 17 | December 15 7PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional Park Board* November 24 | December 22 7PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional Planning Commission* November 10 | December 8 7PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional Traffic Commission* November 4 | December 1 6:30PM | Virtual Meeting/In-Person Optional *Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16 and 799. For links to virtual meetings, visit BlaineMN.gov/CityMeetings.
Stay Connected
Police & Fire................................................. 911
WARD 1 Wes Hovland 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Dick Swanson 763-370-2557 DSwanson@BlaineMN.gov
WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 612-964-0503 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov
WARD 3 Andrew Garvais 612-229-8890 AGarvais@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 763-290-3000 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov
CITY MANAGER Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120 MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov
Police (non-emergency) ..........763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)...............763-786-4436 Public Works After 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
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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
November/December 2020
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Serve on a Blaine Board or Commission The City of Blaine will soon be taking applications for open positions on city boards and commissions. Applicants must be a Blaine resident. This is a volunteer position. Applicants will be invited to interview with the city council in early 2021. City of Blaine Boards and Commissions Seeking Applicants
Introducing Blaine iMS A New Way to Conduct City Business The City of Blaine is using a new online permitting application system called Intuitive Municipal Solutions (iMS). The new system allows residents and contractors to submit applications and payments online, to view previously issued permits, and receive immediate feedback on applications and inspection results. In addition, iMS users will be able to: • • • • • • •
Apply for a business license Apply for a contractor license Register as a contractor Report a concern/complaint View property information View planning projects File a code enforcement report
Natural Resources Conservation Board The Blaine NRCB meets monthly and makes recommendations regarding open space and natural preservation in Blaine. Park Advisory Board The Blaine Park Advisory Board meets monthly and is responsible for recommendations regarding the Blaine park system. Planning Commission
New users to the system just need to create an account in the system and begin the process. An online permit system has been one of the most requested enhancements from both residents and contractors in recent years and we are excited to roll out this new feature for the community. Get started today at BlaineMN.gov/IMSHelp.
Christmas Tree Collection First Two Full Weeks in January Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees during the weeks of January 4 and January 11. The garbage truck driver makes a list of all the trees that are out and on the next day Walters will collect the trees that have been set out. Just set a tree out on your regular service day, and it will be collected the next day.
The Blaine Planning Commission meets monthly and holds public hearings on planning and zoning items. Senior Advisory Board This board meets monthly and discusses matters related to the senior population in Blaine. Traffic Commission The Traffic Commission meets monthly and makes recommendations to the city council on neighborhood traffic concerns. Applications will be available starting on November 9. To learn more, visit BlaineMN.gov/ Boards andCommissions.
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SBM Santa Parade
Calling kids of all ages. The Blaine-Spring Lake Park-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department will once again be joined by Santa Claus for the annual food shelf fundraiser and food collection event during the first week of December. The journey will tour through west Blaine on Monday, December 7, east Blaine on Tuesday, December 8, and The Lakes neighborhood on Wednesday, December 9. The full route details are still being worked out by elves. Keep an eye on SBMFire.org for the latest information and further updates from the North Pole.
Truth in Taxation
December 14, 8pm The annual truth in taxation hearing will be held on Monday, December 14, at 8PM in the Blaine City Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall. City staff will share information regarding the City of Blaine 2021 general fund budget and annual tax levy. The truth in taxation hearing is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share comments on the 2021 general fund budget and tax levy. Public testimony will be taken both in person and virtually via Zoom. Information about the preliminary general fund budget and levy can be found on the city website at BlaineMN.gov/Budget.
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Development Activity Map Tips for Residents to Prepare for Winter Here are a few helpful reminders as the city prepares for the winter season. •
Boulevard tree trimming is completed in the winter months as time allows.
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After a snowfall do not plow, blow, or shovel snow onto or across any public street. This is against Minnesota state law.
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After a snowstorm the city roadways are the first priority. Sidewalks and park trails will be cleared after the roadways.
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Any sod damage caused by city plows will be repaired with new dirt and grass seed in the spring.
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Blaine Public Works is responsible for plowing only city streets. MnDOT and Anoka County also have plow crews assigned to their roads in Blaine as well as private contractors on private neighborhood streets.
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The City of Blaine routinely posts plow updates on Facebook and Twitter before, during, and after a snowstorm.
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Help plow crews locate the curb by marking the edge with a wood stake. Free stakes are available at the public works building.
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Please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important for residents and businesses to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street. Control your use of ice melt to protect area lakes and creeks. Remember shovel first then only use a small amount of ice melt if needed.
Want to know what development activity is occurring the community? The City of Blaine has an interactive development map available on the city website. The interactive map allows anyone to see what projects are currently under review, upcoming, under construction, or recently completed. Each project is identified with a location on a map along with a flag to click for further information. Most of the time only projects that are new buildings are listed. Remodeling of existing spaces is typically not identified unless it is a highly visible project like when Aldi filled the former Best Buy space. Other information maps include Blaine Senior Housing Options, Blaine Residential Development, and also a link to the Anoka County Economic Development webpage for commercial and industrial land and building listings. To view the Development Activity Map, visit BlaineMN.gov/DevelopmentMap. For any question regarding proposed, current or future developments, please contact the Community Development office at 763-785-6180.
CARES Act Helps with COVID-19 Response The federal CARES Act provided funding to states, counties, and cities to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Blaine began operating the city’s emergency operations center in mid-March and incurred a number of costs related to the pandemic. This federal funding means that the city is able to cover its expenses related to the pandemic without having to draw on the city’s general fund. City staff also put into place many cost containment measures because this funding cannot be used to replace lost revenue. The city purchased personal protective equipment for staff. This included outfitting the police department, public works staff, and others who, by the nature of their job responsibilities, need to continue to work in person at city facilities throughout the pandemic. This funding allowed the city to offset the costs of preparing staff to work remotely when their job function allowed. CARES funding also allowed the city to put the proper protections and systems in place to reopen Blaine City Hall by appointment only in June. City buildings received HVAC improvements as recommended by public health experts and underwent many modifications to reduce touch points for staff and customers. This funding is also being used to provide emergency meal assistance through the Mary Ann Young Center to at risk seniors in the community. In addition to the city’s pandemic related expenses, the Blaine City Council approved a small business and nonprofit grant program that infused a large portion of CARES funding into the local economy. Nearly 70 Blaine businesses and nonprofits received a $10,000 grant through the city. Additionally the city was able to provide a larger grant to both Fogerty Arena and the National Sports Center, two vitally important community assets in Blaine that were hit incredibly hard by the pandemic. Federal CARES act funding must be spent by November 15, 2020. There will be more pandemic related expenses past this date. However, this funding has put the city in a good position to withstand the COVID-19 economic storm and allowed the city to put the needed protections in place to provide for safe interactions between the city and the community during the pandemic.
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Celebration
Blaine City Hall Atrium
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City Cable Channel
Join us for
A Blaine Farewell Celebration to honor
Winter Parking Reminder
Mayor Tom Ryan and Councilmember Dick Swanson Mayor Ryan and Councilmember Swanson will be in the atrium at Blaine City Hall and you are invited to come and give your well wishes. Social distancing will be followed and face masks will be mandatory. There will be a designated entrance and exit from the building.
Regulations in effect from November 1 - April 1 •
No parking on any city street from 2AM until 7AM. A permit for overnight parking may be obtained from the Blaine Police Department in emergency situations.
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No parking after a snowfall of two inches or more until the street has been fully plowed from curb to curb.
Virtual/Televised Celebration Watch as invited guests share their memories of working with Mayor Ryan and Councilmember Swanson. View the celebration at BlaineMN.gov/Video or watch on Blaine’s city cable channel (Comcast channel 799 or 16).
Sign a Large Thank You Card Stop by Blaine City Hall to sign a large thank you card from the community starting on December 7. Please note that all events are subject to change do to COVID-19 circumstances. Watch BlaineMN.gov for the latest information.
Highway 65 Update The city has been working with the State of Minnesota, Anoka County, and other cities along Highway 65 since 2005 to get needed funding for improvements to the entire corridor from Minneapolis to Cambridge. First came the Highway 65 Corridor Study, which was the basis for the improvement projects that lead to bridges being installed at 121st Avenue, County Road 14/Main Street, and 129th Avenue to ease congestion and bring important safety improvements to the highway in northern Blaine. In 2017, the city began working with the state to update the study, which is now known as the Highway 65 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study. The study identified some alternatives to address congestion and safety issues from County Highway 10 in Spring Lake Park to Bunker Lake Boulevard in Ham Lake. The area that the city is focusing on is 99th Avenue. This is the connection to a city street that will have to most impact on improving congestion and safety in Blaine. The city is also supporting Anoka County in its process of getting funding to improve the 109th Avenue (County Road 12) intersection. The 99th Avenue intersection project has an estimated cost of $29 million dollars. The city is making grant requests to fund the project and move it forward. These grant requests are as follows: • The city has requested $10 million in 2024 through the Metropolitan Council Federal Solicitation Process. Draft scoring at the end of August gave this project the second highest score in the strategic capacity category. The Transportation Advisory Board will announcement final results for funding in December of this year. • The city has made application through the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program to improve the east side of the intersection where 99th Avenue and Davenport Street come together. The city has been awarded $1.53 million toward that project. That funding will be available in 2022. • The city has made an application through MnDOT’s Local Partnership Program for funds to create a west side frontage road from 99th Avenue to the north. The city was recently awarded $625,000 toward that project, also available in 2022. • Finally, the city will be making a funding request through the Minnesota Highway Freight Program for an additional $7 million for construction of the interchange in 2024. The total amount requested is just over $19 million. The city will continue to explore additional grant possibilities to round out the funding. State bonding dollars are another option for the remaining funds. Watch for future updates and we continue to pursue funding for this vitally important project. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/TH65.
Garbage and Recycling Cart Placement Do Not Place Them in the Street Garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts may not be placed in the street. This is especially important during the winter months to prevent the snow plows from hitting them and spilling garbage all over the snowbank where it will show up in your yard after the spring thaw. The proper placement is simple but extremely important for efficient operations. Carts should be placed up to two feet behind the curb, in the driveway or an area of the boulevard cleared to allow for their placement. This allows snowplows in the winter and the fall and spring street sweeping crews to clean the streets from curb to curb. The City of Blaine would like to thank all residents in advance for helping to keep the streets clear this season. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/ GarbageandRecycling.
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RecConnect Fall/Winter 2020 Winter/Spring registration opens in early December. To browse the program catalog and register for fall programs, visit BlaineMN.gov/Register.
Brand New Park Equipment, Blaine Baseball Complex Pictured below Park Equipment at President Park
New Playgrounds Installed This fall two new playgrounds were installed in Blaine and a third is about to start construction. New equipment went in at President Park and the Blaine Baseball Complex. Work is scheduled for early November at Van Buren Park. The playground at BBC is the first inclusive playground in Blaine that allows children of all ability levels to play together. Also the zip line is back at Aquatore Park after needing repair this amenity was replaced with a new zip track. For more information about Blaine parks and trails, visit BlaineParks.com/ParksTrails,
Morning at the North Pole Ages 10 and under with parent/adult
City of Blaine Now Hiring Ice Rink Attendants The City of Blaine is hiring part time ice rink attendants for the upcoming skating season. Rink attendants will operate warming houses, shovel rinks as needed, and ensure that COVID-19 precautions are being followed.
Parent and child will enjoy a continental breakfast, craft time, and see Santa. Do not miss this memorable event. Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, a craft for one child, and Santa will be walking around the event. Registration is required and limited to 16 children per time slot. Event held outside at Tom Ryan Park. Santa will not be able to do individual visits but kids can put letters in Santa’s mailbox and they will receive a letter back from him. Saturday, December 5, Noon Saturday, December 12, 10am, 11am, and Noon $10/child resident, $11/child non-resident To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register. Some sessions may be full. Please be mindful of six foot social distancing and wear face mask.
Apply today at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs.
Cookie Decorating Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.
Ages 10 and under with parent/adult Kids and adults will have a great time decorating cookies for the holidays. The city will supply one dozen cookies and all of the toppings. Bring a container to take your cookies home. Dress for the mess. Max. 16. Event held at the Mary Ann Young Center. Thursday, December 10 5:30-6:15pm or 6:30-7:30pm $10/child resident, $11/child non-resident To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
BlaineEvents.com
Please be mindful of six foot social distancing and a face mask is required while inside MAYC.
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Blaine
Ice Skating Rinks Blaine Parks and Recreation is busy planning for the 2020-21 outdoor skating season. Rinks are tentatively scheduled to open December 21. Warming Houses (Full Time).............................Aurelia Happy Acres Lexington Athletic Complex Ostmans Warming House (Thursday – Sunday)...........Quincy
Monday – Friday........................................................4–8pm Saturday..............................................................Noon–8pm Sunday..................................................................Noon–6pm School Vacation Days....................................Noon–8pm Christmas Eve, Christmas Day................... Noon–5pm New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day...............Noon–8pm
Quail Creek will not have a warming house this year. Warming houses are subject to closure of the temperature is -20 degrees or lower.
QC Dance Zumba and Zumba Gold This specialty course is designed for those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle or the older active adult. Zumba fitness is for everyone, all shapes and sizes and just about any age. This class allows everyone to have fun while safely losing pounds and inches. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. Zumba Gold is like a basic Zumba class with lower impact. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping and fun workout. A face mask is required.
Zumba
Zumba Gold
Wednesdays, November 18 – December 16 7:45-8:30PM $30 resident, $33 non-resident
Thursdays, November 12 – December 17 7:45 – 8:30PM (No class November 26) $30 resident, $33 non-resident
10am — 2pm
3rd Saturday of Each Month 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. Participants do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. As a part of their COVID-19 safety plan Green Lights Recycling is asking all people to remain in their vehicles during the drop-off event and to please wear a mask. 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
QC Dance
Cash or Check Only
Ages 6 to 10
Dance Descendants
Frozen Friends Adventure
Do not miss out on chillin’ like a villain at this Descendants themed camp. Dancers learn there are so many ways to be wicked and so many ways to dance. Learn fun moves set to music from Disney’s Descendants soundtrack, create magical potions, and discover that every great story needs a villain.
If you have a child who just cannot stop singing “Let It Go” or “Into the Unknown”, this camp is designed for them. Chill out with this fun, Frozenthemed camp focusing on the Frozen stories and songs. Create fun winter shapes and dances, twirl around your castle like Elsa and Anna, and enjoy a winter-themed craft.
Saturday, November 21 10:30-11:30am $30 in-person; $15/virtual
Saturday, December 12 10:30-11:30am $30 in-person; $15/virtual
Note: If you choose to sign up for the virtual option, a link will be sent to view the camp once you register. A face mask is required when participating in person. To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
Skyhawks Sports Camps Ages 2 to 10
Super Tots Basketball Camp
Basketball Camp
Super Tots by Skyhawks uses age-appropriate games to engage kids in sports. These classes focus on dribbling, shot technique, passing, and teamwork. Adjustable hoops and appropriately sized basketballs are used to always provide just the right amount of challenge. Participants should wear appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle, gym shoes, and a face mask. Camp held at Centennial Middle School.
This fun skill intensive program is designed for the beginning or intermediate player. Skill work will focus on shooting, dribbling, and defense. Participants should wear appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle, gym shoes, and a face mask. Camp held at Centennial Middle School.
Saturdays, November 21 - December 19 Ages 2 to 3: 9-9:30am Ages 3 to 4: 9:40-10:10am $55
Recycling Saturdays
Saturdays, November 21 - December 19 Ages 4 to 6: 10:20-11:20am Ages 5 to 7: 11:30am-12:30pm and 1-2pm Ages 8 to 10: 2:15pm-3:15pm $79 For more information and to register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
Mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. See complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmentalServices. com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding.
Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org No bike collection until April 2021
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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Wetlands Across Communities Interpretive Sign Sponsored by RCWD, Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
New Interpretive Signs at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary In August, the city had seven interpretive signs installed along the boardwalk and trails at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (11980 Lexington Avenue). The signs were designed in partnership with students from Anoka Ramsey Community College, Rice Creek Watershed District, Growing Green Hearts, Critical Connections Ecological Services, and the city’s Natural Resource Conservation Board. The topics include: How are Wetlands Restored and Managed; Sharing the Neighborhood with Wildlife; Subtle Transitions, Dramatic Differences; Upland Mesic Forest; Wetlands Across Communities, Wetlands in the Blaine Community; and What Makes this Site Unique? Sponsorships are available for the signs and the city is thankful to Walter’s Recycling and Refuse for sponsoring two signs, the Rice Creek Watershed District for sponsoring one sign, and Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. for sponsoring one sign. If you or your business are interested in sponsoring a sign, please visit BlaineMN.gov/BWSSponsor.
SBM Fire Department Helps Fight Wildfires Out West This year has been a catastrophic year for wildfires in the western United States, primarily California and Oregon. With the magnitude and amount of wildfires, local firefighting resources quickly became overwhelmed and both states requested help from across the country and the world in some cases. In response to the request for help, the SBMFD stepped up and offered a Type VI engine and two personnel for deployment. Assistant Chief Dan Retka and Battalion Chief Dan Anderson volunteered to take Rescue 3 for the mission. Some of the primary mission types Rescue 3 is designed for are wildland fire suppression, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency medical response, auto extrication, structural firefighting. They joined 25 other firefighters from around Minnesota and traveled over 1,500 miles to Cave Junction, Oregon to the Slater Fire. At the time, the wildfire had burned 148,000 acres, over 400 structures, killed two people, and was less than 10 percent contained. The firefighters got to work protecting structures around the Oregon Cave National Monument. This work consisted of clearing brush, extinguishing spot fires, and hot spots. The work was physically demanding in the mountainous terrain, with crews often carrying 40 pounds of gear up and down fire lines at elevations often at 4,000 to 7,000 feet. In fact, one of the firefighter’s pedometers recorded over 45,000 steps in a single day. Rescue 3 and the Minnesota Task Forces played a critical role in the effort to halt the Slater Fire’s movement to the north/northwest, protecting many structures and the town of Cave Junction. Thank you to Dan Retka and Dan Anderson for representing the SBMFD and the State of Minnesota in response to this cataclysmic event.
Officer Reggie Larson and K9 Partner Rex
Blaine K9 Team Wins National Award Last year Officer Larson and his K-9 partner Rex where involved in a dangerous situation with an armed suspect. The suspect had already fired shots at police and had fled the scene when Officer Larson and Rex arrived on scene. Officer Larson and Rex tracked the suspect to a backyard in Coon Rapids. The suspect was making his way back to the original scene with intent to ambush the investigating police officers. Rex located the suspect and risked his life to protect his fellow officers. For their actions Officer Larson and Rex were honored recently with the national case of the year award by the United States Police Canine Association. This is the highest honor that a K-9 team can receive. We are so proud of Rex and Officer Larson and so thankful they are a part of the Blaine community. “This is an incredible honor and a career defining moment,” said Blaine Police Chief Brian Podany. Officer Larson and Rex were also able to recently spend some time with the family who lives in the house where the suspect was located as a way to offer some closure for the family that experienced this incident. Thank you Officer Larson and Rex for your dedication to the community and for always being willing to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Officer Stefczak, Homeowner, Officer Larson, and K9 Partner Rex