sense of
coming to the very first Blaine Oktoberfest. Over 4,000 people
music,
to the Blaine
truly takes all of
trucks, a petting zoo, and a craft fair. Events like this
spirit of community and inclusiveness and seeing people and
this event,
to put
such
the next Oktoberfest around the same time next year.
Cities
came
successful event. Keep an eye out
can complete an absentee ballot by mail or in-person at Blaine City Hall. To request an absentee ballot by mail visit MNVotes.org. Ballots requested by mail must be returned by Election Day. Ballots can be returned by mail or in-person no later than 3PM on Election Day.
voters also have the option to complete an absentee ballot in-person at Blaine City Hall. In-person absentee voting hours are, Monday-Friday from 8AM-4:30PM. Additional special hours will be held for in-person absentee ballots on Saturday, November 5 from 10AM-3PM and until 5PM on Monday, November 7.
Election – Tuesday, November 8
has 26 polling places across the City. All polling places will be open for voting on Tuesday, November 8 from 7AM-8PM. Anyone in line at 8PM will be able to vote.
to redistricting, ward boundaries have changed since the last election and the City has added additional precincts and polling places.
your council ward and Election Day voting location at BlaineMN.gov/Elections
763-785-6168
763-786-4436
763-427-1212
763-784-6700
763-786-9375
763-785-6165
763-785-6170
763-785-6181
763-785-6122
763-785-6120
763-785-6181
763-785-6187
763-717-2713
763-785-6180
763-785-6172
763-717-2677
763-785-6187
763-717-2660
763-785-6146
763-785-6109
763-785-6181
763-780-8241
763-785-6164
763-785-6180
763-785-6141
763-785-6165
763-785-6165
763-785-6172
763-785-6141
763-785-6165
763-717-2638
City Council*
November 7 | November
5
City Council Workshops
November 7 | November 14 | November 21 December 5 | December 12 | December 19
Cloverleaf
Natural Resources Conservation Board*
7pm
15 | December 20
City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
7pm
22
City Hall Council Chambers
Planning Commission*
November 9 | December 13
7pm
City Hall Council Chambers
Traffic Commission*
November 1 | December 6
30pm | City Hall Council Chambers
*
can be seen live on cable channel 16 and 799. A livestream of meetings is available at BlaineMN.gov/Video
Ages 14 to 20 and an Interest in Law Enforcement
Do you know someone between the age of 14-20 who has an interest in law enforcement? If so, the Blaine Police Explorers are currently accepting applications!
The Explorer Program is a free volunteer youth program designed for motivated and service orientated youth who have an interest in the law enforcement field. Explorers attend weekly meetings where they receive training in all avenues of law enforcement. The program provides an opportunity for youth to develop leadership and teamwork skills and make a difference in their community. It is a great way to learn what law enforcement is really about while developing life-long skills that are beneficial no matter what career path they plan to take.
If you are or know someone interested, you can email Sgt. Travis Hale at THale@BlaineMN.gov Applications to this program are also available at the Blaine PD front desk in City Hall.
Wednesday,
The Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire Department (SBM) is proud to present the 2022 Annual Santa Parade! Join us December 5-8 on a neighborhood street near you. The department will show off over 20 fire apparatus as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Non-perishable food items are encouraged to be brought to the curb for local donation. Come say hello to Santa and smile at a firefighter as they hand you a candy cane winter treat. Blaine will be visited all four nights of this year’s parade.
Viewing locations, route changes, and other announcements will be available on SBM Fire social media pages and the website at SBMFire.org
To view an interactive map with times and more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/SantaParade
Want to know about an upcoming election? Need to register to vote or check on your voter status? Need to apply for a business license? Or do you need access to community archives and research documents? The Blaine City Clerk’s Office has got you covered.
The City Clerk’s Office is a central department in any city government and is often the first stop for information. Whether a city is large or small, the Clerk’s Office has a wide variety of duties and responsibilities regarding statutory and City Charter requirements, including:
• Maintaining all Council proceedings and official records such as minutes and resolutions
• Publishing legal notices and newly adopted ordinances
• Coordinating board and commission vacancies
• Administering business and other licensing such as tobacco and alcohol
• Maintaining and responding to inquiries regarding the City Code
The Clerk’s Office also includes the new Customer Service Center that provides the public one stop for information on many items, including paying a utility bill, getting information on a park shelter, contact information for a councilmember, board and commission meeting agendas, and much more.
Another key role for the department is election administration for local, state, and federal elections, including absentee voting for residents who wish to vote prior to election day. With the 2020 census and the City’s increased population to over 70,000, the 2022 redistricting resulted in the addition of two new polling places for a total of 26 precincts. While a core function of the Clerk’s Office, successfully-run elections only happen as a result of much work and partnership with many others, including over 280 election judges, the use of schools, places of worship, fire stations, and other locations for polling places, and from almost every City department including Public Works who deliver all materials and equipment to polling places, election judge payroll, communications, GIS mapping, information technology, and so many others. Blaine is very fortunate to have a fantastic team and the Clerk’s Office is ready to help. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/CityClerk and BlaineMN.gov/Elections
Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees during the weeks of January 2 and January 9. This year trees will be collected the day after your regular garbage collection day. 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 the trees out on your regular service day, and it will be collected the next day.
When hiring a snow and ice removal company check to see if they are Smart Salting certified for parking lots and sidewalks by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This voluntary certification gives contractors proven techniques for improved snow and ice removal while preventing harm to creeks, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently contaminate five gallons of water.
Once salt is in water it stays there accumulating year after year. Besides corroding metal infrastructure like pipes and their metal joints (not to mention vehicles and concrete), salt disrupts aquatic food webs, degrades soil and can lead to salty drinking water.
The cheapest, and only, way to deal with salt pollution is prevention.
• Be ready for winter driving and walking conditions and slow down
• Use snow tires to give your vehicle much better grip than all-season radial tires
• Wear winter footwear
If using de-icers, make sure you use the right amount at the right time and right place. If you want traction, use sand and sweep up any extra.
Learn more at MWMO.org/Learn/ Preventing-Water-Pollution/ Snow-Ice-Removal/ The Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota have saved thousands of dollars by training their crews and using Smart Salting techniques that are also safe.
• If you live in a homeowners association or have a business or church campus, there is a short training designed for property managers and another for contractors.
• Are you a decision-maker on a council, planning, or other commission? There’s a brand new, two-hour course just for you. Already have a contractor lined up? Check to see if they are certified or give them the information to get their staff certified at, PCA.State.MN.US/Water/ Smart-Salting-Training
• Fall street sweeping crews are out now. Please keep cars and any obstacles out of the road as much as possible to allow crews to do their job.
• Boulevard tree trimming is completed in the winter months as time allows.
• After a snowfall do not plow, blow, or shovel snow onto or across any public street. This is against Minnesota state law.
• After a snowstorm the city roadways are the first priority. Sidewalks and park trails will be cleared after the roadways.
• Any sod damage caused by city plows will be repaired with new dirt and grass seed in the spring.
• 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.
• The City of Blaine routinely posts plow updates on social media before, during, and after a snowstorm.
• Help plow crews locate the curb by marking the edge with a wood stake. Free wood stakes are available at the public works building.
Pre-snowfall Mailbox Inspection - Now is a great time to check your mailbox post condition. Can it handle the weight of a snow drift? The City does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during normal plowing operations, unless it is determined that the damaged mailbox met the installation recommendations.
See who is responsible for plowing your road at BlaineMN.gov/SnowPlow For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/PublicWorks
Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) is seeking volunteers for a fun way to get involved in protecting water!
Help monitor levels of chloride (salt) in local waters. Volunteers receive three test strips to measure chloride levels during the winter from street runoff or a nearby waterbody, whichever is safer. The volunteers then report results using the Water Reporter website or phone app. This project is part of the Izaak Walton League of America’s national Salt Watch Program to help identify salt pollution hot spots.
Interested in signing up for the Salt Watch Program? Please contact CCWD Engagement Specialist, Abby Shea at 763-258-7305 or at ASHEA@Coon CreekWD.org
Regulations in Effect from November 1 thru April 1, 2-7am
• No parking on any street from 2AM until 7AM. A permit for overnight parking may be obtained from the Blaine Police Department in emergency situations.
• No street parking after a snowfall of two inches or more until the street is fully plowed.
Councilmember Wes Hovland has represented the first ward for the last 20 years. Hovland is retiring from the Blaine City Council at the end of the year.
Hovland moved to Blaine in 1980 after he completed a five-year stint in the United States Air Force. Hovland and his late wife raised their family in Blaine and Wes first got involved in City government serving on the Blaine Transportation Committee from 2000-2002. Wes then decided to run for City Council. He never considered himself a politician, “I am just an average citizen…I always tried to just apply good common sense” said Hovland.
One of the accomplishments that Hovland is most proud of is the commitment to increase the number of city road projects done each year, while reducing the percentage of the project cost assesed to the property owner. He is also proud of how he was able to help residents in their moment of need. He feels strongly that the City Council is here for the people and wants to solve problems for the community. Looking back on the last two decades of serving on the City Council, Hovland reflected, “20 years is a long time…the City has changed, and I am proud of the way it has changed…now it is time to let somebody else step in and serve”.
The Blaine City Council is seeking applicants for several advisory boards and commissions. Board and commission members provide input and guidance on the many different matters that a city like Blaine faces. Vacancies are filled by mayoral appointment and confirmed by the Blaine City Council. There will be openings on various Blaine’s boards and commissions such as, the Park Advisory Board and Planning Commission. Requirements for these positions include being a resident of Blaine, attending monthly meetings, and having a community interest.
Interested residents can learn more and apply by contacting City Hall at 763-784-6700 or online at BlaineMN.gov/BoardsandCommissions.
Facebook Town Hall, November 17, 7pm
Learn about the process that city staff and the Blaine City Council use to build the yearly budget. Hear from Mayor Sanders and City Councilmembers on their priorities for the upcoming year and ask your questions about the city budget. Submit your questions ahead of time to Communications@BlaineMN. gov. Watch the town hall live on the City of Blaine Facebook page on November 17 at 7PM.
The annual truth in taxation hearing will be held on Monday, December 12 at 7PM in the Blaine City Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall. City staff will share information regarding the City of Blaine 2023 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 2023 general fund budget and tax levy.
Information about the preliminary general fund budget and levy can be found on the city website at BlaineMN.gov/2023Budget
8am
Green
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. Follow the signs for the entrance and staff directions through the drop off process. The recycling drop-off day is funded by Anoka County and Minnesota SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment).
Green
763-785-0456
Mattresses,
Randy’s
Randy’s
Bike
Bikes4Kids
Walters
WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine
Contact
City Recycling Information 763-785-6141
BlaineMN.gov/Recycle
The fall program catalog is now online, check out all the great program offerings. Registration for fall programs is now open at, BlaineParks.com/Register.
Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks
Video Production for YouTube Grades 3 to 8, Saturdays, November 12 & 19
10:30am-12:30pm, $72 res; $85 nr
Advanced Minecraft: Command Block Grades 3 to 7, Saturdays, December 3 & 10 8-10am, $72 res; $85 nr
Minecraft: Battle the Ender Dragon Grades 2 to 6, Tuesday, December 27 & Wednesday, December 28 9am-noon, $110 res; $125 nr
For class descriptions and other specifics, visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Classes held at Blaine City Hall
Candylicious Thanksgiving, Ages 4 to 9
Kids will create a Thanksgiving scene made of “sweet” art supplies, including candy. This project will be a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving table. This is a great class for siblings to attend together. Please pack a nut free snack and drink for your child.
Saturday, November 19, 9am – noon $40 res; $45 nr
Parent/Child Rudolph, All Ages
You and your child will follow easy step-by-step instructions as you create matching portraits of the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer! Each parent /child will create their own masterpiece on a real canvas board.
Friday, December 2, 6:30-8pm $40 res; $45 nr
Ages 10 and under with parent/adult
Spend a morning with your family at the North Pole. Do not miss out on this memorable event. Take a picture of your child with Santa. Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Registration is required and limited to 30 children per time slot. Event held at Blaine City Hall.
Session 1: Saturday, December 10 –9AM, 10AM, 11AM, NOON
Session 2: Saturday, December 17 –9AM, 10AM, 11AM, NOON
Some sessions maybe full $20 RES; $21 NR
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Ages 4 to 9 Model magic clay will be used to create this adorable reindeer, red nose, and all. Please pack a nut-free snack and drink for your child.
Saturday, December 3, 9am-noon $40 res; $45 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Ages 11 & up
Learn to be a responsible babysitter by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Hands-on experience with diapers and bottle feeding are included. Participants receive a packet of materials and certificates are awarded to all students who successfully demonstrate the skills during the class. Must be age 11 by the date of class. Bring a doll, lunch, and a beverage. Class held at Blaine City Hall Community Room.
Wednesday, December 28 9am-3pm, $80 res; $88 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
The progression of camps and programs, led by expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport specific skills. Skyhawks goes the extra mile to focus on safety and has a long-standing proven safety track record.
Basketball Saturdays, November 19 - December 17, $85
Ages 6 to 7: 10:20-11:20am
Ages 8 to 10: 11:30am-12:30pm
Ages 10 to 12: 12:40-1:40pm
Hoopster Tots
Saturdays November 19 - December 17, $85
Ages 2 to 3: 9-9:30am
Ages 3 to 5: 9:40-1:10am
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
13129
4041 85th
Street
12197 Fergus Street
9033
Street
Food, drinks, music, dancing, and community – you could see that in every corner of this year’s Worldfest, with over 800 people in attendance. After no event in 2020 and a scaled back event in 2021 it was great to see the community return to Worldfest this year.
Worldfest continues to be a great way to celebrate Blaine’s growing cultural and ethnic diversity. It was an amazing day filled with performances, food, community building, cultural booths, and more. After 14 years of exploring and celebrating international customs, many are already looking forward to next year.
Mark your calendars for the 15th annual Worldfest on September 16, 2023. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/WorldFest
you ever wondered what it would be like to train like an actual Blaine Police Officer
The Winter Holiday Celebration at Blaine City Hall will include a variety of great activities for the whole family.
All activities are free and run continuously throughout the evening.
The event will feature the lighting of Tom Ryan Park with beautiful lights.
Enjoy live holiday music, s’mores by the fire, hot chocolate, and much more. Santa and his reindeer will be at the event, but Santa will not be available for individual visits or photographs.
