CityConnect - September/October 2023

New Bandshell Coming to Aquatore Park

Opens for 2024 Blaine Festival

Construction is underway in Aquatore Park. A new bandshell facility is being built on the west side of the park. The new facility will include an outdoor performance space for community events. The building will also include indoor space for storage and meetings. The bandshell will also include new permanent park bathrooms that will replace the previous bathroom building that was built in 1971. This major project could not have been possible without the participation of the Blaine Festival Committee. The non-profit committee runs the annual Blaine Festival that takes place in the park each June. The Blaine Festival Committee has donated $1 million to the project to help make this a reality.

The construction of the new bandshell is underway and is expected to be completed in time for the Blaine Festival in June 2024.

Highway 65 Project is Fully Funded

Between 97th Avenue and 119th Avenue

The Highway 65 reconstruction project between 97th Avenue and 119th Avenue is now fully funded and moving forward. The project has now entered the final design phase. Design work will continue into 2024. The design will include overpasses that will lift Highway 65 over the local cross streets at 99th Avenue, 105th Avenue, 109th Avenue, and 117th Avenue.

When compelted there will be no stoplights on Highway 65 between 93rd Avenue/Cloverleaf Parkway and Bunker Lake Boulevard.

As design work continues right of way acquisition along the corridor will begin. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2025 or 2026 and will take approximately three years to complete.

This fall there will be opportunities for public input on the final design. Both in person and online feedback opportunities will be offered to the community.

To stay up to date on the project, follow the City of Blaine on social media and visit the project website at BlaineMN.gov/ThriveOn65

Aquatore Park Bandshell Rendering

Upcoming Meetings

City Council*

September 6 | September 18

October 2 | October 16

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Workshops

September 6 | September 11 | September 18

October 2 | October 9 | October 16

5:30pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room

Natural Resources Conservation Board*

September 19 | October 17

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*

September 26 | October 24

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449

763-784-6700

Communications@BlaineMN.gov

City Council

MAYOR

Tim Sanders 763-203-3286

TSanders@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1

Tom Newland 612-961-1811

TNewland@BlaineMN.gov

Lori Saroya 612-516-1073

LSaroya@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2

Leslie Larson 612-489-9651

LeslieLarson@BlaineMN.gov

Jess Robertson 763-607-2233

JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3

Terra Fleming 612-513-5231

TFleming@BlaineMN.gov

Chris Massoglia 612-524-9447

CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER

Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120

MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

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

City Directory

Planning Commission*

September 12 | October 10

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Traffic Commission*

September 5 | November 7

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16 and 799. A livestream of meetings is available at BlaineMN.gov/Video

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

Back to School Safety

The 2023-2024 school year is just around the corner. Between drop-offs, pickups, and buses, back to school means more driving, more traffic, and more kids in crosswalks. Everyone can do their part by being aware of their surroundings and practicing safe driving habits:

• Slow Down: The speed limit in school zones is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. School zone speed limits are in effect when the lights on school zone signs are flashing or when children are present.

• Put Phones Down: It is illegal for drivers to use hand held cell phones while driving anywhere in Minnesota. Silence notifications and tuck your phone away until you reach your destination.

• Obey Crossing Guards: Watch for crossing guards at intersections and crosswalks and follow their directions. They brave the elements every school day to ensure kids get to their destinations safely and help students learn safe pedestrian habits.

• Stop for School Buses: The law requires that drivers in both directions stop at least 20 feet away when they see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The fine for failing to stop is $500.

Last year, extra traffic enforcement during Back-to-School Safety Week resulted in 141 vehicles stopped for various traffic violations. As a result of those traffic stops, 35 citations and 130 warnings were issued – the majority for speeding (one stop can have several violations).

While the Blaine Police Department will have concentrated efforts the first week of back-to-school, enforcement will continue throughout the school year. We wish all Blaine students a fun and safe school year!

SBM Fire Open House

Saturday, September 23 10am-12pm

Aquatore Park

SBM Fire will be holding a single all station open house on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10AM–2PM, at Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln Street NE, Blaine.

This is a free family event with a variety of fire demonstrations throughout the day!

For more information, call 763-786-4436 or visit SBMFire.org

Department Spotlight

Engineering - Keeping the City Moving

As Blaine’s landscapes evolve, the Engineering Department orchestrates the complex dance of urban development. From concept to completion, they coordinate the planning, design, and construction of Blaine’s infrastructure.

The City of Blaine Engineering Department is a team of 11 professionals who are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the City’s transportation, sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer systems. The department also coordinates the planning, design, and construction of all public street and utility projects.

The Engineering Department is led by Director of Engineering Dan Schluender, who has over 28 years of experience in the field. They work together to plan, design, and construct projects that meet the needs of the City’s residents and businesses. Other activities include performing development reviews, right-of-way management, special assessments, grading permits, utility permits, and project coordination with other city departments, local, county, and state agencies.

The environmental division of the department focuses on the issues relating to the City’s environmental resources, including surface water, wetlands, city owned wetland banks, open space, and issues related to drainage, ponding, and erosion control.

The Engineering Department is a vital part of any city. They play a critical role in making our cities safe, healthy, and prosperous. Blaine Engineering is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Blaine and looking to the future. Finding ways to improve the City’s infrastructure and make it a better place to live, work, and grow.

Blaine Named Top 50 City for Small Business

The City of Blaine was recently recognized as one of the 2023 Top 50 Small Cities for Small Business by Site Selection Magazine.

This ranking is based on several factors, including the City’s growing population, highly educated workforce, laborfriendly commute times, favorable tax climate, easy access to capital, and widespread broadband access.

Blaine was one of four Minnesota cities recognized on the list, joined by Maple Grove, Lakeville, and Eagan.

For more information on business opportunities in Blaine, visit BlaineBiz.com

City of Blaine Engineering Department

5 Year Street Projects

The City of Blaine is looking into the future when it comes to street projects. The City typically looks ahead five years when planning road construction projects. Projects are then reviewed on an annual basis and the Blaine City Council ultimately decides if a project moves forward into construction. The next five years will see proposed projects all over the City but a large number of projects are projected to be completed on the west side of Highway 65. The five year plan is not set in stone and proposed projects are reviewed each year. Project schedules are subject to change and projects are only approved one year at a time. In August the City Council approved the 2024 projects. Some projects are not included on this plan as they may be County or State projects.

In addition to the Quantis, Sunrise Ponds Park will also feature a playground for younger children, a picnic shelter, a walking path, and this park will also connect to Sunrise Ponds Open Space by trail for the neighborhood to enjoy. The park is expected to open this fall. For more information on parks throughout the City, visit BlaineParks.com/Facilities

Blaine in Top 3 Adopt-a-Drain Standings

In the first half of the 2023 Anoka County Community Adopt-a-Drain Challenge, Columbia Heights is in the lead, Andover in 2nd, and Blaine in 3rd!

Adopt-a-Drain is an easy way for people to play an important role in preventing water pollution by removing debris from the top area of adopted stormdrains once or twice per month. This cleaning also keeps the drains clear to prevent local street flooding from rainstorms or snowmelt. Cleanings take about 15 minutes each, and participants get to name the drains that you adopt.

Find out more at MN.Adopt-a-Drain.org

Be sure to report your adopted drain cleanings online to help Blaine win the coveted Golden Grabber! The challenge runs through October 2023. Let’s go for the gold, Blaine.

Fall Leaf Raking

Don’t Rake Your Leaves into the Street

Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the City’s ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorus load and poor water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street.

Drop-Off Options

Residents may bring leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost sites. The hours for the sites are:

Bunker Hills, Coon Rapids

13285 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids MN

April - November, weather permitting

Monday - Friday: 10AM - 7PM

Saturday: 9AM - 5PM

Sunday: Noon - 5PM

December - March, weather permitting

Saturday: 9AM - 1PM

Both sites observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day

Rice Creek, Lino Lakes

7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes MN

April - November, weather permitting

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 10AM - 7PM

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10AM - 7PM

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 9AM - 5PM

Sunday: Noon - 5PM

December - March, weather permitting

Saturday: 9AM - 1PM

Blaine Recycling

Saturdays

8am — noon

3rd Saturday of Each Month

Drop-Off Location

Recycle Technologies

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).

Recycle Technologies

763-559-5130

RecycleTechnologies.com

Cash or Check Only

Mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, fluorescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. See a 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. Four box or bag limit for paper shredding.

Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org

Fall Street Sweeping and Winter Plowing

The street sweepers will be out this fall so please remember that the following items should not be placed on any City streets as they make it difficult to sweep in the fall and plow in the winter:

• Non-working vehicles

• Garbage cans

• Basketball hoops

Also, this is a good time to check your mailbox condition to see if it can handle the weight of the winter snow.

For more information on street sweeping and snow plowing activities, visit BlaineMN.gov/Public Works

Drop off any size bicycle. 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. Bike collection is available from April through October.

Walters Recycling & Refuse

763-780-8464

WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine

Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup.

City Recycling Information

763-785-6141

BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

RecConnect Fall 2023

Fall program registration is now open.

Check out all the great program offerings at BlaineParks.com/Register

Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks

Skyhawk Sports Camps

Ages 5 to 10

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 Sports has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979. Fall programs offered: Soccer, SoccerTots, Flag Football, 1st Down Tots, Basketball, Super Tots Basketball, Pickleball, and Speed, Agility, and Quickness. For complete details including descriptions, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

QC Youth Dance

Ages 0 to 11

QC Dance provides quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building self-esteem. Class choices are for ages 0-11. All classes are held at the QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE. Fall programs offered: Mommy and Me, Kidlets: Intro to Dance, Kidance: Intro to Dance, Dancing Kids, Dance Tweens, and Trick or Treat Dance Party. For specific details, dates, times, locations, and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Tech Academy

Princess and Prince Party

Ages 10 and under w/ parent/adult

Your little princess or prince can see Cinderella and her friends at the Princess and Prince Party. Come enjoy crafts, photo opportunities, tattoos, games, refreshments, face painting, a DJ, and lots of dancing. Come in your favorite royal costume and do not forget your camera. Event held inside of Blaine City Hall. Max 185.

Saturday, November 4, 6-8pm Blaine City Hall $20 res; $21 nr

Stay Connected

BlaineParks.com

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

BlaineEvents.com

Grades 1-7

All classes are virtual and need the following requirements:

. Computer: PC (Windows XP or later) or Mac (OSX)

. With at least a 2GHz processor and 4GB or RAM

. Broadband internet

. Webcam

. Microphone and speakers

. Zoom installed

Multiplayer Minecraft:  World Builder – grades 1-6

Saturdays, September 16 & 23, 9am-noon

$90 res; $100 nr

Multiplayer Minecraft:  Escape the Ender Dragon

– grades 2-6

Saturdays, September 30-October 7, 10am-noon

$60 res; $70 nr

Game Coding: Super Mario – grades 3-7

Saturdays, October 14 & 21, 8-10am

$60 res; $70 nr

NEW! Dungeons and Dragons 101 with Character Creation – grades 1-5

Saturdays, October 14 & 21, 10:30am-noon

$60 res; $70 nr

Multiplayer Minecraft:  Map Builder – grades 2-7

Saturday, October 28 9am-noon $45 res; $55 nr

For complete class description and to register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Adaptive Dance Party

Ages 5 to 18

This one day adaptive dance party is designed for dancers with special needs. The camp will consist of creative movement, props, ballet movement, and a fun dance party. Please wear a leotard (skirt attached is acceptable if not too long) or exercise/ comfortable stretchy attire. Ballet shoes or tennis shoes can be worn. All dancers must be accompanied by an adult. Max 12. The class is held at the QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE, Blaine. Wednesday, September 20, 5-7:30pm, $30 res; $33 nr

For additional information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Tai Chi for Beginners

All Ages

Are you new to fitness or are you looking for a low-impact form of exercise? Then Tai Chi may be a good fit for you. Tai Chi, often known as meditation in motion, was originally developed for self-defense but has since evolved into a rhythmic form of exercise. Relieving stress, improving cognition, flexibility, balance, and strength are just a few of the benefits you can gain from Tai Chi. This program will emphasize the health benefits and mindfulness aspects of Tai Chi. No prior experience is necessary. You will enjoy a moving meditation in the form of a series of gentle exercises that create harmony between the mind and body. Class held at Sunnyside Park Building.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 12 – October 5, 6-7pm, $80 res; $90 nr

For additional information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Tenicity Tennis

Ages 5 to 17

The Tenicity Tennis program is led by former Wimbledon player and United States tennis Association award winning coach, Harsh Mankad. The program’s coaches are trained by Harsh to develop strong fundamental tennis skills and to positively develop youth via sports. Check out TeniCity.com to learn more about the program. Please contact Harsh at Harsh@TeniCity.com with questions. Fall programs offered: Beginner and Intermediate Group Tennis; Parent/Child Beginner Group Tennis Lessons; Junior Training Camps; Team Tennis Match Play; Adult Beginning Tennis Group Lessons; Adult Tennis Fitness Group. For specific details, dates, times, locations, and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register.

RecConnect Fall 2023

Four Seasons Curling Club

Ages 8-Adult

Beginner/Intermediate Curling, ages 8-18

Over seven weeks you’ll learn to slide, throw, and sweep the curling stone along with the rules of the game. Beginner and intermediate instruction provided. Curling equipment is provided but please wear comfortable clothes and socks that are warm enough for 45 degree air temperatures. Bring a clean pair of tennis shoes to wear on the ice and consider gloves. Program held at Fogerty Arena. Use the Four Seasons Curling Club entrance on the south side of the building.

Sundays, October 1, 8, 15, 22; November 5, 19; December 3, 1-3pm

$75

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt

Ages 10 & under w/ parent/adult

Learn to Curl, ages 12-adult

Each lesson is a 2-hour introduction and instructional session that teaches people the basics of curling. Participants learn physical play, rules, and strategy. We strive for a low instructor-to-student ratio with an emphasis on active participation. You finish off the session by playing a mini-game. Have clean shoes (athletic shoes with rubber sole) and warm clothing (45 degrees at ice level). Program held at Fogerty Arena. Use the Four Seasons Curling Club entrance on the south side of the building.

Session 1: Friday, September 29, 6:30-8:30pm

Session 2: Saturday, October 7, 10am-noon

Session 3: Sunday, November 5, 10am-noon

$40/session

For additional information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Adult QC Dance

All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE

Zumba

This 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 size.

Session 1: Wednesdays, October 4 – November 1, 8-8:45pm, $40 res; $45 nr

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Pumpkins are hiding and waiting to be found at Tom Ryan Park. Children along with their parents, can search the grounds for one pumpkin of their choice, celebrate by dancing under the stars with the family DJ, make a s’more, and play Halloween games.

Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Come in a costume for the costume contest and bring a flashlight. Registration is required, Max. 150. Event held at Tom Ryan Park. Registration deadline is October 13 or when spaces fill.

Friday, October 20, 7-8:30pm

Tom Ryan Park $20 res; $21 nr

Events Boost Local Economy

As Blaine continues its growth into a destination community many visitors flocked to the City this summer. Besides the thousands of visitors that came for major events even more events were enjoyed by the local community. Local business owners know the impact of these events, “it is a very business friendly city...the events are the icing on the cake,” said Tony Patterson, owner of Clive’s Roadhouse.

International Events

Every July the eyes of the entire world are on Blaine. The Target USA Cup saw 1,050 teams from 27 different states and 17 different countries come to Blaine this year. This annual youth soccer tournament is livestreamed all over the world and is consistently regarded as one of the best events of the year for youth soccer teams. The 3M Open returned to Blaine in late July. The annual stop on the PGA Tour brings in some of the best golfers in the world to compete at the TPC Twin Cities. This year’s event was a success for the City and saw a diverse group of visitors excited to participate in the future of development in Blaine and bring amenities to the City that residents have requested. These two international events bring in an estimated $85 million to the local economy, much of that is invested into Blaine based businesses.

Community Events

The new Sizzling Summer event kicked off the fun with music, foot trucks, and more. The Blaine Festival in Aquatore Park featured live music, carnival rides, food, and many local vendors. The event saw thousands come together to celebrate community during the last weekend in June. The Performance in the Park concert series returned to Tom Ryan Park with 14 concerts this summer. Night to Unite is all about building community and trust. Over 100 Blaine neighborhoods hosted block parties. Public safety personnel from the City of Blaine and the Blaine City Council made stops at parties all over the city. In August, 138 incoming fourth graders gathered for two days of learning and fun at the annual Blaine Safety Camp. This very popular event focuses on teaching kids how to be safe in a variety of situations.

Just because summer is ending does not mean the community events are done for the year. Learn more about upcoming events at BlaineEvents.com

Celebrate Diversity

Food • Music • Art • Friendship

September 16 • 1-4pm Tom Ryan Park

Now Accepting Applications

Food Vendors • Sponsors

Cultural Exhibits • Volunteers

BlaineEvents.com/ WorldFest

Saturday

October 7

12--8:30pm Tom Ryan Park

featuring

noon--6pm Fall Craft Fair inside City Hall

2::30--530 pm Petting Zoo

with over 40 animals

12-830 pm Food Trucks, Beer Garden, and Music

BlaineEvents.com/ Oktoberfest