CityConnect - July/August 2024

CityConnect

Summer Bucket List

July/August 2024

Blaine Sees Progress on Development Goals

105th Avenue Redevelopment

In 2022 the Blaine City Council identified four key areas of the City for economic development activity. One area was centered around the National Sports Center, and the 105th Avenue redevelopment project continues to move forward. In May the City held two project open houses. More than 150 residents attended the open houses to learn about the project and get their questions answered. The open house attendees provided feedback on the project elements and overall left with excitement for what is ahead. The City Council has also continued to move the project forward with various approvals including authorizing a public financing tool that will allow the project to begin but will not use any general fund taxpayer dollars to support the project.

One of the first noticeable project impacts will be improvements to the National Sports Center later this summer and fall. As a result of the project agreements the National Sports Center will get funding for 10 new turf fields that will replace existing fields on the east side of the campus between 105th and 109th Avenues. These are much needed upgrades for the National Sports Center and will allow the NSC to be able to continue to compete for marquee events and tournaments.

Stay tuned for more exciting project announcements this summer and follow the progress at BlaineMN.gov/105thRedevelopment

Northtown Area Redevelopment

Another area of focus was the Northtown Mall property and the surrounding area. In May, the City was delighted at the announcement that Asia Village was coming to Northtown. The new 130,000 square foot space will take over the former Herberger’s department store. Asia Village will include an Asian grocery store, food hall concept, retailers, restaurants, and more.

The project partners include individuals involved in the very popular and successful Asia Mall in Eden Prairie. Asia Village will be even larger than Asia Mall and will be able to provide guests more parking and easy access to all the amenities.

Construction on Asia Village is expected to being in August and is slated to be complete by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Other projects in the Northtown area include the recent opening of The Picklr indoor pickleball facility and the City Council recently took action in June to subdivide the Northtown Mall property into 13 lots that the mall owner can individually market to potential businesses. Mall ownership will now be able to effectively market the new lots to interested parties.

For more information on the Northtown project, visit BlaineMN.gov/Northtown

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

651-271-3341

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

651-271-1153

CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER

Michelle Wolfe

763-785-6120

MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

Recycling Calendar

Upcoming Meetings

City Council*

July 1 | July 8

August 5 | August 19

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Workshops

July 1 | July 8 | July 15

August 5 | August 12 | August 19

5:30pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room

Natural Resources Conservation Board*

August 20 | October 15

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*

July 23 | August 27

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Planning Commission*

July 9 | August 14

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Traffic Commission*

September 3 | December 3

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings can be seen on cable channel 16 and 799. Meeting agendas and live and on demand videos are available at BlaineMN.gov/Agendas

City Directory

Police & Fire ..............................................911

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 16 763-785-6181

City Clerk 763-785-6122

City Manager

763-785-6120

Communications 763-785-6181

Community Standards

Community Outreach

763-785-6146

763-717-2692

Economic Development 763-785-6180

Engineering 763-785-6172

Finance 763-717-2677

Fire Inspections

763-785-6146

Forestry 763-785-6165

Housing Services 763-785-6146

Human Resources 763-785-6109

763-785-6164

Planning & Zoning

Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe

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

Blaine Prepares for 2024 Elections

Four Council Seats on the Ballot Preparations are well underway for the 2024 elections in Blaine. Blaine staff along with more than 300 election judges will work diligently to meet the needs of all voters in the City. Blaine typically has one of the highest voter turnout rates in Anoka County and Minnesota typically leads the nation in voter turnout. Absentee voting for the August primary election is now available at City Hall during business hours or by mail.

This fall four seats on the Blaine City Council will be on the ballot for voters. One council seat in each of Blaine’s three council wards and the mayor’s seat will be up for election. All Blaine voters will see the mayor’s race on their ballot. One of the three council elections will be on voter’s ballots depending on which ward they live in. None of the seats had more than two candidates so there will not be a primary election to narrow the field. In each race the incumbent has filed for reelection and an opponent has also filed for office. 2024 Candidates

Mayor

Ward

Ward 2

Leslie

Ward 3

Chris Massoglia

Find your council ward and review important election dates at BlaineMN.gov/Elections

Department Spotlight

PlayNet Summer Seasonal Staff

Each summer nearly 500 Blaine kids participate in the PlayNet program. This summer the PlayNet staff has 18 program staff and one program coordinator. The high school and college aged staff learn valuable skills while making an impact in the lives of the PlayNet families. Each year the City sees about half of the staff return for a second summer which helps them build continuing relationships with the kids who attend the program.

PlayNet offers both morning and afternoon sessions and is held at four different parks across the City. Each day the staff lead the kids in different games, crafts, story time for the younger kids, and help them create and grow friendships. As one of the most popular programs offered by the City some sessions and locations of PlayNet fill up on the first day of registration each March. The City is glad to offer this popular program and thanks to the great staff that work hard each day to put smiles on the faces of all the kids that participate.

You can learn more about all the programs offered by the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department at BlaineParks.com

Clean Water Starts at Home

Lawn and Pet Care Tips

A University of Minnesota research study identified the two main water pollutants in the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, nitrogen and phosphorus, are directly caused by homeowners and dog owners. Excess amounts of these nutrients can cause algal blooms, which can be harmful to aquatic critters and possibly harbor toxic blue-green algae.

The main source of nitrogen? Household fertilizer use. Households use 10 times the amount of commercial fertilizers used by golf courses and college campuses in the Metro. A main source of phosphorus? Dog waste.

Prevention is easy and vastly cheaper than treatment. Treatment is not done at a building facility. It is done with stormwater ponds, rain gardens, vegetation buffers, special in-ground sand filters, or other landscape methods.

Your daily actions, or inactions, make a difference! Do these two simple things at home:

Test Before You Fertilize

Get out of the habit of thinking your lawn or turf area needs fertilizing every year. Find out what yours might need by getting a test and recommendation from the University of MN for $20.

Go to SoilTest.cfans.umn.edu for how-to videos and in-depth information. Or call 612-625-3101 for more information.

Tip: Leaving your grass clippings when you mow recycles the nutrients from the clippings back into the soil? Doing this all season is like one application of fertilizer!

Tip: Use a lawncare service? Check that they are using best practices from a special turf maintenance training, a voluntary certification that take a small amount of time and money, where turf professionals learn from other professionals.

Learn more at pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/ turf-grass-maintenance-training

Pick Up After Your Pet, Even in Your Backyard

Though “organic,” dog waste contains E. coli bacteria and phosphorus plus possible medications. With dogs averaging over 200 pounds of waste per dog per year, it’s important to pick up their waste even in your backyard and put it in the trash. Otherwise, it can run off into our streets and then into ponds, creeks, lakes, and rivers from rain or over-irrigation.

Information provided by the Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or cooncreekwd.org

4

9

Blaine Fireworks

Independence Day Celebration Thursday, 10pm National Sports Center

Tricia and the Toonies

Concessions by The Treat Truck Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park 11 The Backyard Band

Anoka County Master Gardeners

9 Ask the Gardener

Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7pm

Concessions by Pigs Unlimited Performance in the Park Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park

12-20

18 The Mystery Mountain Boys

Concessions by Pretty Great Cake Shakes Performance in the Park

Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park

23 Ask the Gardener

Anoka County Master Gardeners

Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7pm

Wendy’s Wiggle Jiggle Jam

Concessions by The Treat Truck Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park 23

25 Brent and Sheena

Concessions by Pigs Unlimited Performance in the Park Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park

22-28

Concessions by The Treat Truck Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6pm - Aquatore Park

1

Red Rock Swing Band

Concessions by The Treat Truck

Performance in the Park

Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park

6 Night to Unite

Blaine’s Biggest Community Building Night of the Year

Tuesday, 6pm - Neighborhood Near You

BlaineMN.gov/N2U

6 Ask the Gardener

Anoka County Master Gardeners

Bucket List

8

Bark in the Park

Mark the Start of the “Dog Days” of Summer with the Backyard Band

Concessions by Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ

Thursday, 5-7pm - Aquatore Park

BlaineMN.gov/BarkinthePark

Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7pm September

14 WorldFest

Celebrating Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

Saturday, 1-6pm - Tom Ryan Park

15 Run Lucy Run

Concessions by Pigs Unlimited

Performance in the Park

Thursday, 6pm - Tom Ryan Park

20 Ask the Gardener

Anoka County Master Gardeners

Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7pm

ummerBlaineEvents.com

BlaineMN.gov/WorldFest October

5 Oktoberfest

Featuring GB Leighton

Saturday, 12-8:30pm - Tom Ryan Park

BlaineMN.gov/Oktoberfest

RecConnect Summer 2024

Fall program registration begins Monday, August 19. Check out all the great program offerings at BlaineParks.com/Register

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

Tenicity Tennis

ages 5 to 17

Beginner Group Lessons

Held at Jim Peterson Athletic Complex

This program is led by former Wimbledon player, winner of ATP Professional titles, and U.S. Collegiate Division 1 National Champion, Harsh Mankad. Harsh has over 10 years of experience leading tennis programs and developing players including to the Division 1 college level. His team of coaches are trained in the program’s methods to deliver lessons that create fun, positive, and engaging learning experiences.

Beginner Group Lessons, ages 5 to 16 Team Tennis Match Play, ages 9 to 16

Check out Tenicity.com to learn more. For more detailed information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Youth QC Dance

Ages 0-11, All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine

QC Dance provides quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building selfesteem. QC Dances strives to encourage academic excellence as well as other involvements that contribute to the development of a multi-talented, well rounded individual.

Magical Storybook Adventure Wednesdays, July 10-31

ages 0 to 3 (w/parent/adult), 9:35-10:10am

ages 2 to 5 (independent), 10:10-10:45am $50 res; $55 nr

Ninja Camp

ages 4 to 7

Mondays, August 5-26, 6:30-7:15pm

$50 res; $55 nr

Fairy Frolic

Fridays, August 9-30

ages 2 to 3, 9:30-10:05am

ages 4 to 5, 10:10-10:40am

$50 res; $55 nr

For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Tech Academy

All Classes Held at Blaine City Hall

Tech Academy is an exciting learning environment specializing in technology education (STEM) for children and teens ages 4 to 15. Camps are kid friendly and promote hands on learning experiences with time to experiment to foster creativity.

Video Production for YouTube: “Top” List Creator

ages 7 to 11, Parkview Room

July 15-18, 9am-noon

$140 res; $154 nr

Video Production for YouTube: Podcasting & Vlogging

ages 9 to 14, Parkview Room

July 15-18, 1-4pm

$140 res; $154 nr

Virtual Reality Coding

ages 7 to 11, Cloverleaf Room

July 22-25, 9am-noon

$140 res; $154 nr

Video Game Design

ages 9 to 14, Community Room

July 22-25, 1-4pm

$135 res; $150 nr

For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Tech Tac Toe

All Classes Held at Tom Ryan Park Shelter

Tech Tac Toe camps are designed to expose children to technology, encourage a supportive atmosphere, facilitate self-paced learning, foster collaboration, spark creativity, and expose kids to the increasingly complex world of technology.

Fantastic! Electric Toys

ages 6 to 10

July 22-25, 9-11:55am

$153 res; $163 nr

For complete class descriptions, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Skyhawk Sports Camps

Ages 2 to 12

information about

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. Skyhawks goes the extra mile to focus on safety and has a long standing proven safety track record. Sports offered this summer for ages 2-12. Flag Football; Soccer, Soccer Tots; Volleyball; Track & Field; Basketball; Multi-Sport; Mini-Hawk; Golf; Beginning Golf; Ultimate Frisbee; and Pickleball.

For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Mayer Arts

Classes Held at Sunnyside Park Building, Ages 4 to 11

The mission of Mayer Arts is to not only provide training for those who are serious about learning, but also to offer classes that are tons of fun. They teach proper technique, terminology, body awareness, and an appreciation for the arts.

The Wish ages 4 to 8

July 15-18, 9am-noon

$129 res; $139 nr

Wonka Musical ages 7 to 11

July 15-18, 1-4pm

$129 res; $139 nr

For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Pickleball

Held at Lexington Athletic Complex

Learn to play pickleball with top instructors from the North Star Pickleball Association. Instructors will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills, coordination and how to get connected on where to play. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring our own paddle. Held at Lexington Athletic Complex.

Saturday, July 27, 3 – 5pm Sunday, August 18, 1 – 3pm $25/session

To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Fishing Basics

Classes Held at Lakeside Commons Park, Ages 7 to 15

You will learn about the basics of fishing using a spinning rod and reel. You will be taught how to put on a line, tie a lure and hook, put plastic baits on the hook, and cast into water from the shore. You will also learn overhand and underhand casting. The rod, reel, line and lures will be provided for you to use in this class. Class taught by the Fishing Library.

Wednesday, July 17, 10am – 1pm

Wednesday, July 24, 10am – 1pm

Wednesday, August 7, 10am – 1pm

Wednesday, August 14, 3 – 6pm

$50/session

More sessions coming July and August. For more detailed information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Zumba at QC Dance

All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine

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 you 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, fun workout.

Wednesdays, July 10-31, 7:15-8pm

Wednesdays, August 7-28, 7:15-8pm

$40 res; $44 nr

For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Fall Softball

Games Played at Airport Park

The City of Blaine offers fall softball leagues for men’s, women’s, and co-rec teams. Games are played at Airport Park. The fee includes 12 games, softballs, and umpires. All games are doubleheaders. Registration dates are July 5-28 or until leagues are full. League play begins the week of August 14. Times will vary, 6, 7, 8 or 9PM.

Men’s D (DH) – Mondays - $625

Men’s D (DH) – Wednesdays - $625

Women’s (DH) – Thursdays - $625

CoRec (DH) – Tuesdays - $645

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Held at Lakeside Commons Park

Just when you think you’ve experienced every possible way to enjoy getting out on the water, here comes stand up paddle boarding! Fun, easy, cool, and a great workout! What else is there to say? Picture a beefed up surfboard that is stable and a long canoe paddle to propel yourself. Class sizes are very small and the instruction is short and easy, so most of our time will be out on the water. No experience necessary. Max 6. Class held at Lakeside Commons Park next to the boathouse. Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign waiver before class.

Tuesday, July 16

Ages 12-15, 5-6:30pm

Ages 16 & up, 6:30-8pm $30 res; $33 nr

Tuesday, August 6

Ages 12-15, 5-6:30pm

Ages 16 & up, 6:30-8pm $30 res; $33 nr

To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

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

Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy This Summer

As the dog days of summer roll in, it’s important to remember that our furry companions need extra care and attention to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some simple tips to help keep your pets healthy and happy all summer long:

Hydration: Just like us, pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Always provide fresh, clean water and consider adding ice cubes to help keep it cool.

Limit Activity: Avoid intense exercise during the hottest parts of the day, (10AM to 4PM). Stick to walks and playtime in the early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are cooler.

Provide Shelter: Make sure your pets have access to shaded areas where they can escape the sun.

Protect Paws: Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so try to walk them on grass or in the shade whenever possible. Consider paw balm to protect their pads or invest in booties for added protection.

Never Leave in Cars: Even on mild days, temperatures inside a car can skyrocket to dangerous levels within minutes. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open.

Watch for Heatstroke: Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately.

Groom for the Season: Keep your pet’s fur trimmed and well-groomed to help them stay cool. However, be cautious not to shave them completely, as their fur also provides insulation that can help protect against sunburn.

Fire Pit Safety Tips

Recreational fires have become an important part of our outdoor experience. In order to ensure that these types of experiences can continue without creating a safety hazard or nuisance, the recreational fire regulations listed below have been developed.

Recreational fires are permitted under the following conditions:

• Only natural firewood cut in short lengths less than two feet may be burned. The fire must be contained in a manufactured freestanding fire pit or ring not exceeding three feet in diameter.

• All fire rings or pits must be located a minimum of 25 feet away from any structures or combustibles, such as houses, garages, sheds, wood piles, and wooden fences.

• The fire must be constantly attended and supervised by an adult until the fire has been completely extinguished.

• A connected garden hose or other means to extinguish the fire must be readily available. The use of flammable or combustible liquid accelerants is not permitted.

• Recreational fires are not permitted on windy days when the smoke may create a nuisance for nearby neighbors.

Safely Dispose of Fireworks

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. Stay safe this season by following these fireworks disposal tips:

• Never discard used fireworks directly into the trash.

• Always soak used fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours, then place them in the trash.

Unused and expired fireworks should also

before

Night to Unite Civic Ready Test

Tuesday, August 6

On the first Tuesday of August each year, Blaine joins communities around Minnesota for Night to Unite, an evening of neighborhood festivities aimed at crime prevention and building a strong community. Members of the Blaine Police Department and SBM Fire Department make an effort to visit as many registered block parties as possible during the event. Find a party near you or start your own event. Learn more and register your party at BlaineMN.gov/N2U

The City will also conduct a test of the CivicReady notification system on Night to Unite. CivicReady is a service available to Blaine residents to receive emergency notifications from the City. Residents need to sign up to receive the notifications and can customize how and where you receive the notifications. To sign up, visit BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

Odd-Even Sprinkling Days, No Sprinkling Between 10am-6pm

The City of Blaine lawn sprinkling ordinance regulates how often residents and businesses can water their yard with City water. Although Minnesota is no longer experiencing drought conditions, it is important to conserve water.

• Residents with an even numbered address can water on even number dates. Residents with an odd numbered address can

• No sprinkling is allowed between 10AM and 6PM.