First Responders Take Kids on Holiday Shopping Spree
The 15th annual Heroes and Helpers event, organized by the Blaine Police Department, took a record number of area kids on a holiday shopping spree. The Police Department partners with local schools to take children who could use a little extra cheer on a gift buying experience at Target. The kids come with a list and through generous donors they each receive a $200 gift card to buy presents for their entire family. Many kids also come with lists of household necessities; those are taken care of as well thanks to the event sponsors. This year 70 children were selected to participate. Each child is paired up with a local first responder. They pick up the kids from school, shop with them at Target, wrap the presents together, and then bring the kids home. This great community outreach event puts a smile on the faces of everyone involved.
View the photo recap from this event at BlaineMN.gov/HHPhotos2025
City Council Approves 2025 Tax Levy and Budget
Council Reduces Levy at Final Approval
On December 16 the City Council approved the 2025 tax levy and associated city budgets. In September the council approved a preliminary levy that was used by Anoka County to generate property tax statements. After the preliminary levy adoption, the total amount can only be lowered.
The final levy approved was nearly $913,000 lower than the preliminary levy. This will result in property owners in Blaine seeing their tax bill reduced from the original statement sent by Anoka County.
Approximately 70 percent of the City’s general fund budget is dedicated to Police, Fire, and Public Works. The 2025 budget includes two additional police officer positions and includes a forester position in Public Works. The 2025 approved budget takes steps to reduce the City’s debt and interest costs by funding some capital projects upfront instead of taking on additional debt that costs taxpayers more in the future.
Reductions in the budget were accomplished through holding current vacant staff positions open and reducing capital equipment purchases.
In an effort to further reduce future tax levy increases the City Council will begin exploring additional revenue sources in early 2025. All of Blaine’s peer cities have at least one additional major revenue source while Blaine relies only on the property tax levy.
The 2025 budget will be added to the city budget webpage in early 2025. Learn more about city budgets and the budget process at BlaineMN.gov/Budget
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
Chris Ford
612-494-8275
CFord@BlaineMN.gov
Tom Newland
651-271-3341
TNewland@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*
January 6 | January 22
February 3 | February 19 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
City Council Workshops
January 6 | January 13 | January 22
February 3 | February 10 | February 19
5:30pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room
Natural Resources Conservation Board*
January 21
7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
January 28 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Planning Commission*
February 11 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 (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 763-785-6146
Community Outreach 763-717-2692
Economic Development 763-785-6180
Engineering 763-785-6172
Finance
Fire Inspections
763-717-2677
763-785-6146
Forestry 763-785-6165
Housing Services 763-785-6146
Human Resources 763-785-6109
North Metro TV
763-780-8241
Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
NotifyMe®
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
It’s Polar Plunge Season!
The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics is an exhilarating event that unites communities in support of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants, including community members and public figures, take a daring jump into frigid waters to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. Held annually in various locations, the event symbolizes solidarity, inclusion, and the strength of community.
A key element of the Polar Plunge is the involvement of law enforcement agencies. The partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics, rooted in mutual commitment, is exemplified through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). Officers not only participate in the Polar Plunge but also engage in activities that support Special Olympics year-round. This collaboration builds trust and strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Law enforcement’s participation is crucial for multiple reasons. It raises significant funds that provide year-round sports training and competition for athletes, ensuring access to vital resources for skill development and confidence building. Additionally, the presence of police officers and first responders sends a powerful message of acceptance and unity. Their willingness to plunge into icy waters highlights their dedication to supporting the rights and abilities of people with disabilities.
The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics showcases the power of community partnerships that uplift and inspire. Thanks to the dedication of law enforcement and the generosity of participants, this event promotes inclusivity and transforms lives.
The Anoka County 2025 Polar Plunge returns to Blaine for the second year on Saturday, February 22 at Lakeside Commons Park! Join in on the fun by forming a team with friends and family or volunteer at the event. Donations are always welcome or join us to cheer on the plungers! For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/PolarPlunge
Department Spotlight
Public Works Water Division
The City of Blaine’s Water Division works behind the scenes to provide safe, high quality water to over 22,000 connections. This team manages four water plants, four water towers, 20 wells, 342 miles of water mains, and more than 2,500 hydrants. Winter demand averages 6 million gallons daily, while summer use spikes to over 20 million gallons, mostly for irrigation.
Responsibilities include daily testing, monthly sampling for the Minnesota Department of Health, operating iron and manganese removal plants, repairing water main breaks, and troubleshooting customer issues. This team is available 24/7 for emergencies and collaborate on improvement projects like the 2025 repainting of the Blaine Baseball Complex water tower.
The Water Division’s contributions extend beyond their regular duties. During the winter months, staff can shift gears to assist with snow plowing, making sure Blaine’s roads remain safe and accessible. Their dedication and hard work ensure that Blaine remains a great place to live, work, and grow.
For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/PublicWorks .
Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
Residents and business owners are asked to please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is essential to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street.
If the fire department has to spend time trying to find and dig out a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. If it takes firefighters even two extra minutes to locate and dig out a hydrant, the damage to a home could be massive. Please talk with your neighbors to determine who will keep the hydrant clear. Remember, the house you help save may be your own.
Christmas Tree Collection
Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees the first two weeks of the year from:
Monday, January 6 thru Friday, January 17 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.
Summer Jobs
Ages 16 and up
If you are looking for a seasonal, part time job this summer, we have opportunities for you. The City of Blaine is looking for enthusiastic, energetic candidates to work in our Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments. Blaine seasonal employees:
• Learn lifelong skills
• Make new friends
• Work outdoors
• Earn competitive wages
• Get excellent hands-on training
Job postings will be available in early 2025 at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs Applications will be due in March with interviews taking place this spring.
Summer Job Fair
Visit the 2025 City of Blaine Summer Job Fair. Potential applicants may apply or obtain more information about the City’s great seasonal employment opportunities. This inperson event will take place in the Blaine City Hall atrium.
Saturday, March 8, 11AM-2PM
Parks and Recreations Jobs must be 16 years and older
• Work with kids
• Opportunities include the Playnet program, youth sport coaches, and park attendants
• Approximately June 1 - August 15 (depending on position)
For more information and to apply, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineMN.gov/Jobs
Public Works Jobs must be 17 years and older
• Consistent hours, Monday - Friday, 7AM-3PM
• Opportunities in Parks, Streets, Water, Sewer/Storm, and Mechanics Divisions
• Must have a valid/clear driver’s license
• No evenings, weekends, or holidays
• Three approximate start options:
• mid-April (retirees)
• mid-May (college students)
• mid-June (high school students)
For more information and to apply, call 763-717-2664 or visit BlaineMN.gov/Jobs
Work Underway 105th Avenue District
Big Changes Coming to the Area
If you have driven down 105th Avenue in front of the National Sports Center you have noticed a lot of changes over the last year. That is just the beginning. The construction started with an overhaul of many of the fields at the National Sports Center. New irrigation systems were installed for many of the grass fields and other fields were converted to artificial turf fields. The new turf fields allow for longer playing seasons and keep the NSC in the same class as other facilities around the country. The field improvements are very important to the NSC being able to compete for marquee tournaments and events. The National Sports Center is continuing to make additional improvements to their campus this winter including new sidewalks and drainage ponds.
New Entertainment District
The latest turf fields at the NSC are a direct result of an agreement between the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, the City, and a private development company to build an entertainment district. The district is designed to be a spot for Blaine residents to enjoy, but also to bring a boost to the local economy by keeping more of the 7 million visitors that come to Blaine each year spending their money in the City instead of going to other nearby communities.
Site work began in November and will continue over the winter. Construction of the first part of the district will begin in the spring. The most notable part of the early construction will be the multi-use event stadium that will be home to a minor league baseball team and will also host many other events throughout the year. The first phase of the district will also include a food hall, field house and experiential golf driving range, public gathering spaces, and a hotel.
Adjacent Development Now Open
Just across the street from the new entertainment district site is a new commercial development that is now open to the community. On the corner of Radisson Road and 105th Avenue sits the new National Sports Village. Home to Pizza Pub, Prime, and Scooter’s Coffee this is a great new offering for Blaine residents. This redevelopment, right in the center of the City, brings in additional restaurant and entertainment amenities that Blaine residents have been requesting from the City.
Get to Know Chris Ford
New Ward 1 Councilmember
Chris Ford will be sworn in as the newest Blaine City Councilmember on January 6. He will serve a fouryear term on the council and is looking forward to getting started.
Why did you decide to run for city council?
I decided to run for Blaine City Council because I am passionate about serving our community and ensuring it remains an excellent place for all residents to live, work, and thrive. My experiences as a fire captain, union president, paraeducator, and member of the Blaine Park Board have given me unique insights into the needs of our City. I believe in fostering transparency, addressing resource disparities, and creating inclusive opportunities for all neighborhoods. Running for city council allows me to bring my leadership experience, commitment to public service, and fresh perspective to the table and to make a lasting, positive impact on Blaine’s future.
What has prepared you to serve your community in this way?
My experiences have uniquely prepared me to serve Blaine in this way. I’ve spent 14 years as a fire department captain, leading teams and making critical decisions under pressure, which taught me the importance of clear communication, accountability, and teamwork. As a paraeducator at Blaine High School, I’ve worked closely with diverse students, gaining a deep understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations. Serving on the Blaine Park Board has allowed me to engage directly with residents, advocate for equitable resource allocation, and focus on improving our City’s amenities. These roles have given me a well-rounded perspective, a commitment to public service, and the leadership skills needed to represent Blaine effectively. What do you love about Blaine?
Blaine is a vibrant, welcoming community that offers something for everyone. From its beautiful parks and green spaces to its thriving neighborhoods, Blaine strikes a balance between suburban comfort and access to urban opportunities. I deeply appreciate the strong sense of community here, where neighbors come together to support one another. Blaine’s diversity, schools, and commitment to growth make it a City filled with opportunity and potential. It’s a place I am proud to call home, and I am passionate about serving. What do you hope to accomplish for the residents of Blaine in your new role as councilmember?
As a councilmember, I aim to accomplish several key objectives that will enhance the quality of life for all Blaine residents. I strive to improve infrastructure to support growth, ensuring our roads and public services meet the needs of a thriving community. I will advocate for equality and amenities across all neighborhoods, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity. I plan to strengthen public safety by collaborating with police and fire, so our residents are safe 24/7/365. Additionally, I would like to see movement on the Northtown Mall development plan. I envision making the mall a vibrant aspect of the City again- hopefully, with the help of resident input and developers, we will see a Northtown revitalization, making the mall a strong community asset again.
Contact information for all councilmembers can be found at BlaineMN.gov/CityCouncil
Winter Parking Reminder
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.
Stormwater Pond Winter Safety
Not Safe for Recreation
Almost all the bodies of water in Blaine are stormwater ponds. These ponds are constructed and designed to treat stormwater runoff and provide flood storage. The City of Blaine has over 700 stormwater ponds and infiltration basins that have been designed to remove pollutants from runoff. These ponds are not designed for recreation. There is a constant flow of water in and out of the stormwater ponds, even in the winter. This flow of water makes them unsafe for winter recreation such as ice skating. For your safety and the integrity of the stormwater pond system, the City strongly encourages you not to use stormwater ponds for recreation this winter. The City has several outdoor ice rinks for recreation. See page eight for more information about ice rinks.
For more information about stormwater ponds within the City of Blaine, visit the stormwater information portal at BlaineMN.gov/StormwaterPonds
8am — noon
3rd Saturday
February - December
Drop-Off Location
Recycle Technologies
Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE
The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day on the third Saturday of each month. Participants do not need to be Blaine residents to bring items to the drop-off day.
Please note that no garbage will be accepted. Follow the signs for the entrance and staff directions through the drop-off process.
Recycle Technologies
763-559-5130
RecycleTechnologies.com
Cash or Check Only
Mattresses, box springs, appliances, fluorescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal, vehicle batteries, and paper shredding. See a complete list of fees and items at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays.
Free paper shredding is offered at these events through SCORE Grant Funding. Please note that there may be long wait times for shredding. There is a four-box or bag limit for paper shredding.
Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org
Starting again in April, drop off bicycles. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in other bikes. Bikes are then donated. 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.
RecConnect Winter/Spring 2025
Winter/Spring 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 2 to 12
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 camps are offered for ages 2-12. There is something for everyone!
Hoopster Tots; Basketball; Mini-Hawk Basketball; Mini-Hawk Volleyball; Volleyball; Soccer Tots. For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
New! Yoga & Mindfulness
ages 6 to 14
Join The Mindfulness Movement for an exciting adventure into the world of yoga and mindfulness, specially designed for young yogis. These classes offer fun and engaging ways for students to explore movement, breath, and relaxation. Through yoga poses, playful games, creative art projects, stress, practice self-care, enhance focus, and cultivate a sense of calm. Max. 20 per class. Held inside at the new Aquatore Park Bandshell. Instructor: Tara Willits, Founder of The Mindfulness Movement. ages 6 to 11, Thursdays, 5:45-6:45pm
ages 11 to 14, Thursdays, 7-8pm
Puzzlepalooza
ages 12 & up
Puzzlers, get your team together and come to the Blaine City Hall Puzzlepalooza jigsaw puzzle challenge. Teams of up to four people will compete to finish a 1000-piece puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Puzzles and tables are provided. Rings for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. A maximum of 16 teams of four per team. Held at Blaine City Hall Atrium .
Thursday, January 30 or Thursday, February 6
6-8:30pm
$35 res team; $40 nr team
To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Stay Connected
More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.
Session 1: January 2-23
Session 2: February 6-27
$80/session/child
To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Snowshoeing
ages 6 and up
Winter is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy nature’s wonders. Snowshoes are a great, low impact, way to get off trail and explore. After just a few minutes of instruction, participants will be led out onto the snowpack and learn how easy and fun snowshoeing is. This program is well suited for families. Class will be instructed by Anoka County and held at Lochness Park. Max 10. Saturday, February 1, 1-3pm
$20/person
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Tech Academy
All Classes are Virtual
Tech Academy is an exciting learning environment specializing in technology education 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.
Minecraft Mod Development: Custom Sword
ages 7-12, Saturday, January 4, 10-11:30am
$25 res; $30 nr
Dungeons & Dragons 101 with Character Creation
ages 6-10, Saturdays, January 11 & 18, 8-9:30am
$48 res; $53 nr
Engineering in Minecraft
ages 8-13, Saturdays, January 11 & 18, 10amnoon
$60 res; $65 nr
Dungeons & Dragons 101: One Shot Minecraft Adventure ages 8-12, Saturday, January 25, 9am-noon
Minecraft Mod Development: Biomes
ages 7-12, Saturday, February 1, 10:30am-12:30pm
$30 res; $35 nr
Minecraft Game Coding with Scratch ages 7-10, Saturdays, February 8 & 15, 8-9:30am
$45 res; $50 nr
Dungeons & Dragons 101 with Character Creation ages 8-12, Saturdays, February 8 & 15
10:30am-12:30pm
$64 res; $69 nr
For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
$48 res; $53 nr
Multiplayer Minecraft: Survival Character ages 7-12, Saturday, February 1, 10:30am-12:30pm
$25 res; $30 nr
QC Zumba
Classes held at QC Dance
Love to Dance? Join the Party! 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. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, fun workout!
Wednesdays, February 5-26, 8-8:45pm
$40 res; $45 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Cross Country Skiing
ages 10 and up
Cross-country skiing is great exercise and a fun way to get outdoors in the winter. What better place to learn than at the beautiful Bunker Hills Regional Park. This introductory class is appropriate for people of all abilities. The activity fee includes ski/ boot/pole rental, instruction, and ski pass fees for Anoka County. No experience necessary. Class instructed by Anoka County and held at Bunker Hills Regional Park. Max 15.
Satruday, February 15, 1-3pm
$25/person
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Learn to Curl ages
12 and up
Each lesson is a two-hour introduction and instructional session that teaches the basics of curling. Participants learn physical play, rules, and strategy. Please have clean shoes (athletic shoes with rubber soles not worn from the parking lot into the building) and warm clothing (45 degrees at ice level). Held at Four Seasons Curling Club.
Session 1: Sunday, January 12, 10am-noon Session 2: Saturday, February 1, 10am-noon
$40/person/session
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
ages 11 and up
Learn to be responsible babysitters by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Hands-on experience with diapers and bottle feeding is included. Participants receive a packet of materials and certificates are awarded to all students who successfully demonstrate the skills during one of the class dates below. Must be age 11 by date of class. Bring a snack and beverage. Max. 8. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room A. Registration deadline is one week prior to class start date. Instructor: Joy Handt.
Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12
5:30-8pm
$80 res; $88 nr To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Adult Softball
Registration Begins February 6
Blaine Community Gardens
Now Taking Applications for 2025 Plots
The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot. Plots are approximately 15 x 20 feet for a full plot; 15 x 10 feet for a half plot; raised beds are 4 x 8 feet; 3 ADA beds are 34 inches high and 44 square feet. Registrations for a plot is on a priority basis:
December 9 – February 7 2024 returning gardeners requesting the same plot.
February 8-18 2024 returning gardeners requesting a different plot.
February 19-Full New gardeners.
Application forms are available online at BlaineParks.com/CommunityGardens or at Blaine City Hall. For more information, email dheitkamp@blainemn.gov or call 763-785-6164
Skating Rink Hours and Locations
Snow Day
Saturday, January 25, 1-4PM, Free - All Ages Welcome Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes
The Anoka County Parks, in collaboration with the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department, is thrilled to be offering the annual Snow Day at Wargo Nature Center. Participants of all ages will have a chance to enjoy a variety of winter activities including snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick-sledding, fat tire biking, winter crafts, temporary tattoos, and a live animal presentation. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007
8 10am-4pm
or Staff
Rinks and warming houses will be open as long as ice conditions and temperatures allow. For up to date information about skating rinks, visit BlaineParks.com/SkatingRinks
Craft Fair
Saturday, March 8 10am-4pm Blaine City Hall
For more information or to sign up to be a vendor, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineMN.gov/CraftFair
