Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Jan/Feb by City of Blaine

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January/February 2011

Fire Department Asks Residents to Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow As snow falls this winter and the snowpack continues to build, the City of Blaine is asking for the help of residents with three important snow-related safety concerns: 1. Help the SBM Fire Department by clearing snow from around fire hydrants. During winter fire emergencies, firefighters lose valuable time locating and accessing fire hydrants. Residents are asked to clear fire hydrants in their neighborhoods, removing snow three feet in each direction to allow clearance for hoses. The house – and life – you save could be your own. 2. Do not allow children to build snow structures or tunnels in the snow banks at the end of driveways, in culs-de-sac or along roadways. Snowplows and other snow removal machinery may pass by at any time to remove snow or make space for future snow events.

3. Do not place garbage and recycling carts in the street where they can be hit and damaged by snowplows.

Tobacco Use is Within 25’ of Park Amenities New Tobacco Policy Enacted for City Parks

‘Shop with a Cop’ Program Helps Local Kids with Holiday Shopping The Blaine Police Department teamed with Blaine SuperTarget to make the holiday season extra special for 30 local children. With the help of school social workers, the Blaine Police Department identified children from six local elementary schools who needed extra cheer this holiday season. Target stepped in and put together a special holiday shopping event. To make the day special, Blaine’s officers, explorers, community service officers and reserves, all wearing Santa hats, picked up the children at home prior to their shopping spree. At SuperTarget, each child was given a donated

$75 gift card to complete holiday shopping for their family members. The children, many with shopping lists in hand, were paired with police helpers to guide them through the store. They were also treated to a meal in the food court. After loading their carts and purchasing the presents, cops and kids gathered with SuperTarget employees to wrap the many gifts. At the end of the day, Blaine’s officers returned the children home with bags of presents to share with their families so they could help spread holiday cheer at home this season.

The City of Blaine, in cooperation with Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation, has adopted a new Tobacco Use Policy for all Blaine parks, effective Jan. 1, 2011. Per the new policy, tobacco-free areas have been designated inside city parks. Those areas include all playground areas and 25 feet from playground borders or standalone equipment, including park benches or other seating within said areas. All playing fields, recreation areas and facilities are also included, with a 25-foot zone around all facility fencing or in-play areas, including bleachers and other seating areas. Entrances to all park buildings also have a 25-foot tobacco-free zone; the Blaine Senior Center in considered a park building. Each city park shelter also has a 25-foot zone. Signs will be posted in all city parks.

JANUARY

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12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland

8650 Van Buren St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick Swanson

P.O. Box 49725 Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 2 Dave Clark

10833 Fillmore St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-754-7643 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke

83 103rd Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986

FEBRUARY JUNE

MAYOR Tom Ryan

DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb

Russ Herbst

12875 Lever St. NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson

763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

11308 Jefferson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

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Jan. 6 | Jan. 20 | Feb. 3 | Feb. 17 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

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CITY COUNCIL

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Park Board*

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Jan. 24 | Feb. 22 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

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Police and Fire................................................ 911 Police (non-emergency) . ..................763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........................763-786-4436 Building Inspections..........................763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15..............................763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 ......................763-785-6192 City Clerk ........................................763-785-6124 City Manager....................................763-785-6120 Community Standards.......................763-785-6187 Crime Prevention..............................763-785-6113 Economic Development.....................763-785-6147 Engineering......................................763-785-6172 Fire Inspections ...............................763-785-6187 Forestry ..........................................763-717-2660 Housing Services .............................763-785-6146 Human Resources ............................763-785-6109 Job Line . ........................................763-717-2679 Newsletter ......................................763-717-2735 Operator..........................................763-784-6700 Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ...........................763-785-6180 Public Works....................................763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ...................763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ......................763-786-9375 Streets ...........................................763-785-6165 Stormwater......................................763-785-6188 Utility Billing . ..................................763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .....................763-785-6165 Web................................................763-717-2638 Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. www.facebook.com/blaine.mn http://twitter.com/blaineminnesota www.youtube.com/cityofblaine www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates

email updates

Natural Resource Conservation Board Jan. 17 | Feb. 22 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Jan. 12 | Feb. 9 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Feb. 8 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

About this Newsletter... 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 www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Feedback can be directed to newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us . All city legal notices are published in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

january | february 2011

Car Seat Clinic Set for Jan. 18; Limited Number of Free Booster Seats Available The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Safe Kids Anoka County will host a free car seat clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine, the clinic is open to all Anoka County residents and is offered by appointment only. In Minnesota, four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. During this free clinic, experts will inspect your child’s car seat, provide installation tips and check the seat for recalls. Parents will demonstrate proper installation of their seats and have an opportunity to ask specific questions of trained technicians. Effective July 1, 2009, a child who is both younger than age eight and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches is required to be fastened in a child safety seat or booster seat that meets federal safety standards. Booster seats are designed to keep the lap belt positioned properly around a child’s hips and the shoulder belt in the correct position. Under this law, a child cannot use solely a seat belt until they are age eight or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Blaine Safety Services has a limited number of free booster seats available for families experiencing financial hardship. In

order to receive a free booster seat, families must make an appointment to attend the car seat clinic and the child for whom the booster seat is intended must be present at the clinic. A limited number of booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Fire & Life Safety Education Chief Connie Forster at 763-767-4003 (x100).

The Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department took 200 carbon monoxide calls over the past two years. The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger. The following quiz has been created to help you learn more about this invisible, odorless killer. Your safety is at stake – you want to pass this test!

Q: Where do I put my CO alarm in my home? A: High or low, it doesn’t matter. It must only be away from fresh air and areas of combustion (furnace and fuel-burning appliances). Q: What type of alarm is best? A: The fire department finds fewer issues with digital CO alarms that are only measuring CO.

Other recommended items are: • boots • hat • coat • gloves • jumper cables • carpet strips, sand or kitty litter for traction • ice scraper and brush • blanket • chocolate candy

CPR Classes Available from SBM Fire “Take Heart Anoka County” is offering adult CPR courses specifically designed for anyone wishing to learn CPR skills but not in need of a credential. Classes meet for one hour and are free to attend. The course is offered in both Blaine and Mounds View. In Blaine, classes are held the second Tuesday of each month at Fire Station 3 (11920 Ulysses St.) at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Upcoming dates are Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8.

Becky Booker - SBM Fire Department

Q: What is the most common cause of odorless carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a home? A: Fuel-burning appliances working improperly, like furnaces and water heaters, are the most common cause of CO poisoning. Have them checked annually.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Car Kit Winter driving can be treacherous. Don’t be caught in the cold in an emergency. Be prepared by creating a winter emergency car kit. Essential items include: • flashlight • flares or reflective triangle • distress sign • change for pay phone • first aid supplies • basic tools • fully charged cell phone

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Smarts

Courses in Mounds View are offered at the Mounds View Community Center (5394 Edgewood Drive) on the fourth Tuesday of each month, also at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Upcoming dates are Jan. 25 and Feb. 22. For more information, contact Shannon Ryder of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-786-4436.

Q: When do I need to replace the alarm? A: Every five to seven years or per manufacturer’s instructions (date is on back of alarm). Q: What do I do if the alarm goes off loudly and continuously? A: Get out immediately and call 911. Q: What are the symptoms of CO poisoning and how do I tell the difference between this and the flu? A: Flu-like symptoms are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting. If you go outside, poisoning symptoms go away. Poisoning can also occur without symptoms. Q: Who is at greatest risk for CO poisoning? A: Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema, heart problems, anemia, those who do strenuous physical activity and the elderly, children and unborn babies are at greatest risk. Minnesota law states all homes must have CO alarms. For more information about carbon monoxide and other home hazards, call the Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Quality Unit at 1-800-798-9050. Homeowners can also sign up for a free Home Safety Survey with the SBM Fire Department for a personal, confidential look at your home. Call 763-767-4003 for an appointment.

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Summer Yard Projects May Require City and Watershed District Permits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Plan Ahead! Sheds, pools, retaining walls, fences, playgrounds and decks are all valuable additions to any home. But if you plan to add this type of amenity to your home in the upcoming year, be sure to plan at least three months ahead. Many projects require a permit, and maybe even two. Besides a city permit, a permit from a watershed authority may also be required if the property is in a floodplain, along a public ditch or has a drainage easement or wetland on it. If this is the case, plans require both review and approval by the respective watershed organization. In such instances, it is important to plan ahead, as watershed organizations meet only monthly or semi-monthly. Blaine presently is part of three watershed organizations. The map below displays the three districts. Generally speaking, the western part of Blaine is in the Coon Creek Watershed District and the eastern is in Rice Creek Watershed District. To determine if your property is in a floodplain, drainage easement or wetland, check the map below or call the City of Blaine Engineering Department or your respective

watershed association. Though floodplain or wetlands may not be obvious, they may still be part of a property and serve important functions like flood prevention or pollution filtering. Drainage easements are equally important. A drainage easement allows access rights along public ditches for a drainage authority, such as a watershed district, to periodically inspect or repair public ditches (ownership is retained by the landowner). This practice exists because obstructed flow such as sedimentation from eroded banks could result in upstream flooding for a mile or more on the flat Anoka Sand Plain of which Blaine is a part. Sometimes, the sedimentation may need to be dredged or the ditchbanks stabilized. Permits help ensure structural safety, public safety and welfare and conservation of wetland and floodplain areas that serve functions like flood prevention. Plan ahead and get proper permits for your project. Clean water is worth it. Information provided by the Coon Creek Watershed District.

The Watershed Organizations of Blaine, Minnesota Coon Creek Watershed District 763.755.0975 Rice Creek Watershed District 763.398.3070 Six Cities Watershed Management Organization 763.767.6458

Roads Private Ditches Public Ditches Parcels Blaine City Limits

UPPER RUM RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

SUNRISE RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION Coon Creek Watershed District

LOWER RUM RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

SIX CITIES WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

Blaine

RICE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT

Disclaimer THE COON CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT MAKES NO WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND REGARDING EITHER ANY MAPS OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN OR THE SOURCES OF SUCH MAPS OR OTHER INFORMATION.

VADNAIS LAKE AREA WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

Anoka County, Minnesota Project Path: P:\GIS\GIS DATA\PUBLIC AND GOV RELATIONS\ARCMAP_DOCS\BLAINEWATERSHEDS.MXD - Map Date: Jul 01, 2010

january | february 2011

Home and Garden Show Set for Feb. 26 The cities of Blaine, Fridley and Mounds View will host the 13th Annual North Metro Home and Garden Show at the Schwan Center at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several dozen vendors will be available to answer home improvement questions and provide inspiration and encouragement to homeowners in the community to improve their homes and yards. Informational seminars will also be presented. Admission is free and door prizes will be awarded.

More information about the 2011 North Metro Home & Garden Show is available at www.northmetrohomeandgarden.com .

Winter Parking Restrictions in Effect As a reminder to residents, winter parking restrictions are in effect in Blaine. Streets clear of vehicles allow snow plows to most efficiently clean city roadways. • No parking on any Blaine street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 through April 1. Please note that there are several posted signs regarding this parking restriction throughout the city; however, a sign is not posted on every city street. • No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.

Anoka Conservation District Now Accepting Orders for April Tree Sale The Anoka Conservation District has begun taking orders as part of its 2011 Tree and Shrub Sale. Trees and shrubs are being offered in bundles of 10 ($15) or 25 ($27). Native prairie seeds are also available. The sale is set for April 30 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds; orders will be accepted until April 14. Order early to guarantee availability. All tree order information is available on the ACD website, which offers two methods of payment: print and mail the order form or order and pay online. The website also provides pictures of the native species for sale, along with a wealth of information on growth rates, soil types and moisture and sun requirements. Visit the Anoka Conservation District online at www.anokaswcd.org or call 763-434-2030 (x10) for more information.

SPECIES Dry Forest Mixed Oak Black Cherry Juneberry Hazelnut

Moist Forest

White Pine Transplants Sugar Maple Red Maple Paper Birch Elderberry Common Ninebark

Size as FORM Purchased Tree Tree Shrub Shrub

6-18” 18-24” 18-24” 12-18”

Tree Tree Tree Tree Shrub Shrub

6-18” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24”

Shoreland & Wetland Cottonwood Tamarack River Birch White Cedar Transplants Nannyberry Red-osier Dogwood Black Chokeberry

Tree Tree Tree Tree Shrub Shrub Sm Shrub

Windbreaks & Wildlife Norway Pine Transplants White Spruce Transplants Red Splendor Crab Wild Plum Common Lilac (early bloom) Villosa Lilac (late bloom)

Tree Tree Sm Tree Sm Tree Shrub Shrub

18-24” 6-12” 18-24” 8-16” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24” 12-24” 8-18” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24” 18-24”

Start Saving on Utility Bills Blaine residents are invited to attend a FREE educational workshop that teaches homeowners to lower energy use and save money by utilizing small behavioral modifications and installation of low-cost materials such as compact fluorescent lamps and faucet aerators. Attendees will also learn about energy audits and innovative financing options to assist with energy upgrade needs. The workshop is scheduled Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Blaine City Hall.

Energy Upgrade & Home Improvement Loan Program Open to Residents In 1998, the City of Blaine’s Economic Development Authority developed a lowinterest home improvement loan program for Blaine residents. Over the past 12 years, more than $3.6 million of the city’s dollars as well as $1.5 million from outside funding sources has been invested into the Blaine housing stock, providing residents with affordable remodeling options. In addition to the low-cost and no-cost energy saving tips noted above, the City of Blaine offers a low-interest home improvement loan to assist with home energy upgrades.

Blaine Home Improvement Loan

• 5% fixed interest • $25,000 maximum loan amount • Income limits apply • Eligible improvements include most exterior and interior improvements, such as furnaces, roofs, baths, windows and insulation, among others

The City of Blaine has contracted with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a local non-profit organization, to deliver the Blaine Home Improvement Program. CEE has remodeling advisors available at no cost to the homeowner to assist with the process of a home improvement. To schedule a remodeling advisor visit, call 612-335-5856. For more information or to request a Blaine Home Improvement Loan application, call 612-335-5884 or visit www.mncee.org .

Blaine ION T A E R REC NECTION CON

on creati 11 and Re Parks r/Spring 20 Winte

Sweetheart Party

ages 7 and under with parent/adult Spend a night at Centennial Elementary School with your child, dancing, making crafts and enjoying other activities. Bring a camera! Registration required. Register by Jan. 28. DATE: Friday, Feb. 4 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: $7/child

Ice Skating Party

Bring the whole family to Happy Acres Park for a day of skating and socializing. We provide hot chocolate and snacks. No registration required. DATE: Sunday, Jan. 9 TIME: 1 – 4 p.m. FEE: FREE!

Children’s Art Workshop

Youth are invited to city hall to create a masterpiece under the guidance of professional artists. Registration required. DATE: Saturday, Feb. 26 TIME: 1 p.m. FEE: FREE!

Community Outings

Check the winter/spring Recreation Connection for more information.

Ganster Tour & State Capitol

A gangster guides us through the early days in St. Paul. Lunch at Casper’s Cherokee Sirloin Room. After lunch, take a guided tour of our State Capitol. Elevators available. Register by March 7. DATE: Wednesday, March 23 TIME: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $53

The Marvelous Wonderettes at Plymouth Playhouse

Enjoy this new pop hit musical with favorite songs from the 50s and 60s. Lunch included. Register by Jan. 25. DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 9 TIME: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $63

Springtime in the Carolinas

April 3-13. Head southeast to Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and other cities. Trip includes 10 nights of accommodations and 14 meals. Call Parks and Rec for a complete itinerary. More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

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Lights to be Added to Two Youth Fields at Blaine Baseball Complex in 2011 Two Little League baseball fields at the Blaine Baseball Complex will soon get major upgrades that will ultimately benefit both players and families. Fields #2 and #3 will be enhanced with lights, which will allow games to start later in the evening and go past dusk. Leagues will be able to schedule more games in an evening, and families will not be hurried after work to make the start of early games. Little League baseball is for ages nine to 12

and is one of the fastest growing baseball age groups in the community. Weeknight games had been starting as early as 5 p.m. in order to complete double-headers; games will now start later and be finished by 10 p.m. And, because Little League fields are much smaller than standard baseball fields, they require half as much lighting. Light pole installation will begin in January. All lights will be installed and ready for play by the spring.

Families Invited to Annual Snow Day The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Lino Lakes and Blaine Parks and Recreation departments, are pleased to offer the 11th annual Snow Day on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants of all ages enjoy a variety of winter activities, including snow shoeing, ice fishing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing, winter crafts and a live animal presentation. Refreshments provided. Event held at Wargo Nature Center, regardless of weather. No registration required – just show up!

Winter Holiday Celebration Brings 600 to City Hall

Hundreds of Blaine residents visited city hall on Dec. 6 for the Parks and Rec Department’s ninth annual Winter Holiday Celebration. The lively event featured a wide variety of holiday-oriented activities, including live music, games, a coloring contest and an appearance from Santa. Families also enjoyed plenty of food and refreshments and an outdoor pit fire. New to the celebration this year were the horse-drawn wagon rides, provided by Bunker Park Stables. Despite cold temperatures, dozens of attendees took advantage of the fun ride around Town Square Park.

For more information, call Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007. This event is FREE!

Senior Scene Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375

Jan. 6 – Take Down Decorations at Senior Center Jan. 11-18 – Nominations for King and Queen of the Senior Center Jan. 20 – Movie: The Heartbreaker Jan. 24 – Prize/Penny Bingo Jan. 25 – Wii Tournament Jan. 25 – 500 Card Tournament Jan. 26 – Birthday Entertainment Jan. 27 – Cribbage Tournament Feb. 4 – Super Bowl Party Feb. 14 – Valentine Celebration with The Paul and Don Show Feb. 17 – Movie: TBD. Suggestions welcome. Feb. 23 – Birthday Bluegrass Entertainment by the Carlsons. Followed by Delicious Noon Meal and Prize Bingo The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.usand search keyword senior center.

january | february 2011

Community Garden Registration Begins

For the third year, community garden plots will be available to a limited number of local gardeners interested in growing flowers and vegetables. Blaine’s community garden is located adjacent to City Hall’s south parking lot. The city will prepare the soil for planting, stake each plot and make water accessible. Plots are 15 feet by 20 feet and will be available for gardening on May 14. Rental fees for gardeners are $42.85 per plot for Blaine residents, $32.14 for Blaine senior residents ages 55 and older and $64.27 for nonresidents (all rental fees include tax). Only one plot will be assigned per household. The registration priority for renting a garden plot is as follows: 1. Blaine resident gardeners from last year may register for their same 2010 garden plot from Feb. 28 through March 18. 2. New Blaine resident gardeners and

Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park returning Blaine resident gardeners who desire a different garden plot may register March 21 through March 25. 3. Returning non-resident gardeners may register for a plot from March 28 through April 1. 4. New non-resident gardeners may register for a plot beginning April 4. Application, agreement forms and garden policies are available from the Parks and Recreation office. Call 763-785-6164 for more information. Happy gardening!

EPA’s New Lead-Safe Home Renovation Guidelines Become Effective Feb. 1 New lead-safe rules adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency are intended to protect kids and adults from the devastating effects of lead poisoning. These new guidelines are specifically aimed at protecting children younger than six and pregnant women. Starting Feb. 1, 2011, many home renovations must be performed under completely different rules. The new rules apply to homes built before 1978, ones most likely to contain lead-based products such as certain paints. When hiring a contractor for home renovation, the contractor must provide the homeowner with an educational pamphlet of lead-safe practices. Upon renovation, contractors must build a containment area so dust cannot travel throughout the home. They also must use special vacuums to suck small dust particles, then clean after themselves in a special manner

and perform testing to ensure all lead dust is wiped away. Contractors have to pay for this special training and equipment, which means the cost will be passed on and renovation jobs will likely be more expensive than last year. Safety officials say the increased costs do are worth the public health benefits. Said Marjean Hoeft with Sustainable Resources Center: “The more usual way of kids being contaminated is through the dust. Every time you open a window and close a window it then gets in their lungs and can cause a lot of learning disabilities, challenges and asthma.” The EPA began a public service announcement campaign at the beginning of December. If the EPA finds a contractor failing to comply with the new rules, the contractor will be fined $37,500 per day. More information about this new program and its rules is available at health.lead @ state.mn.us or 651-201-4620.

Right-of-Way Tree Trimming Underway The Public Works Department will be trimming trees in city right-of-ways throughout winter as weather permits. Detailed maps identifying where efforts will be concentrated can be found online. Public Works typically maintains a minimum clearance of 13 feet for buses and

street maintenance equipment. Sidewalks require a minimum clearance of eight feet. More information about the city’s tree trimming efforts, including maps showing specific street locations of trimming activities, can be found by visiting www.ci.blaine.mn.us and searching keyword tree trim .

Each third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park. The collection event is staged near the Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most appliances cost $10 each; air conditioners and water softeners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may also be recycled for a small fee. Free items include scrap metal, car batteries, used clothing and all items collected as part of the city’s curbside recycling program. A free paper shedding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. To learn more about the city’s recycling drop-off program and for a list of acceptable items and associated fees, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword recycle .

In Case of Sewer Backup, Contact Public Works Residents experiencing a sewer backup should immediately contact the City of Blaine Public Works Department. Public Works will check the sewer main for blockages, as tree roots in the line can cause backups for neighbors as well. During regular business hours, Blaine Public Works can be reached at 763-785-6165. Outside of business hours, call Anoka County Dispatch at 763-427-1212 in order to notify Blaine Public Works.

January Curbside Tree Collection Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular garbage days during the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9 on regular garbage days. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 32324 Minneapolis, MN

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 (763) 784-6700

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

A Look Back: Another Great Year for Blaine Another exciting year has drawn to a close in Blaine. The past 12 months were eventful and productive both at Blaine City Hall and in the community, with a long list of local government news standing out in 2010: • The first big news of 2010 was learning that Blaine led all Twin Cities suburbs in home construction during the previous decade. From 2000 through 2009, Blaine saw 5,820 new homes built, which helped send the population booming. Commercial and industrial growth was also significant in the decade. The market value of commercial/ industrial properties in the city rose from $366 million in 2000 to an estimated $1.162 billion by 2010. Despite a drop in new housing at the end of the decade, Blaine saw another big jump in home construction in 2010. Final 2010 housing numbers will be published in the March/ April issue of CityConnect. • Blaine saw several significant road improvement projects in 2010. In local projects, Polk Street/Territorial Road from Cloverleaf Parkway to Jefferson Street underwent full roadway replacement. A second city project reconstructed 95th Avenue from Interstate Highway 35W east to Hamline Avenue, changing the rural section of road to a two-lane, urban roadway complete with curb and gutter, turn lanes and center median. Work also began this year on reconstruction of Radisson Road between 125th Avenue in Blaine north to Bunker Lake Road in Ham Lake. When completed in 2011, the roadway will be widened to four lanes with raised median, shoulders and turn lanes, with curb and gutter and storm sewer. Ultimately, Radisson Road will have a similar look from I-35W to Bunker Lake Road. • In November, the City of Blaine published its third Corporate Report to the Community. The popular financial report showed how the city turned tax dollars into quality city services in 2009 and 2010. The report also included a candid message about budget issues facing the City of Blaine. In 2009, the city cut $1.2 million to balance the 2010 budget. Going into 2011, the city cut another $500,000 from its budget. In these lean financial times, the city has tightened its belt along with everyone else. Importantly, however, the city has maintained city service levels by budgeting responsibly and facing tough financial decisions head on. • On a related note, the City of Blaine received good financial news in 2010 from Moody’s Investors Service, the company that provides credit ratings for municipalities. After recalibration, the city’s debt rating moved up a notch to Aa1. The higher rating means

lower interest costs on debt and, in turn, lower costs to taxpayers. • Two beautiful new parks were officially opened by the City of Blaine in 2010. Lakeside Commons Park, a 7.7-acre multipurpose park on the north side of Sunrise Lake, was an absolute hit in its inaugural year. The park immediately became a popular warm weather destination for residents eager to enjoy Blaine’s first public beach and take advantage of the park’s many unique amenities. Along with the beach, the new park also features a beach house, splash pad, volleyball courts, boathouse, picnic pavilion and massive playground, in addition to plenty of open green space. A second new park added even more recreational opportunities for residents. The Lakes Athletic Complex, adjacent to Northpoint Elementary School, sits on 22.4 acres filled with a basketball court, four fenced tennis courts, two regulation football/soccer fields and two baseball fields. • Blaine was again in the national sports spotlight as the 3M Championship and Schwan’s USA Cup returned to town in the summer. The Schwan’s USA Cup brought more than 900 teams from 16 countries to the National Sports Center in July, while the 3M Championship celebrated its tenth year at the Tournament Players Club – Twin Cities in August with another successful golf tournament. • The third annual Blaine World Fest rocked Town Square Park, with more than 900 people enjoying a celebration hightlighted by delicious ethnic food and festive cultural entertainment. The event has quickly grown into one of the most popular annual events put together by the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department. • A seasonal off-leash dog park also opened in Blaine. The trial park used three seasonal hockey rinks at Happy Acres Park and saw considerable usage by dog owners. • Blaine joined eight nearby cities to form the Minnesota Metro North Tourism convention and visitors bureau, known for marketing purposes as Twin Cities Gateway. The name is reflective of its communities’ proximity to the Twin Cities. • Blaine was again named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. It was the 16th consecutive year the city earned the distinction for its forestry efforts. • The city was also one of only a small number of communities to receive the new Minnesota Blue Star Award in 2010 for its efforts to protect local water quality and combat stormwater runoff. All in all, it was another great year in Blaine. Look forward to more fun and success in 2011.