e n i a l CityConnect B
W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S
July/August 2011
Blaine Welcomes 3M Championship, Schwan’s USA Cup this Summer
Tens of thousands of visitors will again descend on Blaine this summer for two major annual sporting events. The Schwan’s USA Cup, billed as the largest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, will bring 13,000 players on more than 840 teams from 26 states and 12 countries to the National Sports Center from July 19-23. Special traffic controls will be in place on both 105th Avenue and Davenport Street near the National Sports Center.
A week later, the 3M Championship will be held at the Tournament Players Club - Twin Cities. The tournament runs Aug. 1-7 and features several days of events leading up to three days of stroke play golf on the weekend. Admission, parking and shuttles will be free for the third consecutive year. Public parking is available at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Detailed information is available at www.3mchampionship.com .
U of M Study Analyzes Economic Impact of 3M Championship A study by the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality revealed precisely how valuable the 3M Championship golf tournament is to Blaine and the rest of the region. The study looked at the economic impact of the 2010 3M Championship, concluding that the tournament operator, visitors and vendors spent $11.1 million in the region while hosting and attending the event. When indirect and induced expenditures are included, the total economic impact totals $18.7 million. In order to create that output, an estimated 192 full- and part-time jobs were created. Of those, 122 were directly created by operator, visitor and vendor spending; the other 70 were due to the ripple effects of the spending. The jobs paid $7 million in labor
income, of which $3.7 million was directly created as a result of spending by tournament attendees, operators and vendors. The results are dependant on attendance and spending estimates. Varying the estimates by 25 percent results in a total economic impact of $17 to $20.5 million. An additional $3 to $6 million spent on corporate marketing campaigns are a significant tertiary benefit of the event but are not included in those numbers, as they are not a transaction of the event itself.
Parking Passes Now Required at Lakeside Commons Park All vehicles utilizing the public parking lot at Lakeside Commons Park this summer must have a city-issued parking pass. Seasonal parking passes are free for Blaine residents; non-residents may purchase a seasonal pass for $20 or a oneday pass for $5. Parking passes will be available during normal business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) from the Parks and Recreation Department at Blaine City Hall. Blaine residents must present photo identification with proof of residency to acquire a parking pass. Nonresidents may purchase daily or seasonal parking passes with cash or check only. Parking passes will also be available in the boathouse at Lakeside Commons Park during normal hours of operation. This parking policy is effective through Aug. 28 and will be enforced daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lakeside Commons Park & Beach Park Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Beach: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Splash Pad: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Boathouse: 1 – 6 p.m. (M-F) noon – 6 p.m. (Sat-Sun) Canoe & Kayak Rental: $7/hour
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Blaine City Hall
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
A zone recycling
CITY COUNCIL
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
AUGUST JUNE
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
contactsJUNE
MAYOR Tom Ryan
Sun
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
FoLLOW uS
11308 Jefferson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us
City Council*
July 14 | Aug. 4 | Aug. 18 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
City Council Workshops July 14 | July 21 Aug. 4 | Aug. 11 | Aug. 18 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Planning Commission* July 12 | Aug. 9 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
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July 26 | Aug. 23 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
PUBLIC MEETINGS
email updates
Natural Resource Conservation Board July 19 | Aug. 16 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council July 13 | Aug. 10 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society Aug. 9 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 city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.
july | august 2011
Register Now for Night to Unite 2011 Night to Unite returns to Blaine on Aug. 2, when the city’s neighborhoods will join thousands across the state to celebrate an evening of outdoor festivities aimed at increasing crime prevention awareness and building a stronger community. This marks the third year of Night to Unite in Blaine and the 25th consecutive year Blaine residents and Safety Services personnel have gathered on a summer night to unite against crime.
Last year, residents hosted 106 neighborhood block parties in the city, most featuring food, fun activities and a brief crime prevention discussion. Police officers and firefighters made appearances at most gatherings to discuss home and neighborhood safety and allow children to explore their emergency vehicles. Blaine Safety Services also collects school supplies for the Community Emergency Assistance Program, which enables local disadvantaged students to begin the school year with proper supplies. Neighborhood groups are encouraged to register planned outings with the city to ensure a visit from members of the city’s Safety Services Department. Registration is free and all materials are currently available online and from the Police Department at City Hall. Contact Crime Prevention Specialist Kim Kiley at 763-785-6186 for more information or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keywords night to unite .
Smoking and Home Fires: What Will Make a Difference? Becky Booker - SBM Fire Department
Smoking is the primary cause of preventable home fire deaths across the country. If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, arm yourself with the facts. The SBM Fire Department has responded to 82 smoking materials fires at a cost of more than $350,000 in damages since 2006. It takes a team effort to help prevent these tragic fires. SBM FD is committed to helping. In the summer of 2011, fire department personnel will be canvassing neighborhoods to offer suggestions on how to prevent smoking material fires in homes. Facts & figures •In 2008, there were an estimated 114,800 smoking-material fires in the U.S., causing 680 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries and $737 million in direct property damage. •One out of four fatal victims of smokingmaterial fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire. •Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms or bedrooms. •Materials most likely to start on fire are trash, bedding and furniture. •Two out of five (39%) fatal home smokingmaterial fire victims were age 65 or older.
Citizens Academy Registration Now Open Blaine residents interested in learning more about safety services are encouraged to register for the 10th annual Blaine Citizens Academy. The eight-week course, hosted by the City of Blaine Safety Services Division, is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the structure and operations of the Police, Fire and Community Standards departments while participating in a variety of exciting and fast-paced activities, all in a safe and fun environment. Class is held Wednesday evenings, Sept. 7 to Oct. 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The academy meets at a different location each week depending on the activities scheduled. Course topics and hands-on activities include: police use of force, motor vehicle extrication, fire fighting, crime prevention, fire prevention, housing maintenance, code compliance, criminal investigations, fire investigations, drug awareness, clandestine methamphetamine labs, traffic
stops and other emergency response. All residents 18 years and older are invited to apply. Class size is limited and all applicants must pass a criminal history background check. Applications will be accepted until the class fills, so register early. Graduation from Citizens Academy also qualifies participants for Citizens Academy 2.0, a three-week supplemental course that delves even deeper into the inner workings of the city. At the inaugural session of Citizens Academy 2.0 this spring, participants tested their marksmanship by laser shooting at the new police training building, drove Public Works vehicles through an obstacle course and practiced water rescues with the SBM Fire Department, in addition to numerous other activities. More information is available from Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113 or ahunt @ ci.blaine.mn.us .
sAFETY TIPS •Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out; dousing in water is the best method. •If you smoke, smoke outside. •Check under furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight. •Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table. •Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used. •If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires. •To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, be alert. Don’t smoke when sleepy, on medicine, in bed or after drinking alcohol. •Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children. •When outside, know that smoking materials can ignite mulch, potted plants and home siding. If you smoke, put it out. All the Way. Every time.
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Blaine Kicks-Off Local Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign On April 26, representatives from the Army National Guard, in cooperation with the City of Blaine, held the Blaine Yellow Ribbon Kickoff, an event that officially signaled the beginning of the city’s partnership with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Minnesota Army National Guard and all branches of service have answered the call of duty in the fight against terrorism. Each deployment puts increased demands on service members and military families. The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign creates a network that coordinates and connects agencies, organizations, resources and employers in the
city for the purpose of proactively supporting those affected by military deployments. Individuals instrumental in creating and sustaining that network include leadership of city, county, veterans and civic organizations, as well as educators, employers and representatives of faith-based, medical and social service organizations. The City of Blaine is currently taking steps to become a nationally recognized Yellow Ribbon Community. At the Kickoff in April, more than 50 members of the community attended. They learned Blaine has the highest concentration of National Guard members in the north metro, meaning the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program has an opportunity to be very beneficial locally. The next step for the Blaine chapter is
to form a steering committee that consists of representatives from seven key areas of the community: city leadership, public safety/judicial, faith-based groups, veterans organizations, business, social services/medical and education/youth. Once the steering committee is established, it will begin working on a sustainable action plan to coordinate agencies, organizations, resources and employers in order to meet the needs of service members, military families and employers at a local level. Residents interested in serving on the Steering Committee or being involved in any respect should contact Rebecca Olson at rolson @ ci.blaine.mn.us or 763-785-6120. More information about the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon initiative is available at www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org.
Rain Garden Open House July 11 Residents seeking a solution to low spots prone to flooding might find a simple answer by installing a rain garden. Rain gardens are slight, depressed gardens planted with native plants that grow well even if temporarily flooded. A rain garden will slow rainwater runoff, allowing water to soak into the ground; the garden’s mix of plants provides beautiful landscaping that attracts birds and butterflies. These alternative gardens have been utilized for more than 20 years and have recently gained popularity in Minnesota as a solution to the water quality problem caused by rainwater runoff. Recent changes in stormwater regulations require runoff to be captured where it collects to soak into the ground. Rain gardens are designed to solve a major problem. The problem starts when The City of Blaine will host an open house at its demonstration rain garden on July 11 to give residents a first-hand look at a rain garden and to discuss its many benefits. Experts will be present to answer questions and provide suggestions for residents interested in building their own rain garden. Handouts, maps to other rain gardens in the area and a build-your-own rain garden book will also be available. Monday, July 11 12309 Goodhue St., Blaine 6:30 – 9 p.m. More information about rain gardens and the open house are available from Stormwater Manager Jim Hafner at 763-785-6188 or jhafner @ ci.blaine.mn.us.
unwanted debris, trash and dirt is collected and washed away by the rainwater runoff during rainfall. It is all carried into the storm sewer system, where it can collect and cause flooding problems and extra work for city crews. Nutrients like phosphorous and heavy metals are then contained in that debris. Those pollutants are carried into lakes, streams, wetlands and rivers, resulting in poor water quality and affecting fish and other aquatic creatures. Before society built roads, buildings, parking lots and other hard surfaces, rainwater would be intercepted by trees, plants, grasses and fields, with the excess soaking into the ground to recharge lakes and rivers. These days, with abundant hard surfaces, fewer opportunities exist for runoff to get back into the ground, meaning the loss of groundwater that will replenish lakes and wetlands, provide water for trees and plants and restore aquifers that supply needed water for irrigation and consumption. An easy solution to this problem is the rain garden. These useful features may be small or large and filled with a diversity of plants or a simple few varieties. They are best placed in strategic low areas where water tends to collect. No mater the size or shape, rain gardens will capture runoff and get it back into the ground before it gets to the streets. With careful planning the plants used will attract wildlife and birds, adding another dimension to the benefits of such a garden. These gardens are extremely simple and can be easily installed by a homeowner or contracted to any number of companies who specialize in rain garden construction.
The city’s demonstration rain garden on Goodhue Street prior to planting.
During a rain event, water collects in the garden and soaks into the ground.
Two years after planting, the rain garden has become a haven for birds and butterflies.
july | august 2011
Athletic Complex Named in Honor of Former Parks & Recreation Director Jim Peterson Athletic Complex was officially dedicated in early June, an honor bestowed on the former Parks and Recreation Department director for his 34 years of service with the City of Blaine. The 22.4-acre park, formerly known as Lakes Athletic Complex, is adjacent to Northpoint Elementary School at 12302 Cloud Drive, and is home to four tennis courts, two regulation soccer/football fields, two baseball fields and a basketball court. It was built in 2009 and opened officially last year. Peterson’s tenure with the City of Blaine began in 1972; he became the Parks and Recreation Director in 1984, a title he held until his retirement in 2007. During his tenure as director, park numbers jumped from 26 to more than 60 and city trails went from virtually non-existent outside city parks to more than 40 miles. Cityowned open space also went from scant to more than 600 acres. Said one Park Board member of Peterson: “Because of his dedication, vision, leadership and drive, we enjoy one of the best park systems in the state of Minnesota. Renaming the Lakes Athletic Complex would be a fitting memorial to a man who gave so much to the city and community.” Prior to his retirement, Peterson cited the relocation of Airport Park as one of his greatest accomplishments. The large design
Former Parks and Recreation Department Director Jim Peterson, at right, shakes hands with the current director, Jim Kappelhoff, at the dedication ceremony for Jim Peterson Athletic Complex. The sign reads: “This park is named in honor of Jim Peterson, who served as Parks and Recreation Director from 1984 - 2007. Through his vision, dedication and unremitting determination, Jim was devoted in providing residents with quality parks, trails and recreation opportunities throughout the City of Blaine to enjoy now and for generations to come.”
project resulted in the addition of four lighted softball fields and four soccer fields, leading the park to become a major sports venue in the region. Peterson was also proud of the creation of Town Square Park, as the process included community input and planning. Today, Town Square Park hosts numerous events throughout the summer months, including the Performance in the Park concert series and Blaine World Fest.
PD Provides Nearly 7,000 Bike Helmets in 10 Years of City-Sponsored Sales Events YEAR 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
HELMETS SOLD 340 390 592 620 764 694 785 752 946 745 6,628
Each spring for the last 10 years, the Blaine Police and SBM Fire departments have teamed up to distribute discounted bike helmets at two evening sales and fitting events. In that time, 6,628 helmets have been fitted for and sold to Blaine residents of all ages. Over the years, another 1,110 residents have brought bike helmets to the events to have one of Blaine’s Safety Services personnel ensure the helmet fit the bike rider’s head according to safety standards. In addition to the numbers from the annual sales events, 150 third-graders are fitted for and given bike helmets each summer at Safety Camp. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, bikerelated crashes kill 100 children in the U.S. every year and send about 250,000 people to emergency rooms with injuries. Nearly half have traumatic brain injuries. Wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and the risk of brain injury by 88%. In putting nearly 7,000 bike helmets on the heads of residents in the past decade, Blaine Safety Services is doing its part to keep those statistics trending downward.
Keep Leaves and Grass Clippings Out of Waterways The dumping of grass clippings and leaves in a city watercourse – a ditch, stream, creek or other channel intended for the conveyance of water – causes numerous problems and is, in fact, prohibited by city code. Blaine City Code Chapter 34, Article XI-569 states: “Every person owning property through which a watercourse passes, or such person’s lessee, shall keep and maintain that part of the watercourse within the property free of trash, debris, yard waste, excessive vegetation, and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate, or significantly retard the flow of water through the watercourse. In addition, the owner or lessee shall maintain existing privately owned structures within or adjacent to a watercourse, so that such structures will not become a hazard to the use, function, or physical integrity of the watercourse.” Dumped leaves and grass clippings in drainage ditches may cause blockages and, ultimately, flooding upstream of the blockage. The piles of clippings and leaves can also create nuisance problems, as they do not decompose quickly and can provide pockets water for mosquito breeding. Piles also kill vegetation underneath, leading to erosion problems. Residents have several options for disposing of clippings. The first is to not collect them at all, but rather leave them on the lawn as a source of nutrients. Otherwise, two disposal options are available. The city’s garbage hauler will collect yard waste as an addon service (contact Veolia at 763-786-7233 for details). Yard waste can also be dropped off at two Anoka County Compost sites, Bunker Hills (763-767-7964) and Rice Creek (651-429-3723) for a nominal fee. More information is available from the Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or www.cooncreek.org.
Volunteer Van Drivers Needed The Mary Ann Young Senior Center is seeking substitute or permanent van drivers to transport residents to and from the Senior Center for meals and programs. Training is available and a free lunch provided the day you drive. Call 763-786-9375 for more details about this volunteer opportunity.
Blaine ION T A E R REC NECTION CON
on creati and Re Parks mmer 2011 Su
Family Fun Night
DATE: Tuesday, July 19 TIME: 6 – 8 p.m. FEE: FREE! Join the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department for Family Fun Night at Aquatore Park, an evening dedicated entirely to families. Children can enjoy free kiddie carnival games, giant inflatables and music, then explore a police car, fire truck and ambulance at our vehicle fair. Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase food at the concession stand.
Medallion Hunt Sponsored by Pioneer Cycle
Three clues will be released at the Family Fun Night registration table at 6 p.m. The medallion hunt winner will receive a brand new Boulder Mountain Bike from Pioneer Cycle.
Community Outings
Call 763-786-9375 for more information.
Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles DATE: Thursday, Aug. 25 TIME: 8:15 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $54 Register by Aug. 8.
Casino Trip
Monday, Aug. 1: Treasure Island
Wagons & Fiddles
DATE: Wednesday, Sept. 28 FEE: $69 Visit a personal museum in Alexandria and see classic cars, dolls and Elvis. We will take a relaxing covered wagon ride through the hills. After lunch at the museum, we will enjoy musical entertainment.
Branson Christmas Tour
Nov. 18 – 22. Travel to Branson for five days and four nights of fun. We will enjoy five musical shows: Texas Tenor, Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, Showboat Branson Belle, Spirit of Christmas and the Doug Gabriel Morning Show. We will have time to shop and tour the Branson area. Call for 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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Blaine World Fest Returns on Sept. 17 The city will once again celebrate its many cultures as the fourth annual Blaine World Fest returns to Town Square Park on Saturday, Sept. 17. Join the Parks and Rec Department from 1 to 5 p.m. and enjoy cultural song and dance, sample a wide variety of ethnic cuisine and learn about diverse ways of life from numerous informational presentations. For the second year, the city and local businesses will sponsor a diversity essay contest for area students.
Blaine World Fest has grown increasingly popular year after year, becoming a fantastic way for Blaine and surrounding communities to celebrate growing ethnic and cultural diversity. Check the September issue of CityConnect or the fall Recreation Connection for this year’s participating groups and vendors. For more information or to volunteer at Blaine World Fest, contact Tom Godfrey at 763-717-2723.
Enjoy a Performance in the Park this Summer Blaine’s free Performance in the Park summer concert series is underway. Make some time in July and August to enjoy a fun concert in a beautiful city park. Rich & the Resistors QC Dance Performance July 7 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
July 28 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Music that Tickles by Shawn Sweeney
July 8 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
The Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund July 12 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
Mayer Arts: Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
July 29 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
Curtis & Loretta
Aug. 2 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
‘n Motion Dance
July 14 • 6 p.m. • Town Square Park
Aug. 4 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
Sticks & Tones
Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam
July 15 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
Wee Willie Polka Band
July 21 • 6:30 p.m. • Aquatore Park
Alpha Bits Band
July 22 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
Aug. 5 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
Good Timin’
Aug. 9 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
Magician Brian Richards
Aug. 12 • 10:30 a.m. • Aquatore Park
Calhoun Isles Community Band July 26 • 7 p.m. • Town Square Park
Off-Leash Dog Park Open at Happy Acres Resident dog owners are invited to bring dogs to Happy Acres Park and enjoy the city’s dog park inside seasonal hockey rinks. The free off-leash canine exercise area is open during regular park hours. Two rinks are open this summer; signs are posted to indicate which rink is designated for large or small dogs. Mutt Mitts are provided. Please do your part to keep the park clean and safe for other dogs and their owners.
Senior Scene
Mary Ann Young Senior Center
9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375 July 1 – Patriotic Party – wear red, white and blue; refreshments and music
July 13 – Reunion/Bring Friend – live music and refreshments; rewards for most guests July14 – Swallowing Presentation – register in advance for this informational class July 21 – Pork Chop Dinner – nearly sold out; no tickets needed for concert in Aquatore Park July 27 – Birthday Entertainment July 28 – Movie: Country Strong Aug. 2 – National Noon Out – prize games while learning safety tips Aug. 17 – Harvest Dinner Tickets on Sale Aug. 18 – SBM Fire Department Presentation – smoke alarm and fire extinguisher safety Aug. 18 – Movie: TBD Aug. 31 – Birthday Entertainment 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.
july | august 2011
CPR Classes, Fire Extinguisher Training Available from SBM Fire Department 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. Blaine courses 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 June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9. Courses in Mounds View are offered at the Mounds View Community Center (5394 Edgewood Dr.) on the fourth Tuesday of every other month, also at 1
p.m. and 7 p.m. Upcoming dates are June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23. The SBM Fire Department is also offering free fire extinguisher training this summer. The class, which is open to the public, consists of a short PowerPoint presentation and hands-on extinguisher skill training. The class is held at Fire Station 1 (1710 County Highway 10) in Spring Lake Park on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot for fire extinguisher training or for more information about any of the classes offered, contact Shannon Ryder of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-786-4436.
Free Remodeling Advisor Visits Available Blaine residents contemplating home remodeling projects – like modernizing the kitchen, replacing windows or upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace, for instance – have a free resource just a phone call away. The Blaine Remodeling Advisor Visit is a no-strings-attached program in which an unbiased third party visits your home to answer home improvement questions. This is not a contractor trying to sell a product or a city inspector, but rather an independent professional intending only to offer professional advice. This service is perfect if you’re seeking assistance prioritizing improvements, evaluating bids or even just getting started. “Why is my basement wet?” “Should I replace my windows?” “Do I need to build an addition to add another bathroom?” These questions have all been answered by Bob Mello, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) Remodeling Advisor.
“I once went into a house and the owners wanted to do an addition in order to do a kitchen remodel,” Mello said. “We discussed several options and it turned out they could fit the kitchen they wanted in the space they had, saving them thousands of dollars.” The City of Blaine has contracted with CEE, a local non-profit group, to conduct the Remodeling Advisor Visits. For more information on this program or to schedule your visit, call 612-335-5856. Blaine also offers five percent home improvement loans for residents. With a $25,000 maximum loan amount and a loan term able to be structured to fit your budget, this program meets the needs of every Blaine resident. Eligible improvements include those listed above as well as roofs, additions, baths, flooring and more. For more information on these and other programs CEE has to offer, call 612-335-5884 or visit www.mncee.org .
Report Streetlight Contact Public Outages to Local Works Immediately Electric Companies if Sewer Backs Up The City of Blaine has streetlight maintenance contracts with the electric utility companies in the area. If you notice a streetlight not working in your neighborhood, please contact your electric company directly. Phone numbers for the local companies are: Connexus Energy: 763-323-2650 Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999
Residents experiencing a sewer back-up 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 may cause back-ups 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.
All Door-to-Door Solicitors Require City License Any door-to-door peddler or solicitor in Blaine is required to carry city-issued photo identification, which is supplied upon completion of a favorable background investigation. The cityissued license for 2011 is printed on white paper imprinted with the city seal. Peddlers and solicitors must carry their license with them at all times and show it at the request of any resident. The license does not constitute an endorsement of the products or merchandise by the city. Complaints about business practices can be registered with the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota by phone at (651) 699-1111. For more information or to view the city’s complete peddler and solicitor policy, visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword solicitors .
Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park 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 .
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 (763) 784-6700
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The Life of Greenberry Chambers “This township is almost unacceptable for either men or beast except when frozen up...The soil on the barrens is light-loose sand, third rate.” -A.J. Hewitt, deputy surveyor in 1847 Despite his harsh words, Hewitt’s conclusion did not deter pioneering spirits from attempting to settle the land that would later become Blaine. One such pioneer was Greenberry Chambers, the man widely recognized as the first permanent settler of Blaine. Greenberry Chambers carved out of a life from the “unacceptable” land for almost two decades. Of course, perseverance and determination are unsurprising traits of Chambers, a former slave. In the mid-nineteenth century, Green Chambers was a slave in Barren County, Ky., with a wife, Charlotte (Lottie) and five children. By the 1860s, the Chambers family had become scattered among several slave owners. During the Civil War in 1862, some Union states – Kentucky among them – formed regiments designated as “U.S. Colored Troops.” After running away from his owner, Green Chambers enlisted as a private in Company H of the 15th U.S. Colored Infantry in Bowling Green, Ky., in 1864. His freedom was granted and his owner received a certificate for the $100 bounty normally payable to an enlistee as well as up to $300 in compensation for his value. In the fall of 1864 Chambers was severely injured while helping to erect a stockade at Fort Cynthiana, Ky. His plagued him throughout his life. Still, Chambers persevered. Chambers was discharged from the Union Army in July 1865. According to the History of Upper Mississippi Valley, he “went in search of his three children, whom he found and, after some difficulty, secured their releases.” (According to the 1870 Census, three of Green Chambers’ five children – Green Jr., George and Sarah – were living with him in Minnesota;
the fate of his other two children is unknown.) Although Green set out to find a better life for his family, it was a life not easily found in 1865 Kentucky. Chambers and his family left the state, traveling via steamboat up the Mississippi River to Minnesota in September 1865. They settled in the area near the present-day Centennial school campus in eastern Blaine, in the area bordered today by Sunset Road, North Road, Lever Street and 105th Avenue. The price of the farm was about $1,500. The 1870 Census showed Chambers as a farmer owning land with an estimated value of $1,000 and personal property valued at $700. Thirty acres were listed as improved (cultivated) and 130 acres not improved. Chambers owned two horses, seven head of cattle and twelve pigs; he raised spring wheat, Indian corn and oats. The value of the
Blaine Historical Society Our Mission To gather, preserve and disseminate the history of the city of Blaine, Minnesota – to foster awareness of the past, understanding of the present and plan for the future. The Blaine Historical Society meets in the Sanctuary Room at Blaine City Hall at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of even-numbered months. For more information, contact: Orville Lindquist, President 612-850-8132 orville.lindquist@gmail.com
farm’s production was placed at $616. Despite his physical limitations, and as evidence of his perseverance and determination, of the 69 farms listed in the area, the Chambers farm had the third highest production. Unfortunately, his good fortune would not last. In October 1875, the Chambers farm was foreclosed upon due to a $677 debt owed on his 160 acres. Still, Chambers persevered. He and his family moved to the present day Circle Pines-Lexington area and farmed on 18 acres of land, managing to carve out a life in harsh conditions. Around 1884, they moved to Juno Street in St. Paul. According to army pension papers, Charlotte “supported the family by working at cleaning, washing and ironing.” Green received a $48 Civil War pension and was helped by friends and neighbors. In 1884, Charlotte died of pneumonia. She was buried in Oakland Cemetery, in an area then known as the “African Section.” Still, Green Chambers persevered. To support himself, he worked as a railroad porter until 1898, when he died of old age. He also was buried in Oakland Cemetery. “Unacceptable for either man or beast...” Today, Blaine has a population of nearly 60,000. In the 1860s, it was a very different place, but the perseverance and determination of a former slave showed that the land could be tamed. Greenberry Chambers set Blaine on its early course to permanent settlement. This story was largely adapted from Circle Pines & Lexington Minnesota: History of the 1800s to 2000 by Stephen Lee. The Blaine Historical Society owes Mr. Lee a debt of gratitude for his tremendous work in researching and compiling some of the shared early history of Blaine, Circle Pines and Lexington. This article was researched and written by members of the Blaine Historical Society.