Public Meetings - Blaine, Minnesota

The Blaine City Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE. Mayor Tim Sanders presided, and all seven councilmembers were present. The council completed annual organizational business, heard public testimony and two public hearings, approved street reconstruction orders and design contracts, acted on development items, and adopted three ordinances. Most votes were unanimous except for four 6-1 votes tied to street project funding and one 6-1 vote on playground replacement. Organizational Business - RES 26-1, Mission Statement Affirming Council/Staff Responsibilities, was adopted unanimously. - RES 26-2, Rules of Procedure and Quorum/Order of Business, was adopted unanimously. - 2026-004, Appointment of Liaisons to Various Boards and Commissions, was approved unanimously. The approved slate included a 2026 change designating Councilmember Ford to the Anoka County Airport Advisory Commission with Councilmember Newland as alternate. Consent Agenda - The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously by one motion. It included: - Schedule of Bills Paid - Approval of Minutes - Designation of the Official Newspaper for 2026 (Blaine Wave) - Recording Secretary Service Agreement for 2026 - Adoption of the Council Code of Conduct - Designation of Official City Depositories for 2026 - Designation of the Finance Director to Make Electronic Funds Transfers - Acknowledgment of Financial Contributions of Organizations Conducting Lawful Gambling - Resolutions releasing North Meadows and North Meadows 2nd Addition from recorded development agreements - Final Plat approval for Blaine Town Center East District, creating six lots and two outlots - Authorization for temporary removal of parking restrictions on 91st Avenue, between Eldorado Street and Isanti Street, for the Ferguson Waterworks Training Academy on February 3-5, 2026 Public Comments & Testimony Open Forum - Bruce Manthei, 4101 99th Avenue NE, shared continuing concerns about the electrical box at 99th Avenue and Lexington Avenue, arguing it blocks sight lines and does not meet city or state standards. He said the issue had not been properly vetted and stated he would continue raising it. - Steve Fellows, 10604 Madison Street, asked why the council does not hold a dialogue during open forum. He questioned why public safety takes up 40% of the city budget (minutes; transcript says 43%), noting the council rarely hears directly from police and fire chiefs. He raised concerns about snow plowing, sidewalk priorities, budget increases, city debt, the split vote on the 2026 budget, water bill increases, and incentives offered to Scheels and the National Sports Center. He said he believed the city was becoming too big and that the council did not know how to run it. - Dana Carlson, 287 117th Avenue NE, shared continuing concerns related to family issues and asked for cooperation from local agencies. - Diane O'Brien, 10617 Quincy Boulevard, questioned where city money is going, said she understood $4.7 million was being used for roadwork, and argued that if the city had money set aside, it should not assess residents. She raised concerns about staff salaries, oversight, and potential corruption, suggested an audit by the Attorney General's office, and recommended that planning commissioners rather than the mayor or city manager select the planning director. - Open Forum ran from approximately 7:07 PM to 7:24 PM. Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Public Hearing - The 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project No. T2604, was presented for public hearing. The total estimated project cost was $4,710,940, with $1,009,961.91 proposed to be assessed to benefiting properties over a 15-year period. Replacement of sanitary sewer castings/rings and select hydrants/valves was estimated at $645,320 to be paid from City Public Utility Funds, with $3,055,658.09 proposed from the City's Pavement Management Program Fund. - Diane O'Brien, 10617 Quincy Boulevard, expressed concerns about the cost and traffic speed along Quincy Boulevard, suggested speed bumps and a 25 mph speed limit, and argued the assessment should be shared by all Blaine residents because the road is heavily used. She said she should not be charged 35% of the roadway through an assessment. - Lynn Basham, 10614 Monroe Drive, expressed concerns about mobility and access during construction and urged the city to improve accessibility throughout the project. - Steve Fellows, 10604 Madison Street, asked about construction staging and the difference between 25% and 35% assessment rates. He said he supported the project and was willing to pay his assessment, and he asked about hardship exceptions and bonding. Staff responded that 35% is the policy maximum for benefiting parcels, with deductions for corner lots and parks, and encouraged residents to contact staff with follow-up questions. - The resolution ordering improvements and preparation of plans and specifications was adopted 6-1, with Councilmember Robertson opposed. She said she objected to the bonding mechanisms used for road projects. Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction Public Hearing - The 2026 Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project No. T2606, was presented. The estimated project cost was $4,112,300, with $911,202 proposed to be assessed over 15 years. Sewer and water utility work was estimated at $94,666 and $513,127, respectively, to be paid from City Public Utility Funds, with $2,593,305 proposed from the Pavement Management Program Fund. Staff proposed phasing the project, with one portion in 2026 and another in 2027. - Roseann Mackenthun, 725 125th Lane NE, said the curbs along her street were in excellent condition and asked why full curb replacement was needed. She also asked about ADA access during construction. - Jake Kadles, 12610 Able Circle, noted his street was scheduled for the 2027 phase. He asked how much asphalt would be removed for water main work, questioned the need for full curb replacement, raised concerns about concrete driveway quality, and asked about his custom mailbox. Staff said if more than 35% of curbs are damaged, it is less expensive to replace all curbs than to do spot repairs. Staff also said all mailboxes would be removed during construction, with a gang mailbox installed at a selected corner, and encouraged residents with custom mailboxes to remove them themselves. - Jeannie Thiede, 733 125th Lane, asked about assessment costs, payment timing, and interest for residents on fixed incomes. She also asked whether open forum questions are researched and answered. City Manager Thorvig explained that council does not respond to open forum topics during the meeting, but staff follows up with residents directly. - Councilmember Massoglia noted that information about assessment hardship deferrals for senior citizens, total disability, and active military duty is available on the city website. - The resolution ordering improvements and preparation of plans and specifications was adopted 6-1, with Councilmember Robertson opposed. Development Business - RES 26-10, Preliminary Plat Approval for North Meadows Third Addition, was adopted unanimously. The plat subdivides 8.36 acres into 1 lot and 2 outlots at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 109th Avenue NE. Councilmember Robertson asked for confirmation that the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary would not be developed; Community Development Director Sellman confirmed that the wetland area is not part of the proposal and that some land had been deeded back to the city because it cannot be developed. - RES 26-11, Conditional Use Permit for North Meadows Third Addition, was adopted unanimously. The CUP allows general retail, office, animal hospital, restaurants, outdoor dining for two restaurants, a zero lot line on the north property line, and shared access/parking in a Development Flex (DF) Zoning District. The planning commission recommended approval. - RES 26-12, Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Minnesota Performance, was tabled unanimously for 60 days. The request was to expand an existing auto repair business into an adjacent tenant space at 1550 91st Avenue NE, 306. Councilmember Newland expressed concerns about code enforcement issues involving outside storage and parking, and neighboring tenant concerns. City staff noted the 60-day deadline was January 23, the site had 128 parking stalls versus 53 required by code, and code enforcement was already addressing outdoor storage violations. Administration - 2026-012, accepting quotes for playground equipment and installation at Jefferson Park, was adopted 6-1, with Councilmember Massoglia opposed. The quote was $75,745 for equipment from Landscape Structures and $39,228 for installation by Flagship Recreation, for a total project cost of $114,973 within the approved $115,000 budget. Staff said the U.S. Communities cooperative purchasing contract saved over $6,400. Councilmember Massoglia preferred repairing the existing structure and expressed concern about replacing a larger structure with a smaller one and fewer swings. Parks and Recreation Director Krieger said the current equipment is about 20 years old, the swing structure is about 50 years old, maintenance costs have increased, and replacement is needed. - ORD 25-2597, second reading of a charter amendment adding Section 5.14 on Recall and amending Section 2.04 on Council Vacancies, was adopted unanimously. The proposed amendment had been considered previously and required a unanimous vote. - ORD 25-2595, amending administrative adjudication procedures and check valve/meter fines, was adopted unanimously. - ORD 25-2596, amending the peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants ordinance, was adopted unanimously. The amendment clarifies solicitor licensing requirements but does not address individuals in highway medians. - 2026-013, authorizing a contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. for the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Project, was adopted 6-1, with Councilmember Robertson opposed. The contract amount was $450,502, plus a 10% contingency, bringing the total to approximately $495,000. - 2026-014, authorizing a contract with SEH for final design and construction services for the 2026 Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction Project, was adopted 6-1, with Councilmember Robertson opposed. The contract amount was $341,300, plus a 10% contingency, bringing the total to approximately $375,000. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved: organizational resolutions, Consent Agenda, North Meadows preliminary plat and CUP, all three ordinance second readings, and the motion to table the Minnesota Performance CUP amendment. - Adopted 6-1 with Councilmember Robertson opposed: Quincy Area Street Reconstruction order, Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction order, Bolton & Menk contract, and SEH contract. - Adopted 6-1 with Councilmember Massoglia opposed: Jefferson Park playground equipment and installation quotes. - The Minnesota Performance CUP amendment was tabled for 60 days to allow code enforcement issues to be addressed. - The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

The Blaine City Council held its final regular meeting of 2025 on December 15, 2025, at Blaine City Hall. The meeting began at 7:03 PM and adjourned at 8:49 PM. All seven councilmembers were present. Key actions included the adoption of the 2026 property tax levy and city budgets (4-3 vote), approval of a five-year Capital Improvement Program, and first readings of a charter amendment on recall and two ordinance amendments. The council also approved several development projects, including a conditional use permit for an indoor mini-golf facility and a multi-parcel rezoning and plat for the Northtown Villas residential development. A public hearing was held and approved for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Chelas X, Inc. Awards – Presentations – Organizational Business - Recognition of Spring Lake Park High School Football Team (Item 4.1): Mayor Sanders read a proclamation declaring December 15, 2025, as Spring Lake Park Panther Football State Championship Day in Blaine, honoring the team's Class 5A state championship victory (24-21 over Chanhassen). Head Coach John Stewart and player Brian Youngquist thanked the council and community for support. - Results of Bond Sale Series 2025A (Item 4.2): Michaela Huet of Baker Tilly presented the sale results. The city received eight bids, with the winning bid from FHN Financial Capital Markets at a true interest cost of 3.16%. The bonds are general obligation with 15-year terms for utility improvements and pavement management, and a 5-year term for equipment. The city’s AAA bond rating was reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s. No formal action was required; the report was received. Communications - Councilmember Robertson thanked the SBM Fire Department, Allina, and Blaine Police Department for the recent Santa Parade, which collected 50,000 pounds of food for local food shelves. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (Items 7.1–7.12) was approved unanimously as amended after Councilmember Robertson requested the removal of Item 7.6 (Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Feasibility Report). That item was then considered and approved separately (see Discussion Items). Approved consent items included: Schedule of Bills Paid, Approval of Minutes, 2026 Annual Business Licenses, 2026 Fee Schedule, Assessment abatements (Item 7.5), Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction Feasibility Report (7.7), 2026 Street Rehabilitation Design Contract with WSB (7.8), Water Treatment Chemicals bid to Hawkins, Inc. for $665,639 (7.9), PFAS settlement budget amendment (7.10), Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal (7.11), and Tyler Technologies software license renewal (7.12). Public Comments & Testimony - Open Forum (6:00 PM): Two speakers addressed the council. - Bruce Manthei (4101 99th Ave NE) expressed ongoing concerns about the placement of an electrical box at 99th and Lexington Avenue and raised concerns about councilmember conduct at a recent meeting. - Dana Carlson (287 117th Ave NE) discussed various family concerns, alleging involvement of multiple agencies (including the USDA and FBI) in a decades-old dog-fighting case and claiming identity fraud involving his children. He apologized for not providing documentation and requested further investigation. - Public Hearing on Liquor License (Item 8.1): No public input was received. The hearing was opened and closed at 7:32 PM. - Public Hearing on Charter Amendment Recall (Item 8.2): No public input was received. The hearing was opened and closed at 7:35 PM. Discussion Items - Item 7.6 – Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Feasibility Report: Councilmember Robertson requested removal from consent to discuss project sequencing and budget discrepancies (costs came in $600,000 higher than budgeted). She suggested aligning project order with feasibility study estimates. After discussion, the resolution was adopted unanimously. - Item 8.1 – Liquor License for Chelas X, Inc.: The council approved an on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor license for the restaurant at 1250 126th Ave NE, Suite 600. The applicant had previously received a wine and 3.2% beer license in October 2025. A new background investigation found no concerns. The license runs through June 30, 2026. Approved unanimously. - Item 8.2 – Charter Amendment First Reading (Recall & Vacancies): City Clerk Sorensen presented a proposed charter amendment adding Section 5.14 (Recall) and updating Section 2.04 (Vacancies). The amendment, based on Richfield’s charter and initially considered in 2024 (where it failed due to lack of unanimous vote), was reintroduced at the Charter Commission’s recommendation. No changes were made since 2024. The first reading was declared; second reading set for January 5, 2026. - Development Business (Items 9.1–9.9): All development items were approved unanimously unless noted. - 9.1 – Putt Town Indoor Mini-Golf CUP: Conditional use permit approved for an indoor mini-golf facility in an existing B-2 zoned space at 1033 109th Ave NE. No restaurant/bar; 145 parking spaces (139 required). Planning commission recommended approval. Unanimous. - 9.2–9.4 – Northtown Villas (Ranger Development): Three actions on 9011/9021 University Ave NE and 120 90th Lane NE: (9.2) Rezoning from MU to DF – second reading approved; (9.3) Preliminary plat approval for 11 lots and one outlot; (9.4) Conditional use permit for 4 twin homes (8 units) and 3 detached villas. Councilmember Newland asked about the required turn lane on University Avenue; Engineering Director Schluender confirmed it would fit within existing right-of-way, with trail easement dedication. All three motions unanimous. - 9.5 – Nova Real Estate Rezoning (8501 Old West 35W Service Drive NE): Second reading approved to rezone from B-2 to I-1 for a light industrial building. Planning commission recommended approval. Unanimous. - 9.6–9.7 – Van Buren Street (City of Blaine): (9.6) Second reading rezoning from MU to R-1; (9.7) Comprehensive plan amendment from Community Commercial to Low Density Residential. The EDA purchased the property in 2019 (formerly Jimbo’s restaurant); staff will issue RFPs for single-family home construction next summer. City Manager Thorvig provided timeline. Both unanimous. - 9.8 – Annual Zoning Ordinance Revisions: Second reading approved for annual updates, including definitions for fences (prohibiting fabric/tarp fences), cannabis outdoor cultivation prohibition, EV station standards, and sign code clarifications. Councilmember Massoglia jokingly lamented that floating signs (like Chick-fil-A cow) were not allowed. Unanimous. - 9.9 – Summary Resolution for Publication: Approved to publish title and summary of Ordinance 25-2593 to save costs. Unanimous. - Item 10.1 – 2026 Property Tax Levy and City Budgets: Finance Director Zimmerman presented the final budget, reflecting a 9.9% levy increase ($54,230,000). The median residential property value ($346,000) would see an estimated city tax bill increase of $112.63/year ($9.39/month). The budget process included 13 public meetings. Councilmember Massoglia opposed, citing lack of a budget committee and desire for alternative revenue. Councilmember Robertson opposed, frustrated with capital purchases and reserve use. Councilmember Newland and Fleming supported, noting progress on debt reduction and trajectory. A roll call vote was requested: 4-3 in favor (Fleming, Ford, Newland, Mayor Sanders ayes; Larson, Massoglia, Robertson nays). Adopted. - Item 10.2 – 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP): The $151 million plan was presented, covering facilities, transportation ($43M), parks ($10M), utilities ($72M), and capital equipment ($24M). Councilmember Newland supported, highlighting alternative revenue discussions. Councilmember Ford supported as a financial tool. Adopted 5-2 (Larson and Massoglia opposed). - Item 10.3 – Transfer of Unrestricted General Fund Reserves: A resolution to transfer $2.9 million of the $3.9 million in unrestricted reserves for one-time items (including $2.5M for 2025 capital equipment and $350,000 for debt buy-down, PCI analysis, park improvements). Councilmember Massoglia opposed, arguing the levy should have been lowered instead. Councilmember Robertson also opposed. Adopted 5-2 (Massoglia and Robertson opposed). - Item 10.4 – Monitoring Wells Contract (Traut Companies): Contract approved for $137,050 (plus 10% contingency, total $150,755) for drilling monitoring wells in Ham Lake and Blaine, required by the DNR for operating permits for wells 19, 20, and 21. The work will be done this winter, with baseline data collection to follow. Adopted 5-2 (Massoglia and Robertson opposed). - Item 10.5 – Memorandum of Understanding with Coon Creek Watershed District: Approved for Project U2513, a biochar/iron-enhanced sand filter at Bridgewater Pond to address phosphorus and E. coli in Ditch 39. Blaine’s share is $400,000 (72% of drainage area), funded by a $625,000 state grant. A joint powers agreement will be brought back for final construction approval. Adopted unanimously. - Item 10.6 – Ordinance Amending Administrative Adjudication (First Reading): Introduced to update citation processes, simplify fees, establish re-inspection fees, and move penalties to a schedule. Second reading set for January 5, 2026. - Item 10.7 – Ordinance Amending Peddler/Solicitor Code (First Reading): Introduced to clarify licensing requirements for solicitors and make housekeeping updates. Second reading set for January 5, 2026. Key Outcomes - 2026 Budget and Levy Adopted (4-3): Final property tax levy of $54,230,000 (9.9% increase); city budget approved. Median home tax increase $112.63/year. - 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program Adopted (5-2): Authorized $151 million in planned improvements, with 2026 projects authorized. - General Fund Reserve Transfer Approved (5-2): $2.9 million transferred for one-time capital and debt reduction. - Monitoring Wells Contract Approved (5-2): $150,755 contract with Traut Companies for DNR-required monitoring wells. - MOU with Coon Creek Watershed District Approved (unanimous): $400,000 contribution for water quality project. - All Development Approvals Unanimous: Including Putt Town mini-golf CUP, Northtown Villas rezoning/plat/CUP, Nova Real Estate rezoning, Van Buren Street rezoning/comp plan, and annual zoning code revisions. - Charter Amendment on Recall – First Reading: Placed on file for second reading on January 5, 2026. - Two Ordinance Amendments – First Readings: Administrative adjudication and peddler/solicitor code amendments advanced to second reading on January 5, 2026. - Liquor License Approved (unanimous): On-sale intoxicating and Sunday license for Chelas X, Inc., effective through June 30, 2026. - Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Feasibility Report Adopted (unanimous): Ordered public hearing; council to discuss project sequencing in future transportation planning.

The Blaine City Council held a regular meeting on December 1, 2025, starting at 7:11 PM and adjourning at 8:56 PM. Key topics included the 2026 Truth-in-Taxation hearing, several development first readings, a street rehabilitation project, and public comments on property taxes and city services. Public Comments & Testimony - Grace Schrunk, 950 113th Avenue NE, expressed concerns about being forced to remove a tree on her property at her neighbor's request. She stated she did not believe removal was necessary and felt treated unfairly by the city arborist. She also noted that an aerial photo she took now hangs in the council chambers. - Cindy Holzinger, a Blaine resident, criticized the late snowplowing after a recent storm. She opposed the city plowing all sidewalks and opposed the city pursuing broadband franchise fees. She expressed concern about rising property taxes and noted she observed numerous drones and poor water quality. - Dean Kruchten, 3017 Aspen Lake Drive, reported that his property taxes were proposed to increase nearly 30%, stating the city would price residents out of their homes and urged the council to curb expenses. - Steve Mitchell, 11815 Dunkirk Circle, spoke during the Truth-in-Taxation hearing, stating his overall property tax increase was 27.6% (23.8% from Blaine alone) and called the increase unreasonable, urging fiscal responsibility. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Schedule of Bills Paid, Approval of Minutes (2025-265), Lobbying Agreement with The Ferguson Group, and a Garbage Haulers License for Nitti Sanitation Inc. Discussion Items - Communications: City Manager Erik Thorvig announced that Item 10.2 (sidewalk plowing ordinance) was removed and would be discussed at the January 24, 2026 council retreat. Councilmember Chris Massoglia expressed disappointment but supported the delay for further discussion. - Truth-in-Taxation (2026 Levy): Finance Director Jason Zimmerman presented a detailed overview. The proposed 2026 tax levy is $54,230,000, a 9.9% increase ($4,894,000) over 2025. The median residential property value is $346,000 (up 3.38%), which would see an estimated city portion increase of $112.63 annually ($9.39/month). The levy funds primarily public safety (46%), public works/recreation (25%), and debt/capital (23%). The city relies on property taxes for 80% of its general fund due to no local government aid, municipal liquor, or franchise fees. Councilmember Jess Robertson clarified not all seven members support the levy; she noted efforts to pre-fund debt and that 70% of the budget goes to public safety and public works. Councilmember Massoglia stated he did not support last year's budget and criticized a 145% levy increase over 10 years, calling it unsustainable. Councilmember Tom Newland emphasized the year-long budget process and the need for new revenue streams. Councilmember Ford stated the city cannot operate like a for-profit business. Councilmember Leslie Larson voted no last year and was struggling with the 2026 proposal. Mayor Tim Sanders noted the city is working to increase commercial development to balance residential tax reliance. The public hearing was closed at 8:14 PM. - Development Business: - McNeil Addition Final Plat Extension (RES 25-187): Approved unanimously to grant a 12-month extension for recording the final plat at 4324 117th Avenue NE, creating two lots. - Rezoning First Readings (four ordinances): All introduced and placed on file for second reading at the December 15, 2025 meeting. - Northtown Villas (ORD 25-2589): Rezone from County Road 10 Mixed Use (MU) to Development Flex (DF) at 9011 9021 University Avenue NE and 120 90th Lane NE for infill twin homes and detached villas. - Van Buren Street (ORD 25-2594): Rezone from MU to Single Family Residential (R-1) at 8550 Van Buren Street NE for a single-family home on EDA-owned land. - Nova Real Estate (ORD 25-2592): Rezone from Community Commercial (B-2) to Light Industrial (I-1) at 8501 Old West 35W Service Drive NE for a light industrial building. - Zoning Ordinance Annual Revisions (ORD 25-2593): Annual updates to the Blaine Zoning Ordinance, including changes to contractor licenses, swimming pools, manufactured homes, definitions, and standards for EV charging and indoor cannabis cultivation. - Administration – 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project (RES 25-178): Director of Engineering Dan Schluender presented the feasibility report for South Lake Blvd NE from Lakes Parkway to Lakes Parkway, involving a 2-inch bituminous mill and overlay with chip seal and curb/gutter replacements. Estimated cost $934,949.94 ($900,000 from Municipal State Aid, $34,949.94 from Pavement Management Fund). No special assessments proposed due to lack of direct driveway access. Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Robertson opposed). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously. - McNeil Addition Final Plat Extension approved unanimously. - Truth-in-Taxation hearing held; noaction taken. Final levy adoption scheduled for December15, 2025. - Four first-reading rezoning ordinances introduced for second reading on December15, 2025. - 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project feasibility report accepted and improvements ordered (6 -1 vote). - Meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.

The Blaine City Council met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 7:05 PM at City Hall (10801 Town Square Drive NE) for a regular meeting convened by Mayor Tim Sanders. The session included a proclamation honoring the Blaine High School boys cross country team, public testimony, approval of routine items, two public hearings, and first and second readings of ordinances. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. Awards and Presentations - Proclamation Honoring the Blaine High School Boys Cross Country Team (2025-259): Mayor Sanders read a proclamation celebrating the team's first-ever Class 3A state championship, won on November 1, 2025, with 77 points, defeating Wizetta by 25 points. Coach Sean Everson introduced the athletes (including all-state honorees Alaric Burroughs, Israel Sullyangaini, and David Meeberg) and thanked the council. Senior captain Alaric Burroughs expressed gratitude for the community support. Public Comments and Testimony - Dana Carlson (287 117th Avenue NE): Raised concerns involving alleged federal informants, dog fighting, and personal grievances; requested assistance with paperwork. - Bruce Manthei (4101 99th Avenue): Continued concerns about an electrical box at 99th and Lexington Avenues causing visibility issues; criticized the council's lack of response and stated he is working with county and state officials. - Owen Bonneville (Centennial High School student): Attended as part of a class assignment; greeted the council. Consent Calendar All items below were approved by a 6-0-1 vote (Councilmember Newland abstained from Item 7.1 due to a conflict of interest). The consent agenda included: - 7.1 (2025-253): Schedule of Bills Paid. - 7.2 (2025-254): Acknowledge Receipt of Employee Reimbursements and Credit Card Transactions. - 7.3 (2025-255): Approval of Minutes. - 7.4 (RES 25-188): Resolution recommending reappointment of Jess Robertson to the Rice Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. - 7.5 (RES 25-180): Resolution approving a Joint Powers Agreement with Ham Lake for groundwater monitoring wells. - 7.6 (Agenda item 2025-256 / Minutes reference RES 25-197 — discrepancy noted): Resolution certifying 2025 delinquent utility accounts to Anoka County. - 7.7 (2025-257): Motion to surplus previously used Police Department Mustang water rescue suits. Public Hearings - 8.1 (RES 25-189): Resolution Certifying Delinquent Special Charges – Finance Director Jason Zimmerman presented a proposal to certify $5,500 in unpaid special charges (including weed/tree abatement, false alarms, and other fees) against 25 parcels for collection via 2026 property taxes. A public hearing was held with no public input; resolution adopted unanimously. - 8.2 (2025-258): Renewal of Currency Exchange Licenses – City Clerk Cathy Sorensen presented renewal requests for AL'$ Check Cashing LLC (1434 93rd Lane NE) and SJB Enterprises d/b/a Your Exchange (10545 University Avenue NE). Police review found no concerns. Public hearing held with no comments; motion to approve adopted unanimously. Administrative Items - 10.1 (ORD 25-2591, First Reading): Ordinance to repeal Section 70-2 of the City Code regarding sidewalk snow removal. Public Works Director Nick Fleischhacker explained that current code conflicts with longstanding practice (the city plows sidewalks after snowfall); the change aligns code with policy. Introduced and placed on file for second reading on December 1, 2025. - 10.2 (ORD 25-2590, Second Reading): Ordinance amending Section 2.07 of the City Charter regarding salaries of the mayor and councilmembers. City Clerk Sorensen noted the process was restarted after a previous attempt lacked a unanimous vote. The amendment only changes the mechanism for salary increases; any actual increase requires a separate vote. Adopted unanimously (required unanimous vote of all seven members). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0-1. - Delinquent special charges resolution adopted unanimously. - Currency exchange license renewals approved unanimously. - First reading of sidewalk snow removal ordinance introduced; second reading set for December 1, 2025. - Second reading of charter amendment on salaries adopted unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.

The Blaine City Council met on November 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Blaine City Hall. All seven council members were present, along with the Mayor, City Manager, and other staff. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM and adjourned at 7:31 PM. Key actions included approval of a liquor license for a local restaurant, first reading of a charter amendment regarding council salaries, authorization of a bond sale, and responses to public comments. Communications - Councilmember Robertson congratulated Councilmember Larson on graduating from the Citizens Academy, which had its largest class ever. She thanked the safety services team and inquired about a junior program. - Safety Services Director/Police Chief Podany reported that the Junior Citizens Academy was held during the MEA break for the first time and announced that the city received a grant from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation to cover the program's expenses. Consent Calendar The council approved the consent agenda (items 7.1-7.9) by a vote of 6-0-1, with Councilmember Newland abstaining due to a conflict of interest on the bills paid item. - Councilmember Massoglia requested that all credit card statements and employee reimbursements be included on the schedule of bills paid on a quarterly basis, consistent with a motion passed in July. He thanked Finance Director Zimmerman for sending the statements to the council. - Councilmember Newland noted his abstention from the October 6 bills paid because a business he owns will receive compensation. The consent agenda included routine approvals such as a tobacco license, contracts for well inspection ($242,980.00), storm sewer lining ($91,372), and professional engineering services, and resolutions related to an LRIP application, opioid settlements, and a city code adoption. Public Comments & Testimony One resident spoke during Open Forum: - Bruce Manthei (4101 99th Avenue NE) expressed continued concerns about the location of an electrical box at 99th and Lexington Avenue. He stated he had sent detailed emails to council citing city code sections but had not received a response. He argued that the box violates site distance triangle regulations and that the permit was granted in error. He pressed for a response from the council. The Mayor noted that responses are provided through staff follow-up outside the meeting. Public Hearings 1. Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor On-Sale License for Gilberto's Mexican Taco Shop - The council held a public hearing and unanimously approved the license for the restaurant at 2331 108th Lane NE, Suite 150. The license is valid through June 30, 2026. No public comments were received. The police department background investigation found no concerns. 2. First Reading of Ordinance Amending Salaries (Charter Sec. 2.07) - City Clerk Sorensen explained that this was a re-start of the process due to a prior absence requiring a unanimous vote. The council held a public hearing and introduced Ordinance 25-2590 for first reading. The amendment would provide a mechanism for salary review; any subsequent increase would require a separate majority vote. No public comments were received. The second reading is scheduled for November 17, 2025. Administration - Bond Sale Authorization Finance Director Zimmerman presented a resolution to authorize the sale of General Obligation Improvement and Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A, up to $9.95 million at a maximum interest rate of 4%, with a final maturity of February 2041 and a sale to occur within 90 days. The proceeds would fund various capital improvements: utility infrastructure (water tower, lift station rehab), pavement management, and capital equipment (squad cars, plow trucks, etc.). Zimmerman noted that staff was directed in an August 11, 2025 workshop to use unrestricted general fund reserves instead of bonding for the general capital equipment portion. Historical bond amounts were provided: 2023A $24.5M, 2024B $32M, and now the requested maximum of $9.95M. - Councilmember Robertson stated she would vote no because she did not support the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan. She advocated for paying down debt before acquiring new capital. - Councilmember Massoglia also indicated he would vote no, as he did not support the CIP. - The motion (by Newland, second by Larson) passed 5-2, with Massoglia and Robertson opposed. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (6-0-1, Newland abstaining). - Liquor License Approved (unanimous). - Charter Amendment First Reading Completed; second reading and potential public hearing on November 17, 2025. - Bond Sale Authorized (5-2). Staff will proceed with the process, targeting a sale date of December 2, 2025, and settlement on December 18, 2025. - Open Forum Process Clarified: City Manager Thorvig read a statement explaining that technical questions are referred to staff and that responses have been provided to the resident. He noted that the city attorney is reviewing code interpretations. Note The agenda listed the bond resolution as RES 24-180, while the minutes reference RES 25-179. The information presented during the meeting matches the minutes.