Blaine City Council Meeting - November 3, 2025

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.