Blaine City Council Meeting – December 15, 2025

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.