Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Blaine City Council met on June 1, 2026, at 7:03 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, public comments, a continued public hearing on franchise ordinances, development business, and administrative items including a parks improvement contract, charitable gambling ordinance amendments, and ratification of a police sergeants labor agreement.
The council approved 13 consent items in a single 6-0-1 vote (Councilmember Newland abstained on item 7.1 due to a conflict of interest). These included:
Open Forum (7:03 PM – 7:14 PM):
Public Hearing on Franchise Ordinances (item 8.1, opened and continued):
1. Franchise Ordinances (Public Hearing – Continued to June 15, 2026): City Manager Thorvig explained the process: two publications occurred, the public hearing was opened and would remain open until June 15. The actual fee structure would be addressed in a separate public hearing on July 20. No action was taken; the hearing was continued.
2. Rezoning from Farm Residential to Development Flex (First Reading) – 3621 131st Avenue NE: Community Development Director Sellman presented the request to rezone 32 acres to allow 86 single-family homes (70-foot lots). Engineering Director Schluender described roadway and lift station cost-sharing proposals for adjacent parcels if they develop within five years. Councilmember Massoglia clarified that no assessments are tied to the project; cost-sharing would only apply to future developers. The ordinance was introduced and placed on file for second reading on June 15.
3. Conditional Use Permit Amendment – Minnesota Performance Auto Repair Expansion: The applicant sought to expand into an adjacent tenant space and add outdoor storage of 6 passenger vehicles. Staff reported past non-compliance issues had been resolved (no current violations except the storage). The HOA raised concerns about parking equity, but the city attorney stated the CUP does not enforce private covenants. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions. Council approved 5-2 (Councilmembers Larson and Robertson opposed).
4. Jim Peterson Park Improvements Project (Item 10.1) – Tabled to June 15: Parks Director Krieger presented the low bid of $395,661.17 from ODESA II for paving a rink, parking lot expansion, water/sewer extensions, and stormwater improvements. Discussion focused on park maintenance concerns, the lack of a warming house (trailer currently used), and whether the project is a priority. Councilmember Massoglia motioned to table for a workshop discussion on park trends and maintenance. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Newland opposed).
5. Ordinance Amending Charitable Gambling Sites (Second Reading): Clerk Sorensen presented the ordinance to increase the cap on lawful gambling locations per organization from four to five. Council debated whether to include a waiver for out-of-city organizations and eventually adopted a friendly amendment limiting permits to organizations within the defined trade area (Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park) and removing the waiver. The amended motion passed unanimously. Existing out-of-area license holders were allowed to continue operating until they no longer qualify.
6. Ratification of Police Sergeants Labor Agreement (2026-2028): Director Johnson outlined the contract terms: wages at 50% of market for 2026, 3% increases for 2027-2028; sick pay alignment with patrol officers; annual cafeteria plan increase of $50; uniform allowances rising from $800 to $900 over three years; assignment pay changes; and employee-paid half of PMLL premiums. The motion passed unanimously.
Good evening, everyone. Welcome. We're going to call this city council meeting for June first, two thousand twenty six to order, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, everyone. The clerk will take the role. Council Member Swemming here. Ford? Here. Larson? Here. Miss Olia? Here. Newland? Here. Robertson? Here. Mayor Sanders. Here. All right, good evening, everyone, and welcome. We'll dive right into the agenda. We don't have any awards or presentations this evening, so we'll jump right into the open forum. Uh the open forum is an opportunity for the public to share comments, concerns, or input on other items. While open forum is not intended to provide a back and forth response or discussion session during the meeting. City staff will contact the speaker after the meeting if follow-up is needed. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. There's a maximum of 15 minutes set aside for the open forum. If you are here for agenda item eight point one, there will be a public hearing on agenda item eight point one. Uh we will allow um uh public uh testimony on agenda item eight point one. Otherwise, if you'd like to address council this evening, we'd like to hear from you during the open forum. You're welcome to come to the podium at this time. Good evening, welcome. If you would please name an address for the record. Yes. Good evening, Mayor and Council members. My name is Bill Hamas. I reside at one zero four two three Xilite Street, and I serve as a board of directors for the Spring Lake Park Youth Hockey Association. I am here tonight to respectfully respectfully oppose the prop a proposal to increase the number of charitable gambling sites allowed for a single organization from four to five proposed by Blaine Youth Hockey. First, I want to be clear. This is not about whether Blaine Youth Hockey deserves success. They are a successful organization that serves many families and has built an impressive charitable gambling operation. The issue before the council tonight is how to preserve opportunities for all charitable organizations that serve Blaine residents. Blaine is growing is a growing city with many establishments willing and able to host charitable gambling. When one organization is allowed to support youth programs, scholarships, community services increasingly difficult for other nonprofit organizations to find opportunities to grow and support their own missions.