Blaine City Council Regular Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Blaine City Council met on June 15, 2026, at 7:09 PM at City Hall. The meeting included public comments, approval of a 13-item consent agenda, three public hearings on utility franchise ordinances, and major development and infrastructure decisions. Councilmembers voted on the Montean Meadows rezoning, preliminary plat, and conditional use permit, as well as street rehabilitation and park improvement projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approved all 13 consent items with a 6-0-1 vote (Councilmember Newland abstained on Item 7.1, Schedule of Bills Paid, due to a potential conflict of interest). Key items included payment to Axon Enterprises for police interview rooms, temporary parking restriction removal for Lettermen Sports tent sales (July 27 – August 2, 2026), a storm sewer lining bid ($48,233.98), a storm outlet project bid ($138,370.00), a lift station pump contract, a tree inventory contract ($149,580), grant support for a pedestrian bridge over 105th Avenue, and two land-use variances and a conditional use permit for outdoor dining patios at 4194 and 4195 123rd Lane NE.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bruce Manthei (4101 99th Avenue NE) continued to express concerns about an electrical box at 99th and Lexington affecting visibility and safety.
• Richard Paulstrom (resident) voiced concerns about the Montean Meadows development: full road paving vs. half, dust control, traffic speed, and whether the council received all planning commission details.
• Dave Werra (3811 131st Avenue NE) questioned the impact on water tables and private wells, suggesting a pause on development until impacts are understood.
• Dave Uden (13118 Quail Creek Drive) criticized the city's park maintenance, especially no-mow zones, citing violations of the city's strategic plan, declining property values, and inadequate staffing. He thanked councilmembers who escalated the issue.
• Jeanette Uden (same address) echoed concerns about no-mow zones and park degradation, urging council to prioritize community parks equally with sports complexes.
• Liz Grazulis (3790 131st Avenue) shared safety concerns about speeding on 131st Avenue, describing a near-miss while mowing, and noted a lack of nearby elementary schools.
• Chris Grazulis (same address) argued the proposed infrastructure for Montean Meadows is insufficient and raised safety concerns for children.
• Scott Coggins (15043 Thrush Street, Andover) representing the Anoka County Election Integrity Team (ACEIT), urged the council to choose paper rosters over electronic poll books and provided updates on a related lawsuit.

Discussion Items

• Montean Meadows Development (Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3): The applicant (Mark Montean) proposed rezoning 39.68 acres from Farm Residential (FR) to Development Flex (DF) to build 86 single-family homes, with a preliminary plat and conditional use permit. Engineering Director Dan Schluender detailed infrastructure costs, including a request for the city to pay $128,000 for its share of 131st Avenue improvements and a 12-year reimbursement period for future developers connecting to the new sewer/water lines. Councilmembers debated the length of the reimbursement period (12 vs. 5 years) and the city's cost participation. Councilmember Robertson expressed concerns about planning completeness and the gravel-to-paved road transition. Councilmember Massoglia supported the developer's transparency. Councilmember Larson opposed the 12-year term and city payment. After amendments, the reimbursement was reduced to 5 years.
  • Votes: Rezoning (9.1) passed 4-3 (Fleming, Larson, Robertson opposed). Preliminary plat (9.2) passed 4-3 after amendment to 5-year reimbursement. CUP (9.3) passed 4-3.
• 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project (Item 10.1): Approved a bid from Park Construction Company (a Blaine-based business) for $577,651.95 to mill and overlay South Lake Boulevard. Councilmember Larson noted the road's poor condition and neighbor complaints. Unanimously approved.
• Jim Peterson Park Improvements (Item 10.2): Approved a bid from ODESA II for $395,661.17 (with 10% contingency) for a paved ice rink, parking lot expansion, water/sewer utility extensions for a future warming house, and stormwater basin. Councilmembers Massoglia and Robertson opposed, citing concerns over maintenance priorities (e.g., mowing), use of park dedication fees, and the $75,000 for future utility connections. Others supported the project as a planned, multi-year investment in an existing park. Approved 5-2.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 13 items (6-0-1).
• Franchise Ordinances (Public Hearings): Public hearings for Connexus Energy, Xcel Energy electric, and Xcel Energy gas franchise renewals were opened and continued to July 6, 2026, with first readings completed. No public comments were received.
• Montean Meadows: Rezoning approved (4-3); preliminary plat approved with a 5-year reimbursement condition (4-3); conditional use permit approved (4-3).
• Street Rehabilitation: Contract awarded to Park Construction (unanimous).
• Jim Peterson Park: Contract awarded to ODESA II (5-2).
• Next Meetings: Capital budget discussion July 13, 2026; fall retreat to address park maintenance strategy.
• Communications: Councilmember Robertson encouraged community attendance at the upcoming Blaine Festival.