Blaine public meetings in 2023

Nat'l Resources Conservation Board

The Natural Resource Conservation Board will review recommendations for consultant services regarding the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Trail System. The board is also scheduled to discuss a draft RFP for a consultant at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Restoration Site 7 Wetland Bank.

• Recommendation of an RFP for consultant services to update the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Trail System
• Review and discussion of Draft RFP for Consultant at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Restoration Site 7 Wetland Bank
• Pioneer Park Tree Management letter

City Council

The City Council will consider accepting a $3,253,747.30 bid from Park Construction Company for the 2023 Southwest Area Street Reconstructions project. The agenda also includes a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a restaurant and recreational use at 10650 Baltimore Street NE.

• $3,253,747.30 bid from Park Construction Company for Southwest Area Street Reconstructions
• Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant and recreational use at 10650 Baltimore Street NE
• Final plat approval for 41 family lots at 13101 Lever Street NE
• Approval of plans and bids for 2023 Southeast Area Street Reconstructions
• Temporary removal of parking restrictions on 91st Avenue, 92nd Avenue, 92nd Lane, and Baltimore Street

City Council Workshop

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss several items with staff. Discussion topics include the No Mow May resolution, recommended contents for traffic impact studies, and CivicClerk meeting training.

• No Mow May Resolution draft
• Traffic Impact Studies 2010 recommendations

EDA

The Economic Development Authority will review a financial request regarding the development at the southwest corner of 105th Avenue and Radisson Road. The meeting also includes a review of the February 22, 2023, minutes.

• Financial request for Southwest Corner of 105th Avenue and Radisson Road Development

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land use requests. Items include a car wash rezoning, accessory building variances, and residential development proposals.

• Rezoning and conditional use permit for Tommy’s Express Car Wash at 4252 122nd Avenue NE
• Conditional use permit and garage space variance for Dan Heathfield at 11391 President Drive NE
• Conditional use permit for a 3,000 square foot meeting hall at 1250 126th Avenue NE
• Comprehensive plan amendment and preliminary plat for 76 townhome lots at 11967 and 11985 Radisson Road NE
• Preliminary plat and church expansion at 12390 Fraizer Street NE

City Council Workshop

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the Minnesota Training and Wellness Center concept. The meeting also includes discussions regarding land use for properties on Central Avenue and updates on the Northern Long-Eared Bat.

• Minnesota Training and Wellness Center Concept discussion
• Land Use Discussion for 8634/8628 Central Avenue
• Update on Northern Long-Eared Bat impacts to development and street projects

City Council

The City Council will review several development requests including conditional use permits for businesses and residential additions. The agenda also includes street reconstruction plans and easement acquisitions for a roundabout project.

• 2023 Northwest Area Street Reconstructions, Improvement Project No. 23-06
• Easement acquisition for 99th Avenue and Baltimore Street Roundabout
• Conditional Use Permit for indoor auto sales at 1630 91st Avenue NE
• Conditional Use Permit for Scooter’s Coffee at 150 89th Avenue NE
• Temporary removal of parking restrictions on 91st Avenue, between Eldorado Street and Isanti Street

The Council approved multiple conditional use permits for residential and commercial projects, including a car wash and a billboard. A motion to rescind previous approvals for the Blaine Apartments LLC project failed for lack of a second. Action on Fire Board appointments was tabled to reopen the application process.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for indoor auto sales at 1630 91st Avenue NE (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Scooter’s Coffee at 150 89th Avenue NE (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for a car wash at 9280 Baltimore Street NE with required directional signage (4-2)
• Approved Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Preliminary Plat for 28 townhomes at 2741 and 2775 125th Avenue NE (5-1)
• Denied 10-foot height variance for billboard at 4202 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for billboard up to 65 feet at 4202 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE (Unanimous)
• Tabled Fire Board appointments to reopen application process and interview all applicants (4-2)
• Motion to rescind previous approval of Blaine Apartments LLC rezoning and plat failed (No second)

City Council Workshop

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss specific land use and development items. Discussions include properties on Lexington Avenue NE, Radisson Road, and a draft plan for merging the NRCB and Park Board.

• North-East Property on Lexington Avenue NE and 125th Avenue NE
• Southwest Corner of 105th Avenue and Radisson Road Development
• Draft Plan for Merging of NRCB and Park Board

The City Council reached a consensus to pursue financial assistance between $800,000 and $1.5 million for a restaurant development at 105th Avenue and Radisson Road. Council also expressed opposition to high-density residential development at Lexington Avenue and 125th Avenue. No formal votes were taken as this was a workshop session.

• Consensus to support $800,000 to $1.5 million in assistance for Pinpoint Community Development (referred to EDA for March 20, 2023)
• Consensus to not support high-density residential at Lexington Avenue NE and 125th Avenue NE
• Consensus to reappoint all NRCB and Park Board members for 2023/2024
• Approved allowing new board applicants to attend meetings as adjunct members
• Supported removal of dead and diseased trees along the Pioneer Park trail

Park Advisory Board

The Park Advisory Board will consider a recommendation for an Oak Creek Park playground replacement not to exceed $50,000. The board will also discuss a draft plan to merge the NRCB and the Park Board. Additionally, members will receive a report regarding the Mary Ann Young Center.

• Flagship Recreation proposal for Oak Creek Park playground (up to $50,000)
• Draft plan for merging the NRCB and Park Board
• Mary Ann Young Center report

City Council Workshop

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss various issues. The agenda includes interviews for Planning Commission applicants.

• Planning Commission applicant interviews

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on conditional use permits for accessory buildings and yard setbacks. The council will also review an ordinance amendment regarding rental dwelling licenses and tobacco regulations.

• Ordinance amending health, sanitation, and rental dwelling licenses
• Final plat for Green Acres 2nd Addition at 111 99th Avenue NE
• Conditional use permit for garage accessory buildings at 11511 7th Street NE
• Conditional use permit for live entertainment at 76 Northtown Drive NE
• Liquor licenses for Irie Vybz Jamaican Restaurant

The City Council approved a final plat for a development at 111 99th Avenue NE despite a request to table the item. The council also granted several conditional use permits for residential and commercial properties and approved liquor licenses for a local restaurant.

• Approved final plat for Green Acres 2nd Addition at 111 99th Avenue NE (5-1)
• Approved CUP for three garage accessory buildings at 11511 7th Street NE (5-0)
• Approved CUP for 8-foot side yard setback at 13109 Coral Sea Court NE (5-0)
• Approved CUP for live entertainment at Irie Vybz Jamaican Restaurant (5-0)
• Approved on-sale and Sunday sale intoxicating liquor licenses for Irie Vybz Jamaican Restaurant (5-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending tobacco and rental dwelling licenses
• Adopted resolution declaring surplus property for sale, donation, or disposal
• Approved January and February 2023 bills paid

EDA

The Blaine Economic Development Authority is meeting virtually due to inclement weather. The agenda includes approving January 2023 minutes and reviewing a bid for a monument sign.

• Bid from Albrecht Company for $103,570 for a monument sign on TH65 and 89th Avenue NE
• Approval of January 18, 2023, EDA minutes

The Economic Development Authority approved a contract for the installation of monument signage and lighting. The project will be funded by the EDA and located at the southeast corner of TH65 and 89th Avenue NE.

• Approved January 18, 2023, EDA Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $103,570 bid from Albrecht Company for monument sign at TH65 and 89th Avenue NE (3-2)

City Council Workshop

The City Council reached consensus to support proposed revisions to Municipal State Aid (MSA) routes, including revoking the 121st Avenue route. Council also supported adding a segment of 87th Avenue to the MSA system to assist the City of Circle Pines. The meeting included a review of 2022 department accomplishments and an update on TH65.

• Consensus to support proposed Municipal State Aid route revisions, including revoking 121st Avenue
• Consensus to support adding 0.25 miles of 87th Avenue to the Municipal State Aid system

Nat'l Resources Conservation Board

The Board recommended that the City Council reconsider the Pioneer Park wetland bank and requested a presentation from Rice Creek Watershed members on wetland banking. Members also discussed a proposed merger with the Park Board and the potential for a teaching center in the city budget.

• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended City Council revisit Pioneer Park wetland bank restoration (unanimous)
• Recommended staff invite Rice Creek Watershed members to present on wetland banking (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land use applications. These include a large-scale residential subdivision, commercial building permits, and various residential setback variances. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council.

• Meadowland Estates West: Rezoning 19.24 acres for townhomes and single-family lots
• Scooter’s Coffee: Permit for two buildings at 150 89th Avenue NE
• Outfront Media: Request for a billboard up to 75 feet at 4202 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE
• Garage and accessory building permits for 3250 Pheasant Run NE and 1114 126th Lane NE
• Side yard setback amendments for residential additions in the DF and RF districts

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a residential development featuring 28 townhomes and 2 single-family lots. The board also recommended approval for a Scooter's Coffee location and several residential accessory building requests, while recommending denial for a proposed billboard.

• Recommended approval of Meadowland Estates West land use change, preliminary plat, and conditional use permit (5-1)
• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for Scooter’s Coffee at 150 89th Avenue NE (6-0)
• Recommended approval of garage addition for Kevin Szozda at 3250 Pheasant Run NE (6-0)
• Recommended approval of side yard setback for Maggie McCormack at 3136 120th Court NE (6-0)
• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for accessory buildings for Joaquin Trevizo at 1114 126th Lane NE (6-0)
• Recommended denial of conditional use permit and variance for Outfront Media billboard at 4202 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE (5-1)
• Approved January 10, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

City Council Workshop

This work session is for City Council and staff to discuss issues; it is not for receiving public input. The agenda includes a proposed change for the Minnesota School of Business and stormwater maintenance programs. Discussions will also continue regarding Northtown EDA properties.

• Proposed change at 3680 Pheasant Ridge Drive
• Stormwater inspection and maintenance programs for ditch and pond systems
• Northtown EDA properties and land use discussion
• LISC CDI options proposal

The City Council reached consensus to not support a rezoning request to allow Pioneers Academy to operate a private K-8 school in a vacant business park building. The Council also discussed stormwater maintenance communication and potential land uses for the Northtown redevelopment area.

• Consensus reached to not support zoning change for Pioneers Academy K-8 school
• Consensus reached to encourage staff to door knock before stormwater pond maintenance
• Agreed to meet February 27 for Planning Commission vacancy interviews

City Council Workshop

This work session is for City Council and staff to discuss issues before receiving public input. The agenda includes a second part of the Northtown discussion and an introduction to special assessment policies and history.

• WS 23-11 Northtown Discussion Part II
• WS 23-12 Introduction to Special Assessments
• Review of Special Assessment Policy and 2010-2022 data

The City Council held a workshop to discuss street reconstruction funding and the Northtown Mall redevelopment. No formal votes were taken, but the Council reached consensus on the direction for the mall project and requested further research on assessment hardship programs.

• Confirmed direction for Northtown Mall redevelopment; item to return March 13
• Consensus reached to not consider franchise fees for street funding
• Requested staff research other cities' hardship programs for assessments
• Requested staff report on financial impact of exempting churches and non-profits from assessments

City Council

The City Council will review plans and order bids for the 2023 Southwest Area Street Reconstructions project. The agenda also includes decisions on conditional use permits for a restaurant and car wash, as well as playground equipment quotes for Sunrise Pond Park.

• Bids for 2023 Southwest Area Street Reconstructions, Improvement Project No. 23-07
• Conditional Use Permit for Culver’s Restaurant at 4121 108th Avenue NE
• Conditional Use Permit for a car wash at 9280 Baltimore Street NE
• Playground equipment and installation quotes for Sunrise Pond Park
• Denial of a Conditional Use Permit for Blaine Event Venue

The City Council approved a conditional use permit for a Culver's restaurant and accepted equipment quotes for the Sunrise Pond Park project. A request for a car wash permit was denied, and a statement of denial was adopted for the Blaine Event Venue.

• Approved conditional use permit for Culver's Restaurant at 4121 108th Avenue NE (Unanimous)
• Denied conditional use permit for Silverstar Car Wash at 9280 Baltimore Street NE (3-3)
• Approved written statement of denial for Blaine Event Venue at 1250 126th Avenue NE (Unanimous)
• Approved playground equipment and installation quotes for Sunrise Pond Park (Unanimous)
• Approved January 6, 13, and 20 bills paid (5-0-1)
• Approved final plat for Lexington Meadows 6th Addition at 4181 108th Avenue NE
• Approved plans and bids for 2023 Southwest Area Street Reconstructions
• Introduced first reading of ordinance amending tobacco and rental dwelling licenses

City Council Workshop

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss the 2024 budget and the Northtown District Vision Plan survey. The agenda also includes an introduction to special assessments and a review of 2023 City Manager goals. This meeting is for council and staff discussion and is not for receiving public input.

• Northtown District Vision Plan Survey presentation
• Introduction to special assessment toolkit and policy
• Introduction to the 2024 budget
• Review of 2023 City Manager goals

The City Council and staff held a work session to discuss the Northtown Mall redevelopment project, special assessments, and the 2024 budget. City Manager Wolfe stated that the discussions and direction would be shared with staff for follow-up at future workshops. No formal votes were taken.

City Council

The City Council adopted an ordinance to change the start time of regular meetings. The new time takes effect starting with the March 6 meeting.

• Approved Ordinance 23-2521 to change regular meeting start time from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM (unanimous)

City Council Workshop

The City Council, Natural Resource Conservation Board, and Park Advisory Board will meet to discuss the proposed Parks and Open Space Commission. The session also covers board appointment policy and the 2023 workplan. This workshop is for council and staff discussion and is not intended for public input.

• Proposed Parks and Open Space Commission
• Board and Commission Appointment Policy
• Draft 2023 Workplan

The City Council, Natural Resource Conservation Board, and Park Advisory Board held a joint workshop to discuss a proposal to combine into a single Parks and Open Space Commission. Board members provided feedback on the potential merger, citing concerns over education, staffing, and the historical purpose of the NRCB. No formal decision was made during the session.

• Tabled decision on merging Park Advisory Board and Natural Resource Conservation Board for further Council discussion

Park Advisory Board

The Park Advisory Board will review minutes from October and November 2022 meetings. The board will also discuss Sunrise Pond Park and receive general park updates.

• Approval of October 25, 2022, meeting minutes
• Approval of November 22, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding Sunrise Pond Park
• Park updates

The Park Advisory Board recommended that the city council approve concept plans for Sunrise Pond Park, which has a $975,000 budget allocation. The board also received updates on playground replacements and the city band shell. The city council makes all final decisions on these recommendations.

• Recommended city council approve Sunrise Pond Park concept plans (unanimous)
• Approved October 25, 2022, minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved November 22, 2022, minutes as presented (unanimous)

EDA

The EDA will review updates to the Home Improvement Program, including its 2022 annual report and grant terms. The body will also consider an addendum to the 105th Avenue Master Planning Services contract.

• Home Improvement Program updates and 2022 annual report
• Addendum to 105th Avenue Master Planning Services contract
• Approval of November 7, 2022, and December 19, 2022, EDA minutes

The Economic Development Authority approved updates to the city's home improvement and down payment assistance programs. The board also authorized additional spending for master planning services on 105th Avenue.

• Approved November 7, 2022 EDA Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved December 19, 2022 EDA Minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-01 for Home Improvement Program Updates (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-02 for $5,000 addendum to 105th Avenue Master Planning Services Contract (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution to deny a permit for an event center and review several zoning amendments. The agenda also includes approving software licenses and updating council liaison appointments.

• Denying a conditional use permit for a 3,000 square foot event center at 1250 126th Avenue NE
• Rezoning properties between B-2, R-4, B-5, and I-1 districts
• Amending the comprehensive plan for 10278 Central Avenue NE
• Payment to Intuitive Municipal Solutions for software and hosting services
• Code amendment for Section 30.80 B-5 (Town Commercial)

The City Council denied a request to operate a 3,000 square foot event center at 1250 126th Avenue NE due to parking and zoning concerns. The Council approved several zoning and code amendments for redevelopment priority areas and found no need for an environmental impact statement for Park Construction.

• Denied conditional use permit for event center at 1250 126th Avenue NE (3-3)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-11 in appreciation of Councilmember Julie Jeppson (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 23-2520 amending Town Commercial code (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 23-2519 rezoning properties to R-4 and B-5 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-12 amending land use to Planned Commercial at 10278 Central Avenue NE (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-13 finding no need for Environmental Impact Statement for Park Construction (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including bills paid and software licensing for Intuitive Municipal Solutions (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 23-2521 to change meeting start time to 7:00 PM

City Council Workshop

The Blaine City Council will hold a work session to discuss an ordinance regarding flavored tobacco restrictions and review the 2022 Communications Annual Report. The council will also receive a planning update for Town Square and the Fire Department. This meeting is intended for discussion between council members and staff rather than receiving public input.

• Ordinance amending Chapter 42 regarding flavored tobacco restrictions
• Review of the 2022 Communications Annual Report
• Town Square/Fire Department planning update

The City Council reached a consensus to allow flavored tobacco and menthol sales for all licensed tobacco holders rather than restricting them to exclusive tobacco shops. The council also received updates on the 2022 Communications Annual Report and planning for a new fire station and city vehicle parking garage.

• Consensus reached to allow flavored tobacco/menthol for all licensed tobacco holders

Nat'l Resources Conservation Board

The board will discuss a proposal to merge the Natural Resource Conservation Board with the Park Board. This discussion is part of the board's advisory role to the City Council.

• Discussion regarding the merger of the Natural Resource Conservation Board and Park Board

The Natural Resource Conservation Board discussed a proposed merger with the Park Board, with members expressing opposition and suggesting a transition into a Sustainability Board instead. The board also raised concerns regarding the implementation of term limits and the reappointment process.

• No formal decisions were made; the board is an advisory body to the City Council

Planning Commission

The Blaine Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding two conditional use permit applications. The commission will also consider the approval of minutes from the December 13, 2022 meeting.

• Conditional use permit for Culver’s restaurant at 4121 108th Avenue NE
• Conditional use permit for Silverstar Car Wash at 9280 Baltimore Street NE
• Approval of December 13, 2022, Planning Commission minutes

The Planning Commission recommended approval for two conditional use permits for businesses in Blaine. Both recommendations include specific site and lighting conditions and will be sent to the City Council for a final decision.

• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for Culver’s Restaurant at 4121 108th Avenue NE (5-0)
• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for Silverstar Car Wash at 9280 Baltimore Street NE (5-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0-2)

City Council Workshop

This work session is for the City Council and staff to discuss several city topics. The agenda includes a report on the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan and presentations regarding planning, zoning, and economic development areas.

• Sunrise Pond Park discussion
• 2019-2022 Strategic Plan Final Report
• City Council Priority Economic Development Areas and Northtown Master Plan
• Planning and Zoning/Comprehensive Plan presentation

The City Council reached consensus to support the preliminary designs for Sunrise Pond Park and directed staff to report back on the next steps for the city's strategic planning process. A strategic planning session was scheduled for January 30.

• Supported preliminary plans for Sunrise Pond Park
• Directed staff to report back on how the strategic planning process should proceed
• Scheduled strategic planning session for January 30

City Council

The Blaine City Council will consider a resolution to declare a vacancy in Ward 2. This action includes calling for a special election.

• Resolution 23-10 A: Declaring a Ward 2 vacancy and calling for a special election

The City Council approved a resolution to declare a vacancy for the Ward 2 seat previously held by Councilmember Jeppson. A special election to fill the seat is scheduled for April 11, 2023.

• Approved Resolution No. 23-10 declaring a Ward 2 vacancy and calling for a special election on April 11, 2023 (Unanimous)

City Council Workshop

The City Council reached a consensus to support a proposal for a 76-unit rental townhome neighborhood at the former Applewood Pointe site. Other items, including a proposed roundabout at Sunset Avenue and 125th Avenue, were presented for informational purposes with no action taken.

• Consensus reached to support 76-unit rental townhome project on Radisson Road
• Postponed discussion on City Council Priority Economic Development Areas to January 9, 2023

City Council

The Blaine City Council is conducting organizational business and swearing in new councilmembers. The agenda includes discussions on Northwest Area street reconstruction and several zoning changes. The council will also consider contracts for water treatment plant improvements and playground equipment for local parks.

• Rezoning of properties from B-2, R-4, B-5, and I-1 classifications
• Preliminary plat for "The Blaine Back 40" at 104th Lane and Flanders Street NE
• SEH design contract for Northwest Area street reconstruction
• Design contracts with Barr Engineering for Water Treatment Plant 1 and 2 improvements
• Playground equipment quotes for Sunnyside, Xylite, and Palmer Parks

The City Council approved the 2023 Northwest Area Street Reconstructions project and several infrastructure design contracts for water treatment plants. The council also granted two pool fence variances and a driveway setback reduction for Pleasure Creek South. A conditional use permit for the Blaine Event Venue was tabled pending further parking solutions.

• Approved 2023 Northwest Area Street Reconstructions (unanimous)
• Approved $415,370 SEH contract for Northwest Area street design (unanimous)
• Approved $80,000 and $116,000 Barr Engineering contracts for WTP 1 and 2 improvements (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat for The Blaine Back 40 industrial development (unanimous)
• Approved pool fence variance for 2247 125th Avenue NE (4-2)
• Approved pool fence variance for 11546 Edison Street NE (4-2)
• Approved driveway setback reduction from 5 to 3 feet at Pleasure Creek South (5-1)
• Tabled conditional use permit for Blaine Event Venue to January 18, 2023 (unanimous)