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Blaine
CityConnect
January/February
WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US
2013
Shop With a Cop is a Success Again
For the third year in a row, the Blaine Police
Department teamed with Blaine SuperTarget to
make the holiday season extra special for 30 local
children.
With the help of school social workers, the Blaine
Police Department identified children from six
local elementary schools who needed an extra
special holiday season. Target, with the help of
many employees, then put together a special
holiday shopping event for each these children.
To make the day special, Blaine police officers,
explorers, community service officers and reserves,
all wearing Santa hats, picked up the children at
home prior to their shopping spree. Once they
arrived at SuperTarget, children received a donated
$85 gift card to complete holiday shopping for
their family members.
Target’s donation of $2,000, along with $700 in donations from Blaine City employees, the Blaine Police Federation, and a private Blaine citizen, enabled
kids to receive the $85 donation. Another $200 was set aside for non-gift necessities such as food, underwear, socks, boots, and mittens.
The children, many with shopping lists in hand, were paired with police helpers to guide them throughout the store. They were also treated to a meal at
Target’s Food Avenue. After loading their carts and purchasing the presents, cops and kids gathered with Target employees to wrap the gifts.
At the end of the day, Blaine’s officers returned the children home with bags of presents to share with their families so they could help spread the holiday cheer
at home this season.
Blaine’s 2013 Tax Levy is Six Percent Lower than its 2009 Tax Levy
The Blaine City Council recently set the property tax levy for taxes payable
in 2013, City Council kept the City’s property tax levy flat. Even with
significant budget constraints, the City continues to provide the quality
services that citizens have come to expect, and to develop initiatives to
promote efficiency and productivity in order to “do more with less”. For
this effort, Moody’s Investor Services rewarded the City with a high credit
rating of Aa1. Blaine also received national recognition from Money
magazine.
At the outset of this budget cycle, the City Council’s goals were to maintain
services, achieve structural balance (where revenues match expenditures
over the long term), maintain a flat tax levy, and utilize a reserve draw
of $500,000. The City Council achieved these goals while setting a noincrease
tax levy and reducing the reserve draw to $440,000. The 2013
City Council Adopted Budget gives Blaine the lowest tax rate for any full
service city in Anoka County, and makes it one of the few cities in the
County not to have a levy increase in the last four years. Since 2009, the
City Council has cut the levy by $1.2 million and the monthly cost of all
City services for the average homeowner has continually dropped.
As part of the City’s goal to achieve structural balance, the City uses a
5-year budget model as a forecasting/planning tool. In part, because of
the City Council commitment to long-range budget planning, the City
had its Aa1 bond rating reaffirmed by Moody’s Investor Services. This is
one notch below Aaa, the highest rating a City can achieve. A high bond
rating means lower interest rates on borrowed money and reduced costs to
Blaine taxpayers.
While the City Council continues to hold the tax levy flat, Blaine has
continued to grow despite the economic downturn. For 2012, Blaine
outpaced all other cities in metro housing growth. Blaine is also a state
leader in new housing growth. As the City continues to grow, the additional
tax base will provide financial resources to assist with additional service
levels that are required to meet the needs of new residents and businesses.
The City has maintained service levels despite reduced staffing levels and
without additional financial resources. Since 2008, the City has reduced
staffing levels by 17 positions.
With reduced financial and staffing resources, the City is investing in new
technology in order to maintain existing and future service levels, and
“do more with less”. Examples of new technology the City is using to
increase productivity include a new financial software system that utilizes
efficiencies in utility billing and human resources, updated technology on
utility meters that allows for more timely and accurate readings, and insquad
cameras that digitally record and download street patrol activities.
As we look to the future, we expect to have more challenges ahead.
However, the City Council has positioned the City well to meet the future
challenges and to continue to meet its mission to provide quality services
to residents and businesses.

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www.ci.blaine.mn.us
Blaine City Hall
10801 Town Square Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-784-6700
763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR
Tom Ryan
12147 Radisson Road NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-757-3390
tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
DISTRICT 1
Wes Hovland
8650 Van Buren St. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-228-1117
whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us
Dick Swanson
P.O. Box 49725
Blaine, MN 55449
763-370-2557
dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us
DISTRICT 2
Dave Clark
10833 Fillmore St. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-754-7643
dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us
Mike Bourke
83 103rd Ave. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-784-1986
DISTRICT 3
Kathy Kolb
11308 Jefferson St. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
763-757-6887
kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us
Russ Herbst
12875 Lever St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-784-6143
rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us
CITY MANAGER
Clark Arneson
763-785-6120
carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
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Utility Billing ....................................763-785-6141
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Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated
with happenings by following the city online.
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
City Council*
Jan. 3 | Jan. 17 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 21
7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
City Council Workshops
Jan. 3 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 17
Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 21
6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Planning Commission*
Jan. 8 | Feb. 12
7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
Jan. 22 | Feb. 26
7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Natural Resource Conservation Board
Jan. 15 | Feb. 19
7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council
Jan. 8 | Feb. 12
6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society
Feb. 12
6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room
* meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16
About this Newsletter...
CityConnect is published bimonthly by
the City of Blaine and distributed to all
residents and businesses. Past copies of the
city newsletter are available at
www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Feedback can be
directed to newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us .
All city legal notices are published in
the city’s official newspaper, the
Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

january | february 2013
Anoka Conservation District Annual
Tree and Shrub Sale
The Anoka Conservation District is now accepting pre-orders for the annual tree and shrub sale.
The District offers a wide variety of native stock, including black cherry trees, mixed oak trees,
red maple trees, and white pine trees. The trees and shrubs are sold in bare root seedlings or
transplants and are approximately 18” to 24” in height. They may be purchased in bundles of ten
for $17, or twenty-five for $30. Native prairie seed and tree aides are also available.
If you are interested, go online and check out the Anoka Conservation District website at www.
AnokaSWCD.org. Once there, you can go to the tree sale products section of the website and
click on the species title, which contains links to detailed descriptions and photographs of each of
the varieties offered. The website also contains information about the kinds of trees and shrubs
to plant in your particular situation along with planting directions. If you would prefer you may
talk directly to Anoka Conservation District staff by calling 763-434-2030.
You may purchase these trees and shrubs in one of the following ways: Go to the website and
use the online ordering option or to print a form and send it in with payment. Call the ACD
office at 763-434-2030, ext. 10, to have a form sent to you or order by phone. Orders accepted
until Thursday, April 11. Trees and shrubs will be available for pickup Saturday, April 27, at the
Anoka County Fairgrounds from 8 to 10 a.m. Please order early to guarantee availability.
What is the Radon Risk in Your Home
By Rebecca Booker
Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department
Radon is a known cancer-causing agent and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths
nation-wide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that 21,000
people a year die of lung cancer caused by radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas,
which is produced by the decay of uranium and radium in the soil. It is odorless, colorless and
tasteless. The radiation from this gas can harm cells that make up our body’s tissues with the
lungs being most vulnerable.
The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that about one in three Minnesota homes have
enough radon to pose a large risk to the occupants’ health over many years of exposure and that
all homes be tested.
Radon enters the home through:
1. Cracks in concrete slabs.
2. Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest
on uncapped hollow-block foundations.
3. Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.
4. Floor-wall joints.
5. Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.
6. Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open
sump.
7. Mortar joints.
8. Loose fitting pipe penetrations.
9. Open tops of block walls.
10. Building materials, such as brick, concrete,
rock.
11. Well water (not commonly a major source
in Minnesota homes).
For more information, visit the website: www.health.state.mn.us. Sign up
for a free home safety survey and receive a free radon test kit for your home from the
Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-767-4003 or log
on to homesafetychallenge.org.at 763-767-4003.
Are You Ready
for a Winter Storm
Here are some preparation tips:
• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your
household has a warm coat, gloves or
mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit
containing:
• First aid kit and essential medications
• Battery-powered weather radio, flashlight
and extra batteries
• Canned food and non-electric can
opener
• Bottled water
• Have your car winterized before a winter
storm.
• Assemble a winter storm supplies kit for
your car.
When a winter storm watch is issued:
• Listen to local TV and radio stations for
weather updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
When a winter storm warning is issued:
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, dress in several
layers of clothing.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill,
which combines the cooling effect of wind
and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
As the wind increases, heat is carried away
from a person’s body at an accelerated
rate, driving down the body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be
careful. It is physically strenuous work, so
take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but
if you must:
• Have emergency supplies in the trunk.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full in case of an
emergency, and to help keep the fuel line
from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination,
the route you are taking, and when you
expect to arrive.
Put together an emergency kit for each
trunk of each car used by members in
your household. Include blankets, extra
sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, jumper
cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra
batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to tie
to the antenna.
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Crime Prevention News
Stay informed about what’s happening in the
city. Sign up for the “weekly update” which is
a free email subscription. The email consists of
a “calls for service” report. These are calls that
BPD officers responded to the previous week.
The email also includes timely safety tips,
trends, and information on events hosted by
the Safety Services Division. To sign up, send
an email to: kkiley@ci.blaine.mn.us.
The City DOES NOT sell, share, or trade
your e-mail address and you can unsubscribe
anytime.
How visible are your house numbers from the
street In the event emergency personnel need
to respond to your home, it’s crucial they are
able to see your address and or unit number
(for townhomes or apartments).
Stand in the street, make sure your exterior
lights are on and look at how visible – or not -
your house numbers are.
If you ordered an item that is shipped via USPS,
UPS, FedEx, or other delivery service, and it
hasn’t arrived, contact the shipping company
to verify delivery. If the shipping company
verifies delivery, you will need to file a report
with the shipping company and the company
from which you ordered the item.
Theft from auto is a preventable crime and
it takes but a few simple steps to prevent.
Remove anything of value, whether it’s a book
bag, sports equipment, work identification,
purses, wallets, computers, notepads, e-readers
and more. Leaving these items out in the open
are an invitation for a thief to break into your
vehicle and take them. Remember to record
serial and model numbers of all personal
property that have them.
Lastly, help prevent auto theft by following
these simple steps: Take your valuables with
you – remove the keys – and lock your doors.
Accepting Applications
Natural Resources
Conservation Board
The City will make three appointments to
the Natural Resources Conservation Board
(NRCB) in early 2013. The City Council
makes one appointment for each City Council
Ward. The NRCB recommends policy to the
City Council and the City Manager pertaining
to the City’s natural resources and dedicated
open spaces. The NRCB holds its monthly
meetings in the evening on the third Tuesday of
each month at Blaine City Hall. Requirements
include being a resident of Blaine and having a
community interest.
Applications are available online at
www.ci.blaine.mn.us
and search keyword vacancy. Please call Jim
Hafner at (763) 785-6188 for more information.
www.ci.blaine.mn.us
Snow Plowed Sidewalks and Trails
Did you know that residents have access to over 60 miles of trails and 80 miles of sidewalks throughout
the City of Blaine and that most are available for use during the winter Even though streets are the first
priority, the majority of trails and sidewalks that provide connectivity to schools, libraries, businesses,
parks, and open spaces are generally plowed in 1 to 3 days depending on the amount of the snow event.
A map that shows the plowed trails and sidewalks is available at www.blaineparks.com. Go to Parks,
Trails and Open Space, and click on Park Maps, Plowed Trails and Sidewalks Map.
Salt the Fish on Your Plate,
Not the Ones in the Lake
Did you know that our creeks and lakes can get polluted during the winter months Since
the early 1950’s, metro area waters have become increasingly more salty. Chloride (salt) levels
in our water have become so high that many metro area creeks are now considered unhealthy,
according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Standards are being developed to identify
area lakes with chloride levels that are too high.
Chlorides are applied on our roads, sidewalks, and parking lots to melt ice. However, once
dissolved in water, the salty mixture goes directly to our creeks and lakes from our streets
and homes via our storm drainage system. Chloride is considered a “conservative pollutant”,
meaning it does not break-down into a non-toxic substance. Once chloride is in a stream
or lake, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. Salt harms plants and animals, contaminates our
drinking water, and damages buildings. It also corrodes vehicles, roads, and bridges. Too
much salt results in costly damages and serious environmental consequences. Even if your bag
of de-icer says environmentally friendly it does not mean it is friendly to our waters, especially
if the word ‘chloride’ is listed in the ingredients.
Tips to Keep Your Roads, Driveways and
Sidwalks Safe and Our Waters Healthy
1. Before the storm, apply a liquid deicer
before snow storms to prevent
snow and ice from building up. This
is not a substitute for shoveling; it
just makes it more effective.
2. Shovel that snow. Shoveling, snow
blowing, plowing, and/or sweeping
are all effective measures that will
remove snow and minimize ice buildup.
Make a difference this winter; help us keep salt out of our waters!
If you would like to know more about this topic and other topics related to water quality,
go to www.ricecreek.org to sign up for
the RCWD eNews on the right side of the homepage.
Boulevard Tree
Trimming Continues
this Winter
City crews began trimming boulevard trees this fall.
Trimming will continue through the winter as weather
permits. Check the City website for details, and
trimming locations.
The City typically trims the street-side of trees for
traffic clearance. For more information on the City’s
tree trimming policy, call 763-785-6165.
3. Less is better. When applying salt, if
there are leftover crystals still visible,
then the salt has been over-applied.
The left-over salt can be swept up and
reused or disposed of in the trash.
4. Temperature matters. At low
temperatures, salt begins to become
less effective. When the temperature
falls below 15°F, consider using small
amounts of sand for traction.

january | february 2013 5
Snow-Related Safety Concerns include
Keeping Fire Hydrants Clear
As the snowpack continues to build this winter, the City of Blaine would like to remind
residents of some important snow-related safety concerns:
Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
The fire and public works departments are
asking for your help. Please remember to
shovel out around fire hydrants after each
snowfall. It is very important for residents
and business people to keep hydrants clear of
snow and visible from the street.
If the fire department has to spend time
trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow,
they lose precious time needed to fight
fires. Please help us out by keeping your fire
hydrants clear of snow. The house you help
save may be your own.
Snow Tunnels and Forts
Do not allow children to build snow structures or tunnels in the snow banks at the end of
driveways, in cul-de-sac or along roadways. Snowplows and other snow removal machinery
may pass by at any time to remove snow or make space for future snow events. For your
children’s safety, don’t let them play in the right-of-way!
Garbage and Recycling Carts
Each winter as we get more snow, it becomes harder to find a place for garbage and recycling
carts at the curb. Please DO NOT place garbage and recycling carts in the street where they
can be hit and damaged by snowplows. Not only will this create problems for the plow
drivers, but is also creates problems for the garbage and recycling truck drivers as well as
creating a great deal of litter left on the ground when the snow melts each spring!
Snowmobile Regulations
During the winter months, we receive inquires from the public wondering where they
are allowed to operate snowmobiles in Blaine. In general, snowmobiles may not be
operated anywhere in the City west of Highway 65.
East of Highway 65, snowmobiles may operate on non-residential properties that are not
next to residential areas. The operator of the snowmobile must have written permission
from the property owner in their possession. Snowmobiling is not allowed on any City
streets.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Went into Effect Nov. 1
There is no parking on any Blaine street
between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.
from Nov. 1 through April 1. Please note
that there are several posted signs regarding
this parking restriction throughout the
City, while a sign is not posted on every
street. There is no parking on any highway,
street or alley for more than 12 hours after
snow begins to fall.
For questions call, 763-784-6700.
Monthly
Recycling at
Aquatore Park
Each third Saturday of the month, the
City of Blaine sponsors a recycling dropoff
program in the parking lot of Aquatore
Park.
The collection event is staged near the
Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs
the third Saturday of every month from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m.
Most appliances cost $10 each; air
conditioners and water softeners are $15.
Most electronics, including televisions, will
cost between $2 and $25, depending on
size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may
also be recycled for a small fee. Mattresses
and box springs are $15 each.
Free items include scrap metal, car batteries,
used clothing and all items collected as part
of the city’s curbside recycling program. A
free paper shedding service is also available
to shred sensitive documents. Please note,
no garbage will be accepted.
To learn more about the
city’s recycling drop-off program and for a
list of acceptable items and associated fees,
call 763-785-6192 or
visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and
search keyword recycle.
In Case of Sewer
Backup, Contact
Public Works
Residents experiencing a sewer backup
should immediately contact the City of
Blaine Public Works Department. Public
Works will check the sewer main for
blockages, as tree roots in the line can
cause backups for neighbors as well.
During regular business hours,
Blaine Public Works can be reached
at 763-785-6165.
Outside of business hours,
call Anoka County Dispatch
at 763-427-1212
in order to notify Blaine Public Works.
January Curbside
Tree Collection
Christmas trees will be collected curbside
during the weeks of Jan. 7 and Jan. 14,
on regular garbage days. Please remove all
ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

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SPECIAL EVENTS
Snow Day
All ages welcome
Participants of all ages will have a chance
to partake in a variety of winter activities,
including: snow shoeing, ice fishing,
kick-sledding, cross-country skiing,
winter crafts, temporary tattoos and Live
Animal Presentation. Refreshments
provided. For more information, call
Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007.
Event held at Wargo Nature Center. No
registration required, just show up!
DATE: Saturday, January 26
TIME: 1 – 4 p.m.
FEE: FREE
Sweatheart Party
Ages 8 and under with parent/adult
Dance to deejay music, make a valentine
craft, get a sweet temporary tattoo, play
in the gym, enjoy some refreshments, and
have your pictures taken in front of our
sweetheart backdrop! (bring your own
camera). Registration is required. Event
held at Centennial Elementary School.
DATE: Friday, February 1
TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
FEE: $8/child
Super Hero Carnival
Ages 10 and under with parent/adult
Your child can dress up like their favorite
Super Hero and fly around and try
activities which include; carnival games,
bingo, crafts, face painting, tattoos,
coloring sheets, relay races - all with
our Super Hero Theme! Refreshments
provided. Event held at Blue Heron
Elementary School.
DATE: Saturday, March 2
TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
FEE: $8/child
More information about Parks and
Recreation programs is available at 763-
785-6164 or in the current Recreation
Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .
Upcoming Recreation Programs
and Events
Sounds of the City
Indoor concerts held in the atrium at Blaine
City Hall are free and open to the public.
Alison Scott
Tuesday, Jan. 15 – 7 p.m.
Soul vocalist/singer-songwriter.
7 Cats Swing
Tuesday, Feb. 19 – 7 p.m.
Traditional jazz, swing and blues from the 30’s
to the 80’s.
Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium
Mall of America
(Ages 10 to 15)
DATE: Tuesday, March 12
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
FEE: $12/child
Shoreview Community Center
(Grades 1 to 5 )
DATE: March 11 – 15
TIME: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
FEE: $36/child/day
www.blaineparks.com
NEW – Cardio Dance
(Adult Class)
This low impact cardio class combines
various styles of dance and low impact
cardio exercises into a fun workout! Geared
for those who have not been actively
involved in a regular exercise program or
who are just starting to exercise, and want a
fun way to get back into good health. Class
held at the Sunnyside Park Building.
DATE: Mondays, Jan. 21 – March 25
TIME: 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
FEE: $60
Heartsaver Facts First Aid
This course is ideal for anyone interested
in or required to implement First Aid
training in an environment serving adult
populations. Upon successful completion of
practical skills testing, participants receive a
course credential card. Held at SBM Fire
Station 3.
DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 20
TIME: 6 – 10:00 p.m.
FEE: $45
2013 Adult Softball Leagues
Summer softball leagues for Men’s,
Women’s, Co-Rec, and Church teams.
Games are played at Airport and Aquatore
Parks. Registration begins February 4. For
more information call Jerome at 763-785-
6161.
Summer Employment
Are you looking for that perfect summer
job If you have enthusiasm, energy, and
excitement to work with kids, then this is
the perfect job for you! Applicants must be
17 years of age or older. Applications will
be available February 1 in our office or at
blaineparks.com. Application deadline is
March 22. Call 763-785-6164 for more
information.
Senior Scene
Mary Ann Young Senior Center
9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375
January
Jan. 3, 9:30 a.m. – Take Down Decorations
Jan. 24, 11 a.m. – Laughter - Stress
Reduction Class
Jan. 27, 12:30-4 p.m. – Square Dance
Regional Meeting
Jan. 28, 1 p.m. – Prize/Nickel Bingo
Jan. 29, 9-noon – Wii Bowling Tournament
sign up!
Jan. 29, 1 p.m. – “500” Card Tournament
Jan. 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Birthday Party:
Entertainment, noon luncheon, prize
bingo at 1p.m.
Jan. 31, 1 p.m. – Cribbage Tournament
sign up with partner by Jan. 24.
February
Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – Super Bowl Party
Dress in football atire.
Feb. 4, 11 & 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Income
Tax appointments
Feb 14, 11 a.m. – Valentine Coronation
and Celebration, with entertinament.
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – Gettysberg the Turning
Point, picture presentation by Military
Historian, Dan Hartman
Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Birthday Party,
Entertainment, noon. luncheon, prize
bingo at 1p.m

january | february 2013 7
Car Seat Clinic Set for January 15
The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-
Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department, and Safe Kids
Anoka County will host a free car seat clinic on Tuesday,
January 15. The clinic is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7
p.m. at SBM Fire Station 2, 1141 - 89th Avenue NE,
in Blaine, and is open to all Anoka County residents by
appointment only.
In Minnesota, four out of five car seats are installed
incorrectly. During this free clinic, experts will inspect
your child’s installed car seat, provide installation tips,
and check the seat for recalls. Parents will demonstrate
proper installation of their seats and have an opportunity
to ask specific questions of trained technicians.
Effective July 1, 2009, a child who is both younger than
age eight and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, is required to be fastened in a child safety seat or
booster seat that meets federal safety standards. Booster seats are designed to keep the lap belt
positioned properly around a child’s hips, and the shoulder belt in the correct position. Under
this law, a child cannot use solely a seat belt until they are age eight or 4 feet 9 inches tall,
whichever comes first.
Casino Trip
Treasure Island Casino
For more information, or to make an appointment,
contact Connie Forester, SBM Fire Department, 763-767-4003, ext. 100.
Community Outings
Bus departure/return locations will be Blaine City Hall except casino trips depart/return at Blaine
Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
No phone in registrations please. Registrants will be notified only if outing is cancelled. For more
information please call 763-785-6164.
Cancellation Policies: Refunds cannot be guaranteed after the registration deadline, due to policies of
attractions, restaurants and transportation establishments. Absolutely no refunds 24 hours or less prior to
the outing date.
DATE: Monday, Feb. 11
DEPART/RETURN: 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m.
FEE:
$5 ($3 food coupon &
10 pull tabs)
REGISTER BY: Feb. 4
“Counting Harry” – History Theater
DATE: Thursday, March 7
DEPART/RETURN: 8:45 a.m./3:15 p.m.
FEE: $30
REGISTER BY: Jan. 30
Spring Training (Florida)
Minnesota Twins
March 8 - 18, 2013
Call 763-785-6164 for more information.
Chocolate March
Pick up will be at the Circle Pines Credit
Union, 4 South Pine Drive.
DATE: Tuesday, March 19
DEPART/RETURN: 10 a.m./5 p.m.
FEE: $63
REGISTER BY: March 1
“Bye Bye Birdie” – Chanhassen Dinner
Theater
DATE: Wednesday, March 27
DEPART/RETURN: 10 a.m./5:15 p.m.
FEE: $64
REGISTER BY: Feb. 27
**Please call for dates/times of all continuous
activities including bingo, “500” cards, line dance, Wii bowling, blood pressure checks, woodcarving,
computer sessions, bunco, hand and foot cards, driving refresher classes, foot care, canvas/craft class,
legal service, garden club, quilting, North Country Jamboree and more.
The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events,
and dining options on weekdays. Call 763-786-9375 for more information and times
or learn more online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword senior center.
Annual North
Metro Home and
Garden Show
February 23, 2013
The 15th Annual North Metro Home nd
Garden Show will move to the Sport Expo
Center at the National Sports Center in
Blaine. This year the standard booth size
will increase to 8 feet deep x 10 feet wide.
New times beginning this year at 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. Seminars will be shorter and more
frequent on an open stage in the main
hall. Please join us for this great event.
Admission is free and door prizes will be
awarded.
More information about the 2013 North Metro
Home & Garden Show is available at www.
northmetrohomeandgarden.com.
Community
Garden Plots
Community garden plots will be available
to residents interested in growing flowers
and vegetables. Plots are located adjacent to
Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot. Plots
are 15-by20-feet. Rental fees for gardeners
are $53.57 per plot for Blaine residents,
$42.85 for Blaine senior residents ages 55
and older and $74.99 for non-residents (all
rental fees include tax). Only one plot will
be assigned per household.
The registration dates and priority for
renting a garden plot will be as follows:
• Returning 2012 Blaine resident
gardeners from last year can register for
their same 2012 garden plot beginning
Feb. 25 through March 15.
• Returning 2012 Blaine resident
gardeners who would like to switch to a
different garden plot beginning March
18 through March 20, if different plots
are available.
• New Blaine resident gardeners can
register on March 21 and March 22, if
plots are available.
• Returning non-residents gardeners can
register beginning March 25 through
March 29, if plots are available.
• New non-resident gardeners can
register beginning April 1, 2013, if
plots are available.
Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

10801 Town Square Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449-8101
(763) 784-6700
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 29418
Minneapolis, MN
ECRWSS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
DATED MATERIAL
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
Coming May 18, 2013
Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Johnson
Blaine Triathlon Back for a Second Year
The Park and Recreation Department is excited to conduct the
second annual triathlon in the City of Blaine on Saturday, May 18,
2013, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The venue for the Blaine Triathlon
will be held at beautiful Lakeside Commons Park located at 3020
Lakes Parkway. The race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. From
novice to veteran triathletes, the Blaine Triathlon will be a fun and
challenging race consisting of a .3-mile swim, 16.7-mile bike ride,
and a 3.5-mile run.
If swimming or biking or running is not your favorite exercise,
participants can register a relay team of two or three individuals
whereby they choose the leg of the race they want to compete.
With the options of an individual racer or relay teams, it maximizes
participation for many different age and ability levels.
The registration fee is $75 for individuals and $100 per relay
team and includes a dry fit race tee shirt, swim cap, post race
refreshments, and all finishers receive official race hardware. An
awards ceremony follows the completion of the race to recognize
the top three overall finishers in each age category and the top two
finishers in each team relay age category.
Sponsored by: Blaine Medical Center
We are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help at the triathlon
that will include a wide range of duties throughout the race.
For more information, please go to www.blainetriathlon.com
and click on volunteers for details.
We always welcome community businesses and organizations that
are interested in a sponsorship opportunity for this exciting event.
Please check out the sponsorship brochure on our website under the
sponsors tab to see how you can be part of the Blaine Triathlon. The
following are current sponsors who have kindly contributed to the
triathlon; Blaine Medical Center, Fitness Pros, Foss Swim School,
Pioneer Cycle, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, North Park Dental,
Today’s Window Fashions, Financial One Credit Union, Jack, Jill
Childcare, Andrea-Studio.com Web Design and Development,
Edina Realty – Kris Lindahl, State Farm – Tom Holland Agency,
and Envoy Mortgage – Nathan Raich Team.
We hope to see many people from our community participate,
volunteer, or cheer at this new and exciting event here in Blaine!
Course maps for the Blaine Triathlon are included below.
Swim
0.3 miles
Bike
16.7 miles
Run
3.5 miles