--- title: May 4 Minutes ## author: Tremble, Pamela S date: D:20230621204500Z --- ## City of Blaine ## City Council May 4, 2026 | 7:00 PM ## Blaine City Hall ## 10801 Town Square Drive NE ## Blaine, MN 55449 ## MINUTES 1. Call to Order by the Mayor The meeting was called to order at 7:06PM by Mayor Sanders followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. 2. Pledge of Allegiance ## 3. Roll Call PRESENT: Mayor Tim Sanders, Councilmembers Chris Ford, Leslie Larson, Chris Massoglia, Tom Newland, and Jess Robertson. ABSENT: Councilmember Terra Fleming. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Erik Thorvig; Community Development Director Sheila Sellman; Deputy Police Chief Joe Gerhard; Finance Director Jason Zimmerman; Director of Administrative Services Scott Johnson; Director of Engineering Dan Schluender; City Attorney Eric Larson; Parks and Recreation Director Jerome Krieger; Economic Development Specialist Ruth Tucker; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. ## 4. Awards - Presentations - Organizational Business None. ## 5. Open Forum 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 responses or discussion during the meeting, city staff will contact the speaker(s) after the meeting if follow-up is needed. Each speaker is limited to three minutes, with a maximum of 15 minutes set aside for Open Forum. Mayor Sanders opened the Open Forum at 7:08PM. Bruce Manthei, 4101 99th Avenue NE, expressed concerns with the location of the electrical box at 99th/Lexington Avenue and encouraged the city council to reprimand city staff. Dana Carlson, 287 117th Avenue NE, shared continued concerns regarding various family issues. There being no further input, Mayor Sanders closed the Open Forum at 7:16PM. 6. Communications None. ## 7. Approval of Consent Agenda: All items listed under the "Consent Agenda" are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Councilmember Robertson requested the removal of consent agenda item 7.5. for further discussion. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Mayor Sanders, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved. Motion adopted 5-1 (Councilmember Massoglia opposed). 7.1. 2026-102 Schedule of Bills Paid ## Sponsors: Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director 7.2. 2026-103 Approval of Minutes ## Sponsors: Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk 7.3. 2026-104 Consider Special Event for Eid Prayer Service Located at the National Sports Center May 26, 2026 ## Sponsors: Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk 7.4. 2026-105 Notifying League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust That Monetary Limits ## on Tort Liability are Not Waived ## Sponsors: Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director 7.5. RES 26-61 Resolution Accepting a Bid from Minnesota Petroleum Services, Inc. in the ## Amount of $376,962.00 for the Public Works Fuel Station Reconstruction ## Project, Improvement Project No. 25-01 (F2501) and Authorizing Associated ## Interfund Transfers and Budget Amendments ## Sponsors: Scott Johnson, Director of Administrative Services City Manager Thorvig provided background information regarding the proposed bid for the fuel station reconstruction project. Councilmember Robertson shared concerns about this item being placed on the consent agenda as she would have preferred this topic first being presented at a council workshop meeting. She stated she understood the merits of the project, but given the expense for this project, she would have appreciated discussing the item at a workshop meeting prior to coming before the council for approval. ## Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Ford, to Resolution Accepting a Bid from Minnesota Petroleum Services, Inc. in the Amount of $376,962.00 for the Public Works Fuel Station Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project No. 25-01 (F2501) and Authorizing Associated Interfund Transfers and Budget Amendments. Motion adopted 4-2 (Councilmembers Massoglia and Robertson opposed). 7.6. RES 26-78 Resolution Granting Final Plat Approval to Four Lots and Seven Outlots to ## be Known as Blaine Town Center West. Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) (Case File No. 26-0019/SAS) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director 7.7. RES 26-79 Resolution Granting Final Plat Approval to Create One Lot and One Outlot to be Known as Blaine Town Center West 2nd Addition. Minnesota Amateur ## Sports Commission (MASC) (Case File No. 26-0020/SAS) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director ## 7.8. RES 26-91 Resolution Authorizing Interfund Transfers and Budget Amendments Related to the Facilities Project to Create a Functional Office Space for ## Human Resources and Adjust Cubicles for Human Resources Staff ## Sponsors: Scott Johnson, Director of Administrative Services 8. 7:00 PM - Public Hearing and Items Published for a Certain Time 8.1. 2026-106 Conduct Public Hearing and Consider Approval of a Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor On-Sale Licenses for Sakura Sushi located at 12531 Central Ave ## NE ## Sponsors: Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk City Clerk Sorensen stated council has been asked to approve on-sale wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses for Sakura Sushi to allow the ability to serve strong beer and wine. A public hearing is required prior to the approval of on-sale wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses in the city. Hua Zhang and Xianwu Yang, applicants, have submitted applications for both on-sale wine and 3.2 percent malt licenses. A background investigation was conducted by the Blaine Police Department with no concerns found. The applicants' license is contingent upon submitting the required license fees, forms and documents. The wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor licenses, if approved, would be active through June 30, 2026, and run concurrent with annual liquor license renewals. All required information will be submitted to the state's alcohol and gambling enforcement division upon approval of the licenses by the council. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:22PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:22PM. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to Approve a Wine and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor On-Sale Licenses for Sakura Sushi located at 12531 Central Avenue NE. Councilmember Massoglia welcomed Sakura Sushi to the city of Blaine. Motion adopted unanimously. 8.2. RES 26-81 Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution to Vacate Various Right-of- ## Way Easements, Road/Street Easements, Ingress/Egress and Drainage and Utility Easements, in conjunction with the 105th Redevelopment and Northway Estates according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, ## Minnesota; Vacation No. V26-01 ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Director of Engineering Schluender stated the city received a petition dated March 23, 2026 from Mike Pokorney representing EB Blaine Development, LLC, requesting the vacation of easements, including right-of-way, road, street, ingress, egress, and drainage and utility easements lying over, under, and across Multiple parcels, Northway Estates; according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota. The property was originally platted as Northway Estates. Due to the redevelopment of the 105th area, the existing right-of-way, road, street, ingress, egress, and drainage and utility easements are no longer needed. Necessary new easements will be platted in accordance with the requirements as the redevelopment of the area progresses. Engineering staff has reviewed the request and agrees with the vacation. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:24PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:24PM. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adopt a ## Resolution to Vacate Various Right-of-Way Easments, Road/Street Easements, Ingress/Egress and Drainage and Utility Easements, in conjunction with the 105th Redevelopment and Northway Estates according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota; Vacation No. V26-01. Motion adopted unanimously. 8.3. RES 26-87 Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution for the Addition of Speed ## Humps on Quincy Boulevard Between Territorial Road and 109th Avenue as an Amendment to the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project T2604. ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Mr. Schluender stated council is asked to conduct a public hearing for the addition of speed humps on Quincy Boulevard between Territorial Road and 109th Avenue as an amendment to the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project No. T2604. Per the city of Blaine Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, any proposed traffic management strategy will not be considered for implementation without the support of 65% of the project neighborhood and 50% of any affected neighborhood. Staff worked with residents to prepare a petition for speed humps which included proposed locations for the speed humps along Quincy Boulevard and a map of affected properties that would be considered as eligible to sign the petition. Mr. Schluender reported a petition was received with signatures from residents fronting Quincy Boulevard from Territorial Road to 109th Avenue and 105th Lane from Quincy Boulevard to east cul-de-sac. Petition signatures were provided from 76% of the project neighborhood homes fronting Quincy Boulevard (46 out of 60) and 69% of the affected neighborhood homes fronting 105th Lane (9 out of 13), meeting the requirements set forth in the city of Blaine Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Staff has reviewed the petition and will adjust the exact locations of the speed humps as necessary to fit within the constraints present on the roadway such as storm sewer catch basins, sewer manholes and driveways. Per the city of Blaine Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, the cost for the installation of speed humps would be split between the project neighborhood (75% of the cost) and the city of Blaine (25% of the cost). A total of six speed humps are proposed along Quincy Boulevard between Territorial Road and 109th Avenue. Staff estimates a construction cost of $5,000 per speed hump, which would be assessed to residents fronting Quincy Boulevard as part of the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction project per the city of Blaine Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Costs will be based on actual bid costs and may be higher than estimated. Staff is recommending construction costs associated with the installation of the speed humps be assessed to the benefiting properties on Quincy Boulevard over a period of one year following the completion of the project. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:28PM. Don and Diane Bressler, 10593 Quincy Boulevard, expressed objections to the proposed speed humps and felt that the proposed number of six speed humps was excessive. Ms. Bressler shared comments about the distances that could be considered in order to reduce the number of speed humps and their placement. Nicole Berg, 10651 Quincy Boulevard, supported the proposed speed humps due to the amount of traffic that continues to increase, especially with the upcoming Highway 65 reconstruction project. Ms. Berg noted she circulated the petition and those who signed the petition were aware of the proposed six speed humps and the associated costs. Brad Monsaas, 10645 Quincy Boulevard, supported the speed humps to reduce speeding in the neighborhood. He explained he experienced a hit and run along his property line. He stated he feared for the safety of the children walking to school and the park due to the high levels of speeding traffic along Quincy Boulevard. Amanda Hernandez, 10626 Quincy Boulevard, explained she supported the speed humps due to speeding that is occurring in her neighborhood along with high traffic levels. She stated it was her understanding there were no plans for a sidewalk along Quincy Boulevard. Kyle Heikkinen, 10603 Quincy Boulevard, indicated he lived next to Quincy Park and stated he supported the proposed speed humps. There being no additional public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:39PM. Mr. Schluender confirmed the proposed project schedule and noted no sidewalks were being proposed as part of the improvement project. Mayor Sanders asked if any traffic studies have been done on this street and if staff understood where the extra traffic volume was coming from. Mr. Schluender explained no formal study was completed but surmised Quincy Boulevard was being used by drivers to avoid Jefferson Street and the signal. He anticipated there were more cars on this street than just the residents that live in the neighborhood. Deputy Chief Gerhard agreed Quincy Boulevard was a cut through street for drivers. Mayor Sanders inquired if there was a stop sign at 106th and Quincy Boulevard. Mr. Schluender reported there was a stop sign at this intersection and was an all-way stop. Councilmember Robertson questioned why the council had not had any dialogue on this project and if there were any alternatives that could be considered. She stated staff received this petition in March and this was the first time the council was hearing about the speed humps. She indicated she had a number of questions regarding this project before this project moved forward. Councilmember Newland agreed with Councilmember Robertson, stating he understood there was interest from neighboring residents to add speed humps to address the traffic concerns. He was of the opinion the number of speed humps was excessive. He stated he was uncertain of the city's policy for adding speed humps, noting there used to be speed humps between 87th and 89th but these have since been removed. He anticipated the neighboring residents would tire of hearing cars going over the speed humps on a daily basis. He questioned how staff and the residents arrived at the number and location of the speed humps. Mr. Schluender reported this item was not brought to a workshop meeting because the project petition did not meet the threshold for additional council discussion. He explained the spacing for the speed humps does not have a threshold, but rather was based on the perception of the neighborhood. He indicated the proposed spacing would assist with addressing the speed of traffic along this roadway as well as addressing cut-through traffic. Councilmember Newland inquired if speed humps were considered by engineering or residents. Mr. Schluender stated speed humps were completely driven by residents. Councilmember Newland stated he appreciated the fact this project had neighborhood support but noted he still had questions regarding the installation of these speed humps and questioned how the roadway would be plowed. He supported this item being tabled in order to have his questions addressed at a future workshop meeting. He suggested the bidding move forward and that the speed humps be an alternate within the bid. Councilmember Ford indicated this street was a long street and vehicles travel down this roadway quite fast. He stated he campaigned along this roadway and heard complaints regarding the speed of traffic and the fact there was no sidewalk. He understood the neighbors want the passing traffic to slow down for the safety of the children in the neighborhood. He explained the traffic along this roadway would only get worse once work began on Highway 65 and stated he would be supporting this project moving forward as recommended by staff. Councilmember Larson asked what public works thought about this project and questioned how snow removal would be completed. Public Works Director Fleischhacker stated the snow could be removed, but noted there would be more ice on the roadway. He anticipated the city would have to use more salt in this area. Mayor Sanders stated there were questions from council regarding this project. He questioned how the project would be impacted if this project were brought back to a workshop meeting next week for further discussion. Mr. Schluender indicated the contractor that was awarded the project would be asked to consider a change order to add the speed humps at a later date. Councilmember Robertson asked if the speed humps could be made an alternate bid item for this project. Mr. Schluender stated he would recommend the bid move forward as is, and that the speed humps be added later if the council moves this item forward. Councilmember Newland supported this item being further discussed by the council at a future workshop meeting. Motion by Councilmember Newland, second by Councilmember Robertson, to table consideration of Item 8.3 for further discussion at an upcoming workshop. Motion adopted 5-1 (Councilmember Ford opposed). ## 9. Development Business 9.1. RES 26-72 Resolution Granting Preliminary Plat Approval to Subdivide .69 Acres into Two Lots, to be Known as JJ Graham Addition at 2808 93rd Lane NE and 2811 93rd Avenue NE. James and Robin Obraske (Case File No. 26- ## 0010/ACK) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director Community Development Director Sellman requested the council consider a preliminary plat request to subdivide .69 acres into two lots. She commented on the request further and reported the planning commission recommended approval with conditions. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Mayor Sanders, to adopt a Resolution Granting Preliminary Plat Approval to Subdivide .69 Acres into Two Lots, to be Known as JJ Graham Addition at 2808 93rd Lane NE and 2811 93rd Avenue NE. Motion adopted unanimously. 9.2. RES 26-64 Resolution Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow Outdoor Dining with 10 Seats in the Regional Commercial (B-3) Zoning District at 12351 Ulysses ## Street NE, #100. CAVA (Case File No. 26-0011/SLK) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director Ms. Sellman stated CAVA, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, is proposing to be located in Blaine Square 3rd development in an existing multi-tenant building (Noodles and Company is currently in the other half of the building). It was noted the applicant was requesting a conditional use permit to allow 10 seats for outdoor dining on a patio adjacent to their building. Staff commented further on the request and reported the planning commission recommended approval. ## Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to Resolution Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow Outdoor Dining with 10 Seats in the Regional Commercial (B-3) Zoning District at 12351 Ulysses Street NE, #100. Councilmember Massoglia welcomed CAVA to the city of Blaine. Motion adopted unanimously. 9.3. RES 26-71 Resolution Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow the Outside Storage of Portable Storage Containers in a Heavy Industrial (I-2A) Zoning District at 8600 Rendova Street NE. Dart Portable Storage (Case File No. 26-0013/SLK) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director Ms. Sellman stated the applicant is requesting to store portable containers outside in an I- 2A zoning district. She commented further on the request and reported the planning commission recommended approval with conditions. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adopt a Resolution Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow the Outside Storage of Portable Storage Containers in a Heavy Industrial (I-2A) Zoning District at 8600 Rendova Street NE. Councilmember Newland stated he supported this use in the industrial zoning district. Motion adopted unanimously. 10. Administration 10.1. RES 26-82 Resolution Accepting a Bid from North Valley, Inc. in the Amount of $1,597,964.01 for the 2026 Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction - Phase 1, Improvement Project No. T2606. ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Mr. Schluender stated the city council approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement for bids for the 2026 Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstructions - Phase 1 project on March 16, 2026 with Resolution 26-48. The project will be constructed over a period of two years. Phase 1 will be reconstructed in 2026, and Phase 2 in 2027. Staff reviewed the project areas for Phase 1 and Phase 2. It was noted bids were received electronically at 10:00AM, April 23, 2026, for Project No. T2606. A total of 6 bids were received, ranging from $1,597,964.01 to $1,888,259.42. Bids have been checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that North Valley, Inc. of Nowthen, Minnesota is the lowest bidder. The Engineering department has worked with North Valley, Inc. on previous contracts. Staff recommends that the low bid be accepted, and a contract entered into with North Valley, Inc. City council is also asked to approve a 10% contingency to bring the total project budget to $1,757,760.41. The funding sources for this project are the pavement management fund, public utility funds, and special assessments and there are sufficient funds budgeted to cover these costs. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Larson, to adopt a Resolution Accepting a Bid from North Valley, Inc. in the Amount of $1,597,964.01 for the 2026 Meadowbrook Area Street Reconstruction - Phase 1, Improvement Project No. T2606. Councilmember Robertson explained she understood city infrastructure was a core function of the city, however, had frustrations with project estimates coming in over budget and questioned how staff could better assess estimated costs as part of budget planning. Motion adopted 5-1 (Councilmember Robertson opposed). 10.2. RES 26-89 Resolution to Approve Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lexington ## Relating to the Connection of Water Utility Systems ## Sponsors: Erik Thorvig, City Manager City Manager Thorvig stated a joint powers agreement (JPA) relating to the interconnected Blaine and Lexington water utility systems has been created. The JPA details the means and methods where Blaine would provide bulk water to Lexington. On December 8, 2025, a workshop discussion was held where staff presented an update on discussions with city of Lexington staff and the creation of a joint powers agreement where Blaine would supply bulk water to Lexington through the fifteen existing interconnection points. Staff has been working with Lexington staff and both city attorneys to complete a JPA based on the parameters discussed and directions given by council at the December workshop. Public works water department staff has confirmed that the proposed JPA and maximum amount of yearly bulk water Lexington is allowed to purchase will not put an undue strain on the Blaine water system and will not result in the need for Blaine to upgrade its water distribution system to supply the demand from Lexington.The key components of the JPA were further reviewed with the council and staff recommended approval of the JPA. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adopt a Resolution to Approve Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Lexington Relating to the Connection of Water Utility Systems. Councilmember Newland thanked staff for their efforts on the JPA. He inquired about remedies that were in place should Lexington not adhere to the JPA at any point in the future. City Attorney Larson discussed the terms of the relationship and breach of contract remedies. He reported the city could revisit the relationship if issues were to arise. He explained Lexington would pay for the bulk water usage from the City of Blaine quarterly. If payments were not made, there would be a breach and the city could seek specific performance. He indicated if there was a breach, the city could terminate the JPA with Lexington in 18 months. Mayor Sanders stated this was a tremendous step forward and thanked staff for all of their efforts on the JPA. He noted he spoke with the mayor of Lexington and looked forward to the city having a productive relationship with Lexington going forward. Motion adopted unanimously. ## 10.3. ORD 26-2605 Second Reading Ordinance Amending Chapter 50 - Offenses; Chapter 54 - Parks and Recreation; and Chapter 82 - Traffic and Vehicles ## Sponsors: Brian Podany, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Deputy Chief Gerhard and Parks and Recreation Director Krieger stated the council is asked to hold second reading and adopt ordinance amendments pertaining to parks, open spaces, and trails. At the March 9, 2026, workshop, staff reviewed proposed amendments to several sections of city code to match statute regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and other mobility devices as well as clarify conduct in public spaces, including parks. The proposed amendments are a result of council direction at the workshop and is being presented at this time for second reading. First reading was held on April 6 with no comments received. If adopted, the ordinance would become effective 30 days after publication. Moved by Councilmember Larson, seconded by Councilmember Newland, to adopt the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 26-2605, Amending Chapter 50 - Offenses; Chapter 54 - Parks and Recreation; and Chapter 82 - Traffic and Vehicles. Councilmember Larson explained she supported the proposed amendments with regard to the beach conduct. She indicated her only concern was with speed limits for e-scooters and where they were allowed. She understood e-scooters were to be on the street and not sidewalks. Mayor Sanders emphasized the need for public education when it comes to e-scooters for the safety of both riders and pedestrians. Motion adopted unanimously. 10.4. RES 26-94 Summary Resolution for Publication of Ordinance 26-2605 Amending Chapter 50 - Offenses; Chapter 54 - Parks and Recreation; and Chapter 82 - ## Traffic and Vehicles ## Sponsors: Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk Ms. Sorensen requested the council approve the summary publication of Ordinance No. 26- 2605. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Newland, to adopt the summary resolution for Ordinance No. 26-2605, Amending Chapter 50 - Offenses; Chapter 54 - Parks and Recreation; and Chapter 82 - Traffic and Vehicles. Motion adopted unanimously. ## 11. Other Business None. 12. Adjournment Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Newland, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34PM. Motion adopted unanimously. Signed by ## Tim Sanders, Mayor Signed by ## Catherine M. Sorensen, City Clerk