--- title: 05-18-26 Council Minutes ## author: Tremble, Pamela S date: D:20230621204500Z --- ## City of Blaine ## City Council May 18, 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 7:08PM 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 Terra Fleming, Chris Ford, Leslie Larson, Chris Massoglia, Tom Newland, and Jess Robertson. ABSENT: None. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Erik Thorvig; Community Development Director Sheila Sellman; Safety Services Director/Police Chief Brian Podany; Detective Orin Christensen; Finance Director Jason Zimmerman; Director of Administrative Services Scott Johnson; Director of Engineering Dan Schluender; City Attorney Eric Larson; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. ## 4. Awards - Presentations - Organizational Business 4.1. 2026-112 Special Olympics Champion Agency Award to the Blaine Police Department ## Sponsors: Brian Podany, Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Podany stated the Blaine Police Department and City of Blaine have a long history of working together with Special Olympics on various endeavors. This includes the Polar Plunge, the Torch Run, and Tip a Cop. He reported Detective Orin Christensen was the Special Olympics coordinator and has done an incredible job building our Special Olympics support, including not only getting the Anoka County Polar Plunge moved to Blaine, but also making it one of the biggest most successful plunges in the entire state. He said this year Blaine is one of two locations in Minnesota to play host to the 2026 Special Olympics USA games. Chief Podany shared that the city was excited for this event as this will bring athletes and guests from across the United States to Blaine then said Special Olympics would be honoring the Blaine Police Department with the Champion Agency Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding law enforcement agencies for their exceptional dedication and impact on the Special Olympics movement. Molly Egan, Director of Special Events for Special Olympics, thanked the Blaine Police Department for all of their efforts to support Special Olympics and presented the police department with the Special Olympics Champion Agency Award. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Police Chief Podany thanked his staff members for their tremendous dedication and support for the Special Olympics. 4.2. 2026-114 Proclamation Honoring United States Navy Petty Officer Richard E. ## Childress ## Sponsors: City Council Mayor Sanders read a proclamation in full for the record honoring United States Navy Petty Officer Richard E. Childress, a 1985 Blaine High School graduate who lost his life on May 13, 1989, while serving aboard the USS America. He noted a special tribute to Petty Officer Childress will take place at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 2PM at Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine and encouraged everyone to attend. A moment of silence was held for Petty Officer Richard E. Childress then Mayor Sanders encouraged all residents of Blaine to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony. ## 4.3. 2026-113 National Public Works Week Proclamation ## Sponsors: City Council Mayor Sanders read a proclamation in full for the record declaring May 17 through May 23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in the city of Blaine. All residents are urged to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing the quality of life for all. ## 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 7:21PM. Bruce Manthei, 4101 99th Avenue NE, shared continued concerns with the electrical box location at 99th Avenue/Lexington. Jesse Messina, Upper Cut Tree Service, introduced himself to the council and referenced the upcoming item for the tree removal project. There being no further input, Mayor Sanders closed the Open Forum at 7:26PM. 6. Communications Councilmember Fleming congratulated Blaine's cross country and track teams for winning state. Councilmember Ford discussed Blaine High School's upcoming Memorial Day ceremony where veterans will be honored for their service and sacrifice. ## 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. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved. Councilmember Newland explained he would be abstaining from voting on Item 7.1 schedule of bills paid. Motion adopted 6-0-1 (Councilmember Newland abstained). 7.1. 2026-115 Schedule of Bills Paid ## Sponsors: Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director 7.2. 2026-116 Approval of Minutes ## Sponsors: 7.3. RES 26-99 Resolution Opting the City of Blaine into the Ramsey County Economic ## Development Authority (EDA) ## Sponsors: Ruth Tucker, Economic Development Specialist ## 7.4. RES 26-103 Resolution Accepting Tree Donations from Tree Trust ## Sponsors: Kristofer Paulseth, City Forester 7.5. RES 26-104 Resolution to Approve the 2025 ReLeaf Grant ## Sponsors: Kristofer Paulseth, City Forester 7.6. RES 26-92 Resolution Accepting a Bid from Upper Cut Tree Service in the Amount of $461,950.00 for the 2026 and 2027 Tree Removal Project and Authorizing Execution of an Agreement Sponsors: Nick Fleischhacker, Public Works Director, Kristofer Paulseth, City ## Forester 7.7. RES 26-77 Resolution Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide a 3.61 Acre Parcel into Seven Single Family Lots to be Known as Elizabeth Marie Estates at 2791 ## 93rd Avenue NE. Dan Hennum (Case File No. 26-0021/EES) ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director 7.8. RES 26-85 Resolution Accepting a Grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ## and Approving Associated Budget Amendments ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director 7.9. RES 26-86 Resolution Accepting a Grant from the Metropolitan Council – Livable ## Communities Program and Approving Associated Budget Amendments ## Sponsors: Sheila Sellman, Community Development Director 7.10. RES 26-88 Resolution to Establish Temporary Work Zone Speed Limit on 105th ## Avenue from Davenport Street NE to Trunk Highway 65 ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering 7.11. RES 26-93 Resolution to Approve Joint Powers Agreement No. GR00796 with Anoka County for the Reconstruction of CSAH 12 (109th Avenue NE) as part of the ## Trunk Highway 65 Interchange Project ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering 7.12. 2026-117 Motion to Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a Contract with ## GoodPointe Technology for Street Pavement Condition Index Surveys, ## Improvement Project No. T2607 ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering 7.13. RES 26-105 Resolution Approving a Temporary Road Closure for the 2026 Blaine ## Sizzling Summer Kickoff ## Sponsors: Jerome Krieger, Park and Recreation Director 7.14. RES 26-106 Resolution Approving Temporary Road Closures for the 2026 Blaine Festival and Parade ## Sponsors: Jerome Krieger, Park and Recreation Director 8. 7:00 PM - Public Hearing and Items Published for a Certain Time 8.1. 2026-118 Motion to Approve On-Sale and Sunday Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for ## Stella's Blaine, 4365 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 102 ## Sponsors: Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk City Clerk Sorensen stated a public hearing is required prior to the approval of an on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor application for Stella's Blaine. Jose Rubio, applicant, has submitted the on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor application for Stella's Blaine. The applicant has paid the required license fees, submitted forms and documents, and the background investigation has been conducted by the Blaine Police Department with no concerns found. The on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses, if approved, would be valid until June 30, 2026, and run concurrent with annual liquor license renewals beginning July 1, 2027. All required information will be submitted to the state's alcohol and gambling enforcement division upon approval of the licenses by the council. The license is contingent upon Stella's Blaine meeting all City of Blaine requirements. Council is asked to approve the on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor licenses for Stella's Blaine to allow the ability to serve intoxicating liquor. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:30PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:30PM. ## Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to Approve On-Sale and Sunday Intoxicating Liquor Licenses for Stella's Blaine, 4365 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 102. Motion adopted unanimously. 8.2. RES 26-83 Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution to Vacate the Drainage and Utility Easements within Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North and Lot 2, Block 1, Glimcher Northtown Mall, Second Addition, according to the recorded plat ## thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota; Vacation No. V26-02 ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Director of Engineering Schluender stated the city received a petition dated April 9, 2026, from Russel Taylor, representing Taylor Properties, requesting the vacation of drainage and utility easements, lying over, under, and across Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North Addition and Lot 1, Block 12, Glimcher Northtown Mall Second Addition; according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota. The property was originally platted as Glimcher Northtown Mall Second Addition The existing drainage and utility easements are no longer needed. Engineering staff has reviewed the request and agrees with the vacation. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:31PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:31PM. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adopt a Resolution to Vacate the Drainage and Utility Easements within Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North Addition and Lot 2, Block 1, Glimcher Northtown Mall, Second Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota; Vacation No. V26-02. Motion adopted unanimously. 8.3. RES 26-84 Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution to Vacate the Drainage and Utility Easement as documented by Ordinance No. 95-1566, recorded as Document No. 1206692.0, which lies within Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North, according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota; Vacation ## No. V26-03 ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Mr. Schluender stated the city received a petition dated April 9, 2026, from Russel Taylor, representing Taylor Properties, requesting the vacation of the drainage and utility easements as documented by Ordinance No. 95-1566, recorded as Document No. 1206692.0, which lies within Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North Addition; according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota. The property was originally platted as Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North Addition. The existing drainage and utility easement is no longer needed. Engineering staff has reviewed the request and agrees with the vacation. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 7:33PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 7:33PM. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to Adopt a Resolution to Vacate the Drainage and Utility Easement as documented by Ordinance No. 95-1566, recorded as Document No. 1206692.0, which lies within Lot 2, Block 1, Prime North Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota; Vacation No. ## V26-03. Motion adopted unanimously. ## 9. Development Business None. 10. Administration 10.1. RES 26-101 Resolution Accepting a Bid from North Pine Aggregate, Inc. in the amount of $3,059,079.25 for the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction, Improvement Project No. T2604. ## Sponsors: Daniel Schluender, Director of Engineering Mr. Schluender stated the city council approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement for bids for the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstructions project on March 3, 2026 with Resolution 26-55. Staff reviewed the streets within the project area. It was noted bids were received electronically at 2:00PM, May 7, 2026, for Project No. T2604. A total of six bids were received, ranging from $3,059,079.25 to $4,114,781.86. Bids have been checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that North Pine Aggregate, Inc. of Columbus, Minnesota is the lowest bidder. The engineering department has worked with North Pine Aggregate, Inc. on previous contracts. Staff recommends that the low bid be accepted, and a contract entered into with North Pine Aggregate, Inc. The funding sources for the street reconstruction portion of the project ($2,976,741.75) are the pavement management fund, public utility funds, and special assessments. The funding source for the Quincy Park parking lot portion of the project ($82,337.50) is the neighborhood park improvements fund (402). There are sufficient funds budgeted to cover these costs. City council is also asked to approve a 10% contingency to bring the total contract budget to $3,364,987.18. Moved by Councilmember Newland, seconded by Councilmember Ford, to adopt a Resolution Accepting a Bid from North Pine Aggregate, Inc. in the amount of $3,059,079.25 for the 2026 Quincy Area Street Reconstruction, Improvement Project No. T2604. Councilmember Newland asked if the proposed speed humps were included in the bid project. Mr. Schluender reported the speed humps were included in the project and could be removed if this was the direction of the city council. Motion adopted unanimously. ## 10.2. ORD 26-2604 First Reading ## Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 Businesses Article VI. - Legalized Gambling Sec. 22-264(3) to Allow Up to Five Lawful Gambling Locations Per ## Organization ## Sponsors: City Council Ms. Sorensen stated staff received a request from Blaine Youth Hockey that the council consider increasing the number of lawful gambling locations allowed per organization from four to five. The request was briefly discussed at the May 4 workshop and resulted in council direction to bring forward a proposed code amendment for formal consideration. Part of council's discussion during the workshop also included the possibility of removing the waiver of operational requirements and allow only organizations that have and maintain their principal business or operations in the city for two years preceding the request while operating in the city. The proposed ordinance includes two alternatives for council consideration: one that retains the waiver for up to five locations and one removing the waiver. Council should be aware that if the waiver is removed, then organizations from the trade area would not be allowed as well, but language could be incorporated to limit organizations outside of Blaine to the trade area only. In the event the council supports removing the waiver, any currently-licensed organizations outside of Blaine would be allowed to continue operating as long as they meet the requirements. Council is asked to hold first reading of a proposed code amendment that would allow a lawful gambling organization to hold up to five premise permits. Declared by Mayor Sanders that Ordinance No. 26-2604, “Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 Businesses Article VI. - Legalized Gambling Sec. 22-264(3) to Allow Up to Five Lawful Gambling Locations Per Organization,” be introduced and placed on file for second reading at the June 1, 2026 Council meeting. ## 11. Other Business None. 12. Adjournment Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adjourn the meeting at 7:39PM and reconvene the workshop. Motion adopted unanimously. Signed by ## Tim Sanders, Mayor Signed by ## Catherine M. Sorensen, City Clerk