## City of Blaine ## City Council Workshop June 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM ## Blaine City Hall ## 10801 Town Square Drive NE ## Blaine, MN 55449 ## AGENDA ## NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.01 of the Blaine City Charter, a Council Workshop meeting is scheduled for the following purpose: 1. Call to Order ## 2. Roll Call ## 3. New Business ## 3.1. 2026-128 Financial Software Assessment and Selection Consulting Services (45 ## Minutes) ## Sponsors: Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director 3.2. 2026-129 Sidewalk and Trail Plowing Procedure and Enforcement (45 Minutes) ## Sponsors: Erik Thorvig, City Manager ## 4. Other Business 5. Adjournment Page 1 of 31 ## City of Blaine ## Staff Report ## File Number: 2026-128 ## Agenda Date ## Status June 15, 2026 ## In Control ## File Type ## City Council ## Workshop Item New Business - Jason Zimmerman, Finance Director, Kyle Stasica, Assistant Finance Director Agenda Item # 3.1 ## Financial Software Assessment and Selection Consulting Services (45 Minutes) ## Background The City's financial software manages all the monetary transactions and data of the City. Main fiscal tasks such as accounting, utility billing, payroll processing, accounts payable, capital assets, and cashiering are contained within the financial software. Additional financial data is pulled into the financial software through interfaces with other City software (IMS-BuildingInpections/Community Standards; Questica-Budget; CivicRec-Recreation). The financial software is the central repository for vendor invoices, employee timekeeping/payroll, and utility billing customer service. On June 18, 2009, the City Council approved $600,000 for the purchase and implementation of a new financial system provided by New World Systems, with the intent for it to serve as the primary accounting, payroll, and utility billing software for the City. Following its 2011 implementation, the New World financial system has remained the city's primary platform. The agreement is currently subject to an annual renewal fee of approximately $150,000. In 2015, New World was purchased by Tyler Technologies, who currently supports the product. The software was originally purchased as an on- premise server license, but in 2026 will be moving to a cloud solution to increase security and reduce internal IT staff demand. The software is slowly being discontinued with new subscriptions no longer being sold since 2021. Updates from New World are now for minimum required items such as changes in federal laws, without any new functionality planned. Tyler Technologies is moving towards one primary financial system — Enterprise ERP. There are only eight clients in Minnesota still using New World as of June 2026. At the March 9, 2026 City Council workshop, Finance Department staff introduced the topic of reviewing our Financial Software for the possible migration to a new software with the key objectives including: 1. Reporting: Improve visibility into budget-to-actual performance, payroll data, and vendor auditing. 2. Integration: Replace the current decentralized module system with a unified, cohesive platform. Page 2 of 31 3. Centralization: Consolidate departmental billing and accounts receivable into one shared system. 4. Alignment: Update the chart of accounts to meet modern management requirements. 5. Efficiency: Streamline the year-end close, automate routine manual workflows, and reduce software downtime. As part of this review, staff presented the option to engage with a software consultant to assist the City in both assessing and selecting a potential new Financial Software. Primary objectives for the consultant would be: ## • Perform a Needs Assessment • Develop an RFP ## • Review Proposals • Assist in contract negotiations Finance Department staff contacted 6 software consultants, met with 4, and received proposals from 3. Each consultant appeared knowledgeable and experienced. Staff are confident the addition of the consultant would be well worth the cost to make certain the Financial Software migration is a success. The three proposals were received from: 1. Plante Moran - $158,000 (references: Plymouth, MN; Anoka County, MN) ## 2. Berry Dunn - $120,000 (references: Bloomington, MN; Edina, MN) 3. Government Finance Officers Association - $225,000 (references: Owatonna, MN; Rochester, MN) Staff also contacted other peer Minnesota cities that recently implemented new financial software; all strongly recommended using a consultant. Based on these discussions and meetings with prospective firms, staff believes hiring a consultant is a highly worthwhile investment to ensure a successful migration. Because these consultants intimately know the major vendors, their modules, and their respective strengths and weaknesses, they drastically reduce the risks associated with data migration and system setup. Furthermore, their expertise helps secure favorable contract terms for the city, often yielding savings that offset the consultant’s fees. Beyond assessment and selection, the consultant can provide project management services to oversee the implementation of the chosen financial software. This additional service ensures the project stays on schedule while holding the vendor accountable to deadlines, milestones, and staffing commitments. It also provides extra leverage and security should any vendor issues arise. Project management fees are not included in the figures above and will be discussed if the procurement process moves forward. ## Funding Sources At the November 4, 2024 and July 14, 2025 City Council Workshops, staff outlined the status of the existing core financial software and the desire to move forward with implementation of a new financial software product. Given the financing constraints of the Capital Improvement Plan, and specifically the Capital Equipment and Replacement Fund, this request was removed while priority was placed on other equipment. Page 3 of 31 While no current funding source has been identified, draft audited financials indicate sufficient excess reserves to: • Transfer $2,500,000 to the Capital Equipment and Projects Fund in lieu of bonding (as outlined in the preliminary 2027 budget documents) and • Fund $200,000 for finance software consultation services • Allow up to $2,300,000 of additional funds to be allocated for other purposes (including the acquisition/implementation of new finance software) ## Staff Recommendation Based on preliminary feedback received at the March 9, 2026, City Council Workshop, staff recommend not engaging a consultant for financial software assessment and selection services, but instead waiting to determine next steps for a software migration until the city's current system, New World, is officially sunset. Risks to waiting include: • Continued lack of improvements to New World leaving the city vulnerable to legislative, legal, and accounting reporting mandates • Increases in costs beyond the overall consumer price index • Market capacity should all remaining New World clients be forced into the marketplace • Expedited timeline to implement new technology when/if New World becomes obsolete • Absent existing unrestricted General Fund reserves, no dedicated funding source exists • Inability to modernize systems to match changes in city operations over the last 15 years Benefits to waiting include: • No immediate financial outlay for consulting services or software costs • Stability of business processes • Staff time can be spent on existing projects and priorities ## Questions for Council Does City Council support engaging a consultant for Financial Software assessment and selection services? ## Attachment List ## None Page 4 of 31 ## City of Blaine ## Staff Report ## File Number: 2026-129 ## Agenda Date ## Status June 15, 2026 ## In Control ## File Type ## City Council ## Workshop Item ## New Business - Erik Thorvig, City Manager Agenda Item # 3.2 ## Sidewalk and Trail Plowing Procedure and Enforcement (45 Minutes) ## Background The topic of sidewalk plowing has been discussed by the city council several times over the past year. The current city ordinance states that "no owner or occupant of any property, in front of which or adjacent to which, a sidewalk has been constructed for use of the public, shall allow snow to remain upon the sidewalk longer than 48 hours after the snow has ceases to fall thereon." In other words, sidewalk plowing is the responsibility of the resident. However, the current practice/policy is that the city plows all sidewalks within the city which conflicts with the ordinance. Research indicates the city has plowed sidewalks dating back to the 1980s. The city has a Snow and Ice Removal policy that was adopted in 2002 and amended in 2009, 2017 and 2020 through action of the city council. The city council has had discussions regarding the conflict in the ordinance and policy dating back to 2000. However, no action has ever been taken to resolve the issue. Information was presented at the January 2026 retreat regarding the financial impact on the city of plowing sidewalks. The city expended annually, on average, $18,856 in overtime costs over the last four years to plow sidewalks. Yearly expenses vary depending on the amount of snow received. If the city were to not plow sidewalks, there would be savings in overtime expenses and also result in a reduction in the sidewalk plowing fleet over time. The city council requested additional information at the January retreat regarding enforcement if the residents were required to plow sidewalks. Staff was able to obtain a survey completed by the City of Bloomington, who surveyed 14 cities on their policies for sidewalk plowing. There is a mix of policies which will be touched on later in this report. Additionally, Blaine staff surveyed eight comparable Minnesota cities that require property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. The purpose was to document current practices regarding deadlines, enforcement approaches, notice procedures, clearance methods, penalties, and real-world outcomes. For cities that require residents to plow sidewalks, enforcement is complaint-driven in every case (no city uses proactive city-initiated inspections). Data was compiled from city responses in early 2026 and includes both quantitative details and qualitative comments provided by each city. At the April 13, 2026, workshop, Council made the decision to have residents plow sidewalks adjacent to their property. The city would continue to plow sidewalks adjacent to city property and trails throughout the city. Staff have reviewed maps of sidewalk locations throughout the city and need guidance from the city council related to various unique circumstances outlined below. Page 5 of 31 ## Residential Property That Doesn't Have Direct Access to Sidewalks There are many instances throughout the city where properties abut right-of-way in both the front and rear yards and sidewalks are located at the rear of their property, sometimes behind a fence or heavily landscaped areas. There is no easy way for residents to access the sidewalks in the rear yard. Attached are photos of several examples, including 99th Avenue, the Lakes, Territorial Road and North Road. These are several examples of many instances like this in the city. Staff seeks direction from Council about whether the city should continue to plow situations like this. Whatever guidance is provided, staff will use this to determine how to handle situations like this throughout the city when preparing a final plowing map. ## TPC and Lakes/HOAs Tournament Players Parkway goes through the TPC neighborhood from 109th Avenue to Radisson Road. A sidewalk exists on the west/north side of the road. The sidewalk abuts city-owned stormwater ponds, townhome HOAs (where presumably the HOA removes snow), a stormwater pond owned by a single family HOA (where presumably the HOA does not remove snow) and the golf course. Staff would recommend the city plow this entire length of sidewalk. The Lakes Parkway and South Lake Blvd have many properties (single family and townhome HOAs) where homes back up to sidewalks that don't have direct access. For consistency, staff would recommend the city continue to plow all sidewalks on these roadways. Neighborhoods that branch off from these roadways would be the responsibility of the HOA and/or property owner. The bituminous trail would continue to be maintained by the City. In other parts of the city, outside what is outlined above, there are various townhome HOA neighborhoods that abut sidewalks. Presumably, the HOA removes snow on driveways and private streets in these neighborhoods. HOA maintenance companies would need to take on the additional task of sidewalk snow removal. This may result in an increase in dues. Staff will also need to determine how to contact these HOAs as the city doesn't have a database of all HOAs in the city. Staff would recommend HOAs plowing sidewalks. ## Cloverleaf Parkway Cloverleaf Parkway extends from 99th Avenue to Highway 65 with a sidewalk on both sides of the road. The sidewalks abut several large townhome HOAs (where presumably the HOA removes driveway and private street snow), single-family homes and city-owned property. Staff is seeking guidance on how to manage the sidewalks on this street. ## Ulysses and Aberdeen Street These corridors, from 109th Avenue to 125th Avenue present a variety of circumstances outlined above (HOA areas, rear yards, business frontage, city property, etc.) along the corridor. These are also primary routes for pedestrians. Staff would recommend the city plowing sidewalks along these corridors in an effort to provide consistent snow removal. ## Business Impacts There are sidewalks throughout the city that are adjacent to commercial and industrial properties. Attached are two examples. Property management companies for these properties will be responsible for removal of snow from these sidewalks unless Council directs otherwise. ## Other Unique Areas The areas above were primary areas where staff needed further direction. However, there are several other unique situations that staff will make decisions on based on discussion. A final sidewalk plowing map will be created. Staff will add the caveat that until the new operation is implemented, there will be adjustments. ## Timing The workshop discussion will provide better guidance on snow removal policy. The snow removal map will be amended based on the discussion. After a final map has been produced, communication to impacted property owners will need to occur. Communication will need to include individual residents, business/commercial property owners and HOAs. Given the additional responsibilities, snow removal management contracts may need to be amended. Does the Council want to implement this program starting this winter, or wait until 2027/2028? Page 6 of 31 ## Enforcement The current ordinance will need to be amended outlining responsibilities and enforcement. Attached is potential language. Based on the April workshop discussion, enforcement would be as follows: 1.) Enforcement would be complaint-based. The city would not actively drive around to identify violations. 2.) After a complaint is received, code enforcement staff would inspect the property and determine if a violation exists. In lieu of sending an enforcement letter in the mail, the violation would be hand-delivered. 3.) Through ordinance, the city would need to determine how much time the resident has to remove the snow after completion of the snow event before a violation exists. - 12 hours (2 cities in the survey) - 24 hours (2 cities) - 48 hours (4 cities) 4.) Through ordinance, the city would need to determine how much time the resident has to remove snow after notice is given. - 24 hours (3 cites in the survey) - 48 hours (2 cities) - 7 days (2 cities) 5.) If a complaint is received and compliance isn't achieved, the city would remove snow from the sidewalk and fine the resident. The fine amount would also need to be identified by the city. ## Staff Recommendation Discuss the issue and provide direction. ## Questions for Council Provide staff guidance on the various circumstances outlined in the staff report. Provide staff guidance on specific snow removal timelines, so an ordinance amendment can be brought forward. ## Attachment List ## 1. Sidewalks in Rear Property 2. Lakes ## 3. TPC 4. HOA examples 5. Cloverleaf 6. Businesses ## 7. Notice Example 8. Code Amendments - Options 2 and 3 Page 7 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## Multi-units ## 5/27/2026, 9:58:29 AM 011022055ft 0306015m 1:1,200 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 8 of 31 Page 9 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/27/2026, 10:08:52 AM 011022055ft 0306015m 1:1,200 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 10 of 31 Page 11 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/27/2026, 10:14:15 AM 011022055ft 0306015m 1:1,200 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 12 of 31 Page 13 of 31 Page 14 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/27/2026, 10:19:05 AM 0450900225ft 013026065m 1:4,800 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 15 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/27/2026, 10:04:14 AM 011022055ft 0306015m 1:1,200 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 16 of 31 Page 17 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 12:33:07 PM 08801,760440ft 0270540135m 1:9,600 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 18 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 12:30:11 PM 08801,760440ft 0270540135m 1:9,600 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 19 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 10:14:41 AM 0225450112.5ft 06012030m 1:2,400 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 20 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 10:15:27 AM 0225450112.5ft 06012030m 1:2,400 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 21 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 10:20:05 AM 0450900225ft 013026065m 1:4,800 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 22 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 10:20:36 AM 0450900225ft 013026065m 1:4,800 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 23 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 12:37:00 PM 0225450112.5ft 06012030m 1:2,400 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 24 of 31 ## ArcGIS Web Map ## 5/28/2026, 12:38:28 PM 0450900225ft 013026065m 1:4,800 ## Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS Page 25 of 31 Page 26 of 31 Sec. 70-2. Sidewalk snow removal. Repeal it its entirety and replace with Option 2 or 3. (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Owner means any person having a property interest in the land that abuts the street right- of-way. Sidewalk means that portion of street or highway right-of-way which is improved for pedestrian use, and which is adjacent to the side yard or front yard of the property. (b) Duty of owner or occupant of abutting property. (1) No owner or occupant of any property, in front of which or adjacent to which, a sidewalk has been constructed for use of the public, shall allow snow to remain upon the sidewalk longer than 48 hours after the snow has ceased to fall thereon. (2) Certain sidewalk areas may be exempted from this requirement by the decision of the city manager where circumstances, such as size of the boulevard or plowing of adjacent streets by state or local units of government, make it difficult for the adjacent property owner to keep the sidewalk free from snow. (c) Removal by city at property owner's or occupant's expense. Any snow which is not removed in accordance with this section shall be removed by the city at the expense of the owner or occupant of the abutting property. The public works director shall keep a record of the costs and time of such work done. (d) Recovery of city's expenses. The cost of removal of snow by the city shall be billed to the property owner. Failure to pay such bill, when due, will result in the costs, plus a delinquency charge of 15 percent, being certified to the county auditor with taxes against the property abutting for collection as other taxes are collected. (e) Nonliability of city. No claim shall be made against the city because of failure of the owner to comply with this section. (Code 1980, § 17-2; Code 2004, § 70-2; Ord. No. 83-783, 2-3-1983; Ord. No. 13-2264, 6-6-2013) Page 27 of 31 Sec. 70-2. Sidewalk snow removal (Option 2) Replacement of repeal. (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Occupant means: (1) The tenant or tenants occupying a one- or two-family dwelling; or (2) The owner, property manager, or any person having care, custody, or control of the building or lot, with respect to any three-family or larger dwelling, commercial premises, industrial premises, vacant lot, or unoccupied building. Owner means any person having a property interest in the land that abuts the street right- of-way. Sidewalk means that portion of street or highway right-of-way which is improved for pedestrian use, and which is adjacent to the side yard or front yard of the property. Trail means any asphalt path adjacent to or within a street or highway right-of-way that is designated for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. (b) City’s duty to remove sidewalk snow. (1) The City will maintain sidewalks adjacent to City owned property and both City and County trails. (c) Owner or occupant duty to remove snow and ice. (1) The owner or occupant of property abutting a sidewalk must remove snow from the full width of the sidewalk within (24, 36, 48) hours after cessation of snowfall. Failure to remove snow within the allotted time is unlawful and shall be declared a nuisance. (2) The City Manager may extend or modify this timeframe for specific areas or conditions where compliance is impracticable due to public plowing operations, boulevard width, or other similar circumstances. (d) Exemptions. (1) The City Manager may designate certain sidewalk or trail segments as exempt from the requirements of this section where physical conditions or maintenance practices make compliance impracticable. (e ) Penalty (1) Any person who shall not abate the nuisance as directed in this article or who shall fail to comply with the provisions of any notice provided in this article, or who shall resist or obstruct the city manager or authorized representative in the abatement of Page 28 of 31 a nuisance, shall be issued an administrative penalty (of $100) pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the council. (f) Notice to abate. (1) When the owner or occupant of any property abutting a sidewalk permits a nuisance to exist in violation of this article, the city manager or authorized representative shall cause a notice to be posted conspicuously on the premises stating specific instructions and methods when and how the nuisance is to be eradicated. The notice shall order that the nuisance be abated within (24, 48) hours after the posting of such notice. The notice shall also state that, in the event of failure to comply, the nuisance will be abated by the city at the expense of the owner of the property. (g) Assessment of abatement cost. (1) If such person fails to comply with the notice to abate within the time frame set forth in the notice, the city manager or authorized representative shall have the nuisance snow removed or otherwise eradicated. A record showing the cost of such work attributable to each separate lot or parcel shall be delivered to the city clerk. Notice in writing of the work done and the costs and expenses incurred, including the administration fee to be imposed pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the council, notice will be sent to the owner of the property. Such notice shall indicate that if the total amount is not paid to the city within 30 days of notice date, the amount of the costs and expenses incurred, along with the administration fee, shall be certified to the county auditor on or about October 1 of each year and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes are collected. (h) Nonliability of city. No claim shall be made against the city because of failure of the owner to comply with this section. Page 29 of 31 Sec. 70-2. Sidewalk snow removal (Option 3) Replacement of repeal. (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Occupant means: (1) The tenant or tenants occupying a one- or two-family dwelling; or (2) The owner, property manager, or any person having care, custody, or control of the building or lot, with respect to any three-family or larger dwelling, commercial premises, industrial premises, vacant lot, or unoccupied building. Owner means any person having a property interest in the land that abuts the street right- of-way. Sidewalk means that portion of street or highway right-of-way which is improved for pedestrian use, and which is adjacent to the side yard or front yard of the property. Trail means any asphalt path adjacent to or within a street or highway right-of-way that is designated for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. (b) City’s duty to remove sidewalk snow. (1) The City will maintain sidewalks adjacent to City owned property and both City and County trails. (2) The City will identify and maintain sidewalks in school zones and priority routes as authorized by the City Manager or representative. A map identifying these routes is available on the city’s website. (c) Owner or occupant duty to remove snow and ice. (1) The owner or occupant of property abutting a sidewalk must remove snow from the full width of the sidewalk within (24, 36, 48) hours after cessation of snowfall. Failure to remove snow within the allotted time is unlawful and shall be declared a nuisance. (2) The City Manager may extend or modify this timeframe for specific areas or conditions where compliance is impracticable due to public plowing operations, boulevard width, or other similar circumstances. (d) Exemptions. (1) The City Manager may designate certain sidewalk or trail segments as exempt from the requirements of this section where physical conditions or maintenance practices make compliance impracticable. Page 30 of 31 (e) Penalty (1) Any person who shall not abate the nuisance as directed in this article or who shall fail to comply with the provisions of any notice provided in this article, or who shall resist or obstruct the city manager or authorized representative in the abatement of a nuisance, shall be issued an administrative penalty (of $100) pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the council. (f) Notice to abate. (1) When the owner or occupant of any property abutting a sidewalk permits a nuisance to exist in violation of this article, the city manager or authorized representative shall cause a notice to be posted conspicuously on the premises stating specific instructions and methods when and how the nuisance is to be eradicated. The notice shall order that the nuisance be abated within (24, 48) hours after the posting of such notice. The notice shall also state that, in the event of failure to comply, the nuisance will be abated by the city at the expense of the owner of the property. (g) Assessment of abatement cost. (1) If such person fails to comply with the notice to abate within the time frame set forth in the notice, the city manager or authorized representative shall have the nuisance snow removed or otherwise eradicated. A record showing the cost of such work attributable to each separate lot or parcel shall be delivered to the city clerk. Notice in writing of the work done and the costs and expenses incurred, including the administration fee to be imposed pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the council, notice will be sent to the owner of the property. Such notice shall indicate that if the total amount is not paid to the city within 30 days of notice date, the amount of the costs and expenses incurred, along with the administration fee, shall be certified to the county auditor on or about October 1 of each year and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes are collected. (h) Nonliability of city. No claim shall be made against the city because of failure of the owner to comply with this section. Page 31 of 31