Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Mar/Apr

Blaine W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S

CityConnect

Move to Blaine Proves Successful

for TwinsFestFans of the Minnesota Twins poured into the National Sports Center in late January for the three-day TwinsFest, an annual winter festival featuring autographs, memorabilia and numerous interactive and fan-friendly activities to entertain baseball enthusiasts of all ages.

The Twins found Blaine to be welcoming and accommodating despite only a few weeks of preparation to stage the event at the NSC after the roof collapse at the Metrodome, the former home of the fair. Tickets sold out quickly and, despite limiting the number of tickets sold to 25,000 to accommodate the smaller venue, dedicated fans still arrived hours in advance for the Friday session to stand in autograph lines for signatures from their favorite Twins. Thousands of fans also sent “get well” wishes to Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew by signing an oversized greeting card. The former Twins great has been battling esophageal cancer and was unable to attend TwinsFest this year.

TwinsFest, among the largest team-operated festivals in professional sports, serves as an annual fundraiser for the Minnesota Twins Community Fun. The event has raised more than $4.2 million for programs and organizations supported by fund since its inception in 1991. The Miracle League ball field at the Blaine Baseball Complex was constructed, in part, with contributions from the Twins Community Fund.

March/April 2011

The City of Blaine Safety Services Division will host two bike helmet fitting and sales events this spring as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of bicyclists in the community. Sale dates are Tuesdays, April 12 and May 3, at Blaine City Hall, from 4 to 8 p.m. each night.

Bike helmets will be sold for $12 each and will be available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. All helmets are Bell® brand helmets and comply with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards.

Safety Services professionals will also ensure all helmets fit properly. Residents may also bring any helmets they already own for proper fitting. Parents are encouraged to get a helmet for themselves or have an existing one fitted to exemplify

safety for their kids. No appointments are necessary and helmets are available only while supplies last.

More information about the bike helmet fitting and sales event is available from Andrea Hunt of the Blaine Police Department at

763-785-6113 or ahunt @ ci.blaine.mn.us.

Safety Services to Host Two Bike Helmet Sales Events this Spring

The U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team recently moved into its permanent new training home at the Schwan’s Super Rink at the National Sports Center.

Team USA can now step off the ice of Rink 7 directly into its new space. A short hallway leads past new laundry facilities, an equipment room, coaches’ locker room and office before opening into a spacious locker room, complete with medical training area

and team meeting space. The new facility is also only a few short steps from the state-of-the-art Herb Brooks Training Center.

U.S. Women’s Hockey trained in Blaine prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as part of the Blaine Residency Program that began in May 2008. It was intended to keep players in town while they trained for international competition. Because Team USA found the city, Super Rink and other accommodations hospitable, planning began immediately after the Olympics to permanently keep the hockey program in Blaine. With an appropriation from the state legislature, the NSC was able to add a top-notch facility worthy of the top female athletes in the country.

Construction on the new space adjacent to Rink 7 began in mid-September 2010. Adding onto the existing Super Rink helped meet the Dec. 26 construction deadline, when Team USA was officially handed the keys to its new digs in time for the one-week selection camp for the 2011 World IIHF Women’s World Championship. Forty of the best female hockey players in the country competed for a spot on the team, which travels to Switzerland in April to challenge for a gold medal.

Team USA Unveils New Home at NSC

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PUBLIC MEETINGS City Council*

March 3 | March 17 | April 7 | April 217:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council WorkshopsMarch 3 | March 10 | March 17 April 7 | April 14 | April 21 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

Planning Commission*April 127 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*March 22 | April 267 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Natural Resource Conservation Board March 5 | April 197 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts CouncilMarch 9 | April 136:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society April 12 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

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HBlaine City Hall10801 Town Square Drive NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-784-6700763-785-6156 (fax)

CITY COUNCILMAYORTom Ryan12147 Radisson Road NEBlaine, MN 55449

[email protected]

DISTRICT 1Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

[email protected]

Dick SwansonP.O. Box 49725Blaine, MN 55449

[email protected]

DISTRICT 2Dave Clark10833 Fillmore St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

[email protected]

Mike Bourke83 103rd Ave. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-784-1986

DISTRICT 3Kathy Kolb11308 Jefferson St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

[email protected]

Russ Herbst12875 Lever St. NEBlaine, MN 55449

[email protected]

CITY MANAGERClark Arneson

[email protected]

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Police and Fire ............................................... 911Police (non-emergency) ...................763-785-6168Fire (non-emergency) .......................763-786-4436Building Inspections .........................763-785-6170Cable Channel 15 .............................763-780-8241City Cable Channel 16 .....................763-785-6192City Clerk .......................................763-785-6124City Manager ...................................763-785-6120Community Standards ......................763-785-6187Crime Prevention .............................763-785-6113Economic Development ....................763-785-6147Engineering .....................................763-785-6172Fire Inspections ..............................763-785-6187Forestry .........................................763-717-2660Housing Services ............................763-785-6146Human Resources ...........................763-785-6109Job Line .........................................763-717-2679Newsletter .....................................763-717-2735Operator .........................................763-784-6700Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164Planning & Zoning ...........................763-785-6180Public Works ...................................763-785-6165Recycling & Solid Waste ..................763-785-6192Senior Citizens Center .....................763-786-9375 Streets ...........................................763-785-6165Stormwater .....................................763-785-6188Utility Billing ...................................763-785-6141Water & Sewer System ....................763-785-6165Web ...............................................763-717-2638

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All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the

Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

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 .

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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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Poison-Proof Your Home This Spring Becky Booker - SBM Fire Department

An incident of poisoning in the home is predictable and preventable. In 2008, 85% of the 54,000 poison exposures in Minnesota originated in the home. Nationally, it is the second leading cause of unintentional death due to injury.

March is Poison Prevention Month. Take time now to do checks and make changes in your home.

Minnesota Poison Control’s Home Safety Checklist

KITCHEN __Remove household products (cleaning products, dishwashing compounds and drain cleaners) from under sinks __Remove medicines on counters or in open areas __All household products and medications out of reach and out of sight __Child safety latches on all drawers or cabinets containing harmful products or sharp objects __No toxic products stored with food or in food containers

BATHROOM __All medications, cosmetics, hair care products, toothpaste, mouthwash and cleaners out of reach __Medicine storage area cleaned out regularly, old medicines flushed down the toilet __All medications in original child-resistant containers

BEDROOM __No medicines in or on dresser or night stand __All cologne, aftershave, cosmetics and powders out of reach

LAUNDRY AREA __All bleaches, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, bluing agents and sprays out of reach __All products in original containers

GARAGE/BASEMENT __Insect sprays and lawn care products in locked areas __Gasoline and car care products in secured areas or locked trunk __Paint, paint cleaners and other home care products in locked areas __All products in original containers

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD __Storage area for medication and other products is a locked cabinet located high and out of reach __Plants identified and out of reach __Alcoholic beverages out of reach __Ashtrays empty and out of reach __Paint in good condition with no chipping or peeling __No mouse baits in areas where children play

Have the Poison Help phone number available in case of poisoning:

1-800-222-1222.

Take Heart Anoka County is offering adult CPR courses specifically designed for anyone wishing to learn CPR skills but not in need of a credential. Classes meet for one hour and are free to attend.

The course is offered in both Blaine and Mounds View. In Blaine, classes are held the second Tuesday of each month at Fire Station 3 (11920 Ulysses St.) at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Upcoming dates are March 8, April 12 and May 10.

Courses in Mounds View are offered at the Mounds View Community Center (5394 Edgewood Dr.) on the fourth Tuesday of each month, also at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Upcoming dates are March 22, April 26 and May 24.

For more information, contact Shannon Ryder of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View

Fire Department at 763-786-4436.

CPR Classes Available from SBM Fire

Registration is now open for the 2011 Senior Safety and Wellness Fair, a special one-day class designed to give seniors the tools to live active and healthy lives.

This year’s fair will be held Thursday, April 28 at Fire Station 3 in Blaine. A full day of activities is scheduled and includes speakers, presentations, health screenings and a wealth of valuable information to enrich the lives of participating seniors. Keynote speaker Chuck Tindell, a retired minister and accomplished author, will present an address titled, “Life’s Journey – What’s in Your Suitcase?”

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so register early.

Senior Safety & Wellness Fair Coming Soon

Fire Department Seeks Resident Help Clearing Snow Near Fire Hydrants During winter fire emergencies, firefighters often lose valuable time locating and accessing fire hydrants. In particularly snowy winters such as this, the importance of digging out fire hydrants is especially crucial.

The Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department is asking residents to help address this critical public safety concern by removing snow near fire hydrants. An area three feet in each direction should be cleared to allow clearance for hoses.

The house – and life – you save could be your own.

DATE: Thursday, April 28 TIME: 8:30 a.m. (check-in) 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (fair) LOCATION: SBM Fire Station 3 11920 Ulysses St., Blaine FEE: $10

More information is available at 763-767-4003. Registration materials are available at the Mary Ann Young Senior Center or online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us by searching keywords

senior safety fair.

Board of Appeal Convenes April 18The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Blaine will convene on April 18 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at Blaine City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and to determine if corrections are necessary.

If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, first contact the Anoka County Assessor’s Office at 763-323-5400 to discuss your concerns. Most questions and concerns can be addressed informally in that manner.

If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing the matter with the assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review the valuation, classification or both, if necessary, and will correct it as necessary. Generally, an appearance before the local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Report Streetlightoutages to Your Electric CompanyThe City of Blaine has streetlight maintenance contracts with the electric utility companies in the area. If you notice a streetlight not working in your neighborhood, please contact your electric company directly. Phone numbers for the local companies are:

Connexus Energy: 763-323-2650Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999

As Snow Melts, Watch for City’s Street SweepersThe Public Works Department may begin street sweeping on city streets in March or April, depending on remaining snow.

Do not rake any yard waste or materials into city streets; instead, dispose of leaves or grass clippings at local compost sites. Please watch for city street sweepers in your area and move cars or obstacles such as basketball hoops or garbage and recycling bins that may prevent operators from cleaning the entire street.

Public Works is again performing spring street sweeping without the use of contracted help, and will continue the process until all city streets have been cleaned.

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Residents Should Be Aware of Misleading Water Treatment Equipment Sales

Nearly 50 licensed realtors attended the inaugural City of Blaine Real Estate Forum at the Schwan Center at the National Sports Center in February.

The event was aimed at educating local realtors on the rapidly changing development, infrastructure and other features that make Blaine an attractive place to call home. In total, eight city staffers and superintendents from the three local

school districts filled the half-day schedule with information that will help realtors sell Blaine’s tremendous livability to potential new residents. The class also fulfilled four hours of real estate continuing education credits for the realtors who attended.

More information about economic development in Blaine is available at

www.blainebiz.com .

City Conducts Real Estate Forum

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has issued a warning to state residents of an alleged scam to sell expensive water filters using scare tactics.

In its Consumer Confidence Report, the St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) published the following statement: “This past year, we received many calls from concerned customers approached by companies attempting to sell them water-related products, such as softeners and filters. These sales companies offer a free test of the city water. Many of our customers believe these sales people are from SPRWS. St. Paul Regional Water Services is not affiliated with any private business in soliciting customers or offering any products or services for sale. According to descriptions from our customers, these companies claim that some substances exceed allowable limits for drinking water. These claims are false. If our water exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) standards for drinking water, we are required by law to inform the public.”

The MDH also issued a statement in late 2010 noting a company had attempted to sell expensive treatment equipment to a resident for whom the company had performed simple water testing and had allegedly found harmful contaminants such as atrazine and arsenic. The company claimed to be operating under an MDH

grant to provide free testing as part of a research product, and could offer reduced prices on water treatment equipment with help of that MDH grant.

That homeowner contacted the MDH, which has not issued grants for this type of testing nor for the installation of private water treatment systems. Evidence of the company’s fraudulent claims were turned over to local and state authorities for consideration of further legal action.

In Blaine, any resident being approached by companies using similar tactics and false claims about water should immediately contact the Blaine Public Works Department at 763-785-6165. Like the SPRWS, Blaine is required by law to notify residents if our water exceeds EPA or MDH standards. Blaine’s water does not presently exceed any EPA or MDH standards. Furthermore, the City of Blaine will publish its annual Consumer Confidence Report in this newsletter in May, providing full information about the state of the city’s drinking water.

In addition to contacting Blaine Public Works, those who believe they have been provided false or misleading information or that they have been subjected to unfair or high-pressure tactics in the course of a sales visit should contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office Consumer Complaints Division at 651-296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787 or online at www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/complaint.asp .

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Protect Your Family By Registering for a Free Home Safety Survey

Residents are encouraged to register for a home safety survey, a free program provided by the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department that helps homeowners and families identify and protect themselves from fire, crime and injury hazards inside the home.

Home safety surveys are performed by appointment at the resident’s convenience. During the survey, the homeowners and a firefighter will inspect each room of the home, identifying potential hazards and discussing solutions. The fire fighter will also help create a fire escape plan for all members of the family and practice a fire drill with children. In addition, all smoke alarms and fire extinguishers will be inspected.

Besides fire prevention, injury and crime prevention will also be discussed. The firefighter will educate families on poisons, carbon monoxide and radon, in addition to burn and fall prevention. Crime prevention discussion will emphasize protecting and securing windows and doors and what to do when away.

Upon completion of the survey, a free smoke alarm will be installed if needed, and homeowners will receive coupons for safety products discussed during the survey. The goal of the program is to help homeowners and families identify and avoid hazards in the home and take steps to be prepared in case of an emergency.

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EMAIL

BEST TIME TO CONACT

To schedule a home safety survey or for more information, call the SBM Fire Department at 763-767-4003 or visit www.sbmfire.com . Or,

complete the information below and mail toSBM Fire department 3

11920 ulysses St. Blaine, Mn 55434

and a member of the fire department will contact you.

New Home Construction Increased 20 Percent in Blaine in 2010Residential building activity in Blaine continued its upward trend in 2010, finishing the year with its highest number of units built and permits issued since 2006. The 331 units of new construction and 253 permits both ranked second among Twin Cities suburbs for the second consecutive year. Blaine’s 2010 residential building statistics increased approximately 20% over the previous year’s numbers.

For the 11-year period from 2000 through 2010, Blaine ranked second among

suburbs with 6,152 housing units built and first among all cities with 4,087 total housing permits issued.

On the commercial and industrial construction side, the city gained more than $17 million in valuation in 2010 with the addition of 64,000 square feet of new and expanded space and another 363,000 square feet of tenant finish construction.

Learn more about economic development in Blaine or find a link to follow us on Facebook or Twitter

by visiting www.blainebiz.com .

WoodburyBLAINELakevilleShakopeeMaple Grove

6,2146,1525,8155,7835,594

Metro Leaders in Home Construction

2000-2010

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7 ft.5 ft.

1.25 in.1.5 in.

6 ft.11/16 in.

$28.50$36.75$21.45$23.90$19.70$33.25$22.85$11.10

SPECIES SIzE PRICE*(diameter)

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(diameter)

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(height)

(diameter)

*sales tax not included

Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x Freemanii)Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) River Birch (Betula Nigra)Blue Beech (Carpinus caroliniana)Niobe Weeping Willow (Salix alba ‘Tristis’)Redmond Linden (Tilia Americana ‘Redmond’)Accolade Elm (Ulmus ‘Morton’) *disease resistant*Mount Royal Plum (Prunus ‘Mount Royal’)

The City of Blaine will host its annual Arbor Day Tree Sale on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Works facility. The sale is limited Blaine residents. Reserve the bare-root trees in advance and pay at pick up. Each residence is limited to two trees. There are no warranties on these trees.

“If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.”

-Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy

Thankfully, trees don’t scream, but they do provide the community with endless benefits. Considering one mature tree produces enough oxygen to support two people while increasing your property value by approximately one percent, you will be screaming if you miss out on the Arbor Day Tree Sale this year.

Now Accepting Orders for Annual Arbor Day Tree SaleTo place an order, contact Public Works at 763-785-6165 or City

Forester/Parks Supervisor Marc Shippee at 763-717-2660 or mshippee @ ci.blaine.mn.us. For more information and tree pictures,

visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keywords tree sale.

Senior SceneMary ann Young Senior Center9150 Central ave. | 763-786-9375

March 11 – Violence & Fraud Prevention – RSVPMarch 15 – Wii League Bowling BanquetMarch 17 – Movie: Morning Glory March Madness Week of FunMarch 21 – Prize/Penny BingoMarch 22 – Wii TournamentMarch 22 – 500 Card TournamentMarch 24 – Cribbage TournamentMarch 30 – Birthday EntertainmentApril 18 – Wii Bowling at Ham LakeApril 19 – Senior Dining Volunteer

Recognition PartyApril 26 – Anoka County Cribbage Tourny at

Fridley Sr. Center – sign up in advanceApril 27 – Birthday Entertainment by Strolling

Accordionist Steve WeningerApril 28 – Senior Safety & Wellness Fair at Fire

Station 3 – see page 3 for detailsApril 28 – Movie of the Month – TBDApril 30 – Anoka County Sr Expo in Ramsey

The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and

search keyword senior center.

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Record Turnout at Annual Snow DayMore than a thousand people turned out at the Wargo Nature Center on a mild Saturday afternoon in late January for the 11th annual Snow Day, a collaborative event among the Blaine, Lino Lakes and Anoka County Parks and Recreation departments. The record number of attendees enjoyed ice fishing, snow shoeing, kick sledding, cross country skiing and other seasonal activities, in addition to crafts, an animal show and hot chocolate and s’mores around a campfire.

The free event continues to be a popular get-together for area families determined to enjoy the outdoors during Minnesota’s frigid winters.

Registration for Blaine’s popular Safety Camp begins in April. The 15th annual two-day camp is open only to children who will complete 3rd grade this spring.

Blaine Safety Camp is an exciting program co-sponsored by the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department and Safety Services Division and teaches kids, through a variety of fun activities, how to be safe in their daily lives. Interactive safety and informational sessions include fire safety, head injury prevention, water safety, poison control, first aid, safety on wheels and animal safety. Activities like a police K9 demonstration and helicopter visit are pending.

Safety Camp is held at SBM Fire Station 3

on Wednesday and Thursday, July 13 and 14, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The camp also includes an awards ceremony Thursday night.

The $30 fee includes lunches, snacks, T-shirt, fitted bike helmet, awards and all activities and supervision. Fee assistance is available for Blaine residents who qualify.

Registration for Blaine residents opens April 4; remaining spots are available to anyone beginning April 11. Registration may be submitted by mail, in the night dropbox outside City Hall or in-person at the Parks and Rec office. No online, fax or phone registrations will be accepted. Registrants must provide a current report card to prove grade.

Safety Camp Registration Begins in AprilR

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Parks and Recreation

Summer 2011

Sounds of the City Free indoor concerts begin at 7 p.m. in the atrium at Blaine City HallMarch 22 - Todd Menton (Celtic/folk)April 19 - Marty Marrone & Tangled Roots (bluegrass)

CPR Certification: Infant, Child & AdultCourse for lay rescuers.DATE: March 24 or April 28TIME: 6 – 10 p.m.FEE: $32

Super Hero Boot Campages 4 to 9 with parent/adultDATE: Saturday, April 2 TIME: 10 a.m. – noonFEE: $10/child

Spring Egg Huntfamilies w/children 10 and underHeld at Airport Park. No registration required, but sign in by 9:50 a.m. DATE: Saturday, April 16TIME: 10 a.m.FEE: FREE!

Community Outings Call 763-786-9375 for more information. Gangster Tour & State CapitolDATE: Wednesday, March 23TIME: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.FEE: $53Register by March 7. Fanny Hill/Escanaba in the MoonlightDATE: Wednesday, April 13TIME: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.FEE: $64Register by March 30. Twins vs. Detroit TigersDATE: Wednesday, May 11TIME: 8:45 a.m. – 6 p.m.FEE: $52Register by April 27.Casino TripsMonday, April 11: Treasure IslandWednesday, May 11: St. Croix Casino

Springtime in the CarolinasApril 3-13. Trip includes 10 nights of accommodations and 14 meals.

More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at

763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

Summer Jobs Available with Parks & RecIf you’re 17 or older and have enthusiasm, energy and excitement to work with kids, then the perfect summer job is awaiting you with Blaine Parks and Recreation. We offer great hours, competitive pay, excellent training and a fun work environment.

Applications are currently available in the Parks and Rec office at Blaine City Hall or online at www.blaineparks.com . All applicants must be 17 years of age or older. The application deadline

is March 21, so move fast. Interviews will take place in early April. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

Parks and Rec also has Leader in Training spots available this summer. The LiT program is for outgoing, responsible teens who enjoy working with children and are looking to gain valuable volunteer experience. Contact Parks and Rec for more information.

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Monthly Recycling at Aquatore ParkEach third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off 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.

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 WorksResidents 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.

Anoka Conservation District Still Accepting Orders for April Tree SaleThe Anoka Conservation District is taking orders for its 2011 Tree and Shrub Sale.

Trees and shrubs are being offered in bundles of 10 ($15) or 25 ($27). Native prairie seeds are also available. The sale is set for April 30 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds; orders will be accepted until April 14. Order early to guarantee availability.

All tree order information is available on the ACD website, which offers two methods

of payment: print and mail the order form or order and pay online. The website also provides pictures of the native species for sale, along with a wealth of information on growth rates, soil types and moisture and sun requirements.

Visit the Anoka Conservation District online at www.anokaswcd.org or

call 763-434-2030 (x10) for more information.

SPECIES FORM drY ForeSTMixed OakBlack CherryJuneberryHazelnut

MoiST ForeSTWhite Pine TransplantsSugar MapleRed MaplePaper BirchElderberryCommon Ninebark

Shoreland & WeTlandCottonwoodTamarackRiver BirchWhite Cedar TransplantsNannyberryRed-osier DogwoodBlack Chokeberry

WindBreakS & WildliFeNorway Pine TransplantsWhite Spruce TransplantsRed Splendor CrabWild PlumCommon Lilac (early bloom)Villosa Lilac (late bloom)

Parking Rules Effective Through March As a reminder to residents, winter parking restrictions are in effect in Blaine. Streets clear of vehicles allow snow plows to most efficiently clean city roadways.

• 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; however, a sign is not posted on every city street.

• No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.

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Enjoy Earth Day at Aurelia ParkBe a Friend of Open Space and join your neighbors at Aurelia Park on April 23 to celebrate Earth Day. Families are invited to help clean the park and enjoy a nature walk from 10 a.m. to noon. Bags, gloves and refreshments are provided. Please call 763-717-2723 with questions about volunteering.

The City of Blaine Public Works Department will be performing annual fire

hydrant flushing in May. This process removes any sediment

that may have settled in water mains over the

course of the year, as well as presenting an opportunity to

ensure hydrants are in proper working order. To minimize the duration of disruption to the city’s water system, crews will

flush hydrants from Tuesday, May 10 through Friday, May

13. Crews will be working citywide from 6:30 a.m. until at least 4:30 p.m. to flush all hydrants within those days.

Hydrant flushing will create periods of low water pressure, with the disturbance in the water mains potentially causing dark water. Although safe for human consumption, the discolored water may stain clothes. Residents are asked to refrain from washing clothes between the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or until hydrants in the area have been flushed. Please check for water discoloration before washing. Call 763-785-6165 for more information.

Hydrant Flushing Begins in Early May

Although little physical evidence of its existence remains, a historic Blaine farm that operated for 80 years once had a significant association with one of Minnesota’s premier hotels.

Radisson Farm, a sprawling 1,200-acre farm located near what is now 105th Avenue and Radisson Road, once supplied food to the Flame Room restaurant at the original Hotel Radisson in downtown Minneapolis. Though its association with the hotel was relatively short-lived, Radisson Farm nonetheless remains indelibly tied to what would become a globally recognized brand. The land where the original farm stood is owned today by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Founding of the Farm

An 1888 map of Blaine lists vast amounts of land owned by Albert Johnson and Lorenzo D. Parker. It seems certain that the Albert Johnson who owned land in Blaine is the same person who gave his cousin, Edna Dickerson, more than a million dollar inheritance, with which she built the Radisson Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. It also appears that Edna already owned the land on which she and her husband, Simon Kruse, established Radisson Farm to supply produce for the hotel’s Flame Room restaurant, which opened in 1925.

Albert Johnson (1833-1905) arrived in Minneapolis in 1855 at the urging of his half-brother, Dr. Asa Johnson. Albert was a real estate lawyer, specializing in buying delinquent property, tax sales and lending money. He is described as being a miserly, eccentric and poorly dressed millionaire who lived and died at his office in the Century Building in downtown Minneapolis. Besides owning land in partnership with L.D. Parker in Blaine, Albert Johnson also acquired large tracts of property in Minneapolis and elsewhere, including the land on which the Radisson Hotel was eventually built.History of the Hotel

Albert evidently admired Edna Dickerson because she was, at the time, a single career woman

in Chicago who ran a secretarial school and worked as a court reporter while living with and caring for her mother. He made her the sole heir of his estate. Asa Johnson contested Albert’s will, claiming that Albert was insane. However, Edna’s lawyers testified in probate court that Asa was the one who was insane, and Edna eventually was awarded the entire inheritance, consisting of real estate, stocks, bonds and cash, valued, in total, between one and two million dollars. Simon Kruse, who had married Edna in 1906, represented her in court.

Meanwhile, many of the city’s businessmen and civic groups were of the opinion that Minneapolis needed a first-class hotel. Those interests

convinced Edna and Simon that they should be the ones to build it, using funds from Edna’s inheritance.

The Hotel Radisson, named for explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson, opened on Dec. 15, 1909. The Kruses spent double their expected amount on its construction; they were poor money managers and neither had experience in hotel management. By 1934, they were bankrupt and the hotel was sold to Tom Moore, who owned the Coca-Cola franchise in Minneapolis. The farm also went into bankruptcy. Simon Kruse died in 1946. When Edna died in 1948, her estate was worth only $2,158.06.

Notes on Radisson RoadSimon Kruse named the farm after the hotel,

calling it “The Radisson Farm.” According to the town minutes dating between 1900 and the 1930s, most roads in Blaine were named for the farmers who lived on them (e.g., Wall Road, Lovell Road, etc.). Radisson Road was called “Rice Creek and Bethel Road” in these minutes, until after the Radisson Farm was established and the names were then used interchangeably. As often occurs, the name Radisson Road seems to have evolved over time and casually replaced its previous name sometime after the mid-1920s.

This article was researched and written by members of the Blaine Historical Society.

10801 Town Square Drive NEBlaine, MN 55449-8101(763) 784-6700

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

DATED MATERIALPREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

Radisson Farm: Agricultural Heritage in Blaine

Blaine Historical SocietyOur Mission

To gather, preserve and disseminate the history of the city of Blaine,

Minnesota – to foster awareness of the past, understanding of the present and

plan for the future.

The Blaine Historical Society meets in the Sanctuary Room at Blaine City Hall at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of even-numbered months. For more

information, contact:Orville Lindquist, President

[email protected]

Clockwise from top left: The barn was built in the 1880s as a horse barn on the farm of Albert Johnson; a second view of the barn; one of two houses, in addition to the main farmhouse, that stood on the farm property; an aerial view shows the farm at what is now 105th Avenue with Radisson Road, gravel until 1960, running in front of the main house; the creamery building, behind the main house, with living space for hired hands on the top level and a creamery, slaughterhouse and garage space on the ground level; the main farmhouse in its original location, since relocated to southeastern Blaine.

Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Mar/Apr

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Transcript of Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Mar/Apr