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

CityConnectMay/June 2014

Blaine Earns Tree City USA Award for the 20th TimeThe City of Blaine has been awarded the designation of being a Tree City USA for the 20th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This award recognizes communities who invest at least $2 per capita of their annual budget on tree planting and maintenance. Being designated a Tree City USA, reflects a community’s commitment to protecting and improving their urban forest. That commitment stems from the high priority Blaine residents and City Council place on protecting all our natural resources.

The City’s forest management activities include: Tree planting, trimming, disease and pest control, hazard tree removal, and tree preservation during development and construction. Upon request, we also will meet with residents to help with any tree questions or concerns they may have on their own property.

Please contact the Parks Supervisor/City Forester, Marc Shippee, at 763-717-2660for any forestry or tree questions you have.

Hydrant Flushing Scheduled for MayThe 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 Monday, May 19 through Friday, May 23. Crews will be working citywide from 7:30 am until at least 4:30 pm 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 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, or until hydrants in your area have been flushed. Please check for water discoloration before washing. Call 763-785-6165 for more information.

Memorial Day Services Scheduled for May 24Memorial Day Services will be presented by the Veteran’s Organizations of Anoka County on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

10 amMorningside Memorial Gardens

11800 University Ave. N.W., Coon Rapids

11:30 amBunker Hills Park

Foley Blvd. and Main St., Coon Rapids

Mayor Tom Ryan’s Office HoursBlaine Mayor, Tom Ryan, holds regular office hours every Tuesday, from 2:30 to 5 pm. You can stop by Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE, and meet with Mayor Ryan on any issue you want. There is no need to call and make an appointment; visits are done on a drop-in basis.Office visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Laddie Lake Conference Room located on the second floor of Blaine City Hall.

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PUBLIC MEETINGS

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yBlaine City Hall10801 Town Square Drive NEBlaine, MN 55449

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

CITY COUNCILMAYORTom Ryan12147 Radisson Road NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-757-3390tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 1Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren St. NEBlaine, MN 55434763-228-1117whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick SwansonP.O. Box 49725Blaine, MN 55449

763-370-2557dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 2Dave Clark10833 Fillmore St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-754-7643dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke83 103rd Ave. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-784-1986mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 3Kathy Kolb11308 Jefferson St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-757-6887kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

Russ Herbst12875 Lever St. NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-784-6143rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGERClark Arneson

763-785-6120carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

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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 ....................763-785-6180Engineering .....................................763-785-6172Fire Inspections ..............................763-785-6187Forestry .........................................763-717-2660Housing Services ............................763-785-6146Human Resources ...........................763-785-6109Job Line .........................................763-717-2679Newsletter .....................................763-785-6192Operator .........................................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/go/newsletter. Feedback can be directed to: newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us .

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www.FaceBook.com/Blaine.mnwww.FaceBook.com/BlaineBizMNwww.FaceBook.com/BlaineParksMN

Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online.

www.Twitter.com/BlaineMinnesotawww.Twitter.com/BlaineBizMNwww.Twitter.com/BlaineParksMNwww.YouTube.com/CityofBlaine

www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates

City Council*May 1 | May 15 | June5 | June 197:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council WorkshopsMay 1 | May 8 | May 15 June 5 | June 12 | June 196:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

Planning Commission*May 13 | June 107 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*May 27 | June 247 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Natural Resource Conservation Board May 20 | June 277 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts CouncilMay 135:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society May 13 | June 106:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

Holiday

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Residential Energy CodeOn March 12, 2014, the City of Blaine Building Inspection Department hosted a free training session based on the Residential Energy Code. Many local homebuilders attended this training. Significant changes to the International Energy Conservation Code will take place in 2014. Additional training programs on other building topics are planned for later in the year also.

Dan Hauck, the Chief Building Official for the City of Blaine, organized this event to help the local contractors. Hauck said, “The City of Blaine is one of the fastest growing communities in Minnesota and has 300 to 400 new homes being built each year. Our goal is to work closely with the home builders to maintain safe and high quality construction.” May is Building Safety Month.

For helpful safety tips dealing with fire, storms, building projects and more,

please visit www.BUILDINGSAFETYMONTH.ORG.

Ask for Home SprinklersThe Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department Tells Homebuyers to “Ask for Home Fire Sprinklers”The SBM Fire Department wants the community to know about a new online interactive guide from the national nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) that provides information about home fire sprinklers. The “Ask For Them!” consumer guide is ideal for safety-conscious consumers who are building new homes, remodeling, or are just simply interested in learning about home fire sprinklers.The new guide, available on HFSC’s website (see below), explains why it’s important to protect your family and your investment with home fire sprinklers. Eleven brief video segments answer common questions about home fire sprinklers and debunk the myths. The videos also explain how fire sprinkler technology works.SBM is one of 2,500 fire departments nationwide that are designated “Build For Life” Fire Departments by HFSC, thanks to its commitment to making home fire sprinkler education a priority in its public education outreach.The “Ask for them” consumer guide was developed by HFSC through partial funding from a Fire Prevention and Safety Grand awarded by the Grand Programs Directorate of FEMA.For more information about home fire sprinklers,

and to view the interactive “Ask For Them” consumer guide, visit

www.homefiresprinkler.org/index.php/Consumer/quick-guide.html.

The City of Blaine Safety Services Division wants to ensure the safety of bicyclists in the community. During the month of May we will be distributing AND PROPERLY FITTING helmets.

We will sell bike helmets for $13 each, while supplies last. Helmets are available in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from toddler to adult. All Bell® helmets comply with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards. Bring the whole family; we will fit adults too! Safety Services Specialists will also fit helmets you already own at no charge. No appointments necessary. This event is open to everyone.

Cash or check only! For more information, please contact

Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113

or ahunt@ci.blaine.mn.us.

2014 Candidate Filing PeriodThe 2014 candidate filing period for City Council is May 20 to June 3, 2014. The candidate filing fee is $50, and is non-refundable. There are three councilmembers’ terms expiring in 2014, one in each City Council Ward.Hours for filing are 8 am to 4:30 pm and until 5 pm on June 3. City Hall will be closed on Monday May 26, 2014 in honor of Memorial Day. The deadline to withdraw an affidavit of candidacy is by 5 pm on June 5, 2014.

Absentee voting begins Friday, June 27 at City Hall.

The City of Blaine is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2013. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers’ understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources.

Source of WaterThe City of Blaine provides drinking water to its residents from a groundwater source: 16 wells ranging from 228 to 741 feet deep, that draw water from the Franconia-Mt. Simon, Franconia-Eau Claire, Quaternary Buried Artesian, Ironton-Mt. Simon, Jordan-Mt.Simon, and Jordan-Galesville aquifers.

The water provided to customers may meet drinking water standards, but the Minnesota Department of Health has also made a determination as to how vulnerable the source of water may be to future contamination incidents. If you wish to obtain the entire source water assessment regarding your drinking water, please call 651-201-4700 or

1-800-818-9318 (and press 5) during normal business hours. Also, you can view it on line at: h t t p : / / w w w . h e a lt h . s tat e . m n . u s / d i v s /e h / wat e r / s w p / s wa .

Call 763-785-6137 if you have questions about the City of Blaine drinking water or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water.

Results of MonitoringNo contaminants were detected at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. However, some contaminants were detected in trace amounts that were below legal limits. The table that follows shows the contaminants that were detected in trace amounts last year. (Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a year; as a result, not all contaminants were sampled for in 2013. If any of these contaminants were detected the last time they were sampled for, they are included in the table along with the date that the detection occurred.)

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS

CONTACT USResidents can call the City of Blaine Public Works desk at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 5 for more information about drinking water in the community. Use the same number for additional information about opportunities to participate in decisions that may affect water quality.

In case of an after-hours emergency concerning the water system, please call Anoka County Emergency Dispatch at 7 6 3 - 4 2 7 - 1 2 1 2 .

J o h n L i n dWater Department Supervisor

763-785-6137j l i n d @ c i . b l a i n e . m n . u s

M i k e U l r i c hPublic Works Director

763-785-6167m u l r i c h @ c i . b l a i n e . m n . u s

2013WATER REPORTDRINKING

ABBREVIATION KEY FOR TABLES

MCLG ─ Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MCL ─ Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

MRDL ─ Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level.

MRDLG ─ Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal.

AL ─ Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow.

90th Percentile Level ─ This is the value obtained after disregarding 10 percent of the samples taken that had the highest levels. (For example, in a situation in which 10 samples were taken, the 90th percentile level is determined by disregarding the highest result, which represents 10 percent of the samples.) Note: In situations in which only 5 samples are taken, the average of the two with the highest levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level.

pCi/l ─ PicoCuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity).

ppm ─ Parts per million, which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/l).

ppb ─ Parts per billion, which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter (μg/l).

nd ─ No Detection.

N/A ─ Not Applicable (does not apply)

N/A ─ Not applicable (does not apply).

Contaminant (units) MCLG MCL Range(2013)

Average Result*

Typical Source of Contaminant

1,2-Dichloroethane (ppb) 0 5 0.23-0.66

0.66 Discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Alpha Emitters (pCi/l) 5/16/2012

0 15.4 N/A 7.7 Erosion of natural deposits

Arsenic (ppb) 0 10 nd - 9.7 9.15 Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.

Barium (ppm) 2 2 nd-0.0462

0.05 Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits.

Combined Radium (pCi/l) 5/16/2012

0 5.4 N/A 3.4 Erosion of natural deposits

Cyanide (ppb) 200 200 nd-110 110 Discharge from steel/metal facto-ries; Discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories.

Flouride (ppm) 4 4 1.1-1.3 1.2 State of MN requires all municipal water systems to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and alumi-num factories.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

0 60 nd-49.4 31.53 By-product of drinking water disin-fection.

Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm)

10.4 10.4 nd-0.16 0.16 Runoff from fertilizer use; Leach-ing from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

TTHM (total trihalomethanes) (ppb)

0 80 6.3-58.8

49.8 By-product of drinking water disin-fection.

Total Coliform Bacteria 0 pres-ent

>5% pres-ent

N/A 2%** Naturally present in environment.

*This is the value used to determine compliance with federal standards. It sometimes is the highest value detected and sometimes is an average of all the detected values. If it is an average, it may contain sampling results from the previous year.**Follow-up sampling showed no contamination present.While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balanc-es the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Contaminant (units) MRDLG MRDL **** ***** Typical Source of Contaminant

Chlorine (ppm) 4 4 0.08-1.83

0.73 Water additive used to control microbes.

**** Highest and lowest monthly average.***** Highest quarterly average.

Contaminant (units) MCLG AL 90% Level

Sites over AL

Typical Source of Contaminant

Copper (ppm) 6/10/2011

1.3 1.3 1.04 0 of 30 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.

Lead (ppb) 6/10/2011

0 15 0.6 0 of 30 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. City of Blaine is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.Monitoring may have been done for additional contaminants that do not have MCLs established for them and are not required to be monitored under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Results may be available by calling 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 during normal business hours.Monitoring for unregulated contaminants as required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules (40 CFR 141.40) was conducted in 2013. Results of the unregulated contaminant monitoring are available upon request from Cindy Swanson, MN Dpt of Health, at 651-201-4656.

Level Found PAGE 2

2013WATER REPORTDRINKING

Sign Up for Summer Programs Online2014 Summer Program Registration is open. Visit blaineparks.com.

Minnesota Twins GameLet’s go to Target Field to watch the Twins and the San Diego Padres. Seats are in right field, Section 137.

DATES: Wednesday, August 6 TIMES: Leave City Hall – 10:30 am Game Time – 12:10 pm Return to City Hall – 4 pmFEE: $33/person

More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

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QC Dance ClassesBirth to Age 18Various dance classes held at QC Dance Studio, 1051 – 109th Avenue. Find out more online at blaineparks.com or call 763-785-6164.

Youth Softball/T-BallGrades 1 thru 6Co-Rec softball beginning in June. Parent/Child T-ball, Pre-school T-ball, Evening T-ball, Afternoon T-ball all offered to begin in June. Find out dates, times, locations and fees at blaineparks.com or call 763-785-6164.

Skyhawks Sports CampsAges 4 to 12

A camp for everyone! Visit blaineparks.com for more information or call 763-785-6164.

Guitar LessonsAges 6 and UpWednesdays, June 18 – July 23. Held at Blaine City Hall. Intro: 6 – 6:45 pm or Beginner: 7 – 7:45 pm, $60 resident; $66 non-resident.

Gymnastics16 months to 10 yearsA variety of gymnastics classes offered. All classes held at Perpetual Motion Gymnastics, 12440 Aberdeen street NE, Suite 101. For dates, times and fees, visit blaineparks.com or call 763-785-6164.

Arts and Crafts in the ParkAges 3 to 8 with a parent/adultWeekday mornings for five weeks during the summer. $25 resident; $27 non-resident.

NEW!! Kids TriathlonAges 7 to 121st Annual Blaine Kids Triathlon distances include; 165 yard swim, 2.3 mile bike, and finishes with a 1 mile run. Call Nate at 763-785-6151 for more information. Held at Lakeside Commons Park.

DATE: Saturday, July 26TIME: 8 amFEE: $20/resident $22/non-resident

Ultimate Movie Making for GirlsGrades 1 thru 6Make a super cool movie to take home using characters from Lego friends to Barbies! August 11-12, 9 am – 3 pm. Held at Blaine City Hall, $108 resident; $119 non-resident.

Ultimate Movie Making:Minecraft, Lego star Wars, Ninja Turtles, and Angry BirdsGrades 1 thru 6Pick your favorite characters to use to create your movie to take home. Provide removable storage device. August 11 – 12, 9 am – 3 pm. Held at Blaine City Hall, $108 resident; $119 non-resident.

Community outings

DATE: Monday, May 12 Register by May 5 TIME: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm FEE: $7 ($3 food coupon and $10 pull tabs)

For more information on the Senior Center daily activity schedule, or to be added to the Senior Center Monthly newsletter, please contact Shelley or Ann at 763-786-9375.

All casino trips leave from the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. All day trips leave from Blaine City Hall unless otherwise

noted and include lunch, tickets, and transportation. For more information regarding departure and return times, call 763-786-9375.

”Simplicity and Tradition” Day TripTuesday, June 3, Fee: $52 Extended tours available.

Winnipeg Polar Bear ExhibitionJuly 15 – 18, 2014

Call 763-785-6164 for complete itinerary.Pacific Northwest

July 30 – August 14, 2014Call 763-785-6164 for complete itinerary.

Adult Fitness ClassesWe offer Zumba, Jazzercise, Kettlebells, Yoga and Bellydancing. For dates, times and fees, visit blaineparks.com or call 763-785-6164.

PIC-Photographic Image CaptureTuesdays, June 17 and 24, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Held at Blaine City Hall, $48 resident; $53 non-resident.

Watercolor LandscapesTuesdays, June 17 and 24, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Held at Blaine City Hall, $30 resident; $33 non-resident.

Find out more about these programs and others online at BlaineParks.com

or call 763-785-6164.

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JR’s Appliance Recyclers651-454-9215

•Appliances, florescent lamps,electronics, rechargeable batteries,andtires.

Pleasenotethatthereisafeeforsomeitems.Mostappliancesare$10each.Airconditioners are $15. Most electronicsare between $2 and $25 depending onsize. You can also drop off tires andrechargeablebatteriesforasmallfee.

Free items include scrapmetal and carbatteries.

Salvation Army612-332-5855

•Furniture (good condition, no rips,stains,scratches,andpethair)

•Textiles(clothing,bedding,towels,etc.)•Tools and sporting goods (includingbicycles)

•Household items (dishes, pans,collectables,etc.)

SalvationArmydoesnotaccept:

•Mattresses&BoxSprings(perMNlaw)•Recalleditems(carseats,cribs,etc.)•Productsmadeofparticleboard

Randy’s Environmental Services612-332-5855

•Freepapershredding.

The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month in the parking lot at Aquatore Park. The parking lot is near the City water tower and treatment plant.

The collection event runs from 10 am until 2 pm, and is open to anyone. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to partcipate.

Please note: No garbage will be accepted at the drop-off day.

To learn more about recycling opportunities available in Blaine, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and

search keyword recycle.

Monthly Recycling Drop-Off Day at Aquatore Park

Bikes 4 Kids•Collectsoldbicyclesforfreetorefurbishtodistributetoneedychildren.

Did you Know May is American Wetlands Month?

What are wetlands? Quite simply, they are important, valuable, natural resources that play a vital role in our environment. They create better water quality by improving water storage and supply, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide critical habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species.Natural wetlands function as the “kidneys” of the environment. They filter and remove excess nutrients, toxic substances, and sediment from the water flowing through them. They also act as a sponge, capable of absorbing and storing large amounts of water, thus reducing the risk of flooding. The filtering and storing capabilities of wetlands helps to protect and replenish surface and groundwater water supplies. Wetlands provide habitat for a diverse variety of plants and animals. Fifty percent of all North American bird species feed or nest in wetlands. They also contain 31% of the plant species found in our area.Blaine has over 500 acres of wetlands set aside as Open Space. Please see the article below, Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, for information on the planned development of a large wetland park here in Blaine.

5th Annual Green ExpoMay 10 at the National Sports Center The 5th annual Green Expo is bigger and better than ever this year. The City of Coon Rapids is excited to announce new partners for this year’s Green Expo – the City of Blaine and the National Sports Center (NSC). The expo will take advantage of the NSC’s expansive exhibition space in order to showcase the best ideas, products, and services in sustainable living that will save Minnesotans money and our precious natural resources. Admission to this great event is free.The 2014 Green Expo – May 10, 2014 (9 am-2 pm) at the Schwan Center on the National Sports Center campus, 1750 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449.The Green Expo is a community event designed to give the public a better understanding of what “sustainability” really means. By bringing together local businesses, environmental experts, and representatives who work in areas of conservation, this event strives to educate the public on the many environmental topics that affect our everyday lives.Whether a community member is passionate about growing concerns surrounding groundwater, reducing the amount of waste they produce, or purchasing local foods, the Green Expo is the right venue to continue educating and empowering themselves.

Blaine Wetland SanctuaryThe Blaine City Council recently approved a contract to start designing trails and other amenities for the large open space north of 109th Ave. and west of Lexington Ave. Under the direction of the Natural Resources Conservation Board, this 500-acre property is one of a dozen open spaces in Blaine managed by the 2008 Open Space Management Plan, by controlling invasive trees and plants, promoting the growth of plants native to this area, and restoring pre-development conditions. This new project creates a concept plan to guide final design and construction of trailheads, parking areas, trails, bird watching blinds, overlooks, and other features to enhance the enjoyment of this unique ecosystem. While this area mainly consists of wetlands, there are also many upland areas. In total, they create habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, and a wide variety of native plant species. One of the end goals of this project is to build a nature center that would provide interpretive information as well as educational opportunities for families, school groups, and others. The proposed location for the center is on Lexington Ave., just west of the new Lexington Athletic Complex that begins construction later this year. Portions of the open space area are for restoration to improve and preserve the plant quality and diversity, and to protect endangered plant species. One project has been underway since 2009, with a completion date of 2015. The second restoration project, approved at the same time, should start in 2015, with a completion date of 2020.After a rigorous review process, the project proposal from Stantec, a consulting firm from Roseville, MN, was recommended to the City Council and approved at the March 20 meeting. The final concept plan will be presented to the City Council at a meeting in June. There will be an open house late summer or early fall to introduce the design to the public before the final design and construction process begins later this year. The target completion date for the project is 2020, with some trail access available by 2016.

For additional information, visit the City of Blaine website at www.ci.blaine.mn.us,or call 763-785-6188.

Wetlands neWs update

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

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