Blaine CityConnect - November/December 2025

November/December 2025

CityConnect

Erik Thorvig Named Blaine City Manager

The Blaine City Council has named Erik Thorvig as the City’s next manager following a nationwide search. The council worked with Strategic Government Resources to lead the recruitment, which drew a strong pool of qualified candidates from across the country.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Thorvig began his public service career with the City of Anoka before joining Blaine in 2015 as economic development coordinator. He was promoted to community development director in 2019, where he led major development projects, managed long-range planning, and built strong relationships with businesses and residents. Earlier this year, he assumed interim city manager duties, providing steady leadership during the transition.

“I am honored by the trust the City Council has placed in me,” Thorvig said. “Blaine is a dynamic and growing community, and I look forward to continuing to work with the council, city staff, and residents to ensure we are delivering excellent services to all.”

Mayor Tim Sanders said Thorvig’s experience and leadership stood out during the selection process.

“Erik stood out for his development expertise, commitment to customer service, exceptional communication skills, and dedication to both city employees and residents,” Sanders said. “His proven leadership makes him the ideal choice to guide Blaine forward. The council was impressed by the number and quality of candidates, and Erik’s understanding of our community and vision for the future make him an outstanding fit.”

Thorvig succeeds Michelle Wolfe, who retired in July 2025 after serving as Blaine’s city manager since 2019. He will oversee the City’s day-to-day operations, including 250 employees and a general fund budget of $50 million.

Thorvig’s appointment was adopted unanimously at the September 15 city council meeting, and he took the city manager oath of office on October 6.

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449

763-784-6700

Communications@BlaineMN.gov

City Council

MAYOR

Tim Sanders

763-203-3286

TSanders@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1

Chris Ford

612-494-8275

CFord@BlaineMN.gov

Tom Newland

651-271-3341

TNewland@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2

Leslie Larson

612-489-9651

LeslieLarson@BlaineMN.gov

Jess Robertson

763-607-2233

JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3

Terra Fleming

612-513-5231

TFleming@BlaineMN.gov

Chris Massoglia

612-524-9447

CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER

Erik Thorvig

763-785-6120

EThorvig@BlaineMN.gov

Recycling Calendar

Upcoming Meetings

City Council*

November 3 | November 17

December 1 | December 15

7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Workshops

November 3 | November 10 | November 17

December 1 | December 8 | December 15 5:30pm | Cloverleaf Farms Room

Natural Resources Conservation Board*

November 18 | January 20 7

Park Board*

November 25 | January 27 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Planning Commission*

November 12 | December 9 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

As meeting frequency may change depending on the need, please check the City’s website for the most current information.

*Meetings can be seen on cable channel 16 and 799. Meeting agendas and live and on demand videos are available at BlaineMN.gov/Agendas

City Directory

Police & Fire

Police (non-emergency)

Fire (non-emergency) ...........

763-785-6168

763-786-4436

Public Works After Hours 763-427-1212

City Hall

763-784-6700

Mary Ann Young Center ....... 763-786-9375

Public Works

Building Inspections

763-785-6165

763-785-6170

City Cable Channel 16 763-785-6181

City Clerk 763-785-6122

City Manager

763-785-6120

Communications 763-785-6181

Community Standards 763-785-6146

Community Outreach

Economic Development

763-717-2692

763-785-6180

Engineering 763-785-6172

Finance 763-717-2677

Fire Inspections

763-785-6146

Forestry 763-785-6165

Housing Services 763-785-6146 Human

and

to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter

A Season of Thanks

from the Blaine Police Department

As we transition from the energy of summer into the crisp days of fall, the Blaine Police Department is reflecting on the many ways our community came together these past few months. From the simple, everyday connections - like stopping to chat during a roadside interaction or enjoying a glass of lemonade at a neighborhood stand - to our larger events, this summer was filled with meaningful opportunities to connect. We are continually reminded of how fortunate we are to serve a city that values connection and partnership.

Highlights included Night to Unite, where neighbors came together to strengthen community bonds, our always-popular Safety Camp that gave young people a chance to learn important life lessons in a fun way, and Blaine Safety Services Citizens Academy, which offered 25 residents a behind-the-scenes look at the work of public safety professionals. Each of these events was successful because of the enthusiasm and support from our residents and local businesses.

Now, as November arrives and we enter the season of thanks, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our residents and local businesses. We are truly grateful for the people of Blaine who continue to show up, volunteer, participate, and invest in making our City stronger. You have shown us that public safety is more than just responding to calls - it’s about being present, working together, and celebrating what makes our community special.

Thank you for welcoming us into your neighborhoods and for reminding us daily that we are not just your police department, but also your neighbors and partners. We are honored to serve alongside you and grateful for the shared spirit of community that makes Blaine feel like home.

North Metro TV

Decades of Service, Storytelling, and Community Connection

North Metro TV (NMTV) is a vital part of the Blaine community, telling local stories, connecting residents, and keeping people informed. Serving Blaine and surrounding communities, NMTV provides a unique mix of local news coverage, city meeting broadcasts, high school sports, community events, and educational programming. Through its partnership with the City of Blaine, NMTV helps residents stay connected to their local government with live meeting broadcasts and on-demand replays, giving residents convenient access to important decisions shaping their community. NMTV staff serve as the local cable television administrator and can act as an advocate for residents experiencing issues with Xfinity, helping ensure fair and responsive service. Beyond government programming, NMTV shines a spotlight on the people and stories that make Blaine special. From community celebrations and business features to high school sports coverage for Blaine, Centennial, and Spring Lake Park High Schools, their programming builds local pride and keeps neighbors connected. Each fall NMTV provides coverage of local elections, highlighting the candidates running for office to help residents make informed decisions. NMTV also offers free classes for the community, giving residents the skills and resources to create their own television programs. They can also help you transfer your old tapes and films to DVD and digital. The City of Blaine is proud to celebrate its longstanding partnership with NMTV and appreciates their continued commitment to our community. North Metro TV is available on the Xfinity cable system on channel 799 and through the North Metro TV streaming app.

Learn more about North Metro TV at NorthMetroTV.com

2025 Santa Parade Tours

Ho-Ho-Ho! He’s making a list and checking it twice. He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice. The Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) firefighters have reached out to the North Pole and can confirm that Santa is planning on making a special appearance again this year for the annual SBM Santa Parade food drive! Parades will be December 1, 2, 3, and 4 and will travel through all three cities.

Please watch SBM’s website at SBMFire.org and social media pages for updated information on parade routes and start times as we get closer to Santa’s arrival.

Christmas Tree Collection

Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees the first two weeks of the year from: Monday, January 5 thru Friday, January 16 Trees will be collected the day after your regular garbage collection day. The garbage truck driver makes a list of all the trees that are out, and on the next day Walters will collect the trees that have been set out. Just set the trees out on your regular service day, and it will be collected the next day.

Seeking Board and Commission Members

Volunteer to Serve

Your Community

Serving on a City of Blaine board or commission is a great way to get involved in your community. The City Council is now seeking applicants for three-year terms on several different boards.

Positions Open

• Charter Commission

• Fire Board

• Planning Commission

• Senior Advisory Board Application Window Open until December 31

The City Council will review all applications, and the Mayor will announce appointments in March. New members will begin their terms in April 2026.

Learn more and apply today at BlaineMN.gov/ BoardsandCommissions

Watershed Seeks Advisory Committee Members

Are you interested in the protection and management of our local water resources? If so, consider applying for Coon Creek Watershed District’s (CCWD) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).

CCWD is a special-purpose unit of local government tasked with managing local water resources in central Anoka County, including the western half of Blaine. CCWD maintains a Citizen Advisory Committee made up of local residents to advise and assist the District in its operations. The CAC meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 4:30-6PM at the CCWD office.

No prior experience is needed. Interested individuals should visit CooncreekWD.org/cac for more information or contact info@cooncreekwd.org to apply.

City Prepares 2026 Annual Budget

Learn More About the Budget Process and the Truth in Taxation Meeting

The budget process begins early in the year when the City Council identifies priorities and provides general guidance to city staff. This year the city council indicated that staff needed to reduce the rate of the annual levy growth.

City departments then spent time reviewing the current budget and making modifications and requests for the next calendar year. All budgets are reviewed by the Finance Department and ultimately by the city manager. After the initial budget requests, staff then went through a budget reduction exercise to further lower the annual levy growth.

In September, the City Council approved a preliminary 2026 tax levy that is 9.9 percent higher than the 2025 levy, down from last year’s 15 percent increase. That does not mean every property owner’s taxes will rise by that amount. New development has expanded the tax base, and individual changes depend on property values set by Anoka County. The City is still gathering updated valuation information to estimate the impact on the average home. The final levy will be adopted in December and cannot exceed the preliminary amount. The City Council intends to continue lowering levy increases in future years.

Smart Salting Practices to Protect

Our Water

Lakes, creeks, and rivers across the metro area are becoming saltier. The rise in chloride pollution, primarily from deicing chemicals (salts), is bad news for aquatic plants, animals, and drinking water. It takes only one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of fresh water. Once chloride is in a body of water, there is no practical way to remove it. Alternatives to chloride have other trade-offs in cost, environmental impacts, and service. Therefore, the leading strategy for managing chloride pollution is to be smart about its use; applying it only when, where, and in the amount needed. This also means that every effort, big or small, helps reduce chloride pollution.

Efforts are being made across Anoka County to improve municipal salting practices, including here in Blaine. City staff recently attended specialized Smart Salting training aimed at providing municipal staff with the tools and resources they need to efficiently remove snow and ice in a way that reduces salt use and saves taxpayer money while still providing a high level of service.

This winter, try the following tips to reduce your salt use and help protect our local water resources:

1. Check the temp: Traditional rock/road salt is not effective at temperatures below 15 degrees (F). When temperatures plummet, consider sand or grit for traction.

2. Shovel often: Shoveling early and often will reduce ice formation.

3. Reuse product: Sweep up and reuse excess salt, grit, and sand.

4. Scatter Sparingly: More salt does not equal more melting. Try to space salt granules 2-3 inches apart. A coffee cup of salt, roughly 8oz, is enough salt to treat 150 square feet.

Flashvote

Real Community Input

Join over 600 Blaine community members who have already signed up for FlashVote. Take quick one-minute surveys from the City and see the results in 48 hours. FlashVote panel members can expect a new survey about once every couple of months.

Sign up for FlashVote and see results of previous surveys at BlaineMN.gov/FlashVote

Winter Reminders and Tips

Helpful Reminders from Public Works

• Fall street sweeping crews are out now and snowplows are gearing up. Please keep cars and any obstacles such as garbage cans and basketball hoops out of the road as much as possible to allow crews to do their job.

• Boulevard tree trimming is completed in the winter months as time allows.

• After a snowfall do not plow, blow, or shovel snow onto or across any public street. This is against Minnesota state law.

• After a snowstorm the city roadways are the first priority. Sidewalks and park trails will be cleared after the roadways.

• Any sod damage caused by city plows will be repaired with new dirt and grass seed in the spring.

• Blaine Public Works is responsible for plowing only city streets. MnDOT and Anoka County also have plow crews assigned to their roads in Blaine as well as private contractors on private neighborhood streets.

• The City of Blaine routinely posts plow updates on social media before, during, and after a snowstorm.

• Help plow crews locate curbs by marking the edges with wooden stakes. Free wood stakes are available at the public works building.

8am — noon

3rd Saturday of Each Month

Drop-Off Location

Recycle Technologies

Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE

The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. Participants do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. Follow the signs for the entrance and staff directions through the drop-off process. The recycling drop-off day is funded by Anoka County and Minnesota SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment).

Recycle Technologies

763-559-5130

RecycleTechnologies.com

Cash or Check Only

Mattresses, box springs, appliances, fluorescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries.

See a complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays

Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335

Pre-snowfall Mailbox Inspection - Now is a great time to check your mailbox post condition. Can it handle the weight of a snowdrift? The City does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during normal plowing operations, unless it is determined that the damaged mailbox met the installation recommendations. See who is responsible for plowing your road at BlaineMN.gov/SnowPlow For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/PublicWorks

Winter Parking Reminder

Regulations in Effect from November 1 thru April 1, 2-7am

• No parking on any street from 2AM until 7AM. A permit for overnight parking may be obtained from the Blaine Police Department in emergency situations.

or more until the street is fully plowed.

RandysEnvironmental Services.com

Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding. Four box or bag limit for paper shredding.

Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org

Drop off any size bicycle. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need. There is no charge to drop off a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of the Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation. Bike collection will resume in April.

Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464

WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed

or

RecConnect Fall 2025

Fall registration is now open. Check out all the great program offerings at BlaineParks.com/Register.

Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, and choose News: BlaineParks.

Breakfast with Santa

ages 10 and under w/parent/adult

Spend a morning with your family at the North Pole. Do not miss out on this memorable event. Fee includes a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Registration required. Held at Blaine City Hall.

Session 1: Saturday, December 13, 9am, 10am, 11am or noon

Session 2: Saturday, December 20, 9am, 10am, 11am or noon

Blaine City Hall

$25 res; $30 nr

For information, visit BlaineMN.gov/Register

Stay Connected

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

Skyhawks Sports Camps

ages 2 to 7

The progression of camps and programs, led by expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport specific skills.

Pickleball

Centennial Middle School

Saturdays, November 22 - December 20

ages 5 to 7: 9-10am

$105

Volleyball

Centennial Middle School

Saturdays, November 22 - December 20

ages 5 to 7: 10:20-11:20am ages 8 to 11: 11:30-12;30pm

$105

For complete class descriptions, visit BlaineParks.com/Register.

Tech Academy

All classes are virtual

Home technical requirements for all classes:

• Computer: PC (Windows 7 or later) or Mac (macOS) with at least a 2GHz processor and 4GB of RAM

• Chromebooks, tablets, and phones typically are not compatible.

• Internet: Broadband internet

• Webcam

• Microphone and speakers

• Zoom installed on computer

Minecraft Coding: Ride the Ender Dragon ages 8 to 13

Saturdays, November 15 & 22, 9-11am $80

Minecraft Engineering ages 8 to 13

Saturday, December 6, 9-11am

$40

Babysitting

ages 11 & up

Learn to be responsible babysitters by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Hands-on experience with diapers and bottle feeding included. Bring a doll, lunch, and beverage. Held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf A Room.

Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 19

5:30-8pm (both nights required)

$80 res; $88 nr

Minecraft Mod Development

ages 7 to 11

Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 9-11am

$80

For complete virtual class descriptions, visit BlaineParks.com/Register.

Harvest Hustle

all ages

Come join us for a casual 5K walk/run around TPC Twin Cities Golf Course. It is a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day off burning calories ahead of the big meal. This event is in collaboration with the TPC Twin Cities. Part of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Thursday, November 27

8am Registration; 9am Race Starts

$25/adult; $15/youth includes t-shirt

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Puzzlepalooza

ages 12 and up

Get your team of four together and compete to finish a 1,000-piece puzzle in the shortest amount of time! Rings for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.

Thursday, November 13, 6-8:30pm

Blaine City Hall Atrium

$40/team

For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Skating Rink Hours and Locations

Warming Houses Tentatively Scheduled to Open Friday, December 19

Outdoor Lighted Rinks with Staffed Warming Houses

Aurelia Park

Hockey/General Rink 91st Avenue at Jefferson Street

Happy Acres Park 3 Hockey/General Rink 119th Avenue and 7th Street

Jim Peterson Athletic Complex Hockey/General Rink 12302 Cloud Drive

Lexington Athletic Complex ............................. Hockey/General Rink ............................................. 4286 121st Avenue

Ostmans Park

Warming House Hours

Hockey/General Rink 130th Avenue and Buchanan Street

Aurelia, Ostmans, Happy Acres, Lexington and Jim Peterson Athletic Complex

Monday - Friday

School Vacation Days (Happy Acres and Lexington Athletic Complex Only)

School Vacation Days (All Other Locations)

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Outdoor Lighted Rink without Warming Houses or Staff

-5pm

Quincy Park Small Hockey/General Rink 10601 Quincy Boulevard

Outdoor Unlighted Rinks without Warming Houses or Staff

Carrara East Park 13129 Eldorado Street

Xylite Park 9033 Xylite Street

ages 10 and under w/parent/adult You and your child will have a great time decorating cookies for the holidays. The City will supply one dozen cookies and all of the toppings. Bring a container to take your cookies home. Dress for the mess! Held at Blaine City Hall. Thursday, December 18

Session 1 (ages 10 & under): 5-5:45pm Session 2 (ages 10 & under): 6-6:45pm

Blaine Oktoberfest Brings Community Together

Next Up, Winter Celebration!

More than 3,000 people gathered at Tom Ryan Park to celebrate Blaine’s annual Oktoberfest. The event featured live music, a variety of food trucks and restaurants tents, and fun activities for all ages. Families enjoyed a beautiful October day filled with laughter, music, and community spirit. With Oktoberfest wrapped up, the City is already looking ahead to the next big community tradition, the Winter Celebration! This free festive event will feature holiday lights, live entertainment, hot cocoa, s’mores, and a visit from Santa and his reindeer. Join us on November 30 to kick off the winter season with friends and neighbors.

More details are available at BlaineMN.gov/WinterCelebration

New Garbage and Recycling Pickup Routes

Beginning January 5, 2026

The City of Blaine and Walters Recycling & Refuse have completed a citywide route redesign and are preparing to launch new garbage and recycling collection routes. This is the first major update since 2012, developed through a year-long collaboration between City staff and Walters to create more balanced and efficient service routes. The new routes will improve overall collection efficiency, reduce truck travel times, and help ensure reliable weekly service for residents across Blaine. The route changes will impact about 30 percent of all households in the City.

Key Dates to Remember

November 2025 – Final route maps and collection-day details available on the City of Blaine website.

December 2025 – Walters Recycling & Refuse will mail postcards to households directly affected by route or schedule changes.

December 2025 – Every household will receive the updated 2026 collection calendar with new pickup days and recycling weeks.

Questions?

City of Blaine BlaineMN.gov/GarbageAndRecycling 763-785-6141 Walters Recycling & Refuse WaltersRecycling.com 763-780-8464

January 5, 2026 – The new garbage and recycling routes take effect citywide. Tip: Even if your day doesn’t change, your pickup time might. Set out carts by 6AM on your scheduled collection day to avoid missed service.

Stay Informed

The City’s website and address lookup tool have been updated to reflect all upcoming changes. Visit BlaineMN.gov/2026CollectionInformation to view your 2026 collection day, recycling week, and the latest route map. Residents are encouraged to download the Walters Recycling & Refuse app to receive real-time alerts about route changes, service delays, and weather-related updates.

Enjoy live holiday music, bonfires with s’mores, live reindeer, and a winter wonderland walk. Santa and his reindeer will be at the event, but Santa will not be available for individual visits or photographs.

Live Music with Red Rock Swing Band 4-6pm

Sign up for the kids shopping event! Personal shoppers will help your child pick out the perfect gift. Gifts range from $1 to $15. Gift wrapping is included. Registration required for a 15 minute kids shopping time slot starting at 2pm until 5:15pm No shopping walk-ins accepted. To register, visit BlaineParks.com/Register

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/ WinterCelebration

more at BlaineMN.gov/CraftFair Tom Ryan Park Sunday, November 30 4-6:30pm