ne BlaiCityConnect
W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S
November/December 2011
Fall Home Maintenance Tips - Stay Warmer, Save Money
It seems like summer just arrived and now it’s time to get ready for another Minnesota winter. It’s time to start working on that fall maintenance “to do” list. Some of the items may take a bit of time or require the assistance of a trained professional and by starting now you can avoid the last minute rush before the snow flies.
Windows and Doors • Check weather-stripping on doors and windows for damage and a snug fit. Weather-stripping is inexpensive and easy to replace. Lack of proper weather-stripping is a source of cold air drafts, which can get very expensive in Minnesota. • Inspect door and window caulking between siding and trim. • Check storm doors and windows for proper working order. Repair any damaged or missing glass. Storm window sashes can usually be repaired at your local hardware store. Heating System • Have your heating system inspected by a qualified service person. If any service person recommends replacing your whole system, get a second opinion from licensed heating professional.
City Publishes 2011 Corporate Report For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Blaine has published its annual Corporate Report to the Community as an insert in this newsletter. This popular financial report is designed to give taxpayers an inside look at the levy, ultimately displaying how the City of Blaine turns taxpayer dollars into quality city services. Much of the information is shown in graphic form and put in terms of the cost to the owner of a median-valued home in Blaine. Financial data is also broken down to show the portion of the levy designated to funding the various services provided by the city. The Corporate Report to the Community is included in this issue of Blaine CityConnect.
• Replace the filter on your furnace every month during the heating season. Furnace filters are relatively inexpensive and can help to prolong the life of your furnace. • If you have a built-in humidifier, clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. • Test and change the batteries on smoke and CO detectors every year. (Try to pick a day like your birthday to help you remember!) Insulation • Roof and attic spaces are major sources of heat loss. This not only contributes to higher heating bills but also causes snow melt and ice damning, which in turn can produce leaks and permanent roof damage. If you had problems last year with ice damming, check if you have the proper amount of insulation and check for obstruction (bird nests) in the roof and soffit vents. • Insulate hot water pipes and warm air heat ducts in the basement. Pipes and ductwork can be wrapped in fiberglass batts, foam pipe covers or foil backed bubble wrap. This is a great time to look for small leaks in pipes. Don’t cover leaking pipes.
2011 Election Information Anoka County is handling school elections this fall for ISD 12 Centennial, ISD 11 Anoka-Hennepin and ISD 16 Spring Lake Park. Residents can apply for an absentee ballot application through Anoka County by calling 763-323-5275. Anoka County is processing all the absentee voting for the schools and all voting results will be posted on the Anoka County Elections web site. The county can also assist people to find where to vote for their particular school election as they are many times different than where they vote on an even year election. All other election related questions can be directed to the following school offices: ISD 11 – Anoka-Hennepin Karen George @ 763-506-1269 ISD 12 – Centennial Jodi Josephson @ 763-792-6010 ISD 16 – Spring Lake Park Karen Stisper @ 763-785-5570