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Orange X Marks Emerald Ash Borer You may have noticed orange Xs showing up on trees around the city lately. The X is on an ash tree and is identifying that tree as a potential candidate for removal. Several years ago the City initiated our Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) management strategy, and is preemptively removing ash trees in anticipation of this pests arrival. EAB has not been discovered in Blaine yet, but has been found in the northwest corner of Shoreview which borders Blaine. EAB is an extremely destructive pest that will likely kill all of our ash trees over time. The City has determined the best course of action is to begin removing ash trees in boulevards and parks now, before EAB becomes a significant problem.
Currently the program is voluntary for boulevard trees. Property owners can choose not to have their boulevard tree removed. If the property owner decides to have the tree removed, the City offers a replacement tree at no cost. The goal is to remove a few trees on a particular block, replant, than come back several years later to remove a few more and replant again. This should allow for a gradual transition of the boulevard landscape, as opposed to the massive removal projects that happened with Dutch Elm Disease and resulted in the complete destruction of the boulevard tree population. Dutch Elm Disease transformed neighborhoods overnight. That is what we are attempting to avoid with preemptive removal of ash and replanting now. Although it’s not financially prudent for a city with tens of thousands of ash trees to chemically treat trees, there are effective chemical treatment options for homeowners that will protect ash trees from EAB. For more information on EAB, you may contact the Blaine City Forester, Marc Shippee, at 763-717-2660, or go to http://emeraldashborer.info/.
S N OW S A F E T Y Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
The fire and public works departments are asking for your help. Please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important for residents and business people to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street. If the fire department has to spend time trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. Please help us out by keeping your fire hydrants clear of snow. The house you help save may be your own.
Please Watch for Pedstrians! Due to the large amount of snow we have received this winter, snow banks along roads and streets are getting higher and higher. As you are out driving around town, please watch for pedestrians at sidewalk and trail crossings. Remember, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way in a crosswalk.
March/April 2014
Recycling Rates to Increase 25 Cents per Month To keep pace with increasing collection, transportation, and processing costs, Blaine residents in single-family housing will see a small increase in their recycling rate. The rates will increase by $0.25 per month, or $0.75 per quarter. The new garbage and recycling rates are $43.20 per quarter for unlimited service, $37.20 per quarter for the 64-gallon garbage cart, and $26.70 per quarter for the 32-gallon cart. The new senior rate is $21.60 per quarter (see more information below). Remember, recycling is ALWAYS unlimited, so recycle as much as you can!
Recycle to the Max And Save
On of the best ways to save money on your garbage and recycling bill is to Recycle to the Max. Under Blaine’s curbside recycling program, ALMOST ALL of your household waste is actually recyclable. Putting more recyclables in your recycling cart will not cost you any more money! In fact, it can make it possible to SAVE MONEY by using a smaller garbage cart. See Page 7 for more information on how to Recycle to the Max and Save!
Senior Garbage Rate Available to Seniors Who Qualify Blaine has a reduced garbage rate for seniors that meet the age and financial qualifications. In order to get the reduced garbage rate the resident must be: • 65 years of age or older. • The annual gross income of the household according to its most recent federal income tax return does not exceed Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, $26,850. If no such return was filed, the City shall require the applicant to submit other documentation to show that this qualification is met. If you are interested in the reduced garbage rate for seniors, and meet the conditions, call 763-785-6141 for more information.
Blaine’s Monthly Recycling Drop-Off Day Blaine holds its monthly recycling drop-off day on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 am until 2 pm at Aquatore Park. See page 7 for more information about Blaine’s Monthly Recycling Drop-Off Day.