Blaine CityConnect Blaine Turns Fifty!
The City of Blaine celebrated its 50th anniversary as a City on Wednesday, December 3 with a birthday party. Residents from 1925 to today gathered together at City Hall for reminiscing and conversation. Orville Lindquist, chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee and president of the Blaine Historical Society, greeted the crowd, provided a history of Blaine, and unveiled the series of events the 50th Anniversary Committee has planned for 2015. Mayor Tom Ryan welcomed guests and spoke of his memories of Blaine. On display were several historical posters and memorabilia documenting significant people, places, and events such as the Blaine Airport, Northtown Mall, James G. Blaine, early settlers of Blaine, the original City Charter, and more. The City of Blaine was first settled in 1862 and became a township in 1877. On December 3, 1964, Blaine became a City. For information on the history of Blaine, visit WW W. B L A INE H IS TORY. OR G .
50th Anniversary Events
Feb. 8 Apr. 21 May 30 Jun. 16 Jun. 26-28 Jul. 14 Aug. 11 Oct. 10 Dec. 3
Family Skating Party City Open House with Concert, Art Show, Essay Contest Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Kick-off Performance in the Park Concert Blaine Festival & 50 Parks Challenge Family Fun Night 50th Anniversary Event Volksmarch Celebration Event
Find more information at about these events at
WWW.B LA INEEV ENTS .CO M/ 50 and the City newsletter.
Blaine’s Growth 1880 – 128 1900 – 374 1910 – 413 1920 – 550 1940 – 921 1950 – 1,694 1960 – 7,570 1970 – 20,573 1980 – 28,558 1990 – 38,975 2000 – 44,942 2010 – 57,186 2013 – 62,018
Blaine’s Continuing Growth Contributes to Budget Stability
As required by law, the Blaine City Council set the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2015 at its final City Council meeting of the year. The tax levy showed an increase, while the Tax Capacity Rate showed a modest decrease. The same evening, the Council levied specifically for Economic Development to maintain long standing economic development efforts. The Council also passed a modest increase in the Pavement Management levy that funds the Pavement Management Program. From 2009 through 2013, Blaine reduced its levy by $1,187,270. The average annual City budget increase from 2009 – 2015 is 1.7%. When the budget process started in June, the Council’s goals were to maintain services, achieve structural balance (where revenues match expenditures over the long term), not increase the tax rate, and levy back what had been a reserve draw down over the past few years. While all properties are different, the City experienced a 16.5% increase in total market value due to the improved economy. The City of Blaine continues to maintain an AA+ bond rating from Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Investor Services. This is one level below the highest credit rating a city can receive. A high credit rating means S&P has reviewed the City’s financial data and views the City of Blaine as a good credit risk due to conservative budgeting and expenditure practices, community growth, and actual and projected property values. The City has continued to see growth throughout the recession, adding roughly 370 new homes this year - placing Blaine in the top 3 home-building cities in the state. Blaine also continues to add commercial and industrial tax base that will assist with maintaining the service levels necessary for a community of 62,018. In all, the City is well positioned for continued success as we head into 2015.
January/February 2015
Inside This Issue Annual North Metro Home & Garden Show.................................... 3 Car Seat Clinic................................. 3 Mayor Ryan’s New Office Hours.......... 4 Snow Safety Tips.............................. 4 Christmas Tree Pickup...................... 5 Heros and Helpers a Huge Success.... 6
Recreation Connection..... 7 Outdoor Rink Information................... 7 Snow Day........................................ 7 Youth Programs........................... 8 - 9 Adult Programs....................... 10 - 11 2015 Blaine World Fest................... 12 2015 Blaine Triathlon...................... 12
Ward 3 Councilmember
Kathy Kolb Retires After 16 years on the Blaine City Council, Kathy Kolb chose not to run again for reelection and retired from the Council at the end of 2014. Councilmember Kolb was first elected to the City Council in 1998. The City Council and staff would like to thank Kathy for her dedicated service to the City as a Councilmember representing the City’s 3rd Ward. There will be a reception for Kathy at City Hall on Thursday January 8, at 6:30 pm. Please join us in thanking Kathy for her years of service, and in welcoming newly elected Ward 3 Councilmember Jason King, who will be sworn in and begin his term later in the evening. Councilmember King’s contact information can be found in the left hand column on PA GE 2 of the Blaine City Connect.