New Victim Services Program at Blaine Police Department
Not only does law enforcement have an important role to play in protecting victim rights; they also have a responsibility to understand the needs of victims in our community. When a grant opportunity through the International Association of Chiefs of Police presented itself to establish a new law enforcement based victim services program, the Blaine Police Department applied and was one of only eight agencies in the country selected to receive funding over a two year period.
The new program will provide timely connection to victims and effective delivery of comprehensive, trauma-informed services to remove as many barriers as possible for victims to address their trauma and participate in the criminal justice system. The position will provide a single point of contact to guide victims through options, arm them with information, and empower them to take steps to restore balance to their lives. This includes initial contact after an incident to address their critical needs for safety and security, as well as ongoing contact and support to provide updates on the status of the case, connect them to resources, manage expectations about the criminal justice process, and answer questions.
Other goals are to foster positive relationships with victim services partners, review department policies through a victim services lens, find innovative ways to serve victims, and increase awareness of the impact of trauma on our community.
Jasmine Miller was hired as the department’s first victim services specialist and started in late February. Jasmine grew up in the metro area and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She brings experience to the position, having worked in a prosecution based victim services role prior to coming to Blaine. Jasmine is looking forward to making a positive impact in the community and creating trust with victims in times of crisis. The Blaine Police Department is excited to have her on board!
Department Spotlight
Police Records Division
If you ever have the occasion to visit the police department, the first faces you will encounter are the staff from the Records Division. In addition to helping residents with their needs at the reception desk, this small but mighty team of six staff maintain Blaine’s initial incident reports in all types of police matters. In addition, the Records Division also manages criminal histories, sign and release warrants, data requests, suspense files, police training records, pursuit data, state reporting, and case files for charging considerations for the county and city attorney.
Once police officers return from working in the field and complete the necessary paperwork for each incident, it is then the responsibility of the Records Division to ensure that paperwork is processed correctly and gets to the appropriate agencies.
One of the responsibilities is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information stored in police records. They are required to follow the Minnesota Data Practices Laws and Rules to protect information. The records/reports process goes through supervisor approval and is then sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA then goes through another process of searching for National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) errors before reports are finalized for state reporting. There is a bi-annual audit that the BCA conducts which checks Blaine’s reporting, training, security, and privacy as well as running criminal histories, to ensure Blaine is working in accordance with the BCA and FBI regulations. Currently, the Records Division is cross-training staff for more efficiency in the future. This will prepare them for retirements and extended out of office related issues and allow them to still be productive when not at full strength. The work of the Records Division contributes to the overall mission and objectives of the police department, and the core values of integrity, respect, and professionalism guide their daily work. You can learn more about all the divisions of the Blaine Police Department at BlaineMN.gov/Police
Tour of Honor
Makes Stops at Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine
The Tour of Honor is a nationwide self guided motorcycle ride that includes notable veteran oriented stops in each state. In Minnesota, seven locations were selected to be part of the 2024 Tour of Honor.
The Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine located at Tom Ryan Park next to Blaine City Hall was selected as one of the locations this year. The park was specifically selected for the memorial bench dedicated to Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Valentine. Riders are also encouraged to take in the rest of the memorials in the park.
For more information visit, TourofHonor.com
Hydrant Flushing
Scheduled for the Weeks of May 6 and 13, 7:30am-3pm
The Public Works Department will be performing annual fire hydrant flushing the weeks of May 6 and 13. This process removes any sediment that may have settled in water mains over the year. Hydrant flushing also allows crews to make sure hydrants are in proper working order. Crews will be working citywide each day from 7:30AM until 3PM to flush all hydrants .
Hydrant flushing will create periods of low water pressure, with the disturbance in the water main 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 7:30AM to 4:30PM or until hydrants in the area have been flushed. Please check for water discoloration before washing. If you experience discolored water, run cold water for 10 minutes to help clear the lines.
For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/HydrantFlushing
May/June 2024 Page 3
Blaine Police Department Records Division PIctured Left to Right: Jen Bedell, Brooke Jacobson, Andrea Jordan, AnnMarie Busack, Jean Andersen, Kelly Karas
2023 Economic Development Report
This annual report provides a snapshot of the economic development activity in Blaine during the previous year.
To view the report online, visit BlaineMN.gov/2023EconDevRpt
2023 Drinking Water Report
By law, all community water systems are required to distribute their drinking water report to customers before July 1 of each year. This annual report, known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), includes the results of water monitoring conducted on the City’s drinking water from the previous year, in this case 2023.
A paper copy of this report is available upon request.
To view the report online, visit BlaineMN.gov/DrinkingWater. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 763-785-6165 or visit BlaineMN.gov/PublicWorks
May is Wetlands Month
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is a Community Treasure
Our community is blessed with the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary to learn up close how one type of wetlands changes through the seasons. It provides wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and educational and recreational opportunities. Wetlands can also function as important “sponges” in flood prevention and as “filters” for runoff pollution. Because they are so important, Minnesota has a law requiring permits to alter them.
The challenge is that there are many types of wetlands, and they can be hard to identify. Like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. They often do not have cattails. In fact, they may be saturated or have standing water for just 14 consecutive days and are indeed a wetland.
Every time someone mows, landscapes, or dumps into a wetland area, there is an impact: maybe the wetland cannot hold as much floodwater or stormwater runoff because the soil has been compacted.
What is the most common wetland impact? Piles of grass clippings or leaves! While this keeps clippings and leaves out of the street runoff (a great thing), it can also compact soil, fill in wetlands, and keep plants from growing. This can mean more flooding and water pollution. It is also a legal violation.
Instead of having a potential wetland violation, leave your grass clippings and leaf cuttings on the lawn so they can decompose and feed the grass roots, an easy way to fertilize!
If you have a soggy or grassy low area on your property, it may well be wetland. Unsure? Call the Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or the Rice Creek Watershed District at 763-398-3070, or visit CoonCreekWD.org/WetlandGuidance for further guidance. Educate yourself so you don’t violate the law.
Check out the trails at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary at BlaineMN.gov/WetlandSanctuary
If you are not sure which water district you are in, visit CoonCreekWD.org/MeetingInfo and select the map.
Grilling Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, but these incidents occur throughout the year.
To safely enjoy outdoor cooking, it is important to only use charcoal barbecue grills outdoors, position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under hanging trees, and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
To reduce the risk of a fire, never leave your grill unattended. Always stay and look when you cook!
To prevent fires, keep grills clean. Remove grease or fat buildup from grills and in trays below the grill after use. Roughly one of every five grill fires occurs due to improper cleaning.
For more information, call 763-786-4436 or visit SBMFire.org
Prevent Smoking Related Fires
Did you know that careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in Minnesota? Smoking material fires are preventable. Follow these recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association to avoid fires related to smoking materials:
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms, dens, or bedrooms.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet.
• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray to dispose of smoking materials. Place it away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves, or other things that could ignite easily.
• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
• Never smoke and never allow anyone to smoke where medical oxygen is used.
For more information, call 763-786-4436 or visit SBMFire.org
Page 4 BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect
Traffic Safety Tips
From the Blaine Police Department
While safety is important year-round, we use June to highlight efforts to prevent injury and death through National Safety Month. Traffic injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of death globally. The NHTSA reports that there are on average 99 fatalities and 7,507 people injured every day from car accidents in the United States. Keeping Blaine roads safe is the main priority of the Blaine Police Department’s Traffic Unit. These officers concentrate on traffic safety using enhanced enforcement, education, and partnerships with entities like the Blaine Engineering Department and the state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative.
Complaints come to the Traffic Unit through dispatch or directly from residents through the City website. Officers gather information before addressing the issue, which could involve surveys, extra enforcement, or engineering changes such as a light cycle and updating signs.
Enhanced enforcement is highlighted during Blaine Traffic Safety Week each June. Blaine officers and other local law enforcement agencies funded by TZD will have daily focus topics such as speeding, seat belts, drunk driving, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and commercial vehicle inspection.
In 2022 444 individuals lost their lives on Minnesota roads. Speeding was the cause of 130 deaths, followed by unbuckled motorists (87), drunk driving (86), and distracted driving (22).
Everyone can practice safe driving. Do what you can to reduce your risk - focus on driving, be aware of others on the road, and follow traffic rules.
Illegal Dumping Not Allowed
in Streets and Storm Drains
To reduce a major source of water pollution, state standards require that cities have ordinances stating that anything other than water going into the street or storm drains is illegal, with some exceptions. Some prohibited actions might surprise you:
• Sending spilled fertilizer or paint into the street gutter.
• Blowing grass clippings or leaves to the curb
• Throwing a bag of dog waste into a storm drain.
If you see anyone spilling, dumping, or disposing materials into a storm drain or the street between 7AM3PM it should be reported immediately to the Public Works Department at 763-785-6165 or after hours email PW@BlaineMN.gov or call Anoka County non-emergency at 763-427-1212
If you think it’s a hazardous material emergency, call 911 The fire department handles emergency responses for contamination and spills.
Illegal Toxic Materials in Street and Storm Drain
• Motor oil and grease
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Paint
• Winter de-icers/salt
Alternatives
Illegal Organic Materials in Street and Storm Drain
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Sand
• “Pet-friendly” winter de-icers
• Fertilizer
Learn more with this short, animated video at BlaineMN.gov/IllegalDumping
• Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste facility is in Blaine and will take old paint, stains, and much more call 763-324-3400 for hours and information.
• Anoka County compost sites accept clippings and leaves.
• Even easier is to mow and leave them on the lawn to add natural fertilizer to the soil.
• Pick up the dog waste and put it in the trash to help keep phosphorus and bacteria out of our water.
Lawn Sprinkling Restrictions
Year-Round, Odd-Even Sprinkling Days, No Sprinkling Between 10am and 6pm
Every year the City implements time and date restrictions for lawn sprinkling. In 2024 the following will be in place:
• Year-round, odd-even sprinkling. Residents with an even numbered address can water on even number days, Residents with an odd numbered address can water on odd number days.
• From May 15 until September 15, no sprinkling is allowed between 10AM and 6PM.
The City of committed to working with residents to educate everyone on the importance of following the lawn sprinkling regulations to help protect the City’s water supply. In 2023 staff communicated with the highest water users in the City to determine if they were aware of the sprinkling regulations in place. While staff will always attempt to work with residents, citations can also be issued for violations of the lawn sprinkling ordinance. Last summer 850 citations were issued. New in 2024, repeat offenders will see higher fines and unpaid fines will incur late fees and may also be collected as a part of property taxes. Please do your part by following the sprinkling restrictions. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/LawnSprinkling.
Blaine Recycling Saturdays
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 on 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
RandysEnvironmental Services.com
Randy’s offers free paper shredding (no paper shredding May 18). 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 bicycle. Bikes will be refurbished 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.
Walters Recycling & Refuse
763-780-8464
WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup.
City Recycling Information
763-785-6141
BlaineMN.gov/Recycle
May/June 2024 Page 5
RecConnect Summer 2024
Summer program 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, choose News: BlaineParks.
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party
ages 10 & under
Don’t be late for a very important date! This tea party will consist of finger sized refreshments, crafts, bingo, and a lot of fun! Enrollment fee includes one adult per registered child. Blaine City Hall.
Saturday, May 11, 10am or noon $20 res; $21 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
Stay Connected
BlaineParks.com
More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.
Youth QC Dance
ages 0-11, All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine
Tummy Time-Infant Movement; Mommy & Me Dance; Kidance: Intro to Dance; DancingKids; Hippity Hop; Hip Hop; Mini-Dance Team; Dance Team Prep and Technique.
For more information on dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
Tech Academy
All Classes Held at Blaine City Hall
3D Printing: Jewelry Fabrication & Arts; 3D
Printing: Pokemon; Video Production: YouTube
Shorts, IG Reels, & Tik Tok; Video Production for YouTube.
For a complete class description, ages, dates, times, and fees, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Tech Tac Toe
All Classes Held at Tom Ryan Park Shelter
Alien Ooze and Tech Lab
ages 5 to 9
June 17-20, 9-11:55am $153 res; $163 nr
Gismos & Gadgets Lab
ages 6 to 10
June 17-20, 1-4pm $153 res; $163 nr
For complete class descriptions, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Skyhawk Sports Camps
Ages 2 to 12
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. Skyhawks Sports has proven to be the leader in youth sports since 1979. Skyhawks goes the extra mile to focus on safety and has a long standing proven safety track record. Sports offered this summer for ages 2-12. Flag Football; Soccer, Soccer Tots; Volleyball; Track & Field; Basketball; Multi-Sport; Mini-Hawk; Golf; Beginning Golf; Ultimate Frisbee; Pickleball.
For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Youth Sports
ages 3 to 10
Our youth sports programs begin the week of June 12 and run through August 8. Our expertly trained, hired staff will make sure your child has a memorable experience! Sports Sampler; Preschool T-Ball; Evening T-Ball, Parent/Child T-Ball; Baseball: Coach Pitch; Softball: Coach Pitch; Little Feats Soccer; Recreational Soccer.
For complete details including descriptions, fees, dates, times, locations, and to register, call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
Tenicity Tennis
ages 5 to 17 - Beginner Group Lessons Held at Jim Peterson Athletic Complex
This program is led by former Wimbledon player, winner of ATP Professional titles, and U.S. Collegiate Division 1 National Champion, Harsh Mankad. Harsh has over 10 years of experience leading tennis programs and developing players including to the Division 1 college level. His team of coaches are trained in the program’s methods to deliver lessons that create fun, positive, and engaging learning experiences.
Session 1: June 10-July 17, Mondays and Wednesdays (no lessons the week of July 1)
Session 2: July 22 – August 21, Mondays and Wednesdays
ages 5 to 8: 5-6pm
BlaineEvents.com
ages 9 to 12: 6-7pm
ages 15 to 16: 7-8pm
$158/session
Check out Tenicity.com to learn more.
For more detailed information, call 763-785-6164 or visit
Page 6 BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection
BlaineParks.com/Register
Intro to Pickleball
Come learn how to play pickleball with top instructors from the North Star Pickleball Association. Whether you have never played, or only tried it a few times, this is the class for you. North Star Pickleball Association instructors will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills, coordination, and how to get connected on where to pay. Please wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and bring your own paddle if you have one. Please only sign up for one session as all classes cover the same content. Held at Lexington Athletic Complex Pickleball Courts.
Sunday, June 9, 9-11am
Saturday, July 27, 3-5pm
Sunday, August 18, 1-3pm $25/session
To register, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Fishing Basics
ages 7 to 15
Join us to learn why fishing is so fun. You will learn about the basics of fishing using a spinning rod and reel. You will be taught how to put on a line, tie a lure and hook, put plastic baits on the hook, and cast into water from the shore. You will also learn overhand and underhand casting. The entire class will be held at Lakeside Commons Park, so you can practice casting into water and hopefully have a chance to catch a fish. We will provide the rod, reel, line, and lures for you to use in this class. Class taught by the Fishing Library. Registration deadline is one week prior to class start date.
Session 1: Tuesday, June 18, 4-7pm
Session 2: Tuesdays, June 25 4-7pm $50/session
More sessions coming July and August.
For more detailed information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Zumba at QC Dance
All Classes Held at QC Dance Studio - 9967 Ulysses Street, Blaine
This specialty course is designed for those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle or the older active adult. Zumba fitness is for everyone, all shapes, and sizes and just about any age. This class allows you to have fun while safely losing pounds and inches. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. Zumba Gold is like a basic Zumba class with lower impact. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, fun workout.
Session 2: Wednesdays, May 29 – June 19, 7:15-8:15pm
Session 3: Wednesdays, July 10-31, 7:15-8pm
Session 4: Wednesdays, August 7-28, 7:15-8pm $40 res; $44 nr
For complete details including descriptions, ages, fees, dates, times, and locations, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Playnet
ages 3 1/2 to 11
A playground program is coming to a park near you. The Cosmic Fun Van will be landing with Blaine’s highly trained recreation crew, taking kids on a quest for the best summer on Earth. This supervised and structured program focuses on fun, physical fitness, socialization, and exploring creativity by: offering age-appropriate games and sport related activities; encouraging kids to meet other kids in the neighborhood; and providing planned arts and crafts projects and drama activities based on weekly themes. No make-up dates.
June 12 - August 5
Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/ Thrusday, Morning or Afternoon Some sessions are full.
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register
Super Hero Party
all ages
Children can dress up like their favorite super hero and fly around and try activities which include; carnival games, crafts, tattoos, balloon artist, and more. Everything is in the super hero theme. There will also be a few super heroes walking around for pictures. Do not forget a camera. Refreshments provided. Max. 100. Event held at Tom Ryan Park.
Friday, May 17, 6:30-8pm $20 res; $21 nr
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com/Register.
Birding Hike
all ages, $5/person or $10/family
Tuesday, May 14, 6-8pm
Welcome Hike and Belly Biology
all ages, $5/person or $10/family
Thursday, June 13, 9-10:30am
Superheroes & Systems
all ages, $5/person or $10/family
Sunday, June 30, 3:30-5pm
For more information, call 763-785-6164 or visit
BlaineParks.com/Register
Summer 2024 Page 7 RecConnect Summer 2024 BlaineParks.com BlaineEvents.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online. Stay Connected
Hearts
at Blaine Wetland Sanctuary information about Parks is at or current Recreation online. Stay Connected
Growing Green
Programs
Page 8 BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect Spring 1 N2U Registration Register Your Night to Unite Block Party Online Register Your Block Party at BlaineMN.gov/ NighttoUnite Summer BlaineEvents.com Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Saturday, May 11 Blaine City Hall 11 Ask the Gardener Anoka Master Gardeners at Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7PM 25 20 Thomas and James Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6PM Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ PerformanceinthePark 27 North Suburban Concert Band Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6PM Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ PerformanceinthePark Celebrating Community Live Music All Weekend BlaineFestival.org 28-30 Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Saturday, 1-4pm Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ WorldFest 14 September SavetheDate 13 Pair of 7 Performance in the Park Tuesday, 6PM Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ PerformanceinthePark Sizzling Summer Kickoff Live Music and Food Trucks Saturday, 10am-4pm Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ SizzlingSummer 8 Night to Unite Blaine’s Biggest Night in Town Tuesday, 6-8pm BlaineMN.gov/NighttoUnite 6 May June Bark in the Park Thursday, 5-7pm Aquatore Park BlaineMN.gov/ BarkinthePark 8 Saturday, noon-9pm Tom Ryan Park BlaineMN.gov/ Oktoberfest August August 5 October Super Hero Party Dress Up as Your Favorite Super Hero Friday, 6:30pm Tom Ryan Park 17 Memorial Day Ceremony Veterans Memorial Park BlaineMN.gov/ VeteransMemorialPark 27 featuring Ask the Gardener Anoka Master Gardeners at Tom Ryan Park Tuesday, 5-7PM 21 Craft Fair
