Show All Answers

1. Why restore the wetland?
2. What does wetland restoration mean?
3. What is a wetland bank?
4. How can I find out where my property ends and city property begins?

Show All Answers

1. Does the City of Blaine have documentation that specifically states this land was in fact a wetland at one point in time?
2. What is the long term plan if this restoration attempt fails?
3. Why allow all the development along 109th and Lexington if the goal is to restore/preserve wetlands?
4. Are there plans for housing or commercial development?
5. What is the process for moving from draft to finalized plan and homeowner’s participate in these conversations/decisions?
6. Will all the birds living in trees being cut down, want to live in the trees on my property?
7. What are the plans for the trees after they are cut down?
8. Why is the tree removal so important?
9. How many trees do you anticipate needing to remove and when will residents know how many trees and which trees will be removed?
10. Is the city planning on removing stumps from every tree that is cut down?
11. What is the process or technique for the buckthorn removal?
12. How effective is this buckthorn removal method?
13. What is the plan to continue to remove the buckthorn as it regrows?
14. Is there a larger map of the invasive species?
15. Is there an opportunity to more fully address the buckthorn problem with this project by expanding project to include private property at the request of homeowners?
16. How will the regrowth of invasive species be managed?
17. What affect does all the chemical treatment of yards in the developments have on the wetlands?
18. Dependency on herbicides is concerning, especially since many homes bordering this area have wells. Can buckthorn and reed canary grass be controlled by other means?
19. Will there be an effort made to maintain a buffer of trees adjacent to homeowner’s properties?
20. Who is responsible for the potential loss in property value as a result of the proposed plan?
21. If resident owned land is disturbed, what is the plan for the city to reconstruct our existing landscape?
22. Will the small strip of land that is a part of the southern portion but detached from the rest of the portion be included in the restoration?
23. How close is the proposed trail or path to the back of private property?
24. What has been feedback from communities surrounding the northern portion of the wetland sanctuary that have already been affected by the tree removal?
25. Won’t the removal of trees and leaving the grasses increase the fire danger in this southern area?
26. Does the city have liability insurance to protect home owners when they do controlled burns?
27. How often will controlled burns occur?
28. How is the grant funding being applied (e.g. square foot of reconstruction, per acre,…)?

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a Building Permit?

Show All Answers

1. Do plans need original signatures or are electronic signatures okay?
2. How many sets of plans are required for permit submittal?
3. Do plans need to be embossed by an architect and engineer?
4. What is the current review period for drawings?
5. What is the current review period for responses to the building department comments?
6. Is express plan review available?
7. Do permit drawings need to be submitted to any additional departments such as the Fire Marshal, State Review, etc.?
8. Is a demolition permit available prior to the building permit?
9. Does a general contractor need to be awarded prior to submittal for permit?
10. Does the general contractor and/or subcontractor’s company name need to be entered in the permit application for the submittal to be accepted and plan review to begin?
11. Once the general contractor is awarded for new building and addition permits, how are they added as the responsible party/applicant for the permit?
12. Are insurance certificates or bonds required at the time of submittal? If so, by whom?
13. Are separate applications required by the subcontractors? If so, by whom?
14. What type of Commercial permits is Landlord approval needed for? If so, at permit submittal or at permit issuance?
15. Can we receive our permit without the landlord’s shell building work being completed and finaled prior to Substantial Completions?
16. Are low voltage permits required?
17. Are low voltage permit applications required at the time of building permit submittal for the release of the building permit?
18. Do fire alarm and sprinkler drawings need to be submitted with the building permit application?
19. Do the fire protection subcontractors need to prepare drawings, cut sheets, and calculations for building permit submittal?
20. Can the submittal be mailed in?
21. Can the submittal be made in person?
22. Does the building department offer expedited services or work with any specific expeditors?
23. Is a plan check fee do at the time of permit submittal?
24. Are permit fees due at the time of submittal or permit pick up?
25. Are there any additional fees to be aware of?
26. What other items may be required prior to the building permit being issued?
27. Current building codes being used:

Show All Answers

1. How long does the process take?
2. How much does the permit cost?
3. Does this mean the building has to meet current codes?
4. Will the building have to have a fire sprinkler system?
5. What if I do not have the money to make the improvements?

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a license?
2. What is the cost?
3. How long does it take to obtain the license?
4. If I am not approved, will I receive a refund?
5. If I have a license, can I work at any Massage Enterprise in Blaine?
6. Is my schooling accredited by the State of Minnesota?
7. How many hours of schooling do I need?
8. Do I need to complete a Certificate of Occupancy (Enterprise Only)?
9. Is there a limit to the number of Massage Enterprise licenses allowed in the City?

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a license?
2. What is the cost?
3. Do I need an application for each person applying?
4. How long does it take to obtain the license?
5. What are the allowable hours for soliciting/peddling?
6. What do I need to identify myself?

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a license?
2. What is the cost?
3. How long does it take to obtain the license?
4. Can I serve alcohol?
5. Can I have outdoor amplified music?
6. Do I need to notify area residents of the event?
7. Can we have fireworks?
8. Can we put up signs?
9. Can I put up tents?
10. What if traffic is impacted?

Show All Answers

1. When does Blaine City Council meet?
2. Are Blaine City Council meetings open to the public and can I speak?
3. Who are my councilmembers and how do I contact them?
4. Are Blaine City Council meetings televised or live streamed?
5. How long is the term for Mayor and Councilmembers? How are they elected?
6. How does Blaine City Council vote?

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a rental license if I have a rental property in Blaine?
2. How do I get a rental license?
3. How do I renew my rental license?
4. How much does it cost?
5. How long is my license effective?
6. Do I need an inspection?
7. How do I set up an inspection?
8. Do I need to attend the inspection?
9. What do you look for in the inspection?
10. Are there any other fees other than the rental license?

Show All Answers

1. Why am I not seeing any way to apply for permits? I am just seeing searching and reports.
2. Why am I not seeing the type of permit I want to apply for?
3. I did not receive a confirmation email.

Show All Answers

1. Where do the dogs come from?
2. Who trains the dogs?
3. How long is the training?
4. Do the dogs live with their handlers?
5. How old are the dogs when they retire?
6. How do officers get selected to become canine handlers?
7. How much do the dogs cost?
8. What are the dogs used for?
9. Who pays for the care of the dogs?
10. Are the dogs safe when left in their patrol cars while the handler is not there?
11. Is hurting a police dog the same as hurting a police officer?

Show All Answers

1. What is a Wetland Bank?
2. Why Restore the Pioneer Park Wetland?
3. What Does Wetland Restoration Mean?
4. Why is the City planning to remove trees in Pioneer Park?
5. How much of Pioneer Park will have trees removed?
6. Will all the trees within the project area be removed?
7. How much of the park will change to wetland?
8. Will the trails still have shade?
9. I see trees that look good and have been tagged. What does the tag mean?
10. Is this project being done to make room for more housing developments?
11. How will this affect the wildlife in the park?
12. When is this project going to start?
13. How is the money from the credits sales being spent?
14. Why can’t the east boundary be moved west to the ditch?

Show All Answers

1. What hours are the city parks open?
2. Where can I get information about recreation programs?
3. How do I register for recreation programs?
4. Do I need to be a Blaine resident to register for recreation programs?
5. Where can I find the Recreation Connection publications?
6. How do I reserve a park shelter or building?
7. How do I find out about summer employment?
8. When do the restrooms typically open and close at the parks?
9. When does the beach/splash pad open and close at Lakeside Commons Park?
10. When does summer adult softball registration begin? Fall softball registration?
11. Does Blaine have a festival? If so, when?
12. Does Blaine have fireworks? If so, when?
13. Are dogs allowed in the city parks?
14. Where do I report a park concern i.e. broken equipment, vandalism?
15. How and when can I obtain a Community Garden plot?
16. Does Blaine have a dog park? If so, where?
17. Are alcohol and tobacco allowed in city parks?
18. Where do I sign up my child for Little League and other youth sports programs?
19. What type of soccer program does Blaine offer?
20. Can I fish at the Sunrise Lake at Lakeside Commons Park?
21. Can I operate a motorized boat on Sunrise Lake at Lakeside Commons Park?

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a sign permit?
2. Can I have temporary signage?
3. Do I need a permit for simply refacing my sign?
4. How much signage is allowed on my property?
5. Am I allowed to have temporary signs on my property?
6. Do I need to have a contractor license to install any signage within the City of Blaine?
7. Do I need a permit if I am simply changing the wording or legend of my sign?
8. Why can’t I apply for a sign permit?
9. Why can’t I find a sign contractor in the list?
10. What can be submitted as owner consent?
11. When is a building permit required?

Show All Answers

1. How do I find the zoning designation of my property?
2. How do I find the zoning definition of my property?
3. How do I get a zoning classification letter?
4. How can I pay for a zoning classification letter?

Show All Answers

1. How do I subdivide my property?
2. Can I have a bigger garage or shed on my property?
3. How do I apply for a conditional use permit?
4. Can I get a variance?
5. How do I apply for a variance?
6. How do I apply for a rezoning and/or a comprehensive land use amendment?
7. What are the setbacks for my property?
8. What is site plan approval and how do I apply for this?
9. Can I have a home occupation?
10. When are Planning Commission and City Council meetings held?
11. How can I find out what new residential and commercial/industrial developments are occurring within the City?
12. Does the City have a list of local contractors or surveyors available?
13. Does the City have a list of all homeowners associations in the City?
14. Does the City have a list of all senior housing developments in the City?
15. Does the City have a list of all apartment rental housing available within the City?
16. Does the City have any financial assistance available for starting a new business?

Show All Answers

1. What is a Drone?
2. How does a UAS work?
3. What kind of training do the pilots receive?
4. What are the specs of your UAS?
5. Do other enforcement agencies operate UAS?
6. How do you intend to use your UAS?
7. When can you use a UAS without a search warrant?
8. How much do they cost?
9. What restrictions are in place to protect citizen’s civil liberties and privacy concerns?
10. Can you legally fly over my property?
11. Does the UAS carry weapons?
12. Can the UAS be hacked with the controls taken over by someone else?
13. Can the Blaine Police Department be hired by a resident or business to fly the systems for commercial use?
14. Can citizens buy their own UAS and fly them?
15. Will my privacy be impacted?

Show All Answers

1. How to obtain a copy of a police/accident report?
2. How do I report a crime?
3. Where is the Blaine Police Department located?
4. What are the hours of the Blaine Police Department?
5. I was in a motor vehicle crash. Do I need to contact the police?
6. How can I get a background check done on myself?
7. I would like to report a non-violent crime with no suspects or witnesses.
8. I have been a victim of Identity Theft, what do I do?
9. How do I obtain a restraining order/order for protection?
10. How do I obtain a permit to purchase or carry a firearm?
11. I lost something or have confiscated property and want to know if it was turned in to the police department. Who do I contact?
12. If the Blaine Police Department towed my vehicle, where would it be?
13. I locked my keys in my car; will the police respond to open my vehicle?
14. What are Blaine's curfew hours for juveniles?
15. Does the Blaine Police Department provide fingerprint services?
16. Can I get my child seat inspected to make sure it was installed properly?
17. I am considering moving to Blaine, who do I contact to find out crime information?
18. How do I report found property?
19. What are the parking rules in the City of Blaine?
20. What should I do if a peddler comes to the door?

Show All Answers

1. What is FOG?
2. Why is FOG a problem?
3. What can be done about the FOG problem?
4. What is a grease interceptor and how does it work?
5. What is a grease trap and how does it work?
6. Who needs to install grease traps or interceptors?
7. How often should grease interceptors and traps be cleaned?
8. How often will establishments be inspected?
9. How can I get in compliance?
10. What if I do not get in compliance?

Show All Answers

1. Does this include Mountain Ash?
2. Where has the EAB been found in Blaine?

Show All Answers

1. There is a tree blocking the view of traffic?
2. I have a concern about a neighbors tree, it looks dangerous and/or dead.
3. How close can I plant a tree to my property line?
4. I am building a new home in Blaine. What are the landscape requirements?

Show All Answers

1. Sewage and/or water is backing up in my basement.
2. I have received a mailing offering insurance for my sewer line.

Show All Answers

1. You filled my driveway; can you prevent this from happening?
2. Why do I have more snow in my driveway than my neighbor?
3. The plow dug up my boulevard sod, what can I do?
4. If the snow plow knocked over my mailbox, will the City replace it?
5. I can't see my fire hydrant; am I responsible for clearing it?
6. I live on a Cul-de-sac, why does the City pile more snow in some yards than others?
7. My street is slippery, does the city have a bare and black policy?
8. Will the City clear my sidewalk?
9. Does the City salt or apply deicers to sidewalks?
10. How do I make a complaint about the snow and ice control?
11. Does the City repair damaged mailboxes during normal plow operations?

Show All Answers

1. The street light in my neighborhood is burned out/damaged?
2. There is a green, amber or red light out on a traffic signal?

Show All Answers

1. What is water system flushing?
2. Why is flushing needed?
3. Why is some flushing conducted in the fall?
4. Where does the water go?
5. How will my water service be affected?
6. What should I do if my water is cloudy and discolored after the flushing is completed?
7. Can I use my water while crews are flushing in my neighborhood?
8. Is my water safe to drink?
9. What should I do if the water stains my laundry?
10. Are there other benefits to water system flushing?
11. Who can I contact with questions?

Show All Answers

1. What is the water hardness level?
2. What is the pH level of the city’s water?
3. Is my private well water tested by the City?
4. How do I know if there are any water restrictions in place?
5. What causes discolored or cloudy water?
6. What should I do if my water is cloudy or discolored?
7. What if my water has a rotten egg odor to it?
8. What if my water has a chlorine smell to it?
9. How and why should I flush my hot water heater?

Show All Answers

1. Payment Methods
2. Unscheduled Hours
3. Refunds
4. Rate Schedule
5. Holiday Pay
6. Use of Marked Squads
7. Staffing Requirements
8. Cancellations Procedures
9. Worker's Compensation/Liability
10. Officer Not Reporting for Extra Duty
11. Discontinue Service
12. Scheduled Hours Changed
13. Minimum Hours for Assignment
14. Notice to Applicants

Show All Answers

1. What is AutoPay?
2. Can I cancel AutoPay?
3. I’m signed up for AutoPay but do not see anything showing under “Upcoming Scheduled Payments.”
4. What are scheduled payments?
5. What is the difference between AutoPay and a scheduled payment?
6. What if I already have AutoPay set up with my bank?
7. If I sign up to Go Paperless, how will I receive my bills?
8. Can I start receiving paper bills again?
9. What is Pay by Text?
10. What is Account Linking?

Show All Answers

1. What are some of the benefits of receiving my bill electronically?
2. What are some of the benefits of paying a bill online?

Show All Answers

1. What forms of payment can I use?
2. What is a service or convenience fee?
3. How will I know that my payment has been accepted?
4. Can I use more than one payment method per transaction?
5. How long does it take for online payments to process?
6. Can I tell if my payment has been posted?
7. How long will my payment history be maintained?
8. Will I be able to print a copy of my bill?
9. How do I change my account information?

Show All Answers

1. Is my information secure?
2. Is my credit card and checking account information safe when I pay online?
3. What is PCI Compliance and why is it so important?

Show All Answers

1. What if I can’t locate my bill?
2. Do I have to enter an email address to make a payment?
3. When I try to pay my bill, it asks for credit card information and I want to pay by electronic check.
4. Will I receive a confirmation email that my bill has been paid?
5. Do I need to register to pay a bill?
6. I forgot my Password, how do I access my account?