Phil Gravel

The City Council meeting agenda included approval of several consent items such as Right of Way Applications for CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy, and various Contractor's Licenses and Sign Permits. Department reports from Public Works and Code Enforcement were scheduled. Key items under Ordinances and/or Resolutions involve adopting the 2025 Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Plan, granting an Interim Use Permit for Auto and Marine Sales to Rec Direct Inc., and receiving a Feasibility Report for the 2026 Street Improvement Project. New business and general reports from the Attorney, Engineer, and Administrator are also planned. A closed session is scheduled to discuss potential lease offers for city-owned property at 8480-8492 Central Avenue NE.

The work session featured an update from the SBM Fire Department Chief, detailing the successful transition to a full-time duty crew staffing model in 2025, which led to reduced response times and zero lost-time injuries for the second consecutive year. The department also refined its capital improvement plan, saving over $2 million, and completed the Centennial collaboration, incorporating new equipment and staffing changes. Future planning included the strategic need for a new fire station in northeast Blaine to address growing response time issues in that area. Police Chief Antoine presented an overview of a proposed Anoka County pilot program involving FLOCK license-plate recognition cameras and first-responder drones, receiving preliminary council support pending further review of data privacy and funding. Additionally, staff reported that the RISE building was purchased by Optimize Physical Therapy.

The meeting agenda included the election of officers (Chair and Vice Chair) and the approval of minutes from the May 27, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting. The primary agenda item involved a public hearing regarding an Interim Use Permit request for Rec Direct Inc. at 1109 County Hwy 10 NE for 'Auto and Marine; sales, leasing, and rental' use. Additionally, the document includes the official proceedings from the May 27, 2025, meeting which covered a public hearing and approval for a variance application concerning a privacy fence at 965 83rd Ave NE, and a public hearing resulting in the approval of a Zoning Text Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for Optimize Physical Therapy at 8406 Sunset Road NE to establish a sports performance and therapy center.

The City Council meeting agenda for February 17, 2026, included several key items. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting, approval of the January claims list totaling $639,548.11, and approval of 2025 Year End and January 2026 financial reports. Other items included department reports from Police and Parks and Recreation, new business concerning the purchase of DocAcess Software, and reports from the Attorney, Engineer, and Administrator. A closed session was scheduled to discuss the potential lease of city-owned property at 8466 Central Avenue NE.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. The consent agenda was approved, encompassing the claims list, the revenue and expenditure report for December 2025, the statement of fund balance for December 31, 2025, a Mayor's Proclamation for Winter Salt Awareness Week, and approvals for a right of way application and contractor's licenses/sign permits. In department reports, the Police Chief noted a slight decrease in calls for service for December 2025 compared to 2024 and discussed ongoing hiring processes for new officers. The Parks and Recreation Director reported on the success of the free skate/snowshoe checkout program, the creation of a new skating loop, and the results of a digital crowdfunding campaign which secured funding for new park amenities. A resolution was passed accepting a donation from SeedMoney. New business included the recommendation and approval of conditional job offers for two new Police Officers who passed all hiring requirements. The Administrator reported that the Public Works union contract would be presented at the next meeting.