Blaine council approves assessments, plats, land-use changes, sign rules, tree contract and sewer repair

The Blaine City Council on July 21 approved the consent agenda and adopted a series of routine and policy items, including assessments for the San Bernal Drive reconstruction, a preliminary plat for Lexington Crossing Second Addition, amendments to the home-occupation ordinance, revisions to the temporary sign permit rules, a contract for removal of diseased emerald ash borer (EAB) trees, and a sewer-repair contract award.

San Bernal Drive assessments (Resolution, agenda item 8.1): Council heard a presentation from the director of engineering describing a joint project with Spring Lake Park. The City of Blaine's portion of the project totaled $684,000; earlier feasibility estimates had placed Blaine's share at $446,000. Construction revealed additional deficiencies; staff reported that the total to be assessed to property owners is almost $83,000, with a payments-management program contributing about $257,000 and municipal state aid contributing approximately $344,000. Council opened and then closed the public hearing with no members of the public speaking, and by motion (moved by Council member Newland, seconded by Council member Robertson) adopted the resolution to levy the assessments. The assessments will be levied over a five-year payment period; staff said eligible state-aid…