Blaine council certifies $5,500 in delinquent municipal charges, approves license renewals and adopts charter amendment

BLAINE, Minn. — The Blaine City Council on Nov. 17 moved to certify just over $5,500 in unpaid municipal special charges for collection with 2026 property taxes, approved two currency-exchange license renewal notifications and adopted a charter amendment governing the salary-setting mechanism for the mayor and council.

Director Zimmerman told the council the certification covers about $5,500 in unpaid fees tied to nuisance abatements and municipal services. "Specifically, there are 4 ordinances in place related to the abatement of nuisances, snow removal, abatement of weeds, and abatement of trees," Zimmerman said, noting the list includes 25 parcels — four of them with multiple items. He said the weed and tree abatement portion totaled $2,500 and other charges (false alarms and waste) were about $1,800; the ordinances add $50 per listed item.

The council opened the public hearing on the delinquent charges, received no public comment, and voted to certify the charges for collection. Mayor Sanders called for the motion; Councilmember Robertson moved it and Councilmember Newland seconded. "All those in favor…" the mayor asked, and the council responded "Aye," with the motion prevailing.

At the consent-agenda vote earlier in the meeting, Councilmember Newland announced a specific abstention: "I will be abstaining from the October 31 bills payable because of a conflict of interest I have with a business that I own that will be receiving payment," he said. The clerk recorded the abstention and the consent agenda passed by voice vote.

Clerk Sorensen presented two currency-exchange license renewals — Al's Check Cashing and SJB Enterprises d/b/a Your Exchange — noting the Minnesota Department of Commerce issues the licenses and the police department reviewed both locations with "no items of concern." The council opened and closed the public hearing with no testimony and approved the acknowledgement motion.

On the governance item, Clerk Sorensen summarized a proposed charter amendment related to the mechanism for mayoral and council salaries and reminded the council that adoption required a unanimous vote of all seven members. "In order for the amendment to be adopted, it needs to be a unanimous vote of all 7 members of council," she said. The council moved and adopted the amendment by voice vote.

The meeting concluded with the council adjourning and a note that an Economic Development Authority meeting would follow immediately.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved; Councilmember Newland recorded an abstention on Oct. 31 bills payable (conflict of interest). - Agenda item 8.1 (certify unpaid special charges for 2026 tax collection): moved by Councilmember Robertson; seconded by Councilmember Newland; approved. - Agenda item 8.2 (currency-exchange license renewals): motion carried; no public opposition recorded. - Agenda item 10.2 (charter amendment regarding salary mechanism): second reading adopted by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will forward the certified delinquent list to the county auditor for collection with 2026 property taxes and will continue administrative steps tied to the adopted charter amendment.