The Blaine City Council on Feb. 18 approved two conditional use permits and awarded a $236,957.50 contract for the city’s 2026 crack sealing project, but delayed a proposed Public Works equipment purchase after funding questions were raised.
The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Park Construction Company to continue concrete crushing operations at 10101 Naples St. NE.
Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said surrounding properties to the north, south and west are zoned heavy industrial, while the property to the east is zoned Planned Business District.
The site includes a warehouse building, vehicle storage, an office and shop building, the crushing operation and a future building currently under permit review.
The city renewed an interim use permit for the operation in 2023 and received no complaints during that period. Interim use permits expire every three years.
Council members also unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Elevate Strength and Nutrition at 1630 101st Ave. NE.
The 2,650-square-foot fitness center will operate in a multi-tenant building zoned Heavy Industrial. In addition to fitness training, the business plans to offer services such as infrared sauna and red light therapy. The facility will provide 24-hour secure access for members, with organized programs Monday through Thursday.
The site includes 61 parking stalls, with space available to add up to 16 additional stalls if needed. City code requires 54 spaces, and parking standards are met.
The council accepted a $236,957.50 bid from SealPros for the 2026 crack sealing project.
Director of Engineering Daniel Schluender said seven bids were received, ranging from approximately $236,000 to $404,000. The engineer’s estimate was $245,000.
Staff recommended adding a 5% contingency, bringing the total project authorization to approximately $249,000, within the previously approved $250,000 budget.
“SealPros has successfully completed a similar type of work in the cities of Brooklyn Park, Eden Prairie and Lake Elmo,” Schluender said.
During discussion of the consent agenda, Council Member Chris Massoglia pulled an item involving the purchase of an industrial-grade printer for the Public Works Department.
The council voted 6-1 to table the item until March 2, with Council Member Chris Ford opposed.
Massoglia questioned the need for an additional printer and raised concerns about transferring funds from the general fund to the capital equipment fund.
“If you can’t figure out how to spend your capital equipment budget money, I don’t think we should be transferring from the general fund,” Massoglia said. “I think we should keep the general fund reserves for other things.”
Finance Director Jason Zimmerman said the transfer was intended to ensure consistent accounting practices and clean fund statements. Staff said the purchase could be deferred while the council seeks additional information.