The Blaine City Council on March 2 advanced several routine items, including approval of a new bank project, a proposed land sale tied to Highway 65 improvements and a change to city code on hazardous tree enforcement.
The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a new Magnifi Financial bank at 10903 Austin St. NE.
Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the permit allows construction of a building with a zero lot line along the north property line. The site is zoned development flex and is surrounded by similarly zoned parcels to the north, east and west, with the North Meadows development to the south in a planned business district.
Plans call for a 4,224-square-foot building with a 778-square-foot canopy. The project includes 20 parking stalls, exceeding the 11 required, and a two-lane drive-thru designed to accommodate four vehicles per lane.
Sellman said the building design meets architectural standards for the district, including glass, metal panels, decorative masonry and brick.
A neighborhood meeting on the project Nov. 4, 2025, drew two attendees who asked about construction timing and equipment staging.
The council also held the first reading of an ordinance to sell Outlot A of Club West’s Ninth Addition to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for improvements to Highway 65.
Sellman said the agency appraised the property and offered $289,550. Blaine’s city charter requires the land sale to be approved by ordinance.
The second reading and final vote are scheduled for March 16.
Council members also held the first reading of an amendment to city code that would scale back enforcement of hazardous trees on private property.
Public Works Director Nick Fleischacker said the change follows direction from the council during its annual retreat to stop requiring enforcement unless a hazardous tree poses a risk to public property.