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The Blaine City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Coon Creek Watershed District and a contract for construction of monitoring wells at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding for Project U2513. Engineering Director Dan Schluender said the watershed district recently completed work on Knoll Creek, also known as Anoka County Ditch 39, and identified elevated phosphorus and E. coli levels along portions of the ditch system, which serves Blaine, Coon Rapids and Anoka County. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved annual zoning code updates and several land-use and development actions at its Dec. 15 meeting. The council approved a package of annual zoning code revisions intended to keep regulations current, clear and effective, according to Community Development Director Sheila Sellman. Sellman said city staff tracks zoning issues throughout the year and compiles an annual update each fall. The revisions address conflicts with current standards and best practices, respond to feedback from the City Council and the public, clarify unclear language and address situations not previously covered by code. ...

In the story regarding Blaine’s 2026 budget, Council Member Jess Robertson shoulh have referenced $500,000 going toward capital equipment. ABC Newspapers regrets the error. Original Article

The Blaine City Council approved the city’s 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program at its Dec. 15 meeting, authorizing capital purchases and projects for 2026 on a 5-2 vote. Council Members Jess Robertson and Chris Massoglia voted against the measure. Finance Director Jason Zimmerman said the Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, serves as a blueprint for the city’s capital investments and reflects an assessment of community needs. He described it as a fiscal management tool used to plan the location, timing and financing of capital improvements over a five-year period. ...

A new trading card store has opened in Blaine, offering a lounge-style retail experience where singles of football, basketball, hockey and Pokémon cards are displayed in glass cases alongside seating areas and multiple televisions showing live games and sports programming. The store, Real Sportscards, previously opened a location in Champlin and held a ribbon-cutting event for its Blaine location Thursday, Dec. 11, with the North Metro Chamber of Commerce and Sen. Michael Kreun. ...

Following a closed session at its Dec. 8 meeting, the East Bethel City Council voted 3-0 to proceed with an eviction action against Firebird Land and to authorize the city’s response to a complaint filed by the company. The move comes as BDM/Firebird has been accused by several elected officials in the city, including Council Members Tim Miller and Jim Smith, of failing to pay a lease and property undervaluation. ...

The Coon Rapids Tree Lighting ceremony took place on a negative temperature-affected evening of Dec. 13. A giant warming tent was available housing those who needed shelter from the cold. The event featured a tree lit up by the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and the city’s mascot, Rocky the Raccoon. There was also a fireworks show that went forward along with the tree lighting. Inside the tent, hot cocoa was served, and kids made different crafts and meet Santa Claus. ...

Two cannabis-related businesses along Highway 65 NE moved a step closer to opening after the East Bethel City Council on Dec. 8 approved conditional use permits for a hemp edible business and a cannabis microbusiness. The first conditional use permit was requested by Ramadan Hussein, owner of Smoke Saloon, for a hemp edible business at 18429 Highway 65 NE, City Planner Grace Gerard said. The property is guided commercial and zoned B-3 Highway Commercial. ...

A 3.8% levy increase that city officials say will add about $4 per month to the tax bill on a $400,000 home was approved Dec. 8 as the East Bethel City Council adopted its 2026 budget. The council unanimously approved the budget and levy on a 4-0 vote. Council Member Suzanne Erkel was absent. By the same vote, the council also approved the Economic Development Authority and Housing and Redevelopment Authority budgets and levies for 2026. ...

The Columbia Heights City Council unanimously approved the renewal of a currency exchange license for SJB Enterprises at its Dec. 8 meeting. Council Member Laurel Deneen was absent. Community Development Director Mitch Forney said the item is an annual approval. Currency exchange businesses are licensed by the state under Minnesota Statute 53A.04, rather than by the city. Forney said the state reviews applications for background checks, bonding and fees, then forwards them to the city to confirm compliance with zoning and city code. City staff reviewed the complete application and found no discrepancies or legal issues with the business. ...