Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Blaine public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in water utilities
Water Treatment Plant #3 lighting improvements
A contract with Killmer Electric Company would fund lighting improvements at Water Treatment Plant #3 under Capital Improvement Project U2604.
Well inspection and repair program
The council will consider spending $669,125 to inspect Wells 3, 8, 10 and 12 and repair them as needed — core infrastructure that keeps drinking water flowing to Blaine homes and businesses.
Lead service line inventory
An $82,500 contract with Blue Conduit would help the city identify lead service lines — important for water safety compliance and long-term pipe replacement planning.
Rice Creek Parkway Sewer Leak Litigation
The city is facing litigation over a March 2025 sanitary sewer water leak at Rice Creek Parkway. The council will get a privileged legal briefing behind closed doors.
Utility Franchise Renewals (Connexus and Xcel Energy)
The city is proposing new franchise fees on Connexus, Xcel, CenterPoint and Centennial Utilities that would show up on your utility bills. Staff project $5-6 million a year, mostly for road paving, and say the median homeowner would pay less this way than through a property tax increase. Public hearings continue August 17 with final votes expected September 9.
National Street water contamination fix
The council approved a grant-funded project to connect homes on National Street and 114th — where wells are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane from the old Johnson Brothers landfill — to city water, at essentially no cost to homeowners.
Gateway Fiber citywide expansion
Over a dozen residents urged the council to let Gateway Fiber finish building out fiber internet across Blaine, citing speed, reliability, and competition with Xfinity. City leaders responded that permits are on hold pending a broadband franchise agreement, not to block fiber but to ensure proper installation and full-city coverage.