Blaine council adopts ADU and tree ordinances, approves lot sale and awards pavement-marking contract

At its regular meeting, the Blaine City Council approved multiple administrative and land-use items on the consent and business agendas, including ordinance amendments and a contract award.

Accessory dwelling units: On the second reading, the council adopted amendments that remove detached ADUs from all residential districts while retaining attached ADUs as a permitted use. Director Selman said the change followed council workshops and a prior interim moratorium; staff also reorganized performance standards and adjusted noise-abatement language to align with existing code. Council member Ford said he planned to vote no but the motion carried.

Shade-tree management: City forester Paul Seth presented a second-reading amendment to Chapter 90 that narrows city abatement authority for hazardous trees: the city will require abatement only when a tree poses a risk to public property or infrastructure (sidewalks, streets); private-property-only hazards such as backyard trees with no public risk will be the property owner’s responsibility. The council approved the ordinance.

Club West lot sale: The council approved the second-reading ordinance to sell a portion of the Club West outlot to facilitate Highway 65 improvements; an appraisal put the offer at $289,550. Staff said proceeds typically go to the fund associated with the asset but recommended the council later decide the final destination (staff suggested the strategic priorities fund).

Pavement-marking contract: The city received a single bid for the 2026 pavement-marking project from Sir Lines Lots LLC at roughly $115,000. Staff recommended awarding the contract and approving a 5% contingency (bringing the project total to about $121,000). Funding comes from the general-fund street-maintenance line; the 2026 budget had $135,000 identified for the project. Council approved the contract award.

Consent and HR software: Council approved the consent agenda overall and, after a pulled-question discussion, moved item 77 forward. Staff explained funding for a new HRIS payroll/timekeeping system will be covered via previously allocated federal-tracking funds and totals about $53,000 over three years (year 1 $19,972.80; year 2 $14,474.40; year 3 $18,997.65).

The council adjourned with no further business. Actions adopted at the meeting will be implemented by relevant departments (community development, public works and HR) and staff will report back to council on timelines and enforcement steps as needed.