The latest from the Blaine City Council meeting on December 9 …
The Blaine City Council meeting on December 9 started with mayor Mary Lou Steward recognizing Sally and Bill Church for their dedication to the Blaine Food Bank over the years. The recognition follows Sally Church’s retirement as food bank director last month.
“For three decades your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have made a significant impact on our community,” Steward said. “Your compassion and hard work have not only provided nourishment, but also hope and support to countless individuals and families. Throughout your years of service, you have been beacons of kindness and generosity.”
The entire audience at the city council meeting, about 20 people, stood to applaud the Churches after the mayor’s recognition. Sally Church then gave a speech about her appreciation for the Blaine community and thanked the city for recognizing all of the food bank volunteers. The audience again stood to give a round of applause to Church.
Councilmember Mike Hill ended the recognition with a speech about the Churches’ work in the community before asking for a third and final round of applause for the pair.
“These two people are staples in this town that a lot of people probably don’t know about,” Hill said. “They give from their heart and expect nothing in return. You never find two people like this. They’re special people on Earth.”
After the recognition, city council appointed Gurdeep (Zeal) Bains, a businessman with background in the hostel industry and owner of downtown property, and Kristen Gomes, lead concierge at Semiahmoo Resort, to the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee. The nine-person tourism committee meets monthly to discuss improving the tourism and recreation economy in Blaine.
Council then appointed Colin Hawkins, Don Enos and Sam Randhawa to Blaine Planning Commission. Hawkins is a lifelong Blaine resident and currently serving on the commission, while Enos and Randhawa are both real estate agents and newcomers to the commission. The two new members will fill Jerry Marczynski’s position, which expires December 31, and a position left vacant by James Bring a few months ago. The seven-person commission meets monthly to make planning recommendations to city council.
Later in the meeting, council approved the final plat of The Ridge in east Blaine. The plat, developed by Skip and Katie Jansen, will have 31 single-family residential lots, utility and stormwater improvements, a public road and space for more development. City council approved the preliminary plat and planned unit development for The Ridge, formerly known as East Maple Ridge, in June 2020.
One of council’s final actions of the evening was approving the purchase of two salt spreaders for winter. The city’s purchase order agreement was contracted with Nelson Truck Equipment Company for $23,200.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here