2013.08.20 Work Session PacketC►TYW CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
CRYSTAL
COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
-- Tuesday, August 20, 2013
To immediately follow the Regular City Council Meeting
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the
City Charter, the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at p.m. on
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive,
Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members
Budziszewski
Deshler
Hoffmann
Libby
Peak
Selton
Adams
Staff
Norris
Therres
Norton
Revering
Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
• Closed session to discuss pending litigation
• Closed session to consider preliminary charges arising out of CUABP allegations*
• West Metro Fire -Rescue District citizen representative recruitment process
• Code amendments regarding guns and the use of firearms
• Intro to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at p.m.
CMemorandum
CITYIof
CRYSTAL
DATE: August 13, 2013
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager afA__1
SUBJECT: West Metro Fire District Board — Citizen Representative
The West Metro Fire District is a joint powers organization between the cities of Crystal
and New Hope. Article IV of the Joint Powers Agreement creating the West Metro Fire
District provides for a governing board of seven members. The seven board members
include:
- Two members representing the city of Crystal appointed by Council resolution
and at least one of the two members shall be a current member of the Crystal
City Council;
- Two members representing the city of New Hope appointed by Council
resolution and at least one of the two members shall be a current member of
the Crystal City Council;
- The two city managers; and
- One member appointed by joint resolution of both city councils that does not
need to be a resident of either city.
In the past the City Council has appointed two of its members to serve, and has also
appointed a non -elected official ato serve in the capacity of a "citizen representative" on
the Board. The City Attorney has advised previously that the Council may, but is not
required to, appoint a citizen representative", since the Joint Powers Agreement is
silent on the city's options and there is no city ordinance or statute which directs
whether the second appointee should be a citizen or an elected official.
The current Board members appointed by the Crystal Council are:
Council representative Mark Hoffmann appointed by Resolution #2013-03 to
a term expiring December 31, 2014;
Council representative John Budziszewski filling in the citizen representative
position, appointed by Resolution #2013-22 to a term expiring December 31,
2013; and
7t" member Gary Laurant appointed by Resolution #2013-02 to a term
expiring December 31, 2014.
When Councilmember Budziszewski was appointed to fill the citizen representative
term earlier this year, the Council requested discussion of the future filling of this
position and how to provide for both City Council and citizen applicants simultaneously.
If the Council wishes to seek applicants from both councilmembers and residents, the
residents would go through the normal application process, including completing the
attached application form. If the Council determines to have a "citizen representative",
it is recommended that the Council reserve the second appointment to be one from
among qualified citizens but not have elected officials competing against citizens for the
second appointment. This would not be appropriate for councilmembers as they are
elected. However, it may be appropriate for councilmembers to submit their name and
interest in serving on the WMFD as the mandatory councilmember appointment (draft
attached).
I am assuming all candidates would be interviewed by the entire Council at a work
session, prior to the Council acting on an appointment.
As Councilmember Budziszewski's term expires at the end of the this year, the Council
should discuss how to proceed with filling this Board position.
Attach:
CofAL
APPLICATION FOR CITE" BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
SION
Return application to: 4141 Douglas Drive N, Crystal MN 55422
Fax: (763) 531-1188; Email: trudy.tassoni@crystalmn.gov.
Please check one: ❑ New Applicant ❑ Reappointment
Thank you for your interest in serving your community as a volunteer. Please indicate below the
board or commission which you would like to be appointed to. (Note eligibility requirements - a
member of a board or commission must be a lawful resident of Crystal and, if required, a resident
of the Council ward from which they are appointed.) Your application will be kept on file for one year.
❑ Charter Commission ❑ Parks & Recreation Commission (Ward )
❑ Employee Review Board ❑ Planning Commission (Ward )
❑ Environmental Quality Commission ❑ Watershed Mgt Organization — Bassett Creek
❑ Human Rights Commission ❑ Watershed Mgt Organization — Shingle Creek
❑ NW Hennepin Human Services Council ❑ West Metro Fire Board
PERSONAL AL IN OR A`I"ION (please a•int)
Name Length of residence in Crystal
First Middle Last
Street Address Zip
Home Phone Work Phone
Cell Email
Employer Occupation
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
ST
Why are you interested in serving on this City board or commission?
IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR COMMUNITY
What do you think are the most important issues facing our community over the next several
years?
Describe what issues and ideas you would like to see addressed by the board or commission you
would like to serve on.
I:\Commissions\Vacancies\Application For City Boards And Commissions -Doc Page 1 of 3
1' I N 'F` ', CIVIC, Oil VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Please list your volunteer experience.
ATTENDANCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Are you aware of the meeting schedule for this board or commission and are you able to attend
meetings regularly? Yes No
(For reappointments only: If you have not been able to attend meetings regularly, please explain:
A conflict of interest may arise by your participation in an activity, action, or decision from which
you receive or could potentially receive direct or indirect personal financial gain. Do you have any
legal or equitable interest in any business which, in the course of your participation on this board
or commission, could give rise to a conflict of interest? Yes No
(if yes, please provide details on a separate sheet of paper.)
As a board or commission member, what issue(s) might cause conflict between your civic
responsibility and personal or professional interests? How would you manage these conflicts?
NEW APPLICANTS ONLY:
Have you attended and observed a commission meeting for which you've made application?
Yes, on
(date of meeting)
Not yet, but I will attend a meeting on
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Describe your education and/or professional experience
(date of meeting)
I:\Commissions\Vacancies\Application For City Boards And Commissions -Doc Page 2 of 3
IMPOR` "AN`I` INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR APPLICATION
DATA PRIVACY NOTICE: Minnesota law requires that you be informed of the purposes and
intended use of the information you are providing on this application. Pursuant to Minn. Stat.
§13.601, your name, address, length of residence, occupation, education, training, civic affiliations,
qualifications, and experience are public data and is available to anyone who requests the
information.
The information you provide will be used to identify you as an applicant, enable us to contact you
when additional information is required, send you notices, and assess your qualifications for
appointment. This data is not legally required, but refusal to supply the information requested
may affect the City Council's ability to accurately evaluate your application.
Should you be appointed to a board or commission, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13.601, your
residential address will become public information. In addition, either a telephone number or
email address where you can be reached will become public. The purpose is to list contact
information for commission members on a public roster.
Please select which of the following you will allow listed on a public roster (you must select either
email or one phone number):
❑ EMAIL OR PHONE (may choose more than one): ❑ home ❑ work ❑ cell
❑ ALL OF THE ABOVE
I have read the data privacy notice given above and authorize investigation into all statements
contained in this application. Furthermore, 1 authorize the City of Crystal to conduct a criminal
history background check, pursuant to Crystal City Code Section 311.01, Subd. 2, for purposes of
determining my eligibility for a volunteer position with the City.
MN Driver's License or MN State ID Number:
If known by previous name, provide:
Applicant's signature
Date
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Process
Step 1 Complete an application
Step 2 Return the completed application to the administrative services coordinator
Step 3 Participate in a 15 -minute interview with the mayor or mayor pro tem, commission chair,
and council liaison of the commission
Step 4 New applicants only: attend a council meeting to be formally appointed to the commission
.................................................................................................................................................................................................... r
I:\Commissions\Vacancies\Application For City Boards And Commissions.Doc Page 3 of 3
APPLICATION FOR WEST METRO FIRE -RESCUE DISTRICT
CITYof
CRYSTAL BOARD
Return application to: 4141 Douglas Drive N, Crystal MN 55422
Fax: (763) 531-1188; Email: trudy.tassoni(@crystalmn.gov.
Please check one: ❑ New Applicant ❑ Reappointment
Thank you for your interest in serving as the Citizen Representative on the West Metro Fire Board.
PERSONAL A ., IFRMATION ease pi -int)
Name
First Last
Street Address Zip
Home Phone Work Phone
Cell Email
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Why are you interested in serving on the West Metro Fire -Rescue District Board?
Memorandum
CITY of
'CRYSTAL
DATE: August 12, 2013
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager CL&_/
SUBJECT: Draft Ordinance — Gun Control
Several councilmembers have asked about the city's policies and regulations regarding
gun control. Section 935 of the City Code addresses gun control by defining the types
of weapons that are prohibited in Crystal and when firearms may be carried and Section
945 of the City Code addresses the use of firearms. Because the state statutes provide
the regulatory framework for gun control, the City Attorney believes these provisions of
the City Code are likely not enforceable.
Attached is a draft ordinance deleting Section 935 from the City Code and amending
Section 945.01 to be consistent with State law.
City Attorney Mike Norton will be at the August 20 work session to answer questions on
the proposed ordinance.
Attach:
ORDINANCE NO. 2013 -
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO CHAPTER IX PUBLIC SAFETY:
REVISING LIMITS ON GUN CONTROL AND THE USE OF FIREARMS IN
THE CITY
The City of Crystal Does Ordain:
Section 1. Section 935 - Gun control of the Crystal City Code is amended by deleting
Section 935 in its entirety.
Section 2. Section 945 -Use of Firearms of the Crystal City Code is amended by revising
subsection 945.01 to read as follows:
945.01. Firearms. Subdivision 1. Permit. It is unlawful to shoot, discharge or explode any
firearm, cartridge or shell containing an explosive or air rifle within the corporate limits of
the city without first obtaining a written permit from the eit-y as required by Minnesota
Statutes sections 624.71- 624.719, as amended and as provided in this section 945.
Sec. 3. This ordinance is effective in accordance with Crystal City code, subsection
110.11.
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christina Serres, City Clerk
First Reading: , 2013
Second Reading: , 2013
Summary Publication: ,2013
Effective Date: , 2013
428567v MTN CR205-30
Memorandum
CITY of
;CRYSTAL
DATE: August 13, 2013
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager er L�'
SUBJECT: Quad -City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Initiative
As you are probably aware, the cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope and
Robbinsdale are working together on the Quad -City Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
initiative. The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program is an effort to create a network of
support for returning military service members and their families with resources,
services and training. There are requirements for communities to meet to become
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon cities. There is currently a steering committee of
representatives across the four cities working on planning for how best to meet these
requirements.
Attached is general information on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.
Attach:
Home Page Page 1 of 1
What is Beyond the Yellow Ribbon?
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting
Servicemembers and their families with community support, training, services and resources.
1. Creating awareness through the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign and synchronizing sustainable community
support networks.
2. Connecting and coordinating organizations, agencies and companies to provide resources and support to
Servicemembers and their families.
3. Delivering a series of formal Yellow Ribbon Training events to Servicemembers and their families before, during
and after deployment.
4. Providing an opportunity for Minnesotans to support Servicemembers and their families.
http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/index.php?view=article&id=112:front-page-tester... 8/13/2013
i
Yellow Ribbon
Recognition Program
eeyondl the
Yellow Ribbon
What is a Yellow Ribbon Community?
A Yellow Ribbon Community unites key areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and
coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of creating access to resources that meet the
needs at the local level of Servicemembers, Veterans and Military Families across the state of Minnesota.
Why Become a Yellow Ribbon Community?
Since 9/11, thousands of Minnesotans have served our country. By developing a Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee and
partnering with local military leaders a commitment is made to taking action. Communities unite to honor, support and embrace
those affected by military deployments. The outward showing of support enables successful transition all the way home and
strengthens the partnership with local military entities. The community's effort transcends the military to any group in need and
builds a stronger, more compassionate community.
How to become a Yellow Ribbon Community?
In partnership with a Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee, each community will develop a sustainable Action Plan demonstrating
their commitment to Servicemembers, Veterans and Military Families. The community will identify and connect leaders in key
areas across the community, leverage existing support activities, meet specific needs of Servicemembers, Veterans and Military
Families and build awareness and commitment throughout the community and take action.
*Yellow Ribbon Community Key Areas:
• City Leaders hipNeterans Organizations/Civic Organizations/Local Military Entities
o Mayor and City Council
o Local military leaders/recruiters/unit representation
o City Administrator and Staff
o State Legislators
o VFW and Ladies Auxiliary
o Legion and Ladies Auxiliary
o County Veteran Service Officer
o Vietnam Vets/Paralyzed Veterans of America/Disabled American Vets/Purple Heart/Blue Star Mothers
o Local VA Programs/Organizations
o Rotary/Jaycees/Knights of Columbus/Kiwanis/Lions/Masons
o City Royalty
• K-12 Education/Youth Programs/Community Ed
o Superintendant and School Board (Public, Private and Charter Schools)
o Youth Sports Programs/Community Youth Programs
o Community Ed Leaders and Staff
o Boy/Girls Scouts
o County Library Leaders and Staff
o 4H Clubs
o YMCA/Boys and Girls Club
• Public Safety/Judicial
o Police Chief and Staff/Fire Chief and Staff/Emergency Services
o EMT Leaders
o Prosecutors/Defenders/Judges/Lawyers
• Businesses/Employers
o Local Business Associations
o Chamber of Commerce/Rotary Clubs
• Faith Based/Medical/Social Services/Volunteer Groups
o Church/Synagogue Representatives/Ministerial Associations
o Military Chaplains
o American Red Cross/United Way Associations
o Community Action Council/Community Support Organizations
o Medical and Mental Health Providers/Associations
*Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee represented in all areas. February 2013
r A�....,,
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
CITY LEADERSHIP
Minimum Service
Full support of Yellow Ribbon Community Program
efforts
Annual city leadership update of Yellow Ribbon
Steering Committee goals and objectives
Leader participation and awareness of military -specific
Crisis Intervention and Wellness Processes with
minimum partnership from local Public Safety and
Behavioral Health representatives
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Best Practices/Suggestions
• Updated on all aspects of support activities
• Communicate and recognize support activities
at city meetings/events
• Prominent presence of support efforts on city
website
• Connect military families to the Yellow Ribbon
Steering Committee
• Volunteer at support events
• Participate on YellowRibbon Steering
Committee as city representative
• Provide admin support from staff to Yellow
Ribbon Steering Committee
• Provide city benefits (waiving fees for
activities, providing print services, waiving fees
or providing discounts to military families for
city services, etc.)
• Create volunteer opportunities for city staff to
support Servicemembers, Veterans and military
families
• Create military -friendly employee support and
recruiting policies for city employees
• Ensure all city leaders and staff are informed
about Yellow Ribbon Community effort
• Create plan of support to local businesses
impacted by deployed employees
• Hold regular meetings with local military
leaders to identify partnership opportunities
• Create process for new residents to learn about
military support efforts
• Special council meeting to receive annual
update of Steering Committee progress
• Request annual report on committee initiatives
• Input into annual goals and objectives based on
community needs
• Create military -specific Crisis Intervention
process for all first responders and leaders
• Add military resources/support processes to
existing community crisis plans
• Create an accessible resource data base for
local veteran and military family support
• Host an educational seminar for the
community, city staff and leaders on crisis
intervention and wellness processes
• Host resource speakers to educate on needs of
Servicemembers, Veterans and military
families
• Engage all key areas to partner on developing a
crisis intervention process
• Provide access to local counseling resources
• Create crisis resource cards for all city leaders
2
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
YELLOW RIBBON STEERING COMMITTEE
Minimum Service
Best Practices/Suggestions
Creation of Steering Committee with representation
• Ensure representation from all key areas
from all key community areas
responsible for communication and input of
support activities/events
• Professional organization of meetings;
consistent meeting time and location, meeting
agenda, meeting minutes, effective time
management
• Communicate meeting minutes and agenda to
key city leaders and the public
• Full partnership with local military leaders,
Family Readiness Group Leaders, Family
Assistance Center Specialists, County Veteran
Service Officers and local Employment Reps
Regular meetings with annual goals and objectives to
0 Set standard day, time and location for meeting
meet community needs
• Develop process to meet specific needs of
servicemembers, veterans, military families
• Create sustainability of coordination of support
efforts throughout community
• Create ongoing communication processes with
local military leaders
• Set annual goals and objectives to meet needs
in the community
• Invite community partners to meetings to hear
about needs in the community
Continuous commitment to identify, support and meet
0 Host booth at all community events
the needs of servicemembers, veterans, military
0 Develop a communication/marketing plan
families in local area
specific to reaching military families
• Provide volunteers to work community events
• Synchronize volunteer groups within the
community to activate support
• Create community events for military
families/veterans to come together
• Create data base of all military in community
• Create call lists to check in with identified
families -be proactive in support offers (call
before the snow falls to get snow shoveling set
up, arrange raking before the leaves fall)
• Partner with all areas within community to
provide support activities/events
• Create support groups for military families
• Establish partnership with local media
• Regular baseline needs review with local
military leader
• Ongoing plan to assess needs of local
employers impacted by military deployments
• Partner with local licensed childcare providers
to offer assistance/back up care to military
families
• Host monthly veteran dinners
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Annual review of Yellow Ribbon Community Action
0 Review with city leaders or at town hall
Plan
meeting
• Create written annual report to track progress
and measure success
• Publish successes to military families to
highlight commitment and demonstrate
sustainability
• Use to create annual focus areas and objectives
based on military service member and family
needs.
• Create annual goals and objectives based on the
needs determined within local community
Continuous commitment to create community awareness
a Host veteran or military family member
and to increase community acceptance and involvement
speakers to educate on reintegration/military
with servicemembers, veterans and military families
family issues
• Host local military leader speakers to update on
military service member and family needs,
status of military deployments, identified
military needs/challenges
• Host social service professionals to educate on
identified military needs/challenges
• Group viewings of applicable media (IE: To
Iraq and Back, Military specific movies)
• Host Town Hall discussion forums /expert
panels
• Invite local Family Assistance Center
Specialists or County Veteran Service Officer
to educate on military family needs and ways to
assist
• Ensure library has print resources available on
military family and reintegration issues
• Establish visible signs of support throughout
the community (Flags/Shop window clings,etc)
• Communicate resource needs of local military
• Regular info articles in local newspaper
• Steering committee float or booth at city
celebrations
A "Welcome Home" for all Servicemembers
• Plan a community Welcome Home ceremony
• Sponsor picnic/party for families
• Incorporate servicemembers in City
Celebrations (IE:Grand Marshall)
• Community representation at Welcome Home
ceremony or airport
• Welcome home card from City Leaders, the
public and Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee
• Host community picnic to recognize those who
have come home
• Host Welcome Home event for Vietnam
Veterans
Entry of Yellow Ribbon Community on Family Care
Create or connect local volunteer groups and businesses
Initiative website
and register on the Military Family Care Initiative
Website:
https://www.militai-yfamilies.state.inn.us/
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
PUBLIC SAFETY/JUDICIAL
Minimum Service
Best Practices/Suggestions
Representation of public safety on Yellow Ribbon
Representatives committed to Yellow Ribbon
Steering Committee
Community responsible to engage all public safety
personnel within the community either by representation
or communicating Steering Committee activities.
Continuous commitment to identify and support
. Hold public safety Open House for military
servicemembers, veterans and military families
families
• Incorporate military family identification and
support plan in National Night Out activities
• Create a Yellow Ribbon House Check Program
for families with a deployed servicemember
• Develop public safety mentors for military
children
• Attend military support groups in the schools to
develop relationships with military children
• Mentor veterans interested in public safety
careers
• Participate in Welcome Home ceremonies
• Support our Troops decal or license plates on
all public safety vehicles.
• Provide public safety volunteers for support
events/military family assistance
• Provide drug/alcohol education to military
families
• Offer free birthday parties for children of
deployed Servicemembers at fire or police
station
• Develop plan for School Resource Officer
support to military children in schools
• Offer "safety checks" of houses prior to a
deployment to ensure family safety
Defined, sustainable and ongoing training/awareness
. Annual formal, POST board certified training
program for all public safety personnel
on reintegration issues
• Maintain local military referral resource list
• Maintain relationship with local County
Veteran Service Officer -invite to meet public
safety team and educate on issues/trend across
the state
• Maintain relationship with local armory leader
to be educated on issues/trends
• Participation in Yellow Ribbon Steering
Committee events
• Educate all employees on veterans court
program in county
Ongoing process to respond to servicemember, veterans
. Educate public safety personnel on issues
and military family issues within the community
unique within the community
• Train personnel on crisis intervention
techniques unique to veterans
• Develop or become aware of specialized
Veteran Court programs
• Become involved in Veterans Courts -mentor
through court process
• Create a condolence care plan to assist a
military family with the loss of a loved one
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS
Minimum Service
Best Practices/Suggestions
Representation of faith based organizations on Yellow
Representatives committed to Yellow Ribbon Network
Ribbon Steering Committee
responsible to engage all faith based organizations
within the community either by representation or
communicating Steering Committee activities.
Continuous, ongoing partnership and participation with
• Create volunteer corps in individual faith based
Yellow Ribbon Community Program
organizations that can be called upon for
support
• Create data base of specialized skills that can
be made available to military families for
"chore support" (handymen, professionals to
help with job prep, plumbers, electricians, etc)
• Host veteran or military family events/meals
• Host childcare events for military families or
create access to licensed child care
• Provide marriage and family counseling to
military families
• Provide proactive financial planning classes to
military families
• Provide free transportation to military children
for youth events, bible studies, vacation bible
schools
• Provide marriage and family retreats for
military families
• Waive church fees for events, classes, activities
for military families
• Host Family Readiness Group meetings and
provide childcare
• Use faith based networks to provide meals to
military families
• Hold military appreciation and recognition
services. Create visible signs of support
internally and externally
• Adopt a local unit and support them and their
families
• Host military family speakers to share stories
• Create a condolence care plan for families
impacted by a military loss
• Market local military support efforts in all
church communication methods
• Form prayer groups for military families
• Host bible studies for military families and
provide childcare
• Create mentor program for military kids
• Create military appreciation bulletin boards or
space in church communications
• Provide employment counseling and resources
and/or proactive career planning/job seeking
skill classes to Veterans and military families
• Provide opportunities for free legal
support/advice
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS/CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Minimum Service
Best Practices/Suggestions
Representation of veteran organizations on Yellow
Representatives committed to the Yellow Ribbon
Ribbon Steering Committee
Community Program responsible to engage all veteran
organizations within the community either by
representation or communicating Steering Committee
activities.
Recognition and honor events in partnership with
• Incorporate local Yellow Ribbon efforts in
Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee
veteran recognition events
• Offer educational opportunities to honor and
recognize
• Invite steering committee to planning meetings
Full support and participation in Yellow Ribbon
. Host fundraisers to support military family
Recognition Program
events
• Communicate any veteran issues/trends to
Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee to address
• Incorporate Steering Committee updates at
regular meetings and publications
• Offer food/beverage discounts to military
families
• Build ongoing relationships with local armory
full time staff and drill units
• Communicate veterans benefits and services to
local veterans and YR Steering Committee
• Provide financial assistance to support military
support network events
• Create network of volunteers to assist military
families
• Host Family Readiness Groups and provide
child care
• Educate and engage all post members on
support efforts
• Create community volunteer opportunities to
help Veterans/Military Families
• Host a BBQ or breakfast at local armory during
drill weekend
• Partner with local recruiters to recognize
citizens who enter military service
• Keep local military leader updated on
issues/trends within the community
Process for identification of servicemembers, veterans
• Develop mentor program between older and
and military families within the community
younger veterans
• Create plan for identifying all local military
• Host ongoing military couple date night or
veteran dinner with free food and drink
• Partner with local armory for events/gather
ideas to support
• Work with state veteran organization local
military leaders to gather identification
information
• Create self -identification option on registration
form for new members
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
B USINESSES/EMPL O YERS
Minimum Service
Best Practice/Suggestions
Representation of businesses/employers on Yellow
Representatives committed to the Yellow Ribbon
Ribbon Steering Committee
Community responsible to engage all
businesses/employers within the community either by
representation or communicating Steering Committee
activities.
Full support of servicemembers, veterans and military
• Offer discounts, space or free services to
families
military families or support events
• Partner with local community leaders to
support businesses impacted by a deployment
• Provide quality employment opportunities
• Ensure all HR staff and leaders are updated on
USERRA laws and regulations
• Create corps of volunteers who can be called
upon to aide service members, veterans and
their families
• Offer networking, proactive career planning
and job seeking skills training
• Create strong veteran recruiting programs
• Train HR personnel on military issues/hiring
• Provide Job Coach Mentors to returning
veterans
• Create military appreciation events and partner
with others in the business community to do the
same
• Create military appreciation displays
• Partner with local colleges or career centers to
support military job seekers
• Offer volunteers to local workforce centers
Full support of servicemembers, veterans and military
• Create military -friendly policies and procedures
family employees
for employees impacted by a military
deployment
• Create support groups for military families
• Extend bereavement leave policy for Gold Star
Families
• Create military -friendly community outreach
opportunities for employees
• Create vacation donation program for
employees or spouses impacted by a military
leave or injury
• Develop support plans for employees impacted
by a military deployment
• Educate managers on best practices for full
support of an employee impacted by a military
deployment and awareness of USERRA laws
• Create Veteran hiring and recruiting programs
• Design a company Wall of Heroes
• Create military appreciation events throughout
the organization
• Partner with other businesses and local colleges
to host a job fair for returning veterans
3
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
SOCIAL SERVICE/MEDICAL PROVIDERS
Minimum Service
Best Practice/Suggestions
Representation of social service/medical providers on
Representatives committed to the Yellow Ribbon
Yellow Ribbon Steering Committee
Community Program responsible to engage all Social
Service/Medical providers within the community either
by representation or communicating Steering Committee
activities.
Engage participation in Tricare coverage for medical
. Identify Primary Care Clinics and mental health
and mental health providers to meet the needs of the
professionals enrolled in Tricare
Tricare community and provide access to local
. Provide training to potential Tricare providers
counseling resources
9 Community recognition and marketing of
participating providers to military families
• Partnership with local counseling resources to
be made available to veterans/military families
• Medical provider represented on committee
Full support of servicemembers, veterans and military
• Provide ongoing training to medical staff on
families
unique challenges of military families
• Offer free or reduce services to military
families
• Offer counseling services to employers
impacted by a military crisis
a Improve access to counseling for drug or
alcohol abuse, marriage counseling, parenting
and relationship issues
• Create corps of volunteer employees who can
be called upon to assist military families
• Provide free psychological and social service
support services
• Provide proactive education to military families
prior to deployment
• Train local public safety and city leaders on
crisis intervention techniques
a Create local resource directory for public safety
personnel and city leaders
• Create military -friendly policies and procedures
for employees impacted by a military
deployment
• Create military -friendly community outreach
opportunities for employees
• Create veteran recruiting programs
• Provide resource list to city leaders
• Partner with community leaders to create crisis
plan
• Donate counseling services to families dealing
with a military injury or death
• Partner with local armory leader to hold
education or counseling sessions during drill
weekends
• Create resource list for public safety or network
to access of mental health providers within the
area with specialized skills to provide crisis
services
• Post Yellow Ribbon Network info at site
,, 10
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Minimum Services and Best Practices for Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program
EDUCATION/YOUTFI
Minimum Service
Best Practice/Suggestions
Representation of school district on Yellow Ribbon
Representatives committed to the Yellow Ribbon
Steering Committee
Community Program responsible to engage all schools
and school leaders within the community by
communicating Steering Committee activities.
Plan to identify military families within the school
0 Invite YR Network to host informational booth
district
at all school events
• Host military family events
• Hold military appreciation at sports events
• Create check box in registration materials for
military families to voluntarily identify
themselves
• Advertise local Yellow Ribbon support efforts
within school communications
Full support of servicemembers, veterans and military
. Hold annual recognition ceremony for
families
graduates entering the Armed Forces
• Offer Community Education classes on
financial planning, career planning or parenting
• Provide communication opportunities for
families to connect with deployed family
members (ie; video conferencing, Skype)
• Engage school groups to provide volunteers for
support opportunities
• Participate in patriotic youth programs through
local veteran organizations
• Enhance curriculum to include military
deployment impact on families
• Student groups participating in local
community recognition events
• Waive or reduce fees for military families
• Provide transportation to military children for
free library programs/military support
camps/local sports camps
• Develop military teen support group with focus
on community service and leadership
Full support of servicemember, veterans and military
. Create military -friendly policies and procedures
family employees
for employees impacted by a military
deployment
• Create military -friendly community outreach
opportunities for employees
• Create veteran recruiting programs
• Train HR on military specific issues
Defined, sustainable and ongoing training/awareness
• Offer formal CEU credit training on military
program for all school personnel
family issues
• Speakers or organization booths at staff events
• Educate staff on military support resources
available to military families
• Increase awareness of school staff on military
family support issues
• Create a condolence care plan for dealing with
a military loss
` 11
Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon
Yellow Ribbon Communities Page 1 of 4
M
What is a Yellow Ribbon Community?
A Yellow Ribbon Community unites all areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects
and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting
Servicemembers and military families.
Since the first community was proclaimed Yellow Ribbon in 2008, several have been operating as 501(c)(3) charitable
organizations. Additionally, many others are in the process of becoming 501(c)(3).
Why become a Yellow Ribbon Community?
Since 9/11, thousands of Minnesotans have served the country.
By developing a Yellow Ribbon Network, communities unite to
honor and embrace those affected by military deployments. The
outward showing of support enables successful transition all the
way home. The community's effort transcends the military to any
group in need and builds a stronger, more compassionate
community.
How to become a Yellow Ribbon City?
Each community will develop a sustainable action plan
demonstrating their commitment to Servicemembers and military
families. The community will identify and connect leaders in key
areas across the community, leverage existing support activities,
build awareness throughout the community and take action.
How to find your local Yellow Ribbon contact?
Below you will see a list of proclaimed Yellow Ribbon Cities. If your city is not listed, that doesn't mean work hasn't
begun. Check the Yellow Ribbon Cities/Counties Contact Sheet to see if a committee has been formed in your
community.
Find out how to connect with a Yellow Ribbon Network in your area by contacting the Family Assistance Center
nearest you.
• Logo Usage Guide
• Yellow Ribbon Community Requirements & Best Practices
• Yellow Ribbon Recognition Program 16 -Step Process
Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign Video
• Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign Brochure
• Yellow Ribbon Action Plan Template
• Yellow Ribbon Network Checklist
• How to Social Media Marketing Guide
click here to download the logo and view photos.
Proclaimed Yellow Ribbon Cities
If your city is not listed below, that doesn't mean work hasn't begun. Find out how you can connect with a Yellow
Ribbon Network near you by contacting your local Family Assistance Center.
Some cities have joined together to form one network.
http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/yellow-ribbon-community-campaign?tmpl=compo... 8/13/2013
Yellow Ribbon Communities
• Afton
• Alexandria
• Appleton
• Amboy
• Austin
• Baxter
• Baytown Township
• Bemidji
• Bird Island
• Brooklyn Park
• Buckman
• Buffalo
• Buffalo Lake
• Butterfield
• Chaska
• Chisholm
• Cold Spring
• Courtland
• Danube
• Darfur
• Dawson
• Detroit Lakes
• Dunnel
• Eagle lake
• Elk River
• Fairmont
• Farmington
• Forest Lake
• Good Thunder
• Grand Rapids
• Hector
• Heidelberg
• Hibbing
• Inver Grove Heights
• Jordan
• Kilkenny
• Lake Crystal
• Lakefield
• Lakeland Shores
• Lake St. Croix Beach
• La Salle
• Lastrup
• Lewiston
• Louisburg
• Madison
• Mahtomedi
• Maple Grove
• Mapleton
• Minnesota City
• Montevideo
• Moorhead
• Motley
• Albert Lea
• Alpha
• Apple Valley
• Bayport
• Belle Plaine
• Blaine
• Bowlus
• Burnsville
• Brainerd
• Ceylon
• Chanhassen
• Cleveland
• Cobden
• Cottage Grove
• Comfrey
• Crookston
• Dassel
• Duluth
• Eagan
• Eden Valley
• Elmdale
• Elysian
• Evan
• Fairfax
• Faribault
• Fergus Falls
• Franklin
• Goodview
• Granada
• Hanska
• Harding
• Hastings
• Heron Lake
• Hugo
• Jackson
• Kasota
• Lafayette
• Lake Elmo
• Lakeland
• Lakeville
• La Center
• La Sueur
• Lewisville
• Long Prairie
• Little Falls
• Litchfield
• Madelia
• Madison Lake
• Mankato
• Marshall
• Minnesota Lake
• Monticello
http ://www.beyondtheyellowribbon. org/yellow-ribbon-community-campaign?tmpl=compo
Yage L of 4
8/13/2013
Yellow Ribbon Communities
• Nassau
• Montgomery
• New Ulm
• Morris
• Nicollet
• Morton
• Northrop
• New Prague
• Oak Park Heights
• North Mankato
• Okabena
• Oakdale
• Owatonna
• Odin
• Pierz
• Olivia
• Pine City
• Ormsby
• Plymouth
• Pemberton
• Renville
• Prior Lake
• Richfield
• Randall
• Rockville
• Red Wing
• Rollingstone
• Richmond
• Sartell
• Rochester
• Sauk Centre
• Rosemount
• Savage
• Royalton
• Sherburn
• Sacred Heart
• Skyline
• Sauk Rapids
• Sleepy Eye
• Shakopee
• Sobieski
• Sioux Valley
• Springfield
• South St. Paul
• Spring Lake Park
• St. Augusta
• St. Charles
• St. Claire
• St. Cloud
• St. Mary's Point
• St. James
• St. Joseph
• St. Paul
• St. Peter
• Stillwater
• Swanville
• Trimont
• Thief River Falls
• Upsala
• Truman
• Utica
• Vernon Center
• Wadena
• Waite Park
• Waterville
• Watkins
• Welcome
• West Lakeland Township
• West St. Paul
• Wilder
• Willmar
• Winona
• Woodbury
rage 3 of 4
Nearly 200 cities, counties and businesses have been proclaimed Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, recognizing their
support of Servicemembers and their families.
Y�I.1ow._ ibb.grl.._ rctcittct .
While we can't endorse one specific vendor, we'd like to share with you some Minnesota companies that have
produced Yellow Ribbon products in mass to help networks in our state-wide awareness campaign.
Car Magnets, Table Cloths, Pens and T -Shirts
• Specialty Promotions - 651-653-9530
• Spartan Promotional Group - 651-769-1313
• Heritage Embroidery & Design - 651-430-9220
For information on how to get your city population sign, find instructions here.
http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon. org/yellow-ribbon-community-campaign?tmpl=compo... 8/13/2013
Yellow Ribbon Communities
Page 4 of 4
For more information on becoming a Yellow Ribbon City, contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Outreach
Support.
l..a.yt Updated on Friday, 12 JUIy 2013 09:45
http : //www. bey o ndthey e llowribbon. org/yellow-ribbon-community-campaign?tmpl=compo... 8/13/2013