2016.01.19 Council Meeting Packet
Posted: January 15, 2016
CITY OF CRYSTAL
City Council Meetings
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
MEETING SCHEDULE
Time Type of Meeting Location
6:00 p.m. Citizen Input Time Conference Room A
6:30 p.m. Reception for newly appointed and promoted
officers Community Room
6:30 p.m.
1st Council Work Session to discuss:
• Amendments to Chapter 3 of the City
Code (based on comments from the
City Code Review Task Force)
Conference Room A
7:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Council Chambers
Immediately
following the
Regular City
Council Meeting
2nd City Council Work Session to discuss:
• City Strategic Communications Plan
• Review of 3 strikes/rental licensing
enforcement
• Annual review of Council rules
• Discuss request for task force –
Constitution Week
• Constituent issues update
• New business
• Announcements
Conference Room A
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: January 15, 2016
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
FIRST WORK SESSION AGENDA
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
6:30 p.m.
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the first work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on Tuesday,
January 19, 2016 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Deshler ____ Norris
____ Kolb ____ Therres
____ Libby ____ Revering
____ Parsons ____ Gilchrist
____ Peak ____ Serres
____ Adams
____ Dahl
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda item:
1. Amendments to Chapter 3 of the City Code (based on comments from the City Code
Review Task Force)
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763)
531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
1
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE WORK OF THE CODE REVIEW TASK FORCE
January 19, 2016 City Council Work Session
CHAPTER 3
SECTION TASK FORCE
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENTS ATTORNEY
RECOMMENDATION
COUNCIL
DIRECTION
305.09 Amend section to include clear
guidelines for commissions.
Have specific objectives and
membership set by resolution;
keep general commission
information in the City Code
Council Member Kolb proposed
having the Council specify
details regarding the commission
or task force in the establishment
resolution. He also proposed
language for the organization
and governance of commissions
/ task forces
If the Council agrees, I can work with
the language proposed by Council
Member Kolb to address the issues
raised both by the Task Force and the
Council. We need to be careful about
not stating something in the general
provisions that may conflict with
statutory provisions that apply to
particular commissions (i.e., the
planning commission).
305.17, subd.
4
Council should discuss its
expectations of the Council
liaison and whether a liaison is
appropriate for all commissions.
Agreed the liaison should have
no vote.
Policy decision for the Council
to decide.
If the Council agrees with the approach
of requiring a formal resolution that
sets out certain information when
establishing a commission, it could
address the liaison issue as part of that
document.
305.25 Eliminate Youth Commission.
The Council should look at how
it can involve youth generally
and consider adding youth to the
Parks and Rec and Human rights
Commissions.
Policy decision for the Council
to decide.
Eliminating a named commission
would be in keeping with the Task
Force’s recommendation to be more
generic in this Chapter and then leave
it to the Council to decide which
commissions it will have and to
prescribe their duties.
305.33 Council consider whether there
is a need for an Economic
Development Authority
Commission
Policy decision for the Council
to decide.
Same comment as above.
2
306.09, subd.
7
Remove 10th factor, “any other
factors appropriate for a just
result.”
The factor gives flexibility to a hearing
officer to consider things that may be
important to reaching a proper
decision. Recommend maintaining the
provision.
306.15 Add language for administrative
discretion depending on
circumstances in issuing fines.
General sense of need to avoid
unnecessarily harsh penalties.
There were two objections to
this recommendation that
focused on the need to
effectively address violations.
Deals with automatic percentage
increase in late fees and charges.
Also, Task Force wants to make
it is consistent with state law and
include eligibility to seek a
deferral.
Uniformity in fees and charges is
important and they cannot be
unreasonable. Otherwise it is up to the
Council to determine if the current
percentage increases need to be
changed.
310.03 Delete section. Adds nothing to
the Code.
Sets out the Charter
Commission’s intention
regarding the abolishment of the
civil service commission.
This can be done and perhaps some
language added to 310.01 to express
any needed intent.
311.01 Clarify as to who is subject to it. Deals with computerized
criminal background checks.
This section needs to be reviewed in
order to update it as needed to ensure it
complies with current laws. This
section can indicate the situations in
which they will be conducted, but we
likely cannot identify every situation.
315 Council should review purpose
of the employee review board
and perhaps direct to the charter
commission
This board is provided for in the
Charter.
The Code needs to remain consistent
with the Charter.
315.01 Needs editing, sentences are
redundant.
Can rework to clarify.
320-321 Need to be rewritten to reflect
the joint powers agreement and
bylaws of West Metro Fire-
Rescue District
We can review the current joint powers
agreement and bylaws and make sure
ordinance is in compliance.
3
325.03 Clarify language regarding
notice of sale to owner of
property. Want effort made to
identify the owner of the
property before disposing of it.
Can add language to make reasonable
attempts to locate owner or to notify
owner. Also recommend changing
language to make to make it consistent
with Minn. Stat. § 471.195.
335.01, subd.
1 and 2
Needs to be consistent with State
law. Attorney to research/define
whether special assessments
include delinquent accounts and
if those assessments qualify for
deferral.
Will compare with current law and
make changes as needed to be
consistent.
335.03
subd(b)
Add information to website
noting where property
information can be found.
No action needed in Code to do this.
340 City Attorney to review whether
there is a need for the domestic
partnership provision given
recent changes in law.
There are circumstances where this
provision can still be applied. Couples
may live together but not be married.
If the reference is removed, we will
need to check for references to
“domestic partnership” throughout the
Code to determine effect of a change.
City Charter
Section 2.02. Boards and Commissions. There are no separate administrative boards or commissions except boards and commissions
established for the administration of a municipal function jointly with another political subdivision. The council performs the duties
and exercises the powers of administrative boards or commissions. The council may by ordinance establish boards or commissions to
advise the council with respect to any municipal function or activity, to investigate any subject of interest to the city, or to perform
quasi-judicial functions.
Section 6.07. Employee Review Board. The city council must by ordinance establish a review board to hear and rule on non-
organized employee grievances as defined by the ordinance after normal grievance procedures have been completed. The membersh ip,
terms, qualifications, powers, duties and procedures of the review board must be fixed by the ordinance. Members of the boa rd are
recommended by the manager and appointed by the city council.
City Council Meeting Agenda
January 19, 2016
7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers
THE CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS ARE BOLDED.
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Council will consider approval of the agenda.*
3. APPEARANCES
3.1 The Mayor will swear in Deputy Chief Doug Leslin, Lieutenant Pete Underthun,
Sergeant Adam Harrer, and Police Officers Jon Kurtz and Andy Robles.
4. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Council will consider the minutes from the following meetings in a single motion:
a. The Regular City Council Meeting from January 5, 2016; and
b. The Council Work Sessions from January 5, 2016; and
c. The Council Work Session from January 14, 2016.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
The Council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in
nature, in a single motion:
5.1 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the City Clerk to the City
Council, a list that is on file in the office of the City Clerk;
5.2 Approval of a resolution accepting the following donations:
a. Crystal Employee Holiday Party: Paster Properties - $500
b. Crystal Police Explorers: Buffalo Wild Wings - $74.66 and West Metro Fire
Relief Association - $500
c. Crystal Police K-9 Unit: Crystal Crime Prevention Board - $1,162.25;
K-9 Donation Boxes - $474.43; Heather Rende - $15; and Peggy Young - $15
d. Crystal Police Reserves: Allina Health Systems - $100
5.3 Approval of setting a date and time for the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2016;
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda
January 19, 2016
5.4 Approval of the 2015 Pay Equity Report for the City of Crystal;
5.5 Approval of a resolution appointing the firm Kern, DeWenter and Viere for auditing
services for the 2015 financial statements;
5.6 Approval of a summary of December 15 closed meeting to conduct the
performance evaluation of the city manager; and
5.7 Authorize execution of contract with city manager.
6. OPEN FORUM
(Open forum is an opportunity for persons in attendance to address the Council regarding
items of concern. Each person will be allowed three minutes to speak and no items may be
addressed for more than ten minutes. No Council action may be taken on any items brought
before the Council on Open Forum. The Council may place items brought before it on Open
Forum in agendas for subsequent Council meetings and staff reports may be required.)
7. REGULAR AGENDA
7.1 The Council will consider approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the
Finance Director to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the Finance
Director.
Recommend approval of disbursements over $25,000.
7.2 The Council will consider two resolutions on a proposal to create a separate parcel
at the north end of 5537 West Broadway (Target) and build a 5,000 sq. ft.
commercial building to be addressed as 5547 West Broadway.
a. Consider a resolution approving the preliminary and final plat of Cardinal Court
2nd Addition, site and buildings plans, conditional use permits and a variance at
5537 West Broadway
b. Consider a resolution approving a sign variance for 6801 56th Avenue North
The Target site at 5537 West Broadway is 11.5 acres in size. Paster
Properties (owner of adjacent Crystal Shopping Center) is proposing to
subdivide a 1 acre parcel from the Target site for a new 5,000 square foot
commercial building. Conditional use permits are required for a drive-
through, outdoor dining and adjusted parking requirements. Variances are
requested for lot coverage on the Target site and an off-premise Target sign
at the Crystal Shopping Center. The Planning Commission held a public
hearing on the application at its January 11 meeting and recommended
approval subject to the findings and conditions outlined in the staff report.
7.3 The Council will consider a resolution ordering the preparation of the 2016 Alley
Reconstruction Feasibility report.
Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda
January 19, 2016
In order to complete this year’s alley reconstruction project (3 alleys in
Welcome Neighborhood), Council action on ordering the feasibility report is
necessary. Recommend approval of the resolution ordering preparation of
the 2016 alley reconstruction project feasibility report.
8. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. The Crystal Business Association meets on Wednesday, January 20, at 8:30 a.m.
at Crystal City Hall.
b. A community meeting for Bass Lake Road station area planning is January 25,
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. N.
c. Quad Cities Beyond the Yellow Ribbon bowling fundraiser is Sunday, January 31
at Doyle’s Bowling & Lounge beginning at 10:30 a.m.
d. The next City Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, in the
Council Chambers at City Hall.
e. Girl and Boy Scout troops interested in leading the pledge at future regular City
Council meetings may contact city staff for information.
f. All City Council meetings and work sessions are open to the public as well as
recorded and available for viewing or listening at www.crystalmn.gov.
9. ADJOURNMENT
10. MEETING SCHEDULE ON JANUARY 19, 2016
Time Type of Meeting Location
6:00 p.m. Citizen Input Time Conference Room A
6:30 p.m. Reception for newly appointed and promoted
officers Community Room
6:30 p.m.
1st Council Work Session to discuss:
• Amendments to Chapter 3 of the City
Code (based on comments from the
City Code Review Task Force)
Conference Room A
7:00 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Council Chambers
Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda
January 19, 2016
Immediately
following the
Regular City
Council Meeting
2nd City Council Work Session to discuss:
• City Strategic Communications Plan
• Review of 3 strikes/rental licensing
enforcement
• Annual review of Council rules
• Discuss request for task force –
Constitution Week
• Constituent issues update
• New business*
• Announcements*
Conference Room A
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; see you at Tuesday’s meeting.
3.1
Crystal City Council Work Session Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 1 of 1
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the first work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal,
Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
I. ATTENDANCE
The city clerk recorded the attendance with the following members:
COUNCIL:
Present: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak, and Adams.
Absent: Libby.
STAFF: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager K. Therres, Public
Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray, Police Chief S. Revering, City Attorney T. Gilchrist
and City Clerk C. Serres.
OTHER: Human Rights Commission Chair Sandra Harb.
II. AGENDA
The Council and staff discussed the following agenda item:
1. Projects and assignments with Human Rights Commission.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The work session adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
______________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 1 of 7
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Regular Meeting of the Crystal City Council was
held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4141 Douglas
Drive in Crystal, Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Adams asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the city
clerk recorded the following attendance:
COUNCIL:
Present: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent: Libby.
STAFF: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager K.
Therres, Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray, Community Development Director J.
Sutter, City Planner D. Olson, Police Chief S. Revering, City Attorney T. Gilchrist and City
Clerk C. Serres.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Adams led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Council considered approval of the agenda.
Moved by Councilmember Dahl and seconded by Councilmember Peak to approve the
agenda, with the following change: add an agenda item to the beginning of the Regular
Agenda, in order to allow several residents to speak about an issue.
Motion carried.
3. APPEARANCES
3.1 The West Metro Fire Auxiliary’s outgoing president, Liz Adams, addressed the Council
and announced the following 2015 Crystal Sparkles contest award winners:
• 1st place winner – Justin Youngbluth, 6716 Fairview Avenue North
• 2nd place winner – George MccLure, 6324 Fairview Avenue North
3.2 Police Chief S. Revering addressed the Council and presented the Police Chief’s Award
to Peter and Mary Wiggins, whose efforts helped the police recover stolen property.
4. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Council considered the minutes from the following meetings in a single motion:
a. The Regular City Council Meeting from December 15, 2015; and
b. The Council Work Sessions from December 15, 2015.
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Councilmember Dahl to approve the
above minutes in a single motion.
Motion carried.
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 2 of 7
5. CONSENT AGENDA
The Council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in
nature, in a single motion:
5.1 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the City Clerk to the City
Council, a list that is on file in the office of the City Clerk;
5.2 Approval of Resolution No. 2016-02 accepting a donation of $200.00 from Jean Mehr to
the Crystal K-9 Unit Fund;
5.3 Approval of Resolution No. 2016-03 designating Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. – Crystal
Branch as the City’s official depository for the year 2016;
5.4 Approval of designating the Sun Post as the primary legal newspaper and the Star
Tribune as the secondary legal newspaper for the City of Crystal in 2016;
5.5 Approval of Resolution No. 2016-04 appointing the Assistant W eed Inspector;
5.6 Approval of Resolution No. 2016-05, an agreement with Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services for force main sanitary sewer maintenance in Phase 15; and
5.7 Approval of the annual city staff appointments for 2016:
a. Hennepin County Recycling Group: City Manager Anne Norris;
b. Metro Cities representative and alternate: Mayor Jim Adams and City Manager
Anne Norris;
c. LOGIS Board Member and alternate: City Manager Anne Norris and Finance
Director Charles Hansen;
d. Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission members:
Councilmember Julie Deshler and City Manager Anne Norris; and
e. PUPS Board Member and alternate: Police Chief Stephanie Revering and Deputy
Chief Doug Leslin.
Moved by Councilmember Dahl and seconded by Councilmember Parsons to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
6. OPEN FORUM
No public comment was given during Open Forum.
7. REGULAR AGENDA
7.1 The Council received comment regarding a rental license at 2950 Edgewood Avenue
North. The following residents addressed the Council:
• Shannon Sawyer, Shawn Oetjen, and Leif Engwall spoke on behalf of several
residents in the Valley Place neighborhood regarding concerns about recent activity
at the property.
The Council will discuss this matter at an upcoming work session.
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 3 of 7
7.2 The Council considered approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the
Finance Director to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the Finance
Director.
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Councilmember Dahl to approve the
list of disbursements over $25,000.
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried.
7.3 The Council considered a resolution approving a conditional use permit for Robbinsdale
Area Schools to locate an educational facility in the Crystal Shopping Center.
City Planner D. Olson addressed the Council. Al Ickler, Executive Director of Community
Education for Robbinsdale Area Schools, and John Kohler, VP of Development and
Construction for Paster Properties, answered questions.
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Councilmember Dahl to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 06
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6801 56TH AVENUE NORTH
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
bsent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.3 The Council considered a resolution approving Police Equipment Revolving Fund
(PERF) expenditure for purchase of two police patrol vehicles.
Police Chief S. Revering addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Peak and seconded by Councilmember Parsons to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 07
APPROVING POLICE EQUIPMENT REVOLVING FUND EXPENDITURE FOR PURCHASE OF TWO POLICE PATROL VEHICLES
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 4 of 7
7.4 The Council considered a resolution authorizing 2016 Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Fund expenditure for the purchase of an asset management system.
Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Deshler and seconded by Councilmember Dahl to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 08
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF AN
ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.5 The Council considered a resolution authorizing 2016 Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Fund expenditure for the purchase of a Utilities Division Unit #447 dump truck.
Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Parsons and seconded by Councilmember Peak to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 09
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A
UTILITIES DIVISION DUMP TRUCK
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.6 The Council considered a resolution authorizing 2016 Permanent Improvement Program
(PIR) Fund expenditure for the purchase of a Street Division Unit #305 bucket truck.
Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Mayor Adams and seconded by Councilmember Dahl to adopt the following
resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 10
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A
STREET DIVISION BUCKET TRUCK
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 5 of 7
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.7 The Council considered a resolution authorizing 2016 Permanent Improvement Program
(PIR) Fund expenditure for the purchase of a Parks Division Unit #103 pickup truck.
Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Dahl and seconded by Councilmember Parsons to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 11
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A
PARKS DIVISION PICKUP TRUCK
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.8 The Council considered a resolution authorizing 2016 Permanent Improvement Program
(PIR) Fund expenditure for the purchase of a Parks Division Lawn Mower.
Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Deshler and seconded by Councilmember Peak to adopt the
following resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 12
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A
PARKS DIVISION MOWER
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.9 The Council considered the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapters 1 and 2
of the City Code.
City Attorney T. Gilchrist addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Peak and seconded by Councilmember Kolb to adopt the
following ordinance:
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 6 of 7
ORDINANCE NO. 2015 – 08
AMENDING CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 OF
THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
And further, that this is the second and final reading.
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried.
7.10 The Council considered the following annual Council appointments for 2016:
a. Mayor Pro Tem: Julie Deshler
b. Council liaison to the Environmental Quality Commission: Olga Parsons
c. Council liaison to the Human Rights Commission: Laura Libby
d. Council liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission: Elizabeth Dahl
e. Council liaison to the Planning Commission: Jeff Kolb
f. Council representative to the Quad Cities Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee:
Councilmember Julie Deshler
Moved by Councilmember Parsons and seconded by Councilmember Peak to approve
the above annual Council appointments for 2016.
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried.
7.11 The Council considered a resolution appointing Mary Serie as Crystal citizen
representative to the West Metro Fire-Rescue District Board of Directors for a two-year
term expiring December 31, 2017.
City Manager A. Norris addressed the Council.
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Mayor Adams to adopt the following
resolution, the reading of which was dispensed with by unanimous consent:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 – 13
APPOINTING A CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVE TO
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE WEST METRO FIRE-RESCUE DISTRICT
Voting aye: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Libby.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
Crystal City Council Meeting Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 7 of 7
8. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Council made several announcements about upcoming events.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councilmember Dahl and seconded by Councilmember Peak to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Crystal City Council Work Session Minutes January 5, 2016
Page 1 of 1
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the second work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 8:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal,
Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
I. ATTENDANCE
The city manager recorded the attendance with the following members:
COUNCIL:
Present: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent: Libby.
STAFF: City Manager A. Norris and City Attorney T. Gilchrist.
OTHER: Karen DeYoung and Janice Downing.
II. AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Councilmember Deshler to close the
meeting to continue the December 15 work session to discuss the city manager’s
evaluation.
Motion carried.
Moved by Councilmember Kolb and seconded by Councilmember Peak to open the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The Council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1. Constituent issues update
2. New business
3. Announcements
III. ADJOURNMENT
The work session adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
______________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Anne Norris, City Manager
Crystal City Council Work Session Minutes January 14, 2016
Page 1 of 1
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 7:05 p.m. on Thursday,
January 14, 2016 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal,
Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
I. ATTENDANCE
The city manager recorded the attendance with the following members:
COUNCIL
Present: Dahl, Deshler, Kolb, Parsons, Peak and Adams.
Absent: Libby.
STAFF: City Manager A. Norris, Community Development Director J. Sutter, Police
Chief S. Revering and City Attorney T. Gilchrist.
OTHER: From the METRO Blue Line Extension Office: Dan Soler and Kathryn
O’Brien.
II. AGENDA
The Council and staff discussed the proposed METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau
Light Rail Transit).
1. Possible pedestrian overpass of Bottineau Boulevard at Bass Lake Road
2. Environmental review
3. Municipal Consent plans
III. ADJOURNMENT
The work session adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
______________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Anne Norris
City Manager
5.1
Page 1 of 3
APPLICATIONS FOR CITY LICENSE
January 19, 2016
GAS INSTALLER
Assured Htg., A/C & Ref Inc, 13571 Balsam lane N, Dayton, MN 55327
Blue Ox Heating, 5720 International Pkwy, New Hope, MN 55428
Burnomatic, Mooney & Ridler, 2925 Garfield Ave S, Mpls., MN 55408
Center Point Energy, 9320 Evergreen Blvd, Ste. B, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Comfortech Heating & Air LLC, 6018 Nicollet Ave, Mpls., MN 55419
Deziel heating & Air, 1612 3rd Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Flare Heating & Air Conditioning, 9303 Plymouth Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Golden Valley Heating & Air Inc, 5182 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429
Liberty Comfort Systems, 627 East River Road, Anoka, MN 55303
Marsh Heating & A/C, Inc., 6248 Lakeland Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Metro Air Inc., 16980 Welcome Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, 7450 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Northern Air Corporation, 1001 Labore Industrial Court, Suite B, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Pierce Refrigeration, LLC, 1920 2nd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
River City Sheet Metal Inc, 8290 Main St NE Suite 39, Fridley, MN 55432
Royalton Heating & Cooling Co., 4120 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Sedgwick Heating, 1408 Northland Dr., Suite 310, Mendota Heights, MN 55120
TJK Plumbing Inc., 13570 Grove Dr. #284, Maple Grove, MN 55311
Uhl Company Inc., 9065 Zachary Lane N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Weld & Sons Plumbing Co., 3410 Kilmer Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55441
GYM/FITNESS
Anytime Fitness, 5580 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428
Metro Beat Fitness and Dance 3537 Douglas Dr N Crystal, MN 55422
LAWN FERTILIZER
The Davey Tree Expert, 1500 N Mantua St, PO Box 5193, Kent, OH 44240
PLUMBER
Air Mechanical, Inc, 16411 Aberdeen St, Ham Lake MN 55304
Artistic Plumbing, Inc., 6349 Quebec Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
B & D Plumbing & A/C Inc., 4145 Mackenzie Court, St. Michael, MN 55376
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, 5718 International Pkwy, New Hope, MN 55428
Budget Plumbing Corp, 855 Hwy 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441
Century Plumbing Inc, 590 Hayward Ave N, Oakdale, MN 55128
Champion Plumbing LLC, 3670 Dodd Rd, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55123
D R Peterson, 933 11th Ave S., Suite 1, Hopkins, MN 55343
Huber Plumbing Co, 2751 Lamphere Dr, New Hope, MN 55427
Knight Heating & A/C, Inc., 13535 89th Street NE, Otsego, MN 55330
Legacy Mechanical Services, 114 Thomas Cir #106, Monticello, MN 55362
Master Plumbing Services, LLC, 2120 96th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Mr. Rooter, 5155 East River Rd #412, Fridley, MN 55421
Norblom Plumbing Co., 1465 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104
Nowthen Plumbing, 19960 Ferret St., NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Paladin Plumbing LLC, 13963 45th Pl NE, St. Michael, MN 55376
Plumb Right Corp, 1216 82nd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Rick’s Plumbing Inc., 1701 221st Ave NW, Cedar MN 55011
5.1
Page 2 of 3
Roto Rooter Services, 14530 27th Ave N, Plymouth MN 55447
Swanson Plumbing Inc, 16591 351st Ave, Hamburg, MN 55339
TJK Plumbing Inc., 13570 Grove Dr #284, Maple, Grove, MN 55311
Weld & Sons Plumbing Co., 3410 Kilmer Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55441
RENTAL – NEW
4517 Colorado Ave N – Blake Nucera
3932 Edgewood Ave N – Philip Stegora (Conditional)
3216 Nevada Ave N – Awad & Kamesgwar Singh (Conditional)
3333 Nevada Ave N 3303 – AS&W Rental Properties LLC (Conditional)
5607 Regent Ave N – Herman Capital Partners III (Conditional)
7225 Valley Pl N – Bradley Rosenberger
5510 Vera Cruz Ave N – Building Ventures LLC (Conditional)
5528 Welcome Ave N – Truc Dai (Conditional)
3636 Yates Ave N – Julia Childs
3820 Zane Ave N – Isaiah Passe (Conditional)
8201 35th Ave N – Jing Li
6720 45th Ave N – Robert Loukinen
RENTAL – RENEWAL
4651 Adair Ave N – Adair Properties LLC (Conditional)
4608 Brunswick Ave N – Cosco Property II (Conditional)
4635 Brunswick Ave N – William Leon
4652 Brunswick Ave N – Building Ventures LLC (Conditional)
6311 Corvallis Ave N – Brandon Bohn
3000 Douglas Dr N – Heathers Manor Operations LLC (Conditional)
3246 Douglas Dr N – Bassett Creek Apartments LLC (Conditional)
4550 Douglas Dr N – Lancelot Properties LLC (Conditional)
6504 - 6510 Fairview Ave N – Leo T Begin (Conditional)
3925 Georgia Ave N – Daley Prop MN Lic Fos Care
3136 Hampshire Ave N – Katherine & Pedro Meza (Conditional)
5932 Hampshire Ave N – Thomas & Tracy Cary (Conditional)
6924 Hill Pl N – L and D Wilson
2736 Jersey Ave N – Dennis and Barb Arel
4065 Jersey Ave N – Joshua Kruse (Conditional)
5236 Jersey Ave N – Gary Stendahl
3011 Kentucky Ave N – Roger Tuomisto
5236 Kentucky Ave N – Karen Werner (Conditional)
5737 Kentucky Ave N – Kentucky Villa LLC (Conditional)
2700 Louisiana Ave N – Cynthia Theisen Dougherty (Conditional)
4649 Louisiana Ave N – Heeyoon Kim (Conditional)
5342 Louisiana Ave N – Steven Madore (Conditional)
6920 Markwood Dr N – 5218 Toledo Ave N LLC
3335 Nevada Ave N 3501 – Kelly Bania
3341 Nevada Ave N 4103 – Alicia Anderson
5600 Nevada Ave N – Gary Yanish (Conditional)
8427 Northern Dr – IH2 Property Illinois LP (Conditional)
5704 Orchard Ave N – Andrew & Lillian Moris
4710 Quail Ave N – Community Involvement Programs (Conditional)
5525 Regent Ave N – Endura Properties (Conditional)
5649 Rhode Island Ave N – Momodou L Fatty (Conditional)
5416 Toledo Ave N – Teresa Sturges
5.1
Page 3 of 3
5633 Twin Lake Ter – Paula Olson (Conditional)
5765 West Broadway – MNSF Mpls 2 LLC (Conditional)
5840 West Broadway – Leslie Doolittle Knapp
5016 Wilshire Blvd – Fabiola Schmidt
5750 Yates Ave N – MNSF Minneapolis LLC (Conditional)
3100 Yukon Ave N – 5218 Toledo Ave N LLC (Conditional)
5917 29th Pl N – Thomas Allen Inc (Conditional)
7719 30th Ave N – Mary Savage
6511 31st Ave N – Larry Emond (Conditional)
7265 32nd Ave N – Tesfai Alem (Conditional)
5308 35th Ave N – 5504 Church St LL
5716 36th Ave N – Frank Renner
7201 36th Ave N – LouAnn Terrace LTD Partner (Conditional)
7700/10/20 36th Ave N – Smith-Sturm Inv Winnetka Village (Conditional)
5625 45th Ave N – John Morey (Conditional)
5302 49th Ave N – John Pepera (Conditional)
5333 49th Ave N – Joseph Anton
5429 49th Ave N – Shayna Boyle
6801 51st Pl N – Todd & Andrea Zimmermann (Conditional)
5127 53rd Ave N – Kevin Foreman (Conditional)
5328 53rd Ave N – Galen & Teresa Watje
5701 56th Ave N – Harold Creek (Conditional)
TREE TRIMMER
Arbor Design Tree Service Inc., PO Box 290298, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Bartlett Tree Experts, 2724 Fernbrook Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Elijah’s Tree Care LLC, 3025 Walnut Grove Lane, N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Jeff Hoheisel Professional Tree Services Inc., 34214 Hwy 27, Hillman, MN 56338
Pioneer Tree and Landscape, Inc, 32294 93rd St, Pierz, MN 56364
Precision Landscape & Tree, 50 S Owasso Blvd E, Little Canada, MN 55117
Rainbow Tree Company, 11571 K-Tel Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55343
The Davey Tree Expert, 1500 N Mantua St, PO Box 5193, Kent, OH 44240
Urban Foresters LLC, 4656 Hillsboro Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
TOBACCO
Tremolo LLC dba Crystal Wine & Spirits 4920 West Broadway Crystal, MN 55429
CITY OF CRYSTAL
RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS FROM
ALLINA HEALTH SYSTEMS, BUFFALO WILD WINGS,
CRYSTAL CRIME PREVENTION BOARD, PASTER PROPERTIES,
HEATHER RENDE, STATE CYCLOCROSS RACE,
WEST METRO FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION, PEGGY YOUNG,
AND VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or
personal property be accepted only with the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, said donations must be accepted by a resolution adopted by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Crystal to accept
the following donations:
PURPOSE DONOR AMOUNT
Crystal Employee Holiday Party Paster Properties $500.00
Crystal Police Explorers Buffalo Wild Wings
West Metro Fire Relief Association
$74.66
$500.00
Crystal Police K-9 Unit
Crystal Crime Prevention Board
K-9 Donation Boxes
Heather Rende
Peggy Young
$1,162.25
$474.43
$15.00
$15.00
Crystal Police Reserves Allina Health Systems $100.00
Crystal Recreation Department State Cyclocross Race $3,250.00
And BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Crystal City Council sincerely thanks Allina Health
Systems, Buffalo Wild Wings, Crystal Crime Prevention Board, Paster Properties, Heather
Rende, State Cyclocross Race, West Metro Fire Relief Association, Peggy Young and the various
individuals who donated to the Crystal K-9 Unit.
Dated this 19th day of January, 2016.
By:__________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.4
5.5
5.5
SUMMARY OF DECEMBER 15, 2015 CLOSED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council held a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.05,
subdivision 3(a) on December 15, 2015, which was continued to January 5, 2016, for
the purpose of evaluating the performance of the City Manager. Pursuant to the same
section of the Open Meeting Law, the City Council is required to summarize its
conclusions regarding the evaluation at its next open meeting. The City Council
discussed the City Manager's performance and will proceed with creating evaluation
criteria for the City Manager for 2016 and will consider renewal of the City Manager’s
contract at its January 19, 2016 regular City Council meeting.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
5.6
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of January 19, 2016, by and between
the City of Crystal, State of Minnesota, a municipal corporation, (Employer), and Anne L.
Norris, (Employee).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ the services of Employee as City Manager
of the City of Crystal; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City Council (Council), to provide certain benefits,
establish certain conditions of employment and to set working conditions of the
Employee; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Council to: (1) secure and retain the services of
Employee and to provide inducement for her to remain in such employment; (2) to make
possible full work productivity to assuring Employee’s morale and peace of mind with
respect to future security; (3) to act as a deterrent against malfeasance or dishonesty for
personal gain on the part of Employee; and (4) to provide a just means for terminating
Employee’s services at such time as she may be unable to fully discharge her duties or
when Employer may otherwise desire to terminate her employment; and
WHEREAS, Employee desires to accept and continue employment as City Manager
of the City:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this
Agreement, Employer and Employee agree as follows:
Section 1. Duties.
Employer agrees to employ Employee as City Manager to perform the functions and
duties specified in the charter of the City, the City Code, and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter
412, as amended, and to perform other legally permissible and proper duties and
functions as the Council may from time to time assign to Employee.
Section 2. Term.
A. The term of this Agreement is January 1-December 31, 2016 (the “Term”). For the
convenience of the Employer, the Employee may hold over her employment subsequent
to the expiration of the Term until this Agreement is modified or superseded by a new
employment agreement approved by the Employee and Council. During any holdover
period, any such holding over shall also be subject to all other terms of this Agreement.
Nothing in this Agreement prevents, limits or otherwise interferes with the right of the
Council to terminate the services of Employee at any time, subject only to the provisions
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
2
set forth in Crystal Charter Chapter 6 and Section 4, paragraphs A and B, of this
Agreement.
B. Nothing in this Agreement prevents, limits or otherwise interferes with the right of
the Employee to resign at any time, subject only to the provisions of Crystal Charter
Chapter 6 and Section 4, paragraph C, of this Agreement.
C. Employee agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of Employer and neither to
accept other employment nor to become employed by any other employer during the term
of her employment.
The term “employed” is not to be construed to include occasional teaching, writing,
consulting or military reserve service performed on Employee’s time off.
Section 3. Suspension.
Employer may suspend the Employee with full pay and benefits only if:
(1) a majority of Council and Employee agree, or
(2) after a public hearing, a majority of Council votes to suspend Employee for just
cause as defined with reference to legal and administrative decisions interpreting
Minnesota Statutes, section 197.46, and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 197A, as amended;
provided, however, that Employee shall have been given written notice setting forth any
charges at least ten days prior to the hearing by the Council members bringing such
charges; all in accordance with Section 6.01 of the City Charter.
Section 4. Termination and Severance Pay.
A. To the extent permitted by law, if the Employee is terminated by the Council and
at that time Employee is willing and able to perform her duties under this Agreement,
then Employer agrees to pay Employee a lump sum cash payment equal to one-half of the
current salary, and in addition, Employee shall receive the cash equivalent of her
accumulated vacation and sick leave pursuant to the City’s Personnel Policy (collectively
“Severance Pay”). If employee is convicted of a crime involving theft or fraud as defined
in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169, as amended, or terminated for other conduct
involving malfeasance or willful neglect of duties, Employer shall have no obligation to
pay Severance Pay. The lump sum cash payment included in Severance Pay shall be paid
in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 465.722, as amended.
B. If Employer at any time during the term of this Agreement (i) reduces the salary or
other financial benefits of Employee in a greater percentage than an applicable across-the-
board reduction for all employees of Employer, or (ii) Employer refuses, following
written notice to comply with any other provision of this Agreement benefiting
Employee, or (iii) the Employee resigns following a suggestion, whether formal or
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
3
informal, by a majority of the Council that she resign, Employee may, at her option, elect
to be “terminated” at the date of such reduction, such refusal to comply or suggestion of
resignation within the meaning of this Section 4 and receive Severance Pay.
C. The Employee will give Employer 45 days notice in advance of resignation, unless
the parties agree to waive this notice.
Section 5. Availability for Duties.
Employer and Employee acknowledge that it is critical for Employee to be available to
perform her duties on behalf of Employer at Employer’s principal place of business and
other City job sites as necessary. Employer reserves the right to review any absence of
Employee in excess of four (4) successive work weeks in order to determine the
Employee’s continued qualification for the position of city manager. If Employer
determines that Employee is unable to perform the essential functions of her position and
is Employee terminated by Employer for that reason, Employee shall receive Severance
Pay.
Section 6. Salary.
Employer agrees to pay Employee for her services rendered pursuant hereto an annual
salary of $132,923 payable in installments at the same time as other employees of the
Employer are paid, effective as of January 1, 2016.
The Employee shall be eligible for the City’s Merit Pay Plan for non-represented
employees.
Employer agrees to increase the salary and other benefits of Employee in such
amounts and to such extent as the Council may determine that it is desirable to do so on
the basis of an annual salary review of Employee. Such increase, if approved, shall be no
less than salary or benefit increases provided represented employees in the existing labor
agreement.
Section 7. Performance Evaluation.
A. The Council will formally review and evaluate the performance of the Employee at
least once annually. The review and evaluation will be in accordance with specific
criteria developed jointly by the Employer and Employee. The criteria may be modified
as the Council may from time to time determine in consultation with the Employee.
B. The Council and Employee will annually define in writing the goals and
performance objectives they jointly determine necessary for the proper operation of the
City and the attainment of the Council’s policy objectives and will further establish a
relative priority among those various goals and objectives. The goals and objectives will
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
4
generally be attainable within the time limitations as specified and the annual operating
and capital budgets and appropriations provided.
C. In carrying out the provisions of this Section, the Council and Employee mutually
agree to abide by the provisions of applicable state and federal law.
Section 8. Hours of Work.
It is recognized that Employee is an exempt employee as defined by the federal Fair
Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) who must devote substantial time outside normal office
hours to the business of the Employer. Therefore, Employee will be allowed to reasonably
adjust her schedule during normal City office and business hours.
Section 9. Outside Activities.
Employee will not spend more than ten hours per week in teaching, counseling or
other non-Employer, non-military reserve connected business without prior approval of
the Council.
Section 10. Automobile.
Employee’s duties require the extensive use of an automobile. City will pay Employee
the sum of $500 per month as an allowance for the expenses incurred by Employee in the
use of Employee’s personally owned or leased automobile. In addition, the City will
compensate Employee for mileage driven outside the seven county Twin City
metropolitan area at the same rate and in accordance with the same rules applicable to
other city employees.
Section 11. Vacation, Sick and Military Leave.
A. Employee will accrue, and have credited to her personal account, vacation, and
sick leave at the same rate and under the same conditions as other general employees of
the Employer. For purposes of computing the above, employee’s start date shall be
January 28, 1985.
B. Employee shall be entitled to military reserve leave time pursuant to federal and
state law and city policy.
Section 12. Dental, Health and Life Insurance.
Employer agrees to provide and to make required premium payments for Employee
and dependents for the following insurance coverage:
A. Employee shall be covered at Employer’s expense by a term life insurance policy
in the amount approved by the Employer for other City employees. In addition, Employee
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
5
shall be covered at Employer’s expense by a term life insurance policy in the amount of
$125,000, with the beneficiary named by Employee.
B. Hospitalization Insurance. Employee may select from one of the plans available to
other city employees.
C. Dental Insurance. Employee may select from one of the plans available to other
city employees.
D. Use of Paid Leave. Employee may use accumulated sick leave, vacation, and
compensatory time for leave for herself, and for any member of her household regardless
of marital status, for any of the events and circumstances stated in the Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993, and the Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 825, as
they each may be amended. Such leave shall be administered pursuant to the applicable
language of Section 8.18 of the City’s Personnel Policy.
Section 13. Dues and Subscriptions.
Employer agrees to budget and to pay for the professional dues and subscriptions of
Employee necessary for her continuation and full participation in national, regional, state
and local associations and organizations necessary and desirable for her continued
professional participation, growth, and advancement, and for the good of the employer.
Section 14. Professional Development.
A. Employer agrees to budget for and to advance or reimburse Employee for her
travel related expenses, including airfare, meals, lodging and transportation expenses for
professional and official travel, meetings and occasions adequate to continue the
professional development of Employee and to adequately pursue necessary official and
other functions for Employer, including but not limited to the Annual Conference of the
International City Management Association, the Minnesota City Management
Association, the Minnesota League of Cities and such other national, regional, state and
local governmental groups and committees thereof which Employee serves as a member.
B. Employer agrees to budget and to pay for the travel expenses as described above of
Employee for short courses, institutes and seminars that are necessary for her professional
development and for the good of the Employer. The City Finance Director is authorized
to advance or reimburse Employee for travel expenses upon receipt of duly executed
expense or petty cash vouchers, receipts, statements or personal affidavits in accordance
with standard City procedures.
Section 15. General Expenses.
Employer recognizes that certain expenses of a non-personal and generally job-
affiliated nature are incurred by Employee and agrees to reimburse or to pay those general
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
6
expenses. The City Finance Director is authorized to advance or reimburse Employee for
such general expenses upon receipt of duly executed expense or petty cash vouchers,
receipts, statements or personal affidavits in accordance with standard City procedures.
Section 16. Civic Club Membership.
Employer recognizes the desirability of representation in and before local civic and
other organizations. Employee is authorized to become a member of such civic clubs or
organizations, for which Employer shall pay all reasonable and necessary expenses.
Employee shall report to the Employer on each membership that is taken out at
Employer’s expense. The City Finance Director is authorized to advance or reimburse
Employee for such membership expenses upon receipt of duly executed expense or petty
cash vouchers, receipts, statements or personal affidavits in accordance with standard
City procedures.
Section 17. Indemnification.
Employer will defend, hold harmless and indemnify Employee against any tort,
professional liability claim or demand or other legal action arising out of an alleged act or
omission occurring in the performance of Employee’s duties as City Manager. Employer
will compromise and settle any claim or suit and pay the amount of any settlement,
judgment or reasonable attorneys fees rendered thereon consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, section 466.07, as amended. Employer shall pay any costs and reasonable
attorney's fees incurred by the Employee to defend charges of a criminal nature brought
against her that arose out of the reasonable and lawful performance of duties for the City
as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 465.76, as amended.
Section 18. Bonding.
Employer will bear the full cost of any fidelity or other bonds required of the
Employee under any law or ordinance.
Section 19. Other Terms and Conditions of Employment.
A. The Council, in consultation with the manager, may fix such other terms and
conditions of employment as it may determine from time to time relating to the
performance of Employee, provided those terms and conditions are not inconsistent with
or in conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, the City Charter, the City Code or
any other law.
B. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all provisions of the City Charter
and City Code, and regulations and rules of the Employer relating to vacation and sick
leave, retirement and pension system contributions, holidays and other fringe benefits and
working conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be amended, apply to Employee as
they would to other employees of Employer.
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
7
Section 20. No Reduction of Benefits.
Subject to the requirements of Sections 3-5, Employer will not at any time during the
term of this Agreement reduce the salary, compensation or other financial benefits of
Employee, except to the degree of such a reduction across-the-board for all employees of
the Employer or as otherwise agreed by Employer and Employee.
Section 21. Notices
Notices pursuant to the agreement are given by deposit in the custody of the United
States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
(1) EMPLOYER: City of Crystal, Minnesota
Mayor
4141 Douglas Drive North
Crystal, MN 55422
(2) EMPLOYEE: Anne L. Norris, City Manager
Alternatively, notices required pursuant to this Agreement may be personally served in
the same manner as is applicable to process in a civil action. Notice shall be deemed
given as of the date of personal service or as of the date of deposit of such written notice
in the United States mail.
Section 22. General Provisions.
A. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
B. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs at law
and executors of Employee.
C. This Agreement is effective January 1, 2016, or such other date as evidenced by its
execution by the Employee and the Mayor of the City of Crystal subsequent to approval
by the Crystal City Council.
D. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual consent of Employer and
Employee.
E. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts.
F. This Agreement shall be interpreted pursuant to Minnesota law.
5.7
473958v1 TJG CR225-426
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Crystal by its City Council has caused this
agreement to be executed and delivered in its behalf by its Mayor and duly attested by its
City Clerk, and the Employee has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
THE CITY OF CRYSTAL, MINNESOTA
EMPLOYER
By ________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
EMPLOYEE
____________________________________
Anne L. Norris
5.7
7.1
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
DATE: January 15, 2016
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for January 19 meeting)
SUBJECT: Consider approval of a Special Land Use Application (subdivision,
site and building plan review, conditional use permits, and
variances) to create a new parcel for a 5,000 SF commercial building
at 5537 West Broadway (Target store property) and to allow an off-
premise sign at 6801 – 56th Avenue North (Crystal Shopping Center)
A. BACKGROUND
Paster Properties, owner of the Crystal Shopping Center at 6801 – 56th Avenue North,
and Target Corporation, owner of the Target store at 5537 West Broadway, are
proposing a Special Land Use Application to create a 1-acre parcel as the location for a
new commercial building. This application consists of a subdivision, conditional use
permits (CUP) and variance at 5537 West Broadway. An additional variance request at
6801-56th Avenue North would allow an off-premise sign. Both properties involved in
this application are zoned General Commercial (C-2).
Target Corporation owns an approximately 11.5 acre parcel which is the location for an
approximately 143,000 SF Target store. Paster Properties is proposing to subdivide a
1-acre parcel currently located in the northern part of the Target store parking lot, and
then construct a 5,000 SF commercial building. This proposed development requires
the following approvals by the City of Crystal:
Preliminary and Final Plat (Cardinal Court 2nd Addition) to create the
new parcel
Site and Building Plan Review for the new building and site
improvements
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow a drive-through facility for the
new building
CUP to allow outdoor dining for the new building
CUP to adjust the number of parking spaces for the new building to 63
spaces
Variance to increase the maximum percentage requirement for
impervious surface on the new parcel
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Target Corporation & Paster Properties
5537 West Broadway & 6801 – 56th Avenue North
7.2
Variance to add an off-premise Target sign to the existing Crystal
Shopping Center freestanding sign at the southwest corner of West
Broadway and Bass Lake Road
Notice of the January 11 public hearing was published in the Sun Post on December 31
and mailed to owners within 350 feet. The only comment received to date is from a
nearby resident who attended the Planning Commission public hearing. She was
concerned of potential noise from the speaker components of the drive-through facility
and from the outdoor dining area. Since the drive-through window will be located on
the north side of the proposed building, farthest away from residential areas, the
potential for noise impacts is greatly lessened. There would be virtually no noise
emanating from the outdoor dining area. The Planning Commission chose not to add
any new conditions related to this issue.
Attachments:
A. 2012 site location map
B. Photos of existing property
C. Existing zoning map
D. 2030 Land Use Comprehensive Plan map
E. Project narrative
F. Trip generation report
G. Color rendering and elevations of proposed building
H. Color rendering of proposed off-premise sign
I. Proposed site plan (13 sheets)
J. Resolution for Preliminary and Final plat, Site and Building Plan Review,
Conditional Use Permits, and Variance at 5537 West Broadway Avenue
K. Resolution for Variance at 6801-56th Avenue North
B. PROPOSED PROPERTY SUBDIVISION
Target Corporation owns an approximately 11.5 acre parcel at 5537 West Broadway
which is the location for an existing Target store. Paster Properties is proposing to
subdivide an approximately 1-acre parcel of land located in the northern area of the
Target property currently used for parking. The subdivision (plat) is called Cardinal Court
2nd Addition. The remaining 10.5 acres will remain as a parcel for the Target store, and
the new one-acre parcel would be owned by Paster Properties and used for a new 5,000
SF commercial building.
Since the subdivision is located on a County roadway (West Broadway), Hennepin
County staff has reviewed this subdivision request and finds it acceptable. The
following are the notable design features of this subdivision:
Property access – The new parcel will be served by existing driveway
entrances along West Broadway and Bass Lake Road. The applicant is not
proposing any new streets or driveway accesses from existing roads.
Easements – A ten-foot wide utility easement along West Broadway was
dedicated to the City for the Target property in 2007. The City is not
requesting any new public drainage and utility easements as a result of this
subdivision. As a condition of approval, staff is requesting the applicants to
7.2
provide copies of agreements between Target Corporation and Paster
Properties for parking, stormwater management and traffic access.
Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control – Engineering staff has reviewed
the preliminary grading, drainage and erosion control plans and found them
acceptable. Erosion control techniques that will be used on-site include silt
fences, wattles, logs, and a gravel construction entrance.
Stormwater management - Stormwater management will be provided by
new storm water facilities on-site that will connect with existing storm sewer
pipes and by a proposed rain garden located in the parking lot for the new
building. Since the rain garden is located on private property, its
maintenance will be the responsibility of the property owner.
Utilities - The proposed new building will connect with existing water,
sanitary sewer and storm sewer mains. Engineering staff have reviewed
these utility connections and found them acceptable. The following is a
description of these utilities:
o Water main: Existing 30” main in West Broadway
o Sanitary sewer main: Existing 8” main in West Broadway
o Storm sewer main: Existing 12” main in West Broadway
Property cleanup – At one time, this site contained a petroleum tank for a
gas service station. This tank leaked causing soil contamination and Target
Corporation worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to
clean up the property. In 1996, MPCA determined that the site was
adequately cleaned up but reserved the right to inspect the property and
require further work if it was later determined to be necessary. Staff
recommends a condition of approval that the applicants ensure the property
meets MPCA’s standards before starting construction and removing the
monitoring well on the property.
Park dedication – This subdivision is subject to the City’s park dedication
requirements. Since the City does not desire a park within this commercial
area, the applicant will be required to make a cash payment in lieu of
dedicating park land. In this case, the fee is $12,000 which is 2% of the
value of the new parcel. The payment of this park dedication fee would be
a condition of approval of the subdivision.
C. SITE AND BUILDING PLAN REVIEW
The following are the most notable elements of the site and building plan for the
proposed new 5,000 SF commercial building:
Building use – The applicant is proposing to use the new parcel as the
location for a new commercial building with two individual units. The
applicant has not specified what the building will be used for, but according
to the Trip Generation report (Attachment F), the building will be used for a
coffee shop with a drive-through, while the other portion of the building will
be a quick service restaurant without a drive-through. The C-2 district allows
retail stores, professional offices, and restaurants as Permitted Uses without
Planning Commission or City Council review and approval.
7.2
Building setbacks – The proposed building meets setback requirements in
the C-2 district. The building will be 36 feet from the property line along
West Broadway.
Lot size and coverage – The proposed lot meets lot area, width, and depth
requirements of the C-2 zoning district. The applicant is requesting a
variance to allow lot coverage to exceed 75% (see Section E, below)
Parking – The site plan shows 63 parking spaces to serve the proposed
building. The applicants are requesting a CUP to adjust the required number
of parking spaces (see Section D, below). The perimeter of the parking lot
meets setbacks and the aisle and parking space meet the dimensional
requirements of the zoning code.
The number of spaces for the remaining Target store property meets City
Code requirements. The minimum number of required spaces is 481 for
Target based on the square footage of the building, and the maximum
number of spaces is 571. After the subdivision, the site plan shows 450
spaces for Target. However, there are 51 “proof of parking” spaces that
could be constructed if needed. These proof of parking spaces were
approved by the City Council in 2003 as part of a site plan review for the
Target site. The existing spaces and proof of parking spaces provide 501
spaces for the Target store which would comply with City Code.
Traffic impacts – The applicant has provided a trip generation report
(Attachment F), which provides forecasts for trips generated as a result of
this additional building. Hennepin County has reviewed this report, and
found that traffic impacts to West Broadway as a result of this additional
building are manageable and additional driveway accesses or turn lanes will
not be required.
Access and circulation: The City’s Public Works Director, the West Metro
Fire Rescue District, and Hennepin County staff have reviewed this traffic
circulation plan and found it adequate to meet vehicle movement into and
within the site, including fire trucks.
Building elevations – The proposed major exterior building material is
“exterior insulation finishing system” (EIFS), with brick accents and a metal
fascia. These materials meet the City’s requirement s. A color rending of the
proposed building is Attachment G.
Landscaping – The landscape plan shows some existing trees preserved,
and “little leaf linden” as trees to be planted on the new parcel. Shrubs to be
planted are “grey owl juniper” and “Japanese white spirea”. Perennials will
be planted around the property, including in the proposed rain garden.
Screening – There is an existing dumpster enclosure on the property, and
this will be enlarged by adding one wall and a gate. The new wall matches
the brick on the existing enclosure. Rooftop mechanicals will be screened
by a parapet, and the only ground mechanical equipment is a transformer
that will be screened with landscaping.
Exterior Lighting – Although one light pole will be relocated within the site
due to the reconstruction of the parking lot, no new light poles are proposed.
7.2
Exterior lighting on the new building will be similar to what is found on other
shopping center buildings, and will meet the City’s requirements.
Pedestrian connections – There is an existing sidewalk along West
Broadway that will allow for pedestrian connections to this new building.
According to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, there are no planned trails for
this area.
Signs – A monument sign is proposed for this building near the existing
northern driveway access to West Broadway. The applicant must receive
sign permit approval before installing that sign, or any building signage.
D. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
The applicants are proposing three conditional use permits related to the proposed new
commercial building. First is a CUP to allow a drive-through facility. Second is a CUP to
allow outdoor dining. Third is a CUP to adjust the required minimum and maximum
number of parking spaces on the site. The following is a description of these three
CUPs, followed by the relevant approval criteria for each of these CUPs as outlined in the
zoning code. Both the drive-through facility and the outdoor dining are required by the
zoning code to be in conformance to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan land use designation
of “General Commercial”, which is described as “retail, offices, restaurants, and some
automobile-oriented businesses”. These uses are both in conformance with that
designation, as well the requirements of Section 520 of the zoning code, Site and
Building Plan Review.
1) Drive-through facility - The applicants are proposing a drive-through facility as
part of the proposed commercial building. According to the Trip Generation
report (Attachment F), the drive-through will be used for a coffee shop, while
the other portion of the building will be a quick service restaurant without a
drive-through. Patrons would enter the drive-through facility on the south side
of the building, and exit on the north side of the building, where the order is
taken at a drive-through window. One drive-through lane connects the motorist
to this drive-through window, while an adjacent lane allows for bypass traffic.
City Code Section 515.49, Subd. 4(k) provides requirements for drive-through
facilities as a conditional use in the C-2 zoning district. The following are those
requirements, followed by staff response.
1) The establishment is served by arterial, collector or municipal state
aid streets and such pedestrian facilities as are necessary to
accommodate the traffic generated by the facility. The City Council
may require the applicant to provide a traffic study prepared by a
professional engineer for the proposed use, and may base its
findings of fact on said study or other information related to
potential traffic impacts on the street system and adjacent land
uses.
Response: According to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, West
Broadway and Bass Lake Road are minor arterial streets. The
7.2
site is served by entrances and exits on both West Broadway
and Bass Lake Road, which will provide adequate traffic
access for patrons of this property. In addition, the City’s
Public Works Director and the West Metro Fire Rescue District
have reviewed this proposal and found it adequate to meet
vehicle movement within the site, including fire trucks.
2) The facility can meet the required separation distance and hours of
operation limitations. For the purposes of this section, “facility”
means any part of the lot where the city council determines that it is
likely that vehicles will be driven, stopped, or parked as part of the
operations of the drive-thru establishment. If the facility is located at
least 250 feet from property zoned R-1, R-2 or R-3, then no hours
of operations restriction is specified by this Code.
Response: All property zoned R-1, R-2 and R-3 is located
more than 500 feet from this proposed parcel.
3) The city council finds that there will be adequate screening and
buffering between the establishment and adjacent uses.
Response: The proposed parcel where the drive-through
facility would be located is an area surrounded by property
zoned C-2. The drive-through will be screened by the Target
store and Crystal Shopping Center from single-family homes
in adjacent neighborhoods. The speaker for the drive-through
window is located on the north side of the building, the
farthest part of the building from residential areas. Any
residentially zoned property is at least 500 feet from the
proposed drive-through. There is no need for screening and
buffering for this drive-through facility.
2) Outdoor dining
1. The applicants are proposing outdoor dining as part of the proposed
commercial building. This dining area is 1,497 SF in size, and is
proposed to serve only one of the commercial units within the building.
City Code Section 515.49, Subd. 4(f) provides requirements for outdoor
sales (dining) areas as a conditional use in the C-2 zoning district. The
following are those requirements, followed by staff response.
1) The sales area is hard surfaced and clearly designated on the site
as being limited to the specific, approved area.
Response: According to the site plan, the dining area is
proposed to be a hard-surfaced patio on the west side of the
building.
7.2
2) The sales area does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the
principal use, 20% of the area of the property, or 2,000 square feet.
Response: The applicant has proposed a 1,497 SF outdoor
patio on the west side of the building. This meets City Code
size limits for an outdoor sales (dining) area.
3) The items to be placed outdoors are typically found outdoors and
are constructed of materials appropriate for outdoor weather
conditions.
Response: The items proposed for outdoor dining will be
items normally kept outdoors in summer conditions, such as
durable tables and chairs. This will be evaluated when a
specific user is known.
4) The city council finds that there will be adequate screening and
buffering between the establishment and adjacent uses.
Response: The outdoor dining area is compatible with
adjacent commercial uses. Any residentially zoned property is
at least 500 feet from the proposed outdoor dining area. Given
the distance to residential uses, there is no need for screening
and buffering for this use.
3) Adjustment to parking requirements – City Code Section 515.17, Subd. 6,
allows the minimum or maximum number of required parking spaces to be
adjusted for a specific project through a CUP. As previously stated, the
applicant has not yet determined the exact use for the proposed building, but
has indicated the building could be used for some combination of retail,
professional office, or restaurant. These uses have different parking
requirements:
Retail/office:
Minimum = 21 spaces
Maximum = 24 spaces
Restaurant:
Minimum = 66 spaces
Maximum = 104 spaces
The applicant is proposing 63 parking spaces for this building, which exceeds
the maximum for retail/office, but does not meet the minimum if the building
contains a restaurant use. Prior to the subdivision of the parcel, the number of
parking spaces provided for the Target parking lot, which includes this
proposed parcel, is 565 spaces. After the subdivision, there will be 513
spaces, which includes 63 for the proposed new parcel and 450 for the Target
7.2
store parcel. This is a net loss of 52 parking spaces for the existing 11.5 acre
Target parcel. However, the Target store site has 51 proof-of parking spaces
(see Section C).
The only standard provided in the zoning code for approving an adjustment to
the number of required parking spaces is the applicant must demonstrate that
the proposed property use does not warrant the required number of spaces.
In one “worst-case” scenario, if 63 vehicles averaging two passengers are
parked in the proposed parking lot, that would mean 126 persons in the
commercial building at one time. With the size of the building and its
proposed use for quick coffee and food service, it is unlikely that this many
people will be there at the same time. Therefore, based on this information,
the approval of the adjustment to require 63 parking spaces is appropriate.
E. VARIANCES
The applicants are requesting two variances related to the proposed new commercial
building. First is a variance to the maximum lot coverage percentage for the new
parcel. Second, is a variance to allow an off-premise sign for the Target store at the
intersection of West Broadway and Bass Lake Road. The following is a description of
these two variances, followed by the relevant approval criteria for each of these
variances as outlined in the zoning and sign codes.
1) Lot coverage – According to City Code Section 515.49, Subd. 6 (a), no more
than 75% of a lot shall be covered by structures. According to the proposed
site plan, 86.2% of the proposed lot will be covered by structures (building
and parking lot). Prior to the subdivision and development of the new parcel,
the percentage of the lot covered by the parking lot is 88.6%. Therefore, with
the development of the parcel, the amount of the lot covered by impervious
surface is reduced. According to City records, this area has been mostly
impervious since at least 1966 when a fuel service station was constructed
on this property.
According to City Code Section 515.05, Subd. 2, the following are the
relevant criteria to approve a variance, followed by staff response:
a) Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the
general purposes and intent of the official control and when the terms of
the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Response: The intent of the lot coverage requirement is to reduce
the amount of impervious surface for a specific development.
Although the proposed percentage of impervious surface does not
meet current requirements, the amount of impervious surface will be
reduced.
b) Variances shall only be permitted when the city council finds that strict
enforcement of specific provisions of this section would create practical
7.2
difficulties due to circumstances unique to a particular property under
consideration. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the
granting of a variance, means that the property owner:
1) proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by an official control; and
2) the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to
the property not created by the landowner; and
3) the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character
of the locality.
Response: The use of this area as a parking lot is a reasonable use
permitted by the City’s zoning code. Since the parking lot has been
in this area since at least 1966, the essential character of this area is
not proposed to change.
c) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
Response: Since the parking lot currently exceeds the maximum
percentage of lot coverage, and the applicants are making efforts
to improve this situation, economic considerations alone are not
considered to be the sole reason for requesting this variance.
2) Off-premise sign – According to City Code Section 405.23 (l), off-premise
signs are prohibited. These signs are defined in the City Code as a “sign
structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or
entertainment that is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the
property on which the sign is located, e.g. billboards or outdoor advertising”
(City Code Section 405.03, Subd. 24). Target Corporation is proposing to
locate a Target store sign on the existing freestanding sign located at the
intersection of West Broadway and Bass Lake Road on property within the
Crystal Shopping Center that is owned by Paster Properties. The existing
freestanding sign was approved in 2004, and the size of this sign will not
change with the addition of the Target sign (see Attachment H).
With the construction of the proposed new commercial building, Target
believes that the new building will block potential patrons from seeing the
store from the intersection of West Broadway and Bass Lake Road.
Currently, without the building there is a clear sight line from that intersection
to the store. A new off-premise Target sign at the intersection would
preserve visibility for the Target store. There is an existing Target
freestanding sign located on Target property along West Broadway.
The City Code contains criteria in Section 405.25, Subd. 3, which details
when sign variances should be approved. However, in 2011 state law was
changed to replace the ‘undue hardship’ criteria for variances with much
7.2
easier-to-meet ‘practical difficulty’ criteria. Notwithstanding the ‘undue
hardship’ criteria still present in the City’s sign code, the City will instead
apply the state’s ‘practical difficulty’ criteria listed in City Code Section
515.05, Subd. 2. The following are those relevant criteria, followed by staff
response.
a) Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the
general purposes and intent of the official control and when the terms of
the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Response: The intent of the zoning code and comprehensive plan
is to encourage commercial businesses to thrive in appropriate
areas of the city. Therefore, the placement of an off-premise sign
on an existing freestanding sign is in conformance with the City’s
official controls.
b) Variances shall only be permitted when the city council finds that strict
enforcement of specific provisions of this section would create practical
difficulties due to circumstances unique to a particular property under
consideration. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the
granting of a variance, means that the property owner:
1) proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not
permitted by an official control; and
2) the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to
the property not created by the landowner; and
3) the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character
of the locality.
Response: The use of the parcel as a freestanding sign is a
reasonable use permitted by the City’s sign code. The Crystal
Shopping Center and Target store were developed over 50 years
ago and function as a single property. This layout provides for one
large shopping area fronting on two major roadways. Since this is
an existing unique condition previously approved by the City, the
plight of the landowners is not being created by the current
proposal. Since the existing freestanding sign has been in place
since 2004, the essential character of this area is not proposed to
change.
c) Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
Response: The applicant has stated that the need for a variance is
to provide continued visibility for the Target store from the
intersection of West Broadway and Bass Lake Road. Therefore,
7.2
economic consideration alone is not considered to be the sole
reason that the variance is requested.
F. FINAL PLAT
In addition to preliminary plat approval for the Cardinal Court 2nd Addition, the
applicants are also requesting final plat approval. According to City Code Section
505.19, Planning Commission review of the final plat is not required. The final plat is in
conformance to the preliminary plat.
G. REQUESTED ACTION
At the January 11, 2016 Planning Commission, the Commission recommended
approval to the City Council of the Special Land Use Application (subdivision, site and
building plan review, conditional use permits, and variances) to allow for the
construction of a new commercial building at 5537 West Broadway (Target store
property) and the approval of an off-premise sign at 6801-56th Avenue North (Crystal
Shopping Center), by a vote of eight to zero (one member absent), subject to the
following conditions of approval (Note: An additional Planning Commission condition
required that an Abstract of Title or Title Certificate be provided prior to City Council
consideration of the Final Plat. That document has been submitted prior to the January
19, 2016 Council meeting):
1. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording by the applicant, a park
dedication fee of $12,000 shall be paid by the applicant.
2. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording by the applicant, the
applicant shall submit copies of any agreements for property access, parking,
and stormwater management between Target Corporation and Paster
Properties.
3. Prior to the issuance of the building permit for the new commercial building,
the applicant will provide documentation to the City from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that the property meets MPCA’s standards
for new construction on the site, and that the monitoring well can be removed.
4. A sign permit application shall be approved by the City prior to the installation
of any exterior signs.
City Council motion to approve the two proposed resolutions (Attachments J and K) is
requested.
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
Attachment D
7.2
CRYSTAL COMMERCIAL BUILDING
We are proposing to redevelop the northern portion of the Crystal Target parking lot with a 4,990
square foot mixed use commercial building. The building is planned to house 2 tenants but could be
configured for more if they are smaller.
We have been working with Target on this property for some time and we both feel this is an excellent
site for redevelopment. This feeling was clearly noted at the Crystal Transit meeting held on September
29th to discuss the possibility of LRT coming to this area. Of the 7-8 breakout groups at this meeting 5 of
these groups noted this very site as prime location for redevelopment. We were thrilled to hear our
neighbors as well as other city resident’s talk about this knowing we were already working on this very
project.
A small project like this can often be very complicated when it comes to the actual requirements and
steps that are needed to redevelop the property. We are submitting a number of applications including
the following:
x Preliminary and Final Plat
x Conditional Use Permits
x Variances
x Site Plan Review
We are requesting a Variance to allow Target to have an off premise sign. Target’s sign would be on our
existing shopping center sign located at the southwest corner of Bass Lake Road and Broadway. The
construction of the new proposed building would block the view of the existing Target store from the
intersection. This variance would allow Target to maintain a presence at the intersection in an area
where they have had a presence since Target store #3 was built back in 1962. The proposed Target sign
area would be within the area allowed by sign code for this sign. We have submitted an elevation of the
proposed sign with the new Target logo for your review and comment. This variance will in no way
impair or interfere with any of the current uses, properties, or public activity in or around this sign. The
sign itself will change very little from what is there today. Only the graphics and space between the
panels will be changed. This will also help to ensure Target’s continued success within the City of Crystal.
We are requesting a Variance to allow us to deviate from the required amount of pervious area in a
project. This project is the redevelopment of an existing parking lot that is currently 11.3% green space.
The proposed redevelopment would increase the greenspace amount slightly to 13.8%.This is still
below the code required amount but certainly a step in the right direction. We are also installing a small
rain garden within a parking lot island to treat a portion of the storm water runoff from the parking
area. There is nothing like this onsite today. We are taking an existing area that is currently all asphalt
parking and converting it to building area with perimeter green space as well as some additional site
Attachment E7.2
green space and a rain garden. The remaining Target Lot 1 parcel will remain at 12.3% for overall green
space. This variance will not interfere with any of the adjacent uses. It will allow this property to
improve the existing conditions for storm water runoff by slightly reducing the area of impervious
surface and adding a rain garden area to assist in the treatment of the storm water runoff. Similarly, the
existing and proposed parking lot landscape areas do not meet the 8% requirement. The proposed
Target Lot 1 parking lot landscape area is the same at 4.6%, but the proposed Outlot Lot 2 parking lot
landscape area increased from 3.8% to 5.0%. This does not interfere with adjacent uses and is an
improvement to what is currently on site, per the retrofitting this project into the existing parking lot.
We are requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow the new project to include outdoor space for
possible patio dining and gathering. The location of the proposed outdoor patio space is noted on the
site plan submitted with this project. This area would be for customers who would be served their
coffee or food item inside the building and carry it out to the patio to enjoy it. Chairs and tables would
be provided on the patio. It is our hope that this area will become a place to gather and meet outdoors
during our warmer months of summer. This area will not include any sales or storage of material. All
sales and storage would be kept within the building. This area would not exceed 1,497 square feet
which is 30% of the gross building area.
We are requesting a Conditional Use Permit which would allow us to deviate from the city parking
standards. The project that we are proposing is a mixed use building. This building may be occupied by
retail, office and or restaurant users. The Crystal Zoning Code treats the retail and office uses differently
than it treats the restaurant uses when it comes to required parking. The different parking
requirements are outlined below.
Building Size: Gross Building area = 4,990 square feet
Zoning Code Parking Requirements:
Retail/Office: Minimum Parking Required = 4 stalls + 1 stall per 300 square feet
Maximum Parking Required = 4 stalls + 1 stall per 250 square feet
Eating Establishment: Minimum Parking = 4 stalls + 1 stall per 80 square feet
Maximum Parking = 4 stalls + 1 stall per 50 square feet
7.2
Required Parking for the proposed Mixed Use Commercial Building:
Retail/Office: Minimum parking required = 4 + (4,990/300) = 21 spaces
Maximum parking allowed = 4 + (4,990/250) =24 spaces
Eating Establishment: Minimum parking required = 4 + (4,990/80) =66 spaces
Maximum parking allowed = 4 + (4,990/50) = 104 spaces
As you can see with a mixed use building the parking requirements vary greatly depending on the uses
in the building. A maximum of 24 spaces for one set of uses and a minimum of 66 stalls for the other
proposed use. At this time we don’t know if the uses will be retail/office or restaurant or a combination
of each. For this reason we are requesting a Conditional Use Permit for 63 onsite parking spaces . This
number of parking stalls falls at the high end, between the retail/office maximum and the eating
establishment minimum. We do not know what the initial uses or future uses may be for this project.
The 63 parking spaces will satisfy the needs of all of the proposed uses now and in the future.
The proposed project will eliminate a number of parking stalls from the existing spaces available for
Target. The parking on the revised Target lot will continue to meet the parking requirements as
established in the zoning code. The Target building is 143,203 square feet. The code required parking
for a building this size is as follows:
Minimum parking required = 4 stalls + 1 stall/300 square feet =481 spaces
Maximum parking allowed = 4 stalls + 1 stall/250 square feet =577 spaces
The current number of parking spaces on the revised Target parcel is 450 stalls. When these 450 stalls
are combined with the existing proof of parking areas, noted on the overall plan, the total parking for
the revised Target parcel is 501 spaces. This number is above the minimum required and well below the
maximum allowed. The revised Target parking area will continue to meet the requirements of the
Crystal parking code after the proposed project would be completed.
Lastly, we are requesting a Conditional Use permit for a Drive-thru facility in a C2 zoning district. The
drive-thru window would be located at the north end of the proposed building. This location allows for
maximum stacking space on the east side of the building. The layout was designed to keep all of the
cars utilizing the drive-thru stacked on site. The menu board is also on the east side of the building and
faces Broadway. Its location is noted on the site plan. It will not be a nuisance to any of the adjacent
properties. Lighting for the drive-thru area will be done with wall sconces on the sides of the proposed
building.
7.2
This project has been a joint effort between Paster Properties and Target Corporation. We have worked
very hard to come up with a project that will enhance the retail opportunities in this area while not
diminishing the existing success of the current businesses. We feel this project does this. The project
takes a parking area that is minimally used by Target and redevelops it into a small mixed use
commercial building with associated parking and outdoor gathering space. It will reduce the overall
number of vacant parking stalls in the area. It will decrease the area of impervious surface in this area of
the existing parking lot. It will enhance the landscaping in this area. It will allow Target to maintain a
presence at the intersection of Bass Lake and Broadway.
We request your support of this project so that we may continue to improve the vitality and
opportunities in Crystal.
7.2
MEMORANDUM
TBPLS Firm No. 10074302
Date: December 11, 2015
Re: Trip Generation – Crystal Target Outlot Parcel
5537 West Broadway, Crystal, MN
File R0006484.00
To: Paster Properties, 2227 University Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55114
c/o John Kohler
From: Steve Manhart, P.E. PTOE, PTP
Westwood Professional Services has prepared a comparison of trip generation
forecasts for the proposed outlot parcel in the Target Store parking lot in the Crystal
Shopping Center, 5537 West Broadway Avenue in Crystal, Minnesota. The outlot
parcel is proposed to be located at the north end of the existing Target parking lot.
The proposed development will consist of a new building comprising 4,990 square
feet. It is proposed that half of the building will be a coffee shop with drive through
lane, and the other half will be a quick service restaurant without drive through lane.
Currently, this outlet parcel comprises 115 parking stalls. These stalls, while a part of
the overall Target development, are not heavily used except on high demand shopping
days. Because many of the shopping center businesses adjacent to these stalls front to
the north and west, there is little shared demand for this parking other than by Target.
Figure 1 shows the proposed site plan. Figure 2 illustrates the outlet parcel (in yellow)
as well as the parking that will be displaced as a result of the new building footprint
and drive lanes (in blue). Of the 115 stalls in the parcel currently, 52 stalls will be lost
due to the development. This will leave 63 stalls to be repurposed for the new site.
Westwood has determined the trip generation potential of the parcel using the rates and
equations from the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual, 9th
Edition.1 Table 1 illustrates the daily and peak hour trip generation forecasts for the
development given the prosed uses on the site.
1 Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, DC, 2012
Attachment F 7.2
December 11, 2015
Page 2
Figure 1 – Proposed Site Plan
(Source: Westwood Professional Services, 2015)
Figure 2 -- Proposed Impacts to Parking
(Source: Google Maps and Westwood Professional Services, 2015)
52 stalls lost
63 stalls repurposed
7.2
December 11, 2015
Page 3
Table 1 – Trip Generation
ITE
Type Land Use Code Size Enter Exit Enter Exit Enter Exit
Retail Coffee - w/Drive Thru 937 2.495 k.s.f. 1,021 1,021 128 123 42 42
Retail Fast Food - No Drive Thru 933 2.495 k.s.f.893 893 66 44 26 26
1,914 1,914 194 167 68 68
3,828 361 136
Weekday AM peak PM Peak
(Source: ITE Trip Generation Manual, 2012 and Westwood Professional Services, 2015)
Coffee shops have heaviest demand during the morning peak hours. Other fast food,
“fast casual” or “quick service” restaurants without drive-through lanes have demand
throughout the day – and typically less than that of a coffee shop.
These trips would be distributed to and from the three main access points on West
Broadway Avenue, as well as to and from internal driveways within the Crystal
Shopping Center. Some trips will be shared with Target and other uses in the center.
Therefore, trips will be dispersed throughout the center and not necessarily
congregated at on access onto West Broadway Avenue.
Regarding parking demand, it is understood that you are working with the City of
Crystal to resolve the parking requirement for the site.
cc: Paul Schroeder, Westwood
7.2
A
t
t
a
c
h
m
e
n
t
G
7
.
2
7.2
Attachment H
7.2
7.2
Attachment I7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
Attachment J
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-________
RESOLUTION APPROVING CARDINAL COURT 2ND ADDITION PRELIMINARY
AND FINAL PLAT, SITE AND BUILDING PLAN, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS,
AND VARIANCE AT 5537 WEST BROADWAY AVENUE
WHEREAS, Target Corporation and Paster Properties (collectively, the “Applicants”)
submitted an application to the City of Crystal (“City”) for preliminary approval of a plat, which
is hereto attached as Exhibit A, final plat approval, which is hereto attached as Exhibit B, site
and building plan, conditional use permits, and variances for the property located at 5537 West
Broadway Avenue, which is legally described in Exhibit C (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the plat will create a new parcel as the location for a new approximately
5,000 SF commercial building; and
WHEREAS, the site and building plan addresses such site issues as setbacks, parking,
screening, exterior materials, landscaping, exterior lighting, and pedestrian connections; and
WHEREAS, the conditional use permits will allow a drive-through facility, outdoor
dining, and an adjustment to the required number of parking spaces to 63 spaces for the new
parcel; and
WHEREAS, the variance is to allow the maximum amount of the new parcel that is
covered by structures to be at 86% rather than 75%; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the preliminary
plat, site and building plan, conditional use permits, and variance requests on January 11, 2016
and voted to forward these applications to the City Council with a recommendation that the
requested applications be approved with certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, the final plat is in conformance with the preliminary plat recommended by
the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner’s report dated January 15, 2016 regarding this matter,
which is attached hereto as Exhibit D, is incorporated herein and made part of this preliminary
and final plat, site and building plan, conditional use permits, and variance except that the
conditions set out below are controlling; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the preliminary and final plat, site and building
plan, conditional use permits, and variance as recommended by the Planning Commission would
be in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Crystal City Code.
7.2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Crystal,
based on the record of this matter and the findings and determinations contained herein, hereby
approves the Cardinal Court 2nd Addition preliminary and final plat, site and building plan,
conditional use permits, and variance subject to compliance with all of the following conditions
of approval:
1. Park Fee. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording by the applicant, a park
dedication fee of $12,000 shall be paid by the applicant.
2. Agreements. Prior to the release of the Final Plat for recording by the applicant, the
applicant shall submit copies of any agreements for property access, parking, and
stormwater management between Target Corporation and Paster Properties.
3. MPCA Documentation. Prior to the issuance of the building permit for the new
commercial building, the applicant will provide documentation to the City from the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that the property meets MPCA’s
standards for new construction on the site, and that the monitoring well can be
removed.
4. Signs. A sign permit application shall be approved by the City prior to the installation
of any exterior signs.
5. Compliance. The preliminary and final plat, site and building plan, conditional use
permits and variance is subject to the applicable requirements of the City Code, the
Applicants are required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
rules, regulations, and ordinances, and are required to obtain such other permits and
permissions as may be required.
6. No Waiver. Failure by the City to take action with respect to any violation of any
condition, covenant or term of the preliminary and final plat, site and building plan,
conditional use permits and variance shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
condition, covenant, or term or any subsequent violation of the same or any other
condition, covenant, or term.
7. Revocation. The violation of any terms or conditions of the conditional use permits
including, but not limited to, any applicable federal, state, or local laws, rules,
regulations, and ordinances, may result in revocation of the conditional use permits.
The Applicants shall be given written notice of any violation and reasonable time, as
determined by the City, to cure the violation before a revocation of the permit will
occur.
8. Binding Effect. This preliminary and final plat, site and building plan, conditional
use permits, and variance, and the conditions placed on their approval, are binding on
the Applicants, their successors and assigns, shall run with the Property, and shall not
in any way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change from current
ownership, the exception being if a conditional use permit is terminated or revoked as
allowed by the Crystal City Code. The obligations of the Applicants under these
approvals shall also be the obligations of the current and any subsequent owners of
the Property.
9. Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the Property for any of the uses allowed by
this preliminary and final plat, site and building plan, conditional use permits, and
variance shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to, the terms
and conditions without qualification, reservation, or exception.
7.2
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 19th day of January, 2016.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
7.2
EXHIBIT A
Preliminary Plat
7.2
EXHIBIT B
Final Plat
7.2
EXHIBIT C
Legal Description of the Property
Lot 1, Block 1, Cardinal Court, according to the recorded plat thereof, and situated in
Hennepin County, Minnesota
7.2
EXHIBIT D
Planner’s Report
(attached hereto)
7.2
Attachment K
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-________
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR
THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6801 -56TH AVENUE NORTH
WHEREAS, Target Corporation and Paster Properties (collectively, the “Applicants”)
submitted an application to the City of Crystal (“City”) for a variance at 6801 – 56th Avenue
North in Crystal (Crystal Shopping Center), which is legally described in Exhibit A (“Property”);
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the Applicants’
request on January 11, 2016 and voted to forward the application to the City Council with a
recommendation that the requested variance to allow an off-premise sign be approved with
certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner’s report dated January 15, 2016 regarding this matter,
which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, is incorporated herein and made part of this variance,
except that the conditions set out below are controlling; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the variance as recommended by the Planning
Commission would be in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Crystal City
Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Crystal,
based on the record of this matter and the findings and determinations contained herein, hereby
approves and issues a variance to allow an off-premise sign at the Property subject to compliance
with the following condition of approval:
1. Permit. A sign permit application shall be approved by the City prior to the installation of
this freestanding sign.
2. Compliance. This variance is subject to the applicable requirements of the City Code, the
Applicants are required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules,
regulations, and ordinances, and are required to obtain such other permits and
permissions as may be required.
3. No Waiver. Failure by the City to take action with respect to any violation of any
condition, covenant or term of this variance shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
condition, covenant, or term or any subsequent violation of the same or any other
condition, covenant, or term.
7.2
4. Binding Effect. This variance, and the conditions placed on it, are binding on the
Applicants, their successors and assigns, shall run with the Property, and shall not in any
way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change from current ownership.
The obligations of the Applicants under this variance shall also be the obligations of the
current and any subsequent owners of the Property.
5. Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the Property for any of the uses allowed by this
variance shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to, the terms and
conditions of this variance without qualification, reservation, or exception.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 19th day of January, 2016.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
7.2
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of the Property
Lot 1, Block 1, Crystal Shopping Center Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof,
and situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota
7.2
EXHIBIT B
Planner’s Report
(attached hereto)
7.2
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.3
Posted: January 15, 2016
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
SECOND WORK SESSION AGENDA
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
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 second work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on
Tuesday, January 19, 2016 in Conference Room A located at 4141 Douglas Drive, Crystal,
Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Deshler ____ Norris
____ Kolb ____ Therres
____ Libby ____ Peterson
____ Parsons ____ Revering
____ Peak ____ Sutter
____ Adams ____ Gilchrist
____ Dahl ____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. City Strategic Communications Plan
2. Review 3 strikes/rental licensing enforcement
3. Annual review of Council rules
4. Discuss request for task force – Constitution Week
5. Constituent issues update
6. New business*
7. Announcements*
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763)
531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
City of Crystal Communications Strategy
January-June 2016
I. Mission Statement: The Crystal City Government strives to improve and promote the quality
of life for all Crystal citizens and provide municipal services in a cost‐effective, innovative and
professional manner.
II. City Taglines: “Crystal has it all.”
“Where Family and Community are Number One.”
III. Target Audiences:
• Residents of Crystal and adjacent communities
• Business owners in Crystal and adjacent businesses
• Local, state and nation‐wide media
• Emergency staff and first responders
• Prospective residents and business owners
• Crystal council, commission, board members, advisory groups and other city staff
• Local, county and state governmental officials and staff
• School districts, watersheds and civic organizations
IV. Guiding Principles:
• Develop and maintain a consistent brand showing value and reinforcing a positive, clean and
welcoming image of Crystal.
• Incorporate diversity and sensitivity in all messaging when possible.
• Promote a clear mission and vision for Crystal.
• Increasingly engage citizens, staff and elected officials through diverse methods,
incorporating changing technology.
• Involve staff in communications at all levels.
• Seek outside partnership opportunities to improve service and offset costs.
• Solicit feedback and evaluate communications based on objectives and guiding principles.
• Create and update a communications strategy with specific goals and objectives and present
it annually to the City Council, staff and general public.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
V. Core Communications Strategies, Tactics and Tools
1. City Websites, Social Media, Webstreaming and Online Activities
• Website slide show graphics
• Website calendar
• Website announcements, website pages
• Website “Video Highlights” streaming video presentations or Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
• Website “What’s Happening” section
• Social media updates (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram)
• Email and e‐newsletters
• Online surveys
• Google website analytics
• Connect2mybenefits (staff intranet postings)
2. Media Relations, Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing
• Newspaper, radio or TV advertising
• PowerPoint presentations
• Staff training, presentation/exercises
• Press releases
• Roadside marque signs (2)
• Three‐panel trade show display
• Periodic resident surveys
• Written articles and opinion pieces
• New resident packets
• Branding guide
• Forms, documents, certificates, resolutions
• Open houses, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, symposiums, community events, etc.
• Council announcements, events, speeches, articles, websites and blogs
3. Newsletters, Publications and Photography
• Crystal Connection and Recreation Newsletters
• Crystal Insider
• News Brief (Internal to staff and council)
• Brochures, booklets and marketing pieces
• Reference Guides
• Flyers and handouts
• Direct Mail Marketing Pieces
• City Hall Bulletin Board
• Photographic displays
• Utility bill inserts
4. NWCT Cable Channel 12 and 16, TV Programming and Production and Cable Bulletins
• Mayor’s Minutes
• City Video features (2‐minute and 1:15 segments)
• Cable bulletins
• PSAs, video shorts
• Cable shows and programs
• Public meetings
V: Longer‐term Goals (15) and shorter‐term Objectives (27)
GOAL: Develop a City of Crystal logo standards, message branding and style guide.
Objective 1: Give documents/messages a standardized, professional look that is clearly from the City.
Objective 2: Create templates for commission and advisory board agendas and minutes.
Objective 3: Explore different agenda management system (Granicus and/or Accella) for Council
meeting agendas and minutes, and for board/commission appointments.
Objective 4: Create PowerPoint templates for staff.
Objective 5: Develop city‐wide slogan/tagline for city publications and other messaging.
Objective 6: Create more interactive applications, permit and other forms for residents and make
them available on the City’s website.
Objective 7: Offer forms, permits and other communications in more languages.
Objective 8: Create city inspector thank‐you postcards for homeowners after a code violation is
corrected, rental inspection order completed, or final inspection on a building project.
GOAL: Update Crisis Communications Policy (Media Protocol).
Objective 1: Clarify how after‐hours events are managed by council and staff.
GOAL: Develop plain language processes with all departments and staff.
Objective 1: Continue to implement plain language into all communications materials including open
house and public meeting notices, building permits, handouts, etc. (some technical
language and tables are necessary).
Objective 2: Perform systematic audit of city website content for plain language, proper grammar,
broken links and outdated information.
Objective 3: Create citizen engagement flyer: “How to Communicate with the Crystal City Council.”
Objective 4: Continue to review and update City Code Reference Guide.
GOAL: Clarify how City communications will be involved in community events and civic organizations
such as Frolics, Crystal Fund, Light of Crystal, Crystal Crime Prevention, and Crystal Business
Association.
GOAL: Assist in creating long‐range Crystal Recreation Department marketing plans for each of three
divisions: (1) Recreation, (2) pool, (3) community center/facilities.
GOAL: Develop/provide media spokesperson training for key staff and elected officials.
GOAL: Create subscriber‐based e‐newsletters or notifications for city news, city road projects, recreation
programs, road closings, etc.
GOAL: Increase the ways we communicate with the Sun Post and other news outlets.
GOAL: Create/disseminate video productions to grow public awareness of City employees and services.
Objective 1: Short (1 minute) YouTube videos of common public works tasks and inspection items.
Objective 2: Develop behind‐the‐scenes videos program of City employees and their jobs.
Objective 3: Create videos of rentable rooms and recreational amenities for YouTube and website.
Objective 4: Better utilize quarterly NWCT Cities Videos to enhance awareness of city services.
GOAL: Increase use of assessment tools to improve information to target audiences.
Objective 1: Utilize web traffic analytics in communications and share with staff as needed.
Objective 2: Continue to track/review external civic, community and council newsletters, news
clippings, blogs and websites for Crystal‐related items.
Objective 3: Develop on‐going communications survey for City website.
GOAL: Consider advertising and ad budget, particularly during months with no city newsletter.
Objective 1: Freshen up Bass Lake Rd. banners.
GOAL: Find new, innovated ways of communicating with various target audiences.
Objective 1: Review possibility of kiosks/reader boards at key locations and park sites in the City.
Objective 2: Consider communications intern program.
GOAL: Enhance most productive communications tools to keep them current and useful.
Objective 1: Continue to research ways to improve employee newsletter.
Objective 2: Research new website design for 2017.
GOAL: Develop process to keep cable TV bulletin boards and website slides updated on a weekly basis.
GOAL: Better promote and communicate upcoming election information/activities.
Objective 1: Create/implement awareness campaign for election judges and voter registration.
Objective 2: Communicate changes regarding absentee voting, election equipment and where to find
general information and results.
VI. Tactics and Impacts for Key Objectives (examples only):
Below are examples of the next step toward accomplishing a goal or objective: the
communications campaign. It incorporates choosing strategies, tactics and tools and outlining
other considerations required to accomplish a goal or objective.
Develop a branding and style guide with the goal of having City documents and messages have a similar
standardized look. This will include templates for agendas and minutes for advisory groups or
PowerPoint templates for staff.
Strategy Tactics/Tools Budget Staff Timeline
Booklet
Email to staff
Connect2my
benefits.com
Staff time
In‐house Copies of Forms,
Agendas, Minutes
Communications Jan. ‐March
Branded Templates Contact Commission
Liaisons and Secretaries
‐Communications
Citizen Members
Jan. –Feb.
Update Crisis Communications Policy (Media Protocol)
Strategy Tactics/Tools Budget Staff Timeline
New protocol form
Staff Training,
Presentation/Exercises
Staff Training
Crystal Insider
Staff time Communications
and
Administration
Jan. 15 – Feb. 1
Create citizen engagement flyer “Ways to Contact the Crystal Council.”
Strategy Tactics/Tools Budget Staff Timeline
Publications
Online
Social Media
Newsletter
Distribute Flyer
Add to council webpage
Facebook
Ongoing Articles
Paper Copies Communications
and
Administration
January 1‐29
Memorandum
DATE: January 14, 2016
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
SUBJECT: Task Force – Constitution Week
Councilmember Parsons received a request from a resident to create a task force
committed to hosting a “Constitution Week 2016.”
The resident has a small group of folks interested in planning and hosting a Constitution
Week event this year. Below is a series of emails from the resident outlining plans for
the event.
From January 2016:
Just wanted to keep everyone in the loop for what is happening for Consti tution
Week 2016.
So far I have not heard any definitive answers from anyone about how they
would like to proceed. I need to hear from the city that there will be a task force
or what I need to do to start the task force (not just that it is a good idea) or I
need to hear from people that "Yes, I want to do something and here is my
contact information," so I can schedule meeting times. I have contacted my
contact from School District 281 and we will be meeting in February. I included
the e-mail I sent back in October 2015, just as a reminder of why I'm starting
things this early. Also my idea for the Theme for 2016 is:Arguments against the
Constitution- (1)Do we see any from the time of the founding that have come true
or (2)Which ones from the time of the founding are still going on today or (3)How
do today's arguments against the Constitution compare with those at the time of
its founding? (I haven't picked one yet) I am happy to discuss other topics as
well. I just want to get the ball started, so that n o one is rushing to do things and
everything is a lot better planned out and publicized as much as possible.
From October 2015:
I'm looking to start a Constitution Week Task force for 2016. I want to do it
through a task force rather than a commission so that no one has to spend 3
years on a commission, working on a bunch of different things all because they
just want to be part of this one event. I spoke with Olga Parsons (Crystal section
2 rep) and Pat Frigerio (Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Education Youth
and Development & Adventure Club Program Assistant) and they are both on
board for doing another Constitution Week event in 2016 and creating a task
force to run it.
I know that the event itself is still months away, but the biggest complaint I have
heard with every event I've been involved with is that it does not have enough
publicity. That means we have to start recruiting now, so that we have people
and can start publicity planning in early 2016.
The deadline for getting into the summer 2016 "The Crystal Connection" is
March 2016. I assume that the deadline for school program publications and
anything other publications we want to be in are going to be similar. We want to
be in the summer publications, and perhaps the falls ones too, because the event
starts in the beginning of September and that's normally when the fall books
come out. We want people to already have Constitution week on their minds, so
that they are already planning to attend the event before the fall issues come out
and haven't already planned to do something else. Then if the event is in fall
issues, it reinforces promotion for the event.
So anything you guys can do to start recruiting efforts for people, including
yourselves, that may want to participate in this, that would be great.
At recent work sessions, the Council discussed having the Human Rights Commission
continue its work on Constitution Week. The Council should discuss how to respond to
the resident.
Issue Type Key Summary Assignee Reporter Status Created Updated
Issue CRCI-47 29XX Edgewood - Police call - rental
property
Anne Norris Anne Norris New Issue 1/14/2016 17:03 1/14/2016 17:04
Issue CRCI-42 60XX Rockford Road Anne Norris Anne Norris In Progress 9/10/2015 21:51 1/14/2016 16:56
Issue CRCI-33 ADA Accessibility of Council meetings Anne Norris Anne Norris In Progress 7/1/2015 15:21 1/14/2016 16:55
Open Issues (JIRA)
Displaying 3 issues at 01/14/16 5:04 PM.
Generated at Thu Jan 14 17:04:43 CST 2016 by Anne Norris using JIRA 7.1.0-OD-04-012#71001-sha1:dd0493d72352e1a51e29faeaa551e16c27e40a01.
1 of 1