2017.04.13 Work Session Packet
Posted: April 7, 2017
City Council
Work Session Agenda
April 13, 2017
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 work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on
April 13, 2017 in Conference Room A at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Parsons ____ Norris
____ Adams ____ Therres
____ Budziszewski ____ Elholm
____ Dahl ____ Gilchrist
____ Deshler ____ McGann
____ Kolb ____ Olson
____ LaRoche ____ Ray
____ Revering
____ Serres
____ Sutter
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Bassett Creek Watershed project update
2. 2018 budget preview
3. Review changes to Chapter 5, Zoning, City Code Review
4. Crystal Ball recap
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
Memorandum
DATE: April 13, 2017
TO: City Council
FROM: Mark Ray, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Bassett Creek Park and Winnetka Pond sediment removal update
Over the past few months Bassett Creek Watershed engineering staff has been working on the
feasibility report for the Bassett Creek Park pond and Winnetka pond (northwest corner of 36th
Ave and the railroad tracks) sediment removal projects. An open house was held for these two
projects on February 16th at the Heathers’ Manor.
The proposed projects were to be entirely funded by the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission.
Based on the feasibility report work done so far, the needs of these two ponds significantly
exceeded the allocated budget. Watershed staff is currently working to identify potential
options for proceeding with a scaled back project.
Engineering staff from the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission will also be available at the
meeting.
Requested Council action
Staff will update the Council on the findings of the feasibility report for these two
projects and recommended direction
Memorandum
DATE: April 6, 2017
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: Jean McGann, AEM Financial Solutions, LLC
RE: 2018 Budget Highlights
Background
On an annual basis, the City of Crystal is required to prepare and adopt an annual budget.
Discussion
This is the start of the 2018 budget process. Attached is an overview of 2018 budget highlights
that we are aware of at this point. Included in materials is a high level explanation of fund
accounts and fund descriptions.
The goal of this meeting is to share information we are aware of at this point that will impact
the 2018 budget and receive the input and perspective of the City Council for the goals and
objectives for this budget.
Conclusion
We are excited to share the 2018 Budget Highlights and start the budget process.
April 13, 2017
Fund Accounting Overview
Why Fund Accounting?
To keep track of separate business functions within
one larger organization
Resembles a parent/subsidiary relationship in the
corporate world
Fund Accounting
Governmental Funds
Financed mostly by taxes/assessments
Modified accrual basis of accounting
(i.e. when earned/spent AND when available)
No capital assets or debt liabilities recorded
General fund
Special revenue funds
Debt service funds
Capital project funds
Fund Accounting
Proprietary Funds – includes Enterprise and Internal
Service Funds
Financed primarily from user fees and operate similar to
private business
Full accrual basis of accounting
(i.e. when earned/spent)
Capital assets and debt liabilities ARE recorded
Enterprise funds
Internal service funds
Fund Accounting
Fiduciary Funds
Monies held on behalf of another party
Full accrual basis of accounting
Trust Funds
Agency Funds
Fund Types
Special Revenue Funds - Funds used to track the proceeds of restricted or committed special revenue sources that are to be used for specified purposes.
Debt Service Funds - Funds used to track the collection of taxes, assessments and other revenues including interest to repay debt principal and interest.
Capital Project Funds - Funds used to track the payment of project costs and equipment purchases from the receipts of debt proceeds, assessments, grants, and other revenues including interest and transfers in of built up reserves.
Enterprise Funds - Funds that are established to account for operations that are financed an operated in a manner similar to private business.
2018 Proposed Budget Calendar
Date Action
4/4/2017 Data request for development of wage and benefit document
4/13/2017 Preliminary budget discussion with Council
5/4/2017 Internal charges complete (insurance, LOGIS charges and depreciation)
5/4/2017 Wage and benefit calculations complete
5/8/2017 Wage discussion with Senior Leadership team
5/15/2017 Budget documents available in Hubble for input
6/9/2017 Budgets (including revenue projections) due from Senior Leadership team
6/19/2017 Senior Leadership budget and PIR discussion
7/27/2017 Council packet due
8/10/2017 Budget workshop (all funds and fee schedule)
8/17/2017 Budget workshop (all funds and fee schedule)
9/5/2017 Preliminary budget adoption
Oct/Nov Additional budget workshop as needed
11/7/2017 Submit public hearing notice to Sun Sailor (not required)
11/27/2017 Budget books finalized
12/5/2017 Public input meeting and final adoption of budget/levies
2018 Budget Assumptions/Impacts
Assumption Impact
Cap on health and dental insurance
COPPS Grant $130,367
2018 Union Contracts Settled
Local 56
Union 44
Union 49
2.5% COLA
Elections occur in 2018 $35,000 (est)
Pool levy eliminated $212,000
Tax levy considerations
West Metro Fire District 4-5 %
Increase
Property Tax Levy History
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
General levy 8,330,937$ 8,453,983$ 8,258,049$ 8,150,000$ 8,237,000$ 8,302,000$ 8,571,947$ 8,657,000$
Capital improvements levy - - - 563,153 563,153 563,153 563,153 1,141,620
Debt Service - Co Road 81 534,565 534,565 534,565
EDA 300,000 274,000 270,000 239,156 208,000 239,000 246,200 277,200
Total levy 9,165,502$ 9,262,548$ 9,062,614$ 8,952,309$ 9,008,153$ 9,104,153$ 9,381,300$ 10,075,820$
% Increase from prior year 11.55%1.06%-2.16%-1.22%0.62%1.07%3.04%7.40%
Market value based referendum levy 207,300$ 207,400$ 211,600$ 210,400$ 209,000$ 209,000$ 210,600$ 212,000$
9,372,802$ 9,469,948$ 9,274,214$ 9,162,709$ 9,217,153$ 9,313,153$ 9,591,900$ 10,287,820$
Total levy increase from prior year 1.04%-2.07%-1.20%0.59%1.04%2.99%7.26%
Local Government Aid History
$1,455,066 $1,455,066
$2,505,786
$1,455,066
$1,643,830 $1,681,036 $1,691,895 $1,694,740
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Local Government Aid
Fiscal Disparities
TAX RATE CALCULATION
Payable 2015 Payable 2016 Payable 2017
Tax Capacity 14,758,503$ 15,250,280$ 16,716,693$
TIF Captured Value (297,589) (325,706) (248,944)
AW Contribution (1,088,083) (1,088,334) (1,082,015)
Net Tax Capacity 13,372,831 13,836,240 15,385,734
Certified Levy 9,074,153 9,099,500 9,798,620
EDA Levy 239,000 246,200 277,200
Area-Wide Distribution (4,197,619) (3,999,304) (4,375,023)
Local Levy 5,115,534 5,346,396 5,700,797
Tax Rate Trends
2015 2016 2017
City Tax Rate 38.25%38.64%37.05%
County Tax Rate 46.40%45.36%44.00%
School Tax Rate 33.23%33.83%31.84%
Other Tax Rate 10.56%10.43%10.43%
Total Tax Rate 128.44%128.26%123.33%
Market value rate - Pool bonds 0.2944%0.2964%0.2627%
(1) 2017 Proposed Values and Tax Capacity - Hennepin County Assessor's Department. Amounts are
estimated for other tax rates for 2017.
PAGE 1 OF 1
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
DATE: April 6, 2017
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for April 13 meeting)
SUBJECT: Review proposed changes to the zoning code and related regulati ons
In 2015 the City Council appointed members to the city code review task force. The task
force has reviewed the city’s sign, subdivision and zoning codes and provided comments.
Attachment A is a listing of those comments and staff’s response. Staff has also included
policy questions on proposed ordinance changes for the Council to provide direction on.
For these policy questions staff researched the adjacent five cities: Robbinsdale, New
Hope, Golden Valley, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. At the April 13th Work Session
staff will make a presentation on the more significant proposed ordinance changes (the
issues that staff has identified for this presentation are shown shaded on attachment A).
Staff is working with the city attorney to combine the requirements for signs, subdivision and
zoning into one ordinance. This will reduce the amount of repetition that often results from
having three separate ordinances. Tables and graphics will also be used to make the
ordinance more user-friendly. The planning commission is expected to begin their review of
the draft ordinance in May with a public hearing on the new ordinance in July. The following
is the proposed schedule for adopting a new ordinance:
May - June Planning Commission reviews draft ordinance
June 20 City Council Work Session to review proposed ordinance
July 10 Planning Commission public hearing for proposed ordinance
July 18 Council considers first reading of ordinance
Aug. 15 Council considers second reading and adoption
Aug. 24 Summary of ordinance published
Sep. 23 Effective date of ordinance
City Council Action
This agenda item is being presented so the Council may provide direction on various policy
issues related to the update of the zoning code and related regulations.
Attachment:
A. Document detailing Task Force comments and staff-proposed code changes
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Revisions to Regulations for Zoning, Subdivision and
Signs
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
405.01, Subd. 2 Does the Council want to
regulate window signs?
Staff N/A N/A Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, New
Hope, and Brooklyn Park limit signs
to 25%-50% of window coverage.
Brooklyn Center does not have a
percentage limitation.
405.01, Subd. 3 Sign code administration Task Force Clarify who the "manager" is (person
who administers the sign code)
The updated sign code will clarify
that the city manager or designee is
the administrator of the code. Staff
will ensure that the language is
consistent with what the city
attorney has used in other chapters
of the code.
405.05 Should the city eliminate
the requirement for a sign
hangers license?
Staff N/A N/A Brookyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and
Robbinsdale require a license.
Golden Valley and New Hope do
not. The sign code requirements
already protect the property owner
from installation of an unsafe sign,
and removing the license
requirement streamlines the
application process and removes
the $100 license fee.
405.07 Carrying signs Task Force Permits should be required for people
carrying signs (for example, Liberty Tax).
Persons carrying signs cannot be
required to apply for a sign permit
because of free speech issues.
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
405.07 Sign code - permit Task Force 1) Should a permit be necessary to
repaint or change bulbs?
2) Does this include awnings?
3) If a sign is attached to a wall, it should
require a building permit not a sign
permit
1) Changing bulbs does not
currently require a permit and the
sign code will exempt repainting
from the requirement for a permit.
2) Awning signs will continue to
require a permit.
3) The state building code only
addresses safety issues such as
snow and wind load, but does not
address maximum size of sign, sign
locations, etc.
405.09 Design and construction of
signs
Task Force Remove requirement that sign be
designed to ensure safety (state building
code already ensures this)
This language shows that the city is
making the applicant aware of the
need for safety in designing a sign.
405.13, Subd. 3 Calculating sign area Task Force A diagram would be helpful here to show
how a sign area is calculated
The sign code will include graphics
to clarify requirements.
405.15, Subd. 9 Sign and non-commercial
speech
Task Force Delete the purpose statement for non-
commercial speech
The new sign ordinance will be
"content neutral"
405.17, Subd. 7 Holiday signs Task Force How do we enforce requirements for
holiday signs?
The new sign ordinance will be
"content neutral"
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
405.19, Subd. 19 Freestanding signs Task Force 1) For freestanding signs, the only
requirements should be:
a) Can't block sight lines
b) Requirements for height & weight of
sign
c) Can't place on other people's
properties without permission
d) Temporary signs should have time
limits
e) Make it clear that signs are not
allowed on public property.
2) The building inspector should be
responsible for violations and safety
issues, not the city manager
3) We need to make sure that bulbs are
replaced when they go out
1) All of these items will continue to
be addressed for freestanding sign
permits, including the requirement
for a 10' setback from property lines
2) The city manager or designee will
be responsible for sign code
administration.
3) Bulb replacement will be added
to the maintenance requirements
405.31 Does the Council want sign
design requirements for
multi-unit buildings?
Staff N/A N/A Design requirements would improve
the aesthetics of signs on multi-
tenant buildings where there is no
compatibility of one sign to another.
Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, and
Brooklyn Center require signs to be
designed to be compatible with the
building, but none of the five cities
have detailed sign design
requirements
505 Subdivision regulations Task Force This section should be consistent with
other task force recommendations for
other areas of the city code, including
the placement of definitions
To simplify regulations, staff
recommends combining the zoning
and subdivision codes into one
development code with one set of
definitions
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.01, Subd. 1-4 Intent and purpose of
zoning code, relationship to
Comp Plan
Task Force This section needs to be simplified and
shortened
Staff will make this change
515.01, Subd. 6 Zoning code penalties Task Force Review this penalty section in relation to
other similar provisions in city code
There will one penalty section for
signs, subdivision and zoning
(currently there are separate
sections for each)
515.01, Subd. 8 Nonconforming uses Task Force The definition of "nonconforming"
should be in Section 515.09
The definition of nonconforming is
in Section 515.09
515.01, Subd. 8 (e)
and (g)
Nonconforming uses Task Force Combine subsections relating to changes
made to nonconforming uses
Updated code will reduce repetitive
language
515.01, Subd. 8 (h)Alterations to
nonconforming uses
Task Force This section needs to be clarified Staff will review the text and work
to clarify the meaning
515.05, Subd. 3 (j)CUP expiration date Task Force There is concern about the CUP
expiration requirements
Staff will develop uniform
requirements for CUP and site plan
expiration dates
515.05, Subd. 2 & 3 CUP and Variance approval
processes
Task Force Relating to variances and CUP, this
section should be restructured to reduce
repetition
The updated code will reduce
repetitive language
515.09 The definition of "bed and
breakfast establishment"
would allow for Airbnbs. Is
this what the Council
wants? If so, should they be
licensed?
Staff N/A N/A Only Brooklyn Park has specific
requirements for B & Bs. The other
four cities do not address the issue.
In Crystal B & Bs are allowed with an
approved CUP. The Council could
require B & Bs to be owner-
occupied or could require a license.
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.09 Should the definition of
"family" be changed to
allow for more than 3
unrelated persons? This
allows up to 3 unrelated
persons in a rental unit
(state licensed facilities can
have up to 6)
Staff N/A N/A Robbinsdale, New Hope, and
Brooklyn Park allow up to 4
unrelated persons, and Golden
Valley and Brooklyn Center allow up
to 5.
515.09 Should the definition of
height for a gable/pitched
roof be changed to be
measured to the midpoint
of the roof peak rather
than the peak?
Staff N/A N/A The other adjacent cities measure
gable roofs to the average elevation
of the highest peak.
515.13, Subd. 1 Performance standards in
the zoning code
Task Force Delete purpose statement Purpose statements help the reader
and staff understand the intent of
the regulation
515.13, Subd. 4 (a)Visibility at intersections Task Force Use diagrams to help with understanding Graphics will be used throughout
the updated code
515.13, Subd. 6 Landscape maintenance Task Force 1) Change wording: …shall be planted
and maintained… to "installed and/or
maintained.
2) There was concern about the word
"acceptable" as used here
1) The wording requires action to
install and maintain, which are both
important to regulate.
2) Acceptable materials should be
defined for clarity
515.13, Subd. 8 (a)
& (c)
Dwelling unit restrictions Task Force Combine requirements for where
accessory dwelling units are prohibited
The updated code will reduce
repetitive language
515.13, Subd. 9 (b)Lot surveys Task Force Clarify how any improvements to a
property may not obstruct future street
extensions
Staff will review the text and work
to clarify the meaning
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.17, Subd. 1 Parking requirements Task Force Delete the purpose statement or move it
to an appendix
Purpose statements help the reader
and staff understand the intent of
the regulation
515.17 Parking requirements Task Force Simplify parking regs into three
subsections: 1) General, 2) Commercial,
3) Residential
Staff will find the best way to
organize parking requirements in a
concise and clear manner, including
the use of tables and graphics; will
follow task force suggestion unless
there is a compelling reason not to
515.17, Subd. 4 Driveways in residential
areas
Task Force 1) Make sure driveway regulations are
written so residents do not lose any
driveway width during street
reconstruction projects
2) The term driveway was defined
multiple times
1) Only unlawfully-installed
pavement in the right-of-way is
removed during street
reconstruction
2) The updated code will reduce
repetitive language
515.17, Subd. 4 Driveways in residential
areas
Task Force Review to determine if the regulations
are needed and applied uniformly
Staff will review the text and work
to clarify if the regulation is needed
and applied uniformly.
515.17, Subd. 4 (f)
(3)
Calculating required
number of parking spaces
Task Force In calculating parking spaces, we have no
hospitals so why do we show how to
calculate spaces there?
Will remove unlikely uses from the
list and use general parking
calculations
515.17, Subd. 4 (g)
(5) (ii)
Diveways in residential
areas
Task Force Driveway width standards are too strict.
Should be approved on a case-by-case
basis
This is not legally defensible.
approving projects on a case-by-
case basis may lead to arbitrary
decisions
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.17, Subd. 4 (i)
(4)
Driveways in residential
areas
Task Force We shouldn't regulate a property
owner's ability to have an auxillary
space, but if we do regulate it, it should
be done on a case-by-case basis.
This is not legally defensible.
approving projects on a case-by-
case basis may lead to arbitrary
decisions
515.17, Subd. 4 (i)
(6)
Selling cars in residential
areas
Task Force We shouldn't restrict a property owner's
ability to sell a car on their property
This intent of this requirement is to
protect the character of residential
areas. Staff proposes allowing the
sale of a car if the vehicle is owned
and registered to the resident at the
property with a limit of no more
than 4 vehicles for sale per year.
515.17, Subd. 5 Calculating required
number of parking spaces
Task Force 1) We don't need a maximum number
of parking spaces
2) Not all businesses were addressed in
this section
3) Not sure where the required numbers
of spaces comes from
1) Maximum parking requirements
reduce parking that is seldom used,
which helps with stormwater
management and reducing land
costs. Property owners may seek an
adjustment to parking requirements
through a CUP process.
2) Categories are usually general
rather than specific to businesses,
and a procedure to calculate
parking for unlisted uses exists in
current code
3) The parking ratios are commonly
found in other cities and may also
be based on recommendations from
the Institute of Traffic Engineers
(ITE)
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.17, Subd. 5 (a)Parking requirements for
residential properties
Task Force For single-family homes, could a person
have a carport rather than be required to
have a garage?
Of the five cities, only Robbinsdale
does not require an enclosed
garage. Garages not only provide a
space for a vehicle, but also enclose
lawnmowers, etc. from view and
provide security against theft for
items left out in the open
515.17, Subd. 6 Does Council want to allow
adjustments to parking
ratios by admininstrative
approval rather than by
CUP as is currently done
Staff N/A N/A Staff could develop standards for
adminstratively reducing the
minimum or exceeding the
maximum number of parking stalls.
If a property owner desires to go
beyond what may be
administratively approved, they
would retain the option to apply for
a CUP.
515.21, Subd. 1 & 2 Telecommunications Task Force The Findings and Purpose sections are
unnecessary
Purpose statements help the reader
and staff understand the intent of
the regulation
515.21, Subd. 4 Where telecommunication
towers are allowed
Task Force The amount of text should be simplified The updated code will reorganize
text and reduce repetitiveness
515.25 Establishment of zoning
districts
Task Force 1) Delete the Purpose section describing
what the city's zoning disricts are
2) Combine 515.25 and 515.29?
1) Purpose statements help the
reader and staff understand the
intent of the regulation
2) Text in 515.25 & 515.29 will be
combined
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.33 Should accessory dwellings
units be allowed? These
could take the form of a
unit above a detached
garage, or a separate unit
within an existing home
(such as a basement
apartment).
Staff/Task
Force
None of the five cities provide for
accessory dwelling units in the R-1
district within their zoning codes.
The benefit is that relatives can
have their own living space. The
downside is that it is difficult to
ensure that these units do not
become separate units for non-
relatives, changing the character of
a single-family neighborhood.
515.33 Single-family residential Task Force 1) Reformat using charts
2) Remove purpose statement and
definitions unless necessary
1) The updated code will use tables
to reduce repetition
2) Purpose statements and
definition help the reader and staff
clarify the intent of the ordinance
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.33, Subd. 3 (b)For home businesses in the
R-1 district:
1) Does Council want to
expand the types of homes
businesses allowed, such as
artisans (staff has a
resident who would like to
do welding for his artisan
business within his
garage)?
2) Does Council want to
allow one non-resident
employee?
Staff N/A N/A 1) None of the five cities prohibit
artisans, instead regulating home
businesses according to the
nuisances they produce. New Hope
prohibits manufacturing as does
Crystal. A revised ordinance could
prohibit a few specific businesses
(auto repair, for example) rather
than specifically allowing only
certain businesses.
2) Golden Valley and Brooklyn Park
allow one non-resident employee.
The other three cities do not allow
non-resident employees. If Council
would like to make this change,
Council could add hours of
operation limits (6 AM - 10 PM) as
in the C-1 district.
515.33, Subd. 3 (d)
(4)
Accessory buildings in
single-family areas
Task Force Why limit detached bldgs to 1,000 SF?Staff proposes eliminating the 1,000
SF limitation and relying on other
requirements, such as the garage
space cannot exceed the living
space of the home. Currently the
city does not include the basement
of the home in determining whether
the garage exceeds the living space
of the home. Staff proposes
changing the ordinance to include
finished basements in that
calculation.
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.33, Subd. 6 Minimum size for single
family dwellings
Task Force Can the minimum requirement of 900 SF
for a single-family home with a
basement be revised to allow for "tiny
houses"?
Of the five adjacent cities, Brooklyn
Center, Brooklyn Park and New
Hope do not have minimum home
size requirements. Robbinsdale
requires a minimum size based on
the number of bedrooms (a range of
720-1050 SF). Golden Valley
requires a minimum building width
of 22'. Although "tiny homes" may
allow for less construction costs,
their future usefulness as a home is
questionable. That said, the Council
could eliminate all minimum
dwelling unit size requirements.
515.33, Subd. 7 Lot coverage in single-
family areas
Task Force City should allow more impervious
surface in the rear yard
Lot coverage requirements help to
reduce negative impacts on
neighboring properties caused by an
excess of impervious surface in the
rear yard. That said, staff proposes
significantly relaxed lot coverage
limits.
515.33, Subd. 8 Building setbacks for single-
family areas
Task Force Reduce repetition in citing exceptions to
setbacks
Updated code will reduce repetitive
language
515.33, Subd. 8 (2)
(xii)
Sidewalks on private
property
Task Force Make sure all references to sidewalk
widths in the code are in conformance
with ADA requirements (recommend 5'
width)
To require a minimum 5' wide
sidewalk on private property would
not be appropriate.
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.37 Medium density residential
areas
Task Force 1) Reformat using charts
2) Remove Purpose statement and
definitions unless necessary
3) In subd. 3, allow one person to work,
but not live on the premises for a home
business
1) The updated code will use tables
to reduce repetition
2) Purpose statements and
definition help the reader and staff
clarify the intent of the ordinance.
3) Staff recommends the same
changes as in the R-1 district.
515.37, Subd. 4 Conditional uses in medium
density residential areas
Task Force Add a statement that allows for similar
uses to be conditional
For all zoning districts, a statement
could be added that similar uses are
included. There already is an appeal
process if the applicant disagrees
with the staff determination.
515.41 High density residential
areas
Task Force 1) Reformat using charts
2) Remove Purpose statement and
definitions unless necessary
3) In subd. 3, allow one person to work,
but not live on the premises for a home
business
1) The updated code will use tables
to reduce repetition
2) Purpose statements and
definition help the reader and staff
clarify the intent of the ordinance.
3) Staff recommends the same
changes as in the R-1 district.
515.41 High density residential Task Force Update the uses (i.e. sanitorium is not
used anymore)
Staff will review terms in the
updated code and make these
changes
515.45 & 515.49 Should the C-1 and C-2
districts be combined?
Staff N/A N/A Staff recommends that these
districts be combined with
performance standards such as
hours of operation limits (6 AM to
10 PM) for those properties near
residential properties
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.45 & 515.49 Does Council want to allow
a residential & commercial
mix in the C-1 and C-2
districts
Staff N/A N/A Currently the C-1 district allows
residential uses with an approved
CUP. A revised ordinance could
make it easier to build these type of
development with added
performance standards. This
mixture could also be allowed
through a transit-oriented
development overlay (TOD) district
515.45 to 515.53 Commercial zoning districts Task Force 1) Include a copy of the zoning map
somewhere in these sections
2) Reformat these sections using tables
1) The zoning map is referenced in
515.29
2) Tables will be used throughout
the updated code
515.45, Subd. 1 Neighborhood commercial
district (C-1)
Task Force Remove the Purpose statement or
describe more in detail what the
intention is for the district
Purpose statements help the reader
and staff understand the intent of
the regulation
515.45 Allowable uses in C-1 Task Force In describing uses, say "same or similar"For all zoning districts, a statement
could be added that similar uses are
included. There is already an appeal
process if the applicant disagrees
with the staff determination.
515.45, Subd. 3 (c)Allowable uses in C-1 Task Force Grocery stores are not listed Retail stores are listed in 515.45 (b)
(2)
515.45, Subd. 4 (a)
(1)
Setback requirement for
government buildings in C-
1
Task Force Cross-reference to 515.45, Subd. 7 (c),
which lists required setbacks for
permitted uses
The setback for government
buildings is specifically related to
approval criteria of a CUP while the
setbacks in Subd. 7 are for
permitted uses
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.45, Subd. 4 (h)C-1 conditional uses:
jewelry, etc.
Task Force In describing uses, say "same or similar"For all zoning districts, a statement
could be added that similar uses are
included. There already is an appeal
process if the applicant disagrees
with the staff determination.
515.45, Subd. 4 (d)
5-6
Hours of operation in C-1
district
Task Force Remove unncessary language and make
sure it complies with state law
The updated code will remove
unnecessary language; city attorney
will review the updated code for
compliance with state law
515.49 & 515.53 Does Council want to allow
outdoor storage and sales
with administrative
approval rather through a
CUP process as is currently
done?
Staff N/A N/A Staff proposes to allow outoor sales
and storage through an
administrative approval process,
with more detailed performance
standards. Some outdoor sales and
storage uses could also be approved
through a temporary use permit
process.
515.49, Subd. 3 (a)Allows for off-street
parking in C-2
Underground parking should be
addressed here as well
This requirement does not exclude
underground parking
515.49, Subd. 4 Does Council want to allow
outdoor dining by
administrative approval
rather than CUP?
Staff N/A N/A Staff proposes to allow outoor
dining through an administrative
approval process, with more
detailed performance standards.
515.49, Subd. 4 (d)
(f)
Park-and-ride lots in C-2 Task Force Park-n-ride lot requirements should be
addressed in relation to the proposed
LRT project
Staff recommends removing hours
of operation limits when the lot is
not near residential uses. The park-
n-ride lot requirements should also
be updated to allow for a narrower
stall width.
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
515.49, Subd. 4 (k)Do we want more detailed
performance standards for
drive-throughs?
Staff N/A N/A Staff could create requirements
relating to drive-throughs, such as
required numbers of stacking spaces
and setbacks for drive-through
lanes.
515.49, Subd. 4 (L)
and (M)
Cars wash and fuel sales in
C-2
Task Force Clarify for 24-hour gas pumps allowing
credit card payment
Hours of operation limits need to
include self-service gas pumps
because of safety and noise
impacts, especially during those
hours when there's no monitoring
by employees
515.53, Subd. 3 (f)Permitted accessory uses in
I-1
Task Force Specific uses should have clear standards
for their approval
The updated code will make clear
use-specific standards through the
use of tables and text.
515.53, Subd. 4 (m)
8-9
Impound lots Task Force Requirement for hard surface seems
duplicative
The updated code will review areas
to reduce repetitive text
515.57 PD overlay district Task Force 1) The uses allowed is not clear
2) Update language (i.e. playground not
tot lot)
1) Staff will clarify that uses in a PD
are governed by the underlying
zoning district
2) Staff will review the updated
code text for clarity
515.61 Floodplain ordinance Task Force Miscellaneous task force comments on
the floodplain ordinance in early 2016
The floodplain ordinance was
revised by the City Council on
September 6, 2016 according to a
model ordinance from the state of
MN.
515.69 Airport Overlay Task Force Should be formatted similar to the PD
overlay district
Staff will clarify that this district is
an overlay similar to the PD district
Section Issue Originator of
Comment
Task Force Comment Staff/Attorney response to Task
Force
Additional Information from Staff
520.11, Subd. 2 Should we have more
architectural standards for
multi-family and
commercial buildings?
Currently the zoning code
has a very short list of
prohibited exterior
materials, and no
requirements for building
design
Staff N/A N/A Golden Valley and Brooklyn Park
have the most detailed architectural
standards. Robbinsdale has
standards for its downtown area.
Standards could include more
detailed requirements about the
type of materials allowed and
building orientation
New Section Should we create a
temporary use category?
Staff N/A N/A A tempory use permit could be
processed administratively and
allow such uses as seasonal sales,
food trucks, farmer's markets,
construction trailers, and PODs.
Currently these uses are either not
addressed in the zoning code or
require a CUP. Staff would develop
appropriate performance standards
for each use
Memorandum
DATE: April 6, 2017
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager
John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Crystal Masquerade Ball
In 2016, the City Council established the Crystal Community Outreach Task Force
(CCOTF). The CCOTF met regularly and formed a sub-committee to create a Crystal
Masquerade Ball event.
The event was held on March 18, 2017, at the Crystal Community Center and included
several activities:
• Social hour
• Buffet dinner
• Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award presentation
• Flag unveiling
• Door prizes
• Photo opportunities
• Live music
• Dance
Ticket Sales
Tickets were sold at the Community Center and online through a third party vendor
(Brown Paper Tickets). Attendees could purchase a $28 ticket for the full event that
included a catered dinner, or $10 for the music and dance only.
Ticket Type Online CCC Total
Full Event w/Dinner 76 46 122 (84 purchased by Crystal residents)
Music and Dance 23 27 50
Total Tickets Sold 172
Dinner and Music
The dinner and cash bar were catered by Milton’s. The R Factor band played music for
the event. The band’s cost was covered by an external organization and the cost of the
dinner was covered by ticket sales.
City Flag
The new City of Crystal flag was unveiled at the event. Attendees learned about flag’s
modern design using 2-3 colors and avoiding letter or seals, so it can be easily
recognizable from a distance. Attendees also learned about the flag’s symbolism. Flag
order forms were made available following the unveiling and are now on the city’s
website.
Awards, Door Prizes, Photos, etc.
“Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors” awards were presented to nominees. The award
was designed to honor great neighbors in the City of Crystal and to recognize them for
making our city a wonderful place to live and work. Eight nominations were received.
Four neighbors were honored with an award and two tickets for the dinner and dance.
The award winners were as follows:
• The McHenry Family
• Shaun and Heather O’Hara
• John Jeffy
• Bruce Gaertner
The Light of Crystal organization also presented each award winner with a gift box of
gift certificates to area establishments.
Milton’s donated a gurgle pot and Hy-Vee donated a gift card, which were used as door
prizes. A floral arrangement was purchased for the event and was also used as a door
prize. Three attendees were selected to receive one of the door prizes.
A “step and repeat” banner featuring 14-point stars as displayed on the city’s new flag
was purchased for the event. This served as a background for photos. Attendees could
take their own photo or they could have their photo taken by a professional
photographer.
Attendees were also able to have a piece of a cake that was donated by Almstead’s
Fresh Market. The cake was decorated with the masquerade theme and flag design.
Funding
A city initiatives fund was set up for the Crystal Ball. This type of fund works well for
tracking revenue and expenses related to a specific initiative as well as allows funds to
be carried forward from year to year. The fund received several donations, which
helped defray some of the expenses. As the Council discussed in December 2016,
some associated costs were also covered by the general fund, which is consistent with
other types of community events.
The Crystal Masquerade Ball provided an opportunity for adults to interact; thereby
creating stronger neighborhoods and a closer sense of community. Attached are the
results of the comments received from attendees.
Discussion
The City Council should provide feedback to the Outreach Task Force staff.
Crystal Ball Comment Card
Data Collection
Total Comment Cards: 30
N/A Poor (1) Average (2) Good (3) Excellent (4) Score Average
Catered Dinner 10 6 4 7 3 2.35
Band/Music 1 0 0 8 21 3.72
Theme/Decor 0 1 7 17 5 2.87
Overall Exp. 0 1 2 16 11 3.23
Catered Dinner
Poor Average Good Excellent
Band/Music
Poor Average Good Excellent
Theme/Decor
Poor Average Good Excellent
Overall Experience
Poor Average Good Excellent
Are you a Crystal resident? YES = 15 No = 13 No Answer = 2
How did you learn of the event?
City Council - 1 Ad - 2 Website - 2
Social Media - 2 Word of mouth - 12 Flyer - 3
Email - 1 Channel 12 TV - 1 Groupie - 1
No Reply - 5
Comments
Great time.
Ran out of food. The time of year was good. Keep it at the end of March.
Prom?
Ran out of food before everyone was fed. All carbs. Hardly any chicken. Should have refilled a lot
sooner. Two empty buffet containers at end.
Appreciate the welcoming, friendly atmosphere – great people attended.
Great marketing. Pretty center pieces. Hope it’s annual.
Maybe get Broadway Pizza to cater next year.
Pitcher of water at the tables.
Fantastic and fun event.
Reminded me of a cheap wedding reception.
Ill-timed and way too long. Second break by the band caused half the people to leave.
Keep it up!
It was wonderful to meet up with people I know and meet new people.
Tons of fun. Great band.
I like the friendly atmosphere. People are friendly here.
They ran out of food before I got chicken and had to wait at least 5 minutes. They didn’t have enough
rice prepared.
Waited too long to refill buffet containers. Had to wait a long time in line. Ran out of chicken entrée.
Never got any rice. Poor planning.
Will be coming next year
Lots of fun. Loved dressing up and checking out all the masks/outfits. Band was awesome, too!
Don’t call it a “Masquerade.”
Great event. Congratulations to the planning team!
We are R-Factor followers.
Needed tables, less lights. More decorations.
Should have had tables for people that come to dance.
Need pitchers of water on each table and vegetable platter on each table. The music should be a variety
of waltzes, 2-step, also ballroom dancing, country and not just rock ‘n roll. A variety of music for all
ages, young and older folks. Also, the music was way too loud. When the awards etc. were given, we
could not hear the speaker - No volume then. But all in all it was a fun time and to see everyone dressed
up.