2020.09.10 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: September 4, 2020
City Council
Work Session Agenda
September 10, 2020
Immediately Following the City Council meeting
Council Chambers/Zoom Meeting
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
September 10, 2020 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council Members Staff
____ Adams ____ Norris
____ Banks ____ Therres
____ Budziszewski ____ Sutter
____ Deshler ____ Revering
____ Kiser ____ Ray
____ LaRoche ____ Larson
____ Parsons
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Update on police station project.
2. Inclusiveness – race and equity.
3. Discuss proposed statement of principles for Blue Line Extension alignment review.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
*Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
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.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
NOTICE OF MEETING BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER
ELECTRONIC MEANS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Crystal will hold a work
session on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive,
Crystal Minnesota.
In accordance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.021, Mayor Jim Adams
of Crystal has determined that, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (otherwise known as
“Coronavirus”) some members of the public may prefer to attend or participate in City Council
work sessions via telephone or other electronic means.
Topic: Crystal Council Work Session
Time: Sep 10, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
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CCCRRRYYYSSSTTTAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT
“Service with Compassion, Integrity, & Professionalism”
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Stephanie K. Revering, Chief of Police
DATE: September 2, 2020
SUBJECT: Police Department Building Project Update
MMEEMMOORRAANNDDUUMM
A few months ago, representatives from Wold presented preliminary police station plans for
your review and comments. Wold will present to you again at the September 10th work
session with updated plans based on your comments and suggestions from the prior meeting.
After your review on September 10th, the plans and specifications will be presented to the
Planning Commission on October 12th and will be before you for consideration at the October
20th council meeting for us to advertise for bids after your approval.
Memorandum
DATE: September 3, 2020
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
SUBJECT: Council Priority – Inclusiveness – Race and Equity
____________________________________________________________________
One of the Council’s four strategic priorities is “building an inclusive community so all
feel welcome” so that diversity within our community is valued and appreciated.
At its July 9 work session, the City Council received a presentation from Ryan Adams
on behalf of the group Crystal Residents for Change (CRFC) with the request that the
Council establish an advisory body focused on race and equity, ideally a human rights
commission.
After that work session, I asked each of you what you mean when using the terms race
and equity. Responses include:
- Crystal centric efforts
- Equity is the fair treatment of individuals
- Inclusion is the creation of an environment in which anyone can feel welcome
- Two elements of equality:
o Everyone is treated equally (city resources are distributed equally and
fairly)
o Equality of opportunity (everyone has a chance to participate –
government, recreation, etc.)
- Equity – government is limited in achieving equity due to groups and
subgroups with special needs
I also asked if there were specific actions that would be expected of a race and equity
advisory body. Responses include:
- Crystal-centric efforts
- Promote Juneteenth
- Community unity
- There should be no requirements; this should be automatic
Clearly, everyone brings different definitions and expectations and additional discussion
is needed so everyone is in agreement when certain terms are used.
The following systems are already established in an attempt to respond to specific
issues regarding race and equity.
Claims of discrimination MN Department of Human Rights, US Equal
Employment Opportunities Commission
Hate/bias crimes, allegations Law enforcement
Multi-cultural advisory committee Residents working with police to develop and
(MAC) maintain relationships between law
enforcement and communities of color and
coordinate community events (Iftar dinner, etc.)
Equal and fair employment State and federal laws
practices
Several Council members offered comments about the structure of an advisory body, a
task force versus an advisory commission. Both b odies are typically advisory to the
City Council, establish bylaws for meetings and conducting business and serve at the
discretion of the City Council. Usually, a task force is created to address a very specific
goal or issue (such as researching and evaluating zoning requirements for specific land
uses, reviewing the City Code, etc.). Advisory commissions are generally standing
commissions assigned more general and broad parameters (such as advising the
Council on specific policies or projects such as those related to the environment, parks
and recreation, etc.).
There is no “correct” answer – either structure can provide input and recommendations
to the City Council. Members of either a task force or advisory commission are
appointed by the City Council and either body exists only as long as the City Council
wishes.
Possible assignments for a race and equity advisory body include:
- Partnering with city departments in developing diverse community events;
- Partnering with city departments in educating and celebrating the diversity
within the community;
- Appreciating what brings all residents to Crystal;
- Partnering with city staff on communication efforts to enhance communication
to the entire community;
- Assist the City Council in recognizing and celebrating the diversity in our
community;
- Advising the Council on civil and human rights issues; and/or
- Partnering with other organizations to provide education on civil and human
rights matters.
At the July 9 work session, the Council had a brief discussion regarding the creation of
some sort of advisory body to the City Council to address issues of race and equity
however, the Council should have additional discussion. Crystal Residents for Change
would like to present additional information on their request and expectations at a future
work session.
The City Council should discuss what additional information it needs and invite CRFC to
a future work session.
__________________________________________________________________________
FROM: John Sutter, Community Development Director
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for September 10 work session)
DATE: September 2, 2020
SUBJECT: Discuss proposed statement of principles for Blue Line Extension
alignment review
__________________________________________________________________________
On August 3, Metro Transit and Hennepin County announced that they would no longer pursue
construction of the Blue Line Extension on BNSF Railway property and instead explore
alternative alignments serving the same corridor. (Attachment 1.)
On August 13, the Blue Line Extension Corridor Management Committee reviewed and
discussed Metro Transit’s proposed statement of Principles that will guide that exploration of
alignment alternatives. (Attachment 2.)
On August 18, the Crystal City Council discussed the project and there appeared to be a
consensus that some sort of joint statement by the City Council members should be
considered.
Staff has prepared a draft City of Crystal statement for City Council review and discussion at
the September 10 work session. (Attachment 3.) This statement adds some Crystal-specific
items to the principles in Metro Transit’s statement.
Staff intends to ask the Council to approve a City of Crystal statement at the September 15
meeting. City Council discussion and feedback on the draft statement is requested.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Statement of Principles
Blue Line Extension
1 | Page
Project partners announce new direction for METRO Blue Line Extension
Metropolitan Council media contact: Trevor Roy, 218‐590‐2465, Trevor.Roy@metrotransit.org
Hennepin County media contact: Kyle Mianulli, 612‐596‐9875, kyle.mianulli@hennepin.us
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. ‐ August 3, 2020 ‐ After years of unsuccessful discussions with BNSF Railway
regarding colocation of light rail transit and freight rail in the Bottineau Corridor, BNSF Railway remains
unwilling to allow the METRO Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Light Rail Transit) project to be built on its
property. Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council now feel it is time to work with agency and
community partners to explore opportunities to advance this critical project without using BNSF Railway
right of way.
Hennepin County and Metropolitan Council staff, along with elected leaders, have worked hard to build
on a long history of cooperation with BNSF Railway on this project. Unfortunately, over the last four
years, this cooperation stopped, and the railway is unwilling to find solutions to move the project
forward together.
Our commitment to the METRO Blue Line Extension LRT project has not changed. We are frustrated and
disappointed in this outcome, and we recognize the time and effort agency and community partners
have invested in this project over many years. These investments will remain valuable. We look forward
to working together to find ways to complete this project as soon as possible.
We are optimistic that moving this project in a new direction presents an exciting opportunity to revisit
and improve the METRO Blue Line Extension project to serve even more people and destinations, while
maintaining as much of the existing alignment as possible.
The need for light rail that serves corridor cities including, North Minneapolis, Golden Valley,
Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park, is greater than ever. As the next leg of our planned regional
light rail network, this line will connect people to opportunities for employment, education and health.
The economic benefits the METRO Blue Line Extension will bring to these communities, the Twin Cities
metro and the state of Minnesota cannot wait any longer.
The communities this project will serve are the most diverse in the metro area and have the highest
rates of transit‐dependent households. People in these communities continue to be harmed by historic
patterns of systemic racism that are compounded by a lack of transit and transportation infrastructure.
Now, in the face of multiple crises disproportionately impacting communities of color, transformational
investment is more urgent than ever.
"This project is a critical element in meeting our transportation needs for a growing region,” said
Metropolitan Chair Charlie Zelle. “Our commitment to the Blue Line Extension has not changed and I
look forward to working with project partners and community stakeholders as we chart our new
pathway forward."
“For more than a decade Hennepin County has led planning for the Bottineau LRT line in close
partnership with agency and community partners at all levels,” said Hennepin County Commissioner
Mike Opat, District 1. “The cities have been particularly strong partners and done amazing work to
prepare for this transformative project. Local elected leaders have been more than patient as we tried
ATTACHMENT 1
2 | Page
to complete a deal with the railroad, who once conducted themselves as partners in this
endeavor. BNSF’s new obstinance cannot deter our work any longer. The time to forge ahead is
now. These cities and the region, as a whole, need this LRT project.”
“This light rail line is more than just a project to advance—it is a commitment to the residents and
communities along the corridor for robust engagement and investment for years and decades to come.
The Blue Line Extension will further our region’s transit vision, and it will connect students to schools,
workers to jobs, and patients to health care,” said Hennepin Commissioner Irene Fernando, District 2.
We remain deeply committed to working closely with community and city partners to determine the
best course forward for the METRO Blue Line Extension project. Advancing this project will require
continued strong partnerships and sincere collaboration.
Given current public health constraints, we recognize the need to be thoughtful and flexible in engaging
communities. We are committed to a full and open public engagement process that honors and builds
on the years of previous community work.
As a next step, Met Council will convene a meeting of the Corridor Management Committee on August
13, where project partners will discuss next steps including community conversations and engagement
opportunities in the weeks and months ahead.
###
DRAFT Blue Line Extension
Principles for Alignment Review
OBJECTIVE: For CMC review, discussion and input
Alignment Principles
1. Meet Federal Transit Administration New Starts Criteria
a.Maintain BLRT Purpose and Need
b.Maximize ridership
c. Minimize travel time
d. Maximize project rating
2. Maintain Existing Alignment as Much as Possible
a. Maintain existing termini: Target Field Station in Minneapolis and Oak
Grove Station in Brooklyn Park
b. Serve existing corridor cities and major destinations
3.Mitigate Impacts
a. Complement and avoid redundancy with planned and existing
transitways
b.Minimize residential impacts
Engagement Principles
1. Meaningfully Engage Stakeholders
a.Honor and build on previous robust community engagement
b.Tailor engagement practices to meet the needs of the community
2. Engage, inform, and consult diverse communities to co-create project
solutions that reduce disparities
a. Ensure corridor communities of all races, ethnicities, incomes and
abilities are engaged so all communities share in growth opportunities
b.Use community goals, priorities, and criteria for growth to inform
decision-making
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 1 of 2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Statement of Principles for Blue Line Extension Alignment Review
Approved by the Crystal City Council on September 15, 2020
Alignment Principles
1.Meet Federal Transit Administration New Starts Criteria
a.Maintain BLRT Purpose and Need
b.Maximize ridership
c.Minimize travel time
d.Maximize project rating
2.Maintain Existing Alignment as Much as Possible
a.Maintain existing termini: Target Field Station in Minneapolis and Oak
Grove Station in Brooklyn Park
b.Maintain a station location in the general vicinity of Bass Lake Road in
Crystal
c.Serve existing corridor cities and major destinations, including Crystal’s
Town Center area adjacent to the Bass Lake Road station
3.Mitigate Impacts
a.Complement and avoid redundancy with planned and existing
transitways
b.Minimize residential impacts
c.Include a pedestrian bridge across Bottineau Boulevard to ensure safe
crossing to the Bass Lake Road station for residents in northeast Crystal
and Brooklyn Center
ATTACHMENT 3
Page 2 of 2
Engagement Principles
1. Meaningfully Engage Stakeholders
a. Honor and build on previous robust community engagement
b. Tailor engagement practices to meet the needs of all communities in the
corridor
c. Respect the strong expression of need for a pedestrian bridge from
previous engagement efforts in Crystal, and include it in engagement
efforts going forward
2. Engage, inform, and consult diverse communities to co‐create project
solutions that reduce disparities
a. Ensure corridor communities of all races, ethnicities, incomes and
abilities are engaged so all communities share in growth opportunities
b. Use community goals, priorities, and criteria for growth to inform
decision‐making