2021.09.23 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: September 17, 2021
City Council Work Session Agenda
Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
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 on Thursday, September 23, 2021
at ______ p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal,
Minnesota. The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the
methods identified on the Notice of September 23, 2021 Work Session.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Banks ____ Norris
____ Budziszewski ____ Therres
____ Cummings ____ Gilchrist
____ Kiser ____ Revering
____ LaRoche ____ Sutter
____ Parsons ____ Serres
____ Adams
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Review Charter Commission’s entire set of recommended amendments to City Charter.
2. Blue Line Extension update.
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
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: September 17, 2021
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 WORK SESSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Crystal will hold a work session on
Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal,
Minnesota and via Zoom.
The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the methods
identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council Work Session
Time: September 23, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
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CR225-327-748576.v1
Kennedy Troy J. Gilchrist
150 South Fifth Street
Suite 700
Minneapolis MN 55402
(612) 337-9214 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
tgilchrist@kennedy-graven.com
http://www.kennedy-graven.com
&
Graven
C H A R T E R E D
MEMORANDUM
To: Crystal City Council
From: Troy Gilchrist, City Attorney
Date: September 16, 2021 (September 23, 2021 Work Session)
Re: Final Review of Entire Set of Proposed Charter Amendments
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Charter Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to Chapter 10 at its last meeting
and did not have any changes. That means that now the Charter Commission and City Council
have reviewed all proposed amendments to the City Charter. After concluding its review, the
Commission acted to forward the entire set of draft amendments to the City Council for a final
review at a work session.
The entire set of amendments are now being presented for any final questions or comments to
ensure the entire Council is comfortable with them. As previously mentioned, adoption of the
amendments requires a unanimous vote of all of the Councilmembers so please make sure you
are all comfortable with all of the proposed amendments.
After this review, the next step will be for the Charter Commission to vote at its October 7, 2021
meeting to recommend the amendments to the City Council and to issue a letter formally
transmitting the amendments to the Council for action. The amendments will be presented with
a cover ordinance adopting them. The ordinance will go through the normal ordinance review
and adoption process, but there are statutory timing requirements unique to charter amendments
that will need to be met. I will work with the City Clerk to ensure the notices and presentation of
the ordinance are handled in compliance with the statute. Once the second reading occurs and
the ordinance is adopted, the amendments will not go into effect for 90 days.
Again, the purpose of this review is to give the Council another opportunity to ask questions and
to make any final changes before the amendments formally come before it for action. Because
you have seen these amendments before I do not plan to walk through each of them again, but
will be happy to answer any questions the Council may have.
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2021 AMENDMENTS TO THE CRYSTAL CITY CHARTER
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1.01. Name and Boundaries. The City of Crystal is and will continue to be a municipal
corporation with the boundaries existing on June 1, 1989, or at the time of adoption of this charter
and as later modified by law.
Section 1.02. Powers. The city has all powers that it is now or hereafter possible for a municipal
corporation in the State of Minnesota to exercise in harmony with the constitution of the State of
Minnesota and of the United States. It is the intention of this charter that every power that the
people of the city might lawfully confer upon themselves as a municipal corporation by specific
enumeration in this charter is deemed to have been so conferred by this section. This charter is to
be construed liberally in favor of the city, and the specific mention of particular powers in this
charter is not to be construed as limiting in any way the generality of the powers conferred by this
section.
Section 1.03. Charter a Public Act. This charter is a public act and need not be pleaded or
proved in any case. The charter, as published by the city, is self-authenticating and does not require
the production of extrinsic evidence to prove its authenticity. The City shall publish amendments
to the charter as required by law and post the current version of the charter on the city’s website.
CHAPTER 2
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Section 2.01. Council Manager Plan. The form of government established by this charter is the
Council Manager Plan. The council exercises the legislative power of the city and determines
matters of policy. The city manager is responsible to the council for the proper administration of
city affairs.
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. (Amended,
Ordinance No. 90-22, February 1, 1991)
Section 2.03. Councilmembers: Qualifications and Terms. Subdivision 1. The council is
composed of a mayor and six council members who must be eligible voters of the city and must
further qualify for office as provided in this charter.
Subd. 2. The mayor and councilmembers may hold another compatible public office.
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Subd. 3. The mayor and councilmembers must be residents of the city. The resident
councilmembers must satisfy the residence requirements of section 2.04.
Subd. 4. The mayor is elected at large. A ward resident councilmember is elected by the
eligible voters of the ward in which the councilmember resides. A section resident councilmember
is elected by the eligible voters of the section in which the councilmember resides.
Subd. 5. The mayor and councilmembers are elected on the date, in the years and for the
terms specified by ordinance adopted by the council in accordance with law. They serve until their
successors are elected and qualify for office. (Amended, Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998)
Subd. 6. (Repealed, Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998)
Section 2.04. Resident Councilmembers. Four of the councilmembers must be ward resident
councilmembers and are qualified as follows: one councilmember must be, at the time of filing for
election or appointment, a resident of the First Ward One; one councilmember must be, at the time
of filing for election or appointment, a resident of the Second Ward Two; one councilmember must
be, at the time of filing for election or appointment, a resident of the Third Ward Three; one
councilmember must be, at the time of filing for election or appointment, a resident of the Fourth
Ward Four. Two councilmembers must be section resident councilmembers and qualify as
follows: one councilmember must be, at the time of filing for election or appointment, a resident
of Section One, consisting of Wards One and Two; and one councilmember must be, at the time
of filing for election or appointment, a resident of Section Two, consisting of Wards Three and
Four. Thereafter, continued residence in the ward or section in which the councilmember resided
at the time of election or appointment is a required qualification to continue to hold office during
the councilmember's term. (Amended, Ord. No. 2009-03, September 25, 2009)
Section 2.05. Wards. The city is divided into four wards. Review of the wards must be made
by the council and the wards reapportioned in the manner provided by law. Reapportionment is
by ordinance. A change in ward boundaries does not disqualify a councilmember from serving
the remainder of a term. The wards of the city are those described by ordinance. (Amended,
Ordinance No. 93-4, May 12, 1993; Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998; Ord. No. 2002-07,
August 5, 2002)
Section 2.06. Incompatible City Offices. A member of the council may not be appointed city
manager. A member of the council may not be a city officer or be employed by the city for pay.
A member of the council may not, for a period of one year after expiration of the member's term
of office, be a city officer or be employed by the city for pay.
Section 2.07. Council Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of mayor or councilmember exists for
the following reasons:
(a) failure of a person elected thereto to qualify on or before the date of the second regular
meeting of the council in the year subsequent to the election;
(b) death of the member;
(c) resignation of the member;
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(d) the member ceasing to be a resident of the city or of the ward or section from which elected;
(e) continuous absence from the city for more than three months;
(f) conviction of the member of a felony either before or after qualification for office;
(g) failure of the member without good cause to perform the duties of office for a period of
three months;
(h) removal of the person from office; or
(i) any reason specified by law.
When a vacancy occurs, the council must by resolution declare the vacancy to exist and forthwith
appoint an eligible person to fill the office until the next regular municipal election when the office
is filled for the unexpired term. In case of a tie vote in the council, the mayor shall make the
appointment. The office shall then be filled by election in accordance with Minnesota Statutes,
Section 412.02, subdivision 2a, as amended. If a vacancy occurs and exists in an elective office
after the last day for filing affidavits of candidacy for that office, the person elected to fill that
office is deemed to have been appointed for the unexpired term. (Amended, Ordinance No. 93-4,
May 12, 1993)
Section 2.08. The Mayor. The mayor is the presiding officer of the council. The council must
choose from its members a mayor pro tem who holds office at the pleasure of the council and
serves as mayor in the mayor's disability or absence from the city or when a vacancy in the office
of mayor exists. The mayor:
(a) exercises the powers and performs the duties conferred on the mayor by this charter,
the ordinances of the city, and the laws of the state;
(b) is the official head of the city for ceremonial purposes, for purposes of the service
of civil process, and for the purposes of martial law responding to emergencies; and
(c) must may study the operation of the city government and must report to the council
any neglect, dereliction of duty, or waste on the part of any officer or department
of the city. Nothing in this section modifies the provisions of section 2.11.
In time of public danger or emergency the mayor may, with the consent of the council, take
command of the coordinate with the city manager, police chief, and fire chief as part of the
emergency response system to communicate with the public and to aid in identifying resources to
assist the police, to maintain order and enforce the law and to respond to the emergency including,
but not limited to, requesting assistance from federal, state, and local agencies as may be needed.
Section 2.09. Salaries. The salaries of the mayor and councilmembers are fixed by ordinance in
the manner provided by law.
Section 2.10. Investigation of City Affairs. The council and the city manager, or either of them,
and any officer or officers formally authorized by them, or either of them, may make investigations
into the city's affairs, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and compel the production of books
and papers. The council may provide for an examination or audit of the accounts of any officer or
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department of the city government. The council may conduct surveys or research studies of
subjects of municipal concern.
Section 2.11. Interferences with Administration. Neither the council nor any member of the
council may dictate appointment of a person to an office or employment by the city manager. The
council may not interfere with the city manager or prevent the city manager from exercising
judgment in the appointment of officers and employees in the administrative service. Except for
purposes of general inquiry, the council and its members must deal with and control the
administrative service solely through the city manager. Neither the council nor any member of the
council may give orders, publicly or privately, to a subordinate of the city manager.
CHAPTER 3
COUNCIL PROCEDURE
Section 3.01. Council Meetings. At the first regularly scheduled council meeting in January
following a regular city election, the newly elected members of the council assume their duties.
The council meets at such time each month as prescribed by ordinance or resolution, but not less
frequently than once each month. The mayor or three councilmembers may call a special meeting
or emergency meeting of the council upon reasonable notice to councilmembers and such other
notice as required by law. Notice to councilmembers of an emergency meeting shall be by
telephone and other electronic means as may be needed to ensure they receive the notice. Meetings
of the council are public meetings. Any person may inspect the minutes and records of the
meetings at reasonable times and in accordance with law. (Amended, Ordinance No. 93-4, May
12, 1993.)
Section 3.02. Council Officers. The council may choose the officers and employees it finds
necessary to serve at its meetings. The council must appoint a city clerk serves as the secretary of
the council. The secretary must keep a journal of council proceedings and perform the duties
required by this charter and ordinance. The council may designate any officer or employee of the
city except the city manager, the mayor or a councilmember as secretary.
Section 3.03. Rules of Procedure and Quorum. The council determines its own rules and order
of business. A majority of all members elected is a quorum to do business, but a smaller number
may adjourn from time to time. The council may by ordinance provide a means by which a
minority may compel the attendance of absent members.
Section 3.04. Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions. Legislation must be enacted by ordinance.
The “yes ” and “no” votes on ordinances, resolutions and motions must be recorded unless the vote
is unanimous. Except as otherwise provided by this charter or law, an affirmative vote of a majority
of all the members of the council is required for the passage of ordinances, and an affirmative vote
of a majority of a quorum of the council is required for the passage of resolutions and motions.
Section 3.05. Procedure on Ordinances. The enacting clause of an ordinance is “The City of
Crystal ordains:”. An ordinance must be presented in writing. Except as provided in sections 3.06
and 3.065, an ordinance may not be adopted at the meeting during which it is introduced. At least
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14 10 days must elapse between the introduction and first reading of an ordinance and its second
reading and final passage.
Section 3.06. Emergency Ordinances. An emergency ordinance is an ordinance necessary for
the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, morals, safety or welfare in which the
emergency is defined and declared in the preamble to the ordinance. No prosecution may be based
upon the provisions of an emergency ordinance until 24 hours after the ordinance has been filed
with the city clerk and posted in three conspicuous places in the city or until the ordinance has
been published unless the person charged with violation of the ordinance had actual notice of the
passage of the ordinance prior to the act or omission constituting the alleged violation.
Section 3.065. Interim Ordinances. The council may adopt an interim ordinance applicable to
all or a part of the city imposing a moratorium or temporary regulations on a specific matter subject
to its authority for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of the city’s
residents. An interim ordinance may be adopted at the meeting at which it was introduced without
prior notice, except to the extent such notice is required by law. If the city is not already studying
the matter, the interim ordinance must authorize a study to develop a recommendation for
amendments to the city code or comprehensive plan to address the matter.
Section 3.07. Procedure on Resolutions. A resolution must be presented in writing and is not
required to be read in full before a vote is taken unless the reading of a resolution is dispensed with
by unanimous consent requested by at least two members of the council.
Section 3.08. Signing and Publication of Ordinances and Resolutions. An ordinance or
resolution passed by the council must be signed by the mayor, or by two councilmembers, attested
by the city clerk and filed and preserved by the city clerk. An ordinance, or an approved summary,
must be published once in the official newspaper of the city.
Section 3.09. When Ordinances and Resolutions Take Effect. Resolutions, interim ordinances,
and emergency ordinances are effective immediately upon passage or at a later date stated in the
ordinance or resolution. Any other ordinance is effective 30 days after publication of the ordinance
or a later date stated in the ordinance. An ordinance adopted by the voters of the city under chapter
5 is effective upon its adoption or at a later time stated in the ordinance.
Section 3.10. Amendment and Repeal of Ordinances and Resolutions. An ordinance or
resolution repealing a prior ordinance or resolution or section, subdivision or separately identified
clause thereof must state the number, or if no number has been assigned, the title of the ordinance
or resolution to be repealed in whole or in part. An ordinance or resolution or section, subdivision
or clause thereof may not be amended by reference to the title only. The amending ordinance or
resolution must set forth in full each section, subdivision or clause to be amended and indicate new
matter by underscoring and matter to be omitted by striking out. In newspaper publication, the
same indication of omitted and new matter must be used but italics or bold-faced type may be
substituted for underscoring and stricken matter may be printed in capital letters within
parentheses.
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Section 3.11. Revision and Codification of Ordinances. The council may, pursuant to this
section and law, revise, rearrange, and codify the ordinances of the city with the additions and
deletions found necessary by the council. The ordinance code may be prepared in book, pamphlet
or continuously revised loose leaf form. Copies of the code must be kept available at the office of
the city clerk for general distribution to the public free or at a reasonable charge. Preparation of
the code is sufficient publication of an ordinance provision not previously published if a notice is
published in the official newspaper for two successive weeks stating that copies of the code are
available at the office of the city clerk.
Section 3.12. Summary Publication of Ordinances. The city council may by ordinance adopt
procedures for the publication of ordinances in summary form. A summary of an ordinance must
contain a general statement of the purpose and effect of the ordinance. (Added, Ordinance No.
98-4, November 24, 1998)
Section 3.13. Electronic Signatures. The city may establish policies and procedures in
accordance with law to allow for the use of electronic or facsimile signatures by anyone authorized
to signed documents on behalf of the city and for the acceptance of documents signed
electronically.
CHAPTER 4
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 4.01. General Election Laws to Apply. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter
the general laws of the State of Minnesota pertaining to registration of voters and the conduct of
primary, special and general elections apply to city elections. The council may by ordinance adopt
suitable and necessary regulations for the conduct of elections.
Section 4.02. Regular City Elections. A regular city election is held on the first Tuesday after
the first Monday in November of the year in which an election is to be held. The election is held
at the place or places designated by resolution of the city council. At least 15 days’ notice of the
election must be given by the city clerk together with such other notices as required by law. The
notice must state the time and places of holding the election, the officers to be elected, and the
questions, if any, to be voted on, and such other information as required by law. The notice must
be posted in at least one public place in the ward or wards where the election is held. The notice
must be published at least once in the official newspaper of the city. Failure to give notice of the
election does not invalidate the election.
Section 4.03. Primary Election. If the names of three or more persons have been filed as
candidates for a ward or section election, or for any citywide office, the council must provide by
resolution for a primary election to be held citywide or in the ward or section. The primary election
is held on a date as required by Minnesota Statutes, 204B.35, subd. 4 and 204B.39, as amended
law. Notice of the primary election is given in the same manner as provided in section 4.02 for
regular elections. Failure to give notice of the primary election does not invalidate the election.
(Amended, Ord. 2010-06)
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Section 4.04. Special Elections. The council may by resolution order a special election as
provided by law and establish the procedures for holding the election. Notice of the election in
substantially the form required by section 4.02 must be published once in each of three two
consecutive weeks in the official newspaper. The procedure at a special election must conform as
nearly as possible to that prescribed by this charter and law for other city elections.
Section 4.05. Judges of Election. At least 25 days before a city election the council must appoint
eligible voters as election judges for each precinct in the manner provided by law.
Section 4.06. (Repealed, Ord. 2004-8)
Section 4.07. (Repealed, Ord. 2004-8)
Section 4.08. Withdrawal of Candidate. A person nominated as a candidate pursuant to this
chapter may withdraw as a candidate by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the city clerk by
5:00 p.m. no later than two days after the last day for filing. The name of a candidate who has
withdrawn may not be printed on the election ballot if a withdrawal reduces the number of
candidates to less than two, other nominations for the office may be filed not later than 70 days
prior to the election. (Amended, Ord. 2010-06)
Section 4.09. Canvass of Elections and Taking Office. The council must (a) meet and canvass
the election returns at the times and in the manner provided by law, (b) declare the results of the
election as soon as possible, and (c) file a statement of the results of the election with the city clerk.
The statement must be made part of the minutes of the council meeting. The statement must
include: (a) the total number of valid ballots cast; (b) the total number of spoiled or defective
ballots; (c) the vote for each candidate or question, with a declaration of those who are elected and
questions approved or disapproved; (d) a true copy of the ballots used; (e) the names of the judges
of election; and (f) information required by law to report and certify the results of the election and
such other information as the council finds necessary. The city clerk must promptly notify persons
elected of their election. The persons elected take office at the time provided in section 3.01 upon
taking, subscribing to and filing with the city clerk the oath of office required by law and this
charter. (Amended, Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998)
Section 4.10. Filing Fees. The City Council may, by ordinance, determine a filing fee for
candidate filings for election for the positions of mayor and councilmember. (Added, Ord. 2010-
06)
CHAPTER 5
INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Section 5.01. Powers Reserved by the People. The people of the city reserve to themselves the
power, in accordance with the provisions of this charter (a) to initiate and adopt ordinances, except
ordinances appropriating money or authorizing the levy of taxes, and (b) to require ordinances,
except ordinances appropriating money or authorizing the levy of taxes, enacted by the council to
be referred to the voters of the city for approval. These powers are the initiative and referendum,
respectively.
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Section 5.02. Expenditures by Petitioners. Members of initiative and referendum committees,
circulators of petition signature papers described in this charter and signers of such papers, or any
other person may not accept or offer a reward of any nature for service rendered in connection
with the circulation of a petition. A committee may incur reasonable and necessary expenses for
stationery, copying, printing and notary fees. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
Section 5.03. Initiative. The initiative is governed by sections 5.03 through 5.08. Five eligible
voters may form a committee to initiate an ordinance. The committee must use the forms for an
initiative petition available from the city clerk in order to commence the initiative petition process.
Prior to circulating a petition the committee must file a certified copy of the initiated ordinance
with the city clerk with a list of the names and addresses of the members of the committee on the
forms provided by the city clerk. A certified copy of the initiated ordinance must be attached to
each of the initiative petition together with the names and addresses of the members of the
committee. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.04. Forms. Subdivision 1. The initiative petition consists of the initiated ordinance
and signature papers attached. The petition is not complete unless signed by a number of eligible
voters equal to at least five percent of the number of registered voters registered in the city on the
date of the regular city election immediately preceding the filing of the petition on the forms
provided by the city clerk. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Subd. 2. The forms provided by the city clerk relating to an initiative or referendum
petition shall comply with the requirements of the Minnesota Secretary of State found in
Minnesota Rules, Part Section 8205.1010, as amended, as nearly as practicable, and the following
requirements: (Added, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
(1) A petition must be prepared on paper no larger than 8-1/2 inches wide and
14 inches long. The signer's oath and the signature lines must be on the
same side of the paper. The language on the petition must be printed in as
large as possible but no smaller than 12 10-point type. (Added, Ordinance
No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
(2) Each petition page must have a short title describing the purpose of the
petition. Each petition page may have a statement of 75 words or less
summarizing the ordinance proposed by the committee. (Added, Ordinance
No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
(3) Each petition page must have a signer's oath in 12-point bold type. The
following oath must be used: "I swear (or affirm) that I know the contents
and purpose of this petition and that I signed this petition only once and of
my own free will." (Added, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
(4) Each petition page must include the following statement immediately above
the signature lines: "All information must be filled in by person(s) signing
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the petition unless disability prevents the person(s) from doing so." (Added,
Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
(5) Each petition page must have no more than 20 10 signature lines. The
signature lines must be consecutively numbered. Each signature line must
have space for the date of signature; a signature; and each signatory's year
of birth; printed first, middle, and last name; and residence address,
municipality, and county. (Added, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11,
2011)
(6) Each petition page must include the following statement: "All information
on this petition is subject to public inspection." (Added, Ordinance No.
2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.05. Filing of Petition: Duties of Clerk. The signature papers and the petition are filed
as one instrument with the city clerk. No later than ten working days after the filing of the petition
the clerk must determine if the petition complies with this chapter. If the clerk determines that the
petition does not comply with this chapter, the clerk must promptly notify in writing one or more
of the initiative committee of that fact in a notice stating the reasons for the determination of non-
compliance. During the 30 days following the clerk's notice the committee may file additional
signature papers or otherwise amend the petition to comply with this chapter. If upon examination
of an amended petition the clerk determines that the petition does not comply with this chapter,
the clerk must file the petition and notify each member of the initiative committee of that fact.
After the final determination of non-compliance by the clerk a new petition proposing the same or
a similar ordinance may be submitted in accordance with this chapter and the council may submit
the proposed ordinance to the voters at a regular or special election. (Amended, Ordinance No.
2011-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.06. Council Action on Petition. If the petition is in compliance with this chapter the
clerk must certify that fact together with the petition to the council at its next regular meeting or at
a special meeting called to consider the petition. The council must consider the ordinance at the
meeting and provide for a prompt public hearing on the ordinance. The council must act on the
ordinance as prescribed in this section within 65 days after certification of the petition by the clerk.
If the council does not enact the ordinance, the ordinance must be submitted to the voters at the
next regular city election. If the number of signers of the petition is equal to at least ten percent of
the number of registered voters in the city on the date of the regular city election immediately prior
to the date of filing of the petition, the council must submit the ordinance to the voters at a special
election. The special election must be held (a) not less than 30 days before nor more than 45 days
after the date of final action on the ordinance by the council or (b) no later than 65 days after the
date of certification of the petition to the council when there has been no final action on the
ordinance by the council on the first date authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Section 205.10,
subdivision 3a, as amended, at which the city can satisfy the requirements to properly conduct the
special election. If a regular city election is to occur within three months of the date determined
for a special election as provided in this section, the council may submit the ordinance to the voters
at that regular election. If the council enacts the proposed ordinance with amendments and at least
four-fifths of the committee of petitioners do not express their dissatisfaction with the amended
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ordinance by a statement to that effect filed with the city clerk no later than ten days after enactment
of the ordinance, the ordinance need not be submitted to the voters. (Amended, Ordinance No.
2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.07. Ballots. The ballot at an election on an ordinance initiated under this chapter must
state the substance of the ordinance as determined by the city council and contain appropriate
instructions for the voters to indicate "yes" or "no" on the question of its adoption. If approved by
a majority of the voters the ordinance is effective as provided in section 3.09. Any number of
initiated ordinances may be voted on at the same election, but the voters must be permitted to vote
for or against each ordinance separately. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.08. Amendment and Repeal. During the one-year period following its effective date,
an ordinance adopted by the vote of the people may be repealed or amended only by a vote of the
people. Thereafter, the council may repeal or amend the ordinance in accordance with its usual
procedures.
Section 5.09. The Referendum. The referendum is governed by sections 5.09 and 5.10. If prior
to the effective date of an ordinance approved by the city council pursuant to Chapter 3 of this
Charter, a petition signed by eligible voters equal to at least five percent of the number of registered
voters in the city on the date of the regular city election immediately preceding the filing of the
petition is filed with the city clerk requesting that the ordinance be repealed or submitted to the
voters, the ordinance is not effective. The council must at its next regular meeting either repeal
the ordinance or re-affirm the ordinance as enacted. If the ordinance is re-affirmed by the council,
the council may order a special election on the ordinance or submit the ordinance to the voters at
the next regular municipal election. If a majority of the voters vote against the ordinance it is not
effective. If a majority of the voters vote in favor of the ordinance it is effective as provided in
section 3.09. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
Section 5.10. Referendum Petition. The requirements of sections 5.03 and 5.04 for the
formation of committees for the initiative and the form of petitions and signature papers apply with
necessary modifications to the referendum petition process. The committee must use the forms
for a referendum petition available from the city clerk in order to commence the referendum
petition process. The form of a referendum ballot must conform to the requirements of section
5.07. (Amended, Ordinance No. 2010-10, February 11, 2011)
CHAPTER 6
ADMINISTRATION OF CITY
Section 6.01. City Manager. Subdivision 1. The city manager is the chief administrative officer
of the city. The manager is appointed by the city council solely on the basis of training, experience,
and executive and administrative qualifications. With the approval of the council, the manager
may designate some properly qualified person to perform the duties of the manager during the
absence or disability of the manager or while the office is vacant.
Subd. 2. The city manager is appointed for an indefinite term and may be removed at any
time by an affirmative vote of a majority of the council. After having served for one year, the
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manager may demand written charges and a public hearing on the charges before the council prior
to the date when the final removal takes effect. After the hearing, if one is demanded, the council
may either reinstate the manager or make the removal final. Pending the hearing and removal, the
council may suspend the manager from office and appoint an acting manager.
Section 6.02. Manager: Powers and Duties. Subdivision 1. The manager is responsible to the
council for the administration of the city’s affairs. The manager has the powers and duties
specified in this section.
Subd. 2. The manager must insure ensure that this charter, the laws and ordinances of the
city and the resolutions of the city council are enforced.
Subd. 3. The manager appoints on the basis of merit and fitness, officers and employees
of the city except the city attorney who is appointed and removed by the city council. The manager
may remove or suspend officers and employees of the city without the consent of the council.
(Amended, Ordinance No. 90-22, February 1, 1991)
Subd. 4. Except as otherwise provided by this charter or law, the manager directs
departments and divisions of the city administration.
Subd. 5. The manager must attend meetings of the council. The manager may take part in
discussion at council meetings but may not vote. The council may exclude the manager from a
meeting at which the manager’s removal is considered
Subd. 6. The manager may recommend to the council for adoption measures deemed
necessary for the welfare of the people and the efficient administration of the city’s affairs.
Subd. 7. The manager must keep the council fully advised on the financial condition and
needs of the city and prepare and submit the annual budget to the council.
Subd. 8. The manager performs the other duties prescribed by law, this charter or by the
council.
Section 6.03. Departments. The council may create departments, divisions and other units of
the city administration consistent with this charter and law.
Section 6.04. Officers. The officers of the city are the city clerk and the other officers
subordinate to the city manager created by the council by ordinance or resolution. The clerk is
responsible for the keeping of city records, and, under the direction of the manager, the general
administration of the city’s affairs. The council may by ordinance abolish offices, that have been
created by ordinance and or combine the duties of various offices by ordinance if established by
ordinance, or by resolution if established by resolution.
Section 6.05. Purchases and Contracts. The manager is the chief purchasing agent of the city.
Purchases and contracts may be made by the manager when the amount of the purchase or contract
does not exceed $25,000 unless a lower higher limit is provided by the council by resolution. Other
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purchases and contracts are made by the council on recommendation of the manager. Except for
contracts which the manager is authorized to make by this section, contracts, bonds, and
instruments to which the city is a party must be signed by the mayor and the manager on behalf of
the city. (Amended, Ordinance No. 93-4, May 12, 1993; Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998;
Ordinance No. 2009-03, September 25, 2009)
Section 6.06. Contracts: Bids. City contracts must be made in compliance with law. When
competitive bids are submitted the contract must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder,
unless the city utilizes the best value process set out in law to award the contract. The council may
by ordinance adopt additional regulations for making city contracts.
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 membership, terms, qualifications,
powers, duties and procedures of the review board must be fixed by the ordinance. Members of
the board are recommended by the manager and appointed by the city council. (Amended,
Ordinance No. 91-3, March 28, 1991)
CHAPTER 7
TAXATION AND FINANCE
Section 7.01. Council Controls Finances. The council is responsible for the financial affairs of
the city. The council must provide for the collection and protection of revenues and other assets
and the auditing and settlement of accounts.
Section 7.02. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the city is the calendar year.
Section 7.03. System of Taxation. Subject to the state constitution, and except as forbidden by
it or law the council may provide by ordinance for a system of local taxation. In the taxation of
real and personal property the council must conform as nearly as possible to law in the assessment
of property and the collection of taxes.
Section 7.04. Preparation of Budget. The manager must prepare an annual budget and submit
it to the council. The budget must include all funds of the city except utility funds, special
assessment funds, and construction funds, but the budget may include those funds at the discretion
of the council. The estimated revenues and expenditures for each fund must be shown for each
department of the city. The manager must submit with the budget explanatory statements deemed
necessary. The budget must show comparative figures for the current fiscal year, actual and
estimated, and for the preceding fiscal year. (Amended, Ordinance No. 98-4, November 24, 1998)
Section 7.05. Adoption of Budget. Subdivision 1. The budget is the principal item of business
at the first regular meeting of the council in September and at subsequent meetings until the budget
is adopted. The budget and levy shall be developed and adopted in accordance with law. Notice
that the budget will be considered by the council at the first meeting in September must be
published twice at least once in the official newspaper and posted on the city’s website at least
with the second publication not less than three ten days prior to the meeting. The notice must state
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that copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection in the office of the city clerk
and that the public will be heard at the meeting.
Subd. 2. The consideration of the budget and public hearing must be conducted so as to
give citizens an opportunity to be heard. The manager must review the budget in the detail
requested by the council. The adopted budget must set forth in detail the financial plan of the city
for the ensuing fiscal year. The sum appropriated by the budget may not exceed the estimated
revenues to fund the expenditures.
Subd. 3. The council must by a budget resolution adopt the a proposed budget and levy no
later than the first week of October September 30. The members of the council voting in favor of
the budget resolution must sign the budget. The council must adopt a final budget and levy by the
date established in law.
Subd. 4. The budget resolution must levy sufficient taxes to provide adequate revenues for
the budgeted expenditures in the next ensuing fiscal year. The budget resolution must be certified
to the county auditor in accordance with law. A summary budget statement shall be published as
required by law.
Subd. 5. The sums fixed in the budget resolution are appropriated for the purposes identified in
the budget resolution.
Subd. 6. If a different schedule and procedure for the adoption of the budget is specified
by law, that schedule and procedure must be followed. (Added, Ordinance No. 93-4, May 12,
1993.)
Section 7.06. Enforcement of Budget. The manager must enforce the budget. The manager
may not approve an expenditure unless funds for that expenditure are appropriated by the budget.
The manager may not approve an expenditure authorized by the budget unless there is a sufficient
unexpended balance in the appropriation after deducting prior expenditures from and current
encumbrances against the appropriation. An officer or employee of the city may not place an order
or make a purchase for the city unless the order or purchase is authorized in the budget. An
obligation incurred by an officer or employee for a purpose not authorized in the budget or for an
amount in excess of the amount appropriated in the budget is the personal obligation of the person
incurring the obligation.
Section 7.07. Alterations in Budget. The council may not increase the amounts appropriated in
the budget resolution beyond the estimated revenues, except to the extent that actual receipts
exceed the estimated revenues. The council may by resolution reduce an appropriation in the
budget. The council may by a vote of at least five members authorize the transfer of sums from
unencumbered appropriations in the budget to other purposes.
Section 7.08. Emergency Appropriations. The council may include an emergency
appropriation in the budget not exceeding ten percent of the budget. A transfer from the emergency
appropriation to another appropriation may be made by resolution approved by a vote of at least
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five members of the council. Amounts transferred from the emergency appropriation may be used
only for the emergency purposes designated by the council resolution.
Section 7.09. Disbursements. Disbursements of city funds are made in accordance with
procedures specified in a resolution of the city council. A disbursement must specify the fund
from which it is to be made. A disbursement may not be made unless the claim to which it relates
has been documented by an itemized bill, payroll, time sheet or other document approved and
signed by a responsible city officer who vouches for its correctness and reasonableness. The
manager must note on a contract requiring the payment of city funds the particular fund from which
the contract is to be paid. The council must adopt further regulations for the safekeeping and
disbursement of city funds. (Amended, Ord. No. 2002-07, August 5, 2002)
Section 7.10. Funds. There must be maintained in the city treasury a general fund and the funds
required by law, ordinance, the budget resolution or other resolution. The council may make inter-
fund loans except from trust or agency funds.
Section 7.11. Accounting. The city manager is the chief accounting officer of the city. The
manager must keep the council informed of the financial status of the city. The manager must
provide for an annual audit of the city's finances by either the state auditor or a firm of certified
public accountants. A summary of the audit must be published once in the official newspaper and
posted on the city’s website.
Section 7.12. Debt. Except as provided in section 7.13, no obligations may be issued to pay
current expenses, but the council may issue and sell obligations for any other municipal purpose
in accordance with law and within the limits prescribed by law.
Section 7.13. Tax Anticipation Certificates. At any time after January 1st following the making
of an annual tax levy, the council may issue certificates of indebtedness in anticipation of the
collection of taxes levied for any fund and not yet collected. The total amount of certificates issued
against any fund for a fiscal year with interest thereon until maturity may not exceed 90% of the
total current taxes for the fund uncollected at the time of issuance. The certificates (a) are issued
on such terms and conditions as the council determines, (b) bear interest at no more than the lawful
rate, and (c) are due and payable no later than the 1st day of April of the year following their
issuance. The proceeds of the tax levied for the fund against which tax anticipation certificates are
issued and the full faith and credit of the city must be irrevocably pledged for the redemption of
the certificates in the order of their issuance against the fund.
CHAPTER 8
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Section 8.01. Powers. The city may make any type of public improvement not forbidden by law
and may levy special assessments against benefited property to pay all or a portion of the cost of
a local improvement. The special assessments for a local improvement may equal the cost of the
improvement but may not exceed the special benefit to the property assessed.
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Section 8.02. Current Services. In addition to the provisions of law the council may provide by
ordinance that the cost of city services to streets, sidewalks or other public or private. property,
may be assessed against the property served and collected in the same manner as special
assessments.
Section 8.03. Unpaid Utility Charges. The council may provide by ordinance for the special
assessment of unpaid charges, including related administrative charges, late charges and interest
thereon, for water, sewer, storm sewer, waste recycling and similar utility services to public and
private property in the same manner and subject to the same limitations that similar unpaid charges
may be specially assessed by law. This authority is in addition to other methods of collecting such
charges provided by law. (Added, Ordinance No. 95-10, September 7, 1995)
Section 8.04. Special Business District. Subdivision 1. Owners of commercial or industrial
properties in the city may petition the council to request the establishment of a special business
district to provide one or more special services to the district. The petition must identify the
boundaries of the proposed district, be signed by at least 75 percent of the property owners within
the proposed district, and identify the requested services. The requested services must be among
those the city is authorized to provide by law.
Subd. 2. Upon receipt of the petition, and the verification of the signatures, the council
shall, within 30 days following verification, hold a public hearing on the question of whether to
establish the requested district. The public hearing shall be preceded by at least 10 days published
notice and mailed notice to the owners within the proposed district. The notice must identify the
area of the proposed district and the requested services.
Subd. 3. Within 30 days after the conclusion of the public hearing, the council shall by
resolution approve or disapprove the establishment of the requested district. If approved, the
resolution must identify the special services to be provided and the territorial boundaries of the
district. The council may modify the requested district boundaries and the services as part of the
establishment resolution. The council shall determine the timing and method for delivering the
services.
Subd. 4. The city shall mail to the affected owners and publish notice of the establishment
of a special business district within 20 days from the date of establishment.
Subd. 5. The council may, upon petition of owners adjacent to a district, expand the
boundaries of an existing district. A petition requesting expansion of the district must be signed
by at least 75 percent of the owners of the proposed expansion area. The council shall process and
act on the petition in the same manner as an establishment petition.
Subd. 6. The council may impose on the properties within a district a tax or service charge,
or a combination of them, to finance the special services provided in the district. The council shall
include in future annual budgets appropriate provisions for the operation of the district. The city
may issue obligations in an amount it deems necessary to defray in whole or in part the expense
incurred and estimated to be incurred in making capital improvements necessary to operate the
district and provide the special services in the district, including every item of cost from inception
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to completion and all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the capital improvements or
the financing. The obligations are payable primarily out of the proceeds of the taxes and service
charges imposed under this section, net revenues as described in Minnesota Statutes, section
444.075, and special assessments under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 429. The council may by
resolution pledge the full faith credit and taxing power of the city to ensure payment of the
principal and interest on the obligations if the proceeds of the taxes and service charges are
insufficient to pay the principal and interest. Obligations must be issued in accordance with
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 475, except that an election is not required, and the amount of the
obligations is not included in determining the net indebtedness of the city under the provisions of
any law limiting indebtedness. In resolutions authorizing the issuance of general or special
obligations and pledging taxes and service charges imposed, net revenues, or special assessments
to their payment, the council may make covenants for the protection of holders of the obligations
and taxpayers of the city as it deems necessary, including a covenant that the city will impose and
collect charges of the nature authorized by this section at the time and in the amounts required to
produce, together with any taxes or special assessments designated as a primary source of payment
of the obligations, funds adequate to pay all principal and interest when due on the obligations,
and to create and maintain reserves securing the payments as may be provided in the resolutions.
Subd. 7. The council may, by resolution, remove a district on its own initiative or upon a
petition of at least 75 percent of the owners within the district. If the council removes a district,
after all outstanding obligations of the district have been paid in full, the council may vote to
refund any surplus tax revenue or service charge, or any part of it, collected from the district
under this section. The refund must be distributed equally to the owners of any property within
the discontinued district that were charged the extra tax or service charge during the most recent
tax year for which the tax or service charge was imposed. Any surplus not refunded under this
section must be transferred to the city’s general fund.
CHAPTER 9
EMINENT DOMAIN
Section 9.01. Acquisition of Property. The city may acquire by purchase, gift, condemnation
or otherwise, property within or without its boundaries that may be needed by the city for a public
purpose. In acquiring property by the power of eminent domain the city must proceed in
accordance with law.
CHAPTER 10
FRANCHISES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
Section 10.01. Franchise Required. Except as otherwise provided by law, no person, firm, or
corporation may place or maintain a permanent or semi-permanent facility fixture in, over, upon,
or under a street, highway or public right-of-way or place in the city for the purpose of operating
a public utility or for any other purpose without a franchise from the city.
Section 10.02. Ordinance. A franchise must be is granted by ordinance, which may not be an
emergency ordinance. An ordinance granting a franchise must contain all of the terms and
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conditions of the franchise. A franchise is not valid unless unconditionally and fully accepted by
the grantee and filed with the city clerk.
Section 10.03. Term. A franchise must include a term and expiration date. An exclusive or
perpetual franchise may not be granted by the city. A franchise for a term exceeding 20 years is
not effective unless approved by a majority of the voters voting thereon at a regular or special
election.
Section 10.04. [Reserved] Public Hearing. Before a franchise ordinance is adopted or rates,
fares, or prices to be charged by a public utility are fixed by the council, the council must hold a
public hearing on the matter. Notice of the hearing must be published at least once in the official
newspaper not less than ten days prior to the date of the hearing.
Section 10.05. Publication Cost. The grantee of the franchise must pay for publication of the
franchise ordinance.
Section 10.06. Power of Regulation Reserved. Subject to applicable law, the council may by
ordinance reasonably regulate and control the exercise of a franchise, including maximum rates,
fares, or prices to be charged by the grantee. The value of the franchise may not be included in
the valuation of the grantee's property in regulating utility rates, fares or prices under applicable
law, ordinance, or regulation or in proceedings for municipal acquisition of the grantee's property
by purchase or eminent domain. The rights of a grantee under a franchise are subject to the
superior rights of the public to the use of streets and public places.
Section 10.07. Renewals. An extension, renewal, or modification of a franchise is subject to the
same limitations and must be is granted in the same manner as a new franchise.
CHAPTER 11
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Section 11.01. Acquisition. The city may own and operate a gas, water, heat, power, light,
telephone, transportation, solid waste, hazardous waste, sanitation or other public utility for
supplying its own needs for utility service, for supplying utility service to private consumers, or
for both purposes. The city may construct the facilities reasonably needed for the utility and may
acquire existing utility properties for the utility.
Section 11.02. Lease of Plant. The council may lease a city owned utility to a private party for a
term not to exceed ten years at rentals and on conditions as deemed necessary. The lease must be
embodied in an ordinance approved by five members of the council. The ordinance may not be
an emergency ordinance.
Section 11.03. Sale of Utility. A public utility owned by the city may not be sold or otherwise
disposed of unless the full terms of the sale or other disposition are embodied in an ordinance
approved by a majority of the voters voting thereon at a general or special election.
CHAPTER 12
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MISCELLANEOUS AND TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Section 12.01. Official Publications. The council must annually designate a legal newspaper of
general circulation in the city as the official newspaper. Ordinances, matters required by law and
this charter to be published, and other matters that the council deems necessary are published in
the official newspaper. The city may provide notices electronically as an additional form of notice
or, to the extent allowed by law, as an alternative to published notices.
Section 12.02. Oath of Office. Elective officers of the city and any other officer so required by
law or this charter must, before taking office take and subscribe to an oath of office in substantially
the following form: "I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution and will obey
the laws of the United States and of the State of Minnesota, and I will, in all respects, observe the
provisions of the charter and ordinances of the City of Crystal, and will faithfully discharge the
duties of the office of ____________, to the best of my judgment and ability."
Section 12.03 Interest in Contracts. Except as otherwise permitted by law an officer of the city
who is authorized to take part in any manner in a contract with the city in an official capacity may
not voluntarily have a personal financial interest in or personally benefit from the contract.
Section 12.04. Official Bonds. Officers and employees of the city required by ordinance or law
to supply a bond must, before assuming office or employment give a corporate surety bond to the
city as security for the faithful performance of official duties and the safekeeping of public funds.
The bond (a) must be in the form and amount fixed by the council, (b) may be either an individual
or blanket surety bond, (c) must be approved as to form by the city attorney, and (d) filed with the
city clerk. Premiums on the bond are paid by the city.
Section 12.05. Sale of Real Property. Real property of the city must be disposed of by resolution
after a public hearing after ten days’ published notice. The net proceeds of the sale of real property
must be used to retire outstanding indebtedness incurred by the city in the acquisition of that real
property. Remaining net proceeds must be used to finance capital improvements or to retire other
bonded indebtedness. (Amended, Ordinance No. 93-4, May 12, 1993)
Section 12.06. Vacation of Streets. The council may by resolution vacate streets, alleys, public
ways and public grounds, or parts thereof, in the city. The vacation may be made after ten days’
published notice of a public hearing before the council on the matter. The clerk must file a notice
of completion of the vacation proceedings with the appropriate county official and in accordance
with law. (Amended, Ordinance No. 93-4, May 12, 1993)
Section 1. Effect of 1989 2021 Charter Revision. This charter is effective on June 1, 1989
[TBD], 2022 and is a revision and comprehensive amendment to the revised charter effective on
June 1, 1989, which amended the original charter of the city adopted and effective on August 23,
1960. Nothing in this charter is to be construed to modify, abrogate or abridge (a) the rights, duties,
liabilities, privileges or immunities of the city, (b) the ordinances and resolutions of the city, or (c)
the qualifications or terms of office of city officers as they existed on June 1, 1989, except as
otherwise specifically provided in this charter. This charter is not to be construed to affect, modify
or repeal any special law of the state applicable to the city of Crystal.
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Section 12.08. Civil Service Commission. The Crystal Civil Service Commission is abolished
effective February 1, 1991 (Added, Ordinance No. 90-22, February 1, 1991.)
Section 12.09. Fines and Penalties. Subdivision 1. The council may establish by ordinance a
procedure for imposing an administrative penalty for any violation of the city code or a city
ordinance. The procedure must provide that any person charged with an administrative penalty
will receive notices of violations and an opportunity to be heard by a neutral party. The procedure
may authorize the city to use the services of a non-city employee to decide whether an
administrative penalty should be imposed. (Added, Ord. No. 2002-07, August 5, 2002)
Subd. 2. The city council may provide by ordinance that unpaid administrative penalties be
collected as a special assessment against property which was the subject matter, or related to the
subject matter, of the penalty or against the property which was the location of an activity,
proposed use, delivery of city service, or other circumstances that resulted in the penalty. The
ordinance must provide that the city will first attempt to obtain voluntary payment of the penalty.
The ordinance must also provide that notice and an opportunity to be heard will be given to the
property owner listed on the official tax records before the penalty is assessed. (Added, Ord. No.
2002-07, August 5, 2002)
Section 12.10. (Intentionally left blank) Authority for Expenditures. The council may establish
a public expenditure policy (“Policy”) to identify certain types of expenditures as being for a public
purpose and within the city’s authority to expend city funds on. The Policy shall not limit the
authority of the city to make expenditures otherwise authorized by law. If adopted, the council
shall review the Policy periodically and update it as needed. In establishing, reviewing, and
approving the Policy, the council shall consider whether the expenditures to be authorized by the
Policy: 1) benefits the community as a whole; 2) are directly related to governmental functions;
and 3) primarily benefits the public interest, not a private interest. In establishing, reviewing, and
approving the Policy, the council shall consider the opinion of the city attorney and statewide
sources of authority, which may include judicial determinations, Minnesota Attorney General
opinions, and findings of the Office of the State Auditor.
Expenditures related to any of the following activities shall be deemed authorized if the Policy
expressly provides authorization: international, cultural, and economic development programs;
community events, festivals, and celebrations; miscellaneous employee benefits; employee
recognition; and funding for conference attendance. The council may also provide specific
authorization regarding any other expenditure.
Section 12.11. Employee Compensation and Recognition. The city council may adopt by
ordinance or resolution a comprehensive employee compensation and recognition policy, or
similar policy statement. The policy statement may include provisions authorizing the expenditure
of public funds to establish and conduct employee and community volunteer recognition programs
and preventative health and wellness programs for city employees. (Added, Ord. No. 2006-2, May
17, 2006)
___________________________________________________________________________________
FROM: John Sutter, Community Development Director
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for September 23 work session)
DATE: September 15, 2021
SUBJECT: Blue Line Extension update
___________________________________________________________________________________
At the July 20 City Council work session, the City Council reviewed preliminary materials for
the Crystal segment and requested additional information regarding the following:
Demonstrate that the project as currently proposed (reducing Bottineau from 6 lanes to 4
lanes) won’t decrease the traffic conditions along on Bottineau from Highway 100 to Bass
Lake Road
For comparison, model maintaining six lanes on Bottineau from Highway 100 to a new
Bass Lake Road interchange, then decreasing to 4 lanes north of Bass Lake Road
Can LRT and six lanes of traffic fit in the existing Bottineau right-of-way between Highway
100 and Bass Lake Road? What would that look like?
Ensure a safe location for the Bass Lake Road station and park & ride facility, including
safe pedestrian access across Bottineau
Since then, while also working on addressing these items, Metro Transit has developed the
attached presentation for various project committees describing progress on different
segments of the corridor. You may notice that there isn’t much in the presentation about the
Crystal segment, primarily because project staff are still working in response to the questions
raised during the July 20 City Council work session, and want to first have an opportunity to
present those materials to the City Council on Sep. 23 and the Crystal community at the open
house on Sep. 29.
Staff expects to receive materials in response to the items above by Tuesday, Sep. 21. We will
print them and place them on the dais at the City Council meeting that evening so
Councilmembers can review them in advance of the Sep. 23 work session. After the work
session, we will put those materials on the Blue Line page of the city website prior to the Sep.
29 community open house (5-7 p.m. at the Community Center).
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Blue Line Extension Update
1
Click to edit Master title style
Brooklyn Park | Crystal | Robbinsdale | Golden Valley | Minneapolis
Community Advisory Committee: September 15, 2021
2
Today’s Topics
•Public Engagement: What We Heard
Summer 2021•County Road 81 Update Robbinsdale:
North Memorial Hospital Station Area
Crystal: Bass Lake Road/Crystal Airport
Upcoming Community Workshop•Minneapolis Update
Upcoming Community Workshops•Project Schedule
Draft & Final Report Development and
Review•Anti-Displacement Facilitator Selection
Update
2
3
Approve Meeting Summary
3
4
Public Engagement: What We Heard Summer 2021
4
5
July & August Public Engagement
•45 Public Events
8 Open Houses
Other activities included: pop-up events,
community event attendance, stakeholder
check-ins, co-hosted activities
Pop-ins & door knocking increase this total
•Over 2,000 direct points of contact
•222 comments on interactive map
5
Think Brooklyns Forum on Inclusive Housing &
Aging in Place
6
Community Feedback: Station Study Areas
6
•General concurrence with station
study areas
•Some comments about closer
station spacing in Minneapolis on
West Broadway
•Discussion of placement within
the study areas
7
Community Feedback: Visualizations
•Brooklyn Park: Questions about past decisions with station
placement, site design, and Park-and-Ride placement
•Crystal: Roadway design, pedestrian connections/safety
•Robbinsdale: Pedestrian safety, traffic flow, community cohesion,
connection to Downtown Robbinsdale & North Memorial Hospital,
Park-and Ride options
•Minneapolis: Need for more information about turn lanes, station
placement, parking, bike accommodations, pedestrian crossings,
and potential property impacts including direct/indirect displacement
7
8
County Road 81 Update
8
9
North Memorial Hospital Station Study Area:
Connecting to West Broadway Option 1
9
10
North Memorial Hospital Station Study Area:
Connecting to West Broadway Option 2
10
11
North Memorial Hospital Station Study Area:
Connecting to Lowry
11
12
North Memorial Hospital Station Study Area
•Lowry Avenue connection video
•West Broadway Avenue connection
Option 1: Video
Option 2: Video
12
13
Bass Lake Road Intersection
•Potential to grade separate CR 81 over Bass Lake Road
13 Draft: Work in Process
14
•Like in the past, ongoing
coordination with the
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and
the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC)
14
Proposed
Route
Crystal Airport
Considerations
Proposed
Station
1515
Light Rail & Runway Approach
16
Upcoming Community Meetings
•Crystal Open House: Wednesday, September 29 from 5:00 -7:00
PM, Crystal Community Center
•Robbinsdale Open House: October TBD
16
17
Minneapolis Update
17
18
Minneapolis Update
•Selected route options for evaluation: West Broadway and
Washington / Lowry
•Determined station study areas for each route
•Establishing evaluation criteria
•Advancing design details
Station configurations and locations
Intersections with turn lanes
18
19
Examples of Information Considered in
Evaluation Process
•Land Use
•Equity considerations
•Community demographics
•Traffic and parking information
•Right-of-Way
19
Draft: Work in Process
Subject to Change
20
Examples of Information Considered in
Evaluation Process
•Destinations served by proposed
stations
•Projected ridership
•Projected travel time
20
Draft: Work in
Process Subject
to Change
21
Minneapolis Update
21
•Community design workshops
Dates in progress
Details:
o See updated details including turn lanes,
station placement options, dimensioning
and routing options
o Engage on what solutions you think work
best for your community, and any
opportunities or challenges you see with
each option
o Review data and discuss the benefits &
impacts of both routes
22
Project Schedule
22
23
Project Schedule: Upcoming Milestones
23
•Fall Community Workshops
•December 2021: Draft Report
Culmination of community engagement and technical work
45-day comment period
•March 2022: Final Report
Will build on draft report, incorporating feedback from comment period
Will recommend route and station study areas to advance for further
engineering and environmental review
30-day comment period
24
Route Modification Report: Overview
•Project history
Why the BLRT Project is needed and reason for change in route
Building from March 2021 Initial Route Evaluation report
•Process
Demonstrate decision-making is following a transparent process and incorporating community input at every stage
•Evaluation
Show how decisions are made based on Project Principles and a set of
evaluating criteria
Incorporate important feedback and comments from community engagement
24
25
Project Goals Guide Evaluation Process
•Improve transit access and connections to jobs and regional destinations.
•Improve frequency and reliability of transit service to communities in the corridor
•Provide transit improvements that maximize transit benefits, while being cost
competitive and economically viable
•Support communities’ development goals
•Promote healthy communities and sound environmental practices including
efforts to address climate change
•Advance local and regional equity and work towards reducing regional racial
disparities
25
26
Anti-Displacement Facilitator Selection
Update
26
27
Anti-Displacement Contractor Introduction
•The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) works with
community leaders and local government partners to produce
knowledge that drives change. CURA’s mission is to connect the
resources of the University of Minnesota with the interests and
needs of urban communities and the region for the benefit of all.
•CURA is founded on the belief that partnership between the
University, community leaders, philanthropic organizations and
government is mutually beneficial
•Project Manager: C Terrance Anderson
As CURA’s Director of Community Based Research, C Terrence
oversees CURA's community-based programs
Previous professional experience in urban planning and public
policy positions: Equity Manager at Metropolitan Council,
Community Outreach coordinator for Metro Transit and
Transportation Planner for Southeastern Regional Planning
Commission in Milwaukee
He resides in North Minneapolis with his wife and children
28
CURA Research and Organizing Team:
•Dr. Edward Goetz, Director of CURA•Dr. Brittany Lewis, Senior Research Associate•Jeff Matson, Program Coordinator of Community GIS•Dr. Tony Damiano, Researcher•Ned Wik Moore, Program Director of Neighborhood Leadership and
Organizing•Malik Holt-Shabazz, Program Director of Neighborhood Leadership
and Organizing•Kristen Murray, Program Development•Graduate Research Assistant -TBD
29
Additions to Team CURA:
Bellwether Consulting
Works with government agencies to apply an
equity lens to policies and practices.
Allison Bell
President
Since 2011, Ms. Bell has led equitable
development work in the Twin Cities
Housing Justice Center
Using unique expertise in housing law and policy
used to preserve and expand the supply of
affordable housing across Minnesota and to
protect the civil rights of people who need
affordable places to call home.
Margaret Kaplan
President
Ms. Kaplan has a robust knowledge about local,
state, and federal housing policy and programs in
addition to community organizing
30
Next Steps
Contract kick-off
and workgroup
recruitment
Week of October 4th
Contract execution
September 30th
Hennepin contract
approval
September 21st
Contract
negotiation
Thru September 21st
31
•CURA will lead the creation and
facilitation of a new Blue Line
Extension Anti-Displacement
Work Group
Facilitator: CURA
Community
Members
Community
Organizations
Private Sector
Experts
Local
Government
Agencies
Philanthropic
Organizations
Project Team
Anti-displacement Work Group
32
Next Meetings: Wednesday, October 6 and
November 10
32
3333
Stay Connected!
•Project website: bluelineext.org
Project news, maps, surveys, what
we’re hearing
Committee meeting materials: agenda,
handouts, presentations, meeting
minutes
Sign-up for GovDelivery project updates
Connect with staff for your questions or
schedule a presentation
•Follow us:
Twitter: @BlueLineExt
Facebook: MetroBlueLineExtension