2022.10.18 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Oct. 14, 2022
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022
Time Meeting Location
6:10 p.m.
City Council work session to discuss:
1. Blue Line Extension Community Advisory Committee
candidate interview.
2. Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail Regional Trail update.
3. West Metro Fire-Rescue District quarterly update.
4. Police quarterly update.
5. Bassett Creek Park improvements.
6. City manager monthly check-in.
7. Constituent issues update.
8. New business.
9. Announcements.
Council Chambers/
Zoom
6:30 p.m. Economic Development Authority meeting Council Chambers/
Zoom
7 p.m. City Council meeting Council Chambers/
Zoom
Immediately
following the
City Council
meeting
Continuation of City Council work session, if necessary Council Chambers/
Zoom
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting to them through one of the methods identified
below.
Topic: Crystal City Council work session, Economic Development Authority meeting, City Council meeting and
continuation of City Council work session, if necessary.
Time: Oct. 18, 2022 6:10 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88447435977?pwd=ZlYxeWxTNFFYWTdlS2R1bCt3dFNUdz09
Meeting ID: 884 4743 5977
Passcode: 414141
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,88447435977#,,,,*414141# US
+19292056099,,88447435977#,,,,*414141# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAPtDbyrz
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: Oct. 14, 2022
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022
6:10 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 Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022 at ____ p.m. in the
Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN and via Zoom. If the agenda items
are not completed in time for the Economic Development Authority meeting at 6:30 p.m., the work
session will be continued and resumed immediately following the City Council meeting. The public
may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the methods identified on the
City Council Meeting Schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ LaRoche ____ Norris ____ Sutter
____ Parsons ____ Therres ____ Serres
____ Adams ____ Gilchrist
____ Banks ____ Elholm
____ Budziszewski ____ Larson
____ Cummings ____ Ray
____ Kiser ____ Revering
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Blue Line Extension Community Advisory Committee candidate interview.
2. Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail Regional Trail update.
3. West Metro Fire-Rescue District quarterly update.
4. Police quarterly update.
5. Bassett Creek Park improvements.
6. City manager monthly check-in.
7. Constituent issues update.
8. New business.*
9. Announcements.*
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
Memorandum
DATE: October 11, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: CP Rail Regional Trail Update
The CP Rail Regional Trail is a future paved, non-motorized trail that will eventually go from Becker
Park in Crystal to the Minnesota River in Bloomington. This new regional trail will connect to the
Crystal Lake Regional Trail and Bassett Creek Regional Trail in Crystal; along with several other
regional trails to the south. While originally intended to follow the CP Rail Corridor, planning efforts
are now reviewing trail options within ½ mile of the rail corridor.
Focus is currently on the section of trail through Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley – to connect
Becker Park in Crystal to the Luce Line Regional Trail in Golden Valley. The engagement process
began with three potential route options, which were presented to the city council in a work session
on June 21. Additional public engagement has occurred over the summer, with one route, the
Winnetka/Douglas option, now being preferred by the public. This engagement process and route
have also been reviewed and recommended by staff from Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal; as
well as the Crystal Park and Recreation Commission.
The Crystal Park and Recreation Commission unanimously passed a motion to, “support the
recommendation that the Winnetka/Douglas option be the preferred route for the CP Rail Regional
Trail moving forward”.
Staff from Three Rivers Park District will present information at the work session; including
engagement efforts to date, the preferred CP Rail Regional Trail recommendation and next steps in
the planning process.
CP Rail Regional Trail: Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal
Luce Line RT to Crystal Lake RT Segment
Staff Recommendation & Engagement and Route Assessment Summaries
Preferred CP Rail Regional Trail Recommendation
Three Rivers, Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal staff recommend adopting the Winnetka-
Douglas Route (studied routes shown to the right) as the preferred regional trail route due to:
• Public support – it is the community preferred route due to community connections
and a quieter, more family friendly location.
• Assessment findings – it meets the project goals better and is less expensive.
• Hennepin County plans to improve bike and pedestrian safety along Douglas Drive in
2026 and may include a trail which would create an 8-mile trail loop.
Community Engagement Summary
Community engagement occurred from July to September and included a wide range of
notification strategies and engagement opportunities.
The engagement findings, summarized in the table below, revealed a clear preference for the
Winnetka-Douglas Route. See attached engagement summary for greater detail.
30+ events 3,750+ people
in attendance at
in-person events
On-line engagement available
24-7 & one-on-one engagement
available upon request
500
people indicated a preferred
route(s)
Here is the Preferred Route Breakdown
Winnetka 20%
Winnetka-Douglas 50%
Douglas 30%
225
people indicated where they
want to bike, walk or visit.
Here are the Top 3 Answers
Parks, Trails & Community Centers 28%
Restaurants 19%
Friends and Family 15%
Route Assessment Summary
In consultation with city staff, the Winnetka Route was removed from additional assessment due
to implementation challenges and lack of public support.
The two remaining routes, Winnetka-Douglas and Douglas Routes, share segments along Douglas
Drive between Becker Park & Fairview Ave. and Medicine Lake Road & the Luce Line Regional
Trail. Since these segments have the same opportunities and challenges, staff focused the route
assessment primarily on the segments of the routes which are different and unbuilt. As currently
proposed, neither option removes parking.
The assessment findings, summarized in the table below, indicate a stronger case for the Winnetka-Douglas Route. See attached matrix and
concept renderings for greater detail.
Between Douglas Dr./32nd
Ave. and Douglas
Dr./Fairview Ave. Connections to the Top 3 Places
to Walk, Bike and Visit.
Equity Impact
(within 1,000’ of new trail
segments only)
Road/
Driveway
Crossings
Anticipated
Easements
Tree
Impacts
High-Level
Cost
Winnetka-Douglas
Route
Similar.
4 parks/trails, 2 community
centers, 7 restaurants, and 55%
is adjacent to residential land
uses.
Better.
An additional 1,200 BIPOC, 200
Hispanic, 50 people >75 years old,
425 youth, 600 households with an
annual income of ≤$50K and 100
families living in poverty served.
Fewer by
15%.
74 driveways
and 11
roads.
About 15,
typ. 2’ wide
along ROW.
About
80 trees,
1/3 are
ash.
Less by
50%.
$4.2 M*
Douglas Route
1 trail, 1 community center, 6
restaurants and 94% is adjacent
to residential land uses.
--- 88 driveways
and 11 roads None.+ None. $7.3M+
* The Winnetka-Douglas Route cost assumes that the curb and parking along Fairview/49th Ave. will remain and the trail will be constructed at the back of curb. If a
different design concept is favored, the project cost will increase.
+ The Douglas Route cost assumes moving the curb and reducing the road shoulder width to minimize the need for easements. If reducing shoulder width is not an
option, an additional 90 private property easements are likely, but project costs may be less.
Recommended
Route
1
CP Rail Regional Trail: Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal
Luce Line RT to Crystal Lake RT Segment
Phase 1: Community Engagement Summary
Engagement Summery
Community members engaged in the CP Rail
Regional Trail process demonstrated a clear
preference for the Winnetka-Douglas Route (see
summary table to the right).
Community engagement occurred from July to
September and included a wide range of
notification strategies and engagement
opportunities in an effort to build awareness and
make engagement simple, convenient, and
meaningful.
Greater detail on the notification efforts,
engagement offerings and feedback is available
below and on the following pages.
Three Rivers Notification Efforts and Outcomes
Three Rivers utilized a variety of notification techniques to help build project awareness, reach those most impacted by the project, and ensure a
balanced approached to engagement. Additionally, Three Rivers tracked engagement findings and increased notification and engagement efforts
in September to better reach those not yet significantly engaged but most likely impacted by what was appearing to be the community preferred
route.
A high-level summary of the notification efforts and measurements of success is outlined below.
Notification Method Distribution Magnitude/Impact Outcome Metrics
Post Cards
(July 10-11)
Sent to ~2,800 property
owners/residents within 500’ of
each route
o 320 webpage visits are attributed to the post card mailing as the webpage was
manually typed/entered following the mailing.
o Website traffic peaked a few days after the postcard mailing.
o All virtual/in-person participants indicated notification via the postcard.
o Many people living close to the routes that participated in an in-person
engagement (i.e. Farmer’s Market) indicated that they received the post card.
o A local mail person at the Golden Valley Farmer’s Market noted delivering
about 200 post cards.
Flyers Sharing Project
Information
(Sept 2-6)
Left at businesses along Quebec
and at each residence along the
northside of 49th/Fairview Aves.
o There was no noticeable change in website traffic after the flyer was left and
only a handful of additional comments were received.
Flyers for a
Neighborhood Mtg
(Sept 21)
Flyers were left along both sides
of 49th/Fairview
o Website traffic peaked a few days after the flyer was left.
o Participation in a neighborhood pop-up meeting reflected receipt of flyer.
Email
(July 13)
Email
(Aug 6)
Social Media
(July – Sept)
36,000 people (Three Rivers
newsletter list serve)
3,705 households in Crystal,
New Hope and Golden Valley
which have a Three Rivers
registration account
July 13 message: Data analytics not readily available at this time, but will be added
when available.
Aug 6 message: The message was opened by 1,606 recipients (44 percent open
rate) and clicked on by 90 recipients (2.5 percent click rate).
o 800 webpage visits are attributed to various Three Rivers and city social media
posts, website articles, and/or newsletters.
Yard Signs 24-yard signs were installed
along the studied routes in July
and August
Several engaged community members cited seeing them.
Information Boards Brookview Community Center
Crystal Community Center
New Hope Golf Course
About 45 people activity participated in the self-guided engagement activity.
30+ events
3,750+ people
in attendance at
in-person events
On-line engagement available
24-7 & one-on-one engagement
available upon request
Over 1,900 people visited the project webpage.
1,400 website visitors clicked on at least one project link
and over 110 people participated in at least one of the
feedback opportunities.
500
people indicated a preferred
route(s)
Here is the Preferred Route Breakdown
Winnetka 20%
Winnetka-Douglas 50%
Douglas 30%
225
people indicated where they
want to bike, walk or visit.
Here are the Top 3 Answers
Parks, Trails & Community Centers 28%
Restaurants 19%
Friends and Family 15%
2
Engagement Plan Opportunities
In addition to the engagement events listed below, interested parties could visit the project website www.ThreeRiversParks.link/CP-Rail or email
cprailregionaltrailmasterplan@threeriversparks.org to learn more, share feedback or request a one-on-one virtual meeting or phone conference.
Self-guided engagement boards were available at Golden Valley’s Brookview, New Hope Golf Course and Crystal Community Center.
Completed Events Date City General
Pop.
Regional
Trail
Users
Adjacent
Property
Owners
Targeted Community Groups
Youth BIPOC Hispanic/
Latino
Seniors
(75+)
House.
< $50K
New
Resdnts
Initial Engagement: Where do you want to bike/walk/visit?
Paso A Paso 4/30 NH X X
Bike Rodeo 5/5 GV X X
Vehicle Fair 6/4 CRY X X
Primary Engagement: Route Assessment and Preference
Crystal Park Neighborhood Mtgs 7/6 CRY X X
New Hope Farmers Market 7/9 NH X X X X
Golden Valley Farmers Market 7/10 GV X X
Luce Line RT Pop Up 7/11 GV X
Golden Valley Concerts in the Park
and Ice Cream Social: The 1st John
Philip Sousa Memorial Band 7/11 GV X X X
Luce Line RT Pop Up 7/13 GV X
Golden Valley Concert in the Park -
Salsa del Soul 7/18 GV X X X
Crystal Soccer Camp 7/19 CRY X X X
Virtual Lunch Hour Mtg 7/20 ALL X X
Virtual Evening Mtg 7/20 ALL X X
Golden Valley Pedal Pushers 7/21 GV X
Crystal Seniors Tabling 7/25 CRY X
In Person Mtg 7/27 CRY X X
Golden Valley Penny Carnival 7/29 GV X X
Crystal Frolics 7/30 CRY X X X X X X X X
Crystal Farmers Market 8/2 CRY X X X X X X X X
Prism Food Shelf Pop Up
8/2
8/16 GV X X X X
Crystal - Park Neighborhood Mtgs 8/3 CRY X X X
New Hope Summer Theatre Off-
Broadway Musical Theatre 8/5 NH X
Bassett Creek RT/Park Pop Up 8/5 CRY X
Crystal/New Hope Wet and Wild
Fun Day Valley Place Park 8/5 CRY X X X X
New Hope Music in the Park - Salsa
del Soul 8/10 NH X X X X X
New Hope Bingo & Food Truck
Friday 8/12 NH X X
Bassett Creek RT/Northwoods Park
Pop Up 8/17 NH X
Three Rivers Explorer Camp 8/23 CRY X X
49th/Fairview Ave. Pop Up Mtg. 9/26 CRY X X
Padagis (Quebec Ave.) Private Mtg. 9/29 NH X
Three Rivers also explored the following activities but was unable to make the following suggestions work:
• Potential bike event with ACER in Crystal (opportunity was offered, but community partner did not respond)
• Junior Bike Rangers and Bike Rangers program in Golden Valley (city staff did not recommend pursuing)
• Pop Up in partnership with Three Rivers disc golf at Becker Park in Crystal (staff availability)
3
• Becker Park Pop Up (received feedback from park users at other community events held at the park)
• North Lions Park Pop Up (staff availability)
• Schaper Park Pop Up (substantial youth/Golden Valley engagement events already completed)
• Golden Valley Little League and Softball Tournaments (league was wrapping up at start of engagement/staffing availability)
• Low Income/Affordable Housing Pop-ups (opportunity was offered, but housing representatives did not respond)
• Outdoor Afro (Three Rivers Community Engagement Team is still working on this partnership)
Engagement Findings
Community members could provide feedback in a variety of ways including simply providing a preferred route to providing written comments to
taking a project survey. While the online engagement opportunities provided a means for people to learn more and shared feedback twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week, the over thirty in-person events reached more people and provided a way for community members to have their
questions answered immediately and in an informal, conversational manner which provided comfortable to most participants.
The comments below do not represent every comment received (especially those that were verbal) but does provide a representative summary of
common themes and preferences. Upon request, staff can provide a breakdown of route preference by age for each engagement offering.
Route Preference
The following table summarizes the engagement findings for those that participated in reviewing route options.
Event
Location
Total
Engaged* Route Option Sub-
total
Response by Age Notes <10 10-18 19-34 35-59 60-74 ≥75
Crystal
Events 186
Winnetka 17 3 1 1 10 2 0 1 aged 19-34 likes Win-Doug or
Doug
2 aged 60-74 like all 3/no
preference
Winnetka-Douglas 89 4 4 20 35 20 6
Douglas 65 7 3 11 25 18 1
New Hope
Events 91
Winnetka 15 1 1 0 10 1 2
1 aged 35-59 likes Win-Doug in
south and Win in north
1 aged 60-74 likes all 3/no
preference
1 aged 60-74 wants the safest
option
Winnetka-Douglas 52 2 5 8 30 7 0
Douglas 22 0 1 3 9 8 1
Golden
Valley
Events
153
Winnetka 24 5 0 6 7 5 1
1 aged 35-59 and 6 aged 60-74
likes all 3/no preference
2 aged 60-74 like Win-Doug or
Doug
1 aged 60-74 likes Win or Doug
1 aged 60-74 is not
supportive/feels sorry for
anyone living by a trail
Winnetka-Douglas
74 10 2 7 28 21 6
Douglas 42 1 7 5 16 10 3
Virtual/In
Person
Open
Houses
14
Winnetka 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 age unknown is undecided Winnetka-Douglas 4 0 1 0 2 0 1
Douglas+ 9 0 1 2 2 0 0
Wikki
Interactive
Map+
17
Winnetka 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 Did not collect age data. More
people were engaged (81
comments total); this reflects
those comments that showed a
preferred route.
Winnetka-Douglas 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
Douglas 6 0 0 0 0 0 0
Online
Survey** 59
Winnetka 21 0 0 10 8 3 0 3 aged 55-74 did not like any of
the 3 routes Winnetka-Douglas 18 0 0 7 7 4 0
Douglas 17 0 0 6 4 7 0
Summary 520
Winnetka 83 9 2 17 35 11 3
Winnetka-Douglas 242 16 12 42 102 52 13
Douglas 161 8 12 27 56 43 5
* Does not equal total of 3 preferred routes as it includes those without a single preferences or those that do not support
the trail/routes.
+ Includes preferences from virtual open houses/interactive maps where age data was not collected and/or undecided
participants.
** Age ranges did not align perfectly. Online survey ranges was 35-54 was classified as 35-59 and online survey ranges from
55-74 was classified as 60-74.
4
Desired Places to Walk, Bike or Visit
For those that were less familiar with the routes (primarily youth and people that did not live within the project search area), a second engagement
activity was provided to learn about where they wanted to be able to walk, bike or visit. These findings are summarized below.
Age of
Part.
Total
Engaged* School
Prks, Trls
& Com.
Cntrs
Restrnts Health
Care Transit Place of
Worship
Shopping
Centers Work Library Friends &
Family
<10 83 12 17 10 5 3 2 1 0 11 22
10-17 22 1 3 5 0 0 0 6 0 4 3
18-34 24 0 11 2 0 2 1 1 0 4 3
35-59 35 2 14 6 2 1 1 2 2 3 2
60-74 18 0 5 6 0 1 0 2 0 1 3
75+ 5 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Unknown
Age 36 0 11 12 0 1 1 3 4 4 0
Subtotal 223 15 63 42 7 8 5 17 6 27 33
Percent 100.0% 6.7% 28.3% 18.8% 3.1% 3.6% 2.2% 7.6% 2.7% 12.1% 14.8%
* Some participants were undecided and choose more than one option. Total engaged is likely closer to 175-200 people.
Emailed Comments
Community members, businesses and property owners were also invited to email comments directly to a project email address. Seven people took
advantage of this option. All emails are listed below verbatim.
July 10 Hello,
I live on 32nd and Edgewood Ave N. There already is a trail along 32nd to Douglas Drive. I don’t understand what the post
card is announcing that I received in the mail. Please explain.
Thank you,
Joanne Loth
August 1
Hello,
Is there a recording of the virtual meetings to watch?
-Sarah Butler
August 5 Hello, I enjoyed the Beacon Academy "Share Your Feedback" meeting on July 27th. I have a question. Can any portion of the
new trail go through any part of Robbinsdale? Thank you! MC
August 6/16 Hi,
I received the email re: planned trails through Golden Valley, Crystal, etc.
I am in favor of more trails, but with kids in mind.
Most of the trails (read “anything on a street”) are completely unsafe to take a kid biking or skating. There is no effective
traffic barrier, no obvious signage, and little thought to pavement condition.
Please consider improving what exists already.
Thanks,
Anna Sawyer
----
Thank you for the reply.
We use the route currently marked as Basset Creek, running from Scheid Park to Wirth, (which we take to connect to the city
lakes and our kids’ school).
The “trail” there NEEDS a physical barrier.
The sidewalk area needs pavement that is level. If there were a safe way to get to stores (Lunds Byerlys, the strip mall at
Winnetka/55), we would use those more too. Make it safe for me to use my bike and my kids’ bikes, to run local errands.
In terms of recreational trails, we use the Luce Line and Wirth.
Anna
August 18
Hi,
5
I manage Valley Place Apartments at 7201 36th Ave N. The Bassett Creek Regional Trail was extended down Nevada Ave a
few years ago. That leg is across the street from our back parking lot. Looking at the website for this project it looks to me like
the new additions would run through the residential neighborhoods north of our property. It doesn’t look like our property
would be physically impacted by this addition (depending on whether the trail is extended west on 36th Ave N across the
street from us or on our side of 36th Ave N). I would be interested in finding out if there will be an impact on our side of the
street or not.
Thanks,
Ed B.
September 14 Hi Three Rivers Parks,
I’m the head of engineering/facilities for a manufacturing business along the proposed route through New Hope, along
Quebec Ave N. We have a couple of comments/questions we’d like to discuss, so I would like to request an opportunity to
review the plan with you. I apologize that this is after the requested due date, but I just became aware of the proposed
locations yesterday afternoon. We can make ourselves available in order to have this meeting right away (or at your earliest
convenience). Please let me know on your availability.
Thanks,
Melissa
Melissa Timm | Senior Engineering Manager
Padagis | Engineering
September 27 Dear Three Rivers,
Thank you for setting up the Neighborhood Pop-up Meeting yesterday, September 26th for residents to better understand
and ask questions about the proposal.
Installing a regional walking/biking trail would be an action which would provide multiple benefits to both neighborhoods
and also the community at large, and I am in favor of the trail. As to how and where the trail is constructed, there are
decisions which need to be made as to whether to eliminate parking and build the trail from there up to the lawn that edges
the sidewalk or to keep the parking lane and build the trail 15 feet from the curb into the public easement which are at
present, part of the front yards of residents.
As a gardener living on the north side of Fairview Avenue N. and who actively uses the sunny, south-facing part of her front
yard for growing vegetables and flowers, mostly in the easement portion, loss of that approximately 10 ft.-wide strip of prime
sunny soil would drastically diminish my garden and production of vegetables and flowers. While the needs and preferences
of one resident should not drive the decisions that affect the entire neighborhood, I would welcome a design which block by
block, we neighbors could vote on whether we would prefer to have the trail built into the easement land of our front yards
and maintain parking with the creation of parking bays, or use the parking lane as part of the trail and keep the easement
land as part of our front yards.
I believe that the trail does not need to be a straight line for its entire length; rather, it would be more visually pleasing to
have the curving path that might emerge from the block-to-block decisions of the residents as they weigh parking space vs.
front yard space for their preferences and needs.
I look forward to learning more about the trail and how its implementation is decided.
Judith Anthony
On-line Comments
Anyone visiting the project website could leave feedback directly on the project page. Twenty-six people took advantage of this option, and their
comments are listed below verbatim.
Date Comment
May 21
Love that you are connecting these trails. Will be great to have new places to go as I primarily use the Dakota Rail Trail and the
opportunity to go north will be a welcome change.
One thing I'm not clear on ... will the section of the Luce Line Trail that is being used be paved? I believe it's crushed limestone (or
similar) right now, but it would be amazing if that section could be paved to increase accessibility for people using various modes
of travel.
Thank you !
6
Jul 09
I disagree with using 49th Ave. North for this purpose. I live on a cul-de-sac off 49th and 49th is our only access in and out of the
cul-de-sac. It's already busy with traffic and adding a rail line would make congestion worse! Please find another option for this
rail line.
Jul 09 Do you have any mock ups of what the trail would look like? Seems like a great idea but wondering if home owners along
Winnetka would have to give up some of their front yard?
Jul 09 Please do not select the pink route, this goes through the most residential areas of all the plans and is not a straightforward
pathway with existing sidewalks causing people to cross more streets.
Jul 11
I like the Winnetka and the Douglas routes as they are the most straightforward, but I think I’m leaning toward using Winnetka
Ave for the trail as it seems to pass more shopping areas, including the Hy-Vee and the YMCA. Winnetka traffic has been building
though over time and I imagine the bikers would slow things down as it’s only two lanes so cars would have to wait for bikers to
pass before turning. If Douglas has more space to have separate turn lanes (as I can’t recall) then that would definitely help
maintain the flow of traffic if a big lane was added. I am also very curious if one route or the other is worse in regards to incline,
and I think that should be an important factor to consider! You wouldn’t want a large hill to deter bikers from using the path if we
build it. I suspect the Winnetka incline heading north might be somewhat difficult, and I’m not sure how it would be on Douglas.
Jul 11 Also, it would be really helpful to have restaurants marked on the map, specifically, so we can see which route has more of them
as I think many bike to get to places to eat, drink and socialize.
Jul 12
There is no need to have a Winnetka-Douglas route. Two routes are fine. How about giving us a refund rather than wasting our
tax money. Property taxes are ridiculous and we’ve already been taxed enough for the New Hope pool and the Crystal police
station. Please take this inquiry seriously - many residents believe our city representatives truly only represent themselves rather
than the community. There are more important things that need to be addressed such as making fiber internet available to all
citizens and burying power lines - this isn’t the 1950’s!
Jul 14
There’s a small paved trail on the south side of 55 from Theo worth Parkway going west toward the intersection on sharper rd. It
stops by the frontage road and does not continue over to that intersection. If it were continued along the frontage road to the
intersection decide 55 it would cut up a big shock to get to the Luce line by the park.
Jul 16
Will these be sprayed on lanes or protected? These roads are intimidating to ride down given the speed limit and the amount of
unlicensed people. When riding in mpls I find many streets are built to keep people paying more attention. Slower speeds. On
street parking. Ironically narrower roads make me feel safer biking on them. Some of the roads in this map don't have that and
people are off guard. Just a couple hours ago on Douglas a woman stopped, I hit breaks, she turned around, I look in mirror, she
did a 360 in the middle of the road.
Aug 01 Would love to see the Winnetka trail! Thank you for your work on this!
Aug 02 I feel this trail should follow the most direct route possible, along Douglas.
Aug 02
This trail, no matter which route, should be off street family friendly walking/biking trails. Traffic on these streets is intimidating
and dangerous even when we walk on the current sidewalks. We will look forward to walking/biking to businesses along the
Winnetka corridor in the future and prefer the Winnetka trail! Thank you for this North/South route.
Aug 04
The Douglas route would establish important connections between areas that the City of Crystal seems to be investing in, Bassett
Creek Park, City Hall, the Library, the Community Center and perhaps most importantly, in the context of the incoming Blue Line,
the Becker Park area and "Town Center". This last item should be *directly* connected to the others and is why I think the
Douglas route should be favored. This obviously has a Crystal bias and a personal perspective bias.
Re: City of Crystal investments. There are incentives for Storefront improvements along the Douglas route as well:
https://www.crystalmn.gov/resident/community_development/storefront_improvement_program
Aug 09
Can we please get a couple of safe, off street north/south connections to the Cedar Lake trail? It's a shame that we can't ride
from New Hope or Golden Valley straight down to Hopkins or St. Louis Park, especially where there are train tracks and highways
that go north/south. Can we please think of actually getting somewhere on a bike/by walking instead of just recreation? If we
could actually go shopping/go to work/go out to eat/go to the gym on our bikes/scooters, maybe more people would use the
trails you build.
Aug 10
The Winnetka option will be the greater improvement over current conditions. I bike on Douglas already; I will go out of my way
to avoid riding on Winnetka. While I would love to see a Douglas trail I would rather have improvements on Winnetka. The
Winnetka-Douglas option is not appealing.
Aug 10
'For all these new trails, a few comments:
- When following a main road, it should be separated from the road, see to what has been done on N Plymouth Avenue in
Minneapolis
- When following a main road, the trail should have the same priority on the side roads as the main road, see again what has been
done on N Plymouth Avenue where all the side roads do not have priority on the bike trail
- Before putting on a stop on a trail, assess if a priority sign triangle would be more adequate especially when the trail has good
visibility on the crossing road
- Never put a stop on a trail for drive ways such as what has been done in Orono on the Dakota trail where you have 13 stops for
mostly home driveways on 2 miles!
- Overall, Minnesota needs to catch up on bike trails along main corridors (like along 55) or even in typical city streets where a
7
bike trail should always be marked especially at lights; they need to be separated from walking path, minimize stops, be
protected from cars. Some cities in the South like Tucson has a much wider network with bike trail or path along most main roads
I bike a lot along these trails, most of them are great (Elm Creek, Carver,…) but in between parks, they can be improved
Aug 12
Hello, my wife and I bike a lot and live just off Boone in New Hope. Placing the trail on Winnetka only OR Winnetka-Douglas
would allow for more residents of New Hope to access the trails. Douglas-only trail cuts New Hope out of the equation and I
doubt it would see much ridership from New Hope. Given New Hope destinations of HyVee, YMCA, Ice Arena and the new
waterpark and green space near the New Hope City Hall, keeping the trail closer to New Hope is very beneficial. Also, the
Winnetka options is in the middle between 169 and 100 that border the area.
Aug 16
Both planned routes have their benefits. A downside I see to Winnetka is the amount of traffic which bikers would encounter.
Already
concerned with the lack of respect drivers through much of Winnetka neighborhoods I am concerned the addition of bikes and
families would cause more safety concerns. Winnetka has become a main Avenue of traffic for emergency vehicles, traffic
violator escapees, speed testing/racing drivers and no longer is the quiet road it once was. For this reason, the
Winnetka/Douglas route, through community neighborhoods, would be a more enjoyable and safer ride.
Aug 21 Hi, I prefer the Douglas Drive optionz
Aug 24
Whether you opt for Douglas or Winnetka, please make the trail separate from the street (like it is on Boone or 36th). Biking on
Winnetka and Douglas is entirely too busy, and if traffic is narrowed down to two lanes, drivers will get upset with bikers (or
those waiting to turn left) and go in the bike lane.
Aug 31 I would like to see the Basset Creek Regional Trail from east of Highway 100 highway completed to Theodore Wirth Parkway
Sep 03
As a recreational rider who lives at the north end of New Hope, I would be very happy to have a north/south route connecting me
to some major bike trails. Here are my comments about what things are important to me:
1. Pretty and quiet trail - I have recently discovered I could ride south on Quebec rather than riding on Winnetka. That was a
major discovery. It's pretty and quiet. However, even though it is not too inefficient from my location, it would not be as efficient
from Becker Park. It seems silly to go west and then back east again. But if the trail is nicer, it might be worth it.
2. Few intersections and as little traffic as possible - the route on Winnetka has a lot of intersections and traffic. It might be
similar to the route going north on Bottineau Blvd from 63rd to Fleet Farm. That part of the trail is worthless. It's ugly. It cuts your
bike riding time in half because of all the time you stand waiting at intersections. I would not be in favor of any route like that.
3. Off Road trail - Douglas Drive could work as long as the route is not on the road. I would not bother riding a trail that is a special
section on the road. If I had to ride on that road anyway, it would be better than nothing, but I would not go out of my way to
ride on that trail and for recreation purposes, I would choose a different one.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to give feedback. I would be very happy to have a bike trail in this area. And if there is
ever a way to connect the Crystal/Becker Park area to Eagle Lake in Maple Grove (or just to get across 169 more easily at the
north end of New Hope), that would be much appreciated as well!
Sep 08 Our manufacturing business is located on Quebec Ave., will the proposed trail be on the road or would a new sidewalk/path be
added on this stretch of the path? If a new path where exactly is the proposed location?
Sep 08
I walk from Yunkers park (Winnetka Hills) to Bassett Creek everyday. I used to live on the trail. Now that I don't, it seems like east
and west are not connected. You could look at 32nd ave between nevada and winnetka as a missed opportunity to serve a large
community of apartment living. The road is incredibly wide and people walk there all the time only to encounter trucks/trailers
parked and busy drivers. Not a pleasant way to get from new hope to crystal and/or to the bigger connections. Winnetka hills has
a ton of walkers and no place to walk! Just west of us, we have trails in New hope which are not well maintained but are good for
walking. With so much emphasis on the larger trails, please do not forget the arteries that can support this initiative. People want
to walk, bike, excercise for a variety of reasons. If it's difficult for people in the neighborhood to access them, they won't enjoy
the bigger benefits of what you are doing. I only walk through the industrial area because I know how great the Bassett creek trail
is. This is a small request for a great way to connect the east and west sides of town. Getting from 100 to 169 should be easier for
us. And, perhaps there is a better way to get to medicine lake (Bicycle / Walking Bridge about at 32nd) to get across. The only way
now is an old unsafe sidewalk on medicine lake road(or 36th). Thanks for listening!
Sep 14 Will the trail go on the East side of Winnetka? That would make the most sense.
8
Sep 23
I feel it’s important for bikers and the community to have safe paths and routes to use. I drive both Douglas and Winnetka
frequently for my commute and feel that street traffic is better managed on Douglas and would seem to be the safer option. It
also seems that the least amount of railroads would need to be altered to accommodate this route. Since there is currently a bike
lane on Douglas, would there be less work to the existing roads to add in a trail? Is there any data available on how much
potential bike traffic this trail in expecting to draw? I am also curious as to how many residential properties will be affected by
each proposed route. As a Crystal resident I am a bit disappointed to only be hearing about this project in what appears to be the
later stages. Were the residents notified earlier on and something was missed? Again, not opposed to the idea of a trail, just
looking for more details from a residents perspective. Thank you.
Survey Summary
A survey was posted on the website and provided an opportunity for participants to share their preferred route and why, why they may be excited
for the trail and what concerns they may have. Fifty-nine number of people took the survey and their comments, listed in the tables below, are in
line with verbal feedback from other in-person events. A few additional highlights are listed below:
• There was not a clear preferred route by survey participants.
• Fifty percent of participants indicated that they would use the trail for recreation purposes, forty-two percent of participants would use
the trail to access local destination (within the same community) and 37% of participants would use the trail to reach destinations in
other communities.
What is your
preferred route? Why is that your preferred route? Or if you selected 'Other', please explain why.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Incorporates Bassett creek trail infrastructure
Douglas Route
The Douglas route will serve the most underinvested parts of the area. Will get the county to actually improve a
popular bike route that is currently unsafe. It is also the most efficient. Most families will not want to bike a mile
west to just bike a mile East later in the trail.
Winnetka Route
So many people use this sidewalk on winnetka and it’s a busy street with bus stops and kids walking to Cooper high
school. There is not enough room to pass a stroller or biker, so many people walk or bike on winnetka which is
dangerous
Winnetka Route
- It is a straight route so it won’t be confusing.
- it is the closest to medicine Lake
- we live on winnetka and we would love to have the regional trail go by our home to increase pedestrian and
bicycle ‘traffic’ on our road.
Douglas Route This would give good access to the Crystal Community Center.
Winnetka Route
The Winnetka Route would be the safest and most direct for all concerned. I live by the 4 way stop at 32nd and
Hampshire. I have witnessed how aproximately 50% of the autos and 95% of the bicycles do not observe the stop
sign. Many not only do not slow down but actually speed through the intersection. Since this is a residential
neighborhood with a busy city park at this intersection, it is only a matter of time until there is a serious accident at
32nd and Hampshire Ave. The current setup is for the trail to not only cross Hampshire but also 32nd at this
interesection. Currently, only pedestrians follow this. To rectify this, there would have to be much expense and
potentially taking resident's propoerty. Since bike riders do not like to stop at intersections, the Winnetka Route
would have fewer stops and enable them to traverse the area quickly.
Winnetka Route Winnetka Route provides access for students who attend Robbinsdale Cooper High School to more safely bike
to/from school.
Douglas Route Makes sense to connect to Luce Line with the already planned underpass, less busy street.
Winnetka Route It will provide the opportunity for me to connect to a number of other trails I frequently use.
Winnetka Route
Douglas Route Less busy and direct
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Gets me to the store, to my home, to other trails to get to work, and can get me to other transit connections.
Douglas Route
Douglas Drive is wide enough to handle a bike lane, passes by the Crystal City Hall and police station, Crystal Cove
Pool, Crystal Community Center and allows additional exposure for established and newly emerging businesses.
There are a number of small businesses that could benefit from the route traffic.
Winnetka Route I'm torn between Winnetka and Winnetka- Douglas. Winnetka doesn't feel safe to bike on, therefore I would like a
bike/walk path there. I like the Quebec section of the Winnetka-Douglas trail.
9
Winnetka Route The straight path for the entire length is preferable to a route with a lot of turns and the Douglas route already has
a pretty good path south of medicine lake road. The Douglas path would be a good second option though.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route It is not just a straight shot. Provides more of a circular route.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Goes through the most natures type area
Winnetka-
Douglas Route There is more diversity in the route than just going in a straight line like the other two routes.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
All or most of the side streets in New Hope lack sidewalks. Winnetka is very busy and loud when I walk my dogs,
but when I take the side streets like Quebec Ave, I am walking on the street. Providing additional walking paths
that are safer is why I would prefer the Winnetka-Douglas route.
Douglas Route I like that is is a straight shot. Also Douglas Dr is not as busy as Winnetka
Winnetka Route
Of the three proposed routes, Winnetka is the only street that currently has no affordability for cyclists. Douglas
Drive and Quebec Ave are both reasonably bike friendly. Putting the trail on the latter two routes would make
good things better for people who already use them, while leaving most or all of Winnetka behind.
To add to this, Winnetka is currently quite unsafe between Medicine Lake Rd and Bass Lake Rd. The four lane setup
on that stretch of road causes much heavier traffic than what there ought to be in these neighborhoods, and this
makes it difficult to even cross the street safely for kids living in the Cooper High area. As a result, people who live
west of Winnetka are generally cut off from trails to the east, and vice versa. Winnetka Ave should be restructured
to prioritize the safety of families who live in the residential neighborhoods adjacent to it. I believe putting the bike
trail there would help accomplish that while also doing the most to improve trail access for New Hope residents.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Variety in where it goes.
Winnetka Route
Winnetka Route
Douglas Route Further from my house
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Would be less vehicle traffic
Winnetka Route Convenience, safety.
Winnetka Route Safe location for woman and children
Winnetka Route Direct route. Also winnetka is a busy street and it would be nice to have safe biking space there. The other smaller
streets you can already bike on fairly safely with it a trail anyway.
Other Douglas to Basset’s Creek Regional trail
Winnetka Route It is closest to my house and a straight shot down south
Winnetka Route It's closest to my house
Winnetka Route We live off of Winnetka and bike/run often. I even bike to work in Golden Valley. Having an official trail off of
Winnetka would be incentive to stay in the area long term.
Douglas Route
I frequently bike up and down Douglas dr. It would be amazing to have this connected to the luce line at the south
end and Becker park at the north end.
However, a trail is also needed to connect the Crystal area (42nd and Douglas) with medicine lake so more is
needed beyond this project.
Douglas Route
As a biker, it is more straight forward path. Douglas drive is a little quieter than the current Winetka and I would
not like biking on Winetka, thus would never use it. Please note I do live only 2 blocks from Winetka, so technically
it would be easier for me to get to on my bike, and I still prefer the other route.
Douglas Route Seems to be less vehicle traffic on Douglas vs Winnetka
Douglas Route
Winnetka Route Connects to shopping
Winnetka Route
Douglas Route I see this route as creating important, non-car, connections in Crystal, especially in the context of future
development and the Blue Line.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
From a laymen perspective it seems that there will be less traffic along this route which will make bike rides/walks
more pleasant and safer. Construction might also be less disruptive.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
From the Bassett Creek Trail, the Winnetka-Douglas Route takes a biker to more separate areas, or you can get to
the Luce Line Trail easily too.
10
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
More of the community will benefit by interconnecting the parks and the ride will be more scenic for the riders -
not just along the same road.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
Thinking specifically about biking, staying off Winnetka and Douglas as much as possible is preferable to me. 49th,
Quebec, Nevada and 32nd are much less trafficked for biking.
Douglas Route Less complicated.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
It connects to the larger paved route along 36th Avenue and the trails through Northwood Park. The trails through
Northwood Park are true nature trails, not through busy streets.
Winnetka Route Because there is already a bike lane on Douglas(and it is fantastic) and the Winnetka route would be a great
alternative for going north south and I hope it would not be on the busy road.
Other
Douglas and Winnetka and 36th are very busy streets. Getting off those streets onto quieter streets is both safer
and more Interesting a route. Use Maryland, Nevada or Oregon to get north. Ive biked on all those busy streets:
They are filled with traffic at all times of the day.
Other
I don’t like any of them. Winnetk and Douglas are busy high-traffic routes. It will be noisy, smelly, and not scenic.
The Douglas-Winnetka route is convoluted and involves crossing a lot of roads, especially the intersection at
Winnetka and 36th. Very long and tedious crossing. Could you cross 36th further east at a less busy intersection?
Winnetka-
Douglas Route It’s off busy streets which allows for a more enjoyable trail experience and it connects several parks together.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route
I like this route because it connects Winnetka to Douglas and seems like it would also be a little bit more scenic
and peaceful in between the two.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route This would be convenient for where I live.
Douglas Route
Douglas Route Closest access to places near my home that I might bike to
Winnetka-
Douglas Route Quieter streets. Less traffic
Winnetka Route I would use it as a New Hope resident. This route allows a safer way for pedestrians and cyclists to travel along and
visit businesses on Winnetka.
Douglas Route The Douglas ROW has more room than Winnetka, and I’ve witnessed some terribly unsafe driving on Winnetka.
Winnetka-
Douglas Route We like the fact that the streets are less busy, better scenery, passes by other parks & YMCA
Douglas Route It is the most direct and least confusing to a rider
If you are excited about or looking forward to the regional trail, please share why.
Northern extension of basset creek trail and Luce Line connection
Crystal has no safe north/south bike routes. This could finally make the city bike friendly and connect to the grand rounds.
I love biking, but there aren’t any good trails to bike to from my house without crossing over 169 to get to medicine lake.
The more trails are around and accessible, the more people will walk/bike on them and the more active people will be.
Regional trails provide a safer way for bikers and pedestrian to bike/walk around.
My family would love to be able to bike more in our neighborhood without the worries of sharing the road with vehicles.
Safer access for bike commuting
I am an avid cyclist, and I always welcome trail expansion.
I live on Winnetka and there's very little space to bike
I love to bike and don't feel we have enough trails in our area
I think it would help many people who need to or want to walk or bike to get around.
I'm an avid cyclist, the more paths the better. Also, there's no good north-south paths around here so the full regional trail is very
exciting.
So that I can bike more safely.
It’s close to my house
It provides more activities for our neighborhood and neighbors. Easier way to get around besides walking and driving.
I want families to use the trail as a safe place for children to exercise. I see many kids playing in the streets and parking lots around my
house. In New Hope, safe walking paths are limited to very busy streets.
I am excited that existing paths are gaining connections! It helps to make ride distances more manageable.
11
The many miles of connected trails is one of the best perks of living in this area. But many are still cut off, especially kids. We need it to
be safer and more accessible for people of all ages to enjoy our trails. I want to be able to get to Golden Valley safely and hop on the
Luce Line trail. I want my teenage son to feel safe doing the same thing on his own.
We really need a good long walking path to connect parks.
I think it would bring our communities closer.
The areas identified have poor bike/walking access.
To bike, run and more!
Connect easily to other regional trails. I noticed that immediately when we moved to new Hope that there weren’t easy connections to
the trails. Excited to have that!
Yes. I live in Crystal and use the bike trails regularly
Yes! I believe this would entice me to bike more and use the local trails
I enjoy riding bicycle
I am pumped - we use the Three Rivers trails often and having a bike route nearby would be fantastic!
The Crystal area needs more bike trails which make it safe to get to and from the Luce line, medicine lake and victory memorial
parkway. There are so many great trails in other areas but we have no great way to connect to them. I’d love to be able to safely bike
on a trail to get to these wonderful trails.
For the last two years I've taken my bike, by car, to get to Elm Creek Park reserve to use their trails or take Rush Creek trail to the
Mississippi River. I have also taken my car to bike on the Luce Line trail, as well as the Medicine Lake Regional Trail. It would be nice to
have a starting place closer to home - and I always go on trails that do not have a lot of car traffic, as I enjoy nature.
more options for cycling
We have no close biking paths that connects to my neighborhood
I enjoy riding my bike to do basic things. Almsteads grocery is along the Douglas route and I would be able to use this trail to get their
quickly and safely on my bike. I also have an interest in exploring alternatives to personal vehicles and how projects like this effect local
vehicle trips. I'm excited to observe the effect on the community.
It will be great to have direct access to other communities and bike safe trails very close. The bike lanes that share the road with cars do
not feel very well thought out or safe at all in our area.
I am an avid biker! I regularly bike this area, and also enjoy many trails around the state. I'm a teacher and these trails are really the
highlight of m summer break! As an older citizen, not having to share busy roads with motorists encourages me to try to go to more
places on my bike.
So we can go on safer bike rides as a family in our own community. Right now, our only safe option with a seven-year-old is to drive to a
location first to use a safe bike trail.
I like the idea of connecting our communities with the Minnesota Valley State Trail - the better connected we are for biking, the easier
is it to navigate the area.
Connects parks in the city for easy access.
Better connection through the New Hope Parks!
I am excited because this will connect to so many other great trails. I use the regional trails multiple times a week.
I’m all for anything that makes bike transit easier, safer and thus more enjoyable and enticing.
It will be nice to have a north-south bike corridor to connect the existing trails
I live in the forest neighborhood of Crystal and love my neighbors but hate that there are no nearby trails. This would be such a nice
addition to the area and make it a more desirable place to live. There are many families with young children in this area and it is
definitely lacking safe trails for kids to ride bikes, scooters, go for walks etc. My husband and I have wanted to move for a while to be
closer to trails, but the addition of this trail would be a huge incentive to stay, especially with the blue line extension coming too! I am
so excited to hear about this!
I love all the new suburbs and how planned out they are. It’s exciting to think about retrofitting this area.
It will be something away from the normal city streets
Currently, we access the Luce Line via Douglas, where riding on street seems a little hazardous, especially with round-abouts
Any option for navigating my way north while avoiding busy 2 lane car streets is a plus
We badly need a safe and continuous north-south connection to the many east-west regional trails.
We like connectivity to other communities. Opportunity for exercising and taking advantage of the outdoors in our area.
Eager to be able to ride a few blocks from my house and be on a dedicated bike trail verses riding on regular roads with car. Also gives
me access all the other great trails without having to drive my car to them
12
If you have any concerns about the regional trail, please share them.
The Winnetka and Winnetka/Douglas alignments are less efficient and will likely be less used.
None, excited about the possibility.
How long is construction expected to take?
I am hoping it is not a bike lane on the road but a path so it is safer
I am AGAINST the Winnetka Douglas route which runs along small neighborhood streets.
Automobiles do not stop at stop signs. Bicycles do not stop at stop signs. And there are an increasing number of dogs in the area that
bark at bicycles at all hours.
I hope the planners don't get too much "not in my backyard" pushback from residents. No matter what trail you pick, it's going to be a
boon to the neighborhoods and cities it goes through.
N/A
My concern right now is there is little input from people of color. I would also like to hear about the engagement of local police in crime
along the planned routes.
It should improve life for the people who live along the trail. And it should create trail access for people who are currently lacking.
Please prioritize the people who will be impacted, and the people who are really in need.
I think it’s a waste of tax payer money
Semi trucks are a worry
Safety
None
I support more trails everywhere
None - please build it faster.
Ensuring their is shady areas along the route, quiet streets, and wide enough trail if needed to share with walkers.
Crime
None whatsoever.
This is about the Luce Line: As you are heading to Plymouth, this trail crosses wetlands using long plank bridges. They are so rough that
my husband and I have to walk our bikes across. He has had many back surgeries and I have an aneurysm that should not be jarred.
I worry that the cheapest way will be chosen and our community will miss out.
Winnetka is a busy route - I have concerns about biking there with four lanes of traffic. Douglas is better, particularly between Duluth
Street and Highway 55. Not sure if biking on Winnetka would be in the roadway or on a new trail, but the current road conditions on
Winnetka are not conducive to bike traffic.
Why were less-travelled streets not originally part of any plan?
None of the Proposed routes are very scenic and involve crossing a lot of roads and being exposed to traffic pollution
People not picking up after their pets
Winnetka and Douglas are both busy streets, so noisy and lots of cross traffic
No sharrows. Please make any dividers between cars and bikes out of concrete. No plastic strips or dividers
That it is wide enough for safe shared use.
Crossing busy streets and some railroads.
Virtual and In-person Open Houses
Two virtual and one in-person open houses were held. No significant comments were received, and all questions were addressed during the
meeting duration. All participants appeared supportive of the project.
Padagis (3940 Quebec) Private Meeting
A private meeting was held with Padagis representatives to share project and company information and design concerns which would need to be
addressed during a future design phase. Padigis is not opposed the project, but would like to be involved during the design phase.
• Company is growing which will increase staff (400+ total, 3 shift operation) and truck traffic (both internal operations and coordination
with other warehouse at 5175 Winnetka and with delivery of raw goods and product shipment).
• Company also uses adjacent church parking lot – as such there are 3 entrances which will need to be carefully designed.
• Topography may limit some sight lines.
• Underground utilities and irrigation are present in the right-of-way, a short retaining wall may be needed and driveways/crossings will
need to account for truck turning radius.
• Entrances should be monitored for potential concerns and corrections made promptly should an issue be identified.
13
Fairview/49th Ave. Pop Up Neighborhood Meeting
An additional pop-up outdoor neighborhood meeting for adjacent property owners was held to engage residents potentially most impacted by the
community preferred route. A high level summary of the meeting is as follows:
• About 25 people attending. 2/3 of attendees were direct neighbors and 1/3 were people out walking and use this route frequently.
• While not asked, about ¼ indicated that they would rather give up parking then have the trail consume the area that is functioning as part
of their front yards but officially ROW.
• About 5 neighbors were not supportive and cited:
o Lack of current winter maintenance by the city
o Concerns over safety of kids (kidnapping, safe access walking to and waiting for the bus as this is already a neighbor concern as
kids do this without parents)
o Concerns over people using the trail to case their properties for future crimes
o Not being able to leave their garages open
o The need for a privacy fence in their front yard in addition to their backyard
o Proximately of the trail to homes/windows
o Loss of a privacy
o Perceived or real loss of property values
o Current concerns over speed/traffic volume/lack of stop signs/truck route – this would just add more congestion.
• The balance of the meeting participants appeared supportive but recognized that additional design consideration to address retaining
walls, driveway drainage, potential tree/garden impacts, etc. would be needed.
• Several liked the idea of having safe places to walk/bike and connectivity to the Crystal Community Center and YMCA.
• About half of the neighbors mentioned their current displeasure over the city’s previous decision to remove stop signs, add parking and
make the route a truck route.
• There were a few comments about not knowing about the project, but this was generally handled by other neighbors that reported
receiving the previous post card and flyer.
• There were also comments about whether this was a done deal and who makes the decision and when that happens.
CP Rail Regional Trail: Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal
Luce Line RT to Crystal Lake RT Segment
Route Comparison Matrix: Winnetka-Douglas and Douglas Routes
Between Douglas
Dr./32nd Ave. and
Douglas Dr./Fairview
Ave.
Winnetka-Douglas Route
Douglas Route
Community Engagement Assessment
What is your preferred
route? 50% of engaged community members 30% of engaged community members
Where do
you want
to bike,
walk, or
visit?
Parks/Trails/
Community
Centers
Valley Place, Northwood and Sunnyside Parks
Bassett Creek Regional Trail
YMCA
Crystal Community Center
Bassett Creek Regional Trail
Crystal Community Center
Restaurants
36th: Fat Nat’s Eggs, Frankies, Café Meow, Bruegger’s
42nd: 42nd Pub, Sarpinos, Pocket Square Cocktail
Lounge
Med Lake Rd.: Delicious Chow Mein, Donuts, Pizza
Man, Crystal Cafe
36th: Bella’s Shoppe Bakery and Coffee, Milton’s
Friends &
Family 55% is adjacent to residential land uses 94% is adjacent to residential land uses.
Equity Assessment
Equity
(within 1,000’ of new trail
segments based on 2019
ACS/2020 Census)
3,466 BIPOC
696 Hispanic/Latino
582 People Over 75 Years Old
1,770 Youth (Under 18)
1,501 Households with an Annual Income of ≤$50,000
168 Families (9%) Living in Poverty
2,244 BIPOC
495 Hispanic/Latino
535 People Over 75 Years Old
1,335 Youth (Under 18)
906 Households with an Annual Income of ≤$50,000
56 Families (4%) Living in Poverty
Safety Assessment
New Trail Segments Only
(36th Ave. north to
Douglas Drive)
Entire Segment (including
Bassett Creek Regional
Trail)
Entire Segment
Single Family Driveway
Crossings 13 23 75
Commercial/Multi-Family
Driveway Crossings 34 51 13
Total Driveway Crossings 47 74 88
Road Crossings 5 11 11
ADA/Steep Grade
Challenges All below ADA guidelines All below ADA guidelines
Adjacent Property Impact and Infrastructure Impact Assessment
Easements and Trail/Road
Reconfiguration
15, 2’ wide easements are anticipated. This assumes
that the trail width will be reduced where ROW is
limited.
Easements are anticipated along:
• Quebec Ave.: 10 commercial/1 institutional parcels
• Winnetka Ave.: 1 commercial/1 institutional/2
cemetery parcels
If the east curb is moved west 4’ and the shoulders
reduced from 4’ to 2’ on both sides, no easements
are anticipated.
If shoulder width cannot be reduced/curbed moved,
90, 3’ easements are anticipated along Douglas
Drive, and trail width would be reduced to 9’.
Tree Impacts
(High-level Estimates)
80 Trees
• ~1/3 are Ash trees
• 75 trees are in New Hope/5 trees are in Crystal
None/minimal as trail is located within fully
developed ROW.
Utility/Light Pole/Hydrant
Relocation 30 hydrants; 615’ of overhead utilities 25 hydrants; 2,000’ of overhead utilities
Timing/Other
Consideration
The segment along 49th/Fairview Avenues overlaps the
Lake Sarah Regional Trail Search Corridor.
Hennepin County may consider a trail as part of its
HSIP safety improvements & 2026 Rehabilitation
work.
Cost Assessment
High-level Cost Estimate $4.2M $7.3M
CCCRRRYYYSSSTTTAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT
“Service with Compassion, Integrity, & Professionalism”
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stephanie K. Revering, Chief of Police
CC: Anne Norris, City Manager
DATE: October 12, 2022
SUBJECT: WORK SESSION ITEM
___________________________________________________________________________
MMEEMMOORRAANNDDUUMM
The police department would like to provide you with our quarterly update on Tuesday,
October 18, 2022. This will be our final quarterly meeting of the year and would like to give
you a brief overview of this past year, along with upcoming community engagement events.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
CITY MANAGER WORK PLAN
MONTHLY CHECK IN –OCTOBER 2022
Objective 1 – Strategic planning for continued implementation of Council
priorities:
o Thriving Business Community
▪ Open To Business assistance available
▪ Community Development staff a resource for local business
community
▪ Community Development staff continuing to work with
developers regarding redevelopment opportunities
o Strong Neighborhoods
▪ Code enforcement – on-going
▪ Continued implementation of Master Parks System Plan
improvements –work underway on prairie and dog park at
Bassett Creek Park and soccer field at FAIR complete; planning
for 2023 park improvement projects
▪ Home improvement loans/rebates available through CEE- on-
going
o Sound fiscal policies and practices
▪ Preliminary 2023 budget and levies approved 9/6/22; public
comment received 10/3/22
▪ Updated long term plan (2023 – 2032) reviewed in August and
again 10/13/22
▪ Utility rate study reviewed 10/13/22
o Welcoming and inclusive community
▪ Inclusion and Diversity Commissioners appointed; first meeting
11/2/22
Objective 2 – Work-life balance
o Connecting with neighboring city managers – on-going
o Continue participation in peer group – last meeting 10/14/22
o Search firm for city manager received 39 applications by 10/5/22
deadline; 14 to be reviewed by City Council and narrowed to finalists at
special 11/1/22 meeting
Objective 3 – Monitor difficult conversations regarding Council effectiveness
o Inclusion and diversity commission established; commissioners
appointed
AGENDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CRYSTAL
• REGULAR MEETING •
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022
6:30 P.M.
CRYSTAL CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Call to order *
2. Roll call *
3. Approval of minutes from October 3, 2022 regular meeting
4. Public Hearing - Resolution authorizing sale of 4824 56th Ave. N. for construction of a two
family dwelling
5. Property status update *
6. Other business *
7. Adjournment *
*Items for which no materials are included in the packet
Page 1 of 3
Minutes of the
Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
October 3, 2022
1. Call to Order
Commissioner LaRoche called the meeting of the Economic Development Authority of
the City of Crystal (EDA) to order at 6:46 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Upon call of the roll, the following Commissioners were present: Jim Adams, John
Budziszewski, David Cummings, Therese Kiser and Nancy LaRoche.
The following staff were present: Executive Director Anne Norris, Deputy Executive
Director John Sutter and City Attorney Rachel Tierney.
3. Approval of Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Adams (Budziszewski) to approve the minutes from the
September 6, 2022 regular meeting. Motion carried.
Commissioner Parsons arrived at 6:47.
4. Consider resolutions discharging discriminatory restrictive covenants on EDA-owned
land:
a. 6428 56th Ave. N.
b. 3401 and 3443 Douglas Dr. N.
Staff presented the report and requested EDA approval of the two resolutions.
Commissioner Banks become presiding officer upon arrival at 6:49.
a. Moved by Commissioner Adams (Kiser) to approve the resolution discharging a
discriminatory restrictive covenant at 6428 56th Ave. N. Motion carried.
b. Moved by Commissioner Adams (Kiser) to approve the resolution discharging
discriminatory restrictive covenants at 3401 and 3443 Douglas Dr. N. Motion
carried.
Page 2 of 3
5. Property Status Update
Staff updated the board on the status of the recently closed Dairy Queen at 6827 56th Ave.
N. (Bass Lake Road).
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Commissioner LaRoche (Budziszewski) to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Page 3 of 3
These minutes of the October 3, 2022 meeting of the Crystal Economic Development Authority
were approved by the Authority on ________________ ____, 20___.
______________________________
Brendan Banks, President
ATTEST:
______________________________
Nancy LaRoche, Secretary
Page 1 of 3
_____________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
_____________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, Executive Director (for October 18 meeting)
DATE: October 13, 2022
RE: Public Hearing. Consider adoption of a resolution approving the sale
of 4824 – 56th Avenue North for construction of a new two-family
dwelling
The property is adjacent to a former gas station at 4800 – 56th Ave N. Environmental
investigations were completed in 2021-22 and determined that although soil
contamination does not exist on the EDA property, the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) must approve a Construction Contingency Plan (CCP) to describe the
mitigation process if contaminated soils or other materials are encountered during
construction. The MPCA is expected to approve the CCP so that construction could
begin this year.
On May 17, 2022 the EDA gave tentative acceptance to the lot sale to Great Buy
Homes, who were to build a twin home which would be platted as a CIC so each unit
could be sold separately. Recently Great Buy informed staff that they have withdrawn
their proposal because the legal costs of doing the CIC are greater than originally
anticipated.
At the time the EDA tentatively accepted Great Buy’s proposal, the EDA had also
received a qualifying proposal from Ascent Builders, who would also build a twin home.
The builder plans to live in one unit while renting the other, so a CIC plat would not be
needed (although it would be an option in the future). Ascent Builders has experience in
residential construction. They are a state-licensed residential building contractor with no
enforcement actions.
Due to the property’s unique circumstances there will be a provision in the purchase
and development agreement to provide for costs that can only be discovered when the
property is excavated. An escrow will be established from the sale proceeds for these
unknowable expenses. The escrow will cover expenses up to $7,500 and if that amount
is exceeded, Ascent will have the option to continue with the project at their own
expense or sell the property back to the EDA.
Attachments:
A.Ascent Builders proposal
B.Resolution
EDA Staff Report
Lot Sale – Public Hearing
4824 – 56th Avenue North
Page 2 of 3
2021 Aerial Photo:
Attached are Ascent’s proposal form, site plan, and an illustration of the 1.5 story dwelling
that would be built on the lot. The site plan and home design have not changed since May 17th:
Project Element Ascent Builders
Purchase price offered $115,000
Owned or rented Rented; builder may choose to live in one of the units
(but this will not be mandated)
Building height 1½ story slab on grade
Size of each unit 1,557 SF per unit on the main level and 700 SF on the
upper level (total of 2,257 SF per unit)
Page 3 of 3
Project Element Ascent Builders
No. bedrooms &
bathrooms
4 BR and 2½ BA per unit
Attached garage size Approximately 438 SF
Basement No basement (slab on grade)
REQUESTED EDA ACTION: EDA adoption of a resolution approving the sale of the lot
at 4824 – 56th Avenue North to Ascent Builders.
If the lot sale is approved Ascent is planning to start construction in November
and finish construction of the new two-family dwelling by fall 2023.
Attachment A
)7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7 7
7
#$;; $!#;
2&&7
7 2&&7
7
125)"h 3ZVYV]<;hBZ7;<]h7Z<h]`9K<:^h^VhZ<]`M^]hV>h]VFMh^<]^]
h
3ZVYV]<;h9`HM;HSBhHS>XZQ7^HVShQ`]^h8<h:C<:L<;hbH^Dh
7YYZVa<;h8`GN;GSBhYM7Sh7S;h;<a<MVYQ<S^hVZhBZ7;ISBh
YM7Sh8<?VZ<h<d:7a7^FVSh7S;h:VS]^Z`:^EVSh
3ZVYV]<;hBZ7;<]h]DVbShVSh^CE]h]`\<eh7Z<h
FS^<ZYVM7^FVS]hV>hYZVYV]<;h:VS^V`Z]h>ZVQh^D<h
;Z7GS7B<hBZ7;FSBh7S;VZh;<a<MVYQ<S^hYM7S]h
125)"h 5C<hZ<N7^HVS]DHYh8<^b<<ShYZVYV]<;h?MVVZh
<M<a7^FVS]h^Vh8<ha<ZF?E<;h8eh8`FN;<Zh
,
'&%($#,
27;
;/2'-;; ; !;
#;
)1)4+0;2907:;+1)627%;
hZ;h%a<S`<h1VZ^Ch
/FSS<7YVMF]h /FSS<]V^7hh
h h
(<Q7Z:NS::VQh
$,3157
.*0+'7
/-7
53,*(8;3;
;
"(&.*; ;;
;
3;
;(Z7bSh&eh
$;;Z<]]#h h^Ch$a<S`<h1VZ^Ch
'Ze]^7Nh01h
Z<ah -h!h RWUJ_W[h c=OPh
fh (<SV^<]h*V`S;h,ZVSh/VS`Q<S^h
h (<SV^<]h,ZVSh/VS`Q<S^h
(<SV^<]h6VV;h+`8h4<^h>XZh<d:7a7^FVShVSNeh
h
hh h
(<SV^<]h)dI]^HSBh'VS^V`Z]h
gh (<SV^<]h3ZVYV]<;h'VS^V`Z]h
(<SV^<]h)dE]^FSBh)M<a7^FVSh(<SV^<]h3ZVYV]<;h)M<a7^EVSh
(<SV^<]h4`Z?7:<h(Z7GS7B<h
(%7
7
#!&
, $%,#)(,$,+&#(,#&,'$)('(, $(,$&#&,
*($#,, ,(,
5C<hVSNeh<7]<Q<S^]h]CVbSh7Z<h@ZVQhYM7^]hV>hZ<:VZ;hVZhFS>XZQ7^FVSh
YZVaF;<;h8eh:ME<S^h
,h:<Z^HAh^D7^h^DH]h]`Za<ehYM7Sh VZhZ<YVZ^hb7]hYZ<Y7Z<;h8ehQ<hVZh`S;<ZhQeh
;FZ<:^h]`Y<ZaF]FVSh7S;h ^D7^h,h7Qh7h;`Meh .E:<T]<;h .7S;h 4`Za<eVZh`S;<Zh
^C<hM7b]hV>h^D<h4^7^<hV>h/FSS<]V^7h
)&*+,(', (,+,$,$*"&,,
!TTACHMENT
"
** Not to scale. This is just a rough sketch of where the building
would be placed
Approx 48'
30' Min
Approx 91'
Approx 91'
Siide Setback 12.5'
Side Setback 12.5'
Rear Setbacks
Front Setbacks
52'
80'
SEE ROOF PLAN FORROOF PITCHES ANDOVERHANGSGLS.6128" TRIM27'-5"10" TRIM STONE PER SPECS3/4 GLS.6" TRIM 6" TRIM 10:126:128" TRIM C/L14'-0"LP BD. & BATTENGLS.GLS.GLS.4:1210:128" TRIM LP PANEL8" TRIM 8" TRIM LP PANEL8" TRIM 8" TRIM 8" TRIM T.O. PLATE9'-1 1/8"T.O. FDN.T.O. PLATE9'-1 1/8"T.O. SUBFLR.1'-6 3/4"SEE ROOF PLAN FORROOF PITCHES ANDOVERHANGSGLS.6128" TRIM10" TRIM STONE PER SPECS3/4 GLS.6" TRIM 6" TRIM 10:126:128" TRIM C/L14'-0"LP BD. & BATTENGLS.GLS.GLS.4:128" TRIM LP PANEL8" TRIM 8" TRIM LP PANEL8" TRIM 8" TRIM 8" TRIM T.O. PLATE9'-1 1/8"T.O. FDN.T.O. PLATE9'-1 1/8"T.O. SUBFLR.1'-6 3/4"LP LAP SIDING10:12T.O. PLATE9'-1 1/8"T.O. FDN.14'-0"4:1210:1214'-0"4:121SCALE: 3/16" = 1'-0"FRONT ELEVATIONGENERAL NOTES:1. ALL DOOR AND WINDOW HEADERS TO BE S.P.F. #2 OR BETTER, SEE PLANS FOR SIZES.2. HOUSE TO BE BUILT PER CURRENT I.R.C. CODES.3. VERIFY GRADES AND ADJUST FOUNDATION/FOOTING STEPS AS NEEDED.4. SEE PLANS FOR CEILING HEIGHTS5. 42" HIGH POURED FDN. WALLS STD.6. FLOOR PLAN DIMENSIONS ARE TO FACE OF FRAMING AND FOUNDATION.7. ALL TRADES & SUPPLIERS TO REVIEW & VERIFY INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THEIR WORK AND NOTIFY BUILDER OF ANYDISCREPANCIES PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION.8. NOTED CABINET SIZES ARE +/- AND TO BE FIELD VERIFIED.9. TRADES TO VERIFY BASE AND TRIM SIZE PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION.10. ALL WALLS MORE THAN 10' H. TO BE S.P.F. #2 OR BETTER. 11. EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS ARE CONCEPTUAL ONLY:HOME SITE, FILL AND TOPOGRAPHY WILL DICTATEACTUAL GRADES AND MAY VARY FROM THOSE SHOWN ON THE PLAN.12. NOTE: SUBFLOOR JOINTS SHALL BESTAGGERED FROM FLOOR TRUSS ORJOIST JOINTSOFSHEET07-00-BUYERPROJECT #BUYER S/OBUYER S/OREVISIONS:STARTED:AGENT:XX..DUPLEX CONCEPT - NICK REIMLER.5-9-2022 PRELIM.3SCALE: 3/16" = 1'-0"REAR ELEVATIONNOTE - Builder is open to changes at front exterior if City has other desired alternatives
O. BATHOWNER'S SUITEDRYERWASHERFURNF.D.95%WHEXCH.AIR12'-9" x 16'-10"APPROX. 438 SQ. FT.2-CAR GARAGEDEN / FLEX13'-0"x11'-10"1/2 B.3068REF.KITCHEN13'-3" x 11'-0" MECH.WS2668 PKT. DR.16'x7' O.H.D.R.O. 16'-1" FRAMINGFIBRGLS.60x36 SHWR.UNIT2868O. CLST8'-2" x 10'-5" 2668DW36" GAS F.P.UP 17 R 30688/0 H. SOFFIT8/0 H. SOFFITFOYER2868 PKT. DR.LNDRY.R&SHR&SHR&SHR&SH(5) SH.(5) SH.26682668 PKT. DR.R&SH286828682 - 2068APPROX. 1,557 SQ. FT.APPROX. 9'-0''CLG. @ MAIN LEVEL80'-0"40'-0"14'-0"5'-6"20'-6"40'-0"52'-0"80'-0"40'-0"40'-0"52'-0"2468(5) SH.DINING11'-3" x 13'-6" FAMILY RM.14'-6" x 13'-6" Main Floor
5'-0" MIN.2'-8"DN 17 R APPROX. 700 SQ. FT.80'-0"40'-0"14'-0"14'-0"12'-0"40'-0"52'-0"80'-0"40'-0"40'-0"52'-0"26682668R&SH2668(5) SH.2668R&SHBEDROOM #213'-0" x 11'-7"LOFT11'-4" x 14'-2"BEDROOM #213'-0" x 11'-7"BATH14'-0"14'-0"12'-0"Upper Floor
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CRYSTAL
HENNEPIN COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 - 05
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF
4824 – 56th AVENUE NORTH
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal (“the EDA”) is the
owner of 4824 – 56th Avenue North (“the Property”), legally described as:
Lot 2, Block 1, Junior Larson Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
WHEREAS, the EDA has solicited proposals from builders who desire to purchase the
Property from the EDA and construct thereon a new two-family dwelling; and
WHEREAS, the EDA has reviewed and accepted the proposal from Ascent Builders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the EDA authorizes the sale of the Property to
Ascent Builders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sale shall be completed in accordance with the terms of
the Purchase and Development Agreement in substantially the form on file in City Hall, and
that the President and Executive Director are h ereby authorized to sign said Agreement and
other documents required to complete the sale of the Property to Ascent Builders.
Adopted this 18th day of October, 2022.
____________________________________
Brendan Banks, President
____________________________________
Anne Norris, Executive Director
Attachment B
Page 1 of 4
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Oct. 14, 2022
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom Meeting
The city manager’s comments are bolded.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Agenda
The Council will consider approval of the agenda.
3. Consent Agenda
The Council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
3.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The City Council meeting on Oct. 3, 2022.
b. The City Council work session on Oct. 3, 2022.
3.2 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk to the City Council, a list
that is on file in the office of the city clerk.
3.3 Adoption of a resolution accepting donations.
3.4 Appointment of Kim Therres, assistant city manager, as interim city manager.
3.5 Adoption of a resolution appointing interim city manager to the West Metro Fire-Rescue
District Board of Directors, Hennepin Recycling Group Board, Northwest Suburbs Cable
Communications Commission and CCX Media Board.
3.6 Approval of the 2023 regular City Council meeting and work session schedule.
3.7 Adoption of a resolution authorizing a grant application for contamination clean-up at 3401-
3415 Douglas Dr. N.
3.8 Adoption of a resolution supporting Three Rivers Park District French Regional Park
improvements.
3.9 Adoption of a resolution vacating assessments on Metropolitan Airports Commission
properties at 5800 Airport Road and 5900 Lakeland Ave. N.
Page 2 of 4
4. Open Forum
(The City Council appreciates hearing from citizens about items of concern and desires to set aside
time during each meeting for Open Forum. To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is
limited to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to ten minutes. The Mayor may, as
presiding officer, extend the total time allowed for a topic. By rule, no action may be taken on any
item brought before the Council during Open Forum. The Council may place items discussed during
Open Forum onto subsequent council meeting agendas.)
5. Public Hearing
5.1 The Mayor will open a public hearing to receive comment, and the Council will consider a
resolution approving the assessment roll for the 2022 delinquent accounts.
Each year, the city notifies property owners of unpaid charges for city services received
over the previous year (utility payments, nuisance charges, administrative fines, etc.). In
August, the Council set Oct. 18 as the time for the public hearing to take comment on the
outstanding charges. After holding the public hearing, recommend the Council adopt the
resolution approving the assessment roll for the 2022 delinquent accounts.
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The Council will consider approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance
department to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the finance department.
Recommend approval of disbursements over $25,000.
6.2 The Council will consider a resolution approving a sign variance for Crystal Vision Clinic at
5730 Bottineau Boulevard.
The owners of Crystal Vision Clinic, 5730 Bottineau Boulevard, have applied for a variance
for a monument sign for their new building. The Planning Commission held a public
hearing on the requested variance on Oct. 10 and with a 5-2 vote, recommended approval
of the variance, subject to the conditions outlined in the staff report.
6.3 The Council will consider the 2023 – 2027 utility rate study.
The City Council accepted its last rate study in 2018 which covered rates for 2018 - 2022.
The City Council reviewed the 2023 – 2027 utility rate study at its Oct. 13 work session.
Recommend the Council accept the 2023 – 2027 utility rate study.
6.4 The Council will consider the 2023 – 2032 Long Term Plan.
As part of the two-year budget process, the Council reviews a 10 year plan for capital
funds, the Long Term Plan. The Council’s most recent review of the 2023 – 2032 Long Term
Plan was at the Oct. 13 work session. Recommend the Council accept the 2023 – 2032 Long
Term Plan.
6.5 The Council will consider a resolution approving internal loans for the police station project.
In January 2021 the City Council adopted a resolution indicating the various sources of
funds for the police station project, including internal loans. As the Long Term Plan has
Page 3 of 4
been updated, the sources and amounts of the internal loans has changed as detailed in
Appendix A in the Long Term Plan. Recommend adoption of the resolution approving the
updated internal loans for the police station project.
6.6 The Council will consider the 2023 fee schedule.
Each year, the City Council approves the fee schedule for various charges for licenses,
permits and services. The 2023 – 2024 fee schedule includes utility rates included in the
2023 – 2027 utility rate study. The 2023 – 2024 budget reflects any fee changes in the fee
schedule. The City Council reviewed the 2023 – 2024 fee schedule at its Oct. 13 work
session. Recommend adoption of the 2023 – 2024 fee schedule.
6.7 The Council will consider an agreement with Kennedy & Graven for civil legal services for
2023 – 2024.
The city has a long history of contracting with Kennedy & Graven for civil legal (city
attorney) services and the current contract expires at the end of 2022. Recommend
authorizing execution of the 2023 – 2024 contract with Kennedy & Graven for civil legal
services.
6.8 The Council will consider an agreement with Eckberg Lammers for prosecuting legal services
for 2023 – 2024.
The current contract with Eckberg Lammers for prosecuting services expires at the end of
2022. Recommend authorizing execution of the 2023 – 2024 contract with Eckberg
Lammers for prosecuting legal services.
6.9 The Council will consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International
Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 49, for the 2023 insurance contribution.
Earlier this year, the Council approved a two-year contract with IUOE, Local 49 (Public
Works), for 2022 – 23 wages and the 2022 insurance contribution with a reopener for 2023
insurance contributions. The 2023 insurance rates are now known and the city and Local
49 have agreed to a sharing in the cost of insurance premiums. Recommend approval of
the MOU.
6.10 The Council will consider 2023 wage adjustment and insurance contribution for non-
represented employees.
The city has a long history of maintaining internal equity across employee groups for
annual wage adjustments and insurance contributions. Based on the 2022 - 2023 contract
and MOU with IUOE, Local 49, recommend the same wage adjustment and insurance
contribution in 2023 for non-represented employees.
7. Announcements
a. The Blue Line Extension will hold a community open house to review updated layouts and
other materials on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Crystal Community Center.
b. The City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall and via Zoom.
Page 4 of 4
c. The next regular City Council work session is Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall and via Zoom.
d. The next regular City Council meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall and via Zoom.
e. The City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at City Hall and via Zoom.
f. City Council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous
meetings are available for viewing and listening at www.crystalmn.gov.
8. Adjournment
Have a great weekend; see you at Tuesday’s meeting.
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Page 1 of 5
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Crystal City Council was held on
Oct. 3, 2022 at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal, M N
and via Zoom. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Adams asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the following
attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Council Member Banks was absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager K. Therres, Finance Director J.
McGann, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief S. Larson, Public Works Director M. Ray, Police
Chief S. Revering, Community Development Director J. Sutter, City Attorney R. Tierney and City
Clerk C. Serres.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Adams led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Approval of Agenda
The Council considered approval of the agenda.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the
agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Consent Agenda
The Council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
3.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a.The City Council regular meeting on Sept. 20, 2022.
b.The City Council regular work session on Sept. 20, 2022.
3.2 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk to the City Council, a list
that is on file in the office of the city clerk.
3.3 Adoption of Res. No. 2022-89, accepting donations.
3.4 Approval of the non-represented compensation program document.
3.5 Adoption of Res. No. 2022-90, authorizing execution of an agreement with the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety for the 2022 Multicultural Adult Driver Education project.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Cummings to approve
the consent agenda.
Mayor Adams abstained from the vote.
Motion carried.
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Page 2 of 5
4. Open Forum
No public comment was given during open forum.
5. Public Hearings
5.1 Mayor Adams announced the purpose of the public hearing:
To receive comment, and Council consideration of a resolution adopting the assessment roll for
the 2022 utility reconstruction private sanitary sewer service lining repairs.
Public Works Director Mark Ray addressed the Council.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Adams
declared the public hearing closed.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 – 91
ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR 2022 UTILITY
RECONSTRUCTION PRIVATE SANITARY SEWER SERVICE LINING REPAIRS
Voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.2 Mayor Adams announced the purpose of the public hearing:
To receive comment, and Council consideration of a new on-sale liquor license for PurpleRose
Lounge Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Lounge located at 5526 West Broadway.
City Clerk Chrissy Serres and applicant Winchell Sherman addressed the Council.
There being no one wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Adams
declared the public hearing closed.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Parsons to approve
the new on-sale liquor license for PurpleRose Lounge Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Lounge
located at 5526 West Broadway.
Voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried.
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The Council considered approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance
department to the City Council, a list that is on file in the office of the finance department.
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Page 3 of 5
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the list
of disbursements over $25,000.
Voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried.
6.2 The Council received a presentation on the 2023 budget and levies as well as provided an
opportunity for public input.
Finance Director Jean McGann addressed the Council.
The following person addressed the Council regarding the 2023 budget and levies:
• Steve Kuntz, 3413 Adair Ave. N.
No council action required.
6.3 The Council considered civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by Cousins, LLC
d/b/a Adair Liquor located at 6001 42nd Ave. N.
City Clerk Chrissy Serres addressed the Council and provided the staff report.
Cousins, LLC representatives Kelli Meyer, store manager, and employee Ethan Gonzalez
addressed the Council and requested a formal hearing.
Mayor Adams opened the hearing. Ms. Meyer and Mr. Gonzalez provided testimony to the
Council regarding the incident. Police Chief Stephanie Revering addressed the Council to
provide information regarding the police report.
At 7:49 p.m., Mayor Adams continued the hearing to allow the representatives of Cousins, LLC
time to review the police report. During the review period, the Council considered the following
remaining regular agenda items.
6.4 The Council considered a resolution awarding the contract for pedestrian crossing
enhancements at Douglas Dr. N. and 32nd Ave. N.
Public Works Director Mark Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Mayor Adams to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 – 92
AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACT FOR 32ND AVE AND DOUGLAS DR
ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN WARNING SIGNAGE
Voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Page 4 of 5
6.5 The Council considered a resolution discharging discriminatory restrictive covenants on city-
owned land.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Parsons to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 – 93
RESOLUTION DISCHARGING DISCRIMINATORY RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
Voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7. Announcements
The Council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
After Council and staff announcements, Mayor Adams reopened the hearing at 7:58 p.m. related to
regular agenda item 6.3 for consideration of civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations
by Cousins, LLC d/b/a Adair Liquor located at 6001 42nd Ave. N.
Cousins, LLC managers Syed (Sam) Afzal and Kelli Meyer as well as employee Ethan Gonzalez
provided additional testimony to the Council regarding the incident.
After receiving additional testimony from Cousins, LLC representatives and city staff , and there
being no one else wishing to appear before the Council to give testimony, Mayor Adams
closed the hearing.
The Council discussed potential penalties for Cousins, LLC d/b/a Adair Liquor for the liquor license
violation.
Council Member Budziszewski made a motion that based on the staff report, including the findings
contained therein, and the other information presented regarding this matter, that a penalty of
$1,500 and a three-day license suspension be imposed in this case. Council Member Cummings
seconded the motion.
By roll call and voting aye: Budziszewski and Cummings.
Voting nay: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion failed.
Council Member Parsons made a motion that based on the staff report, includin g the findings
contained therein, and the other information presented regarding this matter, that a penalty of
$1,500 and no license suspension be imposed in this case. Council Member LaRoche seconded the
motion.
By roll call and voting aye: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams.
Voting nay: Cummings and Budziszewski.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried.
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Page 5 of 5
8. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
____________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council work session minutes Oct. 3, 2022
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Sectio n 3.01 of the City Charter, the
regular work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 6:53 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2022 in the Council
Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN and via Zoom. Mayor Adams called the
meeting to order.
I.Attendance
The city clerk recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons, Adams, Banks, Budziszewski and Cummings.
City staff present: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager K. Therres, Finance Director J.
McGann, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief S. Larson, Public Works Director M. Ray, Police
Chief S. Revering, Community Development Director J. Sutter , City Attorney R. Tierney and City
Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The Council and staff discussed the following agenda item s:
1.Interim city manager appointment.
2.Constituent issues update.
2.New business.
3.Announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(b)
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
Oct. 18, 2022
Applications for City License
Rental – New
4631 Adair Ave. N. – Shong Moua (Conditional)
5627 36th Ave. N. – Charles Mwaura
Rental – Renewal
5319 Angeline Ave. N. – Brett Johnson
2701 Brunswick Ave. N. – Granit Cliffs (Conditional)
5333 Byron Ave. N. – Premium Property Group
6720 Cloverdale Ave. N. – Robert Hovland
4367 Colorado Ave. N. – Restart Inc.
5716 Colorado Ave. N. – CRA Properties
3816 Douglas Dr. N. – Thomas Eickholt
4224 Edgewood Ave. N. – Matthew Selden (Conditional)
3528 Hampshire Ave. N. – Adam Hardy
5913 Hampshire Ave. N. – Lance Rosenberg (Conditional)
3026 Kentucky Ave. N. – Tyler Minkel (Conditional)
4757 Louisiana Ave. N. – Princess Yanforth Nimely
5856 Orchard Ave. N. – HPA JV Borrower 2019-1 ML LLC
3264 Welcome Ave. N. – Steven Paquin (Conditional)
5825 West Broadway – Adam Hardy
4409 Zane Ave. N. – Adam Hardy
7011 42nd Ave. N. – Madison Avenue Homes (Conditional)
6714 45th Pl. N. – Double J Inc.
5317 48th Ave. N. – Crystal Clear Investments (Conditional)
5109 49th Ave. N. – Peter Zedler
Tobacco
PurpleRose Cigar and Hookah Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Cigar and Hookah Shop, 5530
West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428
3.2
CITY OF CRYSTAL
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 -
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS FROM
ELIZABETH AND ROBERT DIEDRICH AND MIKE MUSTFUL
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or personal
property be accepted only with the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, said donations must be accepted by a resolution adopted by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Crystal to accept the
following donations:
Donors Purpose Amount or Items
Elizabeth Diedrich Park improvements (tree planting) $500
Robert Diedrich Park improvements (tree planting) $250
Mike Mustful Recreation programs One full-size soccer goal
Mike Mustful Recreation programs Two sets each of U6, U7, U8
and U10 soccer goals
Mike Mustful Recreation programs Soccer balls, pinnies, cones
and training ladders
And BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Crystal City Council sincerely thanks the above-named
for their generous donations.
Dated: Oct. 18, 2022
By: __________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Christina Serres, City Clerk
3.3
Memorandum
DATE: October 11, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
SUBJECT: Interim City Manager
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND:
At its October 3 work session, the City Council discussed appointing an interim city
manager after I leave on October 28 . While senior staff will be managing their
responsibilities and projects during this time, there does need to be an interim manager
to sign official documents and checks, represent the city officially including on
commissions such as the West Metro Fire-Rescue District Board, Hennepin Recycling
Group, CCX Commission and Board, etc.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the October 3 discussion, recommend the appointment of Assistant City
Manager Kim Therres as interim city manager, effective 10/29/22.
3.4
CITY OF CRYSTAL
RESOLUTION NO. 2022 - ____
RESOLUTION APPOINTING INTERIM CITY MANAGER
TO THE WEST METRO FIRE-RESCUE DISTRICT BOARD, THE
HENNEPIN RECYCLING GROUP BOARD, THE NW SUBURBS CABLE
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND
THE CCX MEDIA BOARD
WHEREAS, City Manager Anne Norris is retiring on October 28, 2022 and she
currently serves as the city’s staff representative on the West Metro Fire-Rescue
Board of Directors, the Hennepin Recycling Group Board, the NW Suburbs Cable
Communications Commission and the CCX Media Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council will appoint Kim Therres as interim city manager
until the new city manager is hired and starts; and
WHEREAS, until the new city manager starts the interim manager should be
the city’s staff representative on the West Metro Fire-Rescue Board of Directors, the
Hennepin Recycling Group Board, the NW Suburbs Cable Communications
Commission and the CCX Media Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Crystal City Council app oints
interim city manager Kim Therres as the city’s staff representative, effective October
31, 2022, to the West Metro Fire-Rescue Board of Directors, the Hennepin Recycling
Group Board, the NW Suburbs Cable Communications Commission and the CCX
Media Board and continuing until the new city manager is hired and starts.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 18th day of October, 2022.
________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.5
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
2023
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION SCHEDULE
Regular meetings of the Crystal City Council are generally held the first and third Tuesday of each month
in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., beginning at 7 p.m. In addition, the City
Council holds regular work session meetings before and after regular City Council meetings at City Hall.
Standing work sessions are held immediately following the regular City Council meeting and Economic
Development Authority (EDA) meeting, if scheduled. Additional work sessions are held beginning at
6:30 p.m. Moreover, regular additional work sessions of the City Council are held on the second
Thursday of each month at City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m.
If the date of a regular meeting falls on a holiday or an election day, the date of the rescheduled
meeting is reflected on the schedule. If an additional meeting is held, or if a regular meeting is
rescheduled to a different date, time, or place, notice of the meeting will be posted at City Hall and on
the City’s website. All meetings are open to the public, but the City Council may close meetings to the
public to conduct business authorized or required by law to be conducted in a closed session.
*Denotes a change in the regular meeting or work session schedule.
January July
Jan. 3 City Council and work session meetings July 13 Work session meeting
Jan. 12 Work session meeting July 18* City Council and work session meetings
Jan. 17 City Council and work session meetings (one meeting in July on 3rd Tuesday)
February August
Feb. 7 City Council and work session meetings Aug. 3* Budget work session meeting
Feb. 9 Work session meeting Aug. 15* City Council and work session meetings
Feb. 21 City Council and work session meetings (one meeting in August on 3rd Tuesday)
Aug. 17* Budget work session meeting
March September
March 7 City Council and work session meetings Sept. 5 City Council and work session meetings
March 9 Work session meeting Sept.14 Work session meeting
March 21 City Council and work session meetings Sept. 19 City Council and work session meetings
April October
April 4 City Council and work session meetings Oct. 3 City Council and work session meetings
April 6* Work session meeting Oct. 12 Work session meeting
April 18 City Council and work session meetings Oct. 17 City Council and work session meetings
May November
May 2 City Council and work session meetings Nov. 7 City Council and work session meetings
May 11 Work session meeting Nov. 9 Work session meeting
May 16 City Council and work session meetings Nov. 21 City Council and work session meetings
June December
June 6 City Council and work session meetings Dec. 5 City Council and work session meetings
June 20 City Council and work session meetings Dec. 14 Work session meeting
Dec. 19 City Council and work session meetings
Live and archived city meeting webstreams are at ccxmedia.org/ccx-cities/crystal (scroll down to the “CITY
MEETINGS” link). City meetings are also broadcast live on Comcast Channel 16. The most recent meeting is
rebroadcast Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m.; Monday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.; and Tuesday
and Thursday at 1 p.m.
3.6
3401-3415 DOUGLAS DR N – GRANT APPLICATION
PAGE 1 OF 2
___________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
___________________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for October 18 Meeting)
DATE: October 13, 2022
RE: Consider adoption of a resolution supporting a grant application to
Hennepin County’s Environmental Response Fund program for the EDA
lot at 3401-3415 Douglas Dr N.
BACKGROUND
Staff is submitting a grant application to Hennepin County for a property cleanup at 3401-3415 Douglas
Drive North, which is owned by the city’s EDA. The County requires a City Council resolution
supporting the application as part of the grant application submittal. The following is further information
about this request:
➢The vacant properties at 3401-3415 Douglas were once the location of commercial uses
including a gas service station that was demolished in 2010.
➢Updated Phase I and II environmental investigations were completed in 2021-22 and these
determined that soil contamination exists and will need to be cleaned up before the property
can be sold for residential development. The cost of this cleanup work would be fully paid for by
the Hennepin County grant.
➢On May 17, 2022 the EDA tentatively accepted a proposal from Hampton Companies to
purchase the property and construct two four-unit townhome buildings on the property,
contingent upon approval of a Response Action Plan (RAP) by the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA). The cleanup of the property is an implementation step for the RAP.
➢The MPCA is expected to approve the RAP by November 1st.
➢Once the property is cleaned up in spring, 2023, Hampton will submit the required development
review application (rezoning to planned development, lot consolidation and easement vacation)
for a public hearing and recommendation by the Planning Commission, followed by a decision
by the City Council. This zoning action will be followed by a lot sale public hearing by the EDA.
ACTION REQUESTED
City Council approval of the attached resolution is requested.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
3401 – 3415 Douglas Drive North
3.7
3401-3415 DOUGLAS DR N – GRANT APPLICATION
PAGE 2 OF 2
2021 Aerial Photo:
3.7
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022- _______
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR AN APPLICATION TO
HENNEPIN COUNTY’S ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE FUND PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal (“City”) supports and approves the Crystal Economic
Development Authority (“EDA”) grant application to the Hennepin County Environmental
Response Fund program (“ERF) to complete an environmental cleanup of the property located at
3401-3415 Douglas Drive North (collectively, the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 383B.81 subdivision 4 requires City approval
before the County may expend funds for a site located in the City; and
WHEREAS, the EDA has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance for the
Property under the ERF program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Crystal
approves the proposed project and the EDA’s submittal of an application to the ERF, which is
funded with an Environmental Response Fund grant from Hennepin County’s Department of
Environment and Energy, to complete an environmental cleanup of the Property.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 18th day of October 2022.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.7
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Memorandum
DATE: October 11, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: French Regional Park Master Plan – Resolution of Support
French Regional Park is a fully developed regional park owned and operated by Three Rivers Park
District. The larger size and natural settings of regional parks make them great destinations for
people to connect with nature. While located in Plymouth, the features offered here draw visitors
from Crystal and other communities around the region.
Three Rivers Park District is currently updating the master plan for French Regional Park.
Community engagement began in September, 2020; with concepts and additional input being
gathered through 2021. The master plan was finalized in the spring of 2022, and a public comment
period was available over the summer. With Crystal located in the service area for this park, links to
information on the project were provided on the City of Crystal website during much of the planning
process. The draft master plan is available at: French MP 9_26_22 Draft.pdf.
Three Rivers Park District staff are requesting a resolution of support for the updated master plan.
The regional park is located in Plymouth, so there are no financial implications for the City of Crystal.
However, the resolution will be helpful when Three Rivers Park District seeks grants to implement
the plan in the future.
Staff and the Crystal Park and Recreation Commission recommend approval of the resolution.
3.8
CITY OF CRYSTAL
RESOLUTION 2022 -
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE
FRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, The City of Crystal recognizes French Regional Park as an important component of the
regional parks system; providing natural resource protection and nature-based recreation to the residents of
the City and the region; and
WHEREAS, City staff have been working with Three Rivers Park District in development of the Master
Plan to ensure long-range planning preserves French Regional Park’s treasured areas while expanding
opportunities for visitors to try new activities that may lead them to further park exploration within and
beyond the park; and
WHEREAS, The City of Crystal recognizes that Three Rivers Park District has gathered significant public
input in the development of the French Regional Park Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, The City of Crystal recognizes that Three Rivers Park District has drafted the French Regional
Park Master Plan and accepted and responded to public comments appropriately; and
WHEREAS, The French Regional Park Master Plan is consistent with other approved local and regional
plans; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal supports the design, implementation and operation of the French Regional
Park pursuant to the Master Plan; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Crystal supports the French Regional Park Master
Plan.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 18th day of October, 2022.
________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Christina Serres, City Clerk
3.8
CLIFTON
E. FRENCH
REGIONAL PARK
MASTER PLAN
DRAFT
AUGUST 18, 2022
3.8
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICTi
I
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
MASTER PLAN
As a fully-developed suburban park, the Park
District classified the French Regional Park Master
Plan as a refresh, meaning the master plan includes
recommendations to build off and improve the existing
infrastructure and offerings to ensure the park remains
relevant to existing and new park visitors and community
members. Therefore, the master plan does not completely
start from scratch as if the park was a blank slate. This
approach is appropriate as the 2018 Park District visitor
satisfaction data suggests French Regional Park is a
well-loved and supported regional park by existing park
users and that visitors generally mirror the demographic
composition of the service area.
Suburban regional parks, including French Regional Park,
focus on connecting people to nature comfortably and
conveniently through nature-based recreation offerings.
This category allows visitors to transition to nature as
their comfort level increases. The entire park may be
developed, provided that a natural setting remains.
French Regional Park’s water-based recreation,
trail network and location adjacent to the first-tier
suburban Minneapolis communities make it a unique
environmental and recreational destination within
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and Park District.
This master plan identifies ways to improve park user
supports and highlight unique park features while
minimizing overall park development.
Park goals were measured against the master plan’s
guiding principle to ensure that the integrity of the
park’s original intent was not obscured. Community
engagement and stakeholder visioning supported the
park’s guiding principle while integrating expanded
opportunities for program, service and facility needs,
and light-touch infrastructure improvements.
i 3.8
iiFRENCH REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN 2022
DRAFT AUGUST 2022
I
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
MASTER PLAN
INPUT
Community and partner engagement is instrumental
in determining the relevance of parks for future
generations. The Park District’s newly adopted 2040
System Plan guided French Regional Park to serve
visitors through a “try-it, learn-it” experience model.
As such, the master plan’s principle goal was to
preserve the park’s treasured areas while expanding
opportunities for visitors to try new nature-based
recreation and education offerings, encouraging
further park exploration beyond French Regional
Park. In turn, the engagement process sought to
learn how French Regional Park could better support
positive outdoor experiences and serve as a gateway
to the outdoors, particularly for new visitors and
underrepresented community groups.
Public engagement geographically focused on the
park’s service area and included general public,
park users, underrepresented community members/
groups and partner cities and organizations. This
feedback provided recommendations for try-it, learn-
it programming and supporting facilities.
DESIGN GUIDANCE | DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Recommended park improvements are based on
French Regional Park’s long term vision and will be
implemented based on available funding and Park
District priorities. The Park District is committed to
continuing engagement with park users during design
development.
The master plan focused on three primary goals:
1. Better serving people within park service area
• Better communication, awareness and promotion.
• Piloting new, innovative and relevant
programming and offerings to French Regional
Park visitors.
• Continue to improve program participation rates
for underrepresented community members/
groups.
• Hiring staff that is reflective of the surrounding
community.
• Better coordination with external recreation
programming providers within the park service
area.
2. Protecting, restoring and managing natural
and cultural resources
• Establishing a French Regional Park land
acknowledgment through authentic relationships
with Indigenous people.
• Continue to monitor and implement best
management practices to improve Medicine
Lake water quality.
• Continue to manage invasive species (especially
common buckthorn, etc.).
• Actively manage natural resources within the
Nature Exploration Area.
• Continue to monitor and research wildlife species.
3. Providing resources to renovate, modify and
rehabilitate select park infrastructure through
modifications to:
• Park Signage, Wayfinding & Entrance
• Paved & Unpaved Trail Network
• Picnic Areas
• Medicine Lake Beach Area
• Visitor Center
• Nature Exploration Area
• Winter Enhancements
IMPLEMENTATION
The French Regional Park Master Plan refreshes
targeted existing park amenities with reasonable
expectations to expand programming and make
modest infrastructure improvements. The proposed
capital improvements can be implemented over
time as funding becomes available and planned
renovations are completed. No additional acquisition
is foreseen.
Existing Annual Operating Costs
$1,692,000
Facilities Services, Maintenance & Outdoor Education & Recreation
*2022 dollars
Additional Proposed Annual Operating Costs
Capital Improvements
$2,834,000
Park signage, trails, picnic areas, beach area, Visitor Center,
Nature Exploration Area, winter enhancements
Total Costs*
$346,000
Costs based full capital improvement implementation
3.8
3.9
3.9
3.9
Memorandum
DATE: October 12, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Assistant Finance Director
SUBJECT: Resolution Adoption Assessment Roll for 2022 Delinquent Accounts
Introduction:
Each year, the City levies special assessments on properties that have received
services during the year, but have not paid the invoices that were sent out. These
services include: utility charges, administrative citations, garbage and refuse removal,
nuisance abatements, weed mowing, and false alarm fines.
Receivables that are included in the assessment are those that were delinquent on July
31, 2022. Resolution 2022-66 was approved by the City Council on August 16, 2022.
The resolution listed the delinquent amounts to be assessed, set the public hearing for
October 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM, and set the interest rate on the assessments.
Letters have been sent to the owners of each property with an assessment to notify
them of the special assessment and of this public hearing. Notice of the public hearing
was also published in the September 22, 2022 edition of the Crystal/Robbinsdale Sun
Post.
Discussion:
Numerous payments have been received since the assessment rolls were initially
prepared in August. Complete assessment rolls will be available at the meeting for
inspection, but they were not copied for this agenda packet.
5.1
The current balances of the assessment rolls are summarized as follows:
Service Number of Accounts Total Dollar Amount
Utility charges 600 $432,837.77
Administrative citations 41 $28,770.00
Refuse and litter abatement 8 $3,200.41
Weed mowing 7 $988.49
False alarm fees 4 $425.00
Nuisance Charges 2 $25,315.86
662 $491,537.53
For comparison sake, the assessment rolls at this same point last year were as follows:
Service Number of Accounts Total Dollar Amount
Utility charges 523 $394,349.94
Administrative citations 30 $19,866.00
Refuse and litter abatement 6 $2,804.13
Weed mowing 13 $2,876.74
False alarm fees 6 $1,850.00
Nuisance Charges 3 $743.03
581 $422,489.84
A $35.00 administrative charge (per address and per assessment type) will be added
on Thursday, October 20th. Payments will be accepted through 4:30 P.M. on
Wednesday, October 19th, 2022 without the administrative charge. This allows
customers to appeal their assessment to the City Council without incurring the
administrative charge.
Customers will be able to pay the assessment at any time through November 29th
without being charged interest. Payments made after that date will be charged interest
at the rate of 9% per year. Assessments not paid by 4:30 P.M. on November 29th will
be sent to Hennepin County for collection on the 2023 property tax statement.
Appeals:
Any written appeals of assessments that are received will be provided to the City
Council at the council meeting on October 18th. Property owners may still appear at the
public hearing without having given a written appeal in advance.
5.1
Recommended City Council Action(s):
1. Open the public hearing
a. Hear the appeals of any persons present at the public hearing
b. Read any written appeals into the record
c. Close the public hearing
2. Request information as needed from the staff either at the meeting or to be
presented at the November 15th City Council meeting.
3. The City Council should approve the resolution adopting the special assessment
roll including any assessment that staff will report back on at the November 15th
meeting. An assessment can be removed from the roll later, but nothing can be
added back if it isn’t included in the assessment roll approved tonight.
5.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-___
RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENT ROLL –
FOR 2022 DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
WHEREAS, pursuant to proper notice duly given as required by law, the City Council of the City of
Crystal, Minnesota, has met and heard and passed upon all objections to the following proposed
assessments for delinquent accounts: utility charges; administrative citations; garbage and refuse
removal; mowing; false alarm calls.
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Crystal, Minnesota, hereby approves the following:
1. A listing of proposed assessments (a copy of which is available upon request) is hereby accepted and
shall constitute the special assessment against the parcels of land named therein. Each tract of land
included is found to be benefited by services in the amount of the assessment levied against it.
2. Assessments shall be payable in installments as designated below:
Utility charges 1 year
Administrative citations 1 year
Tree removal (nuisance abatements) 5 year
Refuse and litter abatement
Weed mowing
1 year
1 year
False alarm fees 1 year
3. The owner of any property so assessed may, at any time prior to certification of the assessment to
Hennepin County, pay the whole of the assessment on such property.
• If the entire assessment is paid by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022,
no interest will be charged.
• Payments made from Tuesday, November 15, 2022, through Tuesday,
November 29, 2022, will ONLY be accepted in the form of cash, money order,
cashiers check, or credit card at City Hall or online (MasterCard or VISA
accepted). Checks will not be accepted. Payments will be accepted in person at
the front desk of City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-
Friday.
• Delinquent balances not paid by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, will
be assessed against the property. This means that the delinquent balance will
be reported to Hennepin County, which will add it to the 2023 property tax
statement for the Service Address. Assessed amounts will accrue interest at an
annual rate of nine percent (9%) from November 1, 2022, through December 31,
2023.
• An owner may, at any time thereafter, pay to Hennepin County the entire amount
of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest (9%) accrued to December 31
of the year in which such payment is made is made, plus the $2.50 county
administration fee.
4. The Assessing Specialist will transmit a certified duplicate of the final assessment listing to Hennepin
County to be extended on the property tax rolls of the county. Such assessments will be collected by
Hennepin County and will be remitted to the city in the same manner as other municipal taxes.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Crystal this 18th day of October 2022.
_______________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Christina Serres, City Clerk
5.1
DATE:October 11, 2022
TO:Anne Norris, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM:Jean McGann, Contracted Finance Director
RE:Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
HealthPartners, Inc.October health insurance premiums $115,786.00
MN PERA Employee & city required contributions for 9/30/22 pay date $64,124.49
Center for Energy & Environment Home improvement loan/grant program $25,093.95
Peterson Companies, Inc.Fair soccer field project $67,653.65
WL Hall Co. Interior Service Gym window replacement $49,365.00
Electric Pump South sewage lift station pump replacement $96,980.00
Otis Elevator Company New police building project costs $52,528.35
$471,531.44
Description
6.1
5730 BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD – VARIANCE APPLICATION
PAGE 1 OF 4
___________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
___________________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for October 18 Meeting)
DATE: October 13, 2022
RE: Consider adoption of a resolution approving a variance request from Scott
Endres for a new monument sign at 5730 Bottineau Boulevard
A.BACKGROUND
Scott Endres, owner of Crystal Vision Clinic under construction at 5730 Bottineau
Boulevard, has applied for a variance for a new monument sign on the property, which
is zoned Commercial.
Notice of the October 10 public hearing was published in the Sun Post on September
29 and mailed to property owners, renters, and commercial tenants within 500 feet (see
attachment A), and posted to the Skyway, Twin Oaks, Becker and North Lions
neighborhoods on Nextdoor. A sign was also posted on the property.
At the October 10 Planning Commission public hearing, the Commission recommended
approval of the variance application. One resident spoke at the public hearing who was
concerned about lighting impacts on residential areas by the proposed sign. The sign is
not expected to have a negative impact on these areas:
➢Since the sign would be located on the far western property boundary, the
nearest residence is approximately 350 feet from the sign location
➢The sign will face northwest and southeast, meaning that the sign will not directly
face residential areas
➢The sign will be screened by the clinic, which is 14 feet tall on the main level,
with an upper floor that is 26 feet in height.
Attachments:
A.Site location aerial photo and map showing public hearing notification area
B.Existing zoning map
C.Project narrative submitted by applicant
D.Site plan showing proposed sign location
E.Drawing of proposed sign
F.Resolution
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Variance for 5730 Bottineau Boulevard
6.2
5730 BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD – VARIANCE APPLICATION
PAGE 2 OF 4
B. VARIANCE REQUEST
Proposed variance
The applicant owns a vision clinic that is currently under construction at 5730 Bottineau
Boulevard and he would like to install a new monument sign at the intersection of
Highway 81 (Bottineau Boulevard) and Crystal Airport Road (attachment C). T he city’s
sign code has a maximum height of 6 feet and 75 sq. ft. in size for this type of sign,
which is quite small to provide identification for the clinic from a busy highway. The
applicant is proposing a sign that would not exceed 25 feet in height and 150 sq. ft. in
area (attachment E).
C. RECOMMENDED FINDINGS
The following are the relevant approval criteria for this variance as outlined in city code
section 510.33, followed by staff response:
a) Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general
purposes and intent of the official control and when the terms of the variances
are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Response: The intent of the city’s zoning ordinance is to provide for
regulations to promote orderly development that allows for adequate
access to light, air, and convenient access to property. The approval of a
larger monument sign will not impede access to adequate light or air for
adjacent properties or for the clinic. If the variance is approved, the
property will continue to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan’s
Mixed Use future land use designation.
b) Variances shall only be permitted when the City Council finds that strict
enforcement of specific provisions of this section would create practical
difficulties due to circumstances unique to a particular property under
consideration. Practical difficulties, as used in connection with the granting of a
variance, means that the property owner:
1) proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted
by an official control; and
2) the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the
property not created by the landowner; and
3) the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
locality.
Response:
The use of the subject property for a new monument sign is a reasonable
use permitted by the city’s zoning regulations.
6.2
5730 BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD – VARIANCE APPLICATION
PAGE 3 OF 4
The requested variance is necessary to ensure that the sign can be
installed on the property in a way which provides the best possible
commercial use of the property, but does not negatively impact
neighboring properties. In addition the variance is necessary due to the
location of the property on a high-speed arterial which requires a taller
sign to ensure visibility from the roadway.
The essential character of this area will not change if the variance is
approved:
•Directly south of the vision clinic is the Crystal Medical Center
which has a monument sign that is 25 feet tall and
approximately 140 sq. ft. in area.
•Another monument sign is located at the office building at
6000 – 56th Avenue North (approximately 1,000 feet from the
vision clinic property). This sign is 15 feet tall and 150 sq. ft in
area.
•The proposed variance would impose the same limits as for
other types of freestanding signs.
c)Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
Response: The primary consideration is the location of the property on a
high-speed arterial. Therefore economic considerations alone are not the
sole reason for requesting this variance.
D.REQUESTED ACTION
At the October 10, 2022 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission recommended
approval of the variance by a vote of 5 to 2, with one member absent and another
member abstaining from voting. This recommendation is subject to the following
conditions of approval:
1.Sign Height and Area. The sign will not exceed 25 feet in height and 150 sq. ft. in
area.
2.Compliance. The variance is subject to the applicable requirements of the Crystal
City Code. The applicant is required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances and is required to obtain such other
permits and permissions as may be required.
3.No Waiver. Failure by the city to take action with respect to any violation of any
condition placed on the variance shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
condition or any subsequent violation of the same or any other condition .
4.Binding Effect. This variance, and the conditions placed on its approval, are binding
on the applicant, the applicant’s successors and assigns, shall run with the property,
and shall not in any way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change
from current ownership. The obligations of the applicant under this approval shall
also be the obligations of the current and any subsequent owners of the property.
6.2
5730 BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD – VARIANCE APPLICATION
PAGE 4 OF 4
5. Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the property for any of the uses allowed by
this variance shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to, its
terms and conditions without qualification, reservation, or exception.
City Council motion to approve the proposed resolution (attachment F) is requested.
6.2
Attachment A
Aerial Photo - Sign Location
6.2
Site Location and Public Hearing Notice Mailing Map
5730 Bottineau Boulevard
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal MN 55422
6.2
Zoning Map
5730 Bottineau Boulevard
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal MN 55422
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment C
6.2
Attachment D 6.2
Attachment E
6.2
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-________
RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE FOR 5730 BOTTINEAU BOULEVARD
WHEREAS, Scott Endres (“Applicant”) submitted an application for approval of a
certain variance for the property located at 5730 Bottineau Boulevard, and which is legally
described in the attached Exhibit A (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the requested variance is to allow a new monument sign on the Property that
does not meet the height and area requirements in the City’s Unified Development Code
(“UDC”), which is contained in Chapter V of the Crystal City Code. The requested variance
(“Variance”) is:
➢Height and Area: Allow a new monument sign on the Property not to exceed 25
feet in height and 150 sq. ft. in area; and
WHEREAS, requests for variances are processed and acted on in accordance with
Subsection 510.33 of the UDC; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the requested
Variance on October 10, 2022 and voted to forward the application to the City Council with a
recommendation that the Variance be approved with certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner’s report dated October 13, 2022 (“Staff Report”) regarding
this matter, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, is incorporated herein and made part of this
approval, except that the conditions set out below are controlling; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Applicant’s Variance request satisfies the
relevant criteria in Subsection 510.33, subd. 3 of the UDC and that the Applicant has sufficiently
demonstrated that practical difficulties exist under the present circumstances to support the
issuance of the requested Variance under the applicable rules and regulations of the Crystal City
Code and Minnesota law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Crystal,
based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the Staff Report, the record of this
matter and the findings and determinations contained herein, hereby approves the following
Variance at 5730 Bottineau Boulevard to place a monument sign on the Property that satisfies the
following:
➢Height: The sign cannot exceed 25 feet in height.
➢Area: The sign cannot exceed 150 sq. ft. in area.
Attachment F
6.2
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Variance granted herein is subject to compliance
with all of the following conditions of approval:
1. Sign Height and Area. The sign will not exceed 25 feet in height and 150 sq. ft. in
area.
2. Compliance. The variance is subject to the applicable requirements of the Crystal
City Code. The applicant is required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances and is required to obtain such other
permits and permissions as may be required.
3. No Waiver. Failure by the City to take action with respect to any violation of any
condition placed on the variance shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such condition
or any subsequent violation of the same or any other condition.
4. Binding Effect. This variance, and the conditions placed on its approval, are binding
on the Applicant, the Applicant’s successors and assigns, shall run with the property,
and shall not in any way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change
from current ownership. The obligations of the Applicant under this approval shall
also be the obligations of the current and any subsequent owners of the property.
5. Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the property for any of the uses allowed by
this variance shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to, its terms
and conditions without qualification, reservation, or exception.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 18th day of October 2022.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
6.2
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of the Property
Lot 2, Block 1, Ember’s 2nd Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota
6.2
EXHIBIT B
Planner’s Report
(attached hereto)
6.2
6.3
Utility Rate Study
-- City of Crystal
Crystal, Minnesota
October 13, 2022
5201 Eden Avenue, Ste 250
- 04 I Financial Edina, MN 55436
Y
Solutions P 952.835.9090
r 952.835.3261
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
Table of Contents
October 13, 2022
Introductory Section
I. Introduction
II. Assumptions
II. Utility Rate Study
Water Fund
Sanitary Sewer Fund
Storm Drainage Fund
Streetlight Fund
IV. Summary
Supplementary Information
Cash Flow Projections
Water Fund
Sanitary Sewer Fund
Storm Drainage Fund
Streetlight Fund
Page No.
4
7
10
14
18
23
25
27
29
31
INTRODUCTORY SECTION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL, MINNESOTA
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
I. Introduction
The City of Crystal, Minnesota (the City) owns and operates the Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drainage, and Streetlighting
utilities and is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure to serve the residents. The City's infrastructure (water,
sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and streetlights) is aging and in need of maintenance and replacement. The City
continues to implement a more proactive approach with an intentional focus on planning and coordinating projects. As
part of this proactive approach, the City is updating a long-term plan for its utilities and the rate analysis provided here is a
significant step in this challenging process.
The City has four customer classes, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional. Water and sanitary sewer
service is billed based on consumption; summer sewer consumption for residential is billed based on winter water
consumption. Storm drainage services are billed based on a Residential Equivalency Factor (REF). Streetlights are billed
a flat fee dependent on the number of residential or commercial units within a building. Billing is done on a quarterly
basis with one third of the city billed each month. The tables below summarize the number of customers by class.
Number of Accounts
Residential
7,627
Commercial
182
Industrial
20
Institutional
22
This rate study analyzes the cash flows of the Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drainage, and Streetlight utilities of the City.
Sources and uses of cash are projected for the years ending December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2032. The study uses
the current number and type of accounts to project future revenue at a suggested rate for each of the utility funds, each
year.
Annual capital costs are projected separately for each of the funds for the projection period. The City has a Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) that goes from 2023 to 2032.
The financial projection is based on billings at the current rate with an inflationary increase. Expense assumptions are
outlined in the assumptions section on the following page and present, to the best of management's knowledge and
belief, the City's expected results of cash flows for the projection period if such uses of cash occur. Accordingly, the
projection reflects management's judgment, as of the date of this projection, of the expected conditions and the City's
expected course of action if such usage and expense totals were incurred. The presentation is designed to provide
information to the City Council concerning recovery of expenses that might be achieved if rates were adjusted and should
not be considered to be a presentation of expected future results. Accordingly, this projection may not be useful for other
purposes. The assumptions disclosed herein are those that management believes are significant to the projection.
Furthermore, there will usually be differences between projected and actual results, because events and circumstances
frequently do not occur as expected and those differences may be material. It is also recommended that the Utility Rate
Study be updated every five years to adjust for changes in assumptions.
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
II. Assumptions
Water Fund
• Utility fees are inflated 7% annually.
• Operating expense inflation is assumed to be 3%.
• Planned acquisition of capital assets is taken from the City Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• The City currently charges a State Water Testing Fee of $2.43 per quarter. This fee is not included in the
calculations as it is pass -through revenue.
• Target cash reserves will be set at 100% of the following year's debt service and average of five years capital
expenses and 50% of the following years operating expenses. The Water utility currently has an interfund loan
with the Sanitary Sewer and Streetlight funds due to terminate in 2024. The amount remaining at the end of 2022
is $120,000.
Sanitary Sewer Fund
• Utility fees are inflated 7% annually.
• Operating expense inflation is assumed to be 3%.
• Planned acquisition of capital assets is taken from the City Capital Improvement Plan.
• Target cash reserve will be set at 100% of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50% of the
following years operating expenses. The Sanitary Sewer utility does not have any debt.
Storm Drainage Fund
• Utility fees are not increased in 2023 and 2024. Fees are inflated 3.5% to 7% annually beginning in 2025.
• Operating expense inflation is assumed to be 3%.
• Planned acquisition of capital assets is taken from the City CIP.
• Target cash reserve will be set at 100% of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50% of the
following years operating expenses. The Storm Drainage utility does not have any debt.
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
II. Assumptions (Continued)
Streetlight Fund
• Utility fees are inflated 7% annually.
• Operating expense inflation is assumed to be 3%.
• Planned acquisition of capital assets is taken from the City CIP.
• Target cash reserve will be set at 100% of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50% of the
following years operating expenses. The Streetlight utility does not have any debt.
A schedule of the planned capital projects is listed below. The assumption is that the City will be doing these projects at
some point during the projection period.
Water Fund
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Utility Reconstruction
1,100,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
1,500,000
1,500,000
1,600,000
1,750,000
1,850,000
2,000,000
1,300,000
1,200,000
Gate Value and Hydrant Replacement
75,000
75,000
75,000
30,000
75,000
30,000
75,000
30,000
75,000
75,000
75,000
Replace SENSUS Radios
-
-
350,000
350,000
350,000
350,000
350,000
350,000
-
-
-
42nd Ave Water Main Replacement
-
-
-
1,700,000
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial Meter Replacement
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
200,000
200,000
200,000
Total Water Fund Capital
1,175,000
1,075,000
1,925,000
1,880,000
1,925,000
3,680,000
2,175,000
2,230,000
2,275,000
1,575,000
1,475,000
Sanitary Sewer Fund
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
South Lift Building/Generator and Pump #2
350,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Utility Reconstruction
250,000
800,000
800,000
800,000
850,000
250,000
1,250,000
950,000
1,300,000
1,300,000
1,200,000
Sanitary Sewer Lining (outside of Recon)
-
100,000
-
100,000
-
-
-
100,000
-
100,000
-
Perry Lift Station Panel Replacement
-
70,000
-
-
-
East Lift Generator Replacement
-
200,000
42nd Avenue Sanitary Sewer Replacement
-
-
-
-
-
500,000
-
-
-
-
-
Total Sanitary Sewer Fund Capital
600,000
900,000
870,000
1,100,000
850,000
750,000
1,250,000
1,050,000
1,300,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
Storm Drainage Fund
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Utility Reconstruction
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
SCWMC 639W Wetland Project
(reimbursed by watershed)
200,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Rate Control, water quality, structure
Rehab projects
75,000
50,000
150,000
100,000
150,000
150,000
150,000
150,000
Saving for flood control structure
replacement
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,600,000
Bassett Creek Park Streambank
Stabilization and 29th culvert replacement
(3)
1,000,000
-
Pond dredging - Killmer Pond
-
750,000
Bass Lake Road storm water pipe
-
2,000,000
-
Storm Pipe Rehabilitation
-
420,000
Pond dredging - location to be determined
1,000,000
Basset Creek Park Pond Dredging
-
1,500,000
-
Total Storm Drainage Fund Capital
325,000
100,000
200,000
150,000
1,200,000
800,000
200,000
2,050,000
1,620,000
1,550,000
1,800,000
Streetlight Fund
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
HPS to LED conversion
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
-
-
Underground utility poles (42nd)
-
-
-
-
-
1,500,000
-
-
-
Total Streetlight Fund Capital
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
1,525,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study
Water Fund
The Water fund provides municipal water service to the community. The fund finances operations, maintenance, and
construction of the water systems. The primary revenue source of the Water Utility fund are base charges, consumption
fees, and water meter fees.
Base fees are fixed quarterly fees to help offset the cost of expenses incurred regardless of the amount of water
consumed.
Consumption charges are based on metered use of water. Consumption is charged based on a three-tier system to cover
costs from the Joint Water Commission, including purchasing water from the City of Minneapolis.
Water meter fees are fixed quarterly fees based on water meter size to cover meter related costs.
The Water fund will maintain a targeted cash balance sufficient to cover operations, capital and debt service. Target cash
balance for the fund refers to 100 percent of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of the
following years operating expenses. Fee rate increases are needed over the life of the projection to create sufficient cash
balances to meet the target cash reserves.
Rates
The following table presents the current utility rates, as well as rates for the next five years.
Water Fund
Current 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
7% 7% 7% 7% 7%
Water base fee 15.78 16.88 18.07 19.33 20.68 22.13
Water consumption (in thousand
gallons)
0 to 30
7.79
8.34
8.92
9.54
10.21
10.93
30 to 60
8.61
9.21
9.86
10.55
11.29
12.08
60 to oo
9.02
9.65
10.33
11.05
11.82
12.65
Water meter fee
5/8"
7.34
8.64
9.24
9.89
10.58
11.32
3/4"
8.07
8.64
9.24
9.89
10.58
11.32
1 "
11.30
12.09
12.94
13.85
14.82
15.85
11/2"
20.35
21.77
23.29
24.93
26.67
28.54
2"
59.00
63.13
67.55
72.28
77.34
82.75
3"
72.71
77.80
83.25
89.07
95.31
101.98
4"
92.54
99.01
105.94
113.36
121.30
129.79
6"
138.81
148.52
158.92
170.04
181.95
194.68
Fire Line meter fee
2"
13.50
14.45
15.46
16.54
17.70
18.93
3"
21.22
22.71
24.30
26.00
27.82
29.76
4"
31.19
33.37
35.70
38.20
40.88
43.74
6"
42.22
45.18
48.34
51.72
55.34
59.22
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Water Fund (Continued)
A summary water billing at the current rates and proposed rates are listed below. The proposed rates will result in cash
flows meeting the target cash reserves at the end of the projection period.
Proposed Increase on Rates
Quarterly Bill Based on 9,000 Gallons
Quarterly $ Increase for a 9,000 Gallon User
Annual $ Increase for An Average 9,000 Gallon User
Base Fee
Meter Fee Based on 5/8" Meter
Usage Fee - Per 1,000 gallons
0 30,000
30,001 60,000
60,001 999,999,999
Proposed increase on rates
Quarterly Bill Based on 14,000 Gallons
Quarterly $ Increase for a 14,000 Gallon User
Annual $ Increase for An Average 14,000 Gallon User
Base Fee
Meter Fee Based on 5/8' Meter
Usage Fee - Per 1,000 gallons
0 30,000
30,001 60,000
60,001 999,999,999
Water - Residential
Proposed
Rates
Current
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
$ 93.23
$ 99.76
$ 106.74
$ 114.21
$
122.21
$ 130.76
$ 139.91
$ 149.71
$ 160.19
$ 171.40
$ 183.40
6.53
6.98
7.47
7.99
8.55
9.15
9.79
10.48
11.21
12.00
26.10
27.93
29.89
31.98
34.22
36.61
39.18
41.92
44.85
47.99
$ 15.78
$ 16.88
$ 18.07
$ 19.33
$
20.68
$ 22.13
$ 23.68
$ 25.34
$ 27.11
$ 29.01
$ 31.04
$ 7.34
S 7.85
$ 8.40
$ 8.99
$
9.62
$ 10.29
$ 11.02
$ 11.79
$ 12.61
$ 13.49
$ 14.44
$ 7.79
$ 8.34
$ 8.92
$ 9.54
$
10.21
$ 10.93
$ 11.69
$ 12.51
S 13.38
$ 14.32
$ 15.32
$ 8,61
$ 9.21
$ 9.86
$ 10.55
$
11.29
$ 12.08
$ 12.92
$ 13.83
$ 14.79
$ 15.83
$ 16.94
$ 9.02
$ 9.65
$ 10.33
$ 11.05
$
11.82
$ 12.65
$ 13.64
$ 14.48
$ 15.50
$ 16.58
$ 17.74
Water -
Commercial
Proposed
Rates
Current
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
$ 132.18
$ 141.43
$ 151.33
$ 161.93
$
173,26
$ 185,39
$ 198.37
$ 212.25
$ 227.11
$ 243.01
$ 260.02
9.25
9.90
10.59
11.33
12.13
12.98
13.89
14.86
15.90
17.01
37.01
39.60
42.37
45.34
48.51
51.91
55.54
59.43
63.59
68.04
S 15.78
8 16.88
$ 18.07
$ 19.33
$
20.68
$ 22.13
$ 23.68
$ 25.34
$ 27.11
$ 29.01
$ 31.04
$ 7.34
$ 7.85
$ 8.40
$ 8.99
$
9.62
$ 10.29
$ 11.02
$ 11.79
$ 12.61
$ 13.49
S 14.44
S 7.79
$ 8.34
$ 8.92
$ 9.54
$
10.21
$ 10.93
$ 11.69
$ 12.51
$ 13.38
$ 14.32
$ 15.32
$ 8.61
$ 9.21
$ 9.86
$ 10.55
$
11.29
$ 12.08
$ 12.92
$ 13.83
$ 14.79
$ 15.83
$ 16.94
$ 9.02
$ 9.65
$ 10.33
$ 11..05
$
11.82
$ 12.65
$ 13.54
$ 14.48
$ 15.50
$ 16.58
$ 17.74
The table below summarizes comparable communities' quarterly Residential bill if average usage is 9,000 gallons.
Currently, Crystal has Water rates near the top of the comparable communities, increasing the Water rates as proposed
will increase Crystal's Water rates to the top comparable range. It is important to note that some communities do not
charge a residential meter fee based on meter size.
Residential Water
Quarterly Bill ($)
v 2022
Brooklyn Park
$ 38.50
Brooklyn Center
47.54
Golden Valley
82.65
Robbinsdale
92.40
Crystal
93.23
New Hope
93.33
Crystal (Proposed 2023)
99.76
Average quarterly bill w/o Crystal $ 72.36
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Water Fund (Continued)
$120.00
$100.00
$80.00
$60.00
$40.00
$20.00
$ 0.00
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
COMPARISON OF QUARTERLY WATER BILLINGS
Brooklyn Brooklyn Golden Robbinsdale Crystal New Hope Crystal
Park Center Valley (Proposed
2023)
The following graph summarizes revenues and expenditures with the proposed rate increases.
9M
8M
7M
61,1
:g� 5M
4M
3M
2M
1M
0
2019
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
® Operating Expenses Current Debt Service Capital Improvements 8 Sale of Water Service
■ Developer Contributions ■ Borrowed Funds ■ Other operating Revenue ■ Non -Operating Revenue
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Water Fund (Continued)
The following graph shows the cash projection with the proposed rate increases. The red dotted line represents 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The black dotted line represents the target cash reserves (100 percent
of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of the following years operating expenses).
Throughout the projection, the cash balances is between the operating expense component of the target cash reserve and
the full cash reserve. Cash balances reach the target cash reserve in the 2030.
7M
6M
5M
4M
3M
2M
1M
0-
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
— Cash Position .•..• Cash Position Target ••.•• Operating Threshold
Sanitary Sewer Fund
The Sanitary Sewer fund participates in the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) sanitary sewer program.
MCES charges the City annually for sewer service and treatment. The annual MCES charge is based on the City's portion
of measured wastewater volume from the prior year and therefore varies annually.
The primary revenue source of the Sewer Utility fund are base charges, consumption fees, and water meter fees.
Base fees are fixed quarterly fees to help offset the cost of expenses incurred regardless of the amount of sanitary sewer
used.
Consumption charges are based on metered use of water. Consumption is charged based on a three-tier system to cover
costs for wastewater treatment by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services.
The Sanitary Sewer fund will maintain a targeted cash balance sufficient to cover operations, capital and debt service.
Target cash balance for the fund refers to 100 percent of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The Sanitary Sewer fund does not have debt. Based on the current
state, the cash balance will not be sufficient to meet the target reserves and operating cash will not generate enough
surplus to cover operating expenses and future capital expenses until 2030. Fee rate increases are needed over the life of
the projection to create sufficient cash balances to meet the target cash reserves.
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Sanitary Sewer Fund (Continued)
Rates
The following table presents the current utility rates, as well as rates for the next five years.
Sanitary Sewer Fund
Current 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Base fee 13.38 14.32 15.32 16.39 17.54 18.77
Residential Usage (in thousand gallons)
0 to 30
5.51
5.89
6.31
6.75
7.22
7.73
30 to 60
6.75
7.22
7.73
8.27
8.85
9.47
60 to 00
7.99
8.55
9.15
9.79
10.48
11.21
Commercial Usage (in thousand
gallons)
0 to 30
9.31
9.96
10.66
11.40
12.20
13.06
30 to 60
10.55
11.29
12.08
12.93
13.83
14.80
60 to 00
11.79
12.62
13.50
14.45
15.46
16.54
A summary sanitary sewer billing at the current rates and proposed rates are listed below. The proposed rates will result
in cash flows meeting the target cash reserves at the end of the projection period.
Sewer - Residential
Proposed Rates
Current
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
7%
Quarterly Bill Based on 9,000 Gallons
$
62.97
$ 67.38
$ 7209.
$ 77.14
$
82.54
$ 88.32
$ 94.50
$ 101.12
$ 108.19
$ 115.77
$ 123.87
Quarterly $ Increase for a 9,000 Gallon User
4.41
4.72
5.05
5.40
5.78
6.18
6.62
7.08
7,57
8.10
Annual $ Increase for An Average 9,000 Gallon User
17.63
18.87
20.19
21.60
23.11
24.73
26.46
28.31
30.29
32.41
Base Fee
$
13.38
$ 14.32
$ 15.32
$ 16.39
$
17.54
$ 18.77
$ 20.08
$ 21.49
$ 22.99
$ 24.60
$ 26.32
Meter Fee
$
-
$ -
$ -
$ -
$
-
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ _
$ -
$ _
Usage Fee - Per 1,000 gallons
0 30,000
$
5.51
$ 5.90
$ 6.31
$ 6.75
$
7.22
$ 7.73
$ 8.27
$ 8.85
$ 9.47
$ 10.13
$ 10.84
30,001 60,000
$
6.75
$ 7.22
$ 7.73
$ 8.27
$
8.85
$ 9.47
$ 10.13
$ 10.84
$ 11.60
$ 12.41
$ 13.28
60,001 999,999,999
$
7.99
$ 8.55
$ 9.15
$ 9.79
$
10.47
$ 11.21
$ 11.99
$ 12.83
$ 13.73
$ 14.69
$ 15.72
Sewer -
Commercial
Proposed Rates
Current
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7-0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
7.0%
Z0%
Quarterly Bill Based on 14,000 Gallons
$
143.72
$ 153.78
$ 164.55
$ 176.06
$
188.39
$ 201.57
$ 215.68
$ 230.78
$ 246.94
$ 264.22
$ 282.72
Quarterly $ Increase for a 14,000 Gallon User
10.06
10.76
11.52
12.32
13.19
14.11
15.10
16.15
17.29
18.50
Annual $ Increase for An Average 14,000 Gallon User
40.24
43.06
46.07
49,30
52.75
56.44
60.39
64.62
69.14
73.98
Base Fee
$
13.38
$ 14.32
$ 15.32
S 16.39
$
17.54
$ 18.77
$ 20.08
$ 21.49
$ 22.99
$ 24.60
$ 26.32
Meter Fee
$
-
$ -
$ -
$ -
$
-
$ -
$
$ _
$ -
$ -
$ -.
Usage Fee - Per 1,000 gallons
0 30,000
$
9.31
$ 9.96
$ 10.66
$ 11.41
$
12.20
$ 13.06
$ 13.97
$ 14.95
$ 16.00
$ 17.12
$ 18.31
30,001 60,000
$
10.55
$ 11.29
$ 12.08
$ 12.92
$
13.83
$ 14.80
$ 15.83
$ 16.94
$ 18.13
$ 19.40
$ 20.75
60;001 999,999,999
$
11.79
$ 12.62
$ 13.50
$ 14.44
$
15.45
$ 16.54
$ 17.69
$ 18.93
$ 20.26
$ 21.68
$ 23.19
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Sanitary Sewer Fund (Continued)
The table below summarizes comparable communities quarterly Residential bill if average Sanitary Sewer is billed based
on water consumption and at an average rate of 9,000 gallons per quarter. Currently, Crystal has Sanitary Sewer rates in
the middle of the comparable communities. Increase the Sanitary Sewer rates as proposed will allow Crystal's Sanitary
Sewer rates to meet the target cash reserves over the life of the projection and remain within comparable range.
Residential Sanitary Sewer
Quarterly Bill ($)
City 2022
Brooklyn Park $ 44.80
Crystal 62.97
Crystal (Proposed 2023) 67.38
Golden Valley 86.39
New Hope 93.12
Robbinsdale 96.21
Brooklyn Center 98.27
Average quarterly bill w/o Crystal $ 83.76
COMPARISON OF QUARTERLY SANITARYSEWER
BILLINGS
$120.00
$100.00
$80.00
$60.00
$40.00
$20.00
$_
Brooklyn Park Crystal Crystal Golden Valley New Hope Robbinsdale Brooklyn
(Proposed Center
2023)
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Sanitary Sewer Fund (Continued)
The following graph summarizes revenues and expenditures with the proposed rate increases.
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
s Operating Expenses — Capital Improvements ■ Sale of Sewer Service ■ Other Operating Revenue ■ Non -Operating Revenue
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
Ill. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Sanitary Sewer Fund (Continued)
The following graph shows the cash projection with the proposed rate increases. The red dotted line represents 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The black dotted line represent the target cash reserves (100 percent
of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of the following years operating expenses).
Throughout the projection, the cash balances is between the operating expense component of the target cash reserve and
the full cash reserve. Cash balances reach the target cash reserve in the 2030.
5 NI
4.5M
4 11
3.5h1
3 NI
.2.5hI
2 hI
1.SNI
500k
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
— Cash Position ••••• Cash Position Target ••••• Operating Threshold
Storm Drainage Fund
The Storm Drainage fund finances operations, maintenance, and construction of the storm sewer systems. The primary
revenue source of the Storm Water Utility fund are fees based on the residential equivalency factor (REF) assigned to the
property type.
The Storm Drainage fund will maintain a targeted cash balance sufficient to cover operations, capital and debt service.
Target cash balance for the fund refers to 100 percent of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The Storm Drainage fund does not have debt. Based on the current
state, the cash balance are sufficient to meet the target reserves and operating cash, however, there are large capital
projects expected in years beyond the projection. Fee rate increases are needed over the life of the projection to create
sufficient cash balances to meet the target cash reserves after these large projects.
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Storm Drainage Fund (Continued)
Rates
The following table presents the current utility rates, as well as rates for the next five years.
Storm Drainage Fund
Current 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
0%
0%
4%
4.5%
5%
Single-family Residential
22.15 22.15
22.15
23.04
24.07
25.28
Two-family Residential
22.15 22.15
22.15
23.04
24.07
25.28
Cemetaries and Vacant Land *
5.04 5.04
5.04
5.24
5.48
5.75
Parks and Railroads *
15.11 15.11
15.11
15.71
16.42
17.24
Schools, Institutional and Aiports *
25.19 25.19
25.19
26.20
27.38
28.75
Multi -family Residential and Churches *
60.45 60.45
60.45
62.87
65.70
68.98
Commercial *
100.75 100.75
100.75
104.78
109.50 114.97
* = fee x REF x acre
A summary storm drainage billing at the current rates and proposed rates are listed below. The proposed
rates will
result
in cash flows meeting the target cash reserves at the end of the projection period.
Storm Drainage • Residential
Proposed Rates
Current 2023
2024 2025 2026
2027
2028
2029 2030
2031
2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates 0),
0% 4% 4.5%
5%
5%
5% 5%
5%
5%
Quarterly Bill Based Single-family Residential $ 22.15 $ 22.15
$ 22.15 $ 23.04 $ 24.07
$ 25.28
$ 26.54 $
27.87 $ 29.26
$ 30.72
$ 32.26
Quarterly $ Increase for a Single-family Residential
0.89 1.04
1.20
1.26
1.33 1.39
1.46
1.54
Annual $ Increase for a Single-family Residential
3.54 4.15
4.81
5.06
5.31 5.57
5.85
6.14
Storm Drainage • Commercial
Proposed Rates
Current 2023 2024 2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates
0% 0% 4%
4.5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
Quarterly Bill Based on REF of 5 and 2.10 acres
$ 1,057.88 $ 1,057.88 $ 1,057.88 $ 1,100.19
$ 1,149.70
$ 1,207.18
$ 1,267.54
$ 1,330.92
$ 1,397.47
$ 1,467.34
$ 1,540.71
Quarterly $ Increase for REF of 5 and 2.10 acres
- 42.32
49.51
57.48
60.36
63.38
66.55
69.87
73.37
Annual $ Increase for REF of 5 and 2.10 acres
- 169.26
198.03
229.94
241.44
253.51
266.18
279.49
293.47
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Storm Drainage Fund (Continued)
The table below summarizes comparable communities quarterly Residential bill if average Storm Drainage is billed based
on a single-family residential property. Currently, Crystal has Storm Drainage rates in the middle of the comparable
communities. Increasing the Storm Drainage rates as proposed will allow Crystal's Storm Drainage rates to meet the
target cash reserves over the life of the projection and remain within comparable range.
Residential Storm Drainage
Quarterly Bill ($)
Citv 2022
Brooklyn Center
$ 17.10
Brooklyn Park
19.78
Crystal
22.15
Crystal (Proposed 2023)
22.15
Golden Valley
27.00
New Hope
27.39
Robbinsdale
49.50
Average quarterly bill w/o Crystal $ 28.15
COMPARISON OF QUARTERLY STORM DRAINAGE BILLINGS
$60.00
$50.00 -
$40.00
$30.00
$20.00
$10.00
$JIM
-
Brooklyn Brooklyn Park Crystal
Center
Crystal Golden Valley New Hope Robbinsdale
(Proposed
2023)
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
111. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Storm Drainage Fund (Continued)
The following graph summarizes revenues and expenditures with the proposed rate increases.
3111
2.51,1
2M
�A-
"1.5M
1M
500k
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2025 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
— Operating Expenses Capital Improvements ■ Sale of Storm Service ■ Borrowed Funds
■ Grants ■ Other Operating Revenue ■ Non -Operating Revenue
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Storm Drainage Fund (Continued)
The following graph shows the cash projection with the proposed rate increases. The red dotted line represents 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The black dotted line represents the target cash reserves (100 percent
of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of the following years operating expenses).
Throughout the projection, the cash balances are above the target cash reserve projection. This is due to large capital
projects expected beyond this projection for flood control improvements.
5M
4.5M
4M
3.5M
3M
v2.5M
2M
1.5M
1M
SOOk...............................................................................................................
0 --
2019
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
— Cash Position ••••• Cash Position Target ••••• operating Threshold
Streetlight Fund
The Streetlight fund finances operations, maintenance, and construction of the streetlight system. The primary revenue
source of the Streetlight Utility fund are per unit base fees.
The Streetlight fund will maintain a targeted cash balance sufficient to cover operations, capital and debt service. Target
cash balance for the fund refers to 100 percent of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of
the following years operating expenses. The Streetlight fund does not have debt. Based on the current state, the cash
balance is sufficient to meet the target reserves until 2027. A large capital project in 2027 depletes the operating cash
balance and causes operating cash to fall below the target cash reserve balance. Fee rate increases are needed over the
life of the projection to create sufficient cash balances to meet the target cash reserves in the outer years of the
projection.
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Streetlight Fund (Continued)
Rates
The following table presents the current utility rates, as well as rates for the next five years.
Streetlight Fund
Current 2023 2024 2025
2026 2027
7% 7% 7% 7.0% 7%
Single-family Residential 5.00 5.35 5.72 6.13 6.55 7.01
Multi -family Residential (per unit) 3.75 4.01 4.29 4.59 4.92 5.26
Commercial (per business) 5.00 5.35 5.72 6.13 6.55 7.01
A summary streetlight billing at the current rates and proposed rates are listed below. The proposed rates will result in
cash flows meeting the target cash reserves at the end of the projection period.
Streetlight - Residential & Commercial
Proposed Rates
Current 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates 7`y° 7% 7°% 7% 7% 7% 7% 7°% 7% 7%
Quarterly Bill Based Single-family Res./l Unit Comm. $ 5.00 $ 5.35 $ 5.72 $6.13 $ 6.55 $ 7.01 $ 7.50 $ 8.03 $ 8.59 $ 9.19 $ 9.84
Quarterly $ Increase for a Single-family Res./1 Unit Comm. 0.35 0.37 0.40 0.43 0.46 0.49 0.53 0.56 0.60 0.64
Annual $ Increase for a Single-family Res./1 Unit Comm. 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.72 1.84 1.96 2.10 2.25 2.41 2.57
Streetlight • Multi -Family Residential
Proposed Rates
Current 2023
2024
2025
2026
2027 2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
Proposed increase on fixed rates
7%
7%
7°%
7°%
7% 7%
7%
7°%
7%
7%
Quarterly Bill Based on 19 units
$ 71.25 $ 76.24
$ 81.57
$ 87.28
$ 93.39
$ 99.93 $ 106.93
$ 114.41
$ 122.42
$ 130.99
$ 140.16
Quarterly $ Increase for 19 units
4.99
5.34
5.71
6.11
6.54 7.00
7.48
8.01
8.57
9.17
Annual $ Increase for 19 units
19.95
21.35
22.84
24.44
26.15 27.98
29.94
32.04
34.28
36.68
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Streetlight Fund (Continued)
The table below summarizes comparable communities quarterly Residential bill if average Streetlighting is billed based on
a single-family residential property. Currently, Crystal has Streetlight rates in the middle of the comparable communities.
Increasing the Streetlight rates as proposed will allow Crystal's Streetlight rates to remain within comparable range and
allowing sufficient cash reserves.
Residential Streetlights
Quarterly Bill ($)
Citv 2022
New Hope $
4.35
Crystal
5.00
Crystal (Proposed 2023)
5.35
Brooklyn Center
6.55
Brooklyn Park
12.20
Robbinsdale
N/A
Golden Valley
N/A
Average quarterly bill w/o Crystal $
7.70
COMPARISON OF QUARTERLY STREETLIGHT BILLINGS
$14.00
$12.00 -
$10.00 -
$8.00
$6.00
$4.00 - —
$2.00
$- New Hope Crystal Crystal (Proposed Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Park
2023)
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Streetlight Fund (Continued)
The following graph summarizes revenues and expenditures with the proposed rate increases.
1.6M
1.4M
1.2M
1M
lA-
800k
600k
400k
200k
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 202E 2027 2023 2029 2030 2051 2032
— Operating Expenses — Capital improvements ■ Sale of Semite ■ Grants
■ Other Operating Revenue ■ Non -Operating Revenue
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
III. Utility Rate Study (Continued)
Streetlight Fund (Continued)
The following graph shows the cash projection with the proposed rate increases. The red dotted line represents 50
percent of the following years operating expenses. The black dotted line represents the target cash reserves (100 percent
of the following year's debt service and average capital and 50 percent of the following years operating expenses). Cash
balances are above the target cash reserve until 2028 due to the large capital project to put in underground utilities at 42nd
Avenue. Cash balances will begin increasing in the outer years of the projection to create reserves for future streetlight
projects.
1111
900k
800k
700k
600k
" 500k
40ok
300k
200k
1 OOk .............................. ...........................
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
— Cash Position •.••• Cash Position Target ••.•• Operating Threshold
City of Crystal, Minnesota
Water and Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
October 13, 2022
IV. Summary
As evidenced in the discussions above, it appears the City's utility rates are competitive with similar communities. An
increase in rates will help the utility funds to achieve sufficient cash flows to meet the target cash reserves. A summary
of Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drainage, and Streetlight billing at the current rates and proposed rates are listed below.
The rate increases as proposed will result in an increase of $3.76 per month for a 9,000 gallon residential user.
Total - Residential
Proposed Rates
Current 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032
6.2°%
6.2%
6.7%
6.7%
6.8%
6.8%
6.8%
6.8%
6.8%
6.8%
Quarterly Bill Based on 9,000 Gallons $
183.35 $ 194.63
$ 206.71
$ 220.51
$ 235.37
$ 251.37
$ 268.46
$ 286.72
$ 306.23
$ 327.08
$ 349.36
Quarterly $ Increase fora 9,000 Gallon User
11.28
12.07
13,81
14.86
15.99
17.09
18.26
19.51
20.85
22.28
Annual $ Increase for An Average 9,000 Gallon User
45.14
48.30
55.22
59.44
63.98
68.36
73.04
78.05
83.40
89.13
Monthly $ Increase for an Average 9,000 Gallon User
3.76
4.02
4.60
4.95
5.33
5.70
6.09
6.50
6.95
7.43
The charts below present the total quarterly utility bill for an average Residential customer using proposed rates for Water,
Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drainage, and Streetlighting. The total quarterly utility bill for an average residential customer
under the proposed rates is to comparable communities is presented below.
Comparison of Total Quarterly Residential Utility Bill (Average 9,000 gallons)
$300
$250
4.35
$200
5.35
27.39
49.50
6.55
5.00
`
-;
22.15
27.00
2 2.15
$150
17.10
12.20
62.97
67.38
86.39
93.12
96.21
$100
1�19.78
98.27
$50
44.80
38.50
47:
Z93.23
99. 6
82.65
93.33
92.40-
OW
AJI
$0
Brooklyn Park-
Brooklyn Center-
Crystal - $183.35
Crystal (Proposed
Golden Valley-
New Hope- $218.19
Robbinsdale-
$115.28
$169.49
2023) - $194.64
$196.04
$238.11
■Water eSewer ■Storm Drainage ■Streetlights
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
CRYSTAL, MINNESOTA
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
Memorandum
DATE: October 18, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: Jean McGann, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Consideration of Resolution Approving Internal Loans from the Street
Improvement Fund, Police Revolving Fund, Water Fund and Storm Water
Fund to the Building Fund to provide temporary funding for the Police
Department Facility Renovation and Construction.
Introduction:
The Long-Term Plan included renovation and construction of the Police Department
Facility in the amount of $16,000,000.00. As a part of the funding, it was determined
that internal loans in the amount of $7,570,000 would be needed.
Discussion:
The Building Fund did not have adequate funds available to fund all of the City’s portion
of the Police Department Facility Renovation and Construction project.
Staff recommended that funding be provided on a temporary basis from the following
funds to assist in covering the project costs. The internal loans have been modeled in
the City’s long term plan at a zero percent interest rate and are expected to be fully paid
back by 2032.
The repayment period is identified below for each of the funds.
Repayment
Fund Loan Amount Period
Street Improvement 5,000,000$ 2024 - 2032
Police Revolving 1,170,000 2025 - 2032
Water 900,000 2023 - 2030
Storm Water 500,000 2022 - 2029
Total Internal Loans 7,570,000$
Recommended City Council Action(s):
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the attached resolution approving
the internal loans from the Street Improvement Fund, Police Revolving Fund, Water
Fund and Storm Water Fund to the Building Fund.
6.5
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-_______
RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERNAL LOANS FROM THE STREET
IMPROVEMENT FUND, POLICE REVOLVING FUND, WATER FUND AND STORM
WATER FUND TO THE BUILDING FUND
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Renovation and Construction of the Police
Department Facility as identified in the Long-Term Plan, and
WHEREAS, internal loans of $7,570,000 are needed for the Building Fund to have
sufficient cash to pay for renovation and construction costs, and
WHEREAS, the following funds would provide the funding as follows:
Fund Loan Amount
Street Improvement 5,000,000$
Police Revolving 1,170,000
Water 900,000
Storm Water 500,000
Total Internal Loans 7,570,000$
WHEREAS, it is projected that these funds would be able to repay the loans with zero
percent interest by 2032 following the schedule below:
Crystal Internal Loans 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Total
Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Amounts Repayments
Building Fund Internal Loans
Street Improvement (200,000)$ (700,000)$ (500,000)$ (500,000)$ (400,000)$ (300,000)$ (500,000)$ (600,000)$ (1,300,000)$ (5,000,000)$
Police Revolving Fund - (250,000) (115,000) (115,000) (100,000) - (150,000) (200,000) (240,000) (1,170,000)
Fleet - -
IT - - - - - - - - -
Water - - (100,000) (250,000) (150,000) (200,000) (200,000) - (900,000)
Storm Water - (100,000) (100,000) (100,000) (100,000) (100,000) - - - (500,000)
Information Technology - - - - - - - -
(200,000)$ (1,050,000)$ (815,000)$ (965,000)$ (750,000)$ (600,000)$ (850,000)$ (800,000)$ (1,540,000)$ (7,570,000)$
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Crystal, Minnesota, hereby
approves the following:
The Building Fund will receive funding in the amount of $5,000,000 from the Street
Improvement Fund, $1,170,000 from the Police Revolving Fund, $900,000 from the
Water Fund and $500,000 from the Storm Water Fund. The internal loans will be repaid
by 2032 and includes zero percent interest.
6.5
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Crystal this 18th day of October 2022.
___________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Christina Serres, City Clerk
6.5
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.7
CCCRRRYYYSSSTTTAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT
“Service with Compassion, Integrity, & Professionalism”
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stephanie K. Revering, Chief of Police
CC: Anne Norris, City Manager
DATE: October 12, 2022
SUBJECT: Regular Agenda: October 18, 2022 Council Meeting
___________________________________________________________________________
MMEEMMOORRAANNDDUUMM
BACKGROUND
For the last few years, we have partnered with Eckberg Lammers for our city prosecution
services. We would like to continue with that relationship and have attached their contract for
review.
CONSIDERATION
We are asking for your approval of the contract for 2023/24 which indicates $11,850 per
month for 2023 and $12,250 per month for 2024 (they have asked for a 3% increase for 2024)
with Eckberg Lammers, and we have sufficient funds in our police department operating
budget.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
6.8
[15453-00057/3074122/1] 1
AGREEMENT FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION SERVICES
This Agreement, entered into between the CITY OF CRYSTAL, a Minnesota municipal
corporation (City) and the law firm of ECKBERG LAMMERS P.C., (Criminal Prosecution
Attorney) as of January 1, 2023, provides as follows:
SECTION 1
BACKGROUND: FINDINGS
1.1 Authority. The appointment and removal of the Criminal Prosecution Attorney are made
by the City Council.
1.2 Council Determination. At a duly called regular meeting of the City Council held on
October 18, 2022, the City Council determined that the law firm of Eckberg Lammers, P.C.
be engaged as Criminal Prosecution Attorney, with Thomas Weidner and Derek
Archambault, of that firm serving as chief prosecutors for the City and instructed the City
Manager to prepare an agreement between the firm and the City setting forth the terms and
conditions of the engagement.
SECTION 2
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.3 Consideration. In consideration of the mutual promises and conditions contained in this
Agreement the City and the Criminal Prosecution Attorney agree to the terms and
conditions set forth herein.
1.4 Criminal Prosecution Attorney Appointment. The City appoints the firm of Eckberg,
Lammers P.C. as Criminal Prosecution Attorney, with Thomas Weidner and Derek
Archambault acting as primary prosecutors for the City.
1.5 Usual and Customary Criminal Prosecution Services. The Criminal Prosecution Attorney
agrees to perform all usual and customary criminal prosecution services for the City in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to the following
primary responsibilities for the criminal prosecution services:
General Responsibilities:
Represent and prosecute all criminal law matters within the City's jurisdiction, included
but not limited to scheduling, and attending all necessary hearings, trials, arraignments,
and post-conviction hearing as required, coordinating officer and witness appearances,
reviewing all criminal cases presented for purposes of prosecution, determine technical
compliance with criminal code and other state statutes, writing complaints, making
recommendations to the Court for alternatives to prosecution where appropriate, act as a
resource to the Police Department in the development of criminal cases, and provide
training sessions for Police and other City staff as needed.
Provide timely pursuit of disposition of criminal cases in advance of actual Court cases to
avoid unnecessary officer court time.
6.8
[15453-00057/3074122/1] 2
Process, prosecute, and present forfeiture cases on behalf of Police Department.
The criminal prosecution attorney is required to be knowledgeable in a variety of legal
areas, including but not limited to:
• Criminal Prosecution
• Trial activity
• General municipal laws
• City Code issues
• General state and federal laws relating to prosecution matters
• General Government Data Practices
• Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program and enforcement Specific Responsibilities:
The criminal prosecution services that are required by the City and covered by a
fixed retainer fee include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
1. Meetings and/or telephone conversations with and advising Mayor, Council
Members, City Administrator, Police Chief, and other authorized staff on
general criminal legal matters.
2. Research and submission of legal opinions on criminal legal matters
requested by City Administrator, Police Chief or other authorized staff;
availability to answer staff questions by telephone.
3. Legal consultation and general support for Mayor, Council Members, City
Administrator, Police Chief and other authorized staff on general criminal
legal matters.
4. Provide a high level of customer service by responding in a prompt manner.
5. Prosecute all petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and statutorily delegated
gross misdemeanor offenses committed within the corporate limits of the
City. This includes all such cases initiated by any law enforcement agency
and citizen complaints including, but not limited to, traffic violations, DUI
cases, theft, City Code violations and crime-free multi-housing
enforcement.
6. Provide advice, consultation and training where required to the City's Police
Department and to all other departments of the City in the interpretation and
enforcement of statutes, ordinances and investigations of violations in
connection with the prosecution of criminal cases.
7. Prepare criminal complaints where facts warrant.
8. Evaluate all cases where a plea of not guilty is entered and prosecute where
warranted.
9. Prepare appropriate pre-trial notices as required.
10. Seek such additional investigation as required.
11. Negotiate and enter plea bargains where deemed advisable.
6.8
[15453-00057/3074122/1] 3
12. Represent the City at all pre-trial motions.
13. Perform all legal research and prepare briefs when required.
14. Try all jury and court cases as necessitated.
15. Review ordinances as requested.
16. Render written opinions on criminal prosecution matters when requested,
including interpretation of statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
17. Ensure proper notification and preparation of police officers and staff for
trial.
18. Assist in resolving criminal prosecution matters not resulting in litigation.
As part of the firm's comprehensive flat fee prosecution services, no charges are every
imposed for phone calls. The firm encourages police officers and staff to contact any of
our prosecuting attorneys. If a phone call evolves into a project or work item, that item
shall be covered by the flat fee retainer agreement. The firm has found this approach is
welcomed by its law enforcement clients, as it provides for unfettered legal advice without
Compensation for Criminal Prosecution Services. For criminal prosecution services in the
years 2023 and 2024, the City agrees to compensate the Criminal Prosecution Attorney as
follows:
2023 2024
Retainer Fee (monthly amount) $11,850.00 $12,250.00
1.6 Compensation for Expenses. The City will compensate the Criminal Prosecution Attorney
for the following actual and necessary expenses incurred by the Criminal Prosecution
Attorney on behalf of the City:
The following charges are passed through by the criminal prosecuting attorney to the City
at cost:
• Process Server Fees;
• Court Filing Fees;
• Document Recording & Closing Fees
• Court Reporter Transcription Fees
1.7 Billing Statements. Billings by the Criminal Prosecution Attorney to the City for services
will be on a monthly basis, except as may otherwise be agreed upon by the parties. The
billing statement shall state FOR PROSECUTUION SERVICES concerning the services
performed and the nature and extent of costs and disbursements. The statement shall also
contain a summary that shows the total fees, charges and disbursements.
1.8 Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be for two years. The rates specified
in this Agreement will remain in effect for the term of this Agreement.
6.8
[15453-00057/3074122/1] 4
For legal services in the year 2023 and beyond, the City reserves the right to extend this
Agreement and to compensate the Criminal Prosecution Attorney as determined and
negotiated by the City and Criminal Prosecution Attorney.
1.9 Primary Prosecutor. It is the intention of the parties and it is hereby agreed by the Criminal
Prosecution Attorney, that the term primary prosecutors as used herein means and refers to
Thomas Weidner and Derek Archambault who will, except in the case of extraordinary
circumstances involving disability, unavoidable conflict or other good and substantial
reasons, supervise and be responsible to the City for the criminal prosecution services to
be provided.
1.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, any attached exhibits and any addenda or amendments
signed by the parties shall constitute the entire agreement between the City and the
Criminal Prosecution Attorney, and supersedes any other written or oral agreements
between the City and the Criminal Prosecution Attorney. This Agreement can only be
modified in writing signed by the City and the Criminal Prosecution Attorney.
1.11 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the City at any time or by the Criminal
Prosecution Attorney upon 60 days written notice.
1.12 Conflict of Interest. The Criminal Prosecution Attorney shall use best efforts to meet all
professional obligations to avoid conflicts of interest and appearances of impropriety in
representation of the City. In the event of a conflict, the Criminal Prosecution Attorney
shall arrange for suitable alternative legal representation. It is the intent of the Criminal
Prosecution Attorney to refrain from handling legal matters for any other person or entity
that may pose a conflict of interest.
1.13 Agreement Not Assignable. Except as provided in Paragraph 1.12 of this Agreement
relating to conflicts of interest, the rights and obligations created by this Agreement may
not be assigned by either party.
1.14 Independent Contractor Status. All services provided by the Criminal Prosecution Attorney
pursuant to this Agreement shall be provided by the Criminal Prosecution Attorney as an
independent contractor and not as an employee of the City for any purpose, including but
not limited to: income tax withholding, workers' compensation, unemployment
compensation, FICA taxes, liability for torts and eligibility for employee benefits.
1.15 Work Product. All records, information, materials and other work product prepared and
developed in connection with the provision of services pursuant to this Agreement shall
become the property of the City.
1.16 Insurance and Indemnification. Criminal Prosecution Attorney agrees to maintain a valid
policy of Professional Liability Insurance for the duration of this Agreement. The value of
the policy shall not be less than the cap for municipal tort liability as established by
Minnesota Statutes. Criminal Prosecution Attorney further agrees to defend, indemnify,
and hold harmless the City, its agents and employees against all causes of actions against
the City or any of its agents or employees that arise from or as a result of the Criminal
Prosecution Attorney's negligent actions or advice under the terms of this Agreement.
6.8
[15453-00057/3074122/1] 5
1.17 Data Practices Act Compliance. Data provided to the Criminal Prosecution Attorney under
this Agreement shall be administered in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data
Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
1.18 Choices of Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the state of Minnesota. Any disputes, controversies, or claims
arising out of this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of Minnesota, and
all parties to this Agreement waive any objection to the jurisdiction of these courts, whether
based on convenience or otherwise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their
proper officers and representatives as of the day and year first above written.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
Dated: ____________________________
Mayor
Dated: ____________________________
City Manager
ECKBERG LAMMERS, P.C.
Dated: ____________________________
Thomas J. Weidner,
Criminal Prosecution Attorney
6.8
6.9
6.9
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: October 12, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
RE: 2023 Wages and Benefits for Non-represented Employees
PURPOSE
To request City Council approval of the 2023 wage adjustment and city contributions for
insurance for all non-represented employees.
BACKGROUND
Wages
The Labor Agreement for Local #49 (Local 49) calls for a wage increase of 3.25% and a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 2023 has been approved by the union. The Local
#44 (Police Officers) and Local #56 (Police Supervisors) will begin contract negotiations soon.
We are recommending a 3.25% increase for non-represented employees in the City of Crystal,
consistent with the Local 49 settlement and with council direction.
Health Insurance: (Employer Contribution)
Likewise, we are recommending the following contributions for insurance:
2023 (Employer Contribution):
2023
Employer
Contribution
Towards
Premium
2023
Monthly
Premium
$30 Copay
2023
Monthly Premium
$30 Copay with
90/10%
Coinsurance
2023
Monthly
Premium
HDHP w/HSA
2022
Employer
Contribution
Towards
Premium
Employee Single $1,017.00 $1,261.00 $1,200.00 $806.00 $939.00
Employee + Spouse $1,660.00 $2,648.50 $2,519.50 $1,692.00 $1,513.50
Employee + Child(ren) $1,579.00 $2,522.00 $2,399.50 $1,611.00 $1,438.50
Family $2,062.50 $3,278.50 $3,119.00 $2,094.50 $1,877.00
A $5.00 increase towards the cost of dental insurance for those enrolled in single coverage or opt
out of coverage.
The City has a long-standing practice of providing the same health insurance benefit package to
all its employees.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The 2023 adopted Budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed benefit settlement.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of the 2023 proposed wage adjustment and city contribution for insurance increase for all non-
represented employees.
6.10
Please hand this form to the City Clerk before the meeting begins.
To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is limited
to three minutes and topic discussion is
limited to 10 /minutes.
(Information provided on this form to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: 4 UE. ' �(
Name:
Address
1y
Zip Code: r_6 Date: t .
Day Phone (optional):,
Email (optional):
Thank you for your attendance and participation.
Please hand this form to the City Clerk before the meeting begins.
To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is limited
to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to 10 minutes.
(Information provided on this form is open o t e public
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: � ,'"
Name: � `J G c� v� '
Address
Zip Code:
Date:
Day Phone (optional): Z u 5 3 S Z
Email (optional):
Thank you for your attendance and participation.