2023.09.19 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 15, 2023
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City Council work session to discuss:
1. 2024 Utility Reconstruction Project sidewalk and parking.
2. West Metro Fire-Rescue District Staffing for Adequate Fire
and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.
3. Update on the 42nd Ave. N. utility undergrounding
project.
4. City Council liaison reports.
5. City manager monthly check-in.
6. Constituent issues.
7. New business.
8. Announcements.
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 through one of the methods identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council work session, City Council meeting, and continuation of City Council work session, if
necessary.
Time: Sept. 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83897988374?pwd=M2JYQWlOVm8xaGlKV1h5SUs3aHJSQT09
Meeting ID: 838 9798 8374 Passcode: 4141
One tap mobile:
+16469313860,,83897988374#,,,,*4141# US
+19292056099,,83897988374#,,,,*4141# US (New York)
Dial by your location:
+1 646 931 3860 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 360 209 5623 US
+1 305 224 1968 US +1 386 347 5053 US
+1 309 205 3325 US +1 507 473 4847 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 564 217 2000 US
+1 689 278 1000 US +1 669 444 9171 US
+1 719 359 4580 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 205 0468 US
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k8gOOB7JF
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: Sept. 15, 2023
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023
6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, 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 City Council meeting at 7 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, Sept. 19, 2023.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Cummings ____ Bell
____ Eidbo ____ Gilchrist
____ Kamish ____ Therres
____ Kiser ____ Elholm
____ Onesirosan ____ Larson
____ Adams ____ Ray
____ Budziszewski ____ Revering
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. 2024 Utility Reconstruction
Project sidewalk and parking.
2. West Metro Fire-Rescue District
Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response (SAFER)
grant.
3. Update on the 42nd Ave. N.
utility undergrounding project.
4. City Council liaison reports.*
5. City manager monthly check-in.
6. Constituent issues. *
7. New business. *
8. 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.
Memorandum
DATE: September 19, 2023
TO: City Council
FROM: Mark Ray, PE, Director of Public Works
Ben Perkey, PE, Engineering Project Manager
SUBJECT: On-street parking discussion for 2024 Utility Reconstruction area
Background
After the City Council work session on Tuesday, August 15th, an update letter was mailed to all the residential
homes in the 2024 Utility Reconstruction area. This letter contained information on which side of the street
the on-street parking and sidewalk would be on.
Since then, one property contacted staff with concerns about the on-street parking decision. Staff met with
this property and their two neighbors. The residents then reached out to Council Members Onesirosan and
Kiser and had a follow up meeting with them. Council Members Onesirosan and Kiser asked that the on-street
parking for the 2024 Utility Reconstruction Project be put on the September 19th work session agenda for
further discussion. Additionally, another letter was hand delivered to all the homes in the 2024 Utility
Reconstruction area on Friday, September 8th, and mailed to property owners not on that block, inviting
residents to attend the September 19th work session to provide their input.
The decision for which side the on-street parking is on dictates where the centerline of the road is. The
centerline of the road is also where the crown of the road will be. Hence, this decision is actually a critical-path
item and a final decision needs to be made to keep the project on schedule.
Public input
In the September 8th letter, residents who decide to attend the work session were asked to do the following in
order to be respectful of everyone’s time at the work session:
1) Tell Council their preference for which side of the street the parking is on.
2) Keep comments concise, focusing on new or clarifying information for Council consideration.
One important note is that this is not a formal public hearing. The goal is simply to gather resident input and
provide staff with final direction on which side of the street the on-street parking should be on.
Attachment
• Work session invitation letter hand delivered to all homes in 2024 Recon Area.
Recommended action
Staff needs a final decision on which side the on-street parking should be on.
1
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • www.crystalmn.gov
September 8, 2023
RE: Invitation to City Council work session Tuesday 9/19 at 6:30pm to discuss on-street parking
Dear Resident/Property Owner:
A few weeks ago, you received a letter (dated August 18, 2023) with an update regarding the
proposed parking and sidewalk as part of the 2024 Utility Reconstruction Project. The letter
stated that at a City Council Work Session staff were directed to proceed in the design process
with both the sidewalk and the on-street parking lane on the east (Crystal) side of Louisiana
Avenue N.
Since that time a few properties have contacted both city staff and Council Members with
feedback about the proposed on-street parking on the Crystal (east) side of the road. You are
invited to attend the City Council work session on Tuesday, September 19 th at 6:30pm in the
Council Chambers at City Hall. The Council will be discussing on-street parking, taking resident
input, and ultimately making a final decision on which side of the street the parking will be on.
Please note that this will be the final decision point on this topic as this is a critical path item for
the design team due to the impact it has on where the crown of the road is.
In order to help inform the discussion on this topic, below is a list of considerations related to
which side of the street parking is on.
Parking on the east (Crystal) side:
Creates more separation between the sidewalk and travel lane of traffic.
Parking for the majority of residents is on their side of the street, in front of their home.
City of Crystal can regulate the parking because it is only allowed on Crystal side of the
street.
If the parking were allowed on the west side (New Hope), then all the no parking signs
would be located behind the sidewalk on the east side (Crystal) of the street. Crystal
residents would have to mow and trim around the no parking signs.
Parking on the west (New Hope) side:
If the parking were allowed on the east (Crystal) side and vehicles were parked on both
sides of a driveway, the vehicles would obstruct the visibility of a driver trying to enter
or exit their driveway.
2
The crown (centerline between directions of travel) of the road would be closer to the
Crystal side so in theory, slightly less snow will be plowed into the east side driveways.
If a Crystal resident were to have a social gathering, more vehicles could park closer to
their home. This is because there are fewer driveways on the west side of the street that
force gaps in parking.
Louisiana Ave is a main plow route which means that it is plowed more frequently,
including for snow accumulations less than 1.5” (which is when snow parking
restrictions may go into effect). If a vehicle were parked right next to a driveway, the
plow would not be able to clear the along the entire curb line at end of driveway and it
would be more at an angle (due to the plow needing to go around the parked vehicle).
In order to be respectful of everyone’s time and recognizing that the Council Meeting starts at
7pm (at which point discussion on this topic will end), we ask that people speaking at the work
session do the following:
1) Tell Council their preference for which side of the street the parking is on
2) Keep comments concise, focusing on new or clarifying information for Council
consideration.
If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you are more than welcome to provide us
with written comments that we will share with the Council.
Please contact me at pw.projects@crystalmn.gov or (763) 531-1161 with any questions or
comments.
Sincerely,
Ben Perkey
Engineering Project Manager
BACKGROUND
In 2021 the Board approved the District apply for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant
(SAFER).
SAFER was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest
organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front-line" firefighters available in
their communities.
The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response and
operational standards established by the NFPA (NFPA 1710: Standard for the Organization and Deployment of
Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire
Departments and/or NFPA 1720: Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations,
Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments).
According to NFPA 1720 the West Metro Fire-Recue District (WMRFD) protects an urban area which is an area
with a population greater than 1000 per square mile. An urban area requires a minimum of 15 staff to respond
within 9 minutes 90% of the time to structure fires.
At this time, a SAFER grant covers 100% of the salary and benefits of each full-time employee for three years.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
WMRFD requested assistance to hire 3 firefighters at a cost per firefighter of $121,457. While we used to rely
on a paid, on-call staffing model with a “come from home response,” turnout has become critically low in the
daytime. Many factors beyond our control make it impossible for the paid, on-call firefighters to respond to
daytime weekday calls. These factors include changing demographics, increasing work requirements, more
dual-income families, traveling further to work, rising property costs displacing blue-collar families, and more
intensive training requirements, to name a few. With dwindling daytime paid, on-call responses, our full-time
staff (i.e., the command staff who work 10-hour staggered shifts from 0600 to 1800) are often the only
firefighters available to respond to daytime calls in a reasonable timeframe. However, due to staggered shifts,
days off, sick days, training, etc., the actual number of full-time firefighters available for a response is always
below 8, and typically ranges between 3 and 6. This is insufficient to protect a district of 45,316 residents,
significant critical infrastructure hazards, more than 2,000 calls per year, and is an unsustainable continued
response model.
A recent staffing analysis confirmed just how woefully inadequate our current staffing levels truly are. This
report noted that we were unable to meet NFPA 1720 compliance at all between 0800 to 1600. The report
also noted that at several working fires, the first-arriving apparatus had just two or three firefighters, below
minimum staffing per NFPA. Additionally, since our only aerial is housed at Station 1 which is not staffed by
career personnel, there is no guarantee that the ladder truck will hit the road during the daytime for a working
fire. Even with supplemental staffing from automatic aid, we are consistently unable to amass 15 firefighters
within 9 minutes. After-action reports have shown that the lack of firefighters prevents our crews from
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Sarah Larson, Fire Chief
Date: September 5, 2023
Subject: SAFER Grant
performing all of the critical functions required for safe and effective fire attacks. Continuing to operate
understaffed elevates the risk of injury to firefighters and civilians and increases the amount of property
damage. With no hope of increasing paid-on-call staffing during the work week, the only solution is to hire
more full-time career firefighters.
The three positions requested in this grant will be used to staff a crew of four firefighters at Station 1 (located
in the northeast part of our district) during daytime hours, Mon-Fri. The new positions will achieve four
objectives: #1 – increase daytime staffing levels; #2 – reduce response times caused by distance and a major
railroad bisecting the two cities; #3 – guarantee that the ladder truck responds to structure fires; and #4 –
allow full-time staff to remain focused on projects by splitting the calls for service between stations 1 and 3.
Increasing our total staffing level during weekday hours – when our call volume is highest, but paid, on-call
staffing levels are lowest – will greatly improve operational capabilities.
With a total of 11 career staff, we will be able to rebalance the shift schedule and bring our minimum staffing
up from three to six, with actual staffing levels fluctuating between seven and nine. In combination with
another seven to nine paid, on-call firefighters (average weekday turnout for a working fire) and two
automatic aid units with another three firefighters each, we will achieve compliance with NFPA 1720.
Currently, all of our career staff are concentrated in Station 3, which is the headquarters station on the
District’s western side. With help from SAFER, the additional firefighters will enable us to put a daytime crew
in Station 1. Not only will this provide better geographic coverage and reduce response times of the first-
arriving unit across our service territory, but it will also enable us to staff our ladder truck during weekday
hours and guarantee a response for this critical piece of apparatus.
The three new positions would be hired as lieutenants and in addition to responding to calls for service they
will also assist with IT, logistics, training, community outreach, and inspections.
SAFER Grant Award
Benefits include the following:
$18,000 for Health Insurance
$1,000 for HSA
$102 for Life Insurance
$13,275 for Pension
$12,500 for Workers Comp Insurance
$480 for Long Term Disability
$1,100 for Employment Taxes
Year Annual Salary Annual Benefits Total per Firefighter
1 $75,000 $46,457 $121,457
2 $78,000 $48,315.28 $126,315.28
3 $81,120 $50,247.89 $131,367.89
3-Year Total $1,137,420.51
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Board accept the SAFER grant.
Memorandum
DATE: September 19, 2023
TO: City Council
FROM: Mark Ray, PE, Director of Public Works
Ben Perkey, PE, Engineering Project Manager
SUBJECT: Undergrounding utility poles on 42nd discussion
Background
The current Long Term Plan allocates $1,000,000 from the street light fund in 2027 for the
undergrounding of utility poles along 42nd Ave. In January 2023, the City Council authorized a
contract to start gathering information about the existing utilities in the corridor, available right
of way, and other factors that would impact the viability of this project. The initial project
extents were Adair Ave on the east (city limit with Robbinsdale) and Hampshire Ave on the
west.
Additionally, Hennepin County does have a grant program for such projects. However, based on
the grant timelines the city could not apply for that program until 2025 (assuming a 2027
construction). Currently, the grant could be up to a maximum of $500,000.
Xcel Energy feedback
The project team has been in regular communication with the Xcel design team and have
gathered the following key points:
1) Xcel would need to underground the lines past the initial Hampshire Ave end point to tie
into existing underground cable by continuing west to Louisiana Ave.
2) Xcel would need to underground east into Robbinsdale in order to install the
appropriate switchgear equipment. This may be done by either installing more poles or
adding facilities for undergrounding.
3) Some of the properties along 42nd Ave are currently fed by overhead wires off of 42nd. If
the power is undergrounded along the corridor, those properties would all need new
underground power services as well.
4) Due to the type of power along this corridor, both a three-phase powerline and a single-
phase powerline would need to be buried.
5) Due to the existing right of way having a lot of buried utilities, Xcel would need a
minimum of 9 feet of additional right of way/easement on the south side of 42nd.
6) Xcel’s current estimated cost for only their work along 42nd, from east of Adair to
Louisiana Ave, is $7 million dollars (today’s dollars). It is also important to note that
there are a significant amount of other costs that would be associated with this project.
Comcast and Centurylink
Comcast and Centurylink would have costs in addition to Xcel. However, based on the impact of
Xcel’s need alone, staff wanted to check in with Council before more work was done
communicating with Comcast and Centurylink.
Costs
The following is a list of project costs to provide context for the Xcel Energy portion:
1) Professional services overseeing the project (land acquisition, design, utility
coordination)
2) Additional right of way/easement acquisition
3) Xcel Energy undergrounding
4) Centurylink undergrounding
5) Comcast undergrounding
6) New streetlights along 42nd that are fed by underground power
7) Restoration of impacted areas
It is reasonable to assume that the total cost of just undergrounding the utility poles along 42nd
Ave would exceed $10 million dollars in 2027.
Attachments
1) Graphic showing the impacts of an additional 9 feet of right of way or easement on the
south side of 42nd between Adair and Douglas.
2) Graphic showing the impacts of an additional 9 feet of right of way or easement on the
south side of 42nd between Douglas and Hampshire.
Recommended Action
Staff is requesting direction from Council. Next steps in the project will be driven solely based
on Council direction. Options could include:
1) Continue looking at undergrounding the entire corridor.
2) Consider undergrounding only a portion of the corridor.
3) Stop any further work on this project.
CITY MANAGER
MONTHLY CHECK-IN – SEPTEMBER 2023
Objective 1 - Strategic planning for continued implementation of Council priorities:
• Thriving Business Community
o Community Development staff continuing to work with developers regarding redevelopment opportunities
o Continuing to work through and advocate for city and community's interest with Blue Line Extension and anti-displacement efforts
o Continuing to work with the New Hope Business Association (CBA 2.0)
o Developing UDC amendments that balance safe
• Strong Neighborhoods
o Continued implementation of Master Parks System Plan improvements
o Ongoing traffic enforcement continues
o Tracking the Crystal Airport/MAC/JAZB proposed ordinance amendments
o Ribbon-cutting event at Bassett Creek Park Dog Park
o Conducted resident meetings regarding the 2024 Utility Reconstruction Project
o Implementing reduction of truck traffic on 53rd Ave N. efforts
• Sound fiscal policies and practices
o Continuing to seek additional outside funding for projects
o Received county grant for additional habitat restoration work at Bassett Creek Park
o Applying for DNR grant funding for additional forestry work
o Council adopted the preliminary 2024 budget and levy at the September 5 meeting
• Goals were providing levy relief (13.06% lowered to 10%), continuing important
investments in the city, increasing savings for future capital projects, and
replenishing the General Fund balance
• The next 2024 budget meeting is a public presentation and the opportunity for
public input on October 2
• Staff is continuing to update the long-term plan and will present in October
• Welcoming and inclusive community
o Inclusion & Diversity Commission – The Commission plans to attend all public
events to continue educating the community about the commission
Objective 2 - Work-Life Balance/Professional Development
• Supporting staff wellness
• Support staff’s continuing professional growth and development
• Connecting with neighboring city managers on various local issues
• Participate in metro and state professional organizations
• Continuing participation in city manager leadership group
• ICMA City Manager Credentialing will be awarded at the ICMA conference at end of September
Page 1 of 1
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Page 1 of 2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 15, 2023
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023
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 work session on Sept. 5, 2023.
b. The City Council meeting on Sept. 5, 2023.
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 Acceptance of Shaz Ahmadi’s resignation from the Parks and Recreation Commission.*
3.4 Adoption of a resolution authorizing the city manager to approve and execute the Joint
Water Commission Wholesale Agreement renewal with the City of Minneapolis.
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 10 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.
Page 2 of 2
5. Public Hearing
5.1 The Mayor will open a public hearing to receive comment, and the Council will consider
approval of a new off-sale liquor license for Ashley’s Liquor, Inc. d/b/a Ashley’s Liquor located
at 4920 West Broadway.
The applicant has submitted a new off-sale liquor license application on behalf of Ashley’s
Liquor, Inc. dba Ashley’s Liquor located at 4920 West Broadway (former Crystal Wine and
Spirits). The property is zoned Commercial (C), and liquor stores are a permitted use in that
district. Staff has reviewed the liquor license application materials, and a background check was
completed by the police department. Staff finds no reason to prohibit the issuance of the
license. However, due to several outstanding property maintenance code violations that are in
the process of being corrected, approval of the license is recommended contingent upon the
violations being resolved.
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.
7. Announcements
a. The Crystal Farmers Market ends Tuesday, Sept. 26. The market is open from 3 p.m. – 6:30
p.m. at Becker Park.
b. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall
and via Zoom.
c. The Tri-City (Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale) Annual Community Forum will occur on
Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Crystal Community Center.
d. 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 work session minutes Sept. 5, 2023
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter, the
work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 6:52 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2023 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 assistant city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, Assistant City Manager K. Therres, City Attorney T. Gilchrist,
Police Chief S. Revering and Community Development Director J. Sutter.
II.Agenda
The Council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1.Constituent issues.
2.New business.
3.Announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 5, 2023
Page 1 of 4
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Crystal City Council was held on
Sept. 5, 2023, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal, MN and
via Zoom. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Adams asked the assistant city manager to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call,
the following attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, Assistant City Manager K. Therres, City Attorney T. Gilchrist,
West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief S. Larson, Public Works Director M. Ray, Police Chief S.
Revering, Community Development Director J. Sutter, Recreation Director J. Elholm and Assistant
Finance Director J. Bursheim.
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 Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the
agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Proclamation
3.1 The Mayor proclaimed the week of Sept. 17 – 23, 2023 as Constitution Week in the City of
Crystal.
4.Appearances
4.1 Police Chief Revering introduced officers Anna Futterer and Tim Simon, who most recently
passed probation.
4.2 Police Chief Revering and the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety presented Officer Andrew
Robles with a DWI award.
5.Consent Agenda
The Council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
5.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a.The City Council work session on Aug. 15, 2023.
b.The City Council meeting on Aug. 15, 2023.
c.The City Council budget work session on Aug. 17, 2023.
5.2 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.
5.3 Acceptance of Nathan Carlson’s resignation from the Environmental Quality Commission.
Moved by Council Member Onesirosan and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 5, 2023
Page 2 of 4
6. Open Forum
No public comment was given during open forum.
7. Regular Agenda
7.1 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.
Moved by Council Member Kiser and seconded by Council Member Eidbo to approve the list of
disbursements over $25,000.
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried.
7.2 The Council considered resolutions approving the preliminary 2024 budgets and tax levies.
Assistant Finance Director Jodi Bursheim addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 – 84
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2024 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET,
2024 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY, SET PUBLIC INPUT DATE
FOR THE 2024 BUDGET AND PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kamish to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 – 85
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2024 PROPOSED
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.3 The Council considered the second reading of an ordinance requiring a license and imposing
regulations on the retail sale of edible cannabinoid products, and a resolution approving
summary language for publication of the ordinance.
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Onesirosan to
adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE 2023 – 05
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING A LICENSE AND IMPOSING REGULATIONS
ON THE RETAIL SALE OF EDIBLE CANNABINOID PRODUCTS
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 5, 2023
Page 3 of 4
And further, that this is the second and final reading.
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Onesirosan to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 – 86
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY LANGUAGE
FOR PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2023-05
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.4 The Council considered a resolution authorizing the contract for the Joint Water Commission
(JWC) valve replacement project at 41st Avenue North and Douglas Drive North.
Public Works Director Mark Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Cummings and seconded by Council Member Eidbo to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 – 87
AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACT FOR JWC VALVE REPLACEMENT
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7.5 The Council considered a resolution authorizing execution of a Petition and Waiver Agreement
with Mejron Properties LLC for installation of a fire protection system at 3600 Douglas Dr. N.
(Wine Thief and Ale Jail).
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023 – 88
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF PETITION
AND WAIVER AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CRYSTAL AND MEJRON PROPERTIES, LLC
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Cummings, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and Adams.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
8. Announcements
The Council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 5, 2023
Page 4 of 4
9. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
___________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager
3.1(b)
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
Sept. 19, 2023
Applications for City License
Refuse Haulers
ACE Solid Waste dba Waste Connections, 6601 McKinley St. N.W., Ramsey, MN 55303
Aspen Waste Systems, Inc., 2951 Weeks Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414
Curbside Waste, Inc., 4025 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Darling Ingredients, Inc., 9000 382nd Ave., Blue Earth, MN 56013
Dick’s Sanitation Services, 8984 215th St. W., Lakeville, MN 55044
Farmers Union/Midwest Grease, P.O. Box 319, Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Lepage & Sons, Inc., 23602 University Ave. N.W., Bethel, MN 55005
Suburban Waste MN LLC, 7125 126th St. W., #500 Savage, MN 55378
Rental – Renewal
4100 Brunswick Ave. N. – Reill Properties LLC (Conditional)
4237 Georgia Ave N. – Abdul Kunert (Conditional)
3501 Louisiana Ave. N. – Cambridge Apartments (Conditional)
3264 Welcome Ave. N. – Steve Paquin
5900 West Broadway – Virginian Partners (Conditional)
4710 58th Ave. N. #101 – Twin Lake North Condo Association
3.2
Memorandum
DATE: September 19, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
Mark Ray, Public Works Director/Engineer
SUBJECT: JWC Wholesale Agreement renewal with the City of Minneapolis
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND:
The City of Crystal is part of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) with the cities of Golden Valley
and New Hope. The JWC currently purchases wholesale water from the City of Minneapolis
through the Minnesota Water Works. In 2004, the JWC approved a twenty-year contract, and
that contract is now expiring at the end of 2023.
Beginning earlier this year, the JWC Technical Advisory Committee has been negotiating with
Minneapolis on the terms of renewing the contract, and those negotiations have resulted in
another proposed twenty-year contract term. The proposed contract language primarily
consists of minor language clean-up and clarification, methods of providing notice,
lengthening the time for notice of service cancelation or suspension, and clarification of
mutual indemnification rights. Of note, there is no proposed change to the process for how
water rate adjustments are calculated. This determination calculation was negotiated
between the City of Minneapolis and all its bulk-water customers back in 2013.
All three members of the JWC have had their respective legal counsel review the proposed
draft agreement. The City of Minneapolis is expected to approve the proposed renewal
agreement in October. The JWC Board tentatively would then approve the agreement in
November. Each JWC member city is following the same process for contract renewal as was
done in 2004, where the respective city managers are authorized by their city councils to
execute the agreement in their role as the appointed JWC Board Member.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the attached resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the Joint Water
Commission Wholesale Agreement renewal with the City of Minneapolis
3.4
RESOLUTION NO. 2023- _____
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF JOINT WATER
COMMISSION WHOLESALE AGREEMENT WITH MINNEAPOLIS
WHEREAS, the Joint Water Commission (JWC), formed in 1963, includes the cities of
Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope; and
WHEREAS, each City Council of the JWC has appointed their City Manager as the City
representative to the JWC; and
WHEREAS, the JWC currently purchases wholesale water from the City of
Minneapolis; and
WHEREAS, reliable potable water service is essential for public health, safety, and the
economic vitality of a community; and
WHEREAS, the JWC's current, twenty-year contract with Minneapolis for purchasing
water expires at the end of 2023; and
WHEREAS, the JWC has been negotiating with Minneapolis on the terms of renewing
the contract; and
WHEREAS, the parties have a demonstrated history of mutual cooperation in the
administration of past agreements for the delivery of water by Minneapolis through the
Minneapolis Water Works to the JWC; and
WHEREAS, the JWC negotiations with Minneapolis resulted in another proposed
twenty-year contract with no changes to the process for calculating water rate
adjustments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Crystal City Council hereby authorizes the
execution of the agreement for the continued wholesale purchase of water from the City of
Minneapolis by the Joint Water Commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to sign said agreement.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 19th day of September, 2023.
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christina Serres, City Clerk
3.4
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Public Hearing: Sept. 19, 2023 City Council Meeting
Consideration of a new off-sale liquor license for
Ashley’s Liquor, Inc. d/b/a Ashley’s Liquor
DATE: Sept. 12, 2023
FROM: City Clerk Chrissy Serres
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
CC: City Attorney Troy Gilchrist
Police Chief Stephanie Revering
Community Development Director John Sutter
RE: Consideration of a new off-sale liquor license for Ashley’s Liquor, Inc. dba Ashley’s Liquor
Background and application review
Ashley J. Smith has submitted a new off-sale liquor license application on behalf of Ashley’s Liquor,
Inc. dba Ashley’s Liquor located at 4920 West Broadway. The property is zoned Commercial (C) and
liquor stores are a permitted use in that district.
Staff has reviewed the liquor license application materials. A background check was completed by
the police department, and Police Chief Revering finds no reason to prohibit issuance of the license.
However, at the time of this staff report, the property has outstanding property maintenance code
violations. The property owner and business owner are in the process of correcting the violations
and staff can provide an update at the Sept. 19 hearing if requested by the Council.
A public hearing notice was published in the Sun Post on Sept. 7, 2023 (Attachment A).
Ms. Smith will be at the Sept. 19, 2023 City Council meeting to answer any questions.
Requested City Council action
In light of the property maintenance code violations at 4920 West Broadway, staff recommends
approval of the off-sale liquor license for Ashley’s Liquor, contingent upon successful correction of
those violations.
5.1
CITY OF CRYSTAL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER AN OFF-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE
AT 4920 WEST BROADWAY
Notice is hereby given that the Crystal City Council will hold a public hearing on Sept. 19,
2023 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 4141 Douglas Drive N., to consider an
off-sale liquor license at 4920 West Broadway submitted by Ashley’s Liquor, Inc. dba
Ashley’s Liquor. Anyone wishing to express a view either in person or in writing will be
heard at the public hearing.
Auxiliary aids are available for public meetings upon request to individuals with
disabilities by calling the city clerk at 763-531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY
users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
City Clerk Chrissy Serres
Attachment A
5.1
DATE: September 13, 2023
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM: Jean McGann, Contracted Finance Director
RE: Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
GMH Asphalt Corporation Community Center parking lot project AFP #3 $44,466.75
Landscape Structures, Inc.Broadway Park play area equipment $111,913.40
LOGIS Monthly application support and hosting $41,026.00
West Metro Fire Rescue District August contribution to West Metro Fire $123,281.10
Solarpod, Inc.Police Department solar panels final payment $38,878.00
Create Construction LLC Misc. concrete work $50,703.30
HealthPartners, Inc.September health insurance premiums $128,177.50
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA withholding taxes for 9/1/23 pay date $75,959.43
MN PERA Employee & city required contributions for 9/1/23 pay date $70,323.86
$684,729.34
Description
6.1