2024.12.17 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Dec. 13, 2024
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
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, Dec. 17, 2024, at ______ p.m. in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN and via Zoom. 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, Dec. 17, 2024.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Adams ____ Bell
____ Budziszewski ____ Tierney
____ Cummings ____ Therres
____ Eidbo ____ Elholm
____ Kamish ____ Larson
____ Kiser ____ Revering
____ Onesirosan ____ Hubbard
____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. City Council liaison reports.*
2. City manager monthly check-in.
3. Constituent issues.*
4. New business.*
5. Announcements.*
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
* Denotes no documentation included in the packet.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
CITY MANAGER
MONTHLY CHECK-IN - DECEMBER 2024
Objective 1 – Work with City Council to develop Long-Range Vision for the continued
implementation of Council priorities:
• Planning underway for working with the council on strategic vision and priorities in new year
• Working on council strategic planning retreat for Q1 2025.
Objective 2 – Policy Facilitation – Implement the Longe-Range Vision/Strategic Planning for
continued implementation of Council priorities:
• Thriving Business Community
o Working with legal counsel to amend Cannabis zoning regulations and for 2025 registration
o Staff is continuing to assist with potential redevelopment opportunities and business openings
• Strong Neighborhoods
o Continuing to work with businesses on THC/Cannabis sales compliance and current
licensing program. Year-end deadline for buffer exemption has effectively ended.
o Working with HRG on organized organic waste collection contract – Proposed 4/2025
o Continuing to work on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center project
o Working with residents/property owners to address code violations and traffic concerns
o Continuing to work through next phase of BLX project
o Working on developing BLX project coordinator position with Metro Transit
o Executing Police Chief succession plan – Have continued to meet with Police
Department staff and working on next successive roles
o Working with staff on traffic issue work session
• Sound fiscal policies and practices
o Continuing to seek additional outside funding for projects
o Preparing the 2025 Capital Program
o Processing implementation of Questica budget software
o Finishing 2025/2026 Budget after adoption.
o Draft Long Term Plan reviewed with Council on 11/14. Proposed adoption 11/19.
o Hired new Utility Billing Specialist
o Reviewing financial policies for updates
• Welcoming and inclusive community
o Inclusion & Diversity Commission – the Commission is continuing to work on
developing a Work Plan. Scheduling a joint meeting in February ‘25 to discuss
draft work plan.
Objective 3 – Re-establish the Environmental Quality Commission with a clear and engaging
purpose and a sustainable future:
• Making significant progress with establishment of Sustainability Commission.
• Name changed to Sustainability Commission and adopted by-laws.
• Recruitment campaign and promotion ongoing. Have conducted 5 interviews to date. Expect
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
to have 4 members at beginning of 2025. Additional candidates pending.
• Continuing to research and consult with other cities’ on environmental commissions/efforts to
develop future Climate Action Plan
• Working on Climate Action Plan development grant opportunity. Application deadline 1/9/25
• Working on initial meeting(s) agendas
Objective 4 – Create an atmosphere of better teamwork, open communication, enhanced
employee performance, and where staff feel empowered to help make decisions:
• Reviewing job descriptions and updating roles/responsibilities
• Working with Asst. City Manager on Classification and Compensation study
• Actively recruiting and interviewing new staff for open positions
• Supporting staff wellness and continuing professional growth and development
• Connecting with neighboring city managers on various local issues and legislative priorities
• Continuing participation in city manager leadership/peer group and metro and state
professional organizations
• Active on LOGIS Executive Committee
• Active role as treasurer for NWSCC and CCX Media Executive Committee
• Participated in annual manager evaluation with Council and consultant. Will be devising
revisions to manager evaluation process.