2025.10.07 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Oct. 3, 2025
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City council work session to discuss:
1. Commission interview.
2. Public Works Department quarterly update. *
3. 2025-2026 budget update. *
4. City manager evaluation process.
5. Constituent issues update. *
6. New business. *
7. Announcements. *
Upper community room/Zoom
7 p.m. City council meeting Council chambers/Zoom
Immediately
following the city
council meeting
Continuation of city council work session, if
necessary. Upper community room/Zoom
Per the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.02, council members may participate by interactive
technology.
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting through one of the methods identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council work session and city council meeting.
Time: Oct. 7, 2025, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom work session and regular meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84817339304?pwd=GeaIuqlbTQF33RGsqOf1NCW50cgZkj.1
Meeting ID: 848 1733 9304 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbHxINRkMP
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. 3, 2025
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Upper Community Room/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the Crystal City Council work session was held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at _____ p.m.
electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr., Crystal,
Minnesota. If the agenda items are not completed in time for the regular city council meeting at
7 p.m., the meeting will be continued and resumed immediately following the regular meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Kamish ____ Bell
____ Kiser ____ Tierney
____ Onesirosan ____ Therres
____ Budziszewski ____ Elholm
____ Cummings ____ Hubbard
____ Deshler ____ Kunde
____ Eidbo ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Commission interview.
2) Public Works Department quarterly update. *
3) 2025-2026 budget update. *
4) City manager evaluation process.
5) Constituent issues update. *
6) New business. *
7) 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.
City of Crystal – City Manager Performance Evaluation Timeline
Date Action
Oct. 9 • Work session to discuss the evaluation document and process
Oct. 21 • Work session to finalize evaluation process (if needed)
Oct. 10 - 31 • City manager completes self-evaluation process
Nov. 3 • City manager self-evaluation and performance review form distributed to city council
• Performance review form distributed to city staff
Nov. 18 • Performance review forms from city staff and council due
Nov. 18 – Dec. 3 • Performance reviews compiled and sent ahead of Dec. 11 executive session
Dec. 11 • Executive session
Dec. 16 • City manager contract approval
City of Crystal – City Manager Self-Evaluation
Accomplishments What do you consider your most significant accomplishments this year?
Challenges &
Development Areas
What challenges did you face, and what areas do you see as opportunities for your own
development?
Future Priorities What do you see as the most important priorities for the City in the year ahead?
City of Crystal – City Manager Performance Evaluation
Intro Your responses will be used to assess the City Manager’s performance over the last year and help identify
their strengths and development opportunities.
All responses will remain confidential.
Please take the survey on or before November 18th, 2025.
Please rate each area using the scale:
Exceeds Expectations: Performance is consistently above expectations generating results higher
than expected. Has exceptional accomplishments.
Meets Expectations: Performance consistently meets the standards required for the position.
Employee is fully competent and occasionally goes above the results expected.
Below Expectations: Performance does not consistently meet the standards required for the
position. Employee does not adequately accomplish objectives and improvement is needed.
Not Applicable: No basis for expressing an opinion on the statement.
Each question will also have an open text box for you to provide specific examples or additional commentary
as needed.
Council Questions Staff Questions
1. Provides clear, accurate, and timely recommendations
to the City Council to support decision-making.
Provides effective leadership and guidance to
department heads and staff to ensure high-quality
service delivery.
2. Effectively implements Council directives, ordinances,
and resolutions.
Holds employees accountable while fostering
professional development and a positive workplace
culture.
3. Keeps the Council well-informed of significant matters
and responds to Council inquiries in a timely manner.
Effectively manages labor relations, personnel
policies, and disciplinary processes in a fair and
consistent manner.
4. Prepares and manages the annual budget responsibly,
ensuring sound fiscal policies and effective use of
resources.
Demonstrates sound decision-making, problem-
solving, and adaptability in managing city operations.
5. Demonstrates sound decision-making, problem-
solving, and adaptability in managing city operations.
Provides clear, accurate, and timely direction and
communication to staff.
6. Encourages innovation, efficiency, and continuous
improvement across city operations.
Encourages innovation, efficiency, and continuous
improvement across city operations.
7. Represents the City effectively with residents,
businesses, boards, commissions, and partner
agencies.
Represents the City effectively with residents,
businesses, boards, commissions, and partner
agencies.
8. Responds appropriately to citizen concerns and
ensures timely, effective service delivery.
Responds appropriately to citizen concerns and
ensures timely, effective service delivery.
9. Promotes a welcoming and inclusive community
through City policies, programs, and engagement.
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive community
through City policies, programs, and engagement.
10. Demonstrates fairness, integrity, and professionalism
in all aspects of the role.
Demonstrates fairness, integrity, and professionalism
in all aspects of the role.
11. What do you see as the City Manager’s greatest
accomplishments this year? (Open text response)
What do you see as the City Manager’s greatest
accomplishments this year? (Open text response)
12. What is the most important opportunity for the City
Manager moving forward? (Open text response)
What is the most important opportunity for the City
Manager moving forward? (Open text response)
13. Additional comments or feedback? (Open text
response)
Additional comments or feedback? (Open text
response)
Page 1 of 3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Oct. 3, 2025
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
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. Appearances
3.1 Chief Hubbard will recognize Lieutenant Jon Kurtz and Sergeant Nick Schwalbe on their recent
promotions.*
3.2 Chief Hubbard will introduce Officer Perla Omana who has completed probation.*
3.3 Recognition of artists Pemdy Aasland and Elizabeth Peak for their donations of artwork for the
2025 traffic signal cabinet wraps.*
4. Consent Agenda
The council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
4.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The city council work session on Sept. 11, 2025.
b. The city council meeting on Sept. 16, 2025.
c. The city council work session on Sept. 16, 2025.
4.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
4.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
4.4 Approval of the resignation of Taylor Sullivan from the Sustainability Commission.*
4.5 Adoption of a resolution updating banking name of one of the designated depositories of the
City of Crystal for 2025.
4.6 Annual Notification of the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) program to the City
Council.
4.7 Adoption of a resolution approving the purchase of LOGIS citation software.
Page 2 of 3
4.8 Adoption of resolutions supporting a bonding request for the Joint Water Commission.
4.9 Adoption of a resolution approving 2025 Utility Reconstruction change Order #1.
4.10 Approval of awarding a planning consultant contract for a Climate Action Plan.
5. 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).
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The council will consider civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by
PurpleRose Lounge Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Lounge, located at 5526 West Broadway.
Following routine alcohol license compliance checks late last year, an employee of
PurpleRose Lounge was adjudicated for selling alcohol to a minor. The City Council may
now impose civil administrative penalties against the license holder. This is the first alcohol
violation for PurpleRose Lounge, and according to the City Code in effect at the time of the
offense, the City Council may impose a penalty of a $750 fine and a one-day license
suspension. Before acting on the civil penalties, the City Council should hear any comments
from the representative(s) of PurpleRose Lounge. Pursuant to the city ordinance and the
penalty for a first violation, staff recommends that the City Council impose a one-day
license suspension and a civil fine of $750.
6.2 The council will consider civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by Zahid
Beverage Group, LLC d/b/a Crystal Liquor Warehouse, located at 6200 56th Ave. N.
Following routine alcohol license compliance checks late last year, an employee of Crystal
Liquor Warehouse was adjudicated for selling alcohol to a minor. The City Council may now
impose civil administrative penalties against the license holder. This is the first alcohol
violation for Crystal Liquor Warehouse, and according to the City Code in effect at the time
of the offense, the City Council may impose a penalty of a $750 fine and a one-day license
suspension. Before acting on the civil penalties, the City Council should hear any comments
from the representative(s) of Crystal Liquor Warehouse. Pursuant to the city ordinance and
the penalty for a first violation, staff recommends that the City Council impose a one-day
license suspension and a civil fine of $750.
6.3 The council will consider civil penalties for violations of tobacco license regulations by Zahid
Beverage Group, LLC d/b/a Crystal Liquor Warehouse, located at 6200 56th Ave. N.
This item involves two separate violations.
a) First, following routine tobacco license compliance checks late last year, an employee
of Crystal Liquor Warehouse was adjudicated for selling tobacco to a minor. The City
Council may now impose civil administrative penalties against the license holder. This is
Page 3 of 3
the first tobacco violation for Crystal Liquor Warehouse, and according to the City Code
in effect at the time of the offense, the City Council may impose a penalty of a $750 fine
and a one-day license suspension.
b) Second, in March 2025, the Minnesota Department of Revenue seized contraband
tobacco during an inspection at Crystal Liquor Warehouse. In June 2025, staff received
notice from the state. Now, the City Council may impose civil administrative penalties
against the license holder for this violation of state law and Crystal City Code section
1105.13. This is considered a second tobacco violation for Crystal Liquor Warehouse,
and according to the City Code in effect at the time of the offense, the City Council may
impose a penalty of a $1,500 fine and a five-day license suspension.
Before acting on the civil penalties, the City Council should hear any comments from the
representative(s) of Crystal Liquor Warehouse. Pursuant to the city ordinance and the
penalty for the first violation, staff recommends that the City Council impose a one-day
license suspension and a civil fine of $750. Additionally, for the second violation, staff
recommends that the City Council impose a $1,500 fine and a five-day license suspension.
6.4 The Council will receive a presentation on the 2026 budget and levies, as well as provide an
opportunity for public input.
To promote public engagement and transparency, the City Council provides an additional
opportunity for public input on the proposed budget before the required December Truth-
in-Taxation public hearing. An abbreviated version of the adopted preliminary 2026 budget
will be presented at the Oct. 7 meeting. No action is needed.
7. Announcements
a. The city council will hold a work session on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the upper
community room at city hall and via Zoom.
b. Special Material Drop-off Day is Saturday, Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Brooklyn Park
Operations and Maintenance facility, 8300 Noble Ave. N.
c. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.
d. The city council will hold a special work session regarding the Town Center Vision Plan on
Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the upper community room at city hall.
e. The city is accepting applications for several volunteer positions on our boards and
commissions. We have openings on the Sustainability Commission, Inclusion and Diversity
Commission, Planning Commission, Employee Review Board, and on the Metro Blue Line
Business Advisory Committee. For more information, please visit the city’s website.
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
*Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
Crystal City Council work session minutes Sept. 11, 2025
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council work session was held at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2025, in the upper community
room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to
order.
I.Attendance
The city clerk recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Deshler, Eidbo (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan and
Cummings.
Council Member Budziszewski was absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager K. Therres, West
Metro Fire-Rescue District Fire Chief J. Kunde, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Lieutenant –
Outreach and Pub. Ed. J. Soto, Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community
Development Director J. Sutter, Communications Manager M. Peterson, Deputy Police Chief P.
Underthun, and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Commission interview.
2)WMFRD and City communications/media strategy.
At 7:52 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 8:01 p.m. to continue discussion of the following
agenda item:
3)2026 Budget update.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 16, 2025
Page 1 of 4
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council meeting was held on Sept. 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city
hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Deshler asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the following
attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
K. Therres, Assistant Finance Director J. Bursheim, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy Police Chief P.
Underthun, Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community Development Director J. Sutter
and City Clerk C. Serres.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Deshler 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 Kamish 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 work session on Sept. 2, 2025.
b.The city council meeting on Sept. 2, 2025.
3.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
3.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
3.4 Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-79, accepting a donation.
3.5 Approval of the resignation of Alex Popp from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
3.6 Approval of the appointment of Sonja Roby to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
3.7 Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-80, recognizing Sept. 17–23, 2025, as Constitution Week in the
City of Crystal.
3.8 Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-81, recognizing Sept. 27, 2025, as Walk for Alopecia Day in the
City of Crystal.
3.9 Adoption of Resolution No. 2025-82, authorizing a grant agreement with the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety for the 2025-2026 Towards Zero Death Enforcement program.
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 16, 2025
Page 2 of 4
3.10 Gambling funds update.
Moved by Council Member Kiser and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
4. Open Forum
The following persons addressed the council:
• Burt Orred, 6700 60th Ave. N., regarding Becker Park.
• Jennifer Sovde, 2716 Lamplighter La. N., regarding animal ordinance.
5. Regular Agenda
5.1 The council continued discussion of civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by
Missy Hope, Inc., LLC d/b/a Hope Liquor, located at 111 Willow Bend
City Manager Adam Bell addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kamish that based on
the staff report, including the findings contained therein and the other information presented
regarding this matter, that a penalty of $750 and a one-day license suspension be imposed in this
case.
By roll call, voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Onesirosan and Budziszewski.
Voting nay: Deshler, Kiser and Cummings.
Motion carried.
5.2 The council considered resolutions approving the proposed 2026 property tax levies, 2026
preliminary general fund budget and setting the date for the Truth and Taxation public input
meeting.
Assistant Finance Director J. Bursheim addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Mayor Deshler to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 83
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2026 PROPOSED
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Mayor Deshler to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 84
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2026 GENERAL FUND BUDGET,
2026 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY AND
SET PUBLIC INPUT DATE FOR THE 2026 BUDGET AND
PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 16, 2025
Page 3 of 4
Voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.3 The council considered a resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for expansion of
Early Steps Learning Foundation at 6122 42nd Ave. N.
Community Development Director J. Sutter addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Kamish to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 85
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR EARLY STEPS LEARNING FOUNDATION
Voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.4 The council considered an interim ordinance modifying the zoning moratorium in the TC and TC-
PD districts.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Kiser and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to adopt Option
2 of the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE 2025 - 12
AMENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE NO. 2025-10 THAT ESTABLISHED A MORATORIUM ON
DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN CENTER DISTRICT (TC) AND TOWN CENTER-PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (TC-PD)
By roll call, voting aye: Kiser.
Voting nay: Eidbo, Kamish, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
Motion failed.
Moved by Mayor Deshler and seconded by Council Member Eidbo to adopt Option 1 of the
following ordinance, with the following amendments:
• Strike the language of item two in the second paragraph on page one (Exclusion Area B);
• Exclude the two parcels in Area B from Exhibit A-1 on page four; and
• Exclude the map in Exhibit A-1 on page four.
ORDINANCE 2025 - 12
AMENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE NO. 2025-10 THAT ESTABLISHED A MORATORIUM ON
DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN CENTER DISTRICT (TC) AND TOWN CENTER-PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (TC-PD)
And further, that this is the final reading.
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 16, 2025
Page 4 of 4
By roll call, voting aye: Kamish, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings, Deshler and Eidbo.
Voting nay: Kiser.
Motion carried.
Moved by Mayor Deshler and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to publish the ordinance in
its entirety.
Voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, Cummings and Deshler.
Motion carried.
6. Announcements
The council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council work session minutes Sept. 16, 2025
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council work session was held at 8:41 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2025, in conference room A at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Pro Tem Onesirosan called the
meeting to order.
I.Attendance
The assistant city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Mayor Deshler was absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney and Assistant City Manager/HR
Manager K. Therres.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)City manager evaluation process.
2)Council liaison reports.
3)Constituent issues update.
4)City manager update.
5)New business.
6)Announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Taji Onesirosan, Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager
4.1(c)
DATE: September 25, 2025
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Contracted Finance Director
RE: Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
ECSI System Integrators Public Works Gate Repair & Access Control System $25,837.00
Hunt Electric Outlets, Data Cabinet, & Data Line for Aquatic Center $34,377.04
Northwest Asphalt Inc 2024 Utility Reconstruction $34,104.76
Enterprise Fleet Management August Police Fleet Rental & Squad 214 Build $30,957.68
Hunt Electric Fiber Cabling for Cameras & Speakers at Aquatic Center $30,928.00
WSB & Associates 2025 Utility Reconstruction, GIS Migration, & Tree Inventory $35,180.35
Xcel Energy City Buildings and Street Lights Electricity $25,403.48
Northdale Construction Co 2025 Utility Reconstruction $502,863.66
HealthPartners, Inc.September Health Insurance Premiums $167,031.66
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 9/12/25 Pay Date $77,705.46
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 9/12/25 Pay Date $75,294.79
$1,039,683.88
Description
4.2
1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
Oct. 7, 2025
Applications for City License
Massage Therapy Enterprise
Full Cycle Wellness, 2960 Winnetka Ave. N., Crystal, MN 55427
Massage Therapist
Renatta Hunt (Full Cycle Wellness) 2960 Winnetka Ave. N., Crystal, MN 55427
Refuse Hauler
Curbside Waste, Inc., 5435 114th Ave., Clear Lake, MN 55319 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on
09/24/25)
Sanimax USA, LLC, 505 Hardman Ave., So. St. Paul, MN 55075 (pre-approved by City Manager Bell on
10/01/25)
Rental (new)
6810 Corvallis Ave. N. – Raul Pollman (Conditional)
4812 Idaho Ave. N. – Lana Larson (Conditional)
6928 Lombardy Lane – Christian Hunt (Conditional)
5232 Welcome Ave. N. – Mason Group One (Conditional)
6105 32nd Ave. N. – 32nd Ave Bassett Creek LLC
5317 48th Ave. N. – Mason Group One (Conditional)
Rental (renewal)
4631 Adair Ave. N. – Shong Moua (Conditional)
5333 Byron Ave. N. – Premium Property Group
4303-4309 Colorado Ave. N. – Daniel Pryde (Conditional)
6407 Corvallis Ave. N. – Pro Operam Sub (Conditional)
3960 Douglas Dr. N. – Ruth Klatte
4213 Hampshire Ave. N. – Iuliyan Damyan
4832 Hampshire Ave. N. – Patricia Sandeen (Conditional)
5306 Hampshire Ave. N. – QZ Funding LLC
5700 Hampshire Ave. N. – Todd Campbell
5913 Hampshire Ave. N. – Juniper Land Trust LLC
3500 Jersey Ave. N. – Jennifer Hruska
6701 Lombardy Ln. – Iron Eagle Farms
2700 Louisiana Ave. N. – Kshitij Goel (Conditional)
4806 Louisiana Ave. N. – Shea Nelson (Conditional)
5673 Maryland Ave. N. – Chad Tesmer (Conditional)
8311 Northern Dr. – Accela Financial Group (Conditional)
5801 Quail Ave. N. – Jeffonse Sanders
5856 Quebec Ave. N. – Loren George (Conditional)
3501 Regent Ave. N. – Yim Wing Yu (Conditional)
4.3
2
5222 Unity Ct. N. – Nandri LLC
3264 Welcome Ave. N. – Steve Paquin
4755 Welcome Ave. N. – Independent Properties LLC (Conditional)
5020-5026 Welcome Ave. N. – Genius Plowing LLC (Conditional)
3149 Winnetka Ave. N. – Jonathan Doolittle (Conditional)
5600 35th Ave. N. – Nothome Properties LLC
7011 42nd Ave. N. – Pink Ribbon Capital LLC (Conditional)
5123 49th Ave. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
6619 50th Ave. N. – Quyan North
6820 50th Ave. N. – Peter Gross
5202 54th Ave. N. – 5202 54th Ave. N. LLC
6315 55th Ave. N. – Calibre Chase Partners LP (Conditional)
6620 57th Ave. N. – CCF2 LLC (Conditional)
4710 58th Ave. N. #101 – Twin Lake North Condo Association (Conditional)
4.3
Memorandum
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
Adam Bell, City Manager
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Abdo Financial Solutions
SUBJECT: Banking Depository – Transition of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to inform the City Council of the transition of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank, effective
October 20, and to update the relevant resolution to reflect this change.
Background:
Bremer Bank has been a longstanding financial institution, providing valuable banking services to residents and
businesses. Recently, it has been announced that Bremer Bank will transition its operations and branding to Old National
Bank as part of a strategic merger. This change is scheduled to take effect on October 20.
All existing accounts with Bremer Bank will automatically transition to Old National Bank. Old National Bank has
committed to maintaining the level of service and support previously provided by Bremer Bank.
Both Bremer Bank and Old National Bank have communicated with their customers regarding the transition, providing
details and support resources. Customer service teams are available to address any questions or concerns that
customers may have during this transition period.
In light of this transition, it is necessary to update Resolution No. 2025-22 to reflect the change in the financial institution's
name from Bremer Bank to Old National Bank.
The updated resolution is attached for your review and approval.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council acknowledge the transition of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank, effective
October 20 and approve the updated resolution to reflect the change in the bank's name.
Conclusion:
This transition represents a change in branding and corporate structure but will not impact the level of service provided to
the City of Crystal. By updating the resolution, we ensure that our records accurately reflect the current status of our
financial institution partners.
4.5
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ___
RESOLUTION UPDATING BANKING NAME OF ONE OF
THE DESIGNATED DEPOSITORIES OF THE
CITY OF CRYSTAL FOR 2025
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal’s investment policy calls for the designation of a bank as the city’s
official depository; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal has conducted the majority of its banking operations through
Bremer Bank; and
WHEREAS, Bremer Bank has announced a transition to Old National Bank, effective October 20,
2025; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal will update all official documents and records to reflect the
current name of a designated financial institution of the City of Crystal;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRYSTAL, MN AS
FOLLOWS:
1. Acknowledgment of Transition: The City Council acknowledges and accepts the
transition of Bremer Bank to Old National Bank, effective October 20, 2025.
2. Update of Records: All official city records, agreements, and documents that
reference Bremer Bank shall be updated to reflect the new name, Old National Bank.
3. Authorization: The City Manager and/or the City Finance Director are hereby
authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution, including
notifying relevant parties of this change.
4. Continued Operations: The transition to Old National Bank shall not affect the terms
and conditions of any existing agreements with Bremer Bank, which shall continue
under the new name.
Dated this 7th day of October 2025.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Christina Serres,
City Clerk
4.5
COUNCIL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Consent Agenda Item-
10/07/25 Council Meeting
DATE: September 26, 2025
FROM: Brian V. Hubbard, Chief of Police
TO: Mayor and City Council
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
RE: Consent Agenda: October 7, 2025 Council Meeting
Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Program Annual Notification
Background
The Federal Government Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) program provides unused or
decommissioned equipment that is no longer used or needed by federal government to local law
enforcement agencies. The Crystal Police Department has participated in this program for many
years, which has allowed the city to obtain various pieces of equipment at no cost to the city.
Most equipment remains the property of the federal government and is returned to the LESO
program when no longer needed by the Police Department or at the request of the program.
The program and federal guidelines require that the police department must annually notify the
civilian governing body and the community of our intent to request property from federal
sources through this program. No action is required by the Council on this item.
Deputy Chief Underthun and I will be present at the council meeting for any questions regarding
this item.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions prior to the meeting.
Notification
In accordance with EO 14074 (Section 12), State, Tribal, local, and Territorial Law Enforcement
agencies (LEAs) must:
*Notify their Civilian Governing Body (CGB) (i.e., City Council, County Government or
other local governing body) of its intent to request property from Federal sources (to
include Federal funds or grants);
*Notify the Local Community of its request for property transfers, purchases from
Federal funds, agencies or subcontractors (including existing transfer contracts or
grants).
4.6
The Crystal Police Department may request the below controlled property items from the Law
Enforcement Support Office (LESO), or other Federal source:
Pursuant to EO 14074 (Section 12), this memo fulfills the requirement to notify the Civilian
Governing Body (CGB) and local community of my agency’s intent to request the controlled
property items identified in the list above.
Brian V. Hubbard, Chief of Police
Crystal Police Department
Controlled Property Description Controlled Property Description Controlled Property Description
This list indicates items that potentiallyl may be requested/acquired. An item’s existence on the list does not indicate that the Crystal Police Department
possesses or intends to request a specific item.
ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) FACEMASK RANGE FINDER, LASER
AMMUNITION CONTAINER FLASHLIGHTS RANGE FINDER-TARGET DESIGNATOR, LASER
AMPLIFIER FLOODLIGHT RED DOT SIGHT
ANALYZER, HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION FORWARD LOOKING INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEM RIFLESCOPE
ANTENNA GENERATOR SET SCANNER, X-RAY, BAGGAGE
ARMORED VEHICLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SATELLITE (GPS) SEARCHLIGHT
BALLISTIC BLANKET HEAVY EQUIPMENT/VEHICLES SHIELD, BALLISTIC
BARRIER, VEHICLE ARRESTING, PORTABLE INSULATION BLANKET SHIPPING CONTAINER
BINOCULAR LANDING SEARCHLIGHT SIGHT, BORE, OPTICAL
BLANKETS LIFE PRESERVER, VEST SIGHT, HOLOGRAPHIC
BREATHING APPARATUS MAGNIFIER SIGHT, INFINITY
CAMERA SYSTEM MARKER, IDENTIFICATION SIGHT, REFLEX
COMPASS MARKSMANSHIP TRAINER SMALL ARMS STORAGE RACKS
COMPUTER SYSTEM MEDICAL/FIRST AID SUPPLIES SPOTTING INSTRUMENT, OPTICAL
CONTAINER, AMMUNITION MISC SMALL ARMS PARTS TARGET, TRAINING, MOBILE
CONTAINER, K-9 TRANSPORT MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT TELESCOPE
CONVERSION KIT, RIFLE MULTIMEDIA PROJECTION SET TENTS/PORTABLE SHELTERS
COVERALLS NAVIGATION SET, SATELLITE SIGNALS THERMAL CAMERA
DECONTAMINATION DEVICES NIGHT VISION DEVICE THERMAL CAMERA ACCESSORIES
DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM NIGHT VISION GOGGLE TRAINING AID/SIMULATORS
DEEP WATER FORDING KIT NON-ARMORED HMMWV TRAINING AIDES/DEVICES
DETECTOR, GAS OFFICE EQUIPMENT TRANSLATION DEVICE
DIVER'S SUIT OFFICE SUPPLIES TRUCK, CARGO
EXPLOSIVE ORDINANCE DISPOSAL ROBOT PORTABLE RADIO VEHICLE REPAIR PARTS/COMPONENTS
PREFAB & PORTABLE BUILDINGS WARM WEATHER CLOTHING/SHOES
PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR SMALL ARMS PARTS/ACCESSORIES
PUBLIC ADDRESS SET SMALL ARMS
RADIOS
4.6
COUNCIL POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Consent Agenda Item-
10/07/25 Council Meeting
DATE: September 26, 2025
FROM: Brian V. Hubbard, Chief of Police
TO: Mayor and City Council
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
RE: Consent Agenda: October 7, 2025 Council Meeting
Approval of LOGIS Citation Software Purchase Resolution
Background
The City of Crystal partners with the Local Government Information Systems (LOGIS) Association
for many facets of city operations, including some technology support. One of those technology
items is a program for the completion and generation of electronic citations for the Police
Department. This program interfaces with state data bases and the Computer Aided Dispatch
(CAD) systems in use by the Department.
LOGIS has determined the need to change programs for citations and has located a new vendor
for this program and support. LOGIS has entered into an agreement with Brazos and will be
securing a site license with that company for this product. This new product is more expensive
than the previous software that was being used and this increased cost is being distributed to
the member agencies according to the LOGIS cost-sharing formula. The LOGIS Police Executive
Steering Committee, which Crystal is a member of, has approved this formula.
The Crystal allocation for this software change will be $4,267 in 2026 and will be incurred in the
current Police Department budget. No additional budget allocation is necessary to
accommodate this. I have attached the draft agreement with some additional details.
Consideration
The Council is asked to approve the resolution approving the selection of the Brazos citation
software solution in cooperation with LOGIS.
Deputy Chief Underthun and I will be present at the council meeting for any questions regarding
this item.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions prior to the meeting.
4.7
Page 1 of 2
Brazos Citation Software Solution
Letter of Understanding
September 19, 2025
Dear LOGIS Member,
This Letter of Understanding is intended to memorialize the members’ decision to authorize
LOGIS to enter into a contract with Brazos, a Tyler Technologies company, to acquire access to a
new electronic citation software solution on behalf of its members.
In prior communications, members were informed that the Brazos solution is being provided to
the membership through an annual site-license subscription between Brazos and LOGIS. With the
cost of this subscription being proportionally allocated to the members as part of the annual budget
process.
The site license must be procured prior to beginning the process to migrate members from the
legacy system to Brazos. As such, if a member chooses to terminate their participation in the
Brazos service offering, they remain responsible for their share of the software licensing that has
been secured by LOGIS on their behalf. The following table depicts each member’s share of the
2026 site license as presented at the September 16, 2025, Police Executive Steering Committee
meeting:
4.7
Page 2 of 2
Please note that members should expect annual inflationary-type increases in subsequent calendar
years. This Letter of Understanding has been reviewed and approved as indicated below.
[Member representative name] Christopher K. Miller
[Member organization name] LOGIS Executive Director
Date: Date:
4.7
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – ___
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SELECTION OF
BRAZOS CITATION SOFTWARE SOLUTION
IN COOPERATION WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
INFORMATION SYSTEMS (LOGIS) ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal has identified specific technology needs necessary to carry out
various public safety functions and services; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that it can best meet those needs by partnering with LOGIS to
secure Brazos citation software; and
WHEREAS, it has received a formal price quote for the costs associated with this initiative as
outlined in the attached Letter of Understanding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Crystal City Council does hereby approve this
commitment to the Brazos citation software solution.
Dated this 7th day of October 2025.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Christina Serres,
City Clerk
4.7
Memorandum
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
FROM: Jesse Struve, PE, Director of Public Works / City Engineer
Jose Galeano, Utilities Superintendent
SUBJECT: Authorize staff to make 2026 Capital Budget Request to the State of MN for a JWC Watermain
Project.
Background
Hennepin County is planning on doing a reclaim project along Douglas Drive from 27th Ave to almost West
Broadway. The reclaim process is to grind up about 12” of bituminous and gravel, mix everything together, and
then pull 6” of this mix off and pave the road. While this is not considered a full reconstruction, it is much more
than a standard mill and overlay.
The JWC has a major feeder line that runs under Douglas Drive for the entire duration of this project. It was
originally installed in the 1950’s is a prestressed concrete pipe wrapped in wire. There are also a lot of homes with
services that connect directly to this important line. When Golden Valley replaced a segment of this pipe a few
years ago, they found there was a lot of corrosion taking place where the corp connects into the pipe.
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the JWC worked with Bolton and Menk to come up with the framwork
of the feasibility report. This is a critical pipe that if it fails, it will have significant impacts to delivering water to the
3 communities. The feasibility report will look at various ways to replace the pipe with Hennepin County’s project
and will develop a cost estimate to all methods evaluated.
The TAC presented this to the JWC commissioners who approved moving forward with the capital budget Request.
Crystal will be the the entity making the funding request since the project completely falls within the community,
but all future watermain construction cost will be paid for by the JWC.
Project Cost
The total estimated cost of the project is $18,000,000-23,000,000.
Project Funding
All watermain costs will be paid by the JWC.
Recommended Action
Motion approving resolutions for the 2026 Capital bonding request for the JWC valve replacement project.
Attachment
•Resolution of Support for the 2026 Capital Budget Request
•Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a 2026 Capital Budget Request
4.8
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST TO THE
STATE OF MINNESOTA FOR A JOINT WATER COMMISSION WATERMAIN
PROJECT
WHEREAS, under the provisions contained in Minnesota Statutes 16A.86, Subd. 3a (6) sets out
the process by which local governments and political subdivisions may request state
appropriations for capital improvement projects. The Governor and Legislature will consider
these bonding requests in the 2026 session; and
WHEREAS, the Golden Valley-Crystal-New Hope Joint Water Commission proposes a trunk
watermain replacement as part of the Douglas Drive improvement project and has identified a
substantial need for State financial assistance in addition to funding from the Joint Water
Commission which meets or exceeds the state funding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1.The City of Crystal supports the submittal of a 2026 Capital Budget Request for the Douglas
Drive Watermain Replacement Project.
Adopted this 7th day of October 2025.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.8
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST TO THE STATE
OF MINNESOTA FOR A JOINT WATER COMMISSION WATERMAIN PROJECT
WHEREAS, under the provisions contained in Minnesota Statutes 16A.86, Subd. 3a (6) sets out
the process by which local governments and political subdivisions may request state
appropriations for capital improvement projects. The Governor and Legislature will
consider these bonding requests in the 2026 session; and
WHEREAS, Local governments should submit their capital budget request edits, which can
include new project requests, to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) by October 17,
2025; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal proposes a trunk watermain replacement as part of the
Douglas Drive improvement project and has identified a substantial need for State financial
assistance in addition to funding from the city which meets or exceeds the state funding; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal has the legal authority to apply for Capital Budget assistance, and
has the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper construction,
operation and maintenance of the project for its design life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1.The City of Crystal hereby authorizes the submittal of a 2026 Capital Budget Request for
the Douglas Drive Watermain Replacement Project.
Adopted this 7th day of October 2025.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.8
Memorandum
DATE: October 7, 2025
TO: Adam Bell
FROM: Jesse Struve, PE, Director of Public Works / City Engineer
SUBJECT: Approve 2025 Utility Reconstruction Change Order #1
Background
The project consists of full reconstruction of Jersey Ave (Medicine Lake Rd – 30th Ave N), full reconstruction of Idaho
Ave (30th Ave – 31st Ave), curb replacement, and replacement of all underground utilities. The roads were originally
reconstructed in the late 1990’s and have experienced several watermain breaks in this area. The watermain was
installed in the 1950’s and a full reconstruction is necessary to replace the sanitary sewer and watermain before a
significant failure occurs.
During construction, crews encountered wet subgrade, and after the replacement of the utilities, resulted in
unstable ground to build the road. To stabilize the ground to adequately complete the building of the roadway, we
needed to add 4” minus stabilization rock on a portion of the project on Idaho Ave and Jersey Ave. WSB calculated
the anticipated cost to complete both roads at $69,854.17 which represent a project overage of 3.13%. There are
still quantities on the project where we will likely run under the projected amounts so I fully anticipate this project
coming in much closer to the anticipated construction amount.
Project Cost
The total project cost with change order #1 is estimated to be $22,298,464.
Project Funding
All costs are funded by the utility franchises and the road maintenance fund.
Recommended Action
Motion approving change order #1
Attachment
•Resolution Approving 2025 Utility Reconstruction Change Order #1
•Change Order #1
4.9
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-
APPROVE 2025 UTILITY RECONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER #1
WHEREAS, the City is committed to providing reliable transportation and utility systems; and
WHEREAS, regular maintenance and replacement is a routine part of providing for a reliable
transportation and utility system; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Long-Term Plan allocated funds for reconstruction and utility replacement;
and
WHEREAS, staff encountered unforeseen soil conditions during reconstruction and need to add
4” minus rock material to stabilize a portion of the road; and
WHEREAS, this addition is to provide longer serviceable life of the roadway.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1. The City of Crystal approves the 2025 Utility Reconstruction Change order #1 in the
amount of $69,854.17.
Adopted this 7th day of October 2025.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.9
4.9
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: 10/01/2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
FROM: Sarah Nissen, Administrative Program Specialist
RE: Recommendation for Consultant Selection – Climate Action Plan
Background
The City Council and Sustainability Commission have identified development of Crystal’s first
Climate Action Plan (CAP) as a priority. The City applied for, and was awarded, an MPCA grant for
the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Planning. Consistent with the grant application, the
CAP will be developed in collaboration with the Sustainability Commission, the Administrative
Program Specialist, and a consultant. Key deliverables include a citywide greenhouse gas
inventory, mitigation strategies, climate resilience measures, and an implementation roadmap
with monitoring and reporting practices. The plan will also address sustainable land use, natural
resource management, and equity considerations, especially in historically underserved areas.
Additional project goals are to advance Crystal’s participation in the GreenStep Cities program
(Steps 4 and 5) and explore alignment with the Gold Leaf Challenge, while also positioning the
City for future funding opportunities, improved public health, and long-term environmental
stewardship. With grant funding in place and an RFP completed, the City is now ready to retain a
consultant to lead CAP development.
Purpose
The City received two Climate Action Plan proposals, one from paleBLUEdot (pBd) and one from
Local Climate Solutions in partnership with LHB (LCS). On September 24, a panel consisting of six
city staff and three Commission members interviewed both firms. After reviewing the proposals
for Crystal’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) and conducting the interviews, the panel consensus is
to recommend the selection of paleBLUEdot as the City’s consultant. Both firms submitted strong
proposals that met most of the RFP’s requirements and demonstrated relevant experience and
Minnesota-specific expertise. Staff’s preference was almost unanimously in favor of
paleBLUEdot. Staff’s recommendation is based on paleBLUEdot’s broader scope, more robust
community engagement, and long-term implementation tools, while remaining under the
budgeted amount. Below is an analysis of key aspects of each proposal and our assessment.
Project Management
4.10
• paleBLUEdot: Outlined a structured process, including five formal review opportunities
(baseline data, draft goals, proposed actions, and two draft plans) (pBd, pg. 2), and three
in-person presentations to the City Council and Sustainability Commission each (pBd, pg.
6)
• Local Climate Solutions: Committed to “regular communication procedures and check-in
calls” but provided less detail on structured review and Council engagement (LCS, pg. 3)
Assessment: paleBLUEdot offers a more structured review cadence with city staff and explicit
Council touchpoints, which aligns cleanly with the RFP’s expectations for Council/Commission
presentations.
Community Engagement
• paleBLUEdot: Proposes a “Continuum of Community Engagement” with two city wide
surveys, pop-up storytelling opportunities, four community meetings, and four plan
development workshops; formation of a Collaborative Planning Team (20-40 members)
including City staff, public agencies, community representatives, and local organizations;
paleBLUEdot serving as principal facilitator for plan development workshops and public
meetings; and an Engagement toolkit for the City (flyers, newsletter/email content, social
media posts) to extend outreach above and beyond facilitated events (pBd, pg. 5-6).
paleBLUEdot would also create a website/dashboard to highlight Crystal’s CAP progress
(pBd, pg. 2).
• Local Climate Solutions: Will “work with city staff and the Sustainability Commission to
develop an engagement plan that will be executed by the City… with assistance from our
team, including material development and limited facilitation and/or presentation
support” and methods that “might include tabling at existing events, workshops, focus
groups, and an online survey” (LCS, pg. 1).
Assessment: paleBLUEdot’s proposal included a more robust plan for “clear outreach and
engagement strategies.” paleBLUEdot’s proposal is also broader in scope and comes with defined
facilitation support and ready-made outreach materials. LCS met the minimum RFP parameters
but did not go beyond the requested level of engagement, whereas paleBLUEdot’s proposal did.
Pro Bono Tools and Public-Facing Resources
• paleBLUEdot: Includes multiple no-cost implementation supports that persist beyond
adoption, specifically: Policy and Ordinance Example Website (Pro Bono), City
Implementation Team Support (Pro Bono), City Policy Alignment Review Tool (Pro Bono),
Implementation Phase Communications Plan – to guide first two years of CAP rollout
(goals, audiences, messages, calendar, steps, metrics), Community Project Webpage –
hosting updates, documents, surveys, and Draft CAP for comment from residents through
project completion (pBd, pg. 5).
• Local Climate Solutions: Identifies delivery of an Airtable-based monitoring, evaluation,
and reporting framework to track metrics and progress and support for MPCA final grant
report (LCS, pg. 1 & 5).
4.10
Assessment: Both firms provide implementation support, but paleBLUEdot’s offers substantially
more, including three pro bono tools, an implementation communications plan, and a public-
facing project webpage at no extra cost.
Cost & Value
• paleBLUEdot: Basic Services Total - $63,530, including all pro-bono items and deliverables
(pBd, pg. 8). With City Facility Benchmarking and Reduction Potential Estimate, City
Facility Solar Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan, and Metrics Reporting Toolkit, the
total is $74,153 (pBd, pg. 12).
• Local Climate Solutions: Total Costs - $74,829 (no additional services listed; LCS, pg. 7)
Assessment: paleBLUEdot offers more services, tools, and long-term value for less than the
budgeted amount, aligning with the RFP’s requirement for a “cost-effective” plan. However, it
should be noted that the LCS proposal includes the same or similar benchmarking work as part of
its proposal.
Technical Analysis & GreenStep Cities
• paleBLUEdot: Committed to completing comprehensive baseline research, a vulnerability
assessment, and multiple greenhouse gas inventories beyond what is provided by the
MPCA. Their scope also includes renewable energy potentials studies (with attention to
low-income communities), city-wide ground cover, tree canopy, heat island, and carbon
sequestration analyses, all with a focus on impacts to vulnerable populations. In addition,
they explicitly committed to assisting with the City’s GreenStep Cities Step 4 and 5
submission (pBd, pg. 2-4).
• Local Climate Solutions: Proposed a “community-wide greenhouse gas inventory
provided by the MPCA, a review of current and projected climate hazards and
vulnerabilities, a municipal building energy analysis, as well as an assessment of current
policies, programs (including GreenStep Cities), and plans related to climate change” (LCS,
pg. 1).
Assessment: paleBLUEdot’s proposals exceeded the minimum requirements by offering a
broader set of services and a deeper level of analysis than requested in the RFP. While LCS
committed to assessing Crystal’s GreenStep Cities progress, paleBLUEdot went further by
explicitly supporting the City’s Step 4 and Step 5 submission.
Peer Endorsement
Staff spoke with Falcon Heights representatives, who strongly recommended paleBLUEdot based
on their experience. paleBLUEdot also lists recent Minnesota clients (e.g., Maplewood, Plymouth,
Woodbury, New Brighton, Richfield, North Mankato) with similar planning efforts.
Conclusion
Both firms submitted strong proposals that addressed most of the City’s RFP requirements and
demonstrated relevant Minnesota experience and an understanding of Crystal’s goals. However,
paleBLUEdot’s proposal ultimately delivers greater value: a broader and more detailed scope of
work, deeper technical analysis, a more fully built-out engagement program with defined
4.10
facilitation and materials, and long-term implementation tools provided at no additional cost, all
while remaining under the budgeted amount. Local Climate Solutions offered a capable approach
grounded in MPCA and collaborative communication, but paleBLUEdot’s submission is more
comprehensive and provides more value. Given the limited time and resources available to staff
and the Commission for this project, the level and extent of community engagement services
included in paleBLUEdot’s proposal was a significant factor in the majority of staff’s preference in
selecting paleBLUEdot.
Requested City Council Action
Approve the selection of paleBLUEdot as the consultant for the Crystal Climate Action Plan.
Attachments
Proposal: Climate Action Plan, Crystal of Crystal MN – Local Climate Solutions in partnership with
LHB
Proposal for Services, City of Crystal Climate Action Plan – paleBLUEdot, LLC
Sample paleBLUEdot Plans:
• Falcon Heights:
https://www.falconheights.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5934/638823010832470
000
• Edina: https://www.edinamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12064/Climate-Action-Plan-
PDF
• New Brighton: https://www.newbrightonmn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1910/New-
Brighton-Climate-Action-Plan-110723
• Woodbury: https://www.woodburymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3918/Woodbury-
Environmental-Stewardship-Plan-PDF?bidId=
• Eagan: https://cityofeagan.com/images/sustainability/support-docs/Eagan-Climate-
Action-Plan_040725.pdf
4.10
September 5, 2025
In partnership with:
Proposal:
Climate Action Plan
City of Crystal, MN
4.10
2City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
I. Submittal Letter
September 5, 2025
Proposal to Complete a Climate Action Plan for the City of Crystal
Sarah Nissen
Program Specialist
City of Crystal, MN
Dear Ms. Nissen,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit a proposal to assist the City of Crystal in developing a
Climate Action Plan. On behalf of my team, we are excited about the possibility to collaborate
with city staff and the Sustainability Commission to create a right-sized, community-driven plan
that advances sustainability, strengthens resilience, and improves an equitable quality of life
across Crystal.
Our team brings deep expertise in climate planning, technical assistance, and meaningful
engagement. We understand that Crystal’s CAP must reflect the community’s unique needs
while driving measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving city
building energy efficiency, and enhancing community resilience. Our approach is grounded in
collaboration and transparency, ensuring that the final plan is both actionable and aligned with
city priorities and capacity.
Local climate action continues to be the through-line that sustains momentum toward our
global goals. Strengthening resilience now will better prepare Crystal for future climate hazards,
and implementing climate solutions will improve air quality, health, and stability for community
members and the natural environment. We look forward to assisting Crystal in this endeavor.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Abby Finis
Principal and Founder at Local Climate Solutions
612-245-4070
Abby.finis@localclimatesolutions.com
4.10
1City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
II. Project Understanding & Approach
The City of Crystal is seeking assistance for the creation of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan
that prioritizes mitigation and resilience actions over the next five years, setting the city up for
longer-term sustainability. The plan is intended to serve as a foundational document for
advancing climate action in a manner that is right sized for the community and meets the
unique needs of Crystal residents. The development of this plan will take place over three
primary phases:
1. Assessment of Existing Conditions
We will complete a review of existing conditions that will provide an assessment of the
community in consideration of climate action and impacts. The report will include community
characteristics, the community-wide greenhouse gas inventory provided by the MPCA, a review
of current and projected climate hazards and vulnerabilities, a municipal building energy
analysis, as well as an assessment of current policies, programs (including GreenStep Cities), and
plans related to climate change.
See Hopkins for an example Existing Conditions Report.
2. Community Engagement Plan
We will work with city staff and the Sustainability Commission to develop an engagement plan
that will be executed by the City with assistance from our team, including material development
and limited facilitation and/or presentation support. The engagement plan will include a mix of
engagement strategies and tools to reach a broader audience and create space for deeper
conversations. Strategies might include tabling at existing events, workshops, focus groups, and
an online survey. Feedback from community engagement will be synthesized and used to inform
the Climate Action Plan.
See Hopkins for an example Engagement Summary.
3. Plan Development
The Crystal Climate Action Plan will be designed to ensure that the city is ready for
implementation. The Plan will build up on the existing conditions report, by identifying
opportunities where the city can strengthen its sustainability efforts. Actions will be prioritized
based on community input and the city’s readiness to implement. We will incorporate targets,
goals, and actions as well as GreenStep Cities metrics into a web-based spreadsheet tool,
Airtable, to assist the city in tracking its progress.
Our approach to this work is very collaborative. We will maintain regular communication
throughout the planning process, ensure that the goals, strategies, and actions are reflective of
community priorities, and design a plan that is practical, easy to understand, and actionable. Our
team has completed over a dozen plans with no two plans that are alike. We continue to strive
to improve our process and make sure we are creating a plan that is going to be used. The most
important outcome for our team is that we enable cities to move the needle on climate action,
no matter how small or big the first step is.
Additional details of our scope of services, work plan, and deliverables are detailed herein.
4.10
2City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
III. Scope of Services & Deliverables
Local Climate Solutions and LHB are partnering to provide comprehensive climate consulting
services to the City of Crystal. With over a decade of working together, we bring deep expertise
in climate planning, technical assistance, and community engagement support to cities seeking
to achieve their climate and energy goals. Our services for this project will include:
1. Project Management
We have a strong record of completing projects on time and in alignment with city goals. Clear
communication and a collaborative approach help to make each project a success.
2. Research and Analysis
Our team brings a deep history of robust research and analysis practices. To help with the
completion of the Crystal Climate Action Plan, we will assess existing conditions including
community characteristics (relevant system statements data, as available, climate hazards and
vulnerabilities, and the current policy, program, and plan landscape. We will also incorporate the
GHG inventory provided by the MPCA to inform the baseline and potential goals. Our team will
review city building energy data to help improve data intake and identify opportunities for
efficiency improvements. Our analysis will inform the engagement process as well as the serve
as the foundation for goal setting and action prioritization.
3. Community Engagement and Facilitation
We will design and support the facilitation of an inclusive engagement process to ensure
community voices shape the City’s Climate Action Plan. This will include working with city staff
and the Sustainability Commission to identify key stakeholders, hard-to-reach community
members, and broader engagement strategies to ensure we are including all perspectives.
4. Strategy Development
We will develop strategies and actions that are aligned with city goals and needs. This plan will
be right sized for the City of Crystal and designed to help the city get started with climate action
over the next five years, setting the community up for bigger actions in future years. We
understand that not all cities are in the same place when it comes to climate action. We will
collaborate with staff and the Sustainability Commission to ensure that we are developing a
clear set of actions that are achievable, understandable, and meet the needs of the community.
We anticipate the following deliverables to be completed as outcomes of our services:
� Existing Conditions Report
� Community engagement plan
� Draft and Final Climate Action Plan
� Implementation plan and tracking tool
� Monthly progress updates and final report
The proposed timeline and detailed work plan that describes the tasks for each service is
included in the next section.
4.10
3City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
IV. Work Plan and Timeline
The following work plan includes tasks and subtasks to assist the City of Crystal in developing a
Climate Action Plan. The tasks laid out below are designed to facilitate a process that will result
in a plan that focuses on near-term, implementable actions that creates a path for long-term
sustainability. Each task includes the anticipated timeline, deliverables, a description of each
subtask, as well as roles for city staff.
Task 1: Project Management and Coordination
Our team is committed to completing the project on time and within the determined budget.
We will work with staff to finalize project coordination included in the subtasks below.
Subtask 1.1: Coordinate information sharing.
Description: Coordinate the exchange of information and project updates. City staff and the
Consultant will develop a schedule where the Consultant provides regular status updates and
project information.
Subtask 1.2: Establish regular communication between city staff and consultant team.
Description: Coordinate regular communication procedures and check-in calls to keep the
project on time and all parties updated on progress.
Subtasks 1.3: Provide monthly progress updates and invoices to the city.
Description: The project manager for the consultant team will submit monthly invoices on
behalf of the team that include status updates.
Timeline: Ongoing until June 2026
Deliverables: Status updates, reporting, and invoices.
City Roles:
• Coordinate in-person and online meetings
• Process invoices and status reports
Task 2: Assessment of Existing Conditions
Our team will collect and review relevant data, plans, initiatives that will be used to inform
engagement and the development of the Climate Action Plan.
Subtask 2.1: Review existing policies, plans, and practices related to sustainability and resilience.
Description: This will include a review of community characteristics (demographics, land use,
land cover, etc.), relevant system statement data from the Met Council, the GHG inventory from
MPCA, climate hazards and vulnerabilities, as well as existing programs (e.g., GreenStep Cities),
policies, and plans that are relevant to climate action. We will also include ongoing related
efforts by the city such as the citywide tree inventory. Consultants will also review regional and
statewide plans and frameworks to understand the context and opportunities for collaboration
with other cities.
Subtask 2.2: Review citywide municipal building energy data.
Description: The consultant team will audit the City’s municipal building energy data in B3
Benchmarking to help ensure records are complete and current, identifying gaps for City staff to
4.10
4City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
address and serving as a resource for questions about automation and data management. This
information can be standalone or included in the Existing Conditions Report.
Subtask 2.3: Present assessment of existing conditions to city staff.
Description: The consultant team will present a summary of existing conditions to City staff for
feedback and discussion of how to use the assessment in the engagement plan and the CAP.
The assessment will also support the discussion of setting GHG reduction goals and a resilience
vision for the community.
Subtask 2.4: Set community-wide goals, targets, and a resilience vision.
Description: We will use the information from the Existing Conditions Report to provide context
for setting long-term goals, near-term targets, and a resilience vision. We anticipate facilitating at
least one meeting with staff and the Sustainability Commission to discuss goals, targets, and a vision. We will also facilitate an internal conversation with city staff to discuss city-specific targets.
Timeline: September 2025 – February 2026
Deliverable: Environmental Scan (Existing Conditions Report)
City Roles:
• Provide background information and data on current and past program, plans, and
policies.
• Provide data for city building energy use, including up- to-date energy data for city
facilities in B3 benchmarking.
• Respond to additional information requests as determined by the project team and lead
staff.
• Coordinate any internal meetings and/or presentation of the existing conditions report.
• In coordination with the consultants and Sustainability Commission, establish relevant
climate goals, targets, and resilience vision.
Task 3: Develop a Community Engagement Plan
Our team will work with City Staff and the Sustainability Commission to develop an engagement
plan with clear timelines, methods, and desired outcomes to inform the completion of the
Climate Action Plan.
Subtask 3.1: Create community engagement plan.
Description: Staff and the consultant team will develop an engagement plan that outlines
outreach and engagement strategies to gather input from a broad range of community
members. Engagement methods could include surveys, communication through local outlets,
tabling at events, focus group discussions, informational workshops, and one-on-one meetings.
In addition to community engagement, we also find it informative to engage staff across
departments to gather input and gain buy-in for the plan.
Subtask 3.2: Support City staff and Sustainability Commission in engagement plan
implementation.
Description: Develop materials using the existing conditions assessment to engage
stakeholders to provide input on goals and strategies for the CAP. While we anticipate staff and
the Sustainability Commission will primarily be responsible for the implementation of the
engagement plan, we have included hours to support presentation, facilitation, and material
development (e.g., fliers, presentations).
4.10
5City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
Subtask 3.3: Synthesize results of engagement.
Description: Synthesize input from community members for staff in a summary document and
use feedback to organize the plan and include priority strategies and actions.
Timeline: September 2025 – April 2026
Deliverables: Community Engagement Plan; engagement materials
City Roles:
• Engage in the development of the Engagement Plan.
• Identify key stakeholders for targeted outreach.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings.
Task 4: Complete Draft and Final Climate Action Plan
Incorporating information from the Existing Conditions Report as well as input from staff, the
Sustainability Commission, and Community Members, our team will complete a Climate Action
Plan that features actions that can be implemented over the next five years. We will develop an
accompanying tool to track progress and key metrics. The plan will also highlight community
engagement as a key strategy to continually gain support from the broader community.
Subtask 4.1: Complete draft Climate Action Plan
Description: The consultant team will develop a CAP that focuses on implementable strategies,
initiatives, and actions to enhance sustainability and resiliency in Crystal. Contents of the plan
will include:1.An Executive Summary of the plan, including goals, key strategies, and outcomes.
2.Vision and mission statement developed with the City Council and Sustainability
Commission.
3.A summary of the Existing Conditions report including:a.Community characteristics.
b.A review of existing and past city efforts (policies, plans, and programs) related to
climate.
c.Climate conditions overview and vulnerability assessment.
d.Municipal building energy analysis.
e.Citywide GHG inventory and baseline assessment.
f.Narrative based on GHG inventory provided by MPCA.
4.Priority recommendations for:
a.Energy efficiency improvements in City buildings and strategies for maintaining
B3 data and using it to monitor progress and guide future actions.
b.Urban tree canopy and land cover management.
c.Progress in GreenStep Cities Program and Gold Leaf Challenge.
d.Community engagement and education strategies.
5.Comprehensive menu of strategies and actions to achieve goals. Each strategy will detail
responsible departments, specific actions, potential partnerships, estimated
staffing, equity considerations, and potential funding sources.
6.Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks using Airtable to track metrics
and ongoing performance and progress for each strategy and action.
4.10
City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal 6
Subtask 4.2: Share draft with city staff for review.
Description: Prior to finalizing the Climate Action Plan, we will share a draft of the plan with city
staff and the Sustainability Commission to review. We will incorporate all feedback into the final
plan.
Timeline: January 2026 – June 2026
Deliverables: Climate Action Plan
City Roles:
�Review the draft plan and provide feedback.
�Share the plan with City Council for adoption.
Task 5: Final Report and Project Deliverables
We will support the city in completing the final report for the MPCA grant.
Subtask 5.1: Submit Project Deliverables
Description: Will provide electronic files of all project deliverables to city staff for submission to
the MPCA authorized representative prior to the end of the grant agreement on June 18, 2026,
or at the completion of the project, whichever occurs first.
Timeline: June 2026
Deliverables: MPCA Final Report
City Role:
• Review and submit final report to MPCA
Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan
4.10
City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal 7
V. Budget & Deliverables
Our budget is based on estimated hours for each task and subtask. The tables below illustrate
the breakdown of costs by personnel and task. Qualifications for key personnel are included on
the following pages, and resumes are attached. In addition to key personnel, LHB includes hours
for Maureen Colburn who will lead their internal project management, and a research assistant,
Ingrid Sokup, who will assist Becky Alexander with the municipal energy assessment as well
supporting mitigation strategy recommendations. Abby Finis, of Local Climate Solutions, will
lead all tasks.
4.10
City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal 8
VI. Team Qualifications & Experience
About Local Climate Solutions | Minneapolis, MN
Local Climate Solutions is a climate and energy planning firm that assists public entities with
implementing equitable climate action. We offer a collaborative approach to research and
analysis, planning, and program development services that center equitable outcomes.
Our services include:
• Climate Action Plans tailored to community needs and desires
•Technical assistance for implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies
•Program and policy design to accelerate climate implementation
• Support in seeking state and federal funding for climate and energy planning and action
• Facilitation and community engagement
• Local climate planning presentations
Abby Finis | Principal and Founder
Contact: abby.finis@localclimatesolutions.com or 612-245-4070
Abby is the principal and founder of Local Climate Solutions. She has worked on climate action
and implementation with state, county, and local governments for more than a dozen years. She
has deep experience in energy and climate research and analysis, stakeholder facilitation, state
and local regulatory authorities, and program implementation. Abby works on state, regional,
and local planning initiatives to drive greenhouse gas emissions reductions, while improving
local economic conditions, and achieving a quality of life for all, particularly for the most under-
resourced communities. She has completed more than a dozen climate action, energy, and
resilience plans for local and tribal governments in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
ROLE: Abby will serve as the primary contact and project manager, overseeing the development
of the Climate Action Plan, as well as supporting City-led community engagement.
Jenna Greene | Research Associate
Jenna Greene is a climate policy researcher at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Nelson
Institute for Environmental Studies, where she studies technology innovation and climate
change. Her research includes a focus on local climate policy efforts in the broader global
context. She earned her PhD in Environment and Resources and Master of Public Affairs with a
certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy at UW- Madison. Before starting graduate school, Jenna
worked on community engagement at University of Nebraska - Omaha and climate action
planning and local solar energy policy development at the Great Plains Institute in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
ROLE: Jenna will lead the existing conditions research and summary as well as support the
alignment of the Climate Action Plan strategies with best practices in other communities.
4.10
9City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
About LHB
LHB's Climate Solutions team focuses their work on achieving regional greenhouse gas emission
reduction targets through a range of projects from the building to state scales. They address key
categories including climate, wellness, water, resources, ecology, prosperity, and community to
help clients identify and meet their sustainability goals.
Rebecca J. Alexander, AIA, Well AP | Carbon Planner
Becky Alexander has been the primary researcher for the Regional Indicators Initiative for over
ten years, led the development of the Wedge Tool, and played an important in the development
of climate action plans. She is also involved in several other significant state-wide initiatives to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve sustainability in the built environment, such as
the Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3) and the Sustainable Buildings 2030 program,
which are informed by her background as a licensed architect. A leader in the field of energy
and climate action planning, Becky is a frequent speaker on these topics at regional and national
conferences.
ROLE: Becky’s will support goal setting for GHG reductions based on the citywide inventory. She
will also lead the review of the B3 building energy use data and make recommendations for data
management and building energy efficiency strategies.
Lydia A. Major, PLA, LEED AP | Project Manager & Community Engagement
Lydia works with clients and communities to plan and create vibrant public, commercial, and
residential places. She uses a collaborative design process to develop solutions that benefit the
client, the community, and the environment. Her projects include community, education, park,
trail, and infrastructure system planning projects, where her skills with public engagement help
generate support and real solutions, as well as smaller public and private projects, where she
focuses on the details that create memorable experiences. Her sensible and logical approach to
projects leads to real progress that positively impacts people’s lives.
ROLE: Lydia will contribute to natural resource-related analysis and strategies, focusing on the
ways they contribute to climate outcomes that strengthen community resilience.
Jessica Vetrano, PLA | Landscape Architect and Graphic Designer
Jess Vetrano is a licensed landscape architect with a multidisciplinary background in architecture,
urban planning, and graphic design. With a passion for turning client visions into meaningful
public spaces, Jess focuses on projects that serve both people and the planet. Known for her
well-honed communication skills, Jess expertly tailors documents to resonate with diverse
audiences—translating complex data, planning language, and community feedback into clear,
engaging, and visually compelling documents. With over a decade of experience working on
public projects, Jess is committed to ensuring communities are genuinely heard and
meaningfully reflected in plans that are designed to serve and support them.
ROLE: Jess will create materials and graphics for the Existing Conditions Report, engagement
summary, engagement materials, and the final Climate Action Plan following the city’s branding
guidelines.
4.10
10City of Crystal Climate Action Plan Proposal
Relevant Projects:
Our team has completed more than a dozen climate action plans over the past ten years. Our
plans have been wide-ranging in terms of city size, ambition, and plan content. Cities like Red
Wing and Duluth opted for shorter, more-focused plans, while cities like Saint Paul and Cedar
Rapids, IA wanted more comprehensive, long-range plans. We believe it is important to deliver
plans that are consistent with the community needs and their capacity to implement. For that
reason, we continue to evolve and modify our approach based on where our clients are in their
climate action journey. Below we detail two of our most recent and relevant plans— the Hopkins
Climate Solutions Plan and the Minnetonka Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan
The Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan is a short-range document guiding work to mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions while increasing resiliency in the Hopkins community. The Plan was
developed through a community engagement process that builds momentum and enthusiasm
for action. The plan primarily focuses on the next 5 years as that time-frame is the most critical
deadline to rapidly reduce emissions. The plan includes a summary of existing conditions and
projected climate hazards and their impact on our community’s most vulnerable residents,
natural systems, and built infrastructure. We engaged community members to determine long-
term goals and near-term targets. Finally, the plan includes concrete, implementable strategies
and actions to guide the City’s efforts going forward.
Local Climate Solutions led the development of this plan with graphics by Jess Vetrano. The
Hopkins plan is most comparable to what we are proposing for Crystal.
Read the plan here: Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan
Project Reference: Mikala Larson, Sustainability Specialist, City of Hopkins, mlarson@hopkinsmn.
com 952-548-6368
Minnetonka Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
In the fall of 2022, the City of Minnetonka’s Sustainability Commission recommended the
creation of a climate action and adaptation plan to serve as a comprehensive guide for how the
community can reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs and adapt to a changing climate. LHB
and Local Climate Solutions teamed up to conduct the process, which included an existing
conditions analysis, an extensive community engagement process, development of goals, and
documentation in a plan. The plan outlines specific strategies and actions for residents and
businesses and identifies the potential for city-led policies and programs to help meet the
community’s goals.
LHB led the development of this plan with assistance from Local Climate Solutions.
Read the plan here: Minnetonka Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Project Reference: Drew Ingvalson, Senior Planner, City of Minnetonka,
dingvalson@minnetonkamn.gov, 952-939-8293
4.10
Abby Finis
Principal and Founder and Local Climate Solutions
WORK EXPERIENCE AND HIGHLIGHTS
2022-Present: Principal and Founder, Local Climate Solutions, LLC
●Hopkins Climate Action and Resilience Plan
●Clean Heat MN local government coordination
●Saint Paul CARP update
●Federal funding support for MN communities
●Minnetonka Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
●Hopkins, MN Urban Heat Island Strategies
●Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Sustainability
Plan, Priority Climate Action Plan
●Hopkins, MN Green Cost-share Program Design
●Co-host for City Climate Corner podcast
2015-2022 Senior Program Manager, Great Plains Institute
●Community Energy Network: Convened more than two
dozen Minnesota cities to work through challenges and
opportunities for equitable climate solutions in their
communities
●Minnesota Step Code: Coordinated Minnesota cities to build
support for a statewide building energy standard that
achieves net-zero energy by 2036
●Climate Action Plans: Completed plans for eight
government entities
●GreenStep Cities Program Co-Director. Led the Minnesota
sustainability program for six years and guided the strategic
direction
●2018 Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 Award Recipient
●2016-2018 Co-chair of the Minneapolis Energy Vision
Advisory Committee
2013-2015 Senior Planner, CR Planning
Developed local planning efforts through a sustainability
and climate lens.
2009-2013 Senior Program Administrator, Minnesota Department
of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources
EDUCATION
Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Master of Urban and Regional Planning with energy and climate focus
University of Oregon
Bachelor of Political Science with a minor in Economics
OVERVIEW
For more than 15 years I
have been supporting local
governments in Minnesota
and the Midwest to take
energy and climate action.
At GPI, I led the strategic
development of our local
climate action work.
I started Local Climate
Solutions, LLC in 2022 to
deliver innovative solutions
and high-impact actions that
help local governments
achieve their climate goals.
With a deep understanding
of the emerging needs of
local governments, I have
become the go-to technical
assistance provider for
communities seeking to
accelerate climate mitigation
and adaptation action.
Both personally and
professionally, I understand
that equity and climate
action are intertwined and
must be addressed together
if we are to build a
sustainable world for future
generations.
I am excited to work
collaboratively with local
entities to advance equitable
climate solutions.
4.10
1
Jenna Greene
jennagreene22@gmail.com | 262.313.8744 | www.linkedin.com/in/jenna -greene/
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies Madison, WI
Ph.D. in Environment and Resources July 2025
Dissertation Topic: Drivers of Historical Technology Diffusion to Inform Growth of Climate Technologies
Supervisor: Dr. Gregory Nemet. Funded by the European Research Council
University of Wisconsin-Madison, La Follette School of Public Affairs Madison, WI
Master of Public Affairs and Certificate in Energy Analysis and Policy May 2022
Carleton College, Northfield, MN
Bachelor of Arts. Major: Environmental Studies; Concentration: Political Economy June 2017
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
UW-Madison, La Follette School of Public Affairs Madison, WI
Research Assistant for Professor Gregory Nemet May 2022-current
• Collect, organize, and clean data to create the Historical Adoption of Technologies dataset; a publicly
available dataset of over 6,000 data series on 190 technologies at the global and national levels to
support research and decision making
• Lead research on innovation chapter of the first and second edition of the State of Carbon Dioxide
Removal with an interdisciplinary team of researchers
University of Wisconsin-Madison, La Follette School of Public Affairs Madison, WI
Project Assistant for Professor Gregory Nemet August 2020-May 2022
• Research current literature and review and revise content on technological change and solar energy for
the 6th Assessment Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• Support research on topics related to low-carbon energy and enabling policies, including energy
innovation, local learning, and low energy demand, through literature reviews and writing content for
research papers
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Vienna, Austria
Research Fellow June 2023-August 2023
• Conducted research on technology diffusion through the Young Summer Scientists Program
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Local Climate Solutions, LLC Minneapolis, MN; Remote from Madison, WI
Climate Policy Researcher June 2022-Present
• Research policy options for climate change adaptation in Midwestern communities to support the
development of community plans
RENEW Wisconsin Madison, WI
Energy Analysis and Policy Researcher October 2021-May 2023
• Support advocacy and policy initiatives through research and analysis, including beneficial
electrification, energy efficiency, and clean energy planning
4.10
2
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis on different climate policy scenarios in Wisconsin focused on the impact
of carbon reduction goals on human health, labor, and the state economy
Clean Wisconsin Madison, WI
Science and Policy Fellow June 2021-August 2021
• Researched climate and energy issues in Wisconsin to inform advocacy , testimony, and policy briefs,
including benefits of utility-scale solar energy systems, energy efficiency standards, and beneficial
electrification in Wisconsin
Great Plains Institute Minneapolis, MN
Program Coordinator, Communities Team August 2018-August 2020
• Coordinated the development of climate action plans for local governments, including leading
community engagement, supporting data collection and analysis, analyzing climate vulnerability, and
developing plan content
• Advised and informed local governments across Midwestern states about solar -readiness, low-carbon
building policies, and renewable energy siting processes through presentations, tool and guide
development, and technical assistance
• Coordinated projects related to solar energy and climate action, including partner coordination, cohort
development, timeline tracking, and final report development
• Authored reports, award applications, and blog posts for various renewable energy projects
RESEARCH AND PRESENTATIONS
Research Publications
• Contributed to the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal reports (1st and 2nd editions) as a chapter author.
• Benefit and Cost Impacts of Reaching Clean Energy and Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals in
Wisconsin. (2023). Prepared for Renew Wisconsin.
• For a complete list of academic publications, view my Google Scholar profile.
Research in the News
• Interview with Wisconsin Public Radio. “Studies find methods for removing carbon dioxide must
develop faster to meet climate goals.” (November 2023).
• Analysis featured in The Economist. “Countries need to pull more carbon dioxide out of the air.”
(January 2023).
Conference Presentations: Session chair and poster presenter at American Geophysical Union Annual
Meeting (2024), poster presenter at International Conference on Negative CO2 Emissions (2024), panelist at
Iowa Chapter American Planning Association Conference (2019).
SKILLS
• Analytics + Evaluation: Python, R, Matlab, Qualtrics, STATA, Zotero
• Copy + Design: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva
• Outreach: Emma, SurveyMonkey
• Project management: Asana, Airtable, Monday.com, Trello, Notion
4.10
TEAM MEMBER NAME POST-NOMINAL
Team Member Title & Role
Team Member Bio
REGISTRATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Licensures
AFFILIATION
Society/Group
EDUCATION
Degree, University
RECOGNITION
Awards
CONTACT
Email
Relevant Project Experience
CITY OF MINNETONKA | MINNETONKA, MN
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
CITY OF WAYZATA | WAYZATA, MN
City Operations Resilience Plan
CITY OF HOPKINS | HOPKINS, MN
Heat Vulnerability Study and PCA Resilience
Resiliency Hub
SAINT PAUL PORT AUTHORITY | ST. PAUL, MN
The Heights Carbon Free Community Planning
MNDOT | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MnDOT Plan Mitigating Effects of Climate Change on Pedestrians
HENNEPIN COUNTY
Sustainable Landscape Guidelines
Hiawatha Avenue and Trail Landscape Restoration
CITY OF SHOREVIEW | SHOREVIEW, MN
Shoreview Commons Campus Predesign Study, Phase I Design and Construction,
and Phase II
Parks System Plan
CITY OF BROOKLYN PARK | BROOKLYN PARK, MN
Park Bond Reinvestment Program
CITY OF CHAMPLIN | CHAMPLIN, MN
Park System Plan
CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS | VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN
Parks and Trail System Plan
ROSEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION | ROSEVILLE, MN
System Master Plan
Renewal Program
Unity Park
Midland Gardens Park
CITY OF WOODBURY | WOODBURY, MN
Ojibway Park Master Plan and Phase I Improvements
Phase 2 Park Planning
WAYZATA BAY REDEVELOPMENT | WAYZATA, MN
Promenade of Wayzata
MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT | MINNETONKA, MN
Master Plan Document
Integrated Planning
Campus Improvements
CITY OF EDINA | EDINA, MN
Grandview District Transportation Study
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK | ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
Design Guidelines for the South Side of Excelsior Boulevard
MNDOT | SAINT PAUL, MN
I-35E Cayuga Visual Quality Assessment
CITY OF RICHFIELD | RICHFIELD, MN
Portland Ave. & 66th St. Roundabout
LYDIA MAJOR PLA, LEED AP
Landscape Architecture & Planning Studio Leader
Lydia partners with clients and communities to shape
more equitable, sustainable, and resilient futures. She
leads collaborative planning and engagement processes
that prioritize meaningful participation and long-term
impact. With expertise spanning landscape-based
strategies, climate action, and infrastructure systems,
Lydia brings a holistic perspective to every project.
Her public engagement skills are central to her
approach. Lydia excels at designing inclusive outreach
strategies, facilitating stakeholder workshops, and
translating complex planning concepts into accessible
conversations. She builds trust across diverse groups,
ensuring that community voices are heard and reflected
in the final outcomes Her work bridges planning, design,
and implementation — resulting in solutions that are
both visionary and grounded in long-term practicality.
REGISTRATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Licensed Landscape Architect in Minnesota, North
Dakota, and Wisconsin
U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design Accredited
Professional (LEED AP)
AFFILIATION
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Member
EDUCATION
Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts, Honors English,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
RECOGNITION
2024 ASLA-MN Merit Award, Shoreview Commons Park
2024 ASLA-MN Merit Award, Hopkins Heat Vulnerability Study
2021 ASLA-MN Lob Pine Award, Honoree
2020 ASLA-MN Honor Award, Promenade of Wayzata
2019 ASLA-MN Merit Award, Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District Comprehensive Master Plan
2016 ASLA-MN Merit Award, TH 100 Visual
Quality Manual
2015 ASLA-MN Honor Award, Central Riverfront
Regional Park Master Plan
2014 ASLA-MN Merit Award, MCTC Fine Arts Plaza
2013 Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
Greening Award, Best Plaza, MCTC Fine Arts Plaza
2005 ASLA National Merit Award for Minnesota Student
CONTACT
Lydia.Major@LHBcorp.com
LHBcorp.com
4.10
TEAM MEMBER NAME POST-NOMINAL
Team Member Title & Role
Team Member Bio
REGISTRATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Licensures
AFFILIATION
Society/Group
EDUCATION
Degree, University
RECOGNITION
Awards
CONTACT
Email
LHBcorp.com
Relevant Project Experience
DAKOTA COUNTY
County Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
HENNEPIN COUNTY
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Sustainability Plan
Priority Climate Plan
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
CITY OF WAYZATA | WAYZATA, MN
City Operations Resilience Plan
CITY OF MINNETONKA | MINNETONKA, MN
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
CITY OF NORTHFIELD | NORTHFIELD, MN
Climate Action Plan
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK | ST. LOUIS PARK, MN
Climate Action Plan and Green Building Policy
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE | EDEN PRAIRIE, MN
Climate Action Plan
Sustainable Building Policy Implementation
CITY OF ROSEVILLE | ROSEVILLE, MN
Resilience Planning
SOUTHWEST TRANSIT AGENCY
Sustainability Plan; Eden Prairie, MN
CITY OF RED WING | RED WING, MN
Climate Action Work Plan
CITY OF CEDAR FALLS | CEDAR FALLS, IA
Resilience Plan
CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS | CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Climate Action Plan
CITY OF SAINT PAUL | ST. PAUL, MN
Municipal Buildings Decarbonization Plan
RAMSEY COUNTY
Rice Creek Commons Carbon Free Community Planning; Arden Hills, MN
SAINT PAUL PORT AUTHORITY | ST. PAUL, MN
The Heights Carbon Free Community Planning
MINNESOTA STATE-WIDE INTIATIVES
State of Minnesota Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond (B3) Program
Regional Indicators Initiative (70+ GHG Inventories)
Local Government Project for Energy Planning (LoGoPEP)
Minnesota 2025 Energy Action Plan
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Annual B3 Benchmarking Energy Report
Annual Energy, Water, and Carbon Emissions Analysis Update
REBECCA J. ALEXANDER AIA, WELL AP
Carbon Planner
Becky Alexander is an architect and senior researcher
in the LHB Climate Solutions Studio, a mission-driven
team that explores questions about how the built
environment can improve human and ecological
wellness. Her projects range from the building to
city scale and include development of the Minnesota
Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond (B3) Case Studies
Database; technical leadership of the Regional
Indicators Initiative, which engages communities in
actionable strategies for greenhouse gas reduction by
providing them with data-driven planning tools; and
work with organizations on visualizing the predicted
impacts of potential actions, prioritizing high-impact
strategies, and developing climate action plans. A leader
in the field of energy and climate action planning, Becky
frequently presents on these topics at regional and
national conferences.
REGISTRATION
Licensed Architect in Minnesota
ACCREDITATION
International WELL Building Institute WELL Accredited
Professional (WELL AP)
AFFILIATIONS
AIA Minnesota
Minnesota Wellness Collaborative, Member
USGBC-MN, 2016-2017 Market Leader Advisory
Board, Member
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture,
University of Minnesota
Master of Science, Sustainable Design,
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art and Spanish,
Carleton College
RECOGNITION
AIA Minnesota, 2024 Young Architects Award
USGBC West North Central Shero of the Month,
April 2020
Finance & Commerce, Rising Young Professional, 2018
Clean Energy Resource Teams “MN Women in
Energy,” 2018
Midwest Energy News’
“40 Under 40,” 2015
CONTACT
Becky.Alexander@LHBcorp.com
4.10
TEAM MEMBER NAME POST-NOMINAL
Team Member Title & Role
Team Member Bio
REGISTRATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Licensures
AFFILIATION
Society/Group
EDUCATION
Degree, University
RECOGNITION
Awards
CONTACT
Email
LHBcorp.com | 3
Relevant Project Experience
CITY OF MINNETONKA | MINNETONKA, MN
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
CITY OF HOPKINS | HOPKINS, MN
Heat Vulnerability Study and PCA Resilience
Resiliency Hub
Climate Solutions Plan1
MNDOT | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
MnDOT Plan Mitigating Effects of Climate Change on Pedestrians
CITY OF WAYZATA | WAYZATA, MN
City Operations Resilience Plan
SAINT PAUL PORT AUTHORITY | ST. PAUL, MN
The Heights Carbon Free Community Planning
CITY OF DULUTH | DULUTH , MN
Lakewalk and Brighton Beach Resiliency Plans
CITY OF CHAMPLIN | CHAMPLIN, MN
Park System Plan
OLMSTED COUNTY | ROCHESTER, MN
Graham Park Exhibit Center
CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS | VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN
Parks and Trail System Plan
RAMSEY COUNTY | ROSEVILLE, MN
Environmental Service Center
CITY OF BUFFALO | BUFFALO, MN
Downtown 2040 Plan
2040 Community Plan
CITY OF GRANITE FALLS | GRANITE FALLS, MN
Community Vision
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER | CABLE, WI
Telemark Resort Master Plan
CITY OF SHOREVIEW | SHOREVIEW, MN
Shoreview Commons Campus Phase II
Bobby Theisen Park
Park System Plan
CITY OF BROOKLYN PARK | BROOKLYN PARK, MN
Park Bond Reinvestment Program
Temporary Plaza Park
MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Powderhorn Park Improvements
CITY OF ROSEVILLE | ROSEVILLE, MN
Unity Park
Sunset Park
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD | MAPLEWOOD, MN
Harvest Park Master Plan
Goodrich Park
JESS VETRANO PLA
Landscape Architect
As a licensed landscape architect with a multidisciplinary
background in urban planning and architecture, Jess
brings a passion for transforming client visions into
public spaces that serve both people and the planet.
Her project experience spans a diverse range of sectors
— including government, residential, commercial,
K–12, and higher education — covering everything
from system-wide planning to detailed project
implementation.
Jess excels at helping communities achieve fiscal,
social, aesthetic, and environmental goals through
thoughtful design. Her strong communication skills
enable her to collaborate effectively with project
teams, clients, and community stakeholders, fostering
inclusive and engaging public spaces that reflect
shared values and aspirations.
REGISTRATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
Licensed Landscape Architect in Minnesota
EDUCATION
Master of Landscape Architecture,
University of Washington
Bachelor of Design, Architecture
Bachelor of Science, Urban Studies
University of Minnesota
RECOGNITION
2024 ASLA-MN Merit Award, Shoreview Commons Park
2024 ASLA-MN Merit Award, Hopkins Heat
Vulnerability Study
2018 APA-MN Excellence in Community Engagement
Award, Chanhassen Parks & Recreation System Plan
CONTACT
Jess.Vetrano@LHBcorp.com
1Prior experience with Local Climate Solutions
4.10
Proposal for Services
City of Crystal Climate Action Plan
September 5, 2025
Submitted By:
4.10
2
Table of Contents
Cover Letter
Project Understanding and Approach Page 1
Scope of Services and Deliverables Page 2
Work Plan and Timeline Page 7
Budget and Deliverables Page 8
Project Team Qualificatfons and Experience Page 9
Appendix - Team Resumes Page 11
Appendix - Optfonal Services Page 12
4.10
Cover Letter
Team Contact
Ted Redmond
2515 White Bear Avenue, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
612-669-7056
tredmond@paleBLUEdot.llc
Sarah Nissen
Administratfve Program Specialist
City of Crystal
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal, MN 55422
Sarah.Nissen@crystalmn.gov
Subject: Request for Proposal for City of Crystal Climate Actfon Plan
Dear Sarah and Evaluatfon Team:
We are excited to collaborate with City of Crystal on its Climate Actfon Plan, a
visionary effort to build a climate-resilient and sustainable future. This project
aligns perfectly with paleBLUEdot’s mission and expertfse—climate actfon
planning is what we do. We see sustainability, carbon neutrality, and equity as
essentfal to a thriving future, and we view the challenges of this transitfon as
opportunitfes to enhance livability and economic vitality. Through collaboratfon,
inquiry, and creatfvity, we are committed to delivering high-quality service with
energy and flexibility to support this critfcal work.
A certffied Minnesota W/SBE firm, paleBLUEdot has one of the most extensive
and recent portiolios of sustainability actfon planning, GHG assessments, and
climate planning within Minnesota and the Midwest. Ted Redmond, project
manager and project lead, brings 30 years of experience working with
municipalitfes, countfes, and state agencies on significant public planning
projects, including over 90 Community Sustainability and Climate Planning
Projects as well as GHG inventory efforts for communitfes and NGO’s in the
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and The Netherlands. Colleen Redmond
brings a unique capacity for facilitatfng youth dialogue, and interactfve “climate
actfon design thinking” adult and youth workshops that provide the City with
additfonal community engagement avenues.
We are grateful for this opportunity to submit on this excitfng project. Should
you have any questfons about our proposal, or wish to explore optfons further,
please feel free to contact me at any tfme at the phone number or email
address to the right.
Sincerely
paleBLUEdot
Ted Redmond
Principal, Vice President
Our mission is to hasten the
transitfon to an authentfcally
sustainable, no carbon
economy and to elevate the
public discourse.
W/SBE
Certffied
paleBLUEdot
Certfficatfons / Affiliatfons
4.10
1
Project Understanding and Approach
The purpose of the City of Crystal Climate Actfon Plan project is to create a comprehensive and innovatfve plan to
establish a clear vision for the City’s role in climate actfon and guide decision making, policy, and program
development. The plan, funded in part through an MPCA grant, will establish ambitfous but achievable goals and
tfmelines to increase climate resilience and reduce emissions for City operatfons and the community at large. The plan
will appropriately integrate State of Minnesota Pollutfon Control Agency Gold Leaf Challenge actfons and GreenStep
Citfes Step 4 and 5 metrics as well as create appropriate alignments with regional, state, and global frameworks.
The City of Crystal Climate Actfon Plan should prioritfze robust community and equity engagement to ensure inclusive
stakeholder involvement. Engagement is to include an in-depth Collaboratfve Planning Team with external partners
and community members meetfng regularly, internal stakeholder engagement with City staff and officials, and broader
community outreach via town halls, workshops, events, and surveys. A key focus is on meaningful engagement of
underrepresented populatfons to ensure the plan reflects the diverse perspectfves of the entfre community while
promotfng equity and inclusion.
paleBLUEdot’s sole mission is to deliver services for innovatfve climate actfon plans. Our approach, shaped by extensive
experience, is designed to create robust and effectfve community-wide plans. In our experience, successful plans
support:
Grounding in data and science
Leveraging broad stakeholder wisdom
Recognizing community needs
Transitfoning into actfon
The paleBLUEdot project approach described in this proposal is based on these observatfons and our experience in
crafting successful climate plans. Our approach includes:
Baseline Research and Documentatfon (Grounding in data and science):
Effectfve Climate Actfon Plans begin with a clear understanding of a community ’s climate indicators, vulnerabilitfes,
and opportunitfes. This baseline knowledge allows us to set meaningful, science-based goals rooted in present realitfes
and future vision. From there, we develop strategies and detailed actfons to achieve these goals.
Collaboratfve Planning (Leveraging broad stakeholder wisdom):
We take a highly collaboratfve approach, co -developing the plan with the City and community representatfves. This
ensures broad support, actfonable strategies, and identfficatfon of partnerships for successful implementatfon.
Drawing from natfonal best practfces and our ACTIONFinder tool, we bring proven strategies to each plan’s
development.
Inclusive Community Engagement (Recognizing community needs):
Meaningful community engagement allows all stakeholders—especially underrepresented groups, residents,
businesses, and instftutfons—to actfvely shape the plan. We design inclusive engagement processes that empower
diverse voices to contribute to long-term climate solutfons.
Implementatfon Tools (Transitfoning into actfon):
Climate actfon plans must guide long-term, community-wide implementatfon. Many communitfes struggle with the
transitfon from planning to successful implementatfon. To support our clients in “hitting the ground running” our
project approach includes a significant amount of tools to support implementatfon of the completed plan.
A detailed descriptfon of our project approach and proposed Scope of Services and Deliverables is provided in the next
sectfon.
4.10
2
paleBLUEdot’s project approach is tailored to the City’s prioritfes. Below is our proposed Scope of Services and
Deliverables in response to the RFP:
Project Kickoff
A successful project launch will begin with a kick-off meetfng to confirm past and current City studies and data, reaffirm
goals and objectfves, confirm scope, methodology, and schedule, and establish key contacts. The Team will also begin
identffying engagement groups. At or after the meetfng, paleBLUEdot will provide an onboarding questfonnaire and
data request to streamline data collectfon and quickly familiarize the team with relevant City policies and programs.
Project Management
Ted Redmond, the paleBLUEdot project lead, will manage team actfvitfes, serve as the primary contact, and facilitate
regular updates, project meetfngs, and Climate Planning Team sessions (in-person and via Zoom). He will be accessible
by phone and email, responding within one to two business days. Collaboratfve Planning Team communicatfons will be
managed through a project website with reports, meetfng notes, and resources. The project includes five review
opportunitfes: baseline research, draft goals, proposed actfons, and two Climate Actfon Plan drafts. Additfonally, up to
three in-person presentatfons to the City Council will be scheduled following the Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment,
Draft Plan, and final Plan, with details finalized with City staff.
Environmental Scan
paleBLUEdot will assess the City’s past and current climate efforts to highlight progress, gaps, and opportunitfes. This
will include reviewing a review of data collected through our onboarding questfonnaire as well as a review of peer,
regional, and state plans for context and alignment. This effort will allow paleBLUEdot to connect the preliminary goal
recommendatfons offered in the Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment (see below) to establish connectfons with broader
regional frameworks.
Baseline Research
paleBLUEdot believes effectfve climate actfon planning starts with thorough data collectfon and baseline assessment.
This provides a clear understanding of current conditfons, informs goal-setting, guides strategies, and measures
progress. Our approach includes evaluatfng baseline indicators and producing a Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment
and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons report, summarizing key community metrics, proposing goals and strategies, and
providing initfal GHG reductfon modeling across sectors such as Buildings & Energy, Transportatfon, Waste, Water,
Food, Greenspace and Trees, Health, and the Green Economy. The following are the baseline research documents
paleBLUEdot will compile:
Example Vulnerability Assessment
Scope of Services and Deliverables
4.10
3
Vulnerability Assessment: The paleBLUEdot team will conduct a Vulnerability Assessment for City of Crystal,
evaluatfng climate change impacts, risks, and vulnerable populatfons. This will start with a review of regional data to
identffy vulnerabilitfes and support adaptatfon decisions, using the Climate Risk and Adaptatfon Framework (CRAFT)
and prioritfzing equity for vulnerable groups. We will analyze regional climate metrics, projected impacts, and key risk
factors from sources like the US Natfonal Climate Assessment, NOAA, FEMA, and universitfes, working with the
Natfonal Center for Atmospheric Research to develop City-specific projectfons. Primary climate risks will be assessed
based on likelihood, consequence, and tfmeframe, covering areas such as flood risk, air quality, food access, health,
and energy resilience. paleBLUEdot will map the City’s vulnerabilitfes by overlaying data on at-risk populatfons, climate
risks, and community resources, identffying the order-of-magnitude of each risk and its affected areas. We will also
provide an appendix with data sources and metrics for tracking progress on the final plan's strategies and actfons.
GHG Inventory and Forecastfng: paleBLUEdot will develop Community-wide and Municipal GHG inventories for 2016,
2020, and 2024 (subject to data availability), using our Integrated Inventory and Reductfon Modeling Tool. The GHG
inventory will provide strong metrics to guide sustainability and climate actfon decisions while also supportfng the
City’s GreenStep Citfes Step 4 and 5 submission. The inventory will follow GHG Protocol for Citfes standards.
Data Collectfon & Emission Factors: Data will include raw use/actfvity data (e.g., energy use, transportatfon mileage)
and emission factors (e.g., utflity-specific or regional eGRID data). These will create community-specific emissions
profiles for accurate calculatfons.
GHG Emissions Forecastfng (2030, 2040, 2050): Using paleBLUEdot’s modeling tool, a business-as-usual emissions
projectfon will be developed, factoring in variables like populatfon growth, climate impacts, and state and federal
requirements and standards. The forecast will support reductfon strategy modeling used in the final Climate Actfon
Plan.
GHG Report & Findings Summary: The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report will be a public-facing informatfonal
document and will summarize methodology, findings, and trends.
Renewable Energy Potentfals: paleBLUEdot will conduct a Citywide study on the potentfal for rooftop, ground-
mounted, and carport solar PV systems, evaluatfng economic, environmental, and equity benefits, especially for low -
income communitfes. The study will provide an estfmate of renewable energy capacity to guide the planning team in
setting ambitfous but realistfc short- and long-term targets and strategies.
City-Wide Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, Heat Island, and Carbon Sequestratfon Study: paleBLUEdot will assess
Citywide ground cover and tree canopy to inform resilience and adaptatfon planning. Using the USDA iTree Canopy
tool, we will analyze land cover (grass, water, wetlands, impervious surfaces, tree canopy) at City and census tract
levels, estfmatfng carbon sequestratfon, runoff, pollutfon absorptfon, and energy savings. The data will be linked to
demographic info to assess impacts on vulnerable populatfons, ground cover impacts and benefits, and evaluate heat
island conditfons by categorizing impervious surfaces and calculatfng heat impacts. Building on existfng resources, we
will use this study to help establish ambitfous but achievable ground cover climate resilience goals including tree
canopy, natfve grass coverage, and heat island mitfgatfon.
Scope of Services and Deliverables
Example GHG Inventory Summary report.
4.10
4
Additfonal Community Indicators: Additfonal community indicators will be reviewed for inclusion in the Climate Actfon
Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons report, including: Energy use, high-performance buildings,
and efficiency scenarios; Energy and housing burdens, assessing economic vulnerability; Transit access, walkability and
bikeability heat mapping; Public transit benefit mapping; Housing and transit affordability baseline.
Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons Report: The Baseline Research phase will
produce a Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons report. This will outline GHG
reductfon strategies and propose science -based, ambitfous but achievable goals for the Climate Actfon Plan. The
Baseline Assessment, along with other research documents, will provide community-specific data to guide the planning
process, helping the team understand current conditfons and identffy potentfal goals for each plan sector while
understanding linkage to underlying conditfons.
Climate Actfon Plan
paleBLUEdot will develop a Climate Actfon Plan for City of Crystal, combining climate mitfgatfon and adaptatfon
strategies to identffy cost-effectfve actfons that support sustainability, equity, and resilience. The plan will focus on
achievable, tailored strategies, coordinate City initfatfves, and include metrics to measure progress, while emphasizing
community engagement for long-term success.
Collaboratfve Approach: paleBLUEdot will work closely with the City and a Collaboratfve Planning Team of 20-40
individuals to develop the plan, with up to seven workshops guiding goal-setting, actfon creatfon, and prioritfzatfon.
Best practfces from regional and natfonal examples will be integrated and adapted to City of Crystal ’s needs.
Goal-Setting, Strategy Development & Actfon Prioritfzatfon: The team will collaborate with the Planning Team to set
science-based, sector-specific goals for mitfgatfon and adaptatfon, informed by peer community data and the Climate
Actfon Baseline Assessment. Using baseline data and best practfces, paleBLUEdot will help define and refine actfons
with the ACTIONFinder tool, screening against City of Crystal values. The Planning Team will then prioritfze actfons for
the draft plan, which will undergo City staff review and a public feedback process.
Strategy Evaluatfon & Metrics: Strategies will be assessed for feasibility, co -benefits, equity alignment, and GHG
reductfon potentfal using paleBLUEdot’s Integrated Inventory and Reductfon Modeling Tool. Metrics will be
recommended to track sector goal progress, ensuring relevance and repeatability. A cost-benefit analysis of key
strategies will be provided, including energy savings, emissions reductfons, and a localized social cost of carbon.
Finalizatfon: After incorporatfng feedback from City staff and the public, paleBLUEdot will produce a final Climate
Actfon Plan, with clear goals, strategies, and metrics for implementatfon.
Scope of Services and Deliverables
Example Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons report
4.10
5
Scope of Services and Deliverables
Implementatfon Plan
paleBLUEdot will facilitate two workshops with the
Project Management Team to define key implementatfon
aspects for each actfon, including lead departments,
staffing, partners, and budget ranges. Results will be
integrated into the final Implementatfon Matrix. The
implementatfon plan will be an Excel-based matrix will
track all Climate Actfon Plan strategies, detailing
responsibilitfes, budgets, GHG reductfon and resilience
impact levels, and support progress updates. It will be
searchable, including notes from the Collaboratfve
Planning Team, and link to other communitfes' actfons
for insights.
Implementatfon Support Tools: Once the Climate Actfon Plan is approved, paleBLUEdot will provide tools to support
its implementatfon, helping the City, residents, and businesses transitfon effectfvely. The tools provided will include:
Implementatfon Phase Communicatfons Plan: The communicatfons plan will guide outreach during the first two years
of Climate Actfon Plan implementatfon, building awareness, encouraging positfve behavior change, and engaging
residents and businesses. It will set goals, audiences, and core messages, with a clear calendar, implementatfon steps,
and metrics to track progress.
Policy and Ordinance Example Website (Pro Bono): paleBLUEdot will provide example policies and ordinances for
Climate Actfon Plan actfons, easing implementatfon for the responsible City departments.
City Implementatfon Team Support (Pro Bono): A recommended team structure and preliminary meetfng agendas will
be provided to support ongoing implementatfon, including staffing and budget integratfon into the annual process.
City Policy Alignment Review Tool (Pro Bono): A tool will be provided to assess proposed City actfons and policies
against Climate Actfon Plan goals, ensuring alignment in all policy decisions.
Community Engagement
The paleBLUEdot Community Engagement approach prioritfzes broad community and equity input in two phases. The
first phase, aligned with initfal planning, gathers broad community input. The second phase, following the draft plan's
creatfon, seeks feedback on the draft itself. Engagement opportunitfes will accommodate varying levels of commitment
and tfme, ensuring accessibility for all community members. This “Contfnuum of Community Engagement” approach
meets people where they are, allowing partfcipatfon based on interest and capacity. Below is an overview of our
proposed Community Engagement process:
Example Implementatfon Matrix
Contfnuum of Community Engagement Optfons
Surveys Pop-Up
Storytelling
Community
Meetfngs
Collaboratfve
Planning Team
Engagement
Toolkit
Facilitated by paleBLUEdot with City staff / Commission partfcipatfon Supportfng City /
Commission Efforts
Two Citywide
surveys
Community
Storytelling
Opportunitfes
Four Community
Meetfngs
Four Plan
Development
Workshops
Supportfng Staff
and Commission
Outreach Efforts
4.10
6
Scope of Services and Deliverables
Community Engagement
Community Engagement Toolkit: paleBLUEdot will develop an outline of community outreach and engagement
actfvitfes that City staff and commission volunteers can engage in through the planning process to promote and
support community input and engagement in the development of the plan. This Engagement Toolkit will include
materials supportfng outreach communicatfons such as flyers and banners, newsletter / email announcement content,
and social media posts.
Community Project Webpage: A public webpage on www.paleBLUEdot.llc will provide project updates, documents,
and surveys. It will launch with the first public survey and remain actfve through project completfon, hostfng the Draft
Climate Actfon Plan for public review and comment.
Online Surveys: Two online surveys will gather community input. The first will assess awareness, concerns, and ideas
for sustainability. The second, released with the draft plan, will collect detailed feedback. Survey results will be
summarized in reports highlightfng key themes and responses.
Pop-up Community Storytelling Installatfons: paleBLUEdot will design and produce up to four interactfve displays to
be placed in high-traffic public areas to collect community visions for a climate-resilient future. Partfcipants will
respond to prompts such as imagining a climate-resilient City of Crystal in 2050. Input will guide climate actfons and
may be used to shape a community vision for a resilient City of Crystal or other content in the final Climate Actfon Plan.
Community Engagement Meetfngs: Four in-person meetfngs will be held—two during plan development and two after
the Draft Plan release. Meetfngs will designed to provide attendees with an opportunity for collaboratfve input. One
meetfng per phase may be hybrid in-person / remote, with a recording posted online for flexible partfcipatfon.
Collaboratfve Planning Team Engagement
We will collaborate with the City to form a Collaboratfve Planning Team (20-40 members) to help develop and refine
climate mitfgatfon and adaptatfon strategies. The group will include City staff, public agencies, community
representatfves, and local organizatfons. The engagement process includes up to seven sessions:
1.Kickoff Meetfng (In-person) – Overview of project scope, goals, tfmeline, and Steering Committee involvement.
2.Sector Goal -Setting Workshop (in-person) – Establish strategic goals for different sectors.
3.Actfon Development Workshop (in-person) - Review, refine, and create potentfal draft actfons supportfng sector
goals.
4.Draft Climate Actfon Plan Review (In-person) – Review, refine, and provide input on proposed draft strategies and
actfons. Kick off planning team full draft plan review period.
Presentatfons
paleBLUEdot will collaborate with the City in finalizing the plan for presentatfons, however, we preliminarily antfcipate
up to three presentatfons to the City Council and Sustainability Commission each. The first presentatfon is
recommended at an interim period following the development of the Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment and Strategic
Goal Recommendatfons report. The second p resentatfon is recommended as a review of the Draft Climate Actfon Plan,
with the third occurring as a final Climate Actfon Plan presentatfon. The paleBLUEdot team proposes to work with the
City staff to finalize the intent and schedule of these presentatfons.
4.10
7
Work Plan and Timeline
City Proposal Review and Selectfon Process: August -September 2025
Project Kick-off: September 2025
City Staff Interactfon: Kick-off meetfng
Deliverables: Kick-off meetfng agenda
Project Management September 2025 - June 2026
City Staff Interactfon: regular Project Manager updates as needed
Environmental Scan September -October 2025
City Staff Interactfon: Coordinate environmental scan focus, collect data from City
Deliverables: Review of City data/reports; On-Boarding questfonnaire and data request
Baseline Research September - December 2025
City Staff Interactfon: Data Analysis and Baseline Review Meetfng(s), assist in data collectfon (limited staff involvement)
Deliverables: Climate Actfon Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal Recommendatfons; Vulnerability Assessment; GHG
Emissions Inventory and Forecast; Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Sequestratfon Baseline; Renewable Energy
Potentfals (electronic documents)
Community Engagement September 2025 - May 2026
City Staff Interactfon: Review of City staff and commission member Engagement Toolkit; Partfcipatfon in Community Meetfngs;
Focus Group Workshops; Advisory Focus Group planning meetfngs; City Council presentatfon;
Deliverables: Community Engagement Toolkit; survey development, management, and reportfng; storytelling development,
management, and reportfng; facilitatfon of community and Planning Team meetfngs
Climate Actfon Plan Development and Finalizatfon February - June 2026
City Staff Interactfon: Draft goal review; Draft actfon review; Draft Climate Actfon Plan review and comment consolidatfon
Deliverables: Draft goals; draft actfons, Draft Climate Actfon Plan; Final Climate Actfon Plan
Implementatfon Plan and Tools May - June 2026
City Staff Interactfon: Partfcipatfon in up to two Implementatfon Plan workshops
Deliverables: Implementatfon Matrix; Policy and Ordinance Example Website; City Implementatfon Team Support; City Policy
Alignment Review Tool; CAP Implementatfon Communicatfon Plan; City Facility Energy Benchmarking and Reductfon Potentfal
Estfmate (Optfonal Service); City Facility Solar Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan (Optfonal Service); Metrics Reportfng
Toolkit (Optfonal Service); Climate Actfon Plan Website and Dashboard (Optfonal Service);
Tasks, Interactfons, and Deliverables Schedule
Sample Project Deliverables:
For examples of paleBLUEdot deliverables, scan the QR code or visit:
https://palebluedot.llc/crystal-examples
4.10
8
Budget and Deliverables
*Fee Proposal Assumptfons and Consideratfons:
Final hours expended by the team may vary from the estfmate shown above, however, as a lump sum proposal, paleBLUEdot is committed to
delivering the scope of services outlined in this proposal for the fees proposed here.
Engagement and management costs include the following meetfng and presentatfon assumptfons: up to 4 planning team meetfngs, up to 3
commission meetfngs (2 in-person and 1 video conference), up to 3 city council meetfngs (2 in-person and 1 video conference), up to 4
community presentatfon/input meetfngs (in person), and approximately monthly management/coordinatfon phone calls or video conference
meetfngs with city staff as needed (up to a total of 11). paleBLUEdot understands that the City will provide meetfng spaces for all staff, plan team,
community meetfngs, and other project meetfngs and does not include expenses associated with securing meetfng space.
Fees include all budgeted expenses including travel required for proposed in-person meetfngs and presentatfons, incidental printfng and supplies
for planning team meetfngs, and community workshops. All final deliverables are antfcipated to be electronic documents, minimizing the
environmental impact of paper use, and reimbursable expenses. Printed copies may be requested as an additfonal reimbursable e xpense.
Document review period for the draft plan includes a single round of review and edits. paleBLUEdot antfcipates receiving a single consolidated
review document from the city which provides a unified, consensus directfon on draft plan refinement desired for plan finalizatfon. A detailed
review and revision of all foundatfonal and process documents including the Climate Actfon Plan Baseline Assessment and Strategic Goal
Recommendatfons document, planning team agendas, and planning team process webpage is not included in paleBLUEdot’s project schedule or
fee. Additfonal reviews may be provided as an additfonal reimbursable expense and may require schedule adjustments. paleBLUEd ot’s proposal
assumes tfmely and clear directfon, informatfon, and decisions will be received relatfve to data requests or mutually agreed upon document
reviews as necessary for the paleBLUEdot team to perform the Scope of Services.
Meetfng language interpretatfon and language translatfon of process documents, final documents, and community meetfngs is not included
unless detailed in the project approach but can be provided as an additfonal reimbursable expense and may require schedule ad justments.
Fee proposal assumes City acceptance of paleBLUEdot standard insurance coverage (General Liability and Professional Liability at $1M per
occurrence and $1M aggregate each). Additfonal insurance coverage is available as an additfonal cost. If requested, paleBLUEdot will issue
Certfficate of Insurance statements notfng the City as “Certfficate Holder.” Naming the City as “Additfonal Insured” by endorsement may be
available if desired as an additfonal cost.
Cost estfmates, return on investment estfmates, and detailed benefit-cost analysis for individual actfons are not included in the planning effort.
Fee proposal assumes invoice payments are received via check or direct bank payment. Payments by credit card may be accepted only with the
additfon of a Credit Convenience Fee charge applied to each invoice equal to all applicable fees charged by credit processor(s) and covering
paleBLUEdot staff tfme associated with processing or account setup. Credit Convenience Fees shall be an additfonal service expense in additfon to
paleBLUEdot costs outlined above.
As stated in our cover letter, paleBLUEdot is a mission-driven organizatfon
dedicated to advancing sustainability and climate actfon. We offer flexible,
responsive, and collaboratfve service with a high level of quality. Our team
proposes a lump sum fee, billed monthly based on progress. This fee includes
all services and antfcipated reimbursable expenses as outlined below. Total paleBLUEdot Principal (hourly rate $172) paleBLUEdot Support (hourly rate $65) Total Est. Team Hours
Basic Services Fee
Project Kick-off $1,375 8 8 0
Environmental Scan $994 12 2 10
Research, Existfng Conditfons Documentatfon: $15,284 166 42 124
Vulnerability Assessment $3,968
GHG Inventory and Forecastfng $1,988
Renewable Energy Potentfals Study $2,676
Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Sequestratfon Study $3,326
Baseline Assessment and Strategy Recommendatfons $3,326
Climate Actfon Plan Development and Finalizatfon $16,775 135 75 60
Community Engagement, Presentatfons, and Planning Team Facilitatfon $16,024 93 93 0
Implementatfon Tools $6,880 40 40 0
Project Management $6,198 36 36 0
Basic Services Total:* $63,530 490
4.10
9
Project Team Qualificatfons and Experience
The paleBLUEdot team offers extensive consultfng experience relevant to the
Crystal Climate Actfon Plan, specializing in Climate Actfon and Sustainability
Plans, Climate Vulnerability Assessments, Greenhouse Gas Inventories,
Renewable Energy Actfon Plans, and Baseline Assessments. Our work spans
22 states, with numerous successful projects, including:
Addison County
Climate Actfon Plan
Middlebury, VT
City of Bloomington
Climate Actfon and
Adaptatfon Plan
Bloomington, IN
City of Burnsville
Sustainability Plan
Burnsville, MN
City of Eagan
Climate Actfon Plan
Eagan, MN
City of Edina
Climate Actfon Plan
Edina, MN
Town of Hartiord
Climate Actfon Plan
Hartiord, VT
Hennepin County
•Building
Decarbonizatfon Plan
(subconsultant)
•Community-wide VMT
Reductfon Plan
(subconsultant)
Minneapolis, MN
Kane County Climate
Actfon Plan
Geneva, IL
City of La Crosse
Climate Actfon Plan
La Crosse, WI
City of La Crosse
Climate Actfon Plan
La Crosse, WI
Minnesota Region 4
9 County Regional
Climate Actfon Plan
Fergus Falls, MN
City of Omaha Climate
Actfon and Resilience
Plan
Omaha, NE
Village of Peterborough
Renewable Energy Plan
Peterborough, NH
Polk County
Climate Actfon Plan
Des Moines, IA
Village of Skokie
Sustainability Plan
Skokie, IL
White Earth Natfon
Climate Actfon Plan
Ogema, MN
City of Woodbury
Environmental
Stewardship Plan
Woodbury, MN
GHG Inventories
(partfal list)
Vulnerability Assessments
(partfal list)
paleBLUEdot has supported climate actfon in over 90 communitfes
natfonwide, impactfng one in every 30 people in the United States.
Local governments implementfng our climate actfon plans are on
track to reduce community-wide emissions by over 67 million metric
tons annually by 2035.
•City of Albert Lea, MN
•City of Ames, IA
•City of Chattanooga, TN
•City of Eagan, MN
•City of Edina, MN
•City of Maplewood, MN
•Village of Northbrook, IL
•Omaha–Council Bluffs
Metropolitan Area
•City of Woodbury, MN
•City of Brooklyn Park, MN
•City of Burnsville, MN
•City of Dubuque, IA
•City of Duluth, MN
•City of Faribault, MN
•City of Fitchburg, WI
•Village of Glen Ellyn, IL
•Kane County, IL
•Minnesota Region 4
9 County Regional
Climate Assessment
•State of Nebraska
•City of New Brighton, MN
•City of Oakdale, MN
•Polk County, IA
•City of St Louis Park, MN
•City of Woodbury, MN
Climate, Sustainability, and Energy Clients
Akeley, MN LaFarge, WI
Albert Lea, MN Maplewood, MN
Ames, IA Marion, AL
Apple Valley, MN Middlebury, VT
Beloit, WI Morris, MN
Bloomington, IN Mountain Iron, MN
Brainerd, MN New Brighton, MN
Brooklyn Park, MN North Mankato, MN
Burnsville, MN Northbrook, IL
Chattanooga, TN Northfield, MN
Chrisholm, MN Oakdale, MN
Crookston, MN Omaha, NE
Dallas, TX Oshkosh, WI
Dubuque, IA Peterborough NH
Duluth, MN Plymouth, MN
Eagan, MN Ranier, MN
Eau Claire, WI Richfield, MN
Edina, MN Roseville, MN
Elgin, IL Saint Charles, MN
Elk River, MN Skokie, Il
Fairfax, MN St Louis Park, MN
Falcon Heights, MN Stfllwater, MN
Faribault, MN Tuskegee, AL
Fitchburg, WI Warren, MN
Glen Ellyn, IL Waukee, IA
Glencoe, IL West Des Moines, IA
Granite Falls, MN Westchester, IL
Hartiord, VT Winnebago, MN
Kelliher, MN Winthrop, MN
La Crescent, MN Wise, VA
La Crosse, WI Woodbury, MN
Municipal Clients (60+)
Addison County, VT Otter Tail County, MN*
Becker County, MN* Polk County, IA
Cass County, NE* Pope County, MN*
Clay County, MN* Pottawattamie County, IA*
Douglas County, MN* Ramsey County
Douglas County, NE* Sarpy County, NE*
Grant County, MN* Saunders County, NE*
Harrison County, IA* Stevens County, MN*
Hennepin County, MN Traverse County, MN*
Kane County, Il Washington County, NE*
Mills County, IA* Wilkin County, MN*
County Clients (22+)
State of Minnesota
State of Missouri
State of Montana
State of Nebraska
State Clients
Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe
Shakopee
Mdewakanton Sioux
Community
White Earth Natfon
Tribal Clients
*Included in a regional plan
4.10
10
Project Team Qualificatfons and Experience
and climate resilience efforts. The plan establishes a pathway to 25% GHG emissions
reductfon by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The final plan includes
governments to select from in crafting coordinated, localized implementatfon plans
acknowledge the climate crisis, prioritfze climate actfon, assess energy usage, reduce
reductfon of 2020 GHG levels by 2040. In November 2022, paleBLUEdot was engaged
to create a county operatfons Climate Actfon Plan, including a GHG inventory, climate
City of La Crosse, WI - In 2021, paleBLUEdot partnered with the City of La Crosse to
create its first Climate Actfon Plan, building on the 2009 Sustainability Plan. The plan
evaluates past progress and broadens implementatfon with new focus areas,
technologies, and educatfon strategies. It is grounded in community-specific research,
including GHG inventories, a vulnerability assessment, carbon sequestratfon and
renewable energy studies, and a sustainability baseline. The process prioritfzes equity
through extensive engagement with underrepresented populatfons and includes a
youth initfatfve to ensure young voices shape the plan.
Reference Contact
Kuhlman, Lewis
Environmental Planner, City of La Crosse
Phone: 608-789-7361
Email: kuhlmanl@cityoflacrosse.org
Timeframe of Plan Research
September 2021 - February 2022
Timeframe of Plan Development
March 2022 - December 2022
City of Omaha, NE - In 2023, the City of Omaha selected paleBLUEdot to develop its
first Climate Actfon and Resilience Plan (CARP). The plan outlines city operatfons and
community-wide pathways to carbon neutrality by 2050, with an interim goal for
2035. The process included comprehensive baseline research, broad community
engagement including focused equity listening sessions with the city’s under-
represented communitfes, a broad stakeholder focus group of 150 agency and
business representatfves, and a collaboratfve planning team of over 80 community
members and City staff. This planning effort was coordinated with the Omaha -
Council Bluffs Comprehensive Climate Actfon Plan, with the CARP’s baseline research
and goal recommendatfons serving as the regional plan’s foundatfon. The project is
funded by the US EPA’s Climate Pollutfon Reductfon Grant.
Reference Contact
Marco Floreani; Deputy Chief of Staff, Economic
Development and Development Services
Level of Involvement; City’s Project Manager
Phone: 402 444-5035
Email: marco.floreani@cityofomaha.org
Community Populatfon
484,000
Timeframe of Plan Research
March 2023 - November 2023
Timeframe of Plan Development
November 2023 - December 2024
North Mankato, MN - paleBLUEdot was selected in by the City of North Mankato to
develop the City’s first Climate Actfon Plan. The plan support’s the City’s goals of
achieving municipal operatfons and community-wide GHG emission reductfons by
2040. The plan addresses climate mitfgatfon and adaptatfon goals in eight sectors
including: Transportatfon and Land use, Buildings and Energy, Waste Management,
Water and Wastewater, Greenspace and Ecosystem Health, and the Green Economy.
The planning effort was built around extensive community baseline research and a
community engagement effort designed around an in-depth collaboratfve planning
process with City staff and community stakeholders.
Reference Contact
Matt Lassonde
City Planner
Phone: 507-514-6456
Email: matthewl@northmankato.com
Timeframe of Plan Research
August - December 2024
Timeframe of Plan Development
January - June 2025
4.10
11
Sophia is a recent college graduate passionate about regeneratfve environmental
justfce, focusing on communitfes most affected by the climate crisis. She values
reciprocal relatfonships with the natural world and believes access to clean water, air,
and greenspace are fundamental rights. Sophia is partfcularly interested in the design
and lived experience of urban spaces, which intersect with various social issues and
offer opportunitfes for climate resilience innovatfon. She has supported environmental
and social justfce organizatfons in various roles, always emphasizing practfcality,
narratfve, and optfmism in shaping better systems.
Relevant Experience:
Sophia’s recent work with paleBLUEdot includes tree canopy and ground cover
research, as well as creatfng vulnerability and baseline assessments for climate and
energy plans in Beloit, WI; Eagan, MN; Falcon Heights, WI; Fitchburg, WI; Glen Ellyn, IL;
Glencoe, IL; Kane County, IL; La Crescent, MN; Maplewood, MN; North Mankato, MN;
Omaha, NE; Oshkosh, WI; Plymouth, MN; West Des Moines, IA; Woodbury, MN.
Sophia
Pechaty
Project Role:
Research Specialist
Sophia assists paleBLUEdot
with team facilitatfon, strategy
development, and city-wide
research.
Availability: Sophia is
immediately available to begin
work on the project.
Appendix - Team Resumes
Ted, a registered architect in Minnesota and an urban planner, has over 30 years of
experience leading local government planning efforts. He specializes in community
climate actfon and sustainability plans, greenhouse gas inventories, vulnerability
assessments, and renewable energy actfon plans. With extensive experience in public
engagement as both a consultant and volunteer leader, he has led over 80 relevant
community assessments and planning efforts and work with 13 non-governmental
organizatfons.
Ted is also a natfonal solar pv technical advisor supportfng the US Department of
Energy (DOE). His work includes technical assistance for community driven solar
projects natfonally as well as serving as a natfonal solar technology trainer for
architects and engineers.
Relevant Experience:
Vulnerability Assessments
GHG Inventories
Project Role:
Lead / Project Manager
Ted will be the project team
lead, responsible for final
paleBLUEdot deliverables.
Ted
Redmond
Principal
Availability: Ted is immediately
available to begin work on the
project.
Project Role:
Engagement and Educatfon
Colleen will help design and
implement the community
engagement effort and the
Youth Climate Actfon Forum
(optfonal service).
Colleen
Redmond
Principal
Colleen, a former elementary educator with over 26 years of experience, specializes
in teaching, curriculum development, and youth programming. She has also led
professional development initfatfves and design thinking workshops for educators
and communitfes. Colleen leads community engagement and develops educatfonal
resources on youth climate awareness and actfon.
Currently, Colleen is pursuing a PhD in Literacy Educatfon at the University of
Minnesota, where she is studying the effects of eco-grief on youth and how hope is
portrayed in stories. She is also a graduate instructor in the Department of Curriculum
and Instructfon and serves as the Coordinator of the Curriculum and Instructfon
Library. Colleen is passionate about using literature and storytelling to engage young
people and exploring the roles of hope and grief in inspiring youth climate actfon.
Relevant Experience
Youth engagement and public educatfon communicatfon support on 30+
sustainability and climate actfon planning efforts.
Availability: Colleen’s
availability aligns with the
proposed project schedule.
4.10
12
Appendix - Optional Services
To help maximize the value of the Climate Actfon Plan as a guidance document and to provide the City with additfonal
implementatfon support tools, paleBLUEdot suggest the following Optfonal Services for consideratfon by the City of
Crystal:
Optfonal Service: City Facility Energy Benchmarking and
Reductfon Potentfal Estfmate: paleBLUEdot will analyze City
facility energy use to prioritfze energy reductfon opportunitfes.
The assessment will identffy consumptfon trends, calculate
energy use intensity (EUI) for primary facilitfes, and compare
them to EPA benchmarks to pinpoint efficiency opportunitfes.
We will model potentfal energy and cost savings, along with
associated GHG reductfons, to establish a baseline for goal
setting and facility prioritfzatfon. Findings will also inform
potentfal next steps for the Climate Actfon Plan, such as
detailed energy benchmarking for key buildings.
Fee: $1,988; Timeline: January 2026-February 2026
Optfonal Service: City Facility Solar Feasibility Assessment and Master Plan : This effort will begin with the
paleBLUEdot team reviewing City provided energy consumptfon data for all City facilitfes. Following the optfonal
Facility Energy Performance Review, paleBLUEdot will conduct detailed solar array, performance, and financial
modeling for 8 to 10 selected / recommended City buildings. The final product of this effort will provide the City with a
recommended Solar PV Implementatfon Master Plan as well as detailed informatfon for each subject site sufficient for
use in competftfve design-build RFP efforts.
Fee: $5,195 Timeline: January 2026-June 2026
Optfonal Service: Metrics Reportfng Toolkit: paleBLUEdot
will create a toolkit for ongoing monitoring and evaluation
of CAP implementation. It will include standard procedures
and templates for data collection, supporting GHG
inventories and key performance metrics across plan
sectors. The toolkit will feature two components: a data
collector database for City staff input and a reporting tool
for integration into a climate action dashboard.
Fee: $3,440 Timeline: May 2026-June 2026
Example City Facility Detailed Solar PV and Financial Modeling
Example City Facility Benchmarking and Reductfon Potentfal
Example Metrics Reportfng Toolkit
4.10
Submitted by:
2515 White Bear Ave, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
Contact:
Ted Redmond
tredmond@paleBLUEdot.llc
4.10
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: Oct. 1, 2025
FROM: City Clerk Chrissy Serres
TO: Mayor and City Council
CC: City Manager Adam R. Bell
Police Chief Brian Hubbard
RE: Consideration of civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by
PurpleRose Lounge Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Lounge located at 5526 West
Broadway
Background
In December 2024, compliance checks were conducted at licensed liquor establishments by
Crystal Police Department. As a result, PurpleRose Lounge did not pass this compliance check.
An employee of the business has pleaded guilty in court to the sale of alcohol to a minor, which
is a violation of state law and Crystal City Code section 1200.35.
This is considered a first liquor license violation for this licensee.
Staff report attachments:
A.Notice of Violation of Liquor Regulations
B. Incident Report
Requested City Council Action
Consistent with Crystal City Code and Resolution No. 2018-160, staff recommends PurpleRose
Lounge receive a one-day license suspension and civil fine of $750 with city staff determining the
date of the license suspension and payment date for the fine.
6.1
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Oct. 1, 2025
PurpleRose Lounge Corporation d/b/a
PurpleRose Lounge
Attn: Winchell H. Sherman
5526 West Broadway
Crystal, MN 55428
VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL
CITY OF CRYSTAL NOTICE
VIOLATION OF LIQUOR REGULATIONS
The Crystal City Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota, to consider whether action should be taken
against your liquor license as a result of an alleged violation of state laws and city ordinances.
The alleged violation consists of the illegal sale of alcohol to an underage person, which occurred
on or about Dec. 6, 2024, at PurpleRose Lounge located at 5526 West Broadway, Crystal,
Minnesota.
You are notified that you have the right to appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025.
At the meeting, you may admit or deny the violation. If you admit the violation, you waive your
right to a hearing but will be allowed to explain any mitigating circumstances. The council may
impose administrative penalties in accordance with Crystal City Code section 1200.35 and
Resolution No. 2018-160 (enclosed) that were in effect at the time of the incident.
If you deny the violation, you may request a hearing. The city council may, at its option, hold the
hearing immediately or refer the matter to a hearing conducted by another person or body at a
later date.
If you are unable to attend the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, you may agree to any
administrative penalties without a hearing by providing the city manager with a letter any time
before the meeting that includes a written waiver and acceptance of any administrative
penalties. You may also explain any mitigating circumstances in the letter. Any such agreement is
subject to approval by the city council.
If you do not appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, nor submit a letter to the city
manager prior to the meeting, you will be deemed to have admitted the violation and to have
waived your right to a hearing, and the city council may impose administrative penalties in
accordance with Crystal City Code section 1200.35 and Resolution No. 2018-160.
__________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Attachment A 6.1
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.31(a)
(a)The licensed premises of the business are destroyed by fire or other catastrophe;
(b)The licensee ceases business because of death or serious illness; or
(c)The business ceases to be lawful for a reason other than a license revocation.
The city council shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether such a refund is appropriate, and if so, in
what amount.
1200.33. Consumption and display permits.
Subd. 1. Permit required. No business establishment or club which does not hold an on-sale
intoxicating liquor license may directly or indirectly allow the consumption and display of alcoholic
beverages or knowingly serve any liquid for the purpose of mixing with intoxicating liquor without first
having obtained a permit from the commissioner. Rental of a public facility does not make the city or the
facility a “business establishment” for purposes of this section. The city council must consent to all permits
issued by the commissioner pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414, subdivision 5.
Subd. 2. Additional fees. There is imposed upon holders of permits issued pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 340A.414 an additional fee of $300 per annum. The fee must be paid to the city finance
director on or before March 31 of each year and a receipt given thereof, provided, however, upon
commencement of a new permit period under the state permit, if a portion of the year has elapsed when
payment is made, a pro rata fee may be paid but no such pro rata fee may be less than $150. In computing
the fee, an unexpired fraction of a month is counted as one month. The receipt must be posted in some
conspicuous place upon the premises alongside the state permit.
Subd. 3. Inspections. A business establishment or club issued a permit shall be open for inspection
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414, subdivision 7.
Subd. 4. Hours of consumption and display. The hours of consumption and display of intoxicating
liquor are those specified in section and Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414.
1200.35. Conditions of license; penalties.
Subd. 1. Conditions of license. The failure of a licensee to meet any one of the conditions of the
license specified below shall result in the application of penalties as provided in this subsection.
(a)Within 90 days after employment, every person selling or serving liquor in an
establishment which has an on-sale license shall receive training regarding the selling or
serving of liquor to customers. The training shall be provided by an organization approved
by the city council. Proof of training shall be provided by the licensee.
Attachment A 6.1
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.35, Subd. 1(b)
(b)Every licensee is responsible for the conduct of the place of business and the conditions of
sobriety and order in it. The act of any employee on the licensed premises is deemed the
act of the licensee as well, and the licensee shall be liable for all penalties provided by this
Crystal city code and the law equally with the employee.
(c)Every licensee shall allow any peace officer, health officer, city employee, or any other
person designated by the city council to conduct compliance checks and to otherwise enter,
inspect, and search the premises of the licensee during business hours and after business
hours during the time when customers remain on the premises without a warrant.
(d)No on-sale establishment shall display or sell liquor to the public during hours when the
sale of liquor is prohibited.
(e)Compliance with financial responsibility requirements of state law and of this Crystal city
code is a continuing condition of any license.
(f)Compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations related to the retail sale of intoxicating
liquors, including the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapters 297F and 340A,
Minnesota Rules, chapter 7515, and the Crystal city code.
Subd. 2. Penalties.
(a) Misdemeanors. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor unless
otherwise provided by law.
(b)Presumptive revocation. The city council may revoke a license, following, notice and an
opportunity to be heard, on the first violation for the following types of offenses:
(1)Commission of a felony by licensee or an employee of licensee related to the
licensed activity authorized by this chapter and Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A.
(2)The sale of alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises while a license is under
suspension or revocation.
(c)Administrative civil penalties. If a licensee or an employee of a licensee is found to have
violated any of the provisions of state law or this section, the city council may impose an
administrative penalty, including a civil fine and/or suspension of the license, in such
amounts and for such periods as set out Crystal city code, appendix IV.
Attachment A 6.1
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.35, Subd. 3
Subd. 3. Presumptions regarding administrative penalties. The administrative penalties described
in subdivision 2 of this subsection and set out in Crystal city code, appendix IV are the presumed sanctions
for the violations indicated. In the event of any license suspension imposed under this section, the city
council may select which days a suspension will be served. Notwithstanding any of the provisions
contained herein, a license may be revoked for any violation of this section when in the judgment of the
city council it is appropriate to do so. The city council may impose lesser penalties under subdivision 2 of
this subsection when in the judgment of the city council it is appropriate to do so. Other mandatory
requirements may be made of the establishment including, but not limited to, meetings with the police
department staff to present a plan of action to assure any observed problems will not continue, mandatory
education sessions with crime prevention staff, or other actions that the city council deems appropriate.
1200.37. Hours of sale.
Subd. 1. Statutory. The hours of operation and days of sale shall be those set by Minnesota
Statutes, section 340A.504, including sales after 1:00 a.m. pursuant to a permit issued by the commissioner,
except that the city council may, by resolution or ordinance, provide for more restrictive hours than state
law allows.
Subd. 2. Consumption prohibited. No person shall consume, nor shall any on-sale licensee permit
any consumption of, intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor upon an on-sale licensed premises more
than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be sold.
Subd. 3. Display. No on-sale licensee shall permit any glass, bottle, or other container containing
intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor to remain upon any table, bar, stool, or other place where
customers are served, more than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be sold.
Subd. 4. Vacate premises. No person, other than the licensee and any employee, shall remain on
the on-sale licensed premises more than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be
sold.
Subd. 5. Penalty. Any violation of this subsection may be grounds for revocation or suspension
of the license subject to the terms of this section.
1200.39. Licenses in prohibited locations. No license shall be issued under this section in any place which
is prohibited under Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.412, subdivision 3.
1200.41. Temporary on-sale licenses. The city council may issue temporary on-sale licenses for the on-
sale of intoxicating liquor to clubs, or charitable, religious or other non-profit organizations in the manner
and subject to the conditions specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.404, subdivision 10. The fee
for a temporary on-sale license shall be in an amount as provided in Crystal city code, appendix IV.
Attachment A 6.1
Attachment A 6.1
Attachment A 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
Attachment B 6.1
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: Oct. 1, 2025
FROM: City Clerk Chrissy Serres
TO: Mayor and City Council
CC: City Manager Adam R. Bell
Police Chief Brian Hubbard
RE: Consideration of civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by
Zahid Beverage Group, LLC d/b/a Crystal Liquor Warehouse located at 6200 56th Ave. N.
Background
In December 2024, compliance checks were conducted at licensed liquor establishments by
Crystal Police Department. As a result, Crystal Liquor Warehouse did not pass this compliance
check. An employee of the business received a one-year continuance for dismissal for the sale of
alcohol to a minor, which is a violation of state law and Crystal City Code section 1200.35.
This is considered a first liquor license violation for this licensee.
Staff report attachments:
A.Notice of Violation of Liquor Regulations
B. Incident Report
Requested City Council Action
Consistent with Crystal City Code and Resolution No. 2018-160, staff recommends Crystal Liquor
Warehouse receive a one-day license suspension and civil fine of $750 with city staff
determining the date of the license suspension and payment date for the fine.
6.2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Oct. 1, 2025
Zahid Beverage Group, LLC d/b/a
Crystal Liquor Warehouse
Attn: KM Rassel Zahid
6200 56th Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL
CITY OF CRYSTAL NOTICE
VIOLATION OF LIQUOR REGULATIONS
The Crystal City Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota, to consider whether action should be taken
against your liquor license as a result of an alleged violation of state laws and city ordinances.
The alleged violation consists of the illegal sale of alcohol to an underage person, which occurred
on or about Dec. 6, 2024, at Crystal Liquor Warehouse located at 6200 56th Ave. N., Crystal,
Minnesota.
You are notified that you have the right to appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025.
At the meeting, you may admit or deny the violation. If you admit the violation, you waive your
right to a hearing but will be allowed to explain any mitigating circumstances. The council may
impose administrative penalties in accordance with Crystal City Code section 1200.35 and
Resolution No. 2018-160 (enclosed) that were in effect at the time of the incident.
If you deny the violation, you may request a hearing. The city council may, at its option, hold the
hearing immediately or refer the matter to a hearing conducted by another person or body at a
later date.
If you are unable to attend the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, you may agree to any
administrative penalties without a hearing by providing the city manager with a letter any time
before the meeting that includes a written waiver and acceptance of any administrative
penalties. You may also explain any mitigating circumstances in the letter. Any such agreement is
subject to approval by the city council.
If you do not appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, nor submit a letter to the city
manager prior to the meeting, you will be deemed to have admitted the violation and to have
waived your right to a hearing, and the city council may impose administrative penalties in
accordance with Crystal City Code section 1200.35 and Resolution No. 2018-160.
__________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Attachment A 6.2
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.31(a)
(a)The licensed premises of the business are destroyed by fire or other catastrophe;
(b)The licensee ceases business because of death or serious illness; or
(c)The business ceases to be lawful for a reason other than a license revocation.
The city council shall, in its sole discretion, determine whether such a refund is appropriate, and if so, in
what amount.
1200.33. Consumption and display permits.
Subd. 1. Permit required. No business establishment or club which does not hold an on-sale
intoxicating liquor license may directly or indirectly allow the consumption and display of alcoholic
beverages or knowingly serve any liquid for the purpose of mixing with intoxicating liquor without first
having obtained a permit from the commissioner. Rental of a public facility does not make the city or the
facility a “business establishment” for purposes of this section. The city council must consent to all permits
issued by the commissioner pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414, subdivision 5.
Subd. 2. Additional fees. There is imposed upon holders of permits issued pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 340A.414 an additional fee of $300 per annum. The fee must be paid to the city finance
director on or before March 31 of each year and a receipt given thereof, provided, however, upon
commencement of a new permit period under the state permit, if a portion of the year has elapsed when
payment is made, a pro rata fee may be paid but no such pro rata fee may be less than $150. In computing
the fee, an unexpired fraction of a month is counted as one month. The receipt must be posted in some
conspicuous place upon the premises alongside the state permit.
Subd. 3. Inspections. A business establishment or club issued a permit shall be open for inspection
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414, subdivision 7.
Subd. 4. Hours of consumption and display. The hours of consumption and display of intoxicating
liquor are those specified in section and Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.414.
1200.35. Conditions of license; penalties.
Subd. 1. Conditions of license. The failure of a licensee to meet any one of the conditions of the
license specified below shall result in the application of penalties as provided in this subsection.
(a)Within 90 days after employment, every person selling or serving liquor in an
establishment which has an on-sale license shall receive training regarding the selling or
serving of liquor to customers. The training shall be provided by an organization approved
by the city council. Proof of training shall be provided by the licensee.
Attachment A 6.2
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.35, Subd. 1(b)
(b)Every licensee is responsible for the conduct of the place of business and the conditions of
sobriety and order in it. The act of any employee on the licensed premises is deemed the
act of the licensee as well, and the licensee shall be liable for all penalties provided by this
Crystal city code and the law equally with the employee.
(c)Every licensee shall allow any peace officer, health officer, city employee, or any other
person designated by the city council to conduct compliance checks and to otherwise enter,
inspect, and search the premises of the licensee during business hours and after business
hours during the time when customers remain on the premises without a warrant.
(d)No on-sale establishment shall display or sell liquor to the public during hours when the
sale of liquor is prohibited.
(e)Compliance with financial responsibility requirements of state law and of this Crystal city
code is a continuing condition of any license.
(f)Compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations related to the retail sale of intoxicating
liquors, including the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapters 297F and 340A,
Minnesota Rules, chapter 7515, and the Crystal city code.
Subd. 2. Penalties.
(a) Misdemeanors. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor unless
otherwise provided by law.
(b)Presumptive revocation. The city council may revoke a license, following, notice and an
opportunity to be heard, on the first violation for the following types of offenses:
(1)Commission of a felony by licensee or an employee of licensee related to the
licensed activity authorized by this chapter and Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A.
(2)The sale of alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises while a license is under
suspension or revocation.
(c)Administrative civil penalties. If a licensee or an employee of a licensee is found to have
violated any of the provisions of state law or this section, the city council may impose an
administrative penalty, including a civil fine and/or suspension of the license, in such
amounts and for such periods as set out Crystal city code, appendix IV.
Attachment A 6.2
562973v4CR225-464
2019 Crystal City Code 1200.35, Subd. 3
Subd. 3. Presumptions regarding administrative penalties. The administrative penalties described
in subdivision 2 of this subsection and set out in Crystal city code, appendix IV are the presumed sanctions
for the violations indicated. In the event of any license suspension imposed under this section, the city
council may select which days a suspension will be served. Notwithstanding any of the provisions
contained herein, a license may be revoked for any violation of this section when in the judgment of the
city council it is appropriate to do so. The city council may impose lesser penalties under subdivision 2 of
this subsection when in the judgment of the city council it is appropriate to do so. Other mandatory
requirements may be made of the establishment including, but not limited to, meetings with the police
department staff to present a plan of action to assure any observed problems will not continue, mandatory
education sessions with crime prevention staff, or other actions that the city council deems appropriate.
1200.37. Hours of sale.
Subd. 1. Statutory. The hours of operation and days of sale shall be those set by Minnesota
Statutes, section 340A.504, including sales after 1:00 a.m. pursuant to a permit issued by the commissioner,
except that the city council may, by resolution or ordinance, provide for more restrictive hours than state
law allows.
Subd. 2. Consumption prohibited. No person shall consume, nor shall any on-sale licensee permit
any consumption of, intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor upon an on-sale licensed premises more
than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be sold.
Subd. 3. Display. No on-sale licensee shall permit any glass, bottle, or other container containing
intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor to remain upon any table, bar, stool, or other place where
customers are served, more than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be sold.
Subd. 4. Vacate premises. No person, other than the licensee and any employee, shall remain on
the on-sale licensed premises more than 30 minutes after the time within which intoxicating liquors may be
sold.
Subd. 5. Penalty. Any violation of this subsection may be grounds for revocation or suspension
of the license subject to the terms of this section.
1200.39. Licenses in prohibited locations. No license shall be issued under this section in any place which
is prohibited under Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.412, subdivision 3.
1200.41. Temporary on-sale licenses. The city council may issue temporary on-sale licenses for the on-
sale of intoxicating liquor to clubs, or charitable, religious or other non-profit organizations in the manner
and subject to the conditions specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 340A.404, subdivision 10. The fee
for a temporary on-sale license shall be in an amount as provided in Crystal city code, appendix IV.
Attachment A 6.2
Attachment A 6.2
Attachment A 6.2
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment B
6.2
Attachment B
6.2
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: Oct. 1, 2025
FROM: City Clerk Chrissy Serres
TO: Mayor and City Council
CC: City Manager Adam R. Bell
Police Chief Brian Hubbard
RE: Consideration of civil penalties for violations of tobacco license regulations by
Zahid Beverage Group, LLC d/b/a Crystal Liquor Warehouse located at 6200 56th Ave. N.
Background – Violation #1
In December 2024, compliance checks were conducted at licensed tobacco establishments by Crystal
Police Department. As a result, Crystal Liquor Warehouse did not pass this compliance check. An
employee of the business received a one-year continuance for dismissal for the sale of tobacco to a
minor, which is a violation of state law and Crystal City Code section 1105.13.
This is considered a first tobacco license violation for this licensee.
Staff report attachments – Violation #1:
A.Notice of Violation of Tobacco Regulations
B.Incident Report
Requested City Council Action – Violation #1
Consistent with Crystal City Code and Resolution No. 2020-83, staff recommends Crystal Liquor
Warehouse receive a one-day license suspension and civil fine of $750 with city staff determining the
date of the license suspension and payment date for the fine.
Background – Violation #2
In March 2025, the Minnesota Department of Revenue seized contraband tobacco during an inspection
at Crystal Liquor Warehouse. In June 2025, staff received notice from the state outlining the
circumstances under which the tobacco was deemed contraband and confiscated. Selling tobacco that is
not properly stamped is considered contraband, which is also a violation of state law and Crystal City
Code section 1105.13.
This is considered a second tobacco license violation for this licensee. Because both of these violations
occurred before April 1, 2025, the former penalties apply.
Staff report attachments – Violation #2:
C. Notice of Violation of Tobacco Regulations
D.Notice of Seized Contraband
Requested City Council Action – Violation #2
Consistent with Crystal City Code and Resolution No. 2020-83, staff recommends Crystal Liquor
Warehouse receive a five-day license suspension and civil fine of $1,500 with city staff determining the
dates of the license suspension and payment date for the fine.
6.3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Oct. 1, 2025
Zahid Beverage Group, LLC
dba Crystal Liquor Warehouse
Attn: KM Rassel Zahid
6200 56th Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL
CITY OF CRYSTAL NOTICE
VIOLATION OF TOBACCO REGULATIONS
The Crystal City Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota, to consider whether action should be taken
against your tobacco license as a result of an alleged violation of state laws and city ordinances.
The alleged violation consists of the illegal sale of tobacco to an underage person, which
occurred on or about Dec. 6, 2024, at Crystal Liquor Warehouse located at 6200 56th Ave. N.,
Crystal, Minnesota.
You are notified that you have the right to appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025. At
the meeting, you may admit or deny the violation. If you admit the violation, you waive your
right to a hearing but will be allowed to explain any mitigating circumstances. The council may
impose administrative penalties in accordance with Crystal City Code section 1105.13 and
Resolution No. 2020-83 (enclosed) that were in effect at the time of the incident.
If you deny the violation, you may request a hearing. The city council may, at its option, hold
the hearing immediately, or refer the matter to a hearing conducted by another person or body
at a later date.
If you are unable to attend the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, you may agree to any
administrative penalties without a hearing by providing the city manager with a letter any time
before the meeting that includes a written waiver and acceptance of any administrative
penalties. You may also explain any mitigating circumstances in the letter. Any such agreement
is subject to approval by the city council.
If you do not appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, nor submit a letter to the city
manager prior to the meeting, you will be deemed to have admitted the violation and to have
waived your right to a hearing, and the city council may impose administrative penalties in
accordance with Crystal City Code section 1105.13 and Resolution No. 2020-83.
__________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Attachment A 6.3
CR225-464-562949.v5
2019 Crystal City Code 1105.13
1105.13. Administrative civil penalties.
Subd. 1. Individuals. A person who sells, gives or otherwise furnishes a covered product to a person
under the age of 21 years is subject to an administrative penalty identified in Crystal city code, appendix
IV, after the individual has received notice, served personally or by mail, of the alleged violation and been
provided an opportunity for a hearing.
Subd. 2. Licensee. If a licensee or an employee of a licensee is found to have sold, given or
otherwise furnished a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years, or committed a violation of
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297F, the city council shall impose administrative penalties on the licensee as
provided in Crystal city code, appendix IV. Prior to imposing an administrative penalty the city shall
provide the licensee written notice of the alleged violation and provide an opportunity for the licensee to be
heard by the city council.
Subd. 3. Defense. It is an affirmative defense to a charge of selling, giving or otherwise furnishing
a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years in violation of this section that the licensee or
individual making the sale relied in good faith upon proof of age as described in Minnesota Statutes, section
340A.503, subdivision 6.
Subd. 4. Education and training. In addition to or in lieu of any other penalty imposed under this
section, any person under the age of 21 years who purchases, possesses, or consumes a covered product
shall attend an educational seminar approved by the chief of police regarding the legal and medical
implications of using a covered product.
Subd. 5. Presumptions regarding administrative penalties. Though the administrative penalties
described in this subsection are presumed, in no event shall the amount of any fine or period of suspension
be less than the amounts and periods required in Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivisions 2 and 3.
Other mandatory requirements may be made of the business including, but not limited to, meetings with
law enforcement to present a plan of action to ensure the problem will not continue, mandatory education
sessions with crime prevention staff, or other actions the city council may deem appropriate.
1105.15. Compliance monitoring.
Subd. 1. Compliance checks. As required by Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivision 5,
the police department shall at least once a year perform compliance checks at each location licensed under
this section to sell a covered product. License applicants may be informed of this policy at the time of
license application and renewal. Violators of this section may be subject to more frequent compliance
monitoring than non-violating licensees. The police department may annually report to the city council the
results of said compliance checks.
Attachment A 6.3
CR225-464-562949.v5
2019 Crystal City Code 1105.15, Subd. 2
Subd. 2. Exemption. A person no younger than 17 nor older than 20 may be enlisted by the police
department to assist in the compliance checks. If the person is under the age of 18, no such person may
conduct compliance checks unless the police department obtains written consent from the person’s parent
or guardian and the person must at all times act only under the direct supervision of a law enforcement
officer, an employee of the licensing department, or in conjunction with an in-house program that has been
pre-approved by the police department. A person who purchases or attempts to purchase tobacco while
acting in this capacity is exempt from any penalties related to said purchase or attempt to purchase.
Subd. 3. Additional checks. If a licensee or employee of a licensee is guilty of a second violation
within the 24-month period since the initial violation, the police department must conduct at least one
compliance check at that licensed premises within the time remaining in that 24-month period.
1105.17. Signage and age verification required.
Subd. 1. Signage. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery
devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products are sold, the licensee shall display a sign in plain view to
provide public notice that selling any of these products to any person under the age of 21 is illegal and
subject to penalties. The notice shall be placed in a conspicuous location in the licensed establishment and
shall be readily visible to any person who is purchasing or attempting to purchase these products. The sign
shall provide notice that all persons responsible for selling these products must verify, by means of
photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, the age of any person under 30 years of
age.
Subd. 2. Age verification. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic
delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products are sold, the licensee shall verify, by means of
government-issued photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, that the purchaser or
person attempting to make the purchase is at least 21 years of age. Verification is not required if the
purchaser or person attempting to make the purchase is 30 years of age or older. It shall not constitute a
defense to a violation of this subdivision that the person appeared to be 30 years of age or older.
Attachment A 6.3
Attachment A 6.3
Attachment A 6.3
Attachment B
6.3
Attachment B
6.3
Attachment B
6.3
Attachment B
6.3
Attachment B
6.3
Attachment B
6.3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Oct. 1, 2025
Zahid Beverage Group, LLC
dba Crystal Liquor Warehouse
Attn: KM Rassel Zahid
6200 56th Ave. N.
Crystal, MN 55429
VIA EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL
CITY OF CRYSTAL NOTICE
VIOLATION OF TOBACCO REGULATIONS
The Crystal City Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at
city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota, to consider whether action should be taken
against your tobacco license as a result of an alleged violation of state laws and city ordinances.
The alleged violation consists of the seizure of contraband tobacco, which occurred on or about
March 18, 2025, at Crystal Liquor Warehouse located at 6200 56th Ave. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
You are notified that you have the right to appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025. At
the meeting, you may admit or deny the violation. If you admit the violation, you waive your
right to a hearing but will be allowed to explain any mitigating circumstances. The council may
impose administrative penalties in accordance with Crystal City Code section 1105.13 and
Resolution No. 2020-83 (enclosed) that were in effect at the time of the incident.
If you deny the violation, you may request a hearing. The city council may, at its option, hold
the hearing immediately, or refer the matter to a hearing conducted by another person or body
at a later date.
If you are unable to attend the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, you may agree to any
administrative penalties without a hearing by providing the city manager with a letter any time
before the meeting that includes a written waiver and acceptance of any administrative
penalties. You may also explain any mitigating circumstances in the letter. Any such agreement
is subject to approval by the city council.
If you do not appear at the city council meeting on Oct. 7, 2025, nor submit a letter to the city
manager prior to the meeting, you will be deemed to have admitted the violation and to have
waived your right to a hearing, and the city council may impose administrative penalties in
accordance with Crystal City Code section 1105.13 and Resolution No. 2020-83.
__________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Attachment C 6.3
CR225-464-562949.v5
2019 Crystal City Code 1105.13
1105.13. Administrative civil penalties.
Subd. 1. Individuals. A person who sells, gives or otherwise furnishes a covered product to a person
under the age of 21 years is subject to an administrative penalty identified in Crystal city code, appendix
IV, after the individual has received notice, served personally or by mail, of the alleged violation and been
provided an opportunity for a hearing.
Subd. 2. Licensee. If a licensee or an employee of a licensee is found to have sold, given or
otherwise furnished a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years, or committed a violation of
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297F, the city council shall impose administrative penalties on the licensee as
provided in Crystal city code, appendix IV. Prior to imposing an administrative penalty the city shall
provide the licensee written notice of the alleged violation and provide an opportunity for the licensee to be
heard by the city council.
Subd. 3. Defense. It is an affirmative defense to a charge of selling, giving or otherwise furnishing
a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years in violation of this section that the licensee or
individual making the sale relied in good faith upon proof of age as described in Minnesota Statutes, section
340A.503, subdivision 6.
Subd. 4. Education and training. In addition to or in lieu of any other penalty imposed under this
section, any person under the age of 21 years who purchases, possesses, or consumes a covered product
shall attend an educational seminar approved by the chief of police regarding the legal and medical
implications of using a covered product.
Subd. 5. Presumptions regarding administrative penalties. Though the administrative penalties
described in this subsection are presumed, in no event shall the amount of any fine or period of suspension
be less than the amounts and periods required in Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivisions 2 and 3.
Other mandatory requirements may be made of the business including, but not limited to, meetings with
law enforcement to present a plan of action to ensure the problem will not continue, mandatory education
sessions with crime prevention staff, or other actions the city council may deem appropriate.
1105.15. Compliance monitoring.
Subd. 1. Compliance checks. As required by Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivision 5,
the police department shall at least once a year perform compliance checks at each location licensed under
this section to sell a covered product. License applicants may be informed of this policy at the time of
license application and renewal. Violators of this section may be subject to more frequent compliance
monitoring than non-violating licensees. The police department may annually report to the city council the
results of said compliance checks.
Attachment C 6.3
CR225-464-562949.v5
2019 Crystal City Code 1105.15, Subd. 2
Subd. 2. Exemption. A person no younger than 17 nor older than 20 may be enlisted by the police
department to assist in the compliance checks. If the person is under the age of 18, no such person may
conduct compliance checks unless the police department obtains written consent from the person’s parent
or guardian and the person must at all times act only under the direct supervision of a law enforcement
officer, an employee of the licensing department, or in conjunction with an in-house program that has been
pre-approved by the police department. A person who purchases or attempts to purchase tobacco while
acting in this capacity is exempt from any penalties related to said purchase or attempt to purchase.
Subd. 3. Additional checks. If a licensee or employee of a licensee is guilty of a second violation
within the 24-month period since the initial violation, the police department must conduct at least one
compliance check at that licensed premises within the time remaining in that 24-month period.
1105.17. Signage and age verification required.
Subd. 1. Signage. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery
devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products are sold, the licensee shall display a sign in plain view to
provide public notice that selling any of these products to any person under the age of 21 is illegal and
subject to penalties. The notice shall be placed in a conspicuous location in the licensed establishment and
shall be readily visible to any person who is purchasing or attempting to purchase these products. The sign
shall provide notice that all persons responsible for selling these products must verify, by means of
photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, the age of any person under 30 years of
age.
Subd. 2. Age verification. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic
delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products are sold, the licensee shall verify, by means of
government-issued photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, that the purchaser or
person attempting to make the purchase is at least 21 years of age. Verification is not required if the
purchaser or person attempting to make the purchase is 30 years of age or older. It shall not constitute a
defense to a violation of this subdivision that the person appeared to be 30 years of age or older.
Attachment C 6.3
Attachment C 6.3
Attachment C 6.3
Attachment D 6.3
Attachment D 6.3
2026 Budget
October 7, 2025
1
6.4
Agenda
Budget Goals
Budget Timeline
2024/2025 Accomplishments
2026 Significant Budget impacts
2026 Changes
General Fund Summary
General Fund Expenditures
Property Tax levy
Property Tax Impacts
EDA Summary
Council Comments and/or Questions
2
6.4
Budget Goals
Meet service demands of the community and legislative mandates
while striving for minimal impact on taxpayers.
Address city council strategic priorities.
Provide sound financial planning for a two-year budget that ensures
continued quality services.
Continue to invest in capital needs including Parks & Street
Improvements.
Provide competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain quality
people to provide effective and efficient services to our residents
and businesses.
Respond to economic challenges.3
6.4
2025 Budget Topic
August 14 Council work session (focus on General Fund to prepare for preliminary
adoption)
August 19 Council work session for additional review (if needed)
September 11 Council work session for additional review (if needed)
September 16 Consider Preliminary Levies and Budget & Receive Public Input
October 7 Additional Public Input Meeting
October 21 Adopt Fee Schedule
November 13 Long Term Plan review
November 18 Accept Long Term Plan
December 2 Consider Final Levies and Budget
4
BUDGET TIMELINE
6.4
5
A few highlights:
Conducted 2024 Presidential Primary, state and local primary and general
elections (including a council seat recount)
Completed Crystal Cove Improvement Project ~$500K under budget
Completed Twin Oaks Park Play Area project
Completed Welcome Park Play Area / Fitness Project
Completed Valley Place Tennis and Basketball Court Project
Hired new Police Chief
Hired new Fire Chief
Established the Sustainability Commission and started the Climate Action
Plan process
Conducting Tree Inventory
Implemented (ongoing) new budget software
Started Strategic Planning for 2025-2027+
Started Town Center Vision Process
2024/2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
6.4
6
Additional Increases
Staffing Requests:
Community Development:
• Building & Commercial Inspector: $112,000 (@ $70,000 wage and $42,000 Benefits)
Police: Gross = $306,000 gross / $189,000 net
•Additional Police Officer: + $159,000 (@ $89,000 wage and $70,000 benefits)
•Victim Advocate: + $107,000 ($60,000 wage and $47,000 benefits)
•(offset by elimination of Tubman contract)
•PT Community Service Officer: = + $40,000 (@ $30,000 wage and $10,000 benefits)
•(offset by elimination of New Hope shared Animal Control Officer)
Forestry:
•Shared PT Forester: $60,000 (wages and benefits)
Total: $478,000 gross / $361,000 net
SIGNIFICANT 2026 BUDGET IMPACTS
6.4
7
Other Increases
•Wage and Benefits =$1,958,536 New Positions Wages and Benefits
o 2025-2026 Wages = $1,257,634 $361,000 Net increase
o 2025-2026 Benefits = $700,902 New Positions Wages = $220,893
New Positions Benefits = $140,107
o Workers Comp =$83,426
•Internal Service Funds = $635,525
o IT = $138,648
o Buildings = $354,344
o Fleet = $142,533
•Services/Contracts = $259,281 (Incl. Fire Service increase of $146,000)
•Supplies = -$499 (Due to reclassification to Services. Includes $20K in street maintenance)
•Misc. (Contingency) = $45,000 increase over 2025 (Labor, Forester, Council initiatives).
•Planned Increase to Reserves = $200,000 ($1,000,000 total)
Total Budget Increases = $3,097,843
SIGNIFICANT 2026 BUDGET IMPACTS
6.4
8
2026 Budget Changes
Wages and
Benefits, 52%
New Positions,
12%
Internal Service,
21%
Service
Contracts, 8%
Reserves, 6%Contingency &
Misc, 1%
Budget Increase Distribution
6.4
9
2026 Levy Increase Distribution
Wages and Benefits
$1,597,536
8% levy increase
New Positions
$361,000
2% levy increase
Internal Service
$635,525
3% levy increase
Service Contracts $259,281
1% levy increase
Reserves $200,000
1% levy increase
Contingency & Misc $44,501
<1% levy increase
Levy Increase - 15.87%
6.4
10
2025 to 2026 Budget Changes
6.4
11
General Fund Summary
% Increase % Increase
2022 Adopted 2023 Adopted 2024 Adopted 2025 Proposed 2026 Proposed
for 2025
(over 2024)
for 2026
(over 2025)
REVENUES
Property taxes - operations $ 12,586,094 $ 13,697,548 $ 14,892,219 $ 17,312,704 $ 19,995,204 16%15%
Special assessments and other 52,000 71,950 31,950 33,450 33,450 5%0%
Licenses and permits 850,960 932,660 918,460 923,545 945,845 1%2%
Intergovernmental revenues 1,777,489 1,655,044 3,015,473 2,890,589 3,297,521 -4%14%
Charges for services 863,853 778,475 752,595 921,860 860,640 22%-7%
Fines & forfeits 275,000 186,500 188,876 203,600 195,600 8%-4%
Investment income 125,000 100,000 47,000 75,000 75,000 60%0%
Miscellaneous 68,000 44,500 24,500 33,200 32,800 36%-1%
Other (interfund services transfers-in)505,185 671,295 711,601 755,888 811,620 6%7%
TOTAL REVENUES $ 17,103,581 $ 18,137,972 $ 20,582,674 $ 23,149,837 $ 26,247,680 12%13%
EXPENDITURES
General Government $ 2,353,195 $ 2,573,075 $ 2,747,113 $ 2,820,277 $ 3,132,022 3%11%
Public safety 8,515,723 9,167,039 10,377,741 10,982,021 12,178,056 6%11%
Community Development 742,832 823,802 854,612 856,495 1,070,914 0%25%
Public works 3,239,980 3,349,558 3,615,761 4,603,112 5,424,577 27%18%
Recreation 2,251,851 2,224,498 2,499,214 3,087,931 3,442,111 24%11%
Other Financing Uses - Transfers Out - - 488,233 800,000 1,000,000 64%25%
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 17,103,581 $ 18,137,972 $ 20,582,674 $ 23,149,837 $ 26,247,680 12%13%
6.4
12
General Fund Expenditures
General Government
12%
Public safety
46%
Community
Development
4%
Public works
21%
Recreation
13%
Other Financing Uses -
Transfers Out
4%
6.4
13
PROPERTY TAX LEVY
2024 Adopted
2024
Increase
(Decrease)
2024 %
Change 2025 Adopted
2025
Increase
(Decrease)
2025 %
Change 2026 Revised
2026
Increase
(Decrease)
2026 %
Change
General levy $ 14,818,719 $1,278,514 9.44 %$ 17,281,704 $2,462,985 16.62 %$ 19,964,204 $ 2,682,500 15.52 %
Capital Improvements
Police Equipment Revolving 92,211 (68,986)(42.80)94,055 1,844 2.00 95,936 $ 1,881 2.00
Park Improvement 882,753 141,696 19.12 997,511 114,758 13.00 1,127,187 $ 129,676 13.00
Street Construction 529,047 144,826 37.69 608,404 79,357 15.00 699,665 $ 91,261 15.00
Total Capital Improvements levy 1,504,011 217,536 16.91 1,699,970 195,959 13.03 1,922,788 222,818 13.11
EDA 335,172 18,972 6.00 355,282 20,110 6.00 517,987 162,705 45.80
Total levy $ 16,657,902 $1,515,022 10.00 %$ 19,336,956 $2,679,054 16.08 %$ 22,404,979 $ 3,068,023 15.87 %
6.4
Tax Impacts
14
2025 2026 Percent of Change
Levy - not including HRA $18,981,674 $21,886,992 15.31%
Levy - including HRA $19,336,956 $22,404,979 15.87%
Net Tax Capacity $27,653,804 $28,180,153 1.90%
Tax Rate 58.52%65.69%12.26%
Valuation Percentile
Home Value
(2025 TMV for Pay 2026)
Estimated Annual
Increase Monthly Increase
Percentage of
Increase
10th $236,060 $171 $14 13.03%
30th $266,300 $204 $17 13.58%
50th $293,400 $243 $20 14.66%
70th $323,600 $288 $24 15.70%
90th $376,740 $338 $28 15.52%
Proposed Tax Impact for 2026
6.4
Tax Impacts - Levy Adjustments
15
1% Levy Reduction: ($192,000)
Valuation Percentile
Home Value (2025
TMV for Pay 2026)
Estimated Annual
Increase Monthly Increase
Monthly difference
from full levy
increase
10th $236,060 $156 $13 $1.23
30th $266,300 $186 $16 $1.46
50th $293,400 $224 $19 $1.60
70th $323,600 $267 $22 $1.76
90th $376,740 $312 $26 $2.14
Eliminate New Positions: ($361,000)
Valuation Percentile
Home Value (2025
TMV for Pay 2026)
Estimated Annual
Increase Monthly Increase
Monthly difference
from full levy
increase
10th $236,060 $143 $12 $2.31
30th $266,300 $171 $14 $2.71
50th $293,400 $207 $17 $3.02
70th $323,600 $248 $21 $3.34
90th $376,740 $290 $24 $3.97
6.4
EDA Budget Summary - Revenue
16
Revenue 2023 Actual 2024 Actual 2025 Adopted 2026 Proposed
HRA Property Tax Levy $ 313,288 $ 330,692 $ 355,282 $ 517,987
Prior Years' Delinquent Taxes $ 523 $ 1,129 $ - $ -
Special Assessments *$ 32,839 $ 32,839 $ 24,728 $ 24,728
Interest Income $ 102,326 $ 80,688 $ 22,000 $ 23,107
Miscellaneous Revenue **$ 17,500 $ 110,047 $ 25,000 $ 25,000
Total Revenue $ 466,476 $ 555,395 $ 427,010 $ 590,822
*Special assessments are repayments for EDA financing of installation of fire
protection systems. 2025 and 2026 revenue is comprised of $12,834 from 5600 56th
and $11,894 from 3600 Douglas. The final payment for 5600 56th is in 2026, so 2027
revenue would just be from 3600 Douglas.
** 2024 miscellaneous revenue was higher due to Hennepin County reimbursement
for environmental clean-up of the development site at 3401 Douglas.
6.4
EDA Budget Summary -Expenditure
17
Expenditures 2023 Actual 2024 Actual 2025
Adopted 2026 Proposed
Personnel Services $ 273,077 $ 247,801 $ 213,862 $ 234,144
Professional Services *$ 25,032 $ 16,639 $ 34,500 $ 85,000
Contractual Services **$ 4,210 $ 222,370 $ 16,000 $ 17,000
Internal Service Fund Charges $ 5,215 $ 7,354 $ 16,102 $ 19,291
Home Improvement Grants $ 30,957 $ 26,842 $ 28,860 $ 30,078
Branding and Beautification $ 26,844 $ 41,184 $ 57,200 $ 62,700
Façade Improvement Grants $ 25,000 $ - $ 50,000 $ -
Misc. Operating Expenses $ 6,290 $ 9,349 $ 7,800 $ 8,000
Contingency Reserve $ - $ - $ - $ 134,609
Total Expenditures $ 396,625 $ 571,539 $ 424,324 $ 590,822
* 2026 professional services includes $50,000 for a consultant to assist with the Comprehensive
Community Vision process.
** 2024 contractual services included demolition of 6110 Lakeland (recovered through lot sale
proceeds), installation of a fire sprinkler system at 3600 Douglas (being repaid with special
assessments), and environmental clean-up of 3401 Douglas (reimbursed by Hennepin County).
6.4
EDA Budget – Net & Fund Balance
18
Net Revenue Over (Under)
Expenditures
2023 Actual 2024 Actual 2025 Adopted 2026 Proposed
$ 69,851 $ (16,144)$ 2,686 $ -
Cash Fund Balance
at Year End
2023 Actual 2024 Actual 2025 Est.2026 Est.
$ 2,184,172 $ 2,388,526 $ 2,391,212 $ 2,525,821
******
* Prior years' Actual Cash Fund Balances are from each year's Audit. The
change in cash balance may not match that year's net revenue over
(under) expenditures due to accounting methods for property acquisition
costs and sale proceeds.
** 2025 and 2026 Estimated Cash Fund Balances are based on the
adopted 2025 and proposed 2026 budgets.
6.4
Questions & Comments
6.4
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic 1 wish to address is:
Name: A.
Address: }
Zip Code: _ Date:
Day Phone (optional): =
Email (optional):
Thank you for your attendance a d partici tioi
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is:0. 5 (6is, �tc;.(.CS�
Name: Oe ofl /' `r6 J e_J\t Gkv,--
Address: J `I- , k r-- A-v e
ZipCode:_ �5 y Z� Date:
Day Phone (optional): V 1 Zo G — �--�
Email (optional): Mar""' �—Js12Carx" 9
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: Marl us gi&, paniSlh . rm_rDICO
Name: M&6ck ��1 cl2kl�nL72 r
Address:�� �rlahO f'�ve ,1�1 . �_rStC�1
Zip Code:_ Date: 1O11�?` _
Day Phone (optional): 02 COI 22&q
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 to the public)
The topic I wish to address is:
Name:.
(please print clearly)
.1-4 r )
Address:
Zip Code: }� Date:
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: dL' S� (_ (-� Cam..
Name:
G
Address:� �L?� C hy� L
Zip Code:_,; `7 � �(' C� Date:_[
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is:
Name:
Address:
Zip Code: S q;Q Date: � [ % IQODS
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: MGt VA S VAdS �IJ�y11SL,
_ l Y'y1 w�e,� �, i, �,� � G�V CQ,✓P�
Address: 3l 3 (v J3a iLe iV j�v . !�1
Zip Code:
Date: 1 U/ 7 1 Z S
Day Phone (optional):
Email (optional): +Llv UAC
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 to the public)
(please print clearly_)
The topic I wish to address is: �. _ V
Name:
Address:
Zip Code: o Date:
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is: crj' n akv( C' 2- its
Dui
Name: J-
Address: S l23 Go!rVo ti; 5 N - tit
Zip Code: 15Zk 2O\ Date:
Day Phone (optional):
id r0-7) 2S
— Latl v
Email (optional): L
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is:
Name: (44
Address:
Zip Code: Date:
Day Phone (optional): 7
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is:
Name: 1jC, J 9— 4
Address: �' U3 � 6 � � ` `�
Zip Code: � � �'Z'� Date'_ 10 %G�
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic i wish to address is.
Address:
Zip Code:_ �S �L Date:
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 to the public)
(pleaseprintclearly)
The topic I wish to address is: l\d /A/- Xv-
Name:.
Address: �� fl9 Ud S In1 1 G L< Alit,
Zip Code:,0�47-12<�Date: /a /> z:)�
Day Phone (optional): Q Ll4�:i
jr
Email (optional): .� . T�Q r I r G o
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The tapir I wish to address is:'} ICO A
Name: f bev 2Sc &-s-C f
Address:9,fy4 c mne )kj- r
Zip Code: Date:
Day Phone (optional): Ls C)(,, �O
Email (optional ef'eS�� �f�i4i� m C o rv--
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 to the public)
(please print clearly)
The topic I wish to address is:�.
Name: \�)'V C 4-K
Address: `Ill 4Z � �_, �
Zip Code: - "' % j Date: / J %7 Z
Day Phone (optional):
Email (optional):
Thank you for your attendance and participation.