2026.05.05 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: May 1, 2026
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City council work session to discuss:
1. Commission candidate interviews:
• Lilliann Henthorne – Inclusion and Diversity,
Parks and Recreation (Ward 1).
• Jordan Pinneke – Inclusion and Diversity
(Ward 3).
2. Crystal Frolics.
3. Tobacco/Kratom follow-up
4. Constituent issues update.*
5. New business.*
6. Council comments and 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 regular meeting
Time: May 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83921680055?pwd=4mcRnYnivG5sqPToQv2puP7bHfq0qv.1
Meeting ID: 839 2168 0055 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb8Gw6D9Rf
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: May 1, 2026
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 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, May 5, 2026, at _____ p.m.
electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
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 city
council meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Eidbo ____ Bell
____ Kamish ____ Tierney
____ Kiser ____ Therres
____ Onesirosan ____ Elholm
____ Budziszewski ____ Hubbard
____ Cummings ____ Kunde
____ Deshler ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Commission candidate interviews:
• Lilliann Henthorne – Inclusion and Diversity, Parks and Recreation (Ward 1).
• Jordan Pinneke – Inclusion and Diversity (Ward 3).
2) Crystal Frolics.
3) Tobacco/Kratom follow-up.
4) Constituent issues update.*
5) New business.*
6) Council comments and 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.
Page 1 of 3
APPLICATION FOR CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND TASK FORCES
Return application to: 4141 Douglas Drive N, Crystal MN 55422
Fax: (763) 531-1188; email: commissions@crystalmn.gov
Please check one: New Applicant Reappointment
Thank you for your interest in serving your community as a volunteer. Please indicate below the board,
commission or task force which you would like to be appointed to. (Note eligibility requirements - a
member of a board, commission or task force must be a lawful resident of Crystal and, if required, a resident
of the Council ward from which they are appointed.) Your application will be kept on file for one year.
Charter Commission
Employee Review Board
Inclusion and Diversity Commission
Parks & Recreation Commission (Ward )
Planning Commission (Ward )
Sustainability Commission (Section )
Watershed Mgt Organization – Bassett Creek
Watershed Mgt Organization – Shingle Creek
West Metro Fire Board
Metro Blue Line (Business Advisory)
Metro Blue Line (Community Advisory)
PERSONAL INFORMATION (please print)
Name Length of residence in Crystal
First Middle Last
Street Address Zip
Home Phone Work Phone
Cell Email
Employer Occupation
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Why are you interested in serving on this city board or commission?
IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING OUR COMMUNITY
What do you think are the most important issues facing our community over the next several
years?
Describe what issues and ideas you would like to see addressed by the board, commission or task
force you would like to serve on.
Page 2 of 3
NEW APPLICANTS ONLY:
Have you attended and observed a board, commission or task force meeting for which you’ve
made application?
Yes, on Not yet, but I will attend a meeting on
(date of meeting) (date of meeting)
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Describe your education and/or professional experience.
REAPPOINTMENTS ONLY:
BOARD, COMMISSION OR TASK FORCE HIGHLIGHTS
Describe a highlight(s) or accomplishment(s) of the board, commission or task force during your
last term.
COMMUNITY, CIVIC OR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Please list your volunteer experience.
ATTENDANCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Are you aware of the meeting schedule for this board, commission or task force, and are you able
to attend meetings regularly? Yes No
For reappointments only: If you have not been able to attend meetings regularly, please explain:
A conflict of interest may arise by your participation in an activity, action or decision from which
you receive or could potentially receive direct or indirect personal financial gain. Do you have any
legal or equitable interest in any business which, in the course of your participation on this board,
commission or task force, could give rise to a conflict of interest? Yes No
(If yes, please provide details on a separate sheet of paper.)
As a board, commission or task force member, what issue(s) might cause conflict between your
civic responsibility and personal or professional interests? How would you manage these conflicts?
Page 3 of 3
Please select which of the following you will allow listed on a public roster (you must select either
email or one phone number):
EMAIL OR PHONE (may choose more than one):
ALL OF THE ABOVE
home work cell
MN Driver’s License or MN State ID Number:
Date of birth: If known by previous name, provide:
Applicant’s signature Date
Process
Step 1 Complete an application.
Step 2 Return the completed application to city staff.
Step 3 Participate in a 10-minute interview with the city council.
Step 4 Optional: attend the council meeting when appointment is made.
CITY USE ONLY: Date received: Lives in ward/section: Date appointed: Term expires:
If applicable, position appointed to (ward/at large/alternate/public member/etc.):
Notes:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR APPLICATION
DATA PRIVACY NOTICE: Minnesota law requires that you be informed of the purposes and
intended use of the information you are providing on this application. Pursuant to Minn. Stat.
§13.601, your name, address, length of residence, occupation, education, training, civic affiliations,
qualifications and experience are public data and is available to anyone who requests the
information.
The information you provide will be used to identify you as an applicant, enable us to contact you
when additional information is required, send you notices, and assess your qualifications for
appointment. This data is not legally required, but refusal to supply the information requested
may affect the City Council’s ability to accurately evaluate your application.
Should you be appointed to a board, commission or task force, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §13.601,
your residential address will become public information. In addition, either a telephone number
or email address where you can be reached will become public. The purpose is to list contact
information for board, commission and task force members on a public roster.
I have read the data privacy notice given above and authorize investigation into all statements
contained in this application. Furthermore, I authorize the City of Crystal to conduct a criminal
history background check, pursuant to Crystal City Code Section 311.01, Subd. 2, for purposes of
determining my eligibility for a volunteer position with the City.
I:\Commissions, Boards, Task Forces\Applicants, Interviews, Staff Reports, Vacancies\Application For Board, Commission, Task Force - Current.Doc
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 30, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Crystal Frolics – 2026 Financial Support Consideration
Background
Crystal Frolics is a long-standing community event that has historically been delivered through a
partnership between the city and the Frolics Committee. The event has been an important part
of the community’s identity, providing opportunities for residents to gather, celebrate, and
connect.
In 2026, the City’s Family Fun Festival at Becker Park will shift to June as a “Kick-off to Summer”
event, while the traditional Frolics celebration will continue in July. This change is intended to
complement, rather than replace, Frolics and broaden overall community engagement
opportunities.
Current Situation
In recent years, the Frolics Committee has experienced declining fundraising revenues, resulting
in financial hardship. Additionally, there has been a recent transition in committee leadership.
The new leadership team has begun implementing updated fundraising strategies and
operational improvements to place the event on a more stable financial footing.
Historically, the city has provided varying levels of support to Frolics. The only formal
documentation of City support is a Council resolution designating Frolics as an eligible recipient
of charitable gambling funds. Staff are aware of a past practice of charging a flat $10,000 fee for
city services (including police), but no formal agreement or documentation has been located to
substantiate that arrangement.
The Frolics Committee has indicated that, without additional support in 2026, the event may not
be sustainable in its current form.
Proposed 2026 City Support
Given the community value of Crystal Frolics and the current financial challenges, staff
recommends the following one-time support measures for 2026:
1. Waive the special event permit fee
2. Waive fees for city staff support, including police services
3. Allocate charitable gambling funds in an amount to be determined by the City Council, or
authorize the City Manager to determine an amount not to exceed $25,000
For reference, in 2025, the City authorized $26,000 in charitable gambling funds from the West
Metro Fire-Rescue District Relief Association to support Frolics as requested by the Relief
Association. Discussions between the Frolics Committee and the Relief Association regarding
2026 Frolics funding are ongoing; however, no funding commitment has been confirmed to
date.
Staff Perspective
Crystal Frolics has been a valued and recognizable community event for many years. While the
current financial situation presents challenges, the recent leadership changes and renewed
focus on fundraising suggest there is a viable path forward.
Staff believes it would be a significant loss to the community if Frolics were to discontinue. The
proposed 2026 support is intended as a one-year bridge to allow the committee time to stabilize
operations and improve financial sustainability.
Staff recommends that any support provided in 2026 be clearly communicated as a one-time
measure. Following the 2026 event, the city and the Frolics Committee should reassess the
event’s financial condition and determine an appropriate level of future City involvement.
Requested City Council Action
No formal action is requested; however, to help guide staff in preparing potential ordinance
language, the Council is asked to provide direction on the following:
• Is the Council supportive of providing one-time financial assistance to sustain Crystal
Frolics in 2026?
• If so, what level of charitable gambling funds should be allocated (up to $25,000)?
• Does the Council support waiving event-related fees and city service costs for 2026?
• Does the Council have any direction for how to approach city support for Frolics
beyond 2026, contingent on this year’s outcome?
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 30, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Tobacco/Kratom Regulation Follow-up
BACKGROUND
At the Council’s direction provided at the March 3 council work session, staff have reviewed
potential policy options to further regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products within the
City of Crystal. Communities across Hennepin County and the broader metro area have taken a
range of approaches, from maintaining current regulations to implementing comprehensive
restrictions on flavored tobacco products and related pricing controls.
Currently, Crystal does not impose additional local restrictions beyond state and federal law.
However, there has been a clear regional trend toward increased regulation, particularly focused
on flavored tobacco products due to their documented appeal to youth and associated public
health impacts.
This memo outlines the primary policy options available to the Council, along with a summary of
how surrounding cities are regulating these products.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS AND OPTIONS
There are many options for the council to consider.
1. Maintain Current Regulations
• No changes to the City Code
• Continue to follow state and federal regulations only
This option maintains the status quo and avoids additional regulatory or enforcement
responsibilities.
2. Limiting Flavored Tobacco
Flavor restrictions are the most common local regulatory tool and can vary in scope:
a) All flavors, including menthol
o Most comprehensive approach
o Aligns with several area cities (e.g., Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth).
b) Flavored products except menthol
o More limited approach
o Aligns with several area cities (E.g., New Hope and Robbinsdale)
o Often viewed as a compromise, though menthol products have been shown to
disproportionately impact certain communities
3. Defining Covered Products
The Council may choose to regulate some or all of the following product types:
a) Cigarettes
b) Smokeless tobacco
c) Tobacco-free nicotine products (e.g., synthetic nicotine pouches)
d) Cigars (some cities exempt boutique cigars)
e) Electronic delivery devices (e-cigarettes/vapes)
Most cities that regulate flavors apply restrictions broadly across all categories to avoid
substitution between product types.
4. Additional Regulatory Tools
Some cities have layered additional restrictions to further reduce access:
• Minimum Price Requirements
o Establishes a price floor to discourage low-cost purchases (E.g., Columbia Heights,
Richfield, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis).
• Minimum Package Size
o Prevents the sale of single cigars or small, inexpensive packages (E.g., Columbia
Heights, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis).
• Prohibition on Coupons or Discounted Sales
o Limits price manipulation strategies commonly used by retailers (Plymouth
recently adopted this regulation).
5. Applicability of Restrictions
The Council may determine which retailers are subject to regulations:
• All licensed tobacco retailers
o Creates consistency and simplifies enforcement
• Exemption for Tobacco Product Shops
o Common in some cities (E.g., New Hope and Robbinsdale)
o Typically applies to adult-only establishments deriving the majority of revenue
from tobacco (Tobacco product shops)
6. Kratom Regulation
• Option to fully prohibit the sale of kratom products within the city
• This would be a complete ban (no partial restriction options)
• Notably, recent state law changes increased the legal purchase age from 18 to 21
• Potential exposure to legal challenges due to a lack of state or federal regulation. Crystal
would be the first in the state to do so.
7. Implementation Timeline
• Regulations may take effect immediately upon adoption, or
• Council may choose a delayed effective date to allow retailers time to adjust
For reference, Plymouth recently adopted a flavored tobacco ban effective January 1, 2028,
providing a longer transition period.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Any proposed ordinance would require a 30-day notice period.
• Staff expects significant industry and retailer push-back.
• Will have an economic impact on most tobacco retailers.
• Kratom regulation is not a settled legal question.
SUMMARY
The regional data shows a clear divide: several cities have not adopted additional regulations,
while others have implemented comprehensive flavor bans, often including menthol. A smaller
group has opted for more targeted restrictions that exclude menthol and/or exempt specialty
tobacco retailers.
There is no single standard approach, and each option involves tradeoffs related to public health
outcomes, equity considerations, enforcement complexity, and potential economic impacts on
local businesses.
Requested City Council Action
No formal action is requested; however, to help guide staff in preparing potential ordinance
language, the Council is asked to provide direction on the following:
1. Is there a Council majority interested in further regulating tobacco this year?
2. Flavor regulation—should it include menthol?
3. What products should be included?
4. Price regulation—minimum price, coupon or sale ban?
5. Size regulation—minimum package size?
6. What retailers should the regulations apply to?
7. Should the City ban kratom products?
8. When should any new regulations become effective?
APPENDICES
Surrounding Area Comparisons
Flavored Commercial Tobacco Policy Map
SURROUNDING AREA COMPARISONS
Below is a summary of how surrounding cities currently regulate tobacco products:
City Tobacco Regulation Policy Flavor Restriction Price/Size
Restriction
Brooklyn
Center
No restrictions n/a n/a
Brooklyn Park No restrictions n/a n/a
Champlin No restrictions n/a n/a
Crystal No restrictions n/a n/a
Hopkins No restrictions n/a n/a
Maple Grove No restrictions n/a n/a
Medicine Lake No restrictions n/a n/a
Osseo No restrictions n/a n/a
Columbia
Heights
Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco Price and size
minimum
Edina Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Fridley Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Golden Valley Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Minneapolis Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Minnetonka Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco n/a
Plymouth Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco No coupons or
sales
Richfield Prohibits sale of all flavored
tobacco, including menthol
All flavored tobacco Price and size
minimum
New Hope Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint. Excludes
Tobacco Products Shop
n/a
Robbinsdale Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint. Excludes
Tobacco Products Shop
Price and size
minimum
St Louis Park Restricts sale of fruit- and candy-
flavored tobacco, excludes
menthol
All flavored tobacco, except menthol,
wintergreen, and mint.
n/a
BEST PRACTICES AND POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UPDATING A
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO RETAIL ORDINANCE
When updating a commercial tobacco retail license ordinance, it is important to use a multi-
pronged approach to address commercial tobacco use in the community. Each of the best
practices listed play a key role in preventing youth initiation of commercial tobacco product use
and support adults who currently use a commercial tobacco product to quit.
Below are evidence-based strategies, supported by research and model policies that cities
have the ability to adopt into city code and will help reduce commercial tobacco use, prevent
initiation, and promote a healthier community for all residents. The recommendations are
based on the model policy from Public Health Law Center and include the following context.
ENDING THE SALE OF FLAVORED COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Nearly all commercial tobacco products come in a variety of
candy, fruit, mint and novelty flavors. Flavored products are
especially appealing to youth, who are much more likely to
use flavored products than adults. Young people think
flavored commercial tobacco products taste better and are
safer than unflavored products, even though they are just
as dangerous and addictive. Many jurisdictions in
Minnesota have adopted this provision to reduce the
availability and accessibility of flavored commercial tobacco
products for youth. For more information, see “Flavored
Tobacco Bans: Fact vs. Fiction.”
Photo Credit: Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota.
CAP NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSES
Some jurisdictions have chosen to limit the number of licenses granted. There are varied
approaches to restricting the number of tobacco licenses, including setting a cap at zero
licenses, Setting a cap of one or more on the total number of licenses and requiring any
prospective tobacco or e-cigarette retailer in excess of the cap to join a waiting list until an
existing license becomes available, Setting a cap at a specific number of licenses based on
population. For more information, see “Location, Location, Location: Tobacco & E-Cig Point of
Sale.”
RESTRICT COUPON & PRICE PROMOTION
The price of commercial tobacco products directly affects
the consumption levels, particularly among price-sensitive
consumers, including youth, young adults, and those with
limited financial means. Some pricing strategies used
include “buy-one-get one” coupons, cents, or dollar off
promotions, and multi pack offers, which are often
marketed and redeemed at the point-of-sale. Jurisdictions
can prohibit the redemption of price discounts to negate
the sophisticated discounting strategies of the commercial tobacco industry. Several
jurisdictions in Minnesota have adopted this provision to keep the price of licensed products
high to discourage availability to youth. For more information, see “Death on a Discount.”
Photo Credit: Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota.
SET A MINIMUM PRICE & PACKAGE SIZE
Setting a minimum price for tobacco products is an effective public health policy. Establishing a
minimum price helps discourage youth smoking and reduces overall tobacco consumption. To
complement this, setting standardized package sizes is important. This ensures pricing
consistency and prevents manufacturers from circumventing minimum price rules through
smaller, more affordable pack sizes. The additional revenue when setting a minimum price, will
be held by the retailer. For more information, see “Comprehensive Minimum Prices and
Packaging.”
INCREASE PENALTY STRUCTURE
Some jurisdictions have a violation structure similar to what is listed below. This structure can
further enhance these penalties to deter non-compliance:
First Violation: $1,000 fineFi
Second Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 3-day suspension of the licenseSe
Third Violation (within 36 months): $2,000 fine and a 7-day suspension of the licenseTh
Fourth Violation: Revocation of the tobacco license
2395 University Ave W, STE 310, St. Paul. MN 55114
651-646-3005 | ansrmn.org
ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of
commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota.
Created with Commercial Tobacco Free Communities funding from the
Minnesota Department of Health.
Last updated: December 2025
FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL
TOBACCO PRODUCTS*
BIG TOBACCO TARGETS KIDS WITH FLAVORED PRODUCTS
Flavored commercial tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, blunt wraps, e-
cigarettes (also known as vapes) and shisha (tobacco used in hookah). These products help the
tobacco industry bypass the FDA’s 2009 ban of flavored cigarettes other than menthol.¹ Menthol
is the only flavor allowed in cigarettes.
Photo credit: ANSR-MN
Vape packaging often has colorful
designs and resembles popular
imagery familiar to youth.
Photo credit: Tobacco-Free Alliance
Vapes come in thousands of flavors
such as Mixed Berry Ice and Sour
Rainbow Berries (shown above).
THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY USES
FLAVORED PRODUCTS TO ATTRACT
THE NEXT GENERATION OF
SMOKERS 3
Young people are more likely to use
flavored commercial tobacco, and most
would quit if flavors were removed. 4
In 2023, three fourths of Minnesota
students (76.3%) who had used
commercial tobacco said the first product
they tried was flavored.5
Even more alarming, 93.3% of high school
and middle school students who vaped in
the last month chose flavored products.5
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO
PRODUCTS ARE OFFERED IN
THOUSANDS OF FLAVORS THAT
APPEAL TO YOUTH
There are over 15,000 nicotine vape
flavors available, many of which are
designed to appeal to young users by
mimicking the names and flavors of
popular candies. Brands like “Cloud
Nurdz,” “Bazooka Sour Straws,” and
names like “Gummy Worm” are just a few
examples of how vape products often
blur the line between candy and
nicotine, making them especially enticing
to kids.
Vape devices, specifically disposables,
are the most popular commercial
tobacco product used by youth.2
Cigars, chewing tobacco, blunt wraps,
vapes and shisha are sold in fruit, candy,
dessert and novelty flavors.
Cheap cigars come in bright packages and a wide variety of
flavors, such as grape, strawberry, blueberry, tropical fusion
and chocolate/vanilla swirl.
ZYN & THE RISE IN POPULARITY OF NICOTINE POUCHES
Nicotine pouches, specifically the brand Zyn, are growing in
popularity among youth in large part because they offer a discrete
way to obtain a nicotine fix without alerting adults to nicotine use. 6
See our ‘Oral Nicotine Products’ factsheet for more information
MORE ABOUT MENTHOL FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO HARMS
Menthol makes smoking and using commercial tobacco easier to start and harder to quit. The tobacco
industry adds menthol flavor to make smoking easier. It gives users a cooling feeling that makes smoking
seem smoother and less irritating. Menthol increases nicotine absorption, leading to greater dependence.7
FLAVORED COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS,
ESPECIALLY MENTHOL, ARE A THREAT TO HEALTH
EQUITY
The tobacco industry targets certain populations with menthol
cigarette marketing using tactics like ads, giveaways, lower prices,
lifestyle branding and event sponsorships.8 This aggressive targeted
marketing contributes to health disparities.
Due to tobacco industry targeting, 85% of African Americans who
smoke, smoke menthols.9 Tobacco industry tactics contribute to
American Indians and Alaska Natives having the highest tobacco
use rates in the U.S., leading to high rates of tobacco-related deaths
and diseases.10
The tobacco industry designed menthol marketing ads to target
LGBTQ+ communities. This targeting exacerbates tobacco-related
health disparities within LGBTQ+
communities.11
The tobacco industry heavily targets
African Americans with menthol cigarettes
by advertising in popular magazines.
TAKE ACTION TO END THE SALE OF FLAVORED
COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTSThe tobacco industry also attracts customers
by offering price discounts as seen below.
Photo credit: Trinkets and Trash
States, cities, and counties can end the sales of menthol
cigarettes and flavored commercial tobacco products to protect
youth and targeted populations.
Six states and over 380 cities and counties restrict flavored
commercial tobacco sales. More than 190 of them ban or restrict
the sale of menthol cigarettes.12
Studies show that ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco
products reduces the chance that teens will ever try commercial
tobacco.13
The FDA could regulate all flavored commercial tobacco products
but has been slow to act. In April 2022, the FDA proposed a ban
on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.14 The final ruling will
likely take years and leaves out all other flavored commercial
tobacco products.
Link to map of Minnesota cities and counties
addressing the sale of flavored commercial
tobacco products. Or at our website listed below.
*Tobacco in this document refers specifically to the use of manufactured,
commercial tobacco products, and not to the sacred, medicinal and
traditional use of tobacco by American Indians and other groups.
References are available at ansrmn.org/flavors
2395 University Ave W, STE 310, St. Paul. MN 55114
651-646-3005 | ansrmn.org
last updated:
October 2024
ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial
tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota.
BeautifulLieUglyTruth.org
This publication is made possible by funding from the Minnesota Department of
Health’s Commercial Tobacco-Free Communities Grant Program.
TOBACCO INDUSTRY TARGETING
2X
MN young adult nonsmokers
who receive tobacco
coupons are twice as likely
to become smokers.
About 50 percent of MN smokers
have used tobacco coupons or
promotions in the past year to
save money on cigarettes.
A third of adult smokers
use tobacco coupons
or discounts every time
they see one.
THE FACTS ARE . . .
Tobacco companies spent
$8.7 BILLION in 2022 to reduce
the price of cigarettes and smokeless
tobacco for consumers.
COUPONS HINDER SMOKERS’
ATTEMPTS TO QUIT. Minnesota adult
smokers who redeemed cigarette coupons
were much less likely to quit smoking than
those who didn’t use coupons.
DON’T DISCOUNT
KEEPING TOBACCO PRICES HIGH
IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO
HELP PEOPLE QUIT & PREVENT
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM STARTING
TO USE TOBACCO.
When prices are higher, tobacco use decreases,
especially among youth and low-income smokers.
Tobacco companies use coupons and retail
promotions to lower the price of products.
Price promotions are so targeted to smokers, they
are nearly invisible to the general public and allow
the tobacco industry to avoid regulations.
MY LIFE
DEATH AT A DISCOUNT
Tobacco companies send coupons
in birthday cards, pass them out
at events and bars, promote them
inside stores, and send emails
and text alerts through their
smartphone apps.
This customer only paid $2 for two
packs of American Spirit cigarettes.
Without the coupon, the customer
would have paid $19.98.
DISCOUNTED TOBACCO ONLY
BENEFITS THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY.
Tobacco coupons and discounts make it more likely young people will become addicted to tobacco and less likely current smokers will be able to quit. Young and low income smokers are more likely to use tobacco coupons or promotions.
TAKE ACTION!
WE CAN STOP THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY FROM TARGETING OUR COMMUNITIES
WITH CHEAP TOBACCO.
Cities CAN and SHOULD prevent the redemption of tobacco coupons to help people quit smoking and prevent
people from starting.
www.DontDiscountMyLife.org
Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota
2395 University Ave. W, Suite 310, Saint Paul MN 55114
References available at: DontDiscountMyLife.org
(December 2018)
THE TOBACCO
INDUSTRY USES
COUPONS TO KEEP
PRICES LOW.
Commercial Tobacco Prevention Background and Policy Options
Crystal, MN City Council Work Session
Jackie Siewert, Hennepin County Public Health
Katie Engman, Association for Nonsmokers-MN
May 5, 2026
Who We Are
The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) is
dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of
commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in
Minnesota. Our core commitments are:
●to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of
addiction;
●to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe
clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and
●reduce health inequities and other disparities in
relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and
other drugs.
Agenda
Tobacco Industry
What are the impacts on our community?
State and Federal Updates
What has already been done?
Policy Considerations
What can be done at the local level
Questions
And council discussion
Swiss Cheese Model
Tobacco Industry Targeting
Commercial
tobacco use
remains the
leading cause of
preventable death
and disease, taking
the lives of more
than 6,300
Minnesotans and
costing the state
over $9 billion each
year.
In Minnesota, one
in seven 11th
graders uses e-
cigarettes, and 90
percent of those
students use
flavored e-
cigarettes.
The tobacco
industry targets
Black, LGBTQ+,
American Indians
and young people
and spends more
than $100 million a
year marketing
their products in
Minnesota.
Commercial Tobacco Use is Still a Problem
Hennepin County
Commercial Tobacco Profile
Sources: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Cost of Smoking Report, MDH Vital Statistics, CDC PLACES: Local Data for Bet ter
Health, County Data, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Minnesota Student Survey, and U.S. Census Population Estimat es
Local Commercial
Tobacco Use Data and Disparities
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Tobacco Industry Targeting Impacts
Current smoking rate among Minnesota subset populations
Current (past 30 days) youth e-cigarette use
Robbinsdale School District , Minnesota Student Survey, 2016-2025
6%
10%
4.4%
2%
7%
10%
6%
2%
8%
11%
8%
6%
0%
5%
10%
15%
2016 2019 2022 2025
8th
9th
11th
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5,
2026
Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023 Continued
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May
5, 2026
Hennepin County adult current smoking by race/ethnicity
7%
3%^
26%
15%
5%^
5%*
9%*
43%
8%
0%10%20%30%40%50%
White
Foreign-born Black
US-born Black
Black or African American
Southeast Asian
Asian or Asian American
Hispanic or Latino/a
American Indian or Alaska Native
Hennepin County
Notes: 1. Survey participants can check one
or more race categories; 2. Race and
ethnicity are mutually exclusive.
*Estimate is potentially unreliable and should
be used with caution. (Relative Standard
Error is > 30% and ≤ 50%)
^Estimate does not meet criteria for statistical
reliability and should be used with extreme
caution. (Relative Standard Error > 50%)
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County Public Health, SHAPE 2022 Dashboard, Survey of the Health of All the Population and the Environment, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
www.hennepin.us/your-government/research-data/shape-surveys, Accessed on 12/18/2025
Current e-cigarette use by sexual orientation or gender identity
4%5%
9%^
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Female Male Nonbinary
13%^
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Transgender Not transgender
11%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
LGBQ+
self-identified
Straight/
heterosexual
^Estimate does not meet criteria for statistical reliability and should be used with extreme caution. (Relative Standard Error > 50%)
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin County adult current (past 30 days) smoking by experienced economic insecurity
Hennepin County Public Health, SHAPE 2022 Dashboard, Survey of the Health of All the Population and the Environment, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
www.hennepin.us/your-government/research-data/shape-surveys, Accessed on 12/18/2025
23%
5%
25%
6%
29%
6%
27%
6%
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
Food insecurity
No food insecurity
Housing insecurity
No housing insecurity
Transportation insecurity
No transportation insecurity
Any economic distress
No economic distress
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Flavored Products
90% of MN
Middle and High
School Students who
use tobacco products
use flavored products.
Source: MN Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023
Appeal
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors Appeal
2007
Cig a like
2009
Vape Pen
2012
Mod
2015
Juul – the first Pod Mod
2017
Copycat Pod Mods
2019
Disposable Pod Mods/Vapes
2022
Disposables and high nicotine levels
2021
Disposable Synthetic Nicotine Vape
Tobacco Industry Targeting:
Countless Flavors - Current Appeal
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Characteristics of
Nicotine Pouches
●Discreet and Convenient
●Flavor and Nicotine
Variety
●Targeted Marketing
●Skyrocketing Sales
Who uses these
products?
●Youth
●Young Adults
●Dual Users
Marketing: Email
January 2025
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
October 2025July 2024
Marketing: Websites
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: “Zyn Culture” and Social Media
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: Zyn Rewards and Pop Culture
Photos: Association for Nonsmokers-MN
Marketing: Other
Photo Credit: Amelia Bakalars, 10/15/2025
Photo Credit: Morgan Hamernik,
11/4/2025Photo Credit: SAT student, Spring 2025
Minnesota Student Survey Data
Minnesota Student Survey, 2025
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
9.0%
10.0%
8th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
Use of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and hookah,
during the past 30 days.
Statewide Hennepin County Robbinsdale School District
The Impact of Nicotine on the
Adolescent Brain
●No amount of nicotine is safe for young people.
●Nicotine is highly addictive and a stimulant.
●Youth exposed to nicotine are more likely to use other
substances.
●4 in 5 Minnesota teens who vape may be nicotine
dependent.
Social Media Influences
Tobacco Industry Targeting
Tobacco Industry Targeting Cont.
Menthol Tobacco = Harder to Quit
•Menthol increases nicotine absorption, leading to greater
dependence.
•Among high school smokers, those who smoke menthols are more
likely to smoke within one hour of waking and more likely to report
cravings compared to high school smokers of non -menthols.
Wackowski & Delnevo, 2007. Menthol cigarettes and indicators of tobacco dependence
among adolescents. Addictive Behaviors, 32(9), 1964-1969.
African Americans Use Menthol More Than
Other Racial/Ethnic Groups
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.
African Americans Adult Smokers Who Use
Menthol
Smoking Incidence from NHIS 2009; menthol preference from NSDUH 2009; Giovino GA,
Villanti AC, Mowery PD, et al. Differential trends in cigarette smoking in the USA: Is
menthol slowing progress? Tobacco Control. 2013.
Menthol: Tobacco Industry Targeting
•There is sufficient research to confirm that tobacco
companies targeted youth, women, and African Americans
with menthol marketing
•Research also suggests that tobacco companies targeted
Latinos, Asians, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders
Tobacco Industry Menthol Advertisements
Sources: http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
http://tobacco.stanford.edu/
www.trinketsandtrash.org
1975 2015
Tobacco Industry Greenwashing
Vape Waste is Toxic E-Waste
Vape waste creates three big environmental problems:
1.Increase in single-use plastics
2.Introduces hazardous and toxic chemicals like nicotine into the environment when thrown out
3.Increases tech waste, including lithium-ion batteries (which are also considered toxic waste).
What’s New: Federal, State and Local
Commercial Tobacco Regulations
Federal Updates
1.Tobacco 21 (2019)
2.Few restrictions on flavored vaping products
3.FDA declared menthol harmful, but has yet to act.
FDA Authorization
Minnesota Tobacco 21, etc.
●Increased age to purchase to 21 from 18 yrs old;
●Removed Purchase, Use and Possession (PUP)
penalties for young people;
●Hold retailers accountable for responsible sales;
●Verification of age for those under 30; and
●Signage posted at the point-of-sale.
Recent City of Crystal Updates
●Capped tobacco licences 10 (currently have 20); April
2025
Commercial Tobacco Retailer Assessments
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Orono Commercial Tobacco Retailer Assessment
•Countywide assessment, 2024 (Hennepin County Public Health and partners)
•Assessed 17 licensed retailers in Crystal
•Goal: to learn about commercial tobacco retail characteristics:
−Types of retailers
−Flavors and menthol
−Price and promotions
−Youth appeal
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Percent of retailers selling different e-cigarette flavors
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Crystal Hennepin County
22%
11%
33%
33%Number of Different Flavors
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 20
More than 20
26%
13%
23%
38%
Number of Different Flavors
1 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 20
More than 20
Average cheapest advertised price
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Crystal Hennepin County
$10.37
Cigarettes
$17.14
Single Disposable
E-cigs
$10.96
Cigarettes
$15.41
Single Disposable
E-cigs
What’s Next?
More commercial tobacco prevention best practices
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
AppealAccessibility
Best Practices: Policy Options
to Address Appeal, Access, & Affordability
•Ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products;
•Limiting the number of licensed tobacco retailers;
•Price discounting: minimum pack prices and prohibiting the
redemption of coupons; and
•Increased penalties for ordinance violations.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Ending the Sale of Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products
•Local tobacco control policies are associated with lower smoking rates, especially among
disadvantaged populations. Strengthening and expanding these policies may be an effective
strategy to further reduce tobacco-related disparities.
(Yu Y, Toy P, Yue D,et al. Tob Control Epub ahead of print: 15, July,2025. doi:10.1136/tc-2024-059213)
•Flavors play a key role in commercial tobacco use. Because flavors are particularly appealing to
young people, eliminating flavors in commercial tobacco products is expected to lead to reduction
in commercial tobacco use and commercial tobacco-related health disparities.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities—A Report of the Surgeon
General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2024.)
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
MN Communities with Flavored Policy
Appeal
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Hennepin
County
Communities
with Flavored
Policy
AppealAccessibility
Cap Retail Tobacco Licenses
•Restricting the number of tobacco licenses allowed in a community is a
way to decrease commercial tobacco in a community.
•Research shows that the location and density of commercial tobacco-
related product retailers influences tobacco-related product use and
worsens health disparities.
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Capping: What have other Communities Done?
•Columbia Heights: No more than three (3) tobacco shops.
•Saint Anthony Village: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have five (five). No new licenses will be
issued, and through attrition it will be 0.
•Bloomington: Capped their licenses at 0. Through attrition, the city will get down to zero tobacco
licenses.
•Little Canada: Capped their licenses at 0. Currently have seven (7). No new licenses will be issued, and
through attrition it will be 0.
•New Brighton: Capped the number of licensed tobacco shops to four (4) currently seven (7).
•Plymouth: Capped the number of tobacco licenses at 0.
•Roseville: Capped their tobacco shops are the current four (4).
•Richfield: Capped their licenses at four (4). Through attrition, the city will get down to 4 total tobacco
licenses.
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Price Discounting, Coupons, & Minimum Price/Pack Size
•Among Minnesota smokers, about 50% have used coupons or
promotions in the past year to save money on cigarettes.
•Coupons foster nicotine addiction in young smokers and keep heavy
smokers addicted.
•Minnesota adult smokers who redeemed cigarette coupons were much
less likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t use coupons.
Sources:
Stat: from MATS survey 2014
Henriksen, et al. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntrl22, Choi, et all. (2012). DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr300
Choi, K. & Forster, J. Tobacco Direct Mail Marketing: Frequency, Content, and Prospective Effect on Smoking Behaviors of Young Adults.
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Price Discounting and Coupons: What have other Communities Done?
•Columbia Heights: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$12 each and vapes at $20 each.
•Minneapolis: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$15 each and vapes at $25 each.
•Plymouth: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”.
•St. Paul: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-store
promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco at
$10 each.
•Saint Anthony Village: Ended the use of commercial tobacco coupons and price discounts including in-
store promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free”. Set a minimum price for cigarettes and chewing tobacco
at $15 each and vapes at $20 each.
AppealAccessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Penalties & Violations
MN State Minimum:
1st Offense: $300
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $600
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 & 7 day (minimum) license suspension
St. Louis Park
1st Offense: $500
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 and 1-day license suspension
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 30-day license suspension
4th Offense w/in 36th mo: Revocation
Plymouth
1st Offense: $500 and 5-day license suspension
2nd Offense w/in 36mo: $1,000 and 10-day license suspension
3rd Offense w/in 36mo: $2,000 & 20-day license suspension
4th Offense w/in 36th mo: Revocation
Accessibility
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) Penalties
•A city’s tobacco ordinance and associated resources should focus on retailers, not those who use
commercial tobacco.
•There is no strong evidence that PUP penalties are effective in significantly reducing youth smoking.
•Historically, PUP laws were lobbied for by the commercial tobacco industry to punish youth users while
the industry simultaneously targeted and addicted youth.
•PUP penalties could open the door to selective enforcement against youth from certain racial, ethnic,
and socio-economic groups.
•Bottom Line: Cities that currently have PUP penalties no longer aligning with state law should consider
removing those penalties from their ordinance.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Swiss Cheese Model
Minnesotans Support Ending the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
Commercial tobacco cessation and treatment
In 2022:
•11.6% of U.S. adults reported current cigarette smoking
•Approximately two-thirds of adults (67.7%) wanted to quit smoking,
and approximately one-half (53.3%) tried to quit in the past year
•Fewer than one in 10 (8.8%) recently successfully quit (Adult Smoking
Cessation — United States, 2022 | MMWR)
Using counseling and medication together provides the best
chance of quitting successfully.
Minnesota has a free program to help people quit.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Most people
who smoke
want to quit.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Offerings and support
*Commercial tobacco cessation tools require participants to be 18+
**Text Messages and Email offerings require participants to be 13+.
Support is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Translation
services are available for other languages.
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
A Quit Program Just for Teens
American Indian Quitline
Support for Those Living with a Mental
Illness or Other Addiction
Help If You’re Pregnant
Special programs
Kratom
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Minnesota Department of Health Website Public Health Law Center FAQ
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Kratom Resources
https://www.health.mn.gov/communities/kratom/index.html https://www.publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/resources/Kratom-FAQ-MN.pdf
Jackie Siewert
Jacquelyn.Siewert@hennepin.us
612-543-0402
Katie Engman
katie@ansrmn.org
651-646-3005
Hennepin County | Crystal City Council Work Session | May 5, 2026
Page 1 of 2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: May 1, 2026
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
7 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom Meeting
The city manager’s comments are in bold.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Agenda
The council will consider approval of the agenda.
3. Proclamations
3.1 The Mayor will proclaim May 6, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Crystal.
3.2 The Mayor will proclaim May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 15, 2026, as
Peace Officers Memorial Day in the City of Crystal.
3.3 The Mayor will proclaim May 17–23, 2026, as Public Works Week in the City of Crystal.
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 meeting on April 21, 2026.
b. The city council work session on April 21, 2026.
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 Adoption of a resolution approving the 2026 Infrastructure Improvement Project New Hope –
Crystal Joint Powers Agreement.
4.5 Adoption of a resolution authorizing the purchase of a router for the Public Works
Department.
4.6 Adoption of a resolution authorizing a Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant application for
Cavanagh Park.
4.7 Adoption of a resolution canceling special assessments at 5416 51st Ave. N.
Page 2 of 2
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
There is no Regular Agenda business.
7. Council Comments and Announcements
a. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Twin Oaks Park play area will be held on Wednesday, May 6
at 5:15 p.m.
b. The Parks and Recreation Commission will host the annual Arbor Day celebration and park
clean-up on Wednesday, May 6 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Twin Oaks Park.
c. The city council will hold a work session on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., in the upper
community room at city hall and via Zoom.
d. The Friends of Crystal Parks plant sale is Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Becker
Park.
e. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m., in the council chambers at city hall
and via Zoom.
f. The city’s second Climate Action Plan Community Meeting is Saturday, May 23 from 3:30 – 5
p.m., at city hall.
g. The Sustainability Commission is accepting submissions of sustainable home and garden
practices for its Sustainable Tour of Crystal until June 1. Visit crystalmn.gov to learn more.
h. To accommodate Crystal residents practicing No Mow May, the city waits until June 1 to begin
long grass enforcement.
i. The city’s Kick Off to Summer Celebration is Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Becker
Park.
j. The Crystal Airport Open House is Sunday, June 21 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
k. Metro Transit will have a community update meeting about the Blue Line Extension project on
Thursday, June 25 from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Crystal Community Center.
l. The city is accepting applications for several volunteer positions on our boards and
commissions. For more information, please visit go.crystalmn.gov/volunteer.
m. City council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous
meetings are available for viewing and listening at www.crystalmn.gov.
8. Adjournment
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
PROCLAMATION
CRYSTAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION MAY 6, 2026
WHEREAS, Crystal is a Tree City and has been a Tree City since 1998; and
WHEREAS, the Crystal Parks & Recreation Commission serves as Crystal’s Tree Board; and
WHEREAS, as Crystal’s Tree Board, the Parks & Recreation Commission holds an annual arbor day
event to recognize the importance of trees in our community; and to provide information to
residents on the role trees play in filtering our air and water, fostering biodiversity, and
strengthening our communities; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Crystal Parks has provided funds to purchase trees for distribution to
residents attending the city’s arbor day celebration, and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Crystal Arbor Day Celebration will be Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Twin
Oaks Park, located at 5116 Wilshire Boulevard, and includes:
• Park clean-up,
• Information on forestry efforts in Crystal,
• Planting of a Swamp White Oak tree in the park,
• Distribution of free Arbor Day trees; and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal wishes to promote the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Crystal
Tree Board and the arbor day celebration.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Julie Deshler, Mayor of the City of Crystal, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2026, as
ARBOR DAY in the city of Crystal.
Dated this 5th day of May, 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
3.1
"NATIONAL POLICE WEEK"
MAY 10-16, 2026
"NATIONAL PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY"
MAY 15, 2026
WHEREAS, the week of May 10 to 16, 2026, is National Police Week in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, there are over 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities
across the United States, including the 36 dedicated officers of the Crystal Police
Department; and
WHEREAS, over 56,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year,
resulting in over 17,000 injuries; and
WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1786 in Virginia, a total of 24,775 law
enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the
line of duty, including 314 Minnesota law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the
National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, 363 new names of fallen heroes, including two officers from Minnesota, are
being added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial this spring, including 109 line of
duty deaths in 2025 and 1,254 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of
sacrifice had been lost to history until now; and
WHEREAS, May 15 is designated as National Peace Officer Memorial Day, in honor of
all the fallen officers and their families and U.S. Flags should be flown at half-staff; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Julie Deshler, Mayor of The City of Crystal, do hereby proclaim
May 10 – 16, 2026 as NATIONAL POLICE WEEK in the City of Crystal, MN and call
upon the people of Crystal to observe this week in honor of the men and women whose
diligence and professionalism keep the residents and city of Crystal safe and vibrant.
___________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
Dated this 5th day of May 2026.
3.2
PROCLAMATION
PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
MAY 17 – MAY 23, 2026
WHEREAS, public infrastructure in the City of Crystal is an integral part of our
everyday lives; and
WHEREAS, the health, safety, and comfort of residents, visitors, and businesses
greatly depend on public infrastructure and services; and
WHEREAS, support from an encouraging, understanding, and informed
citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public infrastructure systems and programs
including transportation, buildings and facilities, parks and forestry, water supply and
treatment, sanitary sewers, and surface water management; and
WHEREAS, Crystal’s public works department is committed to the
mission of quality design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the city’s
public infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, continued community support and resources are essential for the
public works department to carry out its mission.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JULIE DESHLER, MAYOR OF CRYSTAL do hereby
proclaim the week of May 17 through May 23, 2026, as Public Works Week in the
City of Crystal and recognize the everyday commitment made by the public works
department to the city’s health, safety, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Dated this 5th day of May 2026.
________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • www.crystalmn.gov
3.3
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 21, 2026
Page 1 of 3
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 April 21, 2026, 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: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, and Cummings.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy
Police Chief P. Underthun, Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community Development
Director J. Sutter, Communications Manager M. Peterson, 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 Kamish and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Appearances
3.1 Communications Manager Mike Peterson shared a presentation regarding the 2026 Neighbors
Recognizing Neighbors Awards.
4.Consent Agenda
The council considered 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 meeting on April 7, 2026.
b.The city council work session on April 7, 2026.
c.The city council work session on April 9, 2026.
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 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-53, accepting a donation.
4.5 Approval of the appointment of Mary Serie to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4.6 Approval of the appointment of Jenna Wolf to the Sustainability Commission.
4.7 Acceptance of the resignations of Shannan Paul from the Inclusion and Diversity Commission and
Debra Schaber from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4.8 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-54, declaring several diseased trees on private properties as
public nuisances and order them abated.
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 21, 2026
Page 2 of 3
4.9 Adoption of a resolution authorizing a forestry service agreement with the City of Brooklyn
Center for a Natural Resources Coordinator.
Council Member Eidbo requested item 4.9 be removed from the consent agenda. This item was added
to the regular agenda before the first regular agenda item.
Moved by Council Member Kiser and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
5. Open Forum
The following person addressed the council:
• Yvette Hewitt, 3828 Hampshire Ave. N., regarding concerns about litter and inquiries related to
unmarked police vehicles.
6. Regular Agenda
The council considered a resolution authorizing a forestry service agreement with the City of Brooklyn
Center for a Natural Resources Coordinator (consent agenda item 4.9).
City Manager Adam R. Bell addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Cummings to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 55
APPROVE FORESTRY AND RELATED SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH BROOKLYN CENTER
Voting aye: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, and Cummings.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
6.1 The council considered a resolution approving a conditional use permit request for Robbinsdale
Area Schools to repurpose FAIR School at 3915 Adair Ave. N.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Onesirosan and seconded by Council Member Kamish to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 56
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS
By roll call voting aye: Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski and Cummings.
Voting nay: Deshler.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7. Council Comments and Announcements
The council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 21, 2026
Page 3 of 3
8. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kamish to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council work session minutes April 21, 2026
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 6:33 p.m. on April 21, 2026, in the council chambers
at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to order.
I.Attendance
The city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, and Cummings.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy
Police Chief P. Underthun, Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community Development
Director J. Sutter, Communications Manager M. Peterson, and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Cummings to close the
meeting at 6:34 p.m. pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, subd.3(d), for the purpose of
receiving a security briefing and to discuss security information, including potential vulnerabilities
and emergency response procedures.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Kiser to reopen the meeting at
6:50 p.m. to discuss the Police Department quarterly update.
At 6:59 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 8:05 p.m. to continue discussion of the following
agenda items:
2)Police Department quarterly update.
3)Council liaison update.
4)Constituent issues update.
5)City manager update.
6)New business.
7)Council comments and announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
4.1(b)
DATE:April 28, 2026
TO:Adam R. Bell, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Contracted Finance Director
RE: Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
Global Specialty Contractors Pool Construction Final Payment $92,742.36
Metropolitan Council Wastewater Services for May $178,425.72
Waste Management (HRG)New Hope, Brooklyn Center, and Crystal March Recycling $164,662.70
Golden Valley JWC JWC January Water Charges & 2026 CIP $627,938.18
Euna Solutions Inc Questica Budgeting Software $38,036.25
Mansfield Service Partners Fuel for Fleet $29,464.21
HealthPartners, Inc.April Health Insurance Premiums $203,545.46
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 04/10/26 Pay Date $88,386.58
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 4/24/26 Pay Date $89,767.82
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 04/24/26 Pay Date $88,045.56
$1,601,014.84
Description
4.2
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
May 5, 2026
Applications for City License
Rental (renewal)
4051 Brunswick Ave. N. – Serenity Village Community Church (Conditional)
4555 Brunswick Ave. N. – Sean Leintz (Conditional)
6507 Cloverdale Ave. N. – Logan Hunt (Conditional)
6812 Cloverdale Ave. N. – Adam Hardy
3300 Douglas Dr. N. – Douglas Terrace Apartments LLC (Conditional)
3320 Douglas Dr. N. – Douglas Terrace Apartments LLC (Conditional)
3821 Douglas Dr. N. – Clayton and Tammy Duggan
4051 Douglas Dr. N. – Reill Properties LLC (Conditional)
4507 Douglas Dr. N. – Reill Properties LLC (Conditional)
4859 Edgewood Ave. N. – Saosamprathna Oudom
3136 Hampshire Ave. N. – Katherine Meza (Conditional)
2826 Idaho Ave. N. – Jeffrey Reiser (Conditional)
2942 Idaho Ave. N. – CRGV Properties LLC (Conditional)
3948 Idaho Ave. N. – Invitation Homes (Conditional)
4724 Lakeland Ave. N. – Mike Teagarden (Conditional)
2910 Louisiana Ave. N. – MNSF T2 SPE LLC (Conditional)
4849 Louisiana Ave. N. – Pradeep Khakural
5436 Louisiana Ave. N. – Hee Yoon Kim
4825 Vera Cruz Ave. N. – Vera Cruz Ave Ventures LLC (Conditional)
5750 Yates Ave. N. – MNSF T2 SPE LLC (Conditional)
5710-5712 Wilshire Blvd. – Robert Gardner
8009 33rd Pl. N. – CRGV Properties LLC (Conditional)
6515 52nd Ave. N. – Ray and Lisa Martin
7206 58th Ave. N. – Andrew Faschingbauer (Conditional)
Tree Trimmer
Twin City Tree Authority, LLC, dba Twin City Tree Authority, 7816 Credit River Blvd., Prior Lake, MN
55372
4.3
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 5, 2026
FROM: Jesse Struve, Public Works Director / City Engineer
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
CC:
RE: Approve Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with New Hope for Road Project
Background
New Hope approached us late in 2025 about a project that would impact Nevada Ave. between 45th Ave.
and 46th Ave. This project was not in the long-term plan (LTP) because New Hope came to us after the
LTP was finalized. Staff adjusted our 2026 Mill and Overlay Project (M&O) to account for the project with
New Hope to fit within our existing budget in the LTP.
New Hope will be doing a full reclamation project on this section of road. This means they will grind up
about 10” of the pavement and underlying materials, replace spot areas of curb, do some utility work,
and place new 4” of asphalt. New Hope will lead the full project including construction inspection and
neighborhood communications.
With this type of joint project, the communities will enter a JPA which outlines responsibilities and costs
for each community.
Budget Impacts
The total estimated construction cost for Crystal is approximately $68,000. While this was not in the LTP,
staff did adjust our 2026 M&O project, and the M&O project came in under budget when bid. With the
measures taken and the lower bid price, the 2026 M&O project came in approximately $200,000 under
budget. Therefore, adding this project will not impact the 2026 capital budget.
Requested City Council Action
•Staff recommend approval of JPA with the City of New Hope
Attachments
•Resolution Approving JPA with New Hope
•JPA with New Hope
4.4
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (JPA) WITH THE CITY OF NEW HOPE
FOR A ROAD PROJECT
WHEREAS, the maintaining and reconstructing city infrastructure is an essential service in the
City of Crystal; and
WHEREAS, the City has developed a long-term plan for the replacement and maintenance of
city infrastructure including the roads, utilities, and fleet; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Hope approached staff with a Reclaim Project that impacted a block
of Crystal’s road; and
WHEREAS, this project is in our best interest to participate in jointly with New Hope .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1. The Crystal City Council hereby approves the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of
New Hope.
Adopted this 5th day of May 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.4
2026 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
NEW HOPE – CRYSTAL JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
THIS JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into
effective as of the _____day of ___________, 2026, by and between the City of New
Hope, a municipal corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“New Hope”),
and the City of Crystal, a municipal corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota
(“Crystal”), collectively referred to as the “Cities” and individually as a “City.”
RECITALS
A. The Cities have been planning on coordinating street and utility maintenance work on
Nevada Avenue North between 45th Avenue North and 46th Avenue North which
shares a common boundary between the Cities.
B. Nevada Avenue North is due for utility and pavement improvements.
C. The Cities desire to work jointly to complete the contracted Infrastructure Improvement
Project on Nevada Avenue North between 45th Avenue North and 46th Avenue North
(collectively, the “Work” or “Project”).
D. Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59 authorizes two or more governmental units to
enter into agreements to jointly or cooperatively exercise any power common to the
contracting parties or any similar power.
E. The scope of the Work has been negotiated between the Cities and has been
incorporated into the plan set entitled “2026 Infrastructure Improvement Project – City
of New Hope Project No. 1115” as prepared by New Hope (the “Scope of Work”).
F. The firm Stantec has developed the plans and specifications for the Work (“Plans and
Specifications”).
G. Stantec has prepared a post bid cost estimate for the Project which estimate shows
the total project cost to Crystal, including indirect costs, as detailed in Exhibit A,
attached hereto and made a part hereof (“Post Bid Project Cost Estimate”). The
total cost of the portion of the Project located within the corporate limits of Crystal
(including the Administrative Costs as hereinafter defined), and for which Crystal is
responsible for paying, is estimated at Sixty Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred
Ninety Nine Dollars and Fifty One Cents ($67,799.51). The actual amount Crystal
will be required to pay for its portion of the Project will be based on the Quantity Price
as hereinafter defined.
H. Crystal has reviewed and approved the Scope of Work and agreed to pay the cost of
the Work within the corporate limits of New Hope.
4.4
2
I. New Hope has agreed to pay the cost of the Work within the corporate limits of New
Hope and to administer and supervise the Work in accordance with the Scope of Work
and the Plans and Specifications.
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual undertakings and understandings expressed herein, the
Cities hereby agree as follows:
1. Design and Bidding. The Plans and Specifications, as they may be amended
from time to time, are incorporated in and made part of this Agreement. New Hope
has advertised for bids for the Project, has received and opened bids pursuant to
said advertisement and has entered into, or will enter into, one or more contracts
with the successful bidder (“Contractor”) at the unit prices specified in the bid of
such Contractor, all according to the applicable procedures under Minnesota law.
The contract will include the Plans and Specifications and reflect the Scope of Work.
New Hope shall require the Contractor to name Crystal as an additional insured on
its commercial general liability insurance policy.
2. Project Administration. New Hope shall administer all aspects of the Project and
shall inspect all completed Work. The Crystal City Engineer shall cooperate with the
New Hope City Engineer and the New Hope City Engineer’s staff upon request to
aid in the administration of the Project, but shall have no responsibility for the
supervision of any of the Work.
3. Additional Work. New Hope may, in its sole discretion, make changes to the
Scope of Work so long as all changes are reasonably necessary to complete the
Work and are conceptually consistent with the original Scope of Work. New Hope
may carry out the changes authorized by this paragraph by entering into change
orders or supplemental agreements with the Contractor for the performance of any
and all additional or new work it deems necessary, advantageous, or desirable. If a
proposed change exceeds the original Scope of Work jointly contemplated by the
Cities, New Hope shall not make the change unless it is first approved by the Crystal
City Engineer.
4. Construction Easements. Crystal shall grant temporary construction easements to
New Hope, at no cost to New Hope, over those lands owned by Crystal that are a
part of the right-of-way required for the completion of the Work.
5. Apportionment of Cost. The total cost of the Engineering Services shall be
apportioned based on the actual cost of time billed by the firm Stantec. The total cost
of the Work (“Quantity Price”) shall be apportioned based on the actual construction
quantity of items attributable to the portion of the Work occurring in each City. The
Cities understand and agree that the New Hope City Engineer’s Post Bid Project
Cost Estimate is only an estimate and that the amount paid by each under this
Agreement will be based on the final Quantity Price. The Quantity Price shall be
4.4
3
determined using the unit prices set forth in the contract with the Contractor and the
final quantities as measured by the New Hope City Engineer. The Quantity Price
does not include any costs associated with staff time or expenses incurred by either
City. Crystal shall also pay an additional amount equal to 20% of its share of the
Quantity Price to New Hope (“Administrative Costs”) to pay its share of the legal,
engineering, and administrative costs incurred by New Hope for the construction of
the Project.
6. Payment. Upon acceptance of the successful bid, New Hope shall provide Crystal
an estimated construction cost based upon the contract prices and estimated
quantities in the Contractor’s bid, the Administrative Costs, and all other costs
required to complete the Work (collectively, the “Estimated Cost”). Within 60 days
after receipt of the Estimated Cost, Crystal shall deposit with the New Hope Director
of Finance 90% of Crystal’s share of the Estimated Cost. All remaining amounts due
from Crystal, including any amounts resulting from change orders or other changes
or additions to the Work shall be paid to New Hope within 60 days of final completion
of the Work. Upon completion of the Work, New Hope shall submit to Crystal a copy
of the New Hope City Engineer’s Quantity Price report, which shall show each City’s
final share of the Quantity Price, including the amount of Administrative Costs owed
by Crystal. Upon payment by New Hope of the final amount due to the Contractor,
any amount paid by Crystal above its agreed upon share of the Quantity Price shall
be returned to Crystal.
7. Record Drawings. New Hope shall provide record drawings to Crystal within 90
days of New Hope’s final payment to the Contractor. All records kept by either City
with respect to this Agreement shall be subject to examination by the
representatives of the other City and the public in accordance with the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act.
8. Traffic Control. If detouring of traffic is necessary during the Work, the detour
routes shall be mutually agreed upon by the Cities. New Hope will require the
Contractor to furnish, install, and maintain any guide signs, regulatory signs, and
pavement markings that may be needed. New Hope shall not be responsible for any
damage caused by increased traffic on any municipal streets located in Crystal that
arise out of or relate to the Work.
9. Cooperative Activity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, all activities by the
Cities under this Agreement are intended to be and shall be construed as a
“cooperative activity,” and it is the intent of the Cities that they shall be deemed a
“single governmental unit” for the purposes of determining total liability, as set forth
in Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, subd. 1a. Nothing in this Agreement is
intended to alter, or shall be interpreted as altering, the treatment of the Cities as a
single governmental unit. For purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59,
subdivision 1a, each City expressly declines responsibility for the acts or omissions
of the other City.
4.4
4
10. Insurance & Indemnity. The Cities shall carry policies of liability insurance in at
least the amounts specified as the extent of their individual liability under Minnesota
Statutes, section 466.04, as amended. Nothing herein shall be deemed to waive
any statutory limits of liability granted to the Cities. Each City agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless (including reasonable attorney’s fees) the other City,
their elected officials, officers, agents and employees from any liability, claims,
demands, damages, personal injury, costs, judgments or expenses arising from any
act or omission of the indemnifying City relating to the Project. Neither City shall be
required to pay to the other City any amount as indemnification under this
Agreement, whether arising pursuant to this Agreement, expressly, by operation of
law or otherwise, in excess of the limits of liability applicable to the indemnifying City
under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 466, or in the event that Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 466 does not apply, the maximum amount of insurance coverage available
to the indemnifying City. In those instances in which a City is directly liable for
damages as well as for indemnification to the other City, the combined liability of the
indemnifying City shall not exceed the limits of liability under Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 466 or, in the event that Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 466 does not apply,
the maximum amount of insurance coverage available to the indemnifying City.
11. Employees; Worker’s Compensation. Any and all employees of each City and all
other persons engaged by that City in the performance of the Work or any other work
or services required or contemplated by this Agreement shall not be considered
employees of the other City. Any and all claims that might arise under the Worker’s
Compensation Act or the Unemployment Compensation Act of the State of Minnesota
on behalf of said employees while so engaged, and any and all claims made by any
third parties as a consequence of an y act or omission on the part of said employees
while so engaged, shall in no way be the obligation or responsibility of the other City.
12. Audit. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.05, subdivision 5, any books,
records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices of each City relevant
to the Agreement are subject to examination by the other City and either the
Legislative Auditor or the State Auditor as appropriate. The Cities agree to maintain
these records for a period of at least six years from completion of the Project.
13. Term. This Agreement shall commence as of the date indicated above and shall
continue until the Project is completed and all required payments have been made.
The indemnification and audit obligations shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
14. Entire Agreement. This document, include the recitals, the exhibits, and any
documents incorporated by reference, shall constitute the entire agreement between
the Cities regarding construction of the Project. This Agreement supersedes all prior
negotiations, representations, or agreements between the Cities regarding the
Project, whether written or oral. No modifications to this Agreement shall be in effect
unless they are reduced to writing and are signed by both Cities.
4.4
5
15. No Third Party Rights. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Cities. This
Agreement shall not create or establish any rights in or for the benefit of any third
party.
16. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted under the laws of Minnesota.
17. Compliance. Each City shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws,
rules, regulations, and ordinances, and shall obtain such permits and permissions as
may be required, in carrying out their respective duties under this Agreement.
18. Discrimination. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.59 and of any
applicable local ordinance relating to civil rights and discrimination shall be considered
a part of this Agreement as though fully set forth herein.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above
written.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
By: ____________________________
John Elder
Its: Mayor
By: ____________________________
Reece Bertholf
Its: Manager
CITY OF CRYSTAL
By: ____________________________
Julie Deshler
Its: Mayor
By: ____________________________
Adam Bell
Its: Manager
4.4
6
EXHIBIT A
Engineering Services Cost Split
(attached hereto)
4.4
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 5, 2026
FROM: Jesse Struve, Public Works Director / City Engineer
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
CC:
RE: Approve Purchase of Crack Router
Background
The Cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale have agreed to a joint purchase of this piece of equipment,
with Robbinsdale being the responsible party. This piece of equipment is critical in our street
maintenance operations. This allows staff to proactively fill cracks in the road to prevent water
from entering the subgrade and extending the life of the roads.
The cost for this is $38,547.50 but each community will pay half. The total cost for
Crystal is $19,273.75.
Requested City Council Action
•Staff recommend approval of Motion to approve the resolution authorizing the purchase of
the crack router.
Attachment
•Quote from Crafco
•Resolution
4.5
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
APPROVE PURCHASE OF CRACK ROUTER
WHEREAS, the maintaining and reconstructing City infrastructure is an essential service in the
City of Crystal; and
WHEREAS, the City has developed a long-term plan for the replacement and maintenance
equipment; and
WHEREAS, the City solicited a quote to make necessary upgrades to replace the existing crack
router; and
WHEREAS, the new crack router will be shared with the City of Robbinsdale, and the cost will be
split equally between the parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1. The Crystal City Council hereby approves the purchase of the new crack router.
Adopted this 5th day of May 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.5
6165 W Detroit St
Chandler AZ 85226
(602) 276-0406 (800) 528-8242 Date Quoted:
Fax: (480-940-0313 EXPIRATION DATE
Customer PO:Quote #(Internal use)
Terms:
F.O.B:
Ship Via:(Flatbed, Van, Will Call, LTL)
TO:SAP Customer #
Contract effective dates
Customer Project
Name Name
Address Address
City State MN 55429 City State
Phone Fax Phone Fax
Email
UM
1 ea
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Terms & Conditions: For Terms and Conditions of purchases go to: https://crafco.com/Terms-of-Sale.pdf https://crafco.com/Terms.pdf
Quantities may be limited at Crafco's discretion
Pricing and Availability are subject to change without notice
FOB Definitions: PPA - Delivered; Freight Included PPD - Delivered; Freight Separate
RESTOCK FEES MAY APPLY
05/01/26
Date:Darrin Nystrom Date:
We value your business
QUOTE
260233
$37,750.00
MILES RATE PER MILE
$797.50
$38,547.50
1,276Freight Per Contract
TOTAL WITH FREIGHT NO TAX
TOTAL WITHOUT TAX OR FREIGHT
Price/Unit
City of Crystal
Quantity
bill.bowman@crystalmn.gov
Bill Bowman
5001 W Broadway Ave
Crystal
763-521-1164
Part #
SAME
TotalItem Description
Taxes: Sales Tax or other taxes are not included. ST3 form must be provided at time of order or sales tax will be added
Special Instructions:
Quote for 2 dust control, self propelled routers with electric clutch
State Contract 260233
Accepted:
Field Measurement: By Others
5/1/2026
CR4
Darrin Nystrom
Model 30 Crafco Router
1/31/20271/31/2026
NET 30
Req Ship Date:
Ship Before:
Quoted By:
Sales Office:
Quote Effective Dates:
STATE CONTRACT ID:
$37,750.001
937536
260233
**Due to Market Volatility Crafco Reserves the Right to withdraw the quote at anytime
Non-Stock/Special Orders: Accepted with the understanding that cancellation cannot be made after the order has been placed. Excess material or material ordered by mistake may not be returned. Please request our return
policy for additional information.
Salesman Delivery
21360H
$0.625
$37,750.00Crafco Model 30 Pavement Router Self Propelled Dust Control w/ Clutch
Comes with 1 set of Cutters, pins and washers installed.
4.5
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 28, 2026
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
Jason Minnick, Facilities Supervisor
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Application to the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants Program
Background
Cavanagh Park is an active neighborhood park with aging facilities. The play area was built in 2001
(26 years old) and the picnic shelter was built in 1980 (47 years old). There are no accessible trails
connecting park facilities within the park. In 2027, the Capital Improvement Plan (Park
Improvements Fund) includes funds for a new play area, small picnic shelter, basketball court and
accessible trail routes in Cavanagh Park.
Hennepin County offers grants through the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants Program for
play areas (and other youth facilities), equipment, lifeguard services, arts & music. They anticipate
$1.3 million being available for 15-30 grants across all categories. If a grant application for
Cavanagh Park is successful, funding will assist the city in replacing the aging facilities and improving
accessibility here. The proposed grant request is:
Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant (25%) $ 115,000
City of Crystal (75%) $ 345,000
Total Project Cost $ 460,000
Requested Council Action
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing a Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant (Play Areas)
application to assist in replacing the play area and other facilities in Cavanagh Park.
4.6
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-xx
AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE HENNEPIN COUNTY
YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANTS PROGRAM TO ASSIST IN
IMPROVING YOUTH FACILITIES IN CAVANAGH PARK
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal owns and operates Cavanagh Park; and
WHEREAS, the existing facilities in Cavanagh Park are aging and lack accessible trail routes; and
WHEREAS, the 2027 capital improvement plan (park improvements fund) includes funding for a new
play area, small picnic shelter, youth basketball court and accessible trails within Cavanagh Park; and
WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, via the Hennepin County Youth Activities
Grants program, provides funds to assist local government units of Hennepin County improve youth
access to various activities, and
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal wishes to request $115,000 from the Hennepin County Youth Activities
Grants program for improvements in Cavanagh Park, and will assume responsibility for providing
the remaining funds from the 2027 park improvements fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal:
That the Crystal City Council hereby authorizes Recreation Director John Elholm to apply to the
Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant program for improvements in Cavanagh Park.
Adopted this 5th day of May, 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.6
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-___
RESOLUTION RESCINDING ASSESSMENTS INCORRECTLY LEVIED AGAINST
5416 51ST AVENUE NORTH IN 2025 FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS,
REFUSE AND LITTER ABATEMENTS, AND DELINQUENT UTILITIES
WHEREAS, on October 21, 2025, the Crystal City Council adopted an assessment roll for administrative
citations, refuse and litter abatements, and delinquent utilities (“the Assessments”) for 5416 51st Avenue
North, PID# 09-118-21-13-0061, (“the Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Assessments were adopted in error because, at that time, the Property was owned by the
U.S. Government; and
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2026, the U.S. Government sold the Property to a private party; and
WHEREAS, the title company that handled the sale subsequently requested that the Assessments be
rescinded because a municipality may not levy assessments against property owned by the U.S.
Government; and
WHEREAS, City staff consulted Hennepin County Assessment staff and was advised that the proper means
to cancel the Assessments was through a resolution adopted by City Council; and
WHEREAS, once this resolution is adopted and received by Hennepin County, the Assessments will be
cleared and an updated tax statement for the Property will be generated and provided to the property
owner.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal, Minnesota:
1.The following special assessments for 5416 51st Avenue North, PID# 09-118-21-13-0061, adopted by City
Council on October 21, 2025, and certified to Hennepin County in November 2025, are hereby rescinded:
Levy Description Current
Number of Assessment Amount Due
26198 2025 Admin Citations $ 8,072.42
26201 2025 Refuse and Litter $ 2,576.94
26204 2025 Delinquent Utilities $ 832.90
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2. The City Clerk shall forthwith transmit a certified duplicate of this resolution to the Hennepin County
Assessments division so that the Assessments may be cancelled and a new tax statement can be generated
and delivered to the owner of the Property.
Adopted this 5th day of May, 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
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