2026.09.01 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Aug. 28, 2026
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City council work session to discuss:
1. Police Department quarterly update.*
2. Budget update.*
3. Strategic Plan update.
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: Sept. 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom meeting: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/j/91248281462?pwd=U00H3n1QGFASGH1kn8TUxP5HlYA95r.1
Meeting ID: 912 4828 1462| Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/u/abrLFXDXQi
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: Aug. 28, 2026
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 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, Sept. 1, 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
____ Deshler ____ Bell
____ Eidbo ____ Tierney
____ Kamish ____ Therres
____ Kiser ____ Elholm
____ Onesirosan ____ Hubbard
____ Budziszewski ____ Kunde
____ Cummings ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Police Department quarterly update.*
2) Budget update.*
3) Strategic Plan update.
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.
City of Crystal Strategic
Plan Progress Report
2025-2027
2
Key
Complete ✓ On track » Started + Not Started ─ Stopped X
Notes:
1 The CCV Consultant engagement was delayed. The city has now engaged Future IQ
consultants for vision planning.
Strategic Goals Strategic Initiatives Status Target
Year
1. Engage a consultant to
facilitate a
long-term, comprehensive
community vision (CCV).
2. Include a community-wide
engagement plan for CCV that
includes stakeholders.
3. Conduct regular council
work sessions to update near-
term strategic plan.
Engage consultant by Q4
2025.1 +
2026
Conduct community
engagement during spring
and summer of 2026.
─
2026
Hold strategic planning work
session in Q1 2026. +
2026
Complete CCV by July
2027/end of 2026.
1
»
2026+
3
Notes:
2 Staff is working on updating franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. Open house on
franchise fees was held in May 2026. During 2027 Budget discussions, Council gave
the go-ahead to pursue franchise fees.
Notes:
3 A 2026 Legislative State Bonding request was secured for JWC improvements. We still
need additional resources.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action
Initiative
Status Target
Year
1. Utilize franchise fees to diversify
and strengthen our infrastructure
funding and close the gap on street
capital funding needs.
Implement utility
franchise fees by Q3
2026.2
»
2026
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
2. Pursue additional
outside funding for
large infrastructure
improvements.
Increase ratio of General Fund to
non-tax revenue.
+
2026
Secure outside funding for county road
updates; JWC system improvements;
bike and pedestrian improvements;
park improvements; public safety.3
+
2026+
4
Notes:
4 Fund Balance is being maintained even after easing pace during 2027 Budget
development.
5 Fund Balance Policy modified 9/2/25.
Notes:
6 Council Work Session on Utility Rates was held April 9. JWC completed a rate study. The city
is now coordinating its own study with the goal of the end of the year.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
3. Replenish General
Fund balance.
4. Modify General Fund
balance policy.
Maintain or improve target of
2030/2031 for OSA/City Fund
Balance Rate compliance.4
»
2026+
Lower Fund Balance target to
40% by end of 2025.5 ✓
2025
Strategic Goals Strategic Action
Initiative
Status Target
Year
5. Update utility rate study to
ensure enterprise funds are
adequate.
Conduct utility rate study in
2026.6
+
2026
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
6. Identify department
operational efficiencies to
increase value and
effectiveness.
Develop efficiency analysis by
July 2026.7
+
2026
Strategic Goals Strategic Action
Initiative
Status Target
Year
7. Implement classification
and compensation plan for
all employees.
Implement compensation
plan by end of 2025.8 ✓
2025
5
Notes:
7 Staff have been analyzing efficiencies as part of staffing discussions and budget
development. Have not conducted a formal process.
8 Proposed comp plan implemented for labor negotiations and 2026 budget for wages.
Notes:
9 OpenBook access was provided for the City Council. Staff is waiting for feedback from
Council and can then provide public access through the website. Will continue to
leverage Euna for 2027 Budget process.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
8. Implement Euna
OpenBook for public budget
information.
Launch Public OpenBook by
end of Q4 2025/Q1 2026.9 »
2026
6
Notes:
10 I&DC developed its work plan and is including engagement as a feature. I&DC has
been conducting its inclusion survey and will also support public engagement for the
potential Urban Forest Master Plan project if grant funding is secured. Climate Action
Plan included increased engagement efforts.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
1. Identify and address
engagement gaps, including
business community.
Work with I&DC to identify
engagement gaps.10
»
2026
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
2. Develop new
and enhance
existing inclusive
community events.
Add signature experiences that make the
event “uniquely Crystal.” ─ 2027
Add cultural performances reflecting
community diversity. ─ 2027
Encourage residents to share photos with
custom hashtags. ─ 2026
Consider hiring a recreation event
coordinator to assist in implementing
enhancements to community events.
─ 2027
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
3. Survey the
community and
organization.
Conduct a more robust community
survey.11 + 2026
Increased rate of survey participation.12
─ 2027
Solicit additional employee feedback.13
» 2026
Determine % of residents who report
feeling safe in the community in 2026
and increase rate in 2027.
─
2026
7
Notes
11 More in-depth annual survey postponed due to other surveys being conducted within
the same timeframe. Will reconsider in 2027.
12 Awaiting 2026 results.
13 Letters to City Manager project was implemented in December 2025 as part of the
holiday and employee recognition luncheon. Planning fall 2026 employee survey.
Notes:
14 Monthly Crystal Close-up started Nov. 2025.
15 OpenBook access was provided for the City Council. Staff is waiting for feedback
from Council and can then provide public access through the website. Will continue to
leverage Euna for 2027 Budget process.
16 Completed in December 2025. The current version is the second update to the
progress report. The report is available on the city’s strategic planning webpage.
Determine % of residents who report a
positive quality of life in 2026 and
increase rate in 2027.
─
2026
Track and increase number of positive
social media engagements in response
to placemaking, public art, and other
beautification projects.
─
2026
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
4. Improve
communications and
website transparency.
Develop monthly e-newsletter.14
✓ 2025
Leverage OpenBook to inform public.15
+ 2026
Produce annual State of the City
report.
─ 2026
Produce strategic plan progress
report 16.
✓ 2025
8
Notes:
17 Have begun working on CCV branding with Future iQ.
18 Met with the Hennepin County Active Living team in February 2026 to discuss how
the County can assist the city with this initiative.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
5. Create branding
campaign in line with
CCV to market and
promote new image
for the city.
Work with CCV consultant on
marketing campaign.17
+
2027
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
6. Improve
multimodal
transportation
options.
Conduct a comprehensive
walkability audit involving resident
feedback to identify barriers (e.g.,
missing sidewalks, poor lighting,
accessibility issues).18
+
2027
Improve walk/transit/bike scores by
2030. ─ 2027
Strategic Goals Strategic Action
Initiatives
Status Target
Year
7. Enhance neighborhood and
individual recognition.
8. Establish a “community ideas
fund” to support small, resident-
driven beautification or safety
projects, with transparent selection
criteria.
9. Develop additional placemaking
and public art installations.
Launch a “Pride of
Crystal” award to
recognize neighborhoods
or individuals enhancing
community spirit and
safety.
─
2027
Establish community
ideas fund by 2027. ─
2027
9
Notes:
19 Commercial and Building Inspector started May 4 and is onboarding with the
replacement Building and Housing Inspector and Code Enforcement Inspector.
Notes:
20 paleBLUEdot was hired using MPCA Grant funding to help facilitate CAP. The final
plan was adopted July 21, 2026.
10. Develop funding strategies to
fund future projects to reduce
barriers.
Track number of
community-generated
projects funded and
completed.
─ 2027+
Notes:
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
11. Increase
commercial code
enforcement.
Develop and hire commercial and
building inspector position to
proactively focus on commercial
districts.19
✓
2026
Track number of commercial cases
and clearance rate.
─
2026+
Review compliance of all conditional
use permits.
─ 2027+
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
12. Develop a Climate
Action Plan.
Adopt Climate Action Plan by Q3
2026.20 ✓ 2027
10
Notes:
21 Town Center Vision Plan adopted 2/17/26.
22 TC zoning map amendments are expected to be adopted on 4/07/26. Any other
necessary amendments are on track for adoption later this year.
23 Town Center lighting and sidewalk improvements have been selected. Light pole
“twinkle lights” have been installed and are awaiting power updates.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
1. Engage planning
consultant to prepare
a Town Center Vision
Plan.
2. Develop zoning
recommendations for
Town Center/TC-PD
to implement the
Town Center Vision
Plan.
3. Improve roads and
infrastructure to
support Town Center
Vision Plan and other
development.
Complete the Town Center Vision Plan
by Dec. 31, 2025.21 ✓
2026
Zoning recommendations from Town
Center Vision in effect by June 3,
2026.22
»
2026
Improve beautification efforts in Town
Center.23
+
2026+
Install landscaping and other
beautification as part of the Douglas
Drive modernization project by 2028.
─
2027+
Bury the overhead utilities and install
landscaping and other beautification
as part of the reconstruction of 42nd
Ave. by 2032 (county project).
─
2027+
Replace Douglas/West Broadway
intersection with a roundabout by
2036.
─
2027+
11
Notes:
24 2026-2035 Long Term Plan and pursuit of revenue diversification address this
initiative. Implementing franchise fees and updating the utility rate study will help
address needs.
25 2026-2035 Long Term Plan included park updates and revisions. Additional
review of Park Master Plan will occur in 2026 and continue in 2027.
Notes:
26 Town Center Vision Plan will aid in promoting this goal.
27 Council will soon receive a new EDA proposal from staff
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiatives Status Target
Year
4. Update Long-term
Capital Plan, including
future park
improvement plans
and Fire Stations.
5. Develop affordable
but aggressive
Street/Utility plans.
Track number and type of
infrastructure improvements
completed yearly.
─
2026+
Street/Utility Plan funding sufficient at
30- 50-year replacement schedule.24
»
2027+
Play area funding sufficient to achieve
20-year replacement schedule.24
»
2027+
Complete an updated park system
master plan by 2028 to assure park
improvements continue to meet
community needs.25
+
2027+
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
6. Monitor upcoming
redevelopment
opportunities.
7. Promote redevelopment
and economic density 26.
Report to EDA on redevelopment
opportunities to coordinate with
property owners and
developers.27
+
2026+
12
Notes:
28 Public Tree Inventory is complete. Staff is working with WSB to secure a new Grant
funding opportunity to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan. If successful, the project
would begin in 2027. Staff will present an update of the Tree Inventory to Council at a
future meeting. Shared Forestry and Natural Resources Coordinator started in July
2026.
Notes:
29 Staff and Metro Transit have presented proposed preliminary Station designs to
Council. Working with Metro Transit and advocating for desired changes and
modifications. Effort is ongoing. Blue Line Extension 90+% engineering design plans
were presented to Council in spring and summer of 2026.
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
8. Improve Urban Tree
Canopy.
Use tree inventory to prioritize
urban canopy areas of need and
track number of trees planted.28
+
2026+
Strategic Goals Strategic Action Initiative Status Target
Year
9. Work with Metro Transit
on Blue Line Station Design /
Amenities / Improvements.
Advocate for aesthetic and
safety improvements for Bass
Lake Road Station. 29
»
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: Aug. 28, 2026
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 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. Consent Agenda
The council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
3.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The city council work session on Aug. 13, 2026.
b. The city council work session on Aug. 18, 2026.
c. The city council meeting on Aug. 18, 2026.
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.
4. Open Forum
(The city council appreciates hearing from citizens about items of concern and desires to set aside
time during each meeting for open forum. To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is
limited to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to ten minutes. The mayor may, as
presiding officer, extend the total time allowed for a topic. By rule, no action may be taken on any
item brought before the council during open forum. The council may place items discussed
during open forum onto subsequent council meeting agendas.)
5. Regular Agenda
5.1 The council will consider the first reading of an ordinance amending council salaries.
The Council last updated its base salaries in 2015. The proposed ordinance would update the
base wage effective Jan. 1, 2027. This salary change would take effect after the 2026 municipal
elections and comply with MN ST § 415.11, Subd. 2. In future years, the city would then use the
June CPI-W annual percentage change to adjust salaries for the following year as part of the
annual budget.
Page 2 of 2
Staff provided a table showing current and proposed salaries for mayors and council members in
comparable cities. If the Council approves the first reading, it will consider the second reading
and adoption at its meeting on Sept. 15, 2026. Recommend approval of the first reading.
6. Council Comments and Announcements
a. City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
b. The next city council work session is Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Community
Room at city hall and via Zoom.
c. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city
hall and via Zoom.
d. The city is accepting applications for several volunteer positions on our boards and
commissions. For more information, please visit go.crystalmn.gov/volunteer.
e. City council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous
meetings are available to view and listen to at www.crystalmn.gov.
7. Adjournment
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
Crystal City Council special work session minutes Aug. 13, 2026
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council special work session was held at 6:32 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2026, 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 manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Budziszewski, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, and Onesirosan.
Council members Cummings and Kiser were absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager K. Therres, Recreation
Director J. Elholm, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Community Development Director J. Sutter, and
Communications Manager M. Peterson.
Also present were Future iQ representatives David Buerle and Heather Branigin.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Crystal 2050 Vision Plan presentation – David Beurle, Future iQ.
2) 2027 Budget:
a)General Fund continued discussion.
b)Park/Buildings Projects.
c)EDA & Miscellaneous.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council work session minutes Aug. 18, 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 6:31 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2026, 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 manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Council Member Kamish was absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Assistant City Manager/HR
Manager K. Therres, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun, and Community
Development Director J. Sutter.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Community Development Department quarterly update.
2)Council liaison reports.
3)Constituent issues updates.
At 6:59 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 8:27 p.m. to continue discussion of the following
agenda items:
4)ALPR update.
5)City manager update.
6)New business.
7)Council comments and announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Aug. 18, 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 Aug. 18, 2026, at 7:02 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: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Council Member Kamish was absent.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
K. Therres, Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun, 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 Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve the
agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Appearances
3.1 Chief Hubbard introduced Officer Robles and K9 Yeti.
3.2 Chief Hubbard presented awards to officers.
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 work session on July 21, 2026.
b.The city council meeting on July 21, 2026.
c.The city council budget work session on Aug. 6, 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 Acceptance of Sonja Roby’s (at-large) resignation from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4.5 Acceptance of Michael Wnek’s resignation from the business and community working group for
the Blue Line Extension.
4.6 Acceptance of Joan Hauer’s resignation from the Bassett Creek Watershed Management
Commission.
3.1(c)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Aug. 18, 2026
Page 2 of 3
4.7 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-80, declaring several diseased trees on private properties as
public nuisances and order them abated.
4.8 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-81, ordering the preparation of an assessment roll, declaring the
amount to be assessed, and setting the public hearing date for Oct. 20 for 2026 delinquent
accounts.
4.9 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-82, approving a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety for Crystal Police Department access to criminal justice data.
4.10 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-83, authorizing execution of a Healthy Tree Canopy Grant
Agreement with Hennepin County.
4.11 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-84, approving the Community Vision Plan Consultant Agreement
with Future iQ.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
5. Open Forum
The following persons addressed the council:
• Lindsay Stambaugh, 5955 Idaho Ave. N., Anna Smith, 6402 37th Ave. N., Elizabeth Labadie, 3337
Nevada Ave. N., Joshua Smith, 6402 37th Ave. N., Joseph Coleman, 6505 45th Ave. N., Autumn
Burggraff, 5409 Unity Ave. N., and a speaker who declined to provide a name and address,
expressed concerns regarding ALPR/flock cameras.
• Nick, a Crystal resident, who declined to provide his address, regarding concerns related to
flock cameras and parking restrictions.
• Amy Mardirossian, 5101 36th Ave. N., and Gentry Chandler, 5901 Hampshire Ave. N., regarding
the tobacco ordinance changes.
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The council considered a resolution approving a conditional use permit for a telecommunications
tower at 3200 Vera Cruz Ave. N.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the council.
The following person addressed the council:
• Autumn Burggraff, 5409 Unity Ave. N., concerns regarding cell tower.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Cummings to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 85
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR VERIZON WIRELESS
Voting aye: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Absent, not voting: Kamish.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
3.1(c)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Aug. 18, 2026
Page 3 of 3
6.2 The council considered a resolution approving a professional services agreement with Bolton &
Menk for 90% design of TIF-funded improvements serving the Yellow Tree development at 7000
56th Ave. N.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 86
RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH BOLTON & MENK FOR 90% DESIGN OF TIF-FUNDED IMPROVEMENTS
Voting aye: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Absent, not voting: Kamish.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
7. Council Comments and Announcements
The council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Onesirosan to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(c)
DATE:August 25, 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
GMH Asphalt Corporation 2026 Utility Reconstruction $391,494.56
Mansfield Service Partners Fuel for Fleet $28,170.54
Odesa II LLC Forest & Woodland Park Construction $187,819.00
Flagship Recreation LLC Woodland Park PIP Surfacing $38,255.96
MetLife July & August Dental Insurance and PFML Fees $30,037.08
Metropolitan Council Wastewater Services for September $178,425.72
Trace3 LLC Replace VOIP Phone System $141,364.25
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 7/31/26 Pay Date $86,510.08
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 8/14/26 Pay Date $107,594.58
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 8/14/26 Pay Date $92,197.03
$1,281,868.80
Description
3.2
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
Sept. 1, 2026
Applications for City License
Rental (new)
3401 Quail Ave. N. – Tracy Olson-Patterson (Conditional)
6328 41st Ave. N. – Owen Johnson (Conditional)
Rental (renewal)
3601-3603 Colorado Ave. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
4303-4309 Colorado Ave. N. – Daniel Pryde
2737 Douglas Dr. N. – Reese Pfeiffer
3703 Douglas Dr. N. Unit B – Evan and Alexis Baskerville
4237 Douglas Dr. N. – Drew and Terri Kabanuk
4237 Georgia Ave. N. – Abdul Kunert (Conditional)
4088 Jersey Ave. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
4101 Kentucky Ave. N. – Luke Veum
3405 Kyle Ave. N. – Nathan Levine
4806 Louisiana Ave. N. – Shea Nelsen
8311 Northern Dr. – Accel Financial Group LLC
5536 Regent Ave. N. – Cosco Property
5020-5026 Welcome Ave. N. – Genius Plowing LLC
5430 Xenia Ave. N. – Ian Karanja
6105 32nd Ave. N. – Thirty Second Ave Bassett Creek LLC
8024 34th Pl. N. – Grigoriy Vayntrub
6406 44th Ave. N. – Confidential Software LLC
3.3
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: August 14, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Consider first reading of an ordinance amending council salaries
Background
Under MN state law and the Crystal Charter, the city code sets mayor and city council
salaries, specifically Chapter II, Section 211.01. Under state law, adjustments to the
ordinance setting council salaries can occur at any time, but MN ST § 415.11, Subd. 2
states that “no change in salary shall take effect until after the next succeeding municipal
election.” The Crystal Council base salary amounts were last adjusted in 2015.
In 2017, the city amended the ordinance to add an adjustment calculator using the
Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which is published by the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) within the U.S. Department of Labor and updated monthly.
It is the primary measure used to track inflation in the United States. However, the
calculations occurred only in even years, so they did not accurately reflect the overall
inflation rate experienced between adjustments.
Another issue is that the CPI-U used was based on a report that is no longer produced. In
2024, the MN legislature repealed the statutory provision governing the Compensation
Limit for Local Government Employees. Because the MN Office of Management and
Budget no longer produces this report, this language must be updated regardless of any
other changes to the salary schedule.
During budget discussions this summer, staff conducted a comparative salary study of city
councils. This study showed that the Crystal City Council had not kept pace with similar
governing bodies and their respective compensation. Staff returned to the last salary
adjustment in 2015 and, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and
Clerical Workers (CPI-W), determined what an equivalent salary would be if adjustments
had occurred, accounting for annual inflation instead of only every other year.
The CPI-W is the inflation tracker the Social Security Administration uses to adjust benefits
annually for Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients.
Staff believes this is a more appropriate indicator for determining wage adjustments than
the CPI-U for all consumer goods. Another change to the ordinance specifies which
month’s report to use in the calculation. Staff proposes using the June Report, which
5.1
becomes available in July each year, to allow staff to formulate the annual budget.
Regardless of which month or index is used, the overall impact is small because the dollar
amounts involved are relatively low. In addition, after the first year, as long as the same
month is used, the percentage will average out on a 12-month basis.
Lastly, staff proposes language to address the scenario where deflation may occur. The
last time this happened was in 2009. If the CPI-W is zero or negative, Mayor and Council
salaries will not be reduced.
In summary, the proposed ordinance would update the Mayor and Council Member base
wage for January 1, 2027. This salary change would take effect after the 2026 municipal
elections and comply with MN ST § 415.11, Subd. 2. In future years, the city would then use
the June CPI-W annual percentage change to adjust salaries for the following year as part
of the annual budget.
Staff has provided a table showing the current and proposed salaries for mayors and
council members of the group of cities that Crystal uses for labor negotiations. The table
shows that the proposed changes result in a small change to the mayor ranking and bring
the council member ranking more in line with neighboring cities.
If the Council approves the first reading, it will consider the second reading and adoption
at its meeting on September 15, 2026.
Requested City Council Action
Recommend approval of the first reading of the proposed ordinance amendments.
Attachment(s)
Draft Ordinance 2026-XX - An Ordinance Amending Section 211 of the Crystal City Code
Pertaining to Salaries of Elected Officials
Mayor and Council Salaries with Comparison Cities (Sorted by 2027 Crystal estimate with
no increases for other cities)
5.1
1
CR205\30\1115351.v1
CITY OF CRYSTAL
ORDINANCE #-2026____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 211 OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
The City of Crystal ordains:
ARTICLE I. Chapter II, Section 211 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended by deleting the stricken
material, adding the double-underlined material, and renumbering the subdivisions as may be needed as
follows:
Section 211 – Salaries of elected officials
211.01. Salary Schedule.
Subd. 1. Annual salary. Beginning January 1, 2027, Tthe annual salary of the city mayor and
other members of the city council is in the amounts shown below:
___Mayor Salary___ ___Councilmember Salary___
$10,619.84 $8,169.72
$14,544.79 $11,189.14
The city council may enact an ordinance to adjust the salaries of the mayor and the other councilmembers
as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 415.11.
Subd. 2. Salary Adjustments. On or before December 1 of even-numbered years beginning in 2018,
tThe annual salaries of the city mayor and other members of the city council shall be adjusted, as
provided in this subdivision, with an effective date of January 1 in the following year. The salaries shall
be adjusted and fixed by increasing them in by the same amount as the most current percentage increase
of the annual June CPI-W report as published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics(CPI-U) in the
Compensation Limit for Local Government Employees annually published by the Minnesota Office of
Management and Budget, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 43A.17. Notwithstanding any decrease
in the CPI-W, the salaries of the mayor and other members of the city council shall not be reduced and
shall remain at the salary established for the preceding year.
ARTICLE II. Effective Date. This ordinance is effective upon adoption and 30 days after
publication.
BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
First Reading: September 1, 2026
Second Reading: __________, 20____
Council Adoption:_________, 20____
Publication:
Effective Date:
5.1
Organization Job Title # of
incumbents
Average Annual
Wage ($)Population 2027 Est with 3%
inc. by others
2027 Est w/ no
increase by others
City of New Brighton Council Member 4 7,000 24,440 7,210.00 7,000.00$
City of White Bear Lake Council Member 5 7,500 24,372 7,725.00 7,500.00$
City of Fridley Council Member 4 8,017 29,958 8,257.41 8,016.90$
City of Roseville Council Member 4 8,220 36,305 8,466.60 8,220.00$
City of Champlin Council Member 4 8,295 24,773 8,543.85 8,295.00$
City of South St. Paul Council Member 6 8,700 20,680 8,961.00 8,700.00$
City of Robbinsdale Council Member 4 9,525 14,924 9,810.75 9,525.00$
City of Columbia Heights Council Member 4 10,800 21,570 11,124.00 10,800.00$
City of Richfield Council Member 4 11,128 38,482 11,461.84 11,128.00$
City of Brooklyn Center Council Member 4 11,158 34,409 11,492.74 11,158.00$
City of Golden Valley Council Member 4 11,163 22,214 11,497.89 11,163.00$
City of Crystal Council Member 6 9,364 23,092 11,189.14 11,189.14$
City of New Hope Council Member 4 11,695 21,545 12,046.18 11,695.32$
City of Hopkins Council Member 4 12,500 18,532 12,875.00 12,500.00$
City of West St. Paul Council Member 6 12,875 21,390 13,325.63 12,875.00$
City of White Bear Lake Mayor 1 9,600 24,372 9,888.00 9,600.00$
City of Roseville Mayor 1 10,620 36,305 10,938.60 10,620.00$
City of New Brighton Mayor 1 10,620 24,440 10,991.70 10,620.00$
City of Fridley Mayor 1 10,689 29,958 11,009.26 10,688.60$
City of Champlin Mayor 1 10,883 24,773 11,209.49 10,883.00$
City of Robbinsdale Mayor 1 11,941 14,924 12,299.23 11,941.00$
City of South St. Paul Mayor 1 12,300 20,680 12,669.00 12,300.00$
City of Richfield Mayor 1 14,339 38,482 14,769.17 14,339.00$
City of Crystal Mayor 1 12,173 23,092 14,544.79 14,544.79$
City of Brooklyn Center Mayor 1 14,857 34,409 15,302.71 14,857.00$
City of Golden Valley Mayor 1 14,915 22,214 15,362.45 14,915.00$
City of West St. Paul Mayor 1 14,935 21,390 15,383.05 14,935.00$
City of Hopkins Mayor 1 15,000 18,532 15,450.00 15,000.00$
City of Columbia Heights Mayor 1 15,000 21,570 15,450.00 15,000.00$
City of New Hope Mayor 1 16,026 21,545 16,506.66 16,025.88$
5.1
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