2026.09.15 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 11, 2026
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m. Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting Council Chambers/Zoom
7 p.m. City council meeting Council Chambers/Zoom
Immediately
following the city
council meeting
City council work session to discuss:
1. Recreation Department quarterly update.*
2. Blue Line Extension design update.
3. Council liaison reports.*
4. Constituent issues update.*
5. City manager update.*
6. New business. *
7. Announcements. *
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 EDA meeting, city council meeting and work session
Time: Sept. 15, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom meeting: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/j/92945594080?pwd=b4NdP8JLOTqNNxP6uBdFaHgu9rqcuD.1
Meeting ID: 929 4559 4080 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://crystalmn.zoom.us/u/acaQ7h6zfz
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.
AGENDA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CRYSTAL
• REGULAR MEETING •
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
6:30 P.M.
CRYSTAL CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. Call to order *
2. Roll call *
3. Consider approval of minutes from the April 7, 2026 regular meeting
4. Consider a resolution adopting the preliminary 2027 HRA tax levy and EDA budget
5. 2026 EDA Work Plan status update *
6. Preview of upcoming EDA items *
7. Property status update *
8. Other business *
9. Adjournment *
*Items for which no materials are included in the packet
Page 1 of 3
Minutes of the
Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal
Regular Meeting
Council Chambers
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
April 7, 2026
1. Call to Order
President Cummings called the meeting of the Economic Development Authority of the City of
Crystal (EDA) to order at 7:42 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Upon call of the roll, the following Commissioners were present: John Budziszewski, David
Cummings, Julie Deshler, Forest Eidbo, Traci Kamish, Therese Kiser and Taji Onesirosan.
The following staff were present: Executive Director Adam Bell, Deputy Executive Director John
Sutter, and City Attorney Rachel Tierney.
3. Approval of Minutes
EDA action: Moved by Commissioner Budziszewski and seconded by Commissioner Eidbo to
approve the minutes from the March 17, 2026 regular meeting. Motion carried.
4. Consider a resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Tax Increment Agreement for
Tax Increment Financing District No. 6 (Wells Fargo)
Staff described the terms of the TIF agreement and requested board adoption of the resolution.
EDA action: Moved by Commissioner Budziszewski and seconded by Commissioner Eidbo to
adopt the resolution approving and authorizing execution of a Tax Increment Agreement for
Tax Increment Financing District No. 6 (Wells Fargo). Motion carried.
5. Preview of upcoming EDA items
The EDA discussed litter cleanup initiatives that would likely not require further EDA board
action.
6. Property Status Update
Page 2 of 3
Staff provided information and answered questions regarding an April 13 ribbon cutting for
New Crystal Cafe at 2732 Douglas Dr. N., demolition and new construction permits having been
issued for 6000 56th Ave. N., plans for phased permits for 7000 56th Ave. N., the vacant Big O
Tires at 5500 West Broadway, plans for outreach to developers regarding the Town Center
Vision Plan and expansion of the Town Center base district, and the status of the foreclosed
Walgreens at 6800 56th Ave. N.
7 Other Business
There was no other business
8. Adjournment
Moved by Commissioner Budziszewski and seconded by Commissioner Eidbo to adjourn the
meeting. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Page 3 of 3
These minutes of the April 7, 2026 meeting of the Crystal Economic Development Authority were
approved by the Authority on _________________ ____, 2026.
______________________________
David Cummings, President
ATTEST:
______________________________
Therese Kiser, Secretary
EDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 10, 2026
FROM: John Sutter, Community Development Director
TO: Economic Development Authority
Executive Director Adam R. Bell
RE: Consider a resolution approving the preliminary 2027 HRA tax levy and EDA budget
As part of the annual budgeting process, the EDA formally requests a Housing and
Redevelopment Authority tax levy which would comprise most of its funding. The adopted 2026
levy was $517,987. Staff is recommending a 2027 levy of $538,299 which is 0.0185% of the
estimated market value of the property in the City.
The purpose of the levy increase is to maintain and expand existing EDA beautification efforts,
and also provide an operating surplus to support the EDA fund balance so that the city has
resources for implementing the recently adopted Town Center Vision Plan, the upcoming
Community Vision Plan, and similar efforts to improve the vitality of Crystal in the coming years.
Attachments:
• Resolution adopting a preliminary 2027 HRA tax levy and EDA budget
• EDA budget presentation
EDA ACTION REQUESTED
Staff recommends approval of the resolution adopting a preliminary 2027 HRA tax levy and EDA
budget.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-05
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PRELIMINARY 2027 BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAX LEVY
AND REQUESTING THEIR APPROVAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal (the “EDA”) undertakes
redevelopment and housing activities in the City of Crystal, Minnesota (the “City”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to authority granted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.02 and the enabling
resolution of the EDA, the EDA exercises all of the powers of a housing and redevelopment authority
(“HRA”) as described in Minnesota Statues, Section 469.001 to 469.047 (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, under Section 469.033 Subdivision 6 of the Act, an HRA is authorized to levy and collect
special benefit taxes on all taxable property under the jurisdiction of the HRA, that is, property in the
City; and
WHEREAS, the maximum permitted HRA levy is $538,299 which is 0.0185 percent of the estimated
market value of the property in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal as
follows:
1. The EDA hereby adopts a preliminary 2026 budget for housing and redevelopment in the amount of
$518,713.
2. The EDA hereby adopts a preliminary 2026 property tax levy of $538,299 for the purpose of funding
the adopted budget in conformance with Section 469.033, Subdivision 6 of Minnesota Statutes.
3. The Executive Director is authorized and directed to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to
the City Council of the City of Crystal for its consent and approval as provided by Section 469.033 of
the Act and for certification to the Property Tax Manager of Hennepin County.
Adopted this 15th day of September 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
EDA 2027 Budget Summary
$648,193 Revenue
$518,713 Operating Expenditures
$134,609 Operating Surplus (to be added to the fund balance)
HRA Tax Levy
The proposed HRA property tax levy for 2027 is $538,299
•This is 0.0185% of the city’s estimated market value
•$538,299 is a 3.9% increase over the 2026 levy of $517,987
•The levy is the largest component of EDA revenue
Other revenue includes interest income and fire sprinkler special assessment repayments
EDA 2027 Budget Detail
* Special assessments are
repayments for EDA
financing of installation of
fire protection systems.
2026 revenue is comprised
of $12,834 from 5600 56th
(final payment) and $11,894
from 3600 Douglas.
2027 revenue is $11,894
from 3600 Douglas and
$20,000 from 4801
Welcome.
** 2026 Professional
services includes $50,000
for a consultant to assist
with the Comprehensive
Community Vison process.
EDA Fund Balance Forecast
Actual cash fund balance at year end 2025 was $2,563,666
Did not include fire sprinkler special assessment receivables ($60,411)
Forecast cash fund balance for year end 2026 is $2,569,033
Does not include TIF interfund loan balance ($74,318 est.) or fire sprinkler
special assessment receivables ($135,683 est.)
Forecast cash fund balance for year end 2027 is $1,798,513
Does not include TIF interfund loan balance ($964,318 est.) or fire sprinkler
special assessment receivables ($103,788 est.)
Page 1 of 3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 11, 2026
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 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. Appearances
3.1 Robbinsdale Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch.
4. Proclamation
4.1 Twin Cities and surrounding municipalities proclamation of September 20th, 2026, as Day of
Peace.
5. Consent Agenda
The council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
5.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The city council work session on Sept. 1, 2026.
b. The city council meeting on Sept. 1, 2026.
5.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
5.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
5.4 Adoption of a resolution recognizing Constitution Week.
5.5 Adoption of a resolution authorizing an application for a Metropolitan Council Local Planning
Assistance Grant.
5.6 Adoption of a resolution approving the 2023 MCES I & I grant.
5.7 Approval of a memorandum of understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local 44
(police officers), for the 2027 health insurance contributions.
5.8 Approval of a memorandum of understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Local 56
(police supervisors), for the 2027 health insurance contributions.
Page 2 of 3
5.9 Approval of a memorandum of understanding with International Union of Operating
Engineers, Local 49 (public works), for the 2027 health insurance contributions.
5.10 Approval of the 2027 wage adjustment and health insurance contributions for non-
represented employees.
6. 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.)
7. Public Hearing
7.1 The Mayor will open a public hearing to receive comment, and the Council will consider the
first reading of an ordinance amending Crystal City Code Chapter 1105 “Tobacco and Related
Products” in order to establish minimum sizes and prices for covered products and prohibit
sales of flavored products.
The proposed tobacco regulation ordinance amendment requires a public hearing. Staff
notified all licensed tobacco retailers at least 30 days before the required public hearing. The
Council should receive any public comments on the proposed amendment. The Council will
discuss the proposed changes later during the regular agenda.
8. Regular Agenda
8.1 The council will consider resolutions approving the preliminary 2027 budget and property tax
levies, and setting the date for the Truth and Taxation public input meeting.
Over several work sessions, the City Council reviewed the 2027 preliminary general fund
budget and levies. The original forecast for the 2027 levy expected a 12.67% increase. Since
the 2026 budget approval last December, staff and Council have adjusted various factors,
including easing the General Fund replenishment rate and potential future funding
mechanisms, which brought the proposed preliminary levy increase down to 7.66%.
Additional budget discussions will continue up to the December Final Budget and Levy
adoption. Staff recommends adopting resolutions approving the 2027 preliminary budget
and levies, and setting December 1, 2026, as the Truth-in-Taxation public hearing date.
8.2 The council will consider the first reading of an ordinance amending Crystal City Code Chapter
1105 “Tobacco and Related Products” in order to establish minimum sizes and prices for
covered products and prohibit sales of flavored products.
Over the past year, staff and the Council have discussed various amendments to the Tobacco
regulations ordinance. The main changes are a prohibition on flavored tobacco products,
minimum price and packaging sizes, the elimination of penalties for purchase and possession
for individuals under 21, and reducing the number of retail tobacco licenses to two. Staff has
worked with Hennepin County Health Department to develop the proposed ordinance
language. Staff notified all licensed tobacco retailers at least 30 days before the required
Page 3 of 3
public hearing, which was held before this item. If approved, the second reading and
consideration of adoption would presumably be held at the October 6 meeting. Staff
recommends approval of the first reading as proposed or with any changes as Council
directs.
8.3 The council will consider the second reading of an ordinance amending council salaries, and a
resolution approving summary publication.
The Council is being asked to consider the second reading and adoption of this proposed
ordinance. The Council approved the first reading on September 1, 2026. 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.
Staff provided a table showing current and proposed salaries for mayors and council
members in comparable cities. Recommend approval and adoption of the second reading
and the resolution approving language for summary publication.
9. Council Comments and Announcements
a. The city’s free annual Vehicle Fair community event will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crystal Community Center.
b. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall
and via Zoom.
c. The next city council work session is Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Community
Room 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.
10. Adjournment
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
WHEREAS, the United Nations recognizes International Day of Peace, honoring the legacy of nonviolent
leaders and encouraging nations and communities to commit to active peacemaking; and
WHEREAS, active nonviolence is the path between passivity and violence, a robust practice that fosters
conflict resolution using methods that respect human dignity and seek to create a more peaceful society;
and
WHEREAS, the principles of nonviolence and the skills of peacemaking have been instrumental in
helping build just policies and thriving communities around the world and locally, led by great leaders like
Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, and Father Harry Bury of the Archdiocese of
Saint Paul and Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the Twin Cities and surrounding communities, Twin Cities Nonviolent and allied peace
organizations have garnered civic and faith community commitments to learn about and practice active
nonviolence, drawing on these deep wells of wisdom; and
WHEREAS, aspirations are that the Twin Cities will be the catalyst for creating world-class cities that
provide citizens with safe and vibrant neighborhoods, high-quality and affordable health care, great jobs,
a strong system of education & innovation, and a high quality of life while addressing climate change.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Julie Deshler, Mayor of the City of Crystal, do hereby proclaim September 20th,
2026, as TWIN CITIES DAY OF PEACE. As Mayor, I will encourage and continue to take steps to build a
society of active nonviolence; continue our civic work to promote nonviolent conflict resolution, restorative
justice, mental health support, safe neighborhoods, and equitable access to resources; and encourage
initiatives that educate people of all ages in the principles of nonviolence.
Dated this 15th day of September 2026.
________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
PROCLAMATION
TWIN CITIES AND SURROUNDING MUNICIPALITIES
OF MINNESOTA PROCLAMATION OF
SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2026, AS DAY OF PEACE
4.1
Crystal City Council work session minutes Sept. 1, 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 6:34 p.m. on Sept. 1, 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 assistant 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, Assistant City Manager/HR
Manager K. Therres, Police Chief B. Hubbard, and Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda item:
1)Police Department quarterly update.
At 6:59 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 7:52 p.m. to continue discussion of the following
agenda items:
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 9:16 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
____
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
5.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 1, 2026
Page 1 of 2
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council meeting was held on Sept. 1, 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 assistant city manager 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, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
K. Therres, Police Chief B. Hubbard, and Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun.
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 Kiser and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve the
agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Consent Agenda
The council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
3.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a.The city council work session on 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.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kamish to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
4.Open Forum
The following persons addressed the council:
•Gentry Chandler, 5901 Hampshire Ave. N., regarding tobacco ordinance changes.
•Elizabeth Labadie, 3337 Nevada Ave. N., regarding concerns with flock cameras.
•Kent Morris, 5849 Pennsylvania Ave. N., regarding flock cameras.
•Brian Johnson, 3114 Georgia Ave. N., regarding privacy concerns.
•Linda Krickle, 5434 53rd Ave. N., regarding on-street parking.
•A speaker who declined to provide a name and address, expressed concerns regarding flock
cameras.
5.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 1, 2026
Page 2 of 2
5. Regular Agenda
5.1 The council considered the first reading of an ordinance amending council salaries.
City Manager Adam R. Bell addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser to adopt the
following ordinance:
ORDINANCE 2026 - 03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 211 OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
And further, that the second and final reading will be held on September 15, 2026.
Voting aye: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, Budziszewski, and Cummings.
Motion carried.
6. Council Comments and Announcements
The council and staff made announcements about upcoming events.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kamish to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________________
Kim Therres, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager
5.1(b)
DATE: September 8, 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
MN Dept of Health Q3 2026 Water Connection Fees $29,899.00
Waste Management (HRG) New Hope, Brooklyn Center, and Crystal July Recycling $149,120.78
Kurilla Contracting Company North Lions Park Soccer Field Improvement $36,333.23
WSB LLC 2026 Reconstruction, GIS Migration, & Park Design $54,242.65
West Metro Fire Rescue District August Contribution to West Metro Fire $162,193.61
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 8/28/26 Pay Date $104,038.97
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 8/28/26 Pay Date $89,390.97
$625,219.21
Description
5.2
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
Sept. 15, 2026
Applications for City License
Refuse Hauler
Aspen Waste Systems, Inc., 2951 Weeks Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414
Curbside Waste, Inc., 5435 114th Ave., Clear Lake, MN 55319
Darling Ingredients, Inc., 9000 382nd Ave., Blue Earth, MN 56013
Dick’s Sanitation Services, 8984 215th St. W., Lakeville, MN 55044
Lepage & Sons, Inc., 23602 University Ave. N.W., Bethel, MN 55005
Nitti Sanitation, Inc., 16555 Clayton Ave. E., Rosemount, MN 55068
Republic Services, Inc. dba Allied Waste Services-Blaine, 8661 Rendova St. NE, Circle Pines, MN 55014
Suburban Waste MN LLC, 7125 126th St. W., #500 Savage, MN 55378
Walters Recycling & Refuse, Inc., 2830 101st Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Waste Connections, Inc. dba ACE Solid Waste, 6601 McKinley St. N.W., Ramsey, MN 55303
Rental (new)
3533 Florida Ave. N. – LM Properties of St. Paul LLC (Conditional)
5949 Quail Ave. N. – Juan and Amanda Bellido (Conditional)
Rental (renewal)
5319 Angeline Ave. N. – Brett Johnson
6407 Corvallis Ave. N. – Pro Operam Sub XI LLC
3845 Douglas Dr. N. – Edwin Schafer
5153 Douglas Dr. N. – Bonnie McVeigh (Conditional)
5301 Hampshire Ave. N. – The Link (Conditional)
3026 Idaho Ave. N. – Laura Garner (Conditional)
3026 Jersey Ave. N. – Joanne Seller
3544 Major Ave. N. – Terry Price (Conditional)
5857 Maryland Ave. N. – Angelique Kapila
3425 Quail Ave. N. – Jeff and Michelle Petersen (Conditional)
5801 Quail Ave. N. – Jeffonse Sanders Jr.
5856 Quebec Ave. N. – Loren George
3501 Regent Ave. N. – Yim Wing Yu
4808 Regent Ave. N. – Cosco Property 4 LLC (Conditional)
5817 Regent Ave. N. – E&T Property LLC
5222 Unity Ct. N. – Nandri LLC (Conditional)
3300 Welcome Ave. N. – Bridge SFR IV Seed Borrower LLC
4433 Welcome Ave. N. – E&T Property LLC (Conditional)
3149 Winnetka Ave. N. – Jonathan Doolittle (Conditional)
4724 Xenia Ave. N. – E&T Property LLC
6619 50th Ave. N. – Quyen North
4917 52nd Ave. N. – Julie Whitted
5127 53rd Ave. N. – Peace Kibaara (Conditional)
4710 58th Ave. N. #101 - Twin Lake North Condo Assn
Tobacco
Dark Horse Vapors Inc. dba Dark Horse Vapors, 5562 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428
5.3
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – __
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 17 – 23, 2026,
AS CONSTITUTION WEEK IN THE CITY OF CRYSTAL
WHEREAS, September 17, 2026, marks the two hundred and thirty-ninth anniversary of the
drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution provides the framework of and for our government with a set of
principles that guarantee citizens certain rights, freedoms, and responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution further outlines the power of the federal government and leaves other
matters to state governments, ensuring that the government remains accountable to its citizens;
and
WHEREAS, it is fitting to officially recognize the Constitution and the anniversary of its creation;
and
WHEREAS, to honor the principles outlined in the Constitution, the United States Congress, by
joint resolution on August 2, 1956, requests that the President shall proclaim the week between
September 17 and 23 each year as Constitution Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Crystal City Council does hereby recognize
September 17- 23, 2026, as CONSTITUTION WEEK in the City of Crystal and encourages residents
to study the importance of active citizenship and the strength of our Constitution.
Dated this 15th day of September 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Christina Serres,
City Clerk
5.4
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-___
RESOLUTION IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR FUNDING TO
COMPLETE ITS 2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE AND
AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT FUNDS
WHEREAS the City of Crystal must review and update its comprehensive plan as required by the “decennial”
review provision of Minnesota Statutes section 473.864, subdivision 2; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2025, the Metropolitan Council adopted need-based eligibility criteria for
awarding available local planning assistance grant funds and established maximum grant amounts, including
bonus incentive grants, for eligible grantees to help grantees review and update their comprehensive plans
as required by the “decennial” review provisions of Minnesota Statutes section 473.864, subdivision 2; and
WHEREAS, the City is an eligible city, county, or town in the metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota
Statutes section 473.121; and
WHEREAS, planning assistance grant funds will be made available to eligible applicants subject to terms and
conditions contained in Metropolitan Council grant agreements.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the City
Council of the City of Crystal:
1)Authorizes its community development staff to submit on behalf of the City an application to the
Metropolitan Council for Local Planning Assistance grant funds for the decennial review and update
of the City’s local comprehensive plan required under Minnesota Statutes section 473.864; and
2)Authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute on behalf of the City a grant agreement with the
Metropolitan Council for planning assistance grant funds.
Adopted this 15th day of September, 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
5.5
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: 9/15/26
FROM: Jesse Struve PE, Public Works Director / City Engineer
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
CC:
RE: Approve 2023 MCES Public Municipal Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Grant Agreement
Background
Inflow and infiltration are clear water (stormwater and groundwater) which enters the sanitary
wastewater system. The city’s sanitary sewer can experience cracks and deterioration that
come with age or when roots break through the pipes, allowing groundwater into the system.
This clear water doesn’t need to be treated as wastewater.
The 2023 MCES Public Property Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program provides grants to
communities to help with repairs that will remove and prevent clear water from entering the
wastewater treatment system. Crystal applied for $192,442 in eligible expenses for that would
help reduce I&I from entering the regional system. We were awarded approximately $172,000
with the grant process.
The overarching goal is to significantly expand the number of old sanitary sewer services being
lined or replaced.
Requested City Council Action
Motion to approve the resolution authorizing the 2023 MCES Public Inflow and Infiltration (I/I)
Grant Agreement.
Attachments:
•Resolution
5.6
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
Approve 2023 MCES Public Municipal Inflow and Infiltration (I/I)
Grant Agreement
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has identified the City
of Crystal as one of the many metro cities that have quantities of storm water and ground water,
commonly referred to as Inflow and Infiltration (I&I), entering the public sanitary sewer system;
and
WHEREAS, in 2023 the Minnesota Legislature granted funds for Met Council to provide grant
funding to local municipalities with costs associated with repairing sewer infrastructure on their
property to address I&I; and
WHEREAS, the City has identified sanitary sewer system components requiring rehabilitation to
minimize or eliminate I&I; and
WHEREAS, the City applied for $192,442 in grant eligible costs; and
WHEREAS, the City has read the program guidelines and support participation in the program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of Crystal as follows:
1) The Department of Public Works is authorized to apply for these grants.
2) Jesse Struve, Public Works Director / City Engineer, or his designee is authorized to
serve as the contact person.
3) The City agrees to remit available grant funding towards the continued minimization or
elimination of excessive I&I within the public sanitary sewer system.
4) The City will secure and retain invoices for all eligible repairs and that MCES will have
reasonable access to audit these records upon request.
5) The City Manager is authorized to sign said agreement.
Adopted this 15th day of September 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
5.6
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 9, 2026
FROM: Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: 2027 Memorandum of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Service (LELS), Local 44
-Police Officers.
Background
The city council approved a two-year agreement for 2026 – 2027 with (LELS), Local 44. The
agreement included a re-opener in 2027 for the sole purpose of negotiating the employer’s
contribution toward group health insurance premiums.
Insurance premiums for our pool had an overall cap increase of 4.5% for 2027, but due to our
experience rating, the overall insurance premiums for the City of Crystal is a negative -1.0% in
2027. As in past practice, the city and employees continue to share the cost of premiums. The
following is the proposed changes to the insurance article in the contract:
2027 (Employer Contribution):
2026
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Embedded
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Aggregate
2027
Monthly Premium
$30 Copay
2027
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
Employee Single $1,254.63 $1,000.36 $1,036.36 $1,327.36 $1,244.69
Employee + Spouse $2,095.30 $2,099.86 $2,176.36 $2,786.86 $2,064.86
Employee + Child(ren) $1,993.80 $2,000.36 $2,072.86 $2,654.36 $1,965.36
Family $2,603.30 $2,599.36 $2,693.86 $3,449.86 $2,564.36
Financial Implications
The 2027 proposed budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed settlement.
Requested City Council Action
Motion approving the 2027 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the 2027
insurance in the Law Enforcement Labor Service (LELS), Local 44, police officers labor agreement
and authorizing the city manager to sign the MOU on behalf of the city.
5.7
5.7
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 9, 2026
FROM: Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: 2027 Memorandum of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Service (LELS), Local 56
- Police Supervisors.
Background
The city council approved a two-year agreement for 2026 – 2027 with (LELS), Local 56. The
agreement included a re-opener in 2027 for the sole purpose of negotiating the employer’s
contribution toward group health insurance premiums.
Insurance premiums for our pool had an overall cap increase of 4.5% for 2027, but due to our
experience rating, the overall insurance premiums for the City of Crystal is a negative -1.0% in
2027. As in past practice, the city and employees continue to share the cost of premiums. The
following is the proposed changes to the insurance article in the contract:
2027 (Employer Contribution):
2026
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Embedded
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Aggregate
2027
Monthly Premium
$30 Copay
2027
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
Employee Single $1,254.63 $1,000.36 $1,036.36 $1,327.36 $1,244.69
Employee + Spouse $2,095.30 $2,099.86 $2,176.36 $2,786.86 $2,064.86
Employee + Child(ren) $1,993.80 $2,000.36 $2,072.86 $2,654.36 $1,965.36
Family $2,603.30 $2,599.36 $2,693.86 $3,449.86 $2,564.36
Financial Implications
The 2027 proposed preliminary budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed settlement.
Requested City Council Action
Motion approving the 2027 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the 2027
insurance in the Law Enforcement Labor Service (LELS), Local 56, police supervisors labor
agreement and authorizing the city manager to sign the MOU on behalf of the city.
5.8
5.8
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 9, 2026
FROM: Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: 2027 Memorandum of Understanding with International Union of Operating Engineers
(I.U.O.E.), Local 49 - Public Works.
Background
The city council approved a two-year agreement for 2026 – 2027 with (I.U.O.E.), Local 49. The
agreement included a re-opener in 2027 for the sole purpose of negotiating the employer’s
contribution toward group health insurance premiums.
Insurance premiums for our pool had an overall cap increase of 4.5% for 2027, but due to our
experience rating, the overall insurance premiums for the City of Crystal is a negative -1.0% in
2027. As in past practice, the city and employees continue to share the cost of premiums. The
following is the proposed changes to the insurance article in the contract:
2027 (Employer Contribution):
2026
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Embedded
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Aggregate
2027
Monthly Premium
$30 Copay
2027
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
Employee Single $1,254.63 $1,000.36 $1,036.36 $1,327.36 $1,244.69
Employee + Spouse $2,095.30 $2,099.86 $2,176.36 $2,786.86 $2,064.86
Employee + Child(ren) $1,993.80 $2,000.36 $2,072.86 $2,654.36 $1,965.36
Family $2,603.30 $2,599.36 $2,693.86 $3,449.86 $2,564.36
Financial Implications
The 2027 proposed preliminary budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed settlement.
Requested City Council Action
Motion approving the 2027 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the 2027
insurance in the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.), Local 49, public works
labor agreement and authorizing the city manager to sign the MOU on behalf of the city.
5.9
5.9
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 9, 2026
FROM: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: 2027 Wages and Benefits for Non-represented Employees
Background
Wages
The labor agreements for Local #44 (Police Officers), Local #56 (Police Supervisors), and Local
49 (Public Works) call for a general wage increase of 4.00% for 2027. We are recommending a
4.00% increase for non-represented employees in the City of Crystal, consistent with the settled
agreements and with council direction.
Health Insurance: (Employer Contribution)
Likewise, we are recommending the following contributions for insurance:
2027 (Employer Contribution):
2026
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Embedded
2027
Monthly Premium
HDHP w/HSA
Aggregate
2027
Monthly Premium
$30 Copay
2027
Employer
Contribution
Towards Premium
Employee Single $1,254.63 $1,000.36 $1,036.36 $1,327.36 $1,244.69
Employee + Spouse $2,095.30 $2,099.86 $2,176.36 $2,786.86 $2,064.86
Employee + Child(ren) $1,993.80 $2,000.36 $2,072.86 $2,654.36 $1,965.36
Family $2,603.30 $2,599.36 $2,693.86 $3,449.86 $2,564.36
The City has a long-standing practice of providing the same health insurance benefit package to
all its employees.
Financial Implications
The 2027 proposed preliminary budget includes sufficient funds for the proposed wage and
benefit settlement.
Requested City Council Action
Approval of the 2027 proposed wage adjustment and city contribution for insurance increase
for all non-represented employees.
5.10
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 9, 2026
FROM: Kimberly Therres, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Tobacco Ordinance (Section 1105)
Background
At work sessions in May and July, the Crystal City Council discussed updating the city’s retail
tobacco sales ordinance intended at reducing the availability and appeal of commercial tobacco
products in the community. The proposed changes would also help protect youth from the harms
of nicotine addiction and support community members who currently use commercial tobacco in
their efforts to quit. Representatives from Hennepin County Public Health (HCPH) and the
Association for Nonsmokers-MN (ANSR) were present to share information about best practices,
what other Minnesota communities have done, and resources available. Based on the discussion at
the work sessions, a proposed ordinance was drafted for council consideration.
In accordance with state law, Minnesota Statute Section 461.09, tobacco license holders (20) were
notified by mail of the date and time of this meeting and the public hearing. Several interested
persons have provided comments regarding the proposed changes.
The proposed ordinance amendments are attached and would make several changes to the City’s
regulation of tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, and nicotine or lobelia
delivery products. In summary, the proposed amendments would:
•Update the definitions in the ordinance
•Prohibit the sale of flavored products
•Exclude “purchase, use, and possession” penalties for those under the age of 21
•Authorize future minimum pricing and packaging regulations of products
•Reduce the maximum number of tobacco licenses to two.
The proposed ordinance would be effective following its passage, approval, and publication on
January 1, 2027. However, the prohibition on the sale of flavored products would be effective on
July 1, 2027.
When the council considers the first reading of the ordinance it may want to discuss the effective
dates of certain provisions to assist businesses with the transition of their products and sales. For
7.1
example, the changes to the pricing and packaging provision and price promotion could be effective
at the same time as the prohibition on the sale of flavored products on July 1, 2027 or later.
Requested City Council Action
Staff recommends holding the public hearing and approval of the first reading of the proposed
ordinance amendments.
Attachments
• An Ordinance Amending The Crystal City Code Chapter 1105 “Tobacco and Related
Products” In Order To Establish Minimum Sizes And Prices For Covered Products And
Prohibit Sales Of Flavored Products.
• Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota letter.
• American Heart Association letter.
• Hennepin County letter.
• Megan Carpentier email.
• Advocates For Better Health letter.
• Tobacco Free Alliance letter.
• African American Tobacco Contril Leadership Council letter.
• Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund letter.
• Parents Against Vaping E-Cigs letter.
• Sebastian postcard.
• Carrie Arblaster (Tobacco-Free Kids) email.
• Emily Cronk email.
• Dr. Melissa Blair email.
• Sylivia Amos email.
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) letter.
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
CITY OF CRYSTAL
ORDINANCE #2026-____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CRYSTAL CODE CHAPTER 1105 “TOBACCO AND
RELATED PRODUCTS” IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM SIZES AND PRICES FOR
COVERED PRODUCTS AND PROHIBIT SALES OF FLAVORED PRODUCTS.
The City of Crystal ordains:
ARTICLE I. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.01 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as follows:
1105.01. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subsection have the
meanings given them.
Subd. X. Alternative oral nicotine product. “Alternative oral nicotine product” includes any product
sold as nicotine pouches, lozenges, toothpicks, gum, or any other serving of nicotine product consumed
orally, whether derived from tobacco, natural, synthetic, or nicotine analog, that is not a cigarette, cigar,
electronic delivery device, loose tobacco, snus, or snuff. Alternative oral nicotine product does not include
any nicotine cessation product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be marketed and for
sale as “drugs,” “devices,” or “combination products,” as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act.
Subd. X. Cigar. “Cigar” means any roll of tobacco that is wrapped in tobacco leaf or in any other
substance containing tobacco, with or without a tip or mouthpiece, which is not a cigarette as defined in
Minn. Stat. § 297F.01, subd. 3, as it may be amended from time to time.
Subd. 1. Covered products. “Covered products” means tobacco, alternative oral nicotine products,
cigarettes, cigars, flavored products, loose tobacco, sisha, snuff, snus tobacco-related device, electronic
delivery device, or nicotine or lobelia delivery product as those terms are defined in this subsection.
Subd. 2. Electronic delivery device. "Electronic delivery device" means any product containing
or delivering nicotine, lobelia, or any other substance, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human
consumption through inhalation of aerosol or vapor from the product. Electronic delivery devices includes,
but is not limited to, devices manufactured, marketed, or sold as electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars,
electronic pipe, vape pens, modes, tank systems, or under any other product name or descriptor. Electronic
delivery device includes any component part of a product, whether or not marketed or sold separately.
Electronic delivery device excludes drugs, devices, or combination products, as those terms are defined in
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that are authorized for sale by the United States Food and Drug
Administration.
Subd. X. Flavored product. “Flavored product” includes any licensed product that contains a taste
or smell, other than the taste or smell of tobacco, that is distinguishable by an ordinary consumer either
prior to or during consumption or use of the product or device, including, but not limited to, any taste or
smell relating to menthol, mint, wintergreen, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, honey, fruit, or any candy, dessert,
alcoholic beverage, herb or spice, or a cooling or numbing sensation distinguishable by an ordinary
consumer either prior to or during the consumption of such licensed product. A public statement or claim,
whether express or implied, made or disseminated by the manufacturer or retailer of a licensed product, or
by any person authorized or permitted by the manufacturer or retailer to make or disseminate public
statements concerning such products, that a product has or produces a taste or smell other than a taste or
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
smell of tobacco, or a cooling or numbing sensation, shall constitute presumptive evidence that the product
is a flavored product. Presumptive evidence may include but is not limited to the use of terms such as
“cool,” “chill,” “ice,” “fresh,” “arctic,” or “frost” to describe the product.
Subd. X. Loose tobacco. “Loose tobacco” includes any product that consists of loose leaves or
pieces of tobacco that is intended for use by consumers in a pipe, roll-your-own cigarette, or similar product
or device.
Subd. 3. Moveable place of business. “Moveable place of business” means any form of business
operated out of a truck, van, automobile or other type of vehicle or transportable shelter and not a fixed-
address storefront or other permanent type of structure authorized for sales transactions.
Subd. 4. Nicotine or lobelia delivery device. “Nicotine or lobelia delivery device” means any
product containing or delivering nicotine or lobelia, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human
consumption, or any part of such a product, that is not tobacco as defined in this subsection, not including
any product that has been approved or certified by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale
as a tobacco-cessation product, as a tobacco-dependence product, or for other medical purposes, and is
marketed and sold for such an approved purpose.
Subd. 5. Sale. “Sale” means any transfer of goods for money, trade, barter or other consideration.
Subd. X. Shisha. “Sishna” means any product that contains tobacco or nicotine and is smoked or
intended to be smoked in a hookah or water pipe.
Subd. X. Snuff. “Snuff” means any tobacco product that consists of cut, ground, powdered, or leaf
tobacco and that is intended to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity.
Subd. X. Snus. “Snus” means any tobacco product marketed and sold as snus and sold in ready-to-
use pouches or loose as a moist powder.
Subd. 6. Tobacco. "Tobacco" means cigarettes and any product containing, made, or derived from
tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled,
snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product
including, but not limited to the following: cigars; cheroots; stogies; perique; granulated, plug cut, crimp
cut, ready rubbed, and other smoking tobacco; snuff; snuff flour; cavendish; plug and twist tobacco; fine
cut and other chewing tobaccos; shorts; refuse scraps, clippings, cuttings and sweepings of tobacco; and
other kinds and forms of tobacco. Tobacco excludes drugs, devices, or combination products, as those terms
are defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that are authorized for sale by the United States
Food and Drug Administration.
Subd. 7. Tobacco-related devices. "Tobacco-related devices" means cigarette papers or pipes for
smoking or other devices intentionally designed or intended to be used in a manner which enables the
chewing, sniffing, smoking, or inhalation of aerosol or vapor of tobacco or tobacco products. Tobacco-
related devices include components of tobacco-related devices which may be marketed or sold separately.
Subd. 8. Vending machine. “Vending machine” means any mechanical, electric or electronic, or
other type of device that dispenses tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco-related devices upon the insertion
of money, tokens or other form of payment directly into the machine by the person seeking to purchase the
covered product.
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
Subd. X. Terms not defined in this Ordinance shall have the definition provided in Minnesota Law,
including but not limited to Minnesota Statute Chapters 297F, 461, and 609.
1105.03. General rule. It is unlawful to buy for retail sale, sell at retail, or otherwise dispose for
consideration covered products without a tobacco license issued by the city.
1105.05. Investigations. A background investigation of all interested individuals, including managers, is
required and shall be conducted pursuant to Crystal city code, subsection 1000.19 prior to the issuance of
a license or license renewal.
ARTICLE II. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.07 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
1105.07. Ineligibility. In addition to the provisions contained in Crystal city code, subsection 1000.17, the
city council may deny a license to a person who within the past five years has been convicted of any
violation of a federal, state, or local law, ordinance provision, or other regulation relating to any covered
products tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery device or nicotine or
lobelia delivery devices.
1105.09. Specified location. A license under this section will not be issued for a movable place of business.
The license is issued only for the covered products at a specific place of business.
ARTICLE III. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.11 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
1105.11. Prohibited sales and use.
Subd. 1. Unlawful sale. It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale or deliver any covered product tobacco,
tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery devices to a person
under the age of 21 years.
Subd. 2. Use by persons under 21. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to
purchase, possess, or consume tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or
lobelia delivery devices.
Subd. 3. Vending machines. The sale of covered products tobacco, tobacco-related devices,
electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery devices by vending machines is prohibited.
Subd. 4. Individual packages. It is unlawful to offer for sale or to sell cigarettes packaged in units
smaller than a carton containing ten packages, or single packages of smokeless tobacco in open displays
that are accessible to the public without the intervention of a store employee.
Subd. X. Flavored products. No person will sell or offer for sale any flavored products.
Subd. X. Subd. 5. Coupon and price promotion. No person will offer any discount or accept or
redeem any coupon, price promotion, or other instrument or mechanism, whether in paper, digital,
electronic, mobile, or any other form, that provides any licensed products to a consumer at no cost or at a
price that is less than the non-discounted, standard price listed by a retailer on the item or on any related
shelving, posting, advertising, or display at the location where the item is sold or offered for sale, including
all applicable taxes.
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
Subd. 5. Sampling. Any establishment holding a license which was initially granted after April 1,
2025 is prohibited from any of the following:
(a) Samples prohibited. No person shall distribute samples of any licensed product free of
charge or at a nominal cost. The distribution of licensed products as a free donation is
prohibited.
(b) Smoking prohibited. Smoking, including smoking for the purpose of the sampling of
licensed products, is prohibited within the indoor area of any retail establishment licensed
under this chapter.
The provisions of this subdivision which allow for the continuation of the practice of limited sampling to
occur in establishments licensed in good standing as of April 1, 2025, shall only apply to qualifying license
holders as of that date which offered sampling and only so long as the qualifying licensee retains and renews
its business license at the same premises and operates in compliance with all applicable laws and
ordinances.
1105.13. Administrative civil penalties.
Subd. 1. Individuals. A person who sells, gives or otherwise furnishes a covered product to a person
under the age of 21 years is subject to an administrative penalty identified in Crystal city code, appendix
IV, after the individual has received notice, served personally or by mail, of the alleged violation and been
provided an opportunity for a hearing.
Subd. 2. Licensee. If a licensee or an employee of a licensee is found to have sold, given or
otherwise furnished a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years, or committed a violation of
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297F, the city council shall impose administrative penalties on the licensee as
provided in Crystal city code, appendix IV. Prior to imposing an administrative penalty the city shall
provide the licensee written notice of the alleged violation and provide an opportunity for the licensee to be
heard by the city council.
Subd. 3. Defense. It is an affirmative defense to a charge of selling, giving or otherwise furnishing
a covered product to a person under the age of 21 years in violation of this section that the licensee or
individual making the sale relied in good faith upon proof of age as described in Minnesota Statutes, section
340A.503, subdivision 6.
Subd. 4. Education and training. In addition to or in lieu of any other penalty imposed under this
section, any person under the age of 21 years who purchases, possesses, or consumes a covered product
shall attend an educational seminar approved by the chief of police regarding the legal and medical
implications of using a covered product.
Subd. 5. Presumptions regarding administrative penalties. Though the administrative penalties
described in this subsection are presumed, in no event shall the amount of any fine or period of suspension
be less than the amounts and periods required in Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivisions 2 and 3.
These penalties are presumed to be appropriate for every case; however, the city council may deviate in an
individual case where the city council finds that there exist specific mitigating or aggravating
circumstances, making it more appropriate to deviate. When deviating from these standards, the city council
will provide written findings to identify the facts that support the penalty selected. In addition to any
presumptive penalty, the city council may also impose reasonable license conditions in response to the facts
surrounding a specific case.
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
Subd. 6. Computation of time for violations under the presumptive penalties in Crystal city code
appendix IV. A second violation within thirty-six (36) months must be treated as a second appearance, a
third within forty-eight (48) months treated as a third appearance, and a fourth within forty-eight (48)
months treated as a fourth appearance for the purpose of determining the presumptive penalty. Measurement
of the time period must be as follows: The beginning date shall be the earliest violation’s date of appearance
before the city council, and the ending date shall be the date of the occurrence giving rise to the new
violation. In case of multiple new violations, the ending date to be used shall be the date of the new violation
first in time.
ARTICLE IV. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.15 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
1105.15. Compliance monitoring.
Subd. 1. Compliance checks. As required by Minnesota Statutes, section 461.12, subdivision 5,
the police department shall at least once a year perform compliance checks at each location licensed under
this section to sell a covered product to ensure that the licensee is in full compliance with this ordinance.
License applicants may be informed of this policy at the time of license application and renewal. Violators
of this section may be subject to more frequent compliance monitoring than non-violating licensees. The
police department may annually report to the city council the results of said compliance checks.
Subd. 2. Exemption. A person no younger than 17 nor older than 20 may be enlisted by the police
department to assist in the compliance checks. If the person is under the age of 18, no such person may
conduct compliance checks unless the police department obtains written consent from the person’s parent
or guardian and the person must at all times act only under the direct supervision of a law enforcement
officer, an employee of the licensing department, or in conjunction with an in-house program that has been
pre-approved by the police department. A person who purchases or attempts to purchase tobacco while
acting in this capacity is exempt from any penalties related to said purchase or attempt to purchase.
Subd. 3. Additional checks. If a licensee or employee of a licensee is guilty of a second violation
within the 24-month period since the initial violation, the police department must conduct at least one
compliance check at that licensed premises within the time remaining in that 24-month period. Compliance
checks may also be conducted by the city or other units of government for educational, research, and
training purposes or for investigating or enforcing federal, state, or local laws and regulations relating to
licensed products.
ARTICLE V. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.1 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.17. Signage and age verification required.
Subd. 1. Signage. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery
devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery covered products are sold, the licensee shall display a sign in plain
view to provide public notice that selling any of these products to any person under the age of 21 is illegal
and subject to penalties. The notice shall be placed in a conspicuous location in the licensed establishment
and shall be readily visible to any person who is purchasing or attempting to purchase these products. The
sign shall provide notice that all persons responsible for selling these products must verify, by means of
photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, the age of any person under 30 years of
age.
7.1
CR205\30\1111221.v1
Subd. 2. Age verification. At each location where tobacco, tobacco-related devices, electronic
delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery covered products are sold, the licensee shall verify, by
means of government-issued photographic identification containing the bearer’s date of birth, that the
purchaser or person attempting to make the purchase is at least 21 years of age. Verification is not required
if the purchaser or person attempting to make the purchase is 30 years of age or older. It shall not constitute
a defense to a violation of this subdivision that the person appeared to be 30 years of age or older.
ARTICLE VI. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.19 of the Crystal city code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
1105.19 Maximum number of tobacco licenses. The maximum number of tobacco licenses that the city
may issue is ten two (10 2). No new license will be issued in excess of this number.
ARTICLE VII. Chapter 1105, Section 1105.13 of the Crystal city code is hereby established to read as
follows:
1105.13 Minimum Price and Package Size for Products. No person will sell or offer for sale any covered
product in any size smaller than the minimum package size or for any less that the minimum sales price
listed in the City’s Fee Schedule. All such prices shall be the minimum price before sales taxes are
imposed. In the case of electronic delivery devices, such price is applicable to any type of electronic
delivery device and applies per unit even if sold together, including separate or individual units of refill
cartridges, pods, tanks, or refill containers, but does not include separate or individual charging cords,
batteries, or mouthpieces.
ARTICLE [__]. Incorporate. City staff is authorized and directed to update the table of contents
and to make such other changes as are necessary to incorporate the amendments adopted by this
Ordinance into the Crystal city code.
ARTICLE [___]. Effective Date. This ordinance is effective following its passage, approval, and
publication on January 1, 2027; except Section 1105.11, Subd X, regarding the prohibition on sale
of flavored products, which shall take effect on July 1, 2027.
BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Julie Deschler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christina Serres, City Clerk
Uunderlined material is being added and stricken material is being deleted.
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CR205\30\1111221.v1
Fee Schedule
The following prices are minimum prices and sizes for products regulated under Crystal
City Code Section 1105. All pricing reflects minimum pricing before taxes.
Product Minimum Package size Minimum Price
Cigarette Pack of 20 $12, plus $1 for each
additional cigarette over 20
Cigars Pack of 5 $15, plus $3 for each
additional cigar over 5
Snuff 1.2 ounces $12, plus 3$ for each 0.3
ounces, or fraction thereof,
over 1.2 ounces
Snus 0.32 ounces $12, plus 3$ for each 0.8
ounces, or fraction thereof,
over .32 ounces
Electronic delivery device Per device $25
Alternative oral nicotine
product
Pack of 15 $20.00, plus $1 for each
additional serving unit over
15
Shisha 3.5 ounces $20.00, plus $5 for each 0.7
ounces, or fraction thereof,
over 3.5 ounces
Loose tobacco Package of 1.5 ounces $15.00, plus 3$ for each 0.5
ounces, or fraction thereof,
over 1.5 ounces
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August 31, 2026
The Honorable Julie Deshler, Mayor
The City of Crystal, Minnesota
City Hall
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal, MN 55422
Dear Mayor Deshler and Members of the Crystal City Council:
I am writing on behalf of the American Heart Association to express our strong support for the proposed updates to the
City of Crystal’s tobacco ordinance that will end the sale of all flavored tobacco products and strengthen other measures
that will protect the city’s residents from the harmful effects of tobacco and puts the city on a path to a becoming a
healthier community.
Changes to licensing that empower the city to set proximity to schools, eliminate coupon and price promotion, and
support responsible retailers are key to protecting youth from accessing tobacco. Further, local licensing allows the city to
hold the companies that profit from tobacco sales accountable rather than over-penalizing young people targeted by the
tobacco industry. Licensing fees can fully fund administration and compliance efforts.
AHA supports the policy to end the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and
fruit- and candy-flavored cigars. For decades, flavored products have been used to attract and addict youth, leading to
preventable disease and death. Most tobacco users report that they started with a flavored product. Eliminating the sale of
flavored tobacco products reduces youth access, lowers initiation rates, and helps prevent lifelong addiction.
The surge in youth e-cigarette use is deeply concerning. From 2017 to 2019, use among high school students nationwide
increased by 135%. In 2021, nearly 85% of youth who reported using e-cigarettes used flavored varieties—most
commonly fruit (71.6%), followed by candy/dessert flavors (34.1%) and menthol (28.8%). Alarmingly, 97% of youth e-
cigarette users report using a flavored product in the past month, and 70% cite flavors as the main reason for their use.
Flavored products are clearly driving this epidemic, undermining efforts to reduce youth tobacco use and exposing a new
generation to nicotine addiction and long-term health harms.
Passage of this ordinance will be a vital step forward in protecting Minnesota’s youth and advancing public health. On
behalf of AHA, I urge you to adopt this policy and join more than 30 communities that have taken action to safeguard
their residents, especially young people.
Sincerely,
Paul L. Weirtz
State Government Relations Director
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Hennepin County Public Health
525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-543-0402 | Jacquelyn.Siewert@hennepin.us
August 28, 2026 Mayor Julie Deshler Crystal City Council 4141 Douglas Dr. N. Crystal, MN 55422 Dear Mayor Julie Deshler and Members of the City Council: On behalf of Hennepin County Public Health, I commend you for identifying ways to limit youth access to commercial tobacco in the City of Crystal. Commercial tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of death and disease. In 2021, 6,530 deaths in Minnesota were attributable to smoking. In the same year, use of commercial tobacco resulted in $4.7 billion in smoking-related
healthcare expenses, equating to $824 per Minnesota resident (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota, Cost of Smoking, 2024).
Adolescent commercial tobacco use rates have declined for years. Seven percent of 11th grade
students in Hennepin County use commercial tobacco or nicotine products (MN Student Survey,
Hennepin County, 2025). However, use of e-cigarettes continues to negatively affect youth. In
2023, 92.6% percent of students who vaped frequently reported signs of e-cigarette
dependence (MN Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023). Commercial tobacco use increases with age,
emphasizing the importance of preventing initiation of youth use (MN Student Survey,
Hennepin County, 2025).
Fruit, candy, and other kid-friendly flavors make commercial tobacco products more appealing and seem less harmful to youth. About 3 out of 4 Minnesota students reported that the first commercial tobacco product they ever tried was flavored (Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023). The cooling effect of menthol flavors (such as wintergreen or mint) in particular make commercial tobacco easier to start and harder to quit. The tobacco industry uses flavors and menthol to target marginalized communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Summary of Scientific Evidence: Flavored Tobacco Products, Including Menthol, 2021). In Hennepin County, American Indian and U.S.-born Black adults are 6 times more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes compared to the average of 3% (Hennepin County SHAPE Survey, 2022). Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products prevents youth use and protects communities from tobacco industry targeting.
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Hennepin County Public Health
525 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-543-0402 | Jacquelyn.Siewert@hennepin.us
We know from the data that regulating price is one of the most effective ways to help people quit smoking and to keep young people from starting to use commercial tobacco (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Health Consequences of Smoking— 50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General 2014, Institute of Medicine, Taking Action to Reduce Tobacco Use, 1998). Tobacco companies use coupons and price discounts as a tactic to reduce prices and undermine youth prevention policies. Crystal’s choice to regulate prices and limit harmful incentives will help people quit using commercial tobacco or avoid starting altogether.
Tobacco retailer density is associated with high commercial tobacco use rates and disparities in low-
income and minority neighborhoods (Counter Tobacco, Licensing, Zoning, and Retailer Density, 2024).
Decreasing the cap on tobacco retail licenses in the city will promote community health in Crystal by
limiting availability and accessibility of tobacco products and reducing exposure to commercial tobacco
marketing.
Hennepin County Public Health works to decrease harm from commercial tobacco and reduce tobacco-
related disparities with funding from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Statewide Health
Improvement Partnership. Consider us as a resource as you consider and implement commercial tobacco
prevention measures. Thank you for your leadership on this important public health issue. Please contact
Jacquelyn Siewert (jacquelyn.siewert@hennepin.us) if you have questions or would like more information. Sincerely,
Sara Hollie, MPH
Assistant County Administrator, Health Line of Business
Director, Hennepin County Public Health
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Advocates for Better Health
2355 Fairview Avenue #139 Roseville, MN 55113 | 612-623-2885
www.abhmn.org
September 3, 2026
City of Crystal
4141 Douglas Dr N #1696
Crystal, MN 55422
Dear Mayor Deshler and Councilmembers:
My name is Rachel Stoll. I am a Community Health Worker and Board President of Advocates for
Better Health (ABH). ABH is an organization dedicated to fostering a healthy, equitable, and
thriving state through community-driven public health initiatives. I am writing to express our
strong support for the proposed tobacco prevention policies under consideration in Plymouth.
As a Community Health Worker, I have worked closely with individuals and families navigating
complex health challenges, many of which are preventable. Tobacco use remains the leading
cause of preventable disease and death, and I’ve seen firsthand how nicotine addiction impacts
physical health and mental well-being. Preventing initiation, especially among youth, is one of the
most effective public health strategies we have.
The proposed policies before you represent a comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco use
and its harms. These measures are particularly important because flavored and low-cost tobacco
products are intentionally marketed to youth and disproportionately impact communities already
experiencing health inequities. Data from across Minnesota shows youth nicotine use has risen
sharply in recent years, driven largely by flavored products. Without strong local action, we risk
perpetuating cycles of addiction that lead to increased rates of cancer, heart disease, respiratory
illness, and other chronic conditions.
Minnesota communities have a strong history of advancing policies that protect public health
when action is needed. Crystal now has an opportunity to continue that leadership. These
policies will reduce youth access and exposure while supporting long-term community health,
lowering healthcare costs, and promoting health equity. I urge you to adopt these tobacco
prevention measures and protect Crystal residents from the harms of commercial tobacco and
nicotine addiction.
Thank you for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rachel Stoll
Board President
Advocates for Better Health
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September 8, 2026
Mayor Deshler and members of the Crystal City Counci l
City of Crystal
4141 Douglas Dr. N 1-202-251-51021696
Crystal City, MN 55422
From: The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council
Re: Support for Comprehensive Tobacco Retail Policies to End the Sale of Flavored
Tobacco Products including menthol, Prohibit Tobacco Coupons and Price Discounts,
and Cap Tobacco Store Licenses
Dear Mayor Deshler and Members of the Crystal City Council:
On behalf of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC), we write
to express our strong support for Crystal City’s proposal to end the sale of all flavored
tobacco products, prohibit the use of tobacco coupons and price discounts, and cap the
number of tobacco store licenses issued in the city. These commonsense protections will
reduce youth initiation, support people who are trying to quit, and advance health equity
for communities that have been disproportionately targeted by the tob acco industry.
The AATCLC was formed in 2008 to inform and influence the direction of tobacco control
as it affects the lives of African American and African immigrant communities, and our
work is rooted at the intersection of social justice and public health policy. Acr oss the
country, we have worked with health jurisdictions, elected officials, community -based
organizations, researchers, faith communities, and advocates to elevate the urgent need
to regulate menthol and other flavored tobacco products.
Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products is essential because flavors including
menthol, mint, fruit, candy, and dessert flavors make tobacco products more appealing,
easier to start, and harder to quit. Menthol has been aggressively marketed to Black
communities for decades, contributing to tobacco -related health disparities. Youth and
young adults are also especially vulnerable to flavored products, which can mask the
harshness of tobacco and nicotine and encourage continued use.
Prohibiting tobacco coupons and price discounts is also a critical part of a comprehensive
policy. Discounts undermine the public health benefits of tobacco pricing strategies by
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keeping deadly and addictive products cheap and accessible. Industry price promotions
are especially harmful in communities already saturated with tobacco advertising and
retail availability. Crystal City should not allow manufacturers or retailers to use coupons,
multi-pack offers, buy downs, or other discount schemes to blunt the impact of strong
tobacco control policy.
Capping the number of tobacco store licenses will help prevent overconcentration of
tobacco retailers, reduce neighborhood exposure to tobacco marketing, and support
orderly enforcement. A license cap is a practical tool that gives the city a way to reduce
tobacco retailer density over time while maintaining clear standards for compliance,
accountability, and community protection.
Together, these three policy components reinforce one another. A flavor sales prohibition
removes the products most likely to attract youth and perpetuate menthol -related
disparities. A ban on coupons and price discounts prevents the tobacco industry from
offsetting the policy’s impact with cheap prices. A tobacco retailer license cap limits the
concentration and visibility of tobacco sales in Crystal City neighborhoods.
We urge the Crystal City Council to adopt a strong, comprehensive ordinance that: (1) ends
the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars,
e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, hookah tobacco, and smokeless tobacco; (2) prohibits all
tobacco coupons, price discounts, and price promotions; and (3) caps the number of
tobacco store licenses and prevents new licenses from increasing retailer density.
Crystal City has an opportunity to protect young people, reduce tobacco -related disease,
and stand with communities that have borne the brunt of predatory tobacco marketing for
far too long. We respectfully ask you to vote in favor of this proposal and to ensure that the
final ordinance is comprehensive, enforceable, and free from exemptions that would
weaken its public health impact.
Respectfully,
Phil Gardiner, Dr.P.H. Carol McGruder Dr. Valerie Yerger
Co-Chair, AATCLC Co-Chair, AATCLC Co-Chair, AATCLC
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September 8, 2026
Dear Mayor Deshler and members of the Crystal city council,
Greetings. My name is Carrie Arblaster. I am the Midwest Regional Advocacy Director for the Campaign
for Tobacco-Free Kids. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the nation’s largest non-profit, non-
governmental advocacy organization solely devoted to reducing tobacco use and its deadly toll by
advocating for public policies that prevent kids from using tobacco and help smokers quit.
We are pleased to submit this letter in support of a comprehensive policy to end the sale of all flavored
commercial tobacco products, including menthol, in the city of Crystal.
You play an extremely vital role in protecting young people in Crystal from tobacco addiction. While
Minnesota has made great strides in reducing tobacco use, tobacco use remains the number one
preventable cause of premature death and disease, killing 5,900 Minnesotans annually.
Across the country and now here in Crystal, the tobacco industry and its allies are opposing efforts to
restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products under the guise of harm reduction and protecting the
choices of adult smokers, but the reality is that flavored tobacco products are critical to addicting a new
generation to tobacco use and to the tobacco industry’s bottom line. According to the Surgeon General,
“The tobacco industry has designed, engineered, and marketed menthol cigarettes and other tobacco
products that deliver multisensory flavor experiences which increase the likelihood of tobacco initiation,
addiction, and sustained use.”1 The tobacco industry spends an estimated $97.3 million to market their
products in Minnesota each year.2 We urge the Council to prioritize the health of Crystal’s young people
over the tobacco industry’s profits.
Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products Will Protect Crystal’s Kids
Prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products in all tobacco retailers is a critical step that will help
protect young people living in Crystal from the unrelenting efforts by the tobacco industry to addict the
next generation. Flavored tobacco products are designed to alter the taste and reduce the harshness of
tobacco products to make it easier for new users—primarily young people—to initiate youth. In 2023,
76.3% of Minnesota students who experimented with commercial tobacco reported that the first product
they ever tried was flavored.3
While e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are the industry’s newest strategy to hook kids, no flavored
product has caused more harm to public health than menthol cigarettes, which are easier to start
smoking, more addictive, and harder to quit.4 Half of youth smokers will start with menthol cigarettes, and
menthol cigarettes are also a driver of health disparities, as the tobacco industry has relentlessly targeted
certain populations—particularly Black Americans—with marketing for menthol cigarettes.5 This decades-
long marketing campaign is the primary reason why use of menthol cigarettes is highest among Black
Americans: 88% of Black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes compared to 31% of white smokers.6 Here
in Minnesota, the CDC estimates that prohibiting menthol cigarettes would lead over 8,000 Minnesotans
to quit smoking.7
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Now the tobacco industry is using the same strategies of youth-appealing flavors and slick marketing to
hook a new generation. Here in Minnesota, 13.9%—or about one in seven high school students—
reported current e-cigarette use in 2023 and over 93% report using a flavored product, which is no
surprise since they are available in thousands of kid-friendly flavors like gummy bear, bubblegum and
pink lemonade.8 Youth e-cigarette use is particularly concerning because today’s products are bigger,
stronger, and cheaper than ever before, with some products containing more nicotine than 20 packs of
cigarettes. 9 As a result, we see that many kids are not just experimenting, but using e-cigarettes
frequently or daily—a sign of addiction. Four out of five (79.6%) Minnesota students who vaped in the
past 30 days reported one or more signs of dependence.10 Some of today’s e-cigarettes, known as
“smart vapes,” even contain interactive screens, clearly targeting today’s tech savvy kids.
Sales of nicotine pouches—like Zyn—have also skyrocketed in recent years. In addition to being flavored
and easy to conceal—two characteristics that fueled the rise of e-cigarettes—nicotine pouch companies
are also following the same marketing playbook that fueled the youth e-cigarette epidemic, including viral
social media, music and event sponsorship, and most recently, partnerships with Formula 1. The number
of youth using nicotine pouches more than doubled from 200,000 in 2021 to 480,000 in 2024.11
The Tobacco Industry’s “Harm Reduction” Boosts Their Profits, Not Public Health
Harm reduction is a legitimate public health policy to minimize the impact of substance abuse, including
tobacco use. Public health groups like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids support true harm reduction
strategies that include efforts proven to help people quit smoking, prevent those who haven’t used
tobacco from ever starting and reduce the number of people who get sick and die from tobacco use.
However, what the tobacco companies are selling with their new campaigns is not effective harm
reduction. Tobacco companies created today’s public health problem by manufacturing and promoting
addictive tobacco products. They are the cause of the problem – not the solution.
Tobacco companies cannot be trusted to reduce tobacco use. The tobacco industry has a long history of
introducing new “reduced harm” products (e.g. “light” and “low tar” cigarettes) to address the known
health risks of smoking, but in fact, those products have led to more people smoking, fewer people
quitting, and greater suffering and death – the exact opposite of harm reduction. And now, the companies
claim their new tobacco products – e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products – will
reduce harm, but they are marketing them as lifestyle products and using age-old tactics to attract young
people and those who don’t use tobacco.
Effective harm reduction would not allow tobacco products to be marketed in ways that will attract non-
tobacco users, create new or increased addiction, or deter people from quitting. Most of today’s smokers
are older adults aged 45-64,12 yet the tobacco companies’ marketing strategies for their so -called harm
reduction products, such as sponsoring music festivals or exclusive music concerts, capitalizing on viral
social media trends, and selling candy-flavored products, are aimed at young people. These tactics have
been successful, as survey data show that use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is higher among
young adults compared to older adults.13 14 In addition, nearly 60% of adult e-cigarette users continue to
smoke cigarettes or have never been smokers in the first place.15
Instead of supporting evidence-based policies that will reduce tobacco use, tobacco companies still
spend more than $8 billion per year to market deadly and addictive cigarettes and other combustible
tobacco products, still develop products with kid-friendly flavors and sleek designs, and still fight policies
that are proven to reduce tobacco use. The tobacco industry claims to be promoting harm reduction, but
their goal is to addict new customers, sell more products, and increase profits.
Restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products will help to keep tobacco companies’ addictive products
out of the hands of young people and help encourage people to quit.
New and Emerging Tobacco Products Are Not Proven Cessation Products
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Despite what tobacco companies claim, leading public health authorities in the United States have found
that there is not enough evidence to recommend e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, or heated tobacco
products for smoking cessation.
The 2020 Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking Cessation concluded that “there is presently inadequate
evidence to conclude that e-cigarettes, in general, increase smoking cessation.”16 Further, there is limited
evidence to suggest that flavored e-cigarettes help people who smoke to quit. Tobacco companies have
been unable to provide evidence that any flavors in e-cigarettes are necessary for switching or quitting.
Instead, we know that flavors attract young people to start and keep using e-cigarettes.17
There is no evidence demonstrating that nicotine pouches are a safe or effective way to quit smoking. A
2025 systematic review of available studies concluded, “There is limited evidence on the use of ONP for
cessation or reduction of cigarette use. There is no evidence on the use of ONP for cessation or reduction
of other tobacco or nicotine products or on the effects of ONP on prevalence of tobacco use/nicotine
vaping.”18
Similarly, heated tobacco products have not been proven to help people who smoke to quit. A 2022
systematic review of the available evidence concluded, “No studies reported on the use of heated
tobacco for cigarette smoking cessation, so their effectiveness for this purpose remains uncertain.”19
Nicotine is Not Harmless
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco products, including e -cigarettes, nicotine
pouches, and heated tobacco products, that impacts the body in many different ways.20 Addiction to
nicotine is the fundamental reason people continue using tobacco products when they want to quit.21
However, the impact of nicotine extends beyond addiction.
The Surgeon General has found that youth use of nicotine in any form is unsafe, making any use of
nicotine-based products by youth a serious concern.22 Nicotine can harm the adolescent brain, which
continues to develop until about age 25, impacting learning, memory and attention.23 Further, nicotine can
prime the adolescent brain for addiction to other drugs.24
Nicotine is also far from harmless to adults. It contributes to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease
among smokers.25 Nicotine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, impact the flow of blood to the heart,
narrow arteries around the heart, and contribute to the hardening of the arterial walls.26
This issue is simple. It’s about protecting our kids from the unrelenting efforts of the tobacco
industry to addict them. By prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products, Crystal would
join over 30 cities and counties in Minnesota, and over 420 cities nationwide, that have already
enacted restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco products.
Thank you for considering a strong and comprehensive policy without exemptions. This
ordinance will save lives in Crystal.
Sincerely,
Carrie L. Arblaster
Director, U.S. Midwestern Region
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
carblaster@tobaccofreekids.org
7.1
1 U.S. Department of Health and Huma Services. Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the
Surgeon General (p.9). 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 .
2 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Toll of Tobacco in Minnesota, https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/problem/toll-us/minnesota.
3 Helgertz SR. Teens and Commercial Tobacco in Minnesota: Highlights from the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey: Minnesota Ce nter
for Health Statistics, Minnesota Department of Health, May 2024.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/data/mchs/surveys/tobacco/docs/teenscommercialtobacco2023.pdf .
4 FDA. Preliminary Scientific Evaluation of the Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol versus Nonmenthol Cigarettes (2013).
5 HHS, Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the Surgeon General, 2024, at 74.
6 HHS, Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the Surgeon General, 2024, at 74.
7 CDC, Menthol Fact Sheets—Minnesota, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/menthol/state-menthol-fact-sheets.html#MN.
8 Helgertz SR. Teens and Commercial Tobacco in Minnesota: Highlights from the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey: Minnesota Ce nter
for Health Statistics, Minnesota Department of Health, May 2024.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/data/mchs/surveys/tobacco/docs/teenscommercialtobacco2023.pdf .
9 Diaz, MC, et al., “Bigger, stronger and cheaper: growth in e-cigarette market driven by disposable devices with more e-liquid, higher nicotine
concentration and declining prices,” Tobacco Control, published online August 3, 2023.
10 Helgertz SR. Teens and Commercial Tobacco in Minnesota: Highlights from the 2023 Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey: Minnesota Center
for Health Statistics, Minnesota Department of Health, May 2024.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/data/mchs/surveys/tobacco/docs/teenscommercialtobacco2023.pdf .
11 Park-Lee, E., et al., “E-Cigarette and Nicotine Pouch Use Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2024,” MMWR
73(35):774-778, September 5, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/pdfs/mm7335a3-H.pdf.
12 Agaku, I, “Tobacco Product Use among U.S. Adults, 2023 –2024,” NEJM Evidence, 5(4), 2026, DOI: 10.1056/EVIDpha2500339.
13 Agaku, I, “Tobacco Product Use among U.S. Adults, 2023 –2024,” NEJM Evidence, 5(4), 2026, DOI: 10.1056/EVIDpha2500339.
14 University of Michigan, Nicotine pouch, cannabis, vaping, psychedelic use on the rise among US adults, August 26, 2025,
https://news.umich.edu/nicotine-pouch-cannabis-vaping-psychedelic-use-on-the-rise-among-us-adults/.
15 CDC, “Tobacco Product Use Among Adults – United States, 2022 – 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Highlights,” September 10, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/media/pdfs/2024/09/cdc-osh-ncis-data-report-508.pdf.
16 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Surgeon General, “Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon
General,” 2020 https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2020-cessation-sgr-full-report.pdf.
17 U.S. Department of Health and Huma Services. Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities —A Report of the
Surgeon General (p.9). 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 .
18 Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, Oral nicotine pouches for cessation or reduction of use of other tobacco or nicotine products ,
October 24, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD016220.pub2.
19 Tattan-Birch H, et al., Heated tobacco products for smoking cessation and reducing smoking prevalence, Cochrane Database of Systemat ic
Reviews, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD013790. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2, 2022,
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013790.pub2/epdf/full .
20 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the
Surgeon General. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/50-years-of- progress/index.html.
21 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for
Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2010.
22 HHS, E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2016.
23 HHS. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Centers for Disease Control a nd
Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/50-years-of-progress/index.html.
24 HHS, E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2016.
25 HHS. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Centers for Disease Control a nd
Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/50-years-of-progress/index.html.
26 HHS. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. 2014; HHS, How Tobacco Smoke
Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General, Centers for Di sease
Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53017/.; Münzel T, et al. Nicotine and the
cardiovascular system: unmasking a global public health threat. European Heart Journal. 2025 Dec 18:ehaf1010.
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September 7, 2026
Dear Crystal City Mayor, City Council Members, and City Manager,
My name is Zahra Janoowalla, and I am submitting this letter of support on behalf of
Parents Against Vaping, a national nonprofit with parent volunteers here in Minnesota who
are deeply concerned about the impact of youth vaping and tobacco use on our children and
families. As parents, we know how difficult it can be to watch our kids navigate an
environment where addictive nicotine products are made to look appealing, affordable, and
harmless. We are committed to protecting young people from the tobacco and vaping
industries, which use enticing flavors, aggressive marketing, and other tactics to hook kids
on nicotine.
Parents Against Vaping strongly supports your proposed updates to the commercial tobacco
ordinance, which would end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, prohibit
tobacco coupons and price discounts, establish minimum prices for commercial tobacco
products, and cap the number of tobacco store licenses. These commonsense policies are an
important step toward protecting our community and making it harder for the tobacco and
vaping industries to reach and addict our kids. Parents should not have to worry that the
products being marketed to their children are intentionally designed to make nicotine easier
to start and harder to quit.
Flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, make tobacco
products more appealing and mask the harshness of nicotine. Nearly 90% of youth who use
tobacco products report using flavored products, demonstrating just how effective these
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products are at attracting young people. Once kids become addicted to nicotine, the
consequences can follow them for years. Nicotine can disrupt the developing brain and
affect attention, learning, impulse control, and mood, while addiction can make it incredibly
difficult for young people to stop using these products.
The policies you are considering will help address the problem from multiple angles by
limiting access to flavored products, reducing incentives that make tobacco products
cheaper, and limiting the number of retailers selling them. Together, these measures send a
powerful message that our communities will not allow the tobacco and vaping industries to
put profits ahead of the health of our children.
On behalf of Parents Against Vaping and families who want their children to grow up
healthy and free from nicotine addiction, I urge you to adopt these important updates to the
Crystal City commercial tobacco ordinance. Your leadership will protect young people,
strengthen public health, and set an example for communities across Minnesota. Most
importantly, it puts accountability where it belongs, with the businesses and industry
profiting from these addictive products, not with the kids being targeted by them.
Thank you for your leadership and for taking action to protect Crystal City’s children and
families.
Sincerely,
Zahra Janoowalla
Associate Director of Advocacy and Volunteers
Parents Against Vaping
7.1
THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY TARGETS YOUTN WITH JLAVORED TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS, BUT THERE'S NOTHING SWEET ABOUT IT.
Deor t-to. '/"r Ves i. I E'I' a,,J .f'e,"" �en .>.� t 2rLI f
IBig Tobacco uses flavor d productsi��:-fro�t-1N !550Minnesotans, LGBTQ+ people, and 9��8,mq!I.qliti�-Th�-" . L . industry uses thousands of flavors h\' htg?'F-'h.ictJtM�O ,..,.. .... 1 f L e-cigarettes to hook kids, ranging from apple and mango f to cotton candy and m1nt/menthol. Cigars, chewing ! tobacco, brunt wraps, hookah end shish.o e also targeted j to kids and sold in fruit, candy, dessert and novelty flavors. '
Minnesota should end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products -including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah and smokeless tobacco. Ending flavored commercial tobacco sales will prevent youth addiction and create a healthier future for everyone. Sincerely, Name: ( / Cl C j •---'-'�----------i
l "y>·L I ,,1 '"::y .:,,r �rJ1 [v ,.A(·,· \Lf It, I 0.1'41 J{A s Dr. /J.try5+c. t fv'l N �5"4zz-lr1t
City,( / l, , • j_ z;p, � I ul •p fl ,.,_t�•,1 'a" •I .. ,,11111.:11,Jll ,1 It ,f,lj Ill" •P1JJ 11'1WWW.A SR l,a
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
September 8, 2026
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
fightcancer.org/mn
Dear Mayor Deshler and Members of the Crystal City Council,
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nonprofit, non-partisan advocacy affiliate of
the American Cancer Society, advocates for public policy to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
We want to thank the Crystal City Council for considering an ordinance with measures to reduce availability and
appeal of commercial tobacco and nicotine products in Crystal.
This year in Minnesota, nearly 40,000 people will hear the words “you have cancer.” The good news is that the
five-year relative survival rate for all cancers continues to improve. Much of the success in fighting cancer is due to
public policy. Some of the most critical cancer decisions are not made in the doctor’s office, but instead by elected
officials. Smart public policy is a key driver of cancer prevention, improved survival rates, and fewer cancer deaths.
We strongly support ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other commercial flavored tobacco products,
prohibiting the issuance of new tobacco licenses, , establishing minimum prices for tobacco products and ending
price discounts.
The measures you are considering will help protect youth and other communities targeted by the tobacco industry
from the addiction and negative health effects associated with commercial tobacco use as well as support those
who are trying to quit.
On behalf of ACS CAN, thank you for considering this important public health policy to reduce commercial tobacco
addiction, prevent cancer, and improve the health of Crystal residents. Please support this ordinance.
Sincerely,
Britta Babel
Senior Grassroots Manager
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
7.1
Memorandum
DATE: September 9, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Abdo Financial Solutions
Natalie Doran, Abdo Financial Solutions
SUBJECT: Consideration of Resolutions Adopting the Proposed 2027 Property Tax Levies, 2027
Preliminary General Fund budget, setting the Public Input date as required by Truth in
Taxation regulations and setting the 2027 HRA levy.
Background
The City Council has held work sessions to discuss property tax revenues and budget proposals. The
outcomes of these budget work sessions are to provide for a preliminary property tax levy increase of
$1,715,662 recognizing the City has the opportunity to reduce the overall property tax levy before the final
certification is due on December 31, 2026, however; the property tax levy may not be increased. The
overall levy is proposed to increase by 7.66%.
The emphasis for the 2027 budget has been to focus on meeting current service demands of the
community and legislative mandates, provide competitive wages and benefits to retain quality people,
provide effective and efficient services to our residents and businesses, to continue to invest in future
capital needs including Parks and Street Improvements, and to plan for increases in fund balance
reserves to meet target levels.
Throughout the last couple months staff and council reviewed overall revenues and expenditures. To
continue to achieve the initiatives mentioned above, the levy is being proposed to increase by 7.66% from
2026. The budget includes funding for the potential US Senate Special Election, investment in capital
initiatives, and continued investment in General Fund reserves.
While property taxes support approximately 78% of General Fund activity, they also support parks, street
reconstruction and the police revolving fund throughout the city. In addition, property taxes support,
through internal service fund allocations, fleet, buildings and information technology. Increasing costs in
all of those areas require additional funding to ensure those funds can sustain the capital acquisitions
costs over the upcoming years.
It is important to maintain healthy reserves as local governments rely heavily on property tax revenue and
need to have sufficient cash flow between property tax collection cycles to maintain operations. The
2027 budget reflects a planned transfer of $500,000 towards the general fund reserves.
Public Input
8.1
The City Council must announce a date, time and place for a public meeting where the budget and tax
levy will be discussed. During this meeting, citizens are encouraged to speak on the budget and property
tax levy being proposed for 2027.
Staff recommends setting December 1, 2026, as the Public Input date for the 2027 property tax levy and
budget.
In addition to the Public Input meeting on December 1, 2026, there will be a presentation held on October
6, 2026, to allow for public comment.
Conclusion
The City Council is requested to consider approving the 2027 proposed property tax levy, 2027
preliminary General Fund Budget, set the Truth in Taxation Public Input date for December 1, 2026, and
approve the 2027 proposed HRA levy.
2027 LEVY
2027
Proposed
2027 Increase
(Decrease)
2027 %
Change
General levy 21,839,966$ 1,875,762$ 9.40
Capital Improvements
Police Equipment Revolving 97,855 1,919 2.00
Park Improvement 1,039,906 (87,281) (7.74)
Street Construction 604,615 (95,050) (13.59)
Total Capital Improvements levy 1,742,376 (180,412) (9.38)
EDA 538,299 20,312 3.92
Total levy $ 24,120,641 $ 1,715,662 7.66
8.1
RESOLUTION NO. 26-______
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2027 PROPOSED ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.090 to 469.108 (the “EDA Act”), the City Council of
the City of Crystal created the City of New Crystal Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”); and
WHEREAS, Section 469.033, subdivision 6 of the Act authorizes the Authority to levy a tax upon all taxable
property within the City to be expended for the purposed authorized by the EDA Act; and
WHEREAS, such levy may be in an amount not to exceed .0185 percent of estimated market value of the City;
and
WHEREAS, the Authority has filed its budget for the special benefit levy in accordance with the budget procedures
of the City in the amount of $538,299; and
WHEREAS, based upon such budgets the Authority will levy all or such portion of the authorized levy as it
deems necessary and proper;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Crystal City Council:
1. That approval is hereby given for the Authority to levy, for taxes payable in 2027, such tax upon the
taxable property of the City as the Authority may determine, subject to the limitations contained in the
EDA Act.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council on September 15, 2026
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council September 15, 2026
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
8.1
RESOLUTION NO. 26-______
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET, 2027
PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY, SET PUBLIC INPUT DATE
FOR THE 2027 BUDGET AND PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal is required by Section 7.05 of the City of Crystal Charter and State law to
approve a resolution setting forth an annual tax levy to the Hennepin County Auditor; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statues require approval of a preliminary property tax levy and preliminary budget on
or before September 30th of each year; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has received the proposed budget document;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Crystal that the General Fund
2027 budget shall be as follows:
8.1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Crystal, Hennepin County, Minnesota,
that the following sums of money be levied for collection in 2027 upon the taxable property within the City of
Crystal for the following purposes:
The EDA Levy cannot exceed .0185% of estimated market value of all property located within the City of
Crystal.
And
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Truth in Taxation Public Input meeting will be held on December 1,
2026, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to transmit this
information to the County Auditor of Hennepin County, Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Revenue,
if applicable, in the format requested as required by law.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 15th day of September 2026.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council September 15, 2026
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
8.1
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 11, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
RE: Consider second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending council salaries
and approving language for summary publication.
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
8.3
month’s report to use in the calculation. Staff proposes using the June Report, which
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 Council is asked to consider approval and adoption of the second reading and the
resolution approving language for summary publication.
Requested City Council Action
Recommend approval and adoption of the second reading of the proposed ordinance
amendments and language for summary publication resolution.
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)
Resolution Approving Summary Language for Publication of Ordinance No. 2026-XX
8.3
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 $11,189.14
The city council may enact an ordinance to adjust the salaries of the mayor and the other councilmembers
as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 415.11.
Subd. 2. Salary Adjustments. On or before December 1 of even-numbered years beginning in 2018,
tThe annual salaries of the city mayor and other members of the city council shall be adjusted, as
provided in this subdivision, with an effective date of January 1 in the following year. The salaries shall
be adjusted and fixed by increasing them in by the same amount as the most current percentage increase
of the annual June CPI-W report as published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics(CPI-U) in the
Compensation Limit for Local Government Employees annually published by the Minnesota Office of
Management and Budget, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 43A.17. Notwithstanding any decrease
in the CPI-W, the salaries of the mayor and other members of the city council shall not be reduced and
shall remain at the salary established for the preceding year.
ARTICLE II. Effective Date. This ordinance is effective upon adoption and 30 days after
publication.
BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
First Reading: September 1, 2026
Second Reading: __________, 20____
Council Adoption:_________, 20____
Publication:
Effective Date:
8.3
Organization Job Title # of
incumbents
Average Annual
Wage ($)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$
8.3
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – XX
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY LANGUAGE
FOR PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-XX
WHEREAS, the Crystal City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-13 “AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING SECTION 211 OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF ELECTED
OFFICIALS” at its meeting held on September 15, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Section 3.12 of the Crystal City Charter and Section 110.13 of the Crystal City
Code indicate that ordinances approved by the City Council will be published in summary form
and that the City Council is to approve the form of the summary; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and
summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal that the
following summary language is hereby approved for publication of the Ordinance:
CITY OF CRYSTAL
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-__
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 211 OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE No. 2026-XX
Ordinance No. 2026-XX was approved by the city council on September 15, 2026. A
printed copy of the full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the office
of the city clerk.
The City Council adopted the above-referenced ordinance amending Section 211 of the
Crystal City Code pertaining to salaries of elected officials. Effective January 1, 2027, the
annual salary of the city mayor will be $14,544.79, and the salary for the other city council
members will be $11,189.14. A copy of the full text of the ordinance is available on the
City’s website and by contacting the City.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to do each of
the following:
1. Publish the approved summary language once in the City’s official newspaper;
2. Place a copy of this Resolution, the full text of the Ordinance, and the affidavit of publication of
the summary language in the City’s ordinance book;
8.3
3. Make the full text of the Ordinance available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk
during the City’s regular business hours;
4. Incorporate the text of the Ordinance into the Crystal City Code; and
5. Post the updated Crystal City Code on the City’s website.
Adopted this 15th day of September 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
8.3
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Sept. 11, 2026
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
Immediately following the City Council meeting
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. 15, 2026, at _____
p.m. electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Eidbo ____ Bell ____ Sutter
____ Kamish ____ Tierney ____ Serres
____ Kiser ____ Therres
____ Onesirosan ____ Elholm
____ Budziszewski ____ Hubbard
____ Cummings ____ Kunde
____ Deshler ____ Struve
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1) Recreation Department quarterly update.*
2) Blue Line Extension design update.
3) Council liaison reports.*
4) Constituent issues update.*
5) City manager update.*
6) New business.*
7) 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.
Memorandum
DATE: September 8, 2026
TO: Crystal City Council
FROM: Christopher Jao, Transit Project Coordinator
SUBJECT: Bass Lake Road Bridge: City Name Font Style
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On May 28th, 2026, City staff met with Project staff on the design of the Bass Lake Road bridge.
During this meeting, City staff inquired about adding the City name, “City of Crystal”, to the bridge
structure. Project staff was receptive to the request, initially sharing an example from an Illinois
highway using individually mounted metal letters.
At the most recent Design Resolution Team (DRT) meeting, Project staff presented an updated
exhibit showing the City name inlaid directly into the concrete wall at a 1 inch depth. To comply
with MnDOT standards, the lettering is positioned directly over the sidewalk areas for both
eastbound and westbound traffic.
FONT OPTIONS
Project staff originally presented a standard, highly legible font. City staff requested a secondard
exhibit using “Benguiat, the font used in the City’s recently updated branding guidelines.
Project staff cautioned against selecting an overly stylized font to ensure the concrete inlaw
remains timeless, as municipal branding may evolve over the life of the structure.
OPTIONS FOR REVIEW
- Option A – Benguiat Font
o Matches the City’s current official font branding
- Option B – Standard Font
o A clean, highly legible design recommended by Project staff
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff requests that City Council review the attached exhibits and select a preferred font option so
the design team can finalize the bridge wall specifications for the 100% plan submittal.
BLUE LINE LRT EXTENSION
August 31, 2026
Bass Lake Rd Bridge Visual Quality
East Elevation View with City Signage - Option 2
0’5’10’
EB BASS LK RD WB BASS LK RD
NB BOTTINEAU BLVD
SIGNAGE DETAIL ON EXTERIOR OF CONCRETE BARRIER
STATION AREA WALK WALK
COPING (+2”)
FACE OF BARRIER (0”)
RAISED SIGNAGE BACKGROUND (+1”)
RECESSED TEXT WITH BLACK STAIN, 18” TALL, BENGUIAT FONT (0”)
BRIDGE DECK (+2”)
CONCRETE GIRDER
Note: The same sign would be located on the other side of bridge adjacent to the EB lanes.
BLUE LINE LRT EXTENSION
August 31, 2026
Bass Lake Rd Bridge Visual Quality
East Elevation View with City Signage - Option 1
0’5’10’
EB BASS LK RD WB BASS LK RD
NB BOTTINEAU BLVD
SIGNAGE DETAIL ON EXTERIOR OF CONCRETE BARRIER
STATION AREA WALK WALK
COPING (+2”)
FACE OF BARRIER (0”)
RAISED SIGNAGE BACKGROUND (+1”)
RECESSED TEXT WITH BLACK STAIN, 18” TALL, LUCIDA SANS FONT (0”)
BRIDGE DECK (+2”)
CONCRETE GIRDER
Note: The same sign would be located on the other side of bridge adjacent to the EB lanes.
Memorandum
DATE: September 9, 2026
TO: Crystal City Council
FROM: Christopher Jao, Transit Project Coordinator
SUBJECT: West Side of Bottineau Blvd. & 47th Ave N. - Boulevard & Trail Width
______________________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
To provide the City Council with an update regarding the proposed trail and boulevard geometry
along 47th Ave N & Bottineau Blvd. (CSAH 81) in the current 90% design plans for the METRO Blue
Line Extension project, and to present City staff’s technical evaluation regarding the preservation
of the existing city trail, boulevard, and trees.
BACKGROUND
During the 2013 reconstruction of Bottineau Boulevard (CSAH 81), the City of Crystal contributed
$2,539,682 toward right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions required by Hennepin County. This city-funded
investment specifically included Parcel #3 (4711 Lakeland Ave N) to establish a paved mixed-use
trail, a minimum 10-foot boulevard, and trees along the west side of Bottineau Boulevard near 47th
Ave N.
In reviewing the 60% and 90% design plans, City Staff identified that the current design narrows
the existing 10-foot boulevard down to 6 feet and removes three city-funded boulevard trees.
Staff raised formal technical comments during the 60% review phase (July 2025) and follow-up
inquiries in August 2026 requesting that the 10-foot boulevard footprint and tree canopy be fully
restored.
KEY DETAILS
- The City previously co-funded the acquisition of Parcel #3 specifically to secure a wide
corridor accommodating both the 8-foot mixed-use trail, a 10-foot boulevard to separate
pedestrians from high-speed traffic, and trees in the boulevard.
- City staff conducted on-site field measurements of the noted boulevard and confirmed
that the existing boulevard widths currently range between 10 and 11+ feet, with an 8-
foot-wide trail.
- The 90% design layout shifts the trail into property limits without maintaining the full 10-
foot boulevard, resulting in a net loss of the existing boulevard and trees.
NEXT STEPS & RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION
City staff has consolidated these technical findings into the attached 47th Ave N Boulevard
Assessment Report. Staff submitted this report directly to Metro Transit and Hennepin County
project leadership prior to the finalization of 100% design plans, which is estimated for the end of
September.
This item is presented for Council discussion and information. Staff recommends maintaining the
City’s formal position that project plans must preserve the 10-foot boulevard and trees as they
exist today.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
City of Crystal 47th Ave N Boulevard Assessment Report
Location: Bottineau Blvd & 47th Ave N
Review Date: August 31, 2026
Description: Crystal City staff performed a site visit and took field measurements to compare
against 90% design plans. This assessment compares designed boulevards with existing
conditions to understand current conditions and guide final design.
Finding A:
• Fact: During the construction of Bottineau Boulevard (CSAH 81) as it sits today, the City
paid for an acquisition of Parcel #3 (4711 Lakeland), which provides space for a trail and a
minimum 10 ft. boulevard with landscaping. It was one of many acquisitions for which
Hennepin County required the City of Crystal to pay 50% of the cost. These acquisitions
were necessary to create a wider corridor to accommodate the 6-lane design that was
required by the county. In total, Hennepin County required the City of Crystal to pay
$2,539,682 towards acquisition costs for the 2013 CSAH 81 reconstruction (project
#0119). These figures do not include the county-required contributions towards
construction, engineering, and other costs of these two CSAH 81 projects.
Figure 1 – Image of existing boulevard & trees
Figure 2 – An aerial image showing the location of the boulevard and trail.
Figure 3 – 2010 acquisitions, final county spreadsheet excerpt
Figure 4 – 2009-2010 acquisitions, W side N of 47th
Finding B:
• Fact: City staff raised concerns about the redesigned trail and boulevard during 60%
design review on 7/18.
• Observation: City staff did not request this as a “nice to have” but instead listed it as
required to restore existing conditions, which were created as part of a larger construction
project with a substantial city-funded contribution.
Figure 5 – 60% Design Comments
Figure 6 – 60% Design Plans
Finding C:
• Fact: Blue Line Extension Project Staff addressed the city’s comment by moving the trail to
add a boulevard.
• Observation: It appears the trail was shifted into the property limits of 4711 Lakeland Ave
N, Crystal, MN 55429. The designed turn lane, including the holding bay and taper, remains
unchanged from 60% design
Figure 7 – 90% Design Plans
Finding D:
• Fact: On 8/4/2026, Crystal requested more information from project staff with respect to
the 10 ft. boulevard, acquisition of easements, and replacement of trees in the boulevard
• Fact: Project staff met with the city’s liaison to discuss existing conditions, changes made
between 60% and 90% design, and offered to replace one of the three trees being removed,
despite it not being county standard. Project staff did not propose a design change to
accommodate the 10 ft. boulevard.
Figure 8 – Email requesting more information
Finding E:
• Fact: City staff performed a site visit to assess existing conditions. City staff found that the
boulevards exceeded 10 ft. and, in some instances, exceeded 11 ft. City staff found that
trail width was 8 ft.
• Observation: City staff has asked project staff to maintain a 10’ boulevard. Maintaining a
10 ft. boulevard does not replace what is existing there today.
Figure 9 – Field measurements taken by the City staff
Figure 10 – Field measurement at light pole parallel with Byron Ave N
Figure 11 – Field measurement at the northernmost of the three trees being removed
Figure 12 – Field measurement at the middle of the three trees being removed
Figure 13 – Field measurement at the southernmost of the three trees being removed
Analysis: City staff raised concerns early in the project design and asked multiple times for the
boulevard to be consistent with existing conditions. The current layout does not maintain existing
conditions and significantly reduces the city-funded boulevard and removes the city-funded trees.
The project should acquire the additional right-of-way necessary to maintain the existing
conditions: a minimum 10 ft. boulevard and three trees in the boulevard. In addition, to restore the
full 10 ft. boulevard without property impacts, project staff should explore the size of the storage
bay and taper, specifically evaluating a standard urban taper of 10:1 or less per MnDOT Facility
Design Guide Section 6:5-3.01.03.