2026.04.21 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: April 17, 2026
City Council Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m.
City council work session to discuss:
1. Police Department security briefing – closed session.*
(This portion of the work session may be closed pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.05, subd. 3(d), for the
purpose of receiving a security briefing.)
2. Police Department quarterly update.*
3. Council liaison update.*
4. Constituent issues update.*
5. City manager update.*
6. New business.*
7. Council comments and announcements.*
Council Chambers/Zoom
7 p.m. City council meeting Council Chambers/Zoom
Immediately
following the city
council meeting
Continuation of city council work session, if necessary Council Chambers/Zoom
Per the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.02, council members may participate by interactive
technology.
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting through one of the methods identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council work session and regular meeting
Time: April 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m., Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83476067696?pwd=Aa69uoOYZNb6Ek6dJBY6oGFq8yVkWm.1
Meeting ID: 834 7606 7696 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/krhKttde0
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: April 17, 2026
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the Crystal City Council work session was held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at _____
p.m. electronically via Zoom and in the council chambers at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N.,
Crystal, Minnesota. If the agenda items are not completed in time for the regular city council
meeting at 7 p.m., the meeting will be continued and resumed immediately following the city
council meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Deshler ____ Bell
____ Eidbo ____ Tierney
____ Kamish ____ Therres
____ Kiser ____ Elholm
____ Onesirosan ____ Hubbard
____ Budziszewski ____ Kunde
____ Cummings ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda item s:
1) Police Department security briefing – closed session.*
(This portion of the work session may be closed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section
13D.05, subd. 3(d), for the purpose of receiving a security briefing.)
2) Police Department quarterly 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.
Page 1 of 2
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: April 17, 2026
City Council Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, April 21, 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 Communications Manager Mike Peterson will share a presentation for the 2026 Neighbors
Recognizing Neighbors Awards.
4. Consent Agenda
The council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature,
in a single motion:
4.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The city council meeting on April 7, 2026.
b. The city council work session on April 7, 2026.
c. The city council work session on April 9, 2026.
4.2 Approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance department.
4.3 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk.
4.4 Adoption of a resolution accepting a donation.
4.5 Approval of the appointment of Mary Serie to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4.6 Approval of the appointment of Jenna Wolf to the Sustainability Commission.
4.7 Acceptance of the resignations of Shannan Paul from the Inclusion and Diversity Commission
and Debra Schaber from the Parks and Recreation Commission.*
4.8 Adoption of a resolution declaring several diseased trees on private properties as public
nuisances and order them abated.
4.9 Adoption of a resolution authorizing a forestry services agreement with the City of Brooklyn
Center for a Natural Resources Coordinator.
Page 2 of 2
5. Open Forum
(The city council appreciates hearing from citizens about items of concern and desires to set aside
time during each meeting for open forum. To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is
limited to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to ten minutes. The mayor may, as
presiding officer, extend the total time allowed for a topic. By rule, no action may be taken on any
item brought before the council during open forum. The council may place items discussed
during open forum onto subsequent council meeting agendas.)
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 The council will consider a resolution approving a conditional use permit request for
Robbinsdale Area Schools to repurpose FAIR School at 3915 Adair Ave. N.
The school district plans to end the middle school program at FAIR School, 3915 Adair Ave. N.,
and repurpose the building for Robbinsdale Virtual Academy, Highview Academy, and the
school district’s administrative offices. The property is zoned R-1 Low Density Residential, and
these uses are allowed in the R-1 district by conditional use permit (CUP). Staff has reviewed
the application and recommended approval. On April 13, the Planning Commission held the
public hearing and unanimously recommended approval with the findings of fact and
conditions contained in the staff report. City Council action on the CUP approval resolution is
requested.
7. Council Comments and Announcements
a. The Crystal Historical Society Open House is Saturday, April 25, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the
Rockford Road Library.
b. The Crystal Police Department Open House is Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 4141
Douglas Dr. N.
c. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall
and via Zoom.
d. Metro Transit will have a community update meeting about the Blue Line Extension project on
Thursday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m. at the Crystal Community Center.
e. The city is accepting applications for several volunteer positions on our boards and
commissions. For more information, please visit go.crystalmn.gov/volunteer.
f. City council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous
meetings are available for viewing and listening at www.crystalmn.gov.
8. Adjournment
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; stay healthy. See you at Tuesday’s meeting.
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
2026 Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards and Video
Presentation
DATE: April 8, 2026
FROM: City Manager Adam R. Bell
TO: Mayor and City Council
RE: 2026 Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards
Background
Since 2017, the City of Crystal has honored those who make our city a wonderful place to live
and work with its Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors awards program.
Early each year, the city seeks nominations from residents wishing to recognize a neighbor for
their kindness and helpfulness. This year, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the
nominations and picked seven winners for 2026.
The winners were invited to the council meeting and several are here today.
Our great neighbors recently received their inscribed crystal awards, and a video presentation
was created to honor them and their contributions to our community.
In this presentation, we will hear about winners Jimmy and Katie Boortz, Jim Johnson, Aron
Peterson, Peter Puffer, Chuck Kendall, Craig and Yvette Hewitt and Vere Vollmers.
3.1
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 7, 2026
Page 1 of 3
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council meeting was held on April 7, 2026, at 7:02 p.m. in the council chambers at city
hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Deshler asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the following
attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Recreation Director J. Elholm, Police
Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief J. Kunde,
Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community Development Director J. Sutter, and City
Clerk C. Serres.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Deshler led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Approval of Agenda
The council considered approval of the agenda.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Kiser 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 meeting on March 17, 2026.
b.The city council work session on March 17, 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.
3.4 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-43, accepting donations.
3.5 Approval of the appointment of Kelsi McNutt to the Planning Commission.
3.6 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-44, authorizing the purchase of a portable generator for the
Public Works Department.
3.7 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-45, authorizing the purchase of a replacement engineering
truck.
3.8 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-46, awarding contracts for the 2026 Utility Reconstruction
Project and professional construction services for the project.
3.9 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-47, awarding a contract for the 2026 Mill and Overlay Project.
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 7, 2026
Page 2 of 3
3.10 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-48, entering into an agreement for concrete, bituminous, and
related work in Forest School and Woodland parks.
3.11 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-49, entering into an agreement for construction of a soccer field
in North Lions Park.
3.12 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-50, establishing dates and offices for the 2026 municipal
election.
3.13 Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-51, governing write-in vote counting.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member Cummings to approve the
consent agenda.
Motion carried.
4. Open Forum
No public comment was given during open forum.
5. Regular Agenda
5.1 The council considered the second reading of an ordinance amending the zoning map to expand
the Town Center base district and a resolution approving summary language for publication.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the council.
Moved by Council Member Cummings and seconded by Council Member Eidbo to adopt the
following ordinance:
ORDINANCE 2026 - 02
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
IN CHAPTER V OF THE CRYSTAL CITY CODE
And further, that this is the second and final reading.
Voting aye: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Motion carried.
Moved by Council Member Cummings and seconded by Council Member Eidbo to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – 52
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY LANGUAGE
FOR PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-02
Voting aye: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.2 The council considered civil penalties for violation of liquor license regulations by PurpleRose
Lounge Corporation d/b/a PurpleRose Lounge, located at 5526 West Broadway.
City Manager Adam R. Bell addressed the council.
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes April 7, 2026
Page 3 of 3
Moved by Council Member Eidbo and seconded by Council Member Kamish that, based on the
staff report, including the findings contained therein and the other information presented
regarding this matter, a penalty of $1,500 and a five-day license suspension be imposed in this
case. In addition, staff will notify the licensee that for any future violations, the city will consider
prior penalties imposed by the City and the State, which may result in increased penalties, up to
and including license revocation.
By roll call voting aye: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Budziszewski, and Cummings.
Voting nay: Onesirosan.
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 Cummings to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
___________________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
4.1(a)
Crystal City Council work session minutes April 7, 2026
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council work session was held at 6:31 p.m. on April 7, 2026, in the upper community
room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to
order.
I.Attendance
The city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Cummings, Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, City Attorney R. Tierney, Recreation Director J. Elholm,
Police Chief B. Hubbard, Deputy Police Chief P. Underthun, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief J.
Kunde, Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve, Community Development Director J. Sutter,
Transit Project Coordinator C. Jao, and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Update on Blue Line Extension 90% plans.
At 6:58 p.m., Mayor Deshler recessed the work session.
Mayor Deshler reconvened the work session at 8:06 p.m. to continue discussion of the following
agenda items:
2)Franchise fees update.
3)Future park projects.
4)Social media policy.
5)Constituent issues update.
6)New business.
7)Council comments and announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
4.1(b)
Crystal City Council work session minutes April 9, 2026
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the Crystal City Council work session was held at 6:33 p.m. on April 9, 2026, in the upper community
room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN, and via Zoom. Mayor Deshler called the meeting to
order.
I.Attendance
The city manager recorded the attendance for city council members and staff:
Council members present: Deshler, Eidbo, Kamish, Kiser, Onesirosan, and Budziszewski.
Council members absent: Cummings.
Inclusion and Diversity commissioners present: Haltson, Knox, and Sminesvik.
City staff present: City Manager A. Bell, Recreation Director J. Elholm, Police Chief B. Hubbard,
Administrative Program Specialist S. Nissen, and Public Works Director/City Engineer J. Struve.
II.Agenda
The council and staff discussed the following agenda items:
1)Commission candidate interviews.
2)Joint work session with the Inclusion and Diversity Commission.
3)Utility rate overview.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Adam R. Bell, City Manager
4.1(c)
DATE: April 14, 2025
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM: Jodi Bursheim, Contracted Finance Director
RE: Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
Center for Energy & Environment Home Improvement Grants $25,931.29
Metropolitan Council March Sewer Access Charge $54,123.30
Compass Minerals America 2025-2026 Winter Road Salt $27,939.67
LMCIT Q2 2026 Property & Casualty Insurance $69,709.00
MN PERA Employee & City Required Contributions for 3/27/26 Pay Date $88,289.94
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 3/27/26 Pay Date $92,150.70
IRS - EFTPS Federal & FICA Withholding Taxes for 4/10/26 Pay Date $88,049.56
$446,193.46
Description
4.2
Page 1 of 2
City of Crystal Council Meeting
April 21, 2026
Applications for City License
Rental (new)
3454 Hampshire Ave. N. – Michael and Amanda Foster (Conditional)
2702 Louisiana Ave. N. – Kshitij Goel (Conditional)
3125 Winnetka Ave. N. – Paulo Souza (Conditional)
8610 31st Ave. N. – Kelly Berghuis (Conditional)
Rental (renewal)
3612 Adair Ave. N. – Reill Properties LLC
4212 Brunswick Ave. N. – Crystal Holdings LLC
4306 Brunswick Ave. N. – Pro Operam Sub IV LLC
6707 Corvallis Ave. N. – Chen Zhou (Conditional)
2755 Douglas Dr. N. – Reese Pfeiffer
2761 Douglas Dr. N. – Reese Pfeiffer
5101 Fairview Ave. N. – Todd and Andrea Zimmermann
4841 Florida Ave. N. – Jason Flaa
4825 Georgia Ave. N. – James Carroll (Conditional)
4155 Hampshire Ave. N. – Ryan Hardy
4529 Hampshire Ave. N. – Lawrence Johanns (Conditional)
4818 Hampshire Ave. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
3156 Idaho Ave. N. – John Furlong (Conditional)
4057 Idaho Ave. N. – Invitation Homes
4840 Nevada Ave. N. – Brett Hulett (Conditional)
5733 Nevada Ave. N. – Nicole Arvold
5724 Orchard Ave. N. – Chen Zhou (Conditional)
5716 Pennsylvania Ave. N. – Raymond Truelson (Conditional)
3433 Perry Ave. N. – Evermore IRA Properties AZ LLC
4949 Quail Ave. N. – Matthew Sturgeon
3256 Welcome Ave. N. – David Huber (Conditional)
4733 Welcome Ave. N. – Hanahill Properties LLC (Conditional)
5765 West Broadway – MNSF T3 SPE LLC
5810 West Broadway – Bridge SFR IV Seed Borrower LLC
3267 Winnetka Ave. N. – Duy Vien (Conditional)
4408 Yates Ave. N. – Ryan Hardy (Conditional)
6118 34th Ave. N. Unit B – Olstad Enterprise LLC
6713 34th Ave. N. – Logan Hutton (Conditional)
5108 35th Ave. N. – Clare Bartel
4421 36th Ave. N. – Good Domus Sub IX LLC (Conditional)
6812 44th Ave. N. – J&J Rental Properties LLC
5825 46th Ave. N. – Luis Duchi
6600 46th Pl. N. – Reese Pfeiffer (Conditional)
5109 48th Ave. N. – James Properties
4.3
Page 2 of 2
Solicitors
Yancy Aguilar for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Jaime Medina Avila for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Jacob Baker for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Wolfgang Bellanger for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Derek Brellenthin for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
John Courteau for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Nathan Devereux for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Brady Glause for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Paul Greenberg for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Josue Her for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Kevin Kvern for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Devin Pomeroy for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Donte Robinson for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Tyler Smith for Everlight Solar, 10501 Winnetka Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
4.3
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 – ___
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A DONATION
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes §465.03 requires that all gifts and donations of real or personal property
be accepted only with the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, said donations must be accepted by a resolution adopted by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal to accept the following
donation:
Donor Purpose Amount
Barbara Oppermann Crystal Crime Prevention Board $2,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Crystal City Council sincerely thanks the above-named for the
generous donation.
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 21st day of April 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.4
Memorandum
DATE: April 17, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consider Appointment of Mary Serie to the Park and Recreation Commission
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The City Council interviewed Mary Serie for appointment to the Park and Recreation
Commission on April 9. Following the interview, Mary is recommended for appointment to the
Park and Recreation Commission to fill a vacant At-large seat, with a term expiring on
December 31, 2028.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend a new appointment of Mary Serie to the Park and Recreation Commission for an
At-large seat for a term to expire 12/31/28.
ATTACHMENT
Commission Application – Mary Serie (Redacted)
4.5
4.5
Page 2 of 3
COMMUNITY, CIVIC OR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Please list your volunteer experience. _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
ATTENDANCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Are you aware of the meeting schedule for this board, commission or task force, and are you able
to attend meetings regularly? Yes_______ No_______
For reappointments only: If you have not been able to attend meetings regularly, please explain:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
A conflict of interest may arise by your participation in an activity, action or decision from which
you receive or could potentially receive direct or indirect personal financial gain. Do you have any
legal or equitable interest in any business which, in the course of your participation on this board,
commission or task force, could give rise to a conflict of interest? Yes_______ No_______
(If yes, please provide details on a separate sheet of paper.)
As a board, commission or task force member, what issue(s) might cause conflict between your
civic responsibility and personal or professional interests? How would you manage these conflicts?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
NEW APPLICANTS ONLY:
Have you attended and observed a board, commission or task force meeting for which you’ve
made application?
Yes, on ____________________ Not yet, but I will attend a meeting on ___________________
(date of meeting) (date of meeting)
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Describe your education and/or professional experience.__________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
REAPPOINTMENTS ONLY:
BOARD, COMMISSION OR TASK FORCE HIGHLIGHTS
Describe a highlight(s) or accomplishment(s) of the board, commission or task force during your
last term.________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4.5
4.5
Memorandum
DATE: April 17, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Adam R. Bell, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consider Appointment of Jenna Wolf to the Sustainability Commission
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The City Council interviewed Jenna Wolf for appointment to the Sustainability Commission on
April 9. Following the interview, Jenna is recommended for appointment to the Sustainability
Commission to fill a vacant Section II seat, with a term expiring on December 31, 2029.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend a new appointment of Jenna Wolf to the Sustainability Commission for a Section II
seat for a term to expire 12/31/29.
ATTACHMENT
Commission Application – Mary Serie (Redacted)
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.6
Memorandum Memorandum
DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: City Council
FROM: Jesse Struve, Public Works Director
Brad Fortin, Parks Superintendent
SUBJECT: Declare disease trees public nuisances and order them abated
Summary
City Code Section 2015 states that the City has determined that the health of the shade trees within the
city limits is threatened by shade tree diseases. It has further determined that the loss of shade trees
growing upon public and private property would substantially depreciate the value of property within
the city and impair the safety, good order, general welfare and convenience of the public.
Over the last few years the City has been working with around a hundred property owners to get
diseases trees removed. Of the properties contacted over the last two years, 1 property with confirmed
shade tree diseases have not responded to any City correspondence or removed the diseased tree(s). As
of April 20, 2026, the trees had not been removed. Since the City has contacted the properties multiple
times over the last 12 months and received no action, they are coming to Council for abatement
consideration.
City Code provides a process for which the Council needs to declare these diseased trees to be nuisances
so that the City can remove them. The process states that the City must notify the property owner,
provide the property owner the opportunity to speak directly to the Council at the Council meeting,
after which point the Council may take action to declare the tree a nuisance and order it abated.
Attached to this memo is the notification letter of the Council meeting. This property has received other
correspondence from the City prior to the attached letter.
Attachment
•4416 Xenia Ave. No.
Recommended Action
Motion declaring the diseased trees a public nuisance and ordering them abated.
4.8
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE DISEASED TREES PUBLIC NUISANCES AND
ORDERING THEM ABATED AT SEVERAL PRIVATE PROPERTIES
WHEREAS, Crystal City Code 2015 governs shade tree diseases in the city of Crystal and provides a
process to declare them public nuisances and order them abated; and
WHEREAS, the trees on the property at the properties listed below have been inspected by the City’s
certified tree inspectors; and
WHEREAS, the certified tree inspectors confirmed the trees to be diseased with Emerald Ash Borer
disease; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1. The City of Crystal declares the diseased trees at the properties listed below a public
nuisance, orders them to be abated, and directs the cost of such abatement to be assessed
against the property in accordance with the Crystal City Code and Minnesota Statutes,
Section 429.101.
List of properties with diseased trees to be declared a nuisance:
4416 Xenia Ave. No.
Adopted this 21st day of April 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
4.8
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
3/30/26
Brittany L Isle
4416 Xenia Av N
Crystal MN 55422
This is a courtesy notice to inform you that the property 4416 Xenia Av N is set to be on the
agenda for the Crystal City Council meeting on 4/21/26 to have the one (1) diseased tree on the
property named a nuisance.
After the tree is formally named a nuisance, the tree will be put on a list for the City’s tree
removal contractor to be removed as soon as possible.
The property owner will receive an invoice for the full cost of the work, including administrative
fees and sales tax. If the invoice goes unpaid, the cost plus an additional administrative fee, will
be assessed to the property taxes to be paid off over 5 years, with an interest rate of 12%.
The original violation notice was mailed on 12/20/24 and then mailed on 5/19/25 with a
physical copy also being hand delivered to the property that same week and posted on the
front door.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Parks Superintendent –
Brad Fortin
763-531-1158
public.works@crystalmn.gov
4.8
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: April 21, 2026
FROM: Jesse Struve, Public Works Director / City Engineer
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Adam R. Bell
CC:
RE: Approve Forestry and Related Service Agreement with Brooklyn Center
Background
In 2025, the Council directed staff to engage with Brookly Center about a shared position to assist with
managing the forestry and natural resources of each community. Staff included funding in the 2026
budget to account for 50% of the salary and benefits. This position would be a full-time Crystal employee
who will be contracted out to Brooklyn Center for 50% of the time. Brooklyn Center will contribute the
remaining 50% with monthly billings.
Reasons for the position
•Emerald Ash Borer has devastated both urban forests and we need someone who can
dedicate more time to continue to address this in both public and private spaces.
•The City of Crystal is looking to expand our forestry program to include planting of trees in
the right of way. This person will lead this program.
•As rules and regulations continue to change, staff are fully expecting we will need to do more
for natural resources to address storm sewer runoff. This may include native plantings,
planting of buffers around storm systems, and increased native plantings. Our existing staff
who oversees our forestry program also must manage park and building maintenance. It has
become too much for this person to also manage our increasing natural resource programs.
•Both communities need this position, but we do not think we need a full-time person
dedicated to this now. In the future, if staff needs to move this to a full-time position, we can
withdraw from the agreement at the end of a calendar year and turn this into a full-time
position.
•Position will help with grants to help offset costs for the program.
Requested City Council Action
•Staff recommends approval of the resolution authorizing the forestry and related service
agreement with the City of Brooklyn Center.
Attachments
•Resolution approving the forestry and related service agreement with Brooklyn Center.
•Forestry and related service agreement between the City of Brooklyn Center and the City of
Crystal.
4.9
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-
APPROVE FORESTRY AND RELATED SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH BROOKLYN CENTER
WHEREAS, the maintaining of city infrastructure, urban forest, and natural resources is an
essential service in the City of Crystal; and
WHEREAS, the city has a desire to expand our urban forest and natural resources within the
community; and
WHEREAS, the city worked with Brooklyn Center to develop a shared position to assist both
communities meet our goals regarding the management of our natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the new position will be a full-time Crystal employee who will be contracted out to
Brooklyn Center approximately 50% of the time which will save both communities funds from
having a full-time position at each community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Crystal as follows:
1. The Crystal City Council hereby approves the forestry and related service agreement with
Brooklyn Center.
Adopted this 21st day of April 2026.
______________________________
Julie Deshler,
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Chrissy Serres,
City Clerk
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3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 1 OF 6
__________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
__________________________________________________________________________
TO: Adam R. Bell, City Manager (for April 21 Meeting)
DATE: April 15, 2026
RE: Consider a resolution approving a conditional use permit request for Robbinsdale
Area Schools to repurpose FAIR school at 3915 Adair Avenue North
A.BACKGROUND
Robbinsdale Area Schools has applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to repurpose FAIR
school at 3915 Adair Avenue North. The existing use as an arts school for grades 6 to 8 is
proposed to be replaced by three new school district uses: Robbinsdale Virtual Academy,
Highview Academy and the Education Service Center (district office). The property is zoned
Low Density Residential (R-1) and the proposed uses are conditional uses within that district.
Notice of the April 13 public hearing was published in the Sun Post on April 2, mailed to
owners, renters and business tenants within 500 feet (see attachment A), and posted to all
neighborhoods on Nextdoor. A sign was also posted on the property and a hearing notice was
sent to the City of Robbinsdale since the property is adjacent to the Robbinsdale/Crystal
boundary line.
At the April 13 Planning Commission public hearing, the Commission unanimously
recommended approval of the CUP application, with three individuals from the public
providing comments:
➢One individual requested information about the proposed floors plans for the new
uses.
➢Two individuals expressed a desire for the arts middle school to remain since the
building was constructed for that specific purpose. They requested that the Planning
Commission either table the application or vote no.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Conditional Use Permit for 3915 Adair
Avenue North
6.1
3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 2 OF 6
Attachments:
A. Site location and public hearing mailing notice map
B. Zoning map
C. Photos of existing property
D. Applicant’s project narrative
E. Floor plans (2 sheets)
F. Resolution
2025 Aerial Photo:
6.1
3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 3 OF 6
B. PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE
Existing Use
The existing 115,959 sq. ft. FAIR school was constructed in 2001 on the 431,811 sq. ft. (10
acres) property. The property has 121 parking spaces. The school is currently a middle-school
for grades 6 to 8 and the applicant is proposing to end that use by Fall, 2026. A CUP was
approved by the City Council for FAIR school in 1998 with one condition:
1. Whenever the theater is used for an assembly or production, such as a play or concert but
not including rehearsals, no part of the facility may be used for a purpose that is not a
school program or function, except when such occurrence does not result in parking
demand in excess of that which is provided on the site.
This use of the theater will continue in its current state and therefore this condition would
remain if the requested new CUP is approved.
Adjacent uses
The following are the existing land uses and zoning districts surrounding this property:
• North. Single-family homes, zoned Low Density Residential (R-1)
• East. Across Adair Ave. N in Robbinsdale, single-family homes zoned R-1
• West. Single-family homes and city-owned stormwater pond, both zoned R-1
• South. Across 39th Ave. N, single-family homes zoned R-1.
Proposed uses
After the middle school use is ended, the applicant is proposing to repurpose the property for
the following three uses:
➢ Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA). The program is an online learning program for
grades 6 to 12.
➢ Robbinsdale Academy – Highview. The program is a secondary school learning program
for grades nine to twelve currently located at the Sandburg Middle School in Golden
Valley.
➢ Education Service Center (school district office). The current district office is located at
4148 Winnetka Ave. N. in New Hope.
The applicant is not proposing to enlarge the building or increase the size of the three existing
parking lots. The floor plan (attachment E) shows 16 classrooms devoted to Highview Academy
and 24,215 sq. ft. for district offices. For the three proposed uses there will be a maximum of
94 district staff during the school year, which will decrease to about 65 staff when students are
not present. The building will be open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The
following are notable site plan elements for the proposed uses:
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3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 4 OF 6
• Parking. There are 121 parking spaces on the property. The Unified Development Code
(UDC) has parking requirements for offices and secondary schools:
➢ District office. The number of required spaces for the office is 53.
➢ Secondary school. The number of required spaces for the secondary school is 25.
The UDC requirement allows for specific characteristics of the secondary school
use to be considered when determining the number of required parking spaces .
In this case the applicant has indicated that Highview students are based at two
area high schools and the majority of those students will be bussed to 3915
Adair, with no more than 25 Highview students driving to FAIR school. The plan
to bus students from area high schools will also reduce the number of buses on
the property from 19 to 2.
With the minimum number of required spaces at 78, the existing 121 parking spaces are
sufficient.
• Access and circulation. There are four existing driveways off Adair Avenue N., providing
access to the parking lot in front of the school and to the separate parking lots north
and south of the building. With the reduction of school buses from 19 to 2, traffic
circulation is expected to be less complicated for the proposed uses.
To aid in access and circulation, there are currently restrictions for parking on Adair Ave.
N.:
West side. No parking is allowed on Adair Ave. in front of the school while
students are dropped off from 7:30 – 8:00 A.M. and from 2:30 to 3:00 P.M. In
addition, parking is not allowed in that same area of the street from 2:00 to 4:00
P.M.
East side. The city of Robbinsdale does not allow parking on Adair Ave. in front of
the school.
The city’s Public Works Director and the West Metro Fire Rescue District staff have
reviewed the traffic circulation plan and found it adequate to continue meeting vehicle
movement into and within the site, including fire trucks and delivery vehicles.
Recommended Findings
The following are the relevant criteria for approval of a conditional use permit in city code
section 510.19:
(a) The proposed use has been approved as a conditional use in the zoning district for which it
is proposed.
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3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 5 OF 6
Findings: Secondary schools and public buildings are conditional uses in the R-1 zoning
district.
(b)The conditional use will be in accordance with the general objectives, or with any specific
objective, of the city’s comprehensive plan and the unified development code (UDC).
Findings: The property is guided as Institutional on the 2040 Planned Land Use Map,
which includes churches, schools, cemeteries and publicly owned properties. The
proposed secondary school and district office use is in conformance to this designation.
(c)The conditional use will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so as to be
harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the
general vicinity and that such use will not change the essential character of the same area.
Findings: Since the applicant will not increase the size of the building footprint or parking
lot for this school use, the existing character of the area will not change.
(d)Impacts such as noise, hours of activity, and exterior lighting have been sufficiently
addressed to mitigate negative impacts on nearby uses.
Findings: The proposed use is not expected to generate unusual noise impacts. Hours of
operation will be similar to the current middle school use. No new exterior lighting is
proposed.
(e)Parking is adequately provided for the proposed conditional use.
Findings: As described in section B, above, the proposed secondary and district office use
will have 121 parking spaces. Based on the parking analysis provided by the applicant ,
staff has determined that the number of spaces is sufficient for these uses.
(f)In the approval of a conditional use permit, the City Council may impose such conditions as
it determines is necessary to make the use compatible with other uses allowed in the same
district zone or vicinity.
Findings: The proposed conditions of approval for the CUP are found in section C of this
staff report.
Use specific standards
The following is the relevant use specific standard in city code section 515.19, Subd. 7 for
approval of a secondary school or public or semipublic building, followed by staff’s findings of
the standard.
a)The facility is served by arterial, collector, or municipal state aid streets and such
pedestrian facilities as are necessary to accommodate the traffic generated by the facility.
Findings: The property is accessed from Adair Ave. N., which is a minor collector street
and municipal state aid street. This means that it is designed for higher traffic volumes
and larger vehicles than a standard residential street. Adair Avenue connects the school
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3915 ADAIR AVENUE NORTH – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
PAGE 6 OF 6
to 42nd Ave. N., a minor arterial street, and 36th Ave. N, a major collector street. There is
a public sidewalk along the west side of Adair, directly adjacent to the school, which
connects to a network of sidewalks minor arterials, major collectors and other minor
collectors in the surrounding area.
C. REQUESTED ACTION
At the April 13, 2026 Planning Commission public hearing, the Commission recommended
approval of the CUP by a vote of 7 to 0 (two members were absent), subject to the following
conditions of approval:
1. Theater. Whenever the theater is used for an assembly or production, such as a play or
concert but not including rehearsals, no part of the facility may be used for a purpose that
is not a school program or function, except when such occurrence does not result in
parking demand in excess of that which is provided on the site.
2. Compliance. This conditional use permit is subject to the applicable requirements of the
city code, and the applicant is required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances, and is required to obtain such other permits
and permissions as may be required.
3. No Waiver. Failure by the City to take action with respect to any violation of any condition,
covenant or term of this conditional use permit shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
condition, covenant, or term or any subsequent violation of the same or any other
condition, covenant, or term.
4. Revocation. The violation of any terms or conditions of this conditional use permit
including, but not limited to, any applicable federal, state, or local laws, rules, regulations,
and ordinances, may result in revocation of the conditional use permit. The applicant shall
be given written notice of any violation and reasonable time, as determined by the City, to
cure the violation before a revocation of the permit will occur.
5. Binding Effect. This conditional use permit, and the conditions placed on it, are binding on
the applicant, their successors and assigns, shall run with the property, and shall not in any
way be affected by the subsequent sale, lease, or other change from current ownership,
until the conditional use permit is terminated or revoked as provided herein. The
obligations of the applicant under this conditional use permit shall also be the obligations
of the current and any subsequent owners of the property.
6. Acceptance of Conditions. Utilization of the property for any of the uses allowed by this
conditional use permit shall automatically be deemed acceptance of, and agreement to,
the terms and conditions of this conditional use permit without qualification, reservation,
or exception.
The applicant anticipates that the new uses will relocate to FAIR school in Fall 2026.
City Council motion to approve the proposed resolution (attachment F) is requested.
6.1
Site Location and Public Hearing Notice Mailing Map
3915 Adair Ave N
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal MN 55422
Attachment A
6.1
Zoning Map
3915 Adair Ave N
4141 Douglas Dr. N.
Crystal MN 55422
Attachment B
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Front of
building facing
Adair Ave. N.
Front parking
lot
Attachment C 6.1
South parking
lot
Rear (west) side
of building
6.1
North parking
lot
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Attachment D6.1
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Attachment E6.1
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CR205-30, 1089093v 1
CITY OF CRYSTAL
MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2026- _______
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, Robbinsdale Area Schools (“Applicant”) submitted an application to the City
of Crystal (“City”) for a conditional use permit related to a proposed partial change in use for
FAIR School at 3915 Adair Avenue North in Crystal, which is legally described in the attached
Exhibit A (“Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after due notice having been provided, held a
public hearing regarding the Applicant’s request on April 13, 2026 and voted to forward the
application to the City Council with a recommendation that the requested conditional use
permit be approved with certain conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner’s report (“Planner’s Report”) dated April 15, 2026 regarding
this matter, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, is incorporated herein and made part of this
Resolution, except that the conditions set out below are controlling; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the requested conditional use permit, as
recommended by the Planning Commission and discussed in the Planner’s Report, and as
conditioned below herein, complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the Uniform
Development Code within the Crystal City Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Crystal, based on
the record of this matter and the findings and determinations contained herein and in the
Planner’s Report, hereby approves and issues a conditional use permit for Robbinsdale Area
Schools on the Property, subject to compliance with the Crystal City Code and all of the
following conditions:
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 21st day of April 2026.
____________________________
Julie Deshler, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
Attachment F 6.1
CR205-30, 1089093v 1
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of the Property
Glenwood Manor Addition. E 330 Ft of Lot 1 And Of The S ½ of Lot 2, Also the E 492 ft of S 2/3
Of W ¾ of Sw ¾ Of Nw ¼ Of Sw ¼ Of Sw ¼ Of Sec 16 Twp 118 R21 Ex Road; PID 1611821320043,
addressed as 3915 Adair Ave. N., Crystal, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55422.
6.1
CR205-30, 1089093v 1
EXHIBIT B
Planner’s Report
(attached hereto)
6.1