StoryMeeting Roll Call & Quorum ConfirmationJune 17, 2026

Crystal police honored for life-saving actions and human trafficking case

The Plymouth City Council met on June 2, 2026, to recognize police officers and a crime analyst for exceptional work, while also approving the city's 2025 financial report, which showed strong fund balance growth but flagged a recurring accounting control issue.

Published Jun 17, 2026

Police Chief Hubbard presented awards to officers and staff for heroic and investigative work. Officers Frank D. Blake and Jeff Clevenger received Life Saving Awards for responding to an opioid overdose at Grandma's Place Apartments on May 28, 2025. "If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose," Chief Hubbard told the council. Officer Blake also completed his probationary period. Crime Analyst Matt Hafner received an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile, leading to the reunion of a mother and daughter and federal charges against a gang member involved in human trafficking. "Because of his work and diligence, a mother was reunited with her daughter and a Crips gang member involved in human trafficking is looking at a hefty federal prison sentence awaiting him," Chief Hubbard said.

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, with one item—a gambling funds update—pulled for separate discussion. Council member Vanessa Rosen moved to approve the agenda, which passed without opposition.

Audit Manager Aaron Dahl presented the city's 2025 financial report, reporting that auditors issued an "unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors." The city's general fund balance grew significantly, though auditors identified a recurring internal control weakness: inadequate separation of accounting duties. Dahl noted the city maintains an unassigned fund balance equal to 40% of the general fund budget for the following year, a policy designed to ensure financial stability.

During the Open Forum, a citizen named Bert raised concerns about early voting accessibility, noting he may be unable to vote if traveling during election periods. The council also adopted a resolution recognizing Juneteenth 2026, acknowledging the history and contributions of African Americans to the nation. Mayor Deshler was absent; Mayor Pro Tem Khamis presided over the meeting.

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Areas of Interest (7)

  • Crystal Police Department honors officers and crime analyst for life-saving actions and combating human trafficking, leading to federal charges.
  • City of Crystal's General Fund balance jumped by 27.5% in 2025, exceeding financial plan targets and nearing the 40% policy threshold.
  • Auditors flag a recurring 'lack of segregation of accounting duties' as an internal control finding in Crystal's 2025 financial report.
  • Water Enterprise Fund operating expenses surged by $920,000 in 2025, largely due to increased wholesale water charges, prompting council inquiry.
  • Citizen raises concerns about potential early voting restrictions hindering voter access for those traveling.
  • Crystal City Council formally recognizes Juneteenth 2026, affirming commitment to a welcoming and inclusive community.
  • City's tax rate increased to 58.5% in 2025, sparking discussion on the complex interplay of tax capacity, levy, and market trends.

Votes (2)

Approve the agenda.

PassesAll in favor

Moved by Vanessa Rosen · Seconded by Unknown Council Member

Approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 (gambling funds update) pulled.

PassesAll in favor

Moved by John · Seconded by Unknown Council Member

Notable Quotes (8)

I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.

— Vanessa Rosen
Agenda ApprovalProposing the approval of the meeting's agenda.

I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.

— Hubbard
Police Department AwardsIntroducing the police department awards presentation.

If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.

— Hubbard
Life Saving AwardExplaining the critical outcome of the life-saving actions of Officers Blake and Clevenger.

Because of his work and diligence. A mother was reunited with her daughter and a Crips gang member involved in human trafficking is looking at a hefty federal prison sentence awaiting him.

— Hubbard
Award of MeritSummarizing the impactful results of Crime Analyst Matt Hafner's investigation.

I’m just making a comment that I may not be able to vote if I’m not around.

— Bert
Early VotingExpressing concern during Open Forum regarding early voting accessibility.

We did issue an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors.

— Aaron Dahl
2025 Annual Financial ReportReporting the favorable outcome of the independent audit for 2025.

We did note one internal control finding. They’re related to the lack of segregation of accounting duties. So that’s one you’ve seen in the past as well.

— Aaron Dahl
Internal Control FindingsHighlighting a recurring internal control issue identified during the audit.

The city’s policy is to maintain unassigned fund balance for cash flow reserves equal to 40% of the general fund budget for the subsequent year.

— Aaron Dahl
General Fund Balance PolicyClarifying the City's financial policy for general fund balance maintenance.

People (17)

KaiserCouncil member

Present at the meeting roll call.

Vanessa RosenCouncil member

Present at the meeting roll call and made a motion to approve the agenda.

1 quote

“I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.”

Initiating the motion to approve the meeting's agenda.

ReshevskyCouncil member

Present at the meeting roll call.

CummingsCouncil member

Present at the meeting roll call.

DeshlerMayor

Absent from the meeting.

IBOCouncil member

Present at the meeting roll call.

KhamisMayor Pro tem

Presiding over the meeting due to Mayor Deshler's absence.

HubbardChief

Presented police department awards and recognitions.

3 quotes

“I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.”

Opening the awards presentation to the council and public.

“If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.”

Highlighting the critical impact of the life-saving actions by Officers Blake and Clevenger.

“Because of his work and diligence. A mother was reunited with her daughter and a Crips gang member involved in human trafficking is looking at a hefty federal prison sentence awaiting him.”

Summarizing the significant positive outcomes of Crime Analyst Matt Hafner's investigation.

Frank D BlakeOfficer

Completed his probationary period and received a Life Saving Award.

Jeff ClevengerOfficer

Received a Life Saving Award; not present at the ceremony.

Matt HafnerCrime Analyst

Received an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile.

Daniel HeronAppointee

Appointed to the Sustainability Commission.

Alex WillardAppointee

Appointed to the Employee Review Board.

BertCitizen Speaker

Spoke during Open Forum about early voting concerns.

1 quote

“I do contemplate maybe some bucket list trips. And the reason I bring this up is with regard to early voting... I’m just making a comment that I may not be able to vote if I’m not around.”

Expressing concern about early voting policies affecting his ability to vote while traveling.

Aaron DahlAudit Manager

Presented the 2025 annual financial report for Bergen CDV.

3 quotes

“We did issue an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors.”

Reporting the positive outcome of the 2025 financial audit.

“We did note one internal control finding. They’re related to the lack of segregation of accounting duties. So that’s one you’ve seen in the past as well.”

Highlighting a recurring internal control deficiency identified in the audit.

“The city’s policy is to maintain unassigned fund balance for cash flow reserves equal to 40% of the general fund budget for the subsequent year.”

Explaining the City's financial policy for maintaining its unassigned fund balance.

JohnMover of motion

Made a motion to approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 pulled.

Gordon GrangerUnion General

Announced the General Order on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, related to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Places Mentioned

United States of AmericaRobbinsdale (Officer Blake's birthplace)Northwest suburbs (Officer Blake's upbringing)Armstrong High SchoolCrystal PD (Explorer Post)North Hennepin Community CollegeHennepin Technical CollegeGrandma's Place Apartments (Life Saving Award incident)Cub Foods (Award of Merit incident)BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension)FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)City Hall (Early voting location)6,760th Avenue North (Citizen's address)Galveston, Texas (Historical Juneteenth location)Minnesota (Juneteenth state holiday)

Events & Meetings (10)

  • Meeting Call to Order (unspecified date)
  • Police Department Awards Presentation (unspecified date)
  • Officer Frank D Blake's Probation Completion: May 19th, 2025
  • Life Saving Incident at Grandma's Place Apartments: May 28th, 2025
  • Theft Incident at Cub Foods: September 25th, 2025
  • City Council work session: May 14th, 2026
  • City Council meeting: May 19th, 2026
  • City Council work session: May 19th, 2026
  • Resolution recognizing Juneteenth 2026 adopted: June 2nd, 2026
  • 2025 Annual Financial Report Presentation (unspecified date)

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

Resolution recognizing Juneteenth 2026

Recognizes June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Freedom Day in Crystal, acknowledging the history, contributions, and achievements of African Americans as part of American history. Adopted June 2, 2026.

Adoption of a resolution reporting on state performance measures.

Adoption of a resolution recognizing Flag Day in the city of Crystal.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Pledge of Allegiance

  • Approval of Meeting Agenda

  • Police Department Awards Presentation

  • Officer Frank D Blake's Probation Completion

  • Life Saving Award for Officers Blake and Clevenger

  • Award of Merit for Crime Analyst Matt Hafner (Human Trafficking Case)

  • Consent Agenda Review and Approval

  • Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

  • Approval of Disbursements over $25,000

  • HRG Curbside Cleanup Financial Discussion

  • Approval of License Applications

  • Appointment to Sustainability Commission

  • Appointment to Employee Review Board

  • Resolution on State Performance Measures

  • Resolution Recognizing Flag Day

  • Resolution Recognizing Juneteenth 2026

  • Gambling Funds Update (pulled from consent agenda)

  • Open Forum for Citizen Concerns

  • Early Voting Options Discussion

  • 2025 Annual Financial Report Presentation by Bergen CDV

  • Independent Auditor's Report (Unmodified Opinion)

  • Minnesota Legal Compliance Report Findings

  • Government Auditing Standards Report (Internal Control Finding)

  • General Fund Balance Analysis (Unassigned, Total)

  • Fund Balance as Percentage of Budget Policy (40%)

  • Budget to Actual Results for 2025 (Revenues & Expenditures)

  • General Fund Revenue Trends (Property Taxes, Intergovernmental, Licenses)

  • General Fund Expenditure Allocation (Public Safety, Parks & Rec)

  • Water Enterprise Fund Performance (Revenue, Expenses, Operating Income)

  • Sanitary Sewer Fund Performance

  • Storm Drainage Enterprise Fund Performance

  • Streetlights Utility Fund Performance

  • Per Capita Revenues and Expenditures Analysis

  • Tax Capacity, Certified Levy, and Tax Rate Analysis

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