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.
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.
Moved by Vanessa Rosen · Seconded by Unknown Council Member
Approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 (gambling funds update) pulled.
Moved by John · Seconded by Unknown Council Member
Notable Quotes (8)
I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.
I am honored to share a couple recognitions with you tonight.
If not for the medical intervention of these officers, the victim would have died from lack of oxygen due to an opioid overdose.
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.
I’m just making a comment that I may not be able to vote if I’m not around.
We did issue an unmodified opinion, which is the best opinion we can give as auditors.
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.
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.
People (17)
KaiserCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
Vanessa RosenCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call and made a motion to approve the agenda.
1 quote
Present at the meeting roll call and made a motion to approve the agenda.
“I’ll make a motion to approve the agenda.”
Initiating the motion to approve the meeting's agenda.
ReshevskyCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
CummingsCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
DeshlerMayorAbsent from the meeting.
Absent from the meeting.
IBOCouncil memberPresent at the meeting roll call.
Present at the meeting roll call.
KhamisMayor Pro temPresiding over the meeting due to Mayor Deshler's absence.
Presiding over the meeting due to Mayor Deshler's absence.
HubbardChiefPresented police department awards and recognitions.
3 quotes
Presented police department awards and recognitions.
“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 BlakeOfficerCompleted his probationary period and received a Life Saving Award.
Completed his probationary period and received a Life Saving Award.
Jeff ClevengerOfficerReceived a Life Saving Award; not present at the ceremony.
Received a Life Saving Award; not present at the ceremony.
Matt HafnerCrime AnalystReceived an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile.
Received an Award of Merit for identifying a sex-trafficked juvenile.
Daniel HeronAppointeeAppointed to the Sustainability Commission.
Appointed to the Sustainability Commission.
Alex WillardAppointeeAppointed to the Employee Review Board.
Appointed to the Employee Review Board.
BertCitizen SpeakerSpoke during Open Forum about early voting concerns.
1 quote
Spoke during Open Forum about early voting concerns.
“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 ManagerPresented the 2025 annual financial report for Bergen CDV.
3 quotes
Presented the 2025 annual financial report for Bergen CDV.
“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 motionMade a motion to approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 pulled.
Made a motion to approve the consent agenda with item 3.7 pulled.
Gordon GrangerUnion GeneralAnnounced the General Order on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, related to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Announced the General Order on June 19th, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, related to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Places Mentioned
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)
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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