Crystal City Council — Transcript
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Flock Cameras and Surveillance Technology
CenterPoint Energy Networked Geothermal Pilot Project
Municipal Liquor Store Operations
Preliminary 2027 Property Tax Levy and Budget
Hazardous Property Abatement (Retaining Wall)
Uncontrolled Intersections and Traffic Safety
Economic Development Authority (EDA) Update
Votes (5)
Proclamation Recognizing September 20th as a Day of Peace in Brooklyn Center
Moved by Councilmember Moore [01:19:07,370] · Seconded by Unknown [01:19:15,770]
This item was a formal proclamation recognizing the International Day of Peace and committing the city to active peacemaking, nonviolence, restorative justice, and mental health support, citing historical leaders and local initiatives.
Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring the 2026 Litter Crew
Moved by Councilmember Moore [01:21:26,070] · Seconded by Unknown [01:21:35,430]
This proclamation honored six Brooklyn Center youth (ages 14-16) who participated in the 2026 Litter Crew Program. It highlighted their dedication, strong work ethic, and the impressive 1,936 bags of trash collected, acknowledging the collaboration between the Recreation and Public Works departments.
Resolution Approving the Preliminary 2027 Property Tax Levy and Preliminary Budget
Dissent: Councilmember Moore
Moved by Unknown [04:09:070] · Seconded by Unknown [04:09:770]
The Finance Director presented the preliminary 2027 budget and tax levy, totaling $35.92 million, with a proposed levy increase. Discussion included concerns from council members about the 7.08% increase, the need for further budget review, and the sustainability of funding new positions (firefighters, embedded social worker), particularly those initially supported by grants like the Safer Grant. The City Manager noted ongoing legal review for the Safer Grant and potential adjustments before final adoption.
Resolution Ordering the Correction or Removal of the Hazardous Condition of Property (4001 Lake Breeze Avenue North)
Moved by Unknown [04:26:970] · Seconded by Unknown [04:27:100]
The Director presented on a deteriorating private retaining wall encroaching on public right-of-way, posing a safety hazard to Azalea Avenue North and the Three Rivers Park District Regional trail. The wall's condition was previously identified in 2012, and the owner has failed to respond to recent city demands for a correction plan. The resolution authorizes the city to order abatement and assess costs if the owner does not comply by set deadlines.
Resolution Approving the 2027 Preliminary Budget for the Housing Redevelopment Authority of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Moved by Unknown [04:52:930] · Seconded by Unknown [04:53:770]
This item was part of the HRA meeting and approved the preliminary budget for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, following the general budget discussions for the city. No further presentation was given beyond what was covered in the city council's preliminary budget discussion.
Notable Quotes (3)
Okay. Um, I guess I’m just feeling a little uninformed as far as all the budgets, but, um, because we have a statutory deadline, I’ll accept this percentage. But the council will continue to dig through each department budgets in an effort to reduce this amount. My goal would be to reduce this amount, but I understand we have a deadline of the 30th, so I’ll accept what we have here, but I’m not happy with it. I think we can cut. So thank you very much.
I don’t think that we’re going to be hiring an embedded social worker. I don’t know, legally, if we how that’s all going to work. Um, I would have liked to have seen it at six to start with. Now, um, but I do want to reiterate that public safety is the number one thing that I hear from residents, period.
I’m all in. I’m usually very, very conservative financially. But I understand the bigger thing here. And at the end of the third year, and it wasn’t because they didn’t try for the safer grants because they did, but it keeps dwindling down. And then we have to assure the monies going forward, frankly, the in my opinion, the fire department has yeoman’s work, and that is they’re at a breaking point where they need to relieve, um, the individuals who so gallantly respond to those calls at hours of the morning. I think this will help.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Bipartisan state legislation that established a regulatory framework allowing natural gas utilities like CenterPoint to deploy renewable energy resources and innovative technologies.
A comprehensive review from the police department regarding Flock cameras, which council members want to make public.
Statute under which the retaining wall at 4001 Lake Breeze Avenue North is declared a hazardous property.
Federal grant supporting firefighter positions, discussed in the context of the preliminary budget and the long-term funding sustainability.
Federal legislation that created a loophole allowing hemp products to be sold, now being closed.
A plan discussed in meetings with state legislators, anticipated to be released in October.
The financial plan for the city, undergoing preliminary approval and setting maximum tax rates.