04/2016 Community ConnectionsWho is having more fun – the kids or the cops? When
Fridley Police Officers invade lunchtime at Hayes and
Stevenson Schools, everyone smiles.
It is a special treat when a parent gets to eat lunch at school
with their child, but not every parent has that flexibility.
Jennie Marquardt, a paraprofessional at Hayes Elementary,
noticed and came to the staff at Fridley Police with a
unique idea.
“I work in the cafeteria, and I am one of the few staff
fortunate enough to see all of our students each day,” said
Jennie Marquardt. “We have parents that come to dine in
our cafeteria with students each week. I see how students
love this, and I also see many who could greatly benefit
from a few minutes of friendship, leadership and
mentoring.”
The idea took shape and grew from there. Now, twice a
month students at Hayes and Stevenson Elementary
Schools get to eat lunch with a very special guest – a
Fridley police officer.
April 2016
No. 199
6431 University Avenue NE
Fridley, MN 55432
phone: 763-571-3450
www.FridleyMN.gov
e-mail: info@FridleyMN.gov
P R E S O R T E D S T D
U .S . P o s t a g e
P A I D
T w i n C i t i e s , M N
P e r m i t N O . 9 2 8 8 6
Lunchtime Gets
Exciting with
Cops in the Café
A small group of students is selected each time by teachers
to sit at the cop table, but the excitement is shared by the
entire 3rd and 4th grade student body. This is a chance for
students to ask questions, one-on-one at the lunch table
for those select students or during an informal Q&A that
gives the other students a chance to learn more.
“Cops in the Café” launched this year, and is already a
popular event at both Hayes and Stevenson Elementary
Schools. Fridley Police hope to continue growing the
program and making those personal, positive connections
with kids in our community.
What’s Inside
He lp Create an Artistic Vision ............2
New Finance Director .......................2
City Hall Update ...............................2
Mobile Pet Clinics .............................2
Filing Dates for City Council ..............2
Property Appraisals ..........................3
2016 Street Project ...........................3
Getting Shady in Fridley ....................4
Spring Recycling ...............................4
Are You Throwing Away Dollars .........5
Stormwater Pollution .........................5
New Fridley Firefighters ....................6
Home Improvement Loans ..................6
Yard Sale Reminders .........................7
Severe Weather Awareness ...............7
SNC Con struction .........................8
Mayor – Scott J. Lund
Councilmember-at-Large – Robert L. Barnette
Councilmember 1st Ward – James T. Saefke
Councilmember 2nd Ward – Dolores M. Varichak
Councilmember 3rd Ward – Ann R. Bolkcom
City Manager – Wally Wysopal
City of
We believe in a Fridley that is a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
Fridley
C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N
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@CityofFridley
Officer Mark Mickelson joins the lunch crowd at Hayes.
Kids get a chance for an informal Q &A during
officer lunch visits.
Director of
Public Safety
Brian
Weierke
connects with
a student
over football.
Monica Sheets, artist-in-residence at Banfill-Locke
Center for the Arts, would like to meet you.
Monica takes a unique approach to her art; she creates
it from public conversations. She wants to hear your
stories. What are Fridley’s untold stories? Who is the
Fridley community? Why did you move here? Why do
you stay? From historical accounts passed down
through generations to the hidden gems of the city,
Monica wants to see the city through your eyes.
The conversation does not stop there. She also wants
to take a look into the future. What do you want to see
in Fridley? What does Fridley need? In what ways do you
get involved in the community?
Monica’s background is in photography and mixed
media sculpture, and she identifies as a visual artist.
For the past decade or so, her work has been in public
space. She began her residency with Banfill-Locke last
September, and her work will eventually progress into
a not-yet-defined work of art to be showcased in
January and February 2017. This display will take its
form based on her research and the community
conversations shared.
Look for Monica out and about at community events
over the next several months. She also invites you to
stop by Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts to share
your stories. Monica holds open office hours at the art
center on Tuesdays from Noon until 2 p.m. — stop in
and say hello. She is also happy to set up a time to
meet that works best for you. Give her a call at (612)
205-7363 or email monica@banfill-locke.org.
City Hall Update
The Fridley City Council continues to look at all
options for determining the best way to address
deteriorating conditions, safety concerns and
accessibility with city buildings. The most recent
step is the hiring of a firm to evaluate the costs and
options of building a civic center as part of a larger
development at the former Columbia Arena
location.
We had a very positive response to our Requests
For Proposals (RFP). There were 59 requests for
information, and 38 firms attended a mandatory
meeting to view the site and ask questions. In
total, we received 10 responses and have begun
scoring the proposals and interviewing top
candidates. Proposals include a mix of
architectural and engineering firms, and some of
these are teaming up to address different
specialties. We hope to select a firm for
recommendation to the Council meeting at the
April 11 meeting.
There has been a tremendous amount of positive
commentary from interested parties, including
comments on the site, the location and the civic
campus future potential. To learn more, visit the
project online at FridleyMN.gov/city-hall-update.
page 2 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n
Help Create an Artistic Vision of Fridley
Filing Dates for City Council
Congratulations Shelly Peterson
New Finance Director
Shelly has been serving as Fridley Assistant Finance Director
since January 2013. She is well-respected as a positive and
capable leader who has made many contributions to our City.
She brings an extensive background in finance operations, as well
as in-depth knowledge of utility billing, accounts payable and
accounts receivable operations.
Shelly is the treasurer for the Anoka County Historical Society
and is an active member of both the national and Minnesota
Government Finance Officers Association. Prior to working for
Fridley, she was the Assistant Finance Director for the City of
Anoka, and also spent several years in finance with Maple Grove
and Anoka County. She has a B.A. degree in Business
Management and a minor in Economics from Bethel University.
We are excited to have her expertise and leadership in this new
role.
Affordable vaccinations, wellness exams and
reduced fee pet licenses.
Saturday, April 23 and May 21
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fridley Public Works Garage: 400 71st Ave
(behind old Columbia Arena)
Save $10 and get your lifetime dog license for
only $15 at this event. Questions on Fridley pet
ordinances or pet health? Experts will be on hand
to help you out. Bring proof of a rabies vaccina -
tion from your own vet if applying for a license at
this event. Documentation will be provided at the
event for dogs getting vaccinated onsite.
No need to register: first come, first served.
Furry
Friends in
Fridley
MN Mobile
Pet Clinics
The offices of Mayor and Councilmember-at-Large
will be on the ballot in 2016. Filing for these two
offices begins Tuesday, May 17, and ends Tuesday,
May 31. City offices will be open Monday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May 27,
closed for the Memorial Day Holiday on May 30, and
open until 5:00 p.m. on May 31.
At the time of filing, candidates for office must
provide to the City Clerk a Nomination Petition
circulated and signed by at least 10 registered voters
during the filing period and a $10 application fee. If
more than two candidates file for one office, a Primary
Election will be held on August 9 to determine which
two candidates move forward to the November
General Election.
To run for one of these four-year terms, candidates
must be a registered voter, 21 years of age or more
upon assuming office, a resident of the city for at least
thirty days by election day, and not have filed for any
other office during this election cycle.
For additional information regarding the
requirements or for a copy of filing materials, please
call the City Clerk at (763) 572-3523 or e-mail your
questions to deb.skogen@FridleyMN.gov.
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2016 Street Project
Timeline: Spring through September 2016
Where: 45th – 49th Avenue between Main Street
and University Avenue
What to expect:
• new paving
• spot curb replacement
• replacement of gas mains
• water main replacement on select streets
• minor sanitary and storm sewer repairs
• storm water quality improvements
Streets and driveways will be closed at times. We
will coordinate access with residents who are
affected by this construction.
Questions? Fridley Engineering staff can help
at (763) 572-3554, or find updates online at
FridleyMN.gov/streetproject.
Among the many sure signs of spring, you can expect
to see our appraisal staff out and about visiting about
1,650 homes. Visits begin in April and continue
through September. Each year, a section of the city is
scheduled for reappraisal (as seen on the color coded
map below). This year we will be in the eastern side of
the City:
•Between University Avenue and Highway 65 and
bounded by 61st Avenue to the south and
Mississippi Street to the north.
•East of Highway 65 to the city limits and
bounded by 69th Avenue to the north and
Hathaway Lane to the south.
•Commercial, industrial and apartment properties
in various locations will also be visited.
What to expect:
Residents will receive a blue postcard one to two
weeks prior to our arrival. This postcard explains the
process and includes telephone numbers to contact us
with questions or to schedule an appointment in
advance.
•We conduct inspections Monday-Friday from
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
•If you are home, we will show City of Fridley
identification and request either a brief visual
inspection of the inside of your home or simply an
exterior look around.
•If no one is home, we will leave a tag on the door
letting you know that we stopped by for the
appraisal. If an interior inspection is needed, the
tag will request that you call to schedule an
appointment.
•If we get no response, an estimate of what is
typical for the neighborhood will be made for the
property. If you disagree with the value assigned
on your tax statement next spring, you may file an
appeal which will require an interior inspection.
The purpose of the visit is simply to verify home
information such as the number of bedrooms and
bathrooms, and to gather information on the
condition of your property. We do this in order to
accurately describe the property and ensure values are
reliably estimated.
Your rights:
•You will receive a notice of valuation and
Sunshine, Blooms and Reappraisals?
For youth who have completed grades K-7. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Monday - Friday • June 13 - August 19
Recreation Opportunities for Creative Kids in the Summer
Make this summer ROCK with Fridley Recreation!
Join us for up to 10 weeks of fun and adventure
for those completing grades K-7. $130/week ($30 daily fee available) Fridley Community Center & Commons Park
Details and registration: Call (763) 572-3570 or visit us online at www.FridleyMN.gov
2016
2017
classification each spring with the
appraiser’s estimated market value.
•If you disagree with this value, you
may appeal with your local assessor.
•If you cannot resolve issues with the
assessor, you can appeal to the Local
Board of Appeal & Equalization at the
City.
•If issues still remain unresolved, you
may then move on to the County
Board of Appeal & Equalization.
Approximately 20 percent of Fridley
residences are reappraised each year. The
data collected this year will be used for the
January 2, 2017, assessment for taxes
payable in 2018. There is always a two-
year lag between the time the data on
values are collected and the time they are
reflected in property taxes. We hope this
information will help you understand your
tax statements.
Please note: City staff always carry photo
identification. Be safe and ask to see it. We
look forward to working with you in
updating your property values and making
the process as easy as possible. If you have
any questions, please contact Mary Smith,
City Assessor at (763) 572-3537, or
Patrick Maghrak, Senior Residential
Appraiser at (763) 572-3536.
Getting Shady in Fridley
Planting for the Future
Everyone benefits from trees! They clean our air and
improve our water quality. We hang our swings and
birdfeeders from their branches. They provide homes
and food for the wildlife we love.
But history hasn’t been kind to Fridley’s urban forest.
• Tornadoes
• Dutch Elm Disease
• Straight-Line Winds
Fridley’s canopy cover has suffered major blows in the
past 50 years. This means fewer trees are filling our
sky, lining our streets, and shading our buildings. Pest
threats like the Emerald Ash Borer could mean even
greater losses. The time for action is now. Fridley is
taking proactive steps to plant for the future.
The New Threat: EAB
Like many cities, green ash trees (Fraxinus
Pennsylvanica) make up too much of Fridley’s urban
forest—approximately 1 in 5 trees on city streets and
in parks. This statistic is troubling because of the
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a destructive insect that
has been decimating Minnesota ash trees since 2009.
EAB continues to spread throughout the state, and
has been found as close as Shoreview and Arden Hills.
It is likely that EAB will be found in Fridley in the
near future. Fridley is preparing for its arrival by
page 4 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n
Trees do more than just offer shade in the summer
and brilliant colors in the fall. They also improve
air and water quality and lower energy costs.
Trees Work Hard!
What can one well-placed shade tree planted on
your property today do for your home and your
community in the future?
When that tree is 25 years old, it will provide these
environmental benefits every single year:
•Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the
air by 371 pounds, helping us breathe easy
•Intercept 1,394 gallons of stormwater,
reducing the amount of runoff and
pollutants that enter our local waterways
•Provide $32 in energy savings, keeping your
home cooler in the summer and warmer in
the winter
Trees are an investment, and these benefits will
continue to grow with the tree. Celebrate trees by
planting one in your yard today!
Did you know?
MN GreenCorps member
Erika Van Krevelen evaluating Fridley trees.
What we take for FREE:
Time for Spring Cleaning!
Let us help!
Spring Residential Recycling Day is Saturday, May 7 • 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rain or Shine
Fridley Public Works, 400 71st Avenue (behind old Columbia Arena)
Open to all Fridley residents, bring a recycling postcard and photo ID if you are paying by check. Look for the drop-off event postcard in your mail soon.
Furniture and household goods not accepted. Please bring those items to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army if in good condition. Otherwise, please
contact your own garbage hauler for bulky item pickup. Old prescription medications can be dropped off Monday - Friday during normal business hours at
the convenient drop box in the lower level of City Hall.
Questions? Visit www.FridleyMN.gov or call (763) 572-3594.
•Paper for Secure Shredding
•Carpeting and Pads (tied in 6-ft rolls,
no scraps)
•Up to 3 appliances
•Small electronics and TVs 20" or smaller:
first 3 FREE!
•Keyboards/mouse
•Cell phones
•Handheld games
•Circuit boards and similar items
•Small engines (lawn mowers, snow blowers,
weed whips – drain all fluids)
•Scrap metal
•Bicycles
•Fluorescent bulbs (limit 10/household)
•Batteries
•Cardboard
•One tire (passenger/light truck only)
What we take for a small fee (cash or check only):
•New!! Tires, first one free, remainder $1 each
(passenger/light truck only accepted)
•Air Conditioners: $10 each
•Appliances (after first 3 free): $5 each
•Electronics (after first 3 free): $5 each (except TVs over 20”)
•TVs 21-25”: $10.00; Flat panel TVs (LCD/LED/Plasma): $10
•TVs CRT 26 or larger: $20
•Jumbo monitors: $20
•TVs, Consoles or Rear Projection (larger than 30"): $20 each
•Mattresses and Box Springs: $10 per piece
Recycling
updating the city tree inventory to record the current
size and health of all street and park trees. Knowing
where the ash trees are and their condition will aid in
the development of Fridley’s Emerald Ash Borer
Response Plan. MN GreenCorps member Erika Van
Krevelen is currently working on this project and
anticipates a summer completion.
Long Term Solution = Diversity
Increasing species diversity is one of the best strategies
for long-term urban forest health and resiliency. By
increasing species diversity, we can prevent major
canopy losses due to insects and diseases that wipe
out entire populations of overused trees. In doing so,
we avoid the common pitfall of “putting too many
eggs in one basket.” This means we must move away
from planting ash, maple, and spruce species that
together make up 59% of our trees. Instead, we
should plant species like basswood, hackberry,
honeylocust, and more uncommon trees like the
northern catalpa and Kentucky coffee tree.
You can help! As the buds begin to burst and the
ground thaws, homeowners should think about
helping restore Fridley’s canopy cover by planting a
shade tree (or two) in their own yards.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The
second best time is now.” —Chinese proverb
Four years ago, the City rolled out a single-sort
recycling program through Republic Services. Easy –
just throw recyclables into one bin and roll it out every
other week. A year after the program launch, we had
about 80-85% of homes participating. Today that
number is slipping.
The cost of throwing away
recyclables
Check what’s in your weekly trash. Are you throwing
away things like cardboard, cans and bottles, and
plastic yogurt cups? How empty is your bin when you
remove these items? Is it time to downsize? With a
smaller garbage container and a larger recycling cart,
you can create substantial savings. Did you know…
waste haulers add a State tax of 9.75% to your garbage
bill, but recycling services are tax-free! For every $100
in garbage charges, you pay about another $10 in state
tax. That adds up.
Create more jobs
Recycling helps create jobs right here! By choosing to
recycle which takes only a few extra seconds of our
time, we create jobs in Minnesota for companies that,
for instance, convert recycled plastic into useful plastic
timbers for yard projects. Plus, we conserve natural
resources—great news for Minnesota’s citizens,
businesses and wildlife!
Fit or flabby?
Have we gotten flabby with our recycling efforts?
Looking at the numbers from last year, the answer is
yes. Recycling in single family homes through 12-unit
apartments has slipped to only 74.3%. At the same
time, the State and Anoka County have increased the
number of pounds each of us must recycle because,
1. More items are recyclable
2. Landfills are very limited
In 2016, the expected recycling amount per year is
195 pounds per person in a single family home and
170 pounds per person if you live in an apartment.
Currently, apartment residents only recycle about 40
pounds per unit (even less per person). A recent
apartment study showed tossing cardboard into the
garbage is a major factor. Cardboard is one of the
easiest things to recycle – reuse or recycle those
moving boxes. Remember, household and apartment
costs increase by not recycling!
In 2016, let’s get our recycling efforts back into shape!
Help the environment – help your pocketbook: Boost
Recycling!
Start today. Republic offers a free upgrade to a 96-
gallon recycling cart (the largest container). Call
customer service at (952) 941-5174. Challenge your
neighbors. Make it a block party theme or share
recycling tips at Night to Unite.
You can make a difference.
Are You Throwing Away Dollars?
w w w . F r i d l e y M N . g o v page 5
EQEC Member Paul Westby is accepted
into the Master Water Steward Program.
Join us Saturday, April 30 from 9 - 11 a.m.
at Commons Park to celebrate trees
and all the hard work they do!
RECYCLE
Cardboard • Glass • Metal
Mail/Paper • Plastic
NO - Garbage
NO - Styrofoam
NO - Plastic Wrap/Bags
NO - Food Waste
NO - Pizza Boxes
NO - Plates/Napkins/Foil
Stormwater Pollution,
Watershed and You!
Rain washes leaves, debris, even chemicals off our
lawns and driveways, into the street and down the
storm drain. Every storm drain in the City washes
directly into the Mississippi River. We need to protect
this precious natural resource.
Fridley’s Arbor Day
Celebration & Tree Sale
Get ready for spring with pruning and planting
demonstrations from Anoka Master Gardeners and
educational booths. Plus enjoy children’s activities and tree
plantings. Admission is free and light refreshments will be
served.
While you are there, purchase a bare root tree
to plant in your yard! A variety of species will be
available — come find the perfect tree for you!
Quantities are limited.
[Watershed: the area of land where
all of the water that is under it or drains
off of it goes into the same place.
In Fridley, our watershed is the Mississippi River.
Some areas are connected directly to the river; others
are first connected to Rice Creek or Coon Creek; but
in the end, we are linked by a common water course,
the Mighty Mississippi. Every time we add a rain
barrel, a rain garden or change our landscaping to
increase the water that soaks into the ground instead
of running off into the waters, we make a difference!
The Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy
Commission advises the City Council on a broad
range of environmental policies and programs,
including stormwater pollution. They work closely
with the three Fridley watershed district organizations
to help protect our waters, and their efforts go the
extra mile.
Paul Westby, EQEC member, is a great example. Paul
was recently accepted into the Master Water Steward
Program (masterwaterstewards.org), launched this
year by the Rice Creek Watershed District. This is not
your average volunteer program. By the end of this
year, Paul will have participated in more than a dozen
classes, as well as developed and implemented an
education campaign and hands-on project to reduce
water pollution in Fridley. He will work closely with
Rice Creek Watershed staff to develop outreach and
project plans that meet the needs of both the
community and Rice Creek.
There are three watershed management districts in
Fridley, and each offers education and programs to
help protect our water resource. Visit their websites to
learn more about how you can get involved.
Rice Creek Watershed: www.ricecreek.org
Q
Coon Creek Watershed: www.cooncreekwd.org
Q
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization:
mwmo.org
page 6 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n
Meet the New Fridley Firefighters
Don’t Miss…
The Fridley Historical Society’s
Lasagna Dinner!
Support local history with this one and only fundraiser
for the Fridley Historical Society.
Saturday, April 30, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Fun, Food, Friendship and more!
Enjoy a delicious lasagna dinner complete with
dessert. A sweepstakes and a live auction will also be
a part of this event!
Fridley American Legion Post #303
7365 Old Central Ave NE
Call ahead for dinner tickers: (763) 571-0120
Kate Olaf: EMT.
Weightlifter. Firefighter.
Kate is from Maple, Wisconsin and earned a Bachelor
of Music Education and Music Performance from the
University of Wisconsin Superior. She will respond
out of Station 2.
Katie Sivanich: Nurse.
Roller Girl. Firefighter.
Katie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from
the U of M Duluth, and in Nursing from the College
of St. Scholastica. She is a Registered Nurse and a
member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She will respond
out of Station 3.
All three firefighter recruits graduated from the Anoka County Fire Academy last fall. We are excited to have them
join us at Fridley.
What Can $25,000 Do For Your Home?
•Keep heating/cooling costs down with energy-efficient windows
•Finish that ugly basement bathroom
•Replace a splintering deck with a maintenance-free one
•Design your dream kitchen
Let Fridley’s Home Improvement Loans help you reinvest in your home. Imagine the possibilities!
•No income limits
•Loan amounts from $1,000-$50,000 to fit any project
•Low interest rates
•Affordable payments with terms up to 20 years.
We also have loans for mobile home improvements, multi-family (2-4 units) exterior improvements, and an
emergency deferred loan program. Not sure where to start? A free remodeling advisor visit can help.
Learn more at FridleyMN.gov/homeloans or call (612) 335-5884.
Interested in law enforcement? Want to
make a difference in the community?
Join Fridley Police as a Police Reserve!
A Fridley Police Reserve is a volunteer,
civilian member of the police department.
They assist officers on patrol by
transporting prisoners, helping with traffic
control at events and accidents, park
patrol, animal calls and to be our “extra
eyes” on the street.
Reserves wear a uniform and patrol in
marked squad car. They do not carry a
firearm.
You must be 20 years or older, live in
Fridley, and have a clean criminal record
and driving history. We ask for a
commitment of at least 10 hours per
month and the ability to attend monthly
meetings. To learn more, contact Sergeant
Zak Chlebeck at (763) 502-1950 or
Zak.Chlebeck@FridleyMn.gov.
Make a Difference!
Now Recruiting
Fridley Police Reserves
Adam Hopp: Project Manager.
Fisherman. Firefighter.
Adam graduated from Elk River High School and
Dunwoody College of Technology. He currently
works at Egan Company, and has recently certified as
a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical
Technician. He will respond out of Station 3.
Fred’s Fun Rewards!
only at Fridley Liquor
Easy and Free!
*Earn 1 point per $1 spent on most purchases.
*some restrictions apply.
100 points = $5 credit
You deserve a reward!
Stop in Today!
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Yard Sign Reminders
Fridley Community Calendar
April
4 Charter Commission
4 Parks & Recreation Commission
7 HRA Meeting
11 City Council Meeting
12 Environmental Quality & Energy Commission
20 Planning Commission
25 City Council Meeting
May
2 Charter Commission
2 Parks & Recreation Commission
4 Appeals Commission
5 HRA Meeting
9 City Council Meeting
10 Environmental Quality & Energy Commission
18 Planning Commission
23 City Council Meeting
30 City offices closed in observance of
Memorial Day
NOTE: City Council and Commission meetings start at
7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Municipal Center,
6431 University Avenue NE. The public is welcome.
Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or
other persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids
and would like to attend a meeting, should contact
Roberta Collins at (763) 572-3500 at least one week in
advance.
As warm weather approaches and starts us thinking
about spring cleaning, here are a few reminders about
putting up garage sale signs.
Garage Sale Signs – a temporary sign which
advertises or directs the public to the sale of used
merchandise sold from a private residence.
Rules related to display:
•Maximum size of 3 square feet
•Need to be removed within 3 days following
the sale
•No more than 3 garage sales of no more than
3 consecutive days per sales event may be
conducted on a property in a 12-month period
These types of signs do not require a permit.
Additional information on yard signs and Fridley city
code can be found online at FridleyMN.gov/citycode.
Tips for Garage Sale Success
•Combine with neighbors or family members for
more quantity, variety and help.
•Clean items before the sale.
•Keep your sale items organized. Hang up clothes
and display books on a shelf when possible for
easier browsing.
•Play some nice music at a comfortable volume.
•Use a cute apron or toolbelt to store small bills
and a note pad to make checkout a breeze.
•Don’t overprice or complicate price –$2 not
$1.80, 25¢ not 15¢. Round numbers work best.
Tornado Drills: April 14 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m.
Fridley is no stranger to severe weather: tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, heavy rains,
lightning. Be prepared and know what to do when severe weather strikes.
Common Tornado Myths:
Myth #1: Lakes and rivers protect areas from tornadoes.
Fact: No geographic location is safe from tornadoes.
Myth #2: It is safe to take shelter in the bathroom, hallway or closet of a mobile home.
Fact: Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes! Seek shelter in a sturdy building
immediately. If you live in a mobile home, have a plan in advance.
Myth #3: Highway overpasses provide safe shelter from tornadoes.
Fact: This is one of the most dangerous places to be if a tornado hits. If possible,
immediately exit your vehicle and seek shelter in a sturdy building. As a last resort,
stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on and your head below the windows
covering with your hands or a blanket. If you can safely get lower than the
roadway, such as lying in a ditch, exit your car, get low and cover your head.
Tornadoes can develop any time of day. Signs of an approaching tornado include a dark,
greenish sky, large hail or a loud roar similar to a freight train. The safest place in your home
is the basement, or a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level.
Learn more about severe weather online at weather.gov.
Severe Weather Awareness Week April 13 - 17
Get Out & Ride:
Bike Helmet Clinic
Wednesday, April 27 • 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fridley City Hall: lower level
6431 University Ave NE
ANSI certified bike helmets for sale, only $10
each, plus proper fitting and safety tips.
Questions? Contact Liz with Fridley Police at
(763) 572-3626 or Liz.Chevalier@FridleyMN.gov.
Excitement is building, along with walls and windows,
as the new interpretive center, started last October,
starts to take shape. Visitors will enjoy new
classrooms, new exhibits, incredible rental spaces and
a larger restroom.
This new building is designed with many sustainable
features. One of the first things you notice when you
enter the center is all the windows. These windows
help connect guests to nature –even indoors. The
glass is bird-friendly. An etched pattern will help
prevent birds from accidently flying into the glass.
Convenient access is another important part of the
new building. The entrance will provide quick access
to restrooms, vending, way-finding maps and other
orientation guides. Visitors can stop in, get their
bearings and head right back out to the trails.
Classrooms will offer convenient access with doors
leading both into the interpretive building for exhibits
or directly outdoors to the trails.
Live animal exhibits have always been a popular part
of Springbrook. There will be new exhibits
throughout the building including the return of our
snakes, turtles and other live animals.
As the frame now shows the shape of the center, one
of most notable changes is the overall size of the
building. This interpretive center will grow from the
previous 5,000 square feet to 13,000 square feet.
Included in that growth will be a beautiful new
community rental space boasting 18 foot windows
looking out to the prairie; perfect for wedding
receptions, business retreats and a variety of
gatherings. Plus, the room will have dividers that
allow us to separate it into 4 separate classrooms.
There will also be a lounge room with a fireplace and
comfortable seating for visitors to simply relax and
enjoy nature.
The current construction is part of a larger project
called the SPRING Project (Sanctuary Protection and
Renewal Into the Next Generation). With the help of
the Springbrook Foundation, we are currently raising
funds for additional amenities including a nature-
based play area, community amphitheater and a new
picnic pavilion, as well as new trails to connect it all
together.
“This has truly been a community project,” says
Springbrook Director Mike Maher. Springbrook has
Construction Strides at Springbrook Nature Center
Come see what opportunities
are available for you.
Wednesday, April 20 •2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Fridley Community Center
6085 7th St NE, Fridley
Fridley is home to the largest numbers
of employees in Anoka County and some
of the most important industries
in the Midwest, nation and the world.
Fridley has partnered with Anoka County and
DEED to connect you with local employers.
A different theme each week!
Come once, come all summer!
•Immerse yourself in Zombie Survival,
Superhero Training or Nature Your Way
•Explore your love of animals at Animal Adventures
•Learn about science and nature during
H2O Adventures and the Science Challenge
•Share moments that matter during the popular
Gramp Camp
been fortunate to have amazing business support.
Recent donations include a workman utility vehicle
from Toro to help maintain the grounds, a $25,000
gift from Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and
significant in-kind product contributions from
Vision Woodworking.
“It will all come together to create a facility that
educates our children, and provides incredible
recreation and education opportunities for the City of
Fridley,” says Maher.
The new Nature Center building is on schedule to
open later this year.
page 8 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y C o n n e c t i o n
JOB FAIR APRIL 20
Camp Springbrook – Register Now
Be the first to experience the new Springbrook!
Offering 11 weeks of day camp
for ages 5-12
Fridley residents: $140/week
Non-residents: $150/week
Register by phone at
(763) 572-3588 or
online at FridleyMN.gov