FN_December_2015December 2015
No. 197
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
Redevelopment of Columbia Arena
May Include New City Buildings
3. There is a lack of space for operations.
Approximately 20,000 square feet of additional
space is necessary.
At the same time that building study was taking place,
a series of public workshops examined the best ways
to redevelop the former Columbia Arena site. Your
feedback included a desire for park space, a civic
presence and private housing development necessary
to offset costs.
The Fridley City Council is now looking at whether
these two separate projects should merge.
continued on page 7
What’s Inside
New K9 Hits the Streets ...............2
Congratulations Captain Monsrud .2
Lieutentant Promotions ..................2
Two New Sergeants .....................2
Well-Deserved Retirements ............3
Adopt-a-Hydrant ..........................3
Did You Know? ..........................4
City Employees Inducted into
Fridley Hall of Fame .................4
Home Improvement Loans .............5
Fire Safety Poster Winner .............5
Winter Reminders ........................6
Xcel Energy Partners
with Springbrook ......................6
Fridley Fact Sheet ........................7
Community Gardens ....................7
Fridley Fall Fun ............................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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As we get excited about the growth and development
that is happening around the City, we also face
challenges with our current City buildings that must
be addressed.
Last year, the City Council authorized a study to take
place by an independent engineering and architectural
firm to look at the conditions of our buildings. The
results showed deficiencies in three areas:
1. Handicap accessibility in City Hall is
problematic.
2. Significant deterioration to the buildings requires
immediate repairs.
Brian Weierke knows Fridley. He started with Fridley
Police in 1995 and has since served in a variety of
capacities, each contributing to his deep and strong
understanding of public safety services. When Don
Abbott announced his retirement, City Manager Wally
Wysopal and the Fridley City Council gave serious
thought to who would best fill this key role in our
community. Brian Weierke immediately came to mind.
“Brian has depth of character, strong involvement in the
community, understanding of our City’s unique needs
and the leadership skills necessary to be successful,” says
Wally Wysopal. “I am convinced
Brian will serve his position with
a sense of duty, sacrifice, valor
and honor of which all our officers
and Police Department professionals
demonstrate on a daily basis.”
As a Patrol Officer, Brian wore many
hats including School Resource
Officer, Problem Response Team and
Detective Unit. He also served as
Sergeant for three years. In 2004, he
was appointed Police Captain, serving
in both Field Operations and
Technical Services. He demonstrated
teamwork and leadership, developing
many programs and initiatives along with Co-Captain
Bob Rewitzer. Director Weierke is a graduate of the
prestigious FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and
he also completed the Emergency Management
Certification Program in 2006.
“Captain Weierke is very knowledgeable in the
operations of the Police Department and the public
safety needs of the community,” says recently retired
Director Don Abbott. “Brian believes in collaboration,
and is a very involved member of the community
outside of work. His 11 years as a captain, including a
month as acting Director in 2014, will make his
transition to Director virtually seamless. I am confident
the department and the City will do well on his watch.”
Brian began his new role on September 30 and looks
forward to continuing Fridley’s tradition of being
responsive to community needs and partnering with the
community to keep our City safe.
Q & A with Director Weierke
What are some of the strengths you see
within the community to build upon?
Partnerships. We have some terrific neighborhood-
based programs. Our block captains program,
neighborhood resource officers and strong school
partnerships are some programs that have been working
well and we want to commit more resources to their
success. It is our intent to not only
continue these programs but to
strengthen them.
What challenges do you think
the coming year will bring?
The climate of policing is very
difficult and dangerous right now.
Attitudes toward police are changing,
so our top priority is the relationship
we have with our community.
We have had a number of recent
retirements which means we have
many new officers. Because of this we
are focusing a lot of attention on our training and
showing our continued commitment to all of our
residents.
Have you always wanted to be a police
officer? What led you to this career?
Yes, I have wanted to be a police officer since attending
Shakopee High School. My father told me early in life
to be a leader not a follower. In my mind, police officers
are leaders in society, as they all have to hold themselves
to a higher standard both on and off duty.
What programs stand out within the
department as unique or special to Fridley?
Our school resource officer program is very special to
our Police Department. All three of our school resource
officers work tirelessly to partner with all the schools in
Fridley. As a parent myself, I can understand how
Meet Fridley’s New Director of Public Safety
continued on page 2
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
New K-9
Hits the Streets
Officer Tom Roddy and new Fridley K-9 Jax
graduated from Patrol Dog 1 training on September
11, and wasted no time getting to work. Jax’s first
public appearance took place only hours later as
Officer Roddy showed off his new partner with a
K-9 demo at Fridley VFW Post 363 as part of a 9/11
tribute.
K-9 Jax joins Fridley Police at the young age of two-
and-a-half. He is a Malinois, also known as a Belgium
Shepherd. Like fellow K-9 Nitro, Jax also comes from
the Czech Republic, where he was bred and raised
specifically for public service.
Jax’s K-9 training consisted of being scored by
eight judges, and Officer Roddy and Jax received a
final score of 694, out of a possible 700! He is
certified through the United States Police Canine
Association, and skilled in narcotic detection,
tracking, trailing, article search and apprehension.
Jax has already been called upon to assist neighboring
communities. He was even able to locate a victim’s
property following a robbery in Columbia Heights.
In October, Officer Roddy and Jax attended the Fire
Open House where many residents were able to see
his skills in action. There is no doubt this new K-9
unit will be a valuable addition to our City.
We are pleased to announce that Mike Monsrud
was appointed Police Captain on November 2.
Mike has played a vital role in the Police
Department since he started in 1989. He was
promoted to Sergeant in 2004, and to Lieutenant
in charge of the Investigations Unit in 2007. His
experience, leadership style and ability to make
sound decisions will serve him well in this new
position.
“Mike has been with the Police Department for
26 years and has been involved with many different
programs and projects throughout his career,” says
Director Brian Weierke. “He has shown great
leadership in his current Lieutenant’s position and
will do a wonderful job as a Captain.”
Congratulations Captain Monsrud!
Congratulations Captain Monsrud
K-9 Jax makes his public debut at
Fridley’s annual Fire Open House
Congratulations to Nick Knaeble and Zak Chlebeck for
appointment to Police Sergeants. Both Officers Knaeble
and Chlebeck currently serve as School Resource Officers
and will begin their new positions next month.
Steve Monsrud began with the City in 1993. Among many
roles, he served on the Safety Committee, is currently the
field training and compliance coordinator, and supervises
patrol officers. Along with a degree in Law Enforcement and
Geography, Steve has participated in the Northwestern
University Supervision of Police Personnel, attended the
MN Chiefs of Police Association Leadership Academy,
and is currently attending the FBI National Academy
in Quantico, Virginia, having been nominated based on his
exceptional work. He returns to Fridley this month with
new knowledge and skills that will be invaluable to
our community as he accepts his new assignment to
Patrol Lieutenant.
Ryan George was hired as a Patrol Officer in 2005. Over the
years, he has served as School Resource Officer, Detective,
Patrol Sergeant, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Safety
Camp counselor, certified DARE instructor, DMT-G
Operator, Reserve Unit Coordinator, Fleet Coordinator and
Speed Board Coordinator. Ryan earned a BA Degree in
Criminology, Associate of Science Degree in Law
Enforcement, and a Master of Arts Degree in Police
Leadership. He also completed the Northwestern University –
Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.
Ryan will start the new year as our Support Lieutenant.
Over the last few months, Fridley Police conducted a command level promotion process to identify current
and future Captain and Lieutenant openings. Six candidates participated in a very thorough and detailed
assessment, and we extend our congratulations to Sergeant Ryan George and Sergeant Steve Monsrud who
will be promoted to Lieutenants effective January 1.
Lieutenant Promotions
Two New Sergeants
Nick Knaeble
Zak Chlebeck
important it is for parents to know that we are
doing everything we can to keep kids safe in our
schools. We believe the relationships we build in
the schools are supporting not only our future
leaders but all of the school staff as well.
What can residents do to partner with
police and keep our neighborhoods
safe?
We simply cannot respond appropriately or make
arrests without your help. There are countless times
when our officers were only able to make an arrest
because a resident called to report seeing something
that was not quite right. No one knows your
neighborhood better than you. Call 9-1-1 when
you see something out of sorts or suspicious in your
neighborhood. That is what the police are here for,
to serve and protect our community.
Brian Weirke,
continued from page 1
Seven officers participated in the sergeant
promotion process which included an interview
panel, written test, and several different types of
scored exercises.
w w w . F r i d l e y M N . g o v page 3
After 31 years of leadership to Fridley, Don Abbott,
Director of Public Safety, announced his retirement.
In 1984, police officers carried revolvers, squad cars
did not have computers, and the device that changes
traffic lights did not exist in Fridley. This is the year
that Don Abbott joined Fridley Police, and he has
seen a lot change during his three decades of service.
Today, the 11 law enforcement and 16 fire agencies
in Anoka County are in the final phases of
implementing a joint, state-of-the-art information
system that will provide consistent, reliable data
immediately to those enroute to an emergency.
Director Abbott was instrumental in coordinating,
training and launching this service for the county
and those efforts are receiving national attention,
one of his many professional accomplishments.
Building partnerships has always been a priority for
Abbott. Over the last 25 years, Fridley crime has
been dropping and police calls have been increasing.
This is exactly what we want to see in a community,
a partnership between law enforcement and
residents that provides an opportunity for help
before a situation escalates to a crime.
“One of the more rewarding things as a police
officer over the years has been the interaction with
the community,” says Abbott. Some of his favorite
memories include answering questions as a patrol
officer, spending time with at-risk kids during Shop
with a Cop, and connecting with residents at Night
to Unite.
In 2009, Abbott
brought the first
Police K-9 unit to
Fridley, a program
that has achieved
g rea t s u c ce s s .
Fridley K-9 units
are now among
the top requested
in the area. In
1991, with help
from many others,
Abbott formed the
Minne sota Law
E n f o r c e m e n t
Memorial Association Honor Guard to pay tribute
to fallen officers. Officers from across the state form
this unit and have trained with the U.S. Army
3d Infantry in memorial affairs. Over the years,
Abbott has received numerous recognitions,
including the 1998 Minnesota Chiefs of Police
Association Meritorious Service Award for
exceptional achievement and extraordinary valor,
service, professionalism and leadership; and
his appointment to Director of Public Safety on
April 30, 2004.
Looking back, it is not the highly publicized or
dangerous moments that stand out most to Don
Abbott. It is the human moments. Standing with a
teenage girl as she said her final goodbye to her
mother; taking in the sound of a family’s laughter
and giving them a few extra minutes before sharing
news that change their lives. Those are the moments
that have become a part of him forever.
Not one to sit still, Abbott already has plans to
continue making a difference. Teaching, training
and consulting are just a few of many things on
the horizon.
“If you can create something that lasts, and can last
beyond your time with it, and it gets stronger and
better, that is very, very gratifying.” Don Abbott
certainly leaves Fridley a lasting legacy, a tradition of
partnership and innovation to build upon for
generations to come.
The longevity of officers in the Fridley Police
Department is very impressive, and Don Abbott is
not the only familiar face that recently said goodbye.
After 26 years of serving our community, Captain
Bob Rewitzer also retired this fall.
“I have had the pleasure to work side by side with
Captain Rewitzer for the last 11 years,” says
Director Brian Weierke. “Bob is one of the most
committed and hardest working people I’ve ever
been around.”
Police Captain is a little different than Bob’s original
plans to be a veterinarian. In 1979, Bob took a job
as an Animal Control Officer to beef up his resume
in hopes of impressing vet school admissions. That
led to a full-time position as a Community Service
Officer with Anoka, and it was there he realized
police work was in his future.
Looking back over his career at Fridley, Bob focuses
on the big picture rather than the moments: the
balance between good and evil, the advantages
of community partnerships and the domino
effect of one small moment in time making a big
impact on the future. Twice, Bob saved a life by
performing CPR.
“Traffic enforcement can be a very thankless job,”
explains Bob. “But that one speeding ticket could
change a behavior, prevent an accident and save a
life.” It is not about the one small inconvenience of
that ticket; it is about the bigger picture.”
The days of post-it note scribbles while listening to
a one-channel radio are gone, but listening is still
the backbone of police success. Bob believes that
listening to our residents and our high community
involvement is one of the biggest strengths we have
as a city.
Bob Rewitzer laid the foundation for one of the
most successful partnerships we have today. He
was a detective when the first pawn shop opened
in Fridley. He helped develop regulations and
language on how to address those that attempt
to pawn the property of another. Today, that
language has been adopted by many other
communities and Fridley has a dedicated Pawn
Shop Detective.
“Bob has a strong passion to make not only the
community of Fridley a better place, but always puts
the needs of the Police Department ahead of his
own,” says Weierke. “We will sincerely miss him and
wish him well in a very deserving retirement.”
Well-Deserved Retirements:
Thank You Director Abbott and Captain Rewitzer Adopt-a-Hydrant
A fire doubles in size
every 60 seconds! You
can save valuable time
by keeping the snow
clear of any fire hydrant
near your home: 3 feet around and
clear to the street.
Don’t Forget Your Hydrant!
Remember: 3 Feet Around and
Clear to the Street
Seconds Matter - Shovel Out Your
Hydrant, 3 Feet on All Sides and
a Path to the Street
Rescue a
Hydrant from
the cold winter
snow!
Captain Robert “Bob” Rewitzer
Director Don Abbott
Springbrook a destination point for people from all
over the region and laid the foundation for the
current SPRING project.
Connie Thompson has worked for the City for
36 years and currently coordinates the Senior
Program. Connie continually offers new and
innovative programming that enriches the lives of
residents. She also volunteers with Fridley ‘49er
Days (36 years), is a founding member of the
Fridley Community Theater Advisory Board, and
participates in numerous aging and education
agencies. She has been awarded the “Spotlight
Award” from the Hennepin Theatre Trust, and
the Outstanding Senior Service award from the
Minnesota Association of Senior Services.
Also, honored this year is Medtronic founder
Earl Bakken. Earl is the inventor of the
cardiac pacemaker. He brought the Medtronic
headquarters to Fridley in 1972, going to great
lengths to preserve the natural surroundings of his
buildings. Today a Fortune 500 Company with
98,000 employees worldwide, Medtronic still keeps
its international headquarters in Fridley and is an
invaluable asset to our community.
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
The Fridley Hall of Fame was established in 2004
by the Fridley Historical Society to recognize
individuals who have contributed to the growth
and success of the City. In November, four new
members, including three current or retired City of
Fridley employees, were inducted with a ceremony
at the Fridley Community Center.
Ralph Messer joined our Fire Department in 1968
and served our community for over 40 years.
During his time here, he helped create the Rental
Housing Code, and established the Rental Property
Inspection Division prior to becoming Fire
Marshal. He also taught fire prevention in schools,
senior homes, businesses and apartment complexes.
He continues to educate and volunteer, and enjoys
preserving the Fire Department’s history.
Siah St. Clair served as Springbrook Nature
Center’s Director for 35 years starting in 1978.
During his tenure, a piece of undeveloped land
became a leading environmental education center
and research site. Working closely with schools, he
developed an environmental curriculum to meet
local school science standards. His efforts made
Winter Break Youth Trips
Grades K-5:
School’s Out Events
December 28:
Snow Tubing at Green Acres , $25
December 29:
Cinema Grill & The Works , $28
December 30:
Big Thrill Factory , $28
All events will be held from
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Transportation to and from
the Fridley Community Center
to each event location is included.
Extended hours available:
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.,
$8 additional/event.
Get details and register online at
FridleyMN.gov or call 763-572-3570.
City Employees Inducted into
Fridley Hall of Fame
Free Admission! Exhibit Hours:
Saturdays, Nov. 14 – Dec. 26
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Nov. 17 – Dec. 22
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Exhibit includes Historical Vignettes,
Operating Train Set, Trivia, Children’s
Activities, Photo Booth & Treats for All!
Fridley History Center: 611 Mississippi St NE
763-571-0120 • www.fridleyhistory.org
JOIN US FOR
THE ROARING TWENTIES
Celebrate Flappers, Speakeasies, Tin Lizzies and
the Charleston by stepping out to the Fridley History Center!
It’s sure to be the Bee’s Knees!
•Make sure smoke alarms are working.
•Stay in the kitchen when using the
stovetop and stay in your home while
cooking your turkey – keep an eye on
both.
•Keep kids out of the kitchen and away
from hot food and liquids.
•Keep the floor clean and clear to
prevent falls and spills.
•Keep knives, matches, lighters, candles
and electrical cords out of the reach of
children.
•Avoid gas-fueled turkey fryers that use
hot oil. Consider an alternative that
does not use oil. If you do use a turkey
fryer, make sure the turkey is
completely thawed and avoid using
the fryer if it is raining or snowing.
Holiday Cooking
Reminders
Pictured: Ralph Messer, Connie Thompson and
Siah St. Clair. Not pictured but also honored is
Earl Bakken who was unable to attend the
ceremony but was represented by his daughters.
Thanksgiving is the leading day
of the year for home fires
involving cooking equipment.
w w w . F r i d l e y M N . g o v page 5
The City of Fridley has home improvement dollars
available for homeowners to upgrade their heating
systems, insulate attics and side walls, replace
windows and more. Low interest loans are available
to help you complete projects this winter and enjoy
your improvements and utility savings all year long.
These loans now have no income limits, lower
interest and loans up to $50,000!
Fridley Low Interest
Home Improvement Loan Program
•4.5% fixed interest rate
•$1,000 to $50,000 loan amount
•Terms up to 20 years
•No maximum household income limit.
•Eligible improvements include most exterior
and interior improvements, energy efficiency
upgrades, code violation repairs and
remodeling.
Get Ready for Winter for a Home Improvement Loan
•Owner-Occupied, 1-4 unit residences in the
City of Fridley are eligible.
Not sure where to start? No problem! Schedule a
Fridley Home Remodeling Advisor visit! No matter
what type of project you are contemplating,
answers to your home improvement questions are
free of charge. So whether you would like assistance
prioritizing improvements, evaluating contractors’
bids or just learning how to get started, this no
sales, no pressure visit from an independent
professional is available to you.
The City of Fridley has contracted with the
Center for Energy and Environment Lending
Center (CEE Lending Center), a local non-profit,
to conduct the Remodeling Advisor Visits as
well as assist you through the loan process. To
schedule your free Remodeling Advisor Visit, call
612-335-5856. For more information on loans and
rebates available, call 612-335-5884 or go to
www.mnlendingcenter.org.
3 Easy Ways to Apply
2015 Fire Safety Poster Winner
Congratulations to Sawyer Lee-Tally, a 4th grade student at Hayes
Elementary. Sawyer is our 2015 Fire Safety Poster Contest winner!
Each fall, the Fridley Fire Department joins forces with area
schools to help spread a fire safety message. This year’s message:
“Hear the Beep Where You Sleep,” was also the theme for the 4th
grade poster contest. Sawyer’s colorful poster was selected as the
Fridley winner, and will now go on to compete at the Minnesota
State Fire Chief ’s competition.
To celebrate, Fridley firefighters picked up Sawyer and two of her
friends for a fire truck ride to DQ. There they enjoyed a behind-
the-scenes tour and tried their hands at creating the famous curly-
topped ice cream cone.
Thank you Sawyer for helping us remind everyone to have
working smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping
area and on every floor of the home.
Attention Utility Customers!
Did you know…You can have your City of Fridley
utility bill paid automatically with our free Direct
Payment Program!
•Save money (no stamps, no processing fees)
•Save time (no checks to write)
•No late fees, no worries!
Direct Payment is a free service and enrollment is
as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Simply complete the form to the right.
2. Attach a voided check or savings withdrawal
slip.
3. Return it to us with your current City of Fridley
utility payment or mail anytime.
Once you are enrolled your utility bill will state
*** Bank Draft***. It’s that simple!
Bills are paid automatically from your checking
or savings account on the due date. Our Direct
Payment Program is a free service and you can
withdraw anytime by contacting us at least
10 days prior to your due date.
Questions? Call us! 763-572-3529
Utility Bill Direct Payment Program Form
Mail completed forms to:
City of Fridley
Attn: Utility Billing
6431 University Ave NE
Fridley MN 55432
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
Utility Account #: ______________________________Daytime Phone#: ___________________________
Financial Institution: ________________________________________________Checking Savings
By signing below I am authorizing the City of Fridley Utility Department to automatically withdraw my
utility payment from my checking / savings account.
Signature ________________________________________________________Date ___________________
Attach voided check or savings withdrawal slip here.
Apply online at
mnlendingcenter.org
Email
loaninfo@mncee.org for
a copy of the application
Call (612) 335-5884
to have an application
mailed to you.
City of
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
Fridley Community Calendar
December
2 Appeals Commission
3 HRA Meeting
7 Parks & Recreation Commission
8 Environmental Quality & Energy Commission
14 City Council Meeting
16 Planning Commission
24-25 City Offices Closed in
Observance of Christmas
28 City Council Meeting
January
1 City Offices Closed in Observance of New
Year’s Day
4 Charter Commission
6 Appeals Commission
7 HRA Meeting
11 City Council Meeting
12 Environment Quality & Energy Commission
18 City Offices Closed in Observance
of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
20 Planning Commission
25 City Council Meeting
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.
Safety First!
Our dedicated crews plow 107 miles of city roads,
80 cul-de-sacs, 18 alleyways and dead ends, 17
parking lots and 16 miles of sidewalks and trails.
There will be big trucks coming through your
neighborhoods, often during poor weather with
slippery conditions and limited visibility. For that
reason, we ask for your help.
•Keep children safe. Do not build snow forts or
snow sculptures close to the street. It may be
tempting – large snow piles just begging to be
climbed –but keep those snowmen closer to
your home. Plows are big, they do not swerve
quickly, sometimes drivers have limited site
lines, and they need extra room to turn or move.
•Reduce your speed around plows and keep your
distance.
•Keep garbage cans in your driveway and out of
the street or sidewalk. This also goes for
recycling containers. Do not put ANYTHING
in the street including sleds and toys.
Winter Parking Rules
Now through April 1, there is no parking on any
city street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., regardless of
weather. In addition, there is no street parking
anytime while snow removal is in progress. We do
this so our plows can work quickly and effectively.
Roads may require treatment before or after a snow
event, and a single snowfall may require a plow to
pass multiple times. Winter parking restrictions
help lessen the risk of damage to vehicles and plows,
and help plow drivers work as quickly as possible.
Vehicles left on the street during these times can be
tagged and towed at the owner’s expense.
Plowing 101
Emergency routes are first priority after any
snowfall. These redline streets are established to
ensure emergency vehicles can reach within one or
two blocks of every home. After emergency routes
are clear, the City is split into 11 plowing districts.
Each district has 4 different starting points that
rotate each time. If your street was plowed last this
time, it will not be next time. Clean, safe plowing
of all City streets takes approximately 10-12 hours.
Reminder for Property Owners
It is unlawful to push, shovel or blow snow onto or
across city streets and boulevards. Penalties range
from a formal warning to a $700 fine or 90 days in
jail plus any City cost. Property owners are
responsible for their actions and those of their
contracted snow removers.
Remember: Fridley does not declare snow
emergencies. There is no street parking between
2 - 6 a.m. from now until April 1, and anytime
plows are out. Together, we will make it through
another beautiful Minnesota winter! Thank you for
partnering with us to keep our community safe.
Xcel Energy Partners
with Springbrook
Springbrook Nature Center plans to make
another stride in environmental education,
thanks to a generous $7,500 grant from Xcel
Energy. New containers and signage will help
visitors practice and learn more about recycling
and composting, essential efforts for our future.
Thanks to hard-working staff, the fundraising
efforts of the Springbrook Nature Center
Foundation and community partners such as
Xcel Energy, Springbrook is a leader in
environmental education. We provide curricula
activities to schools (over 15,000 students per
year) and other groups from more than 35
communities. Offerings include environmental
science classes (pre-k through college), team
building adventure activities, nature hikes, live
animal programs, exhibits and self-led
activities, all aimed at educating youth and
adults about concepts in nature, actual contact
with nature, and the importance of protecting
and preserving the natural environment.
Winter Reminders
We wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
Fridley City Hall Holiday Hours:
December 10 - Offices will close at 3 p.m.
for an Annual Employee Meeting
December 24 & 25 - closed
January 1 - closed
w w w . F r i d l e y M N . g o v page 7
Fridley Public Works and City Hall buildings
are over 60 years old and there is an urgent
need to address major maintenance, safety,
accessibility, environmental and legal issues.
Want to learn more? Share your thoughts?
Reach out to us!
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Website Blog: FridleyMN.gov/city-hall-update
Council Public Comments: December 28 at 6 p.m.
Fridley City Hall Fact Sheet
A Closer Look at the Problems
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•Elevators, restrooms, stairwells and
entrances are not up to code for
handicap accessibility. You can’t even
turn a wheelchair around to face the
buttons in the elevator.
•Failing parking ramp.
•Poor air quality.
•Deteriorating walls.
•Windows need replacing.
•Deficient HVAC and electrical
systems.
•New laws require separate male and
female areas in Police and Fire
facilities which there is not enough
space to accommodate this law.
•Lack of space for operations and office
equipment.
Best Value for Taxpayers
Building New at
Columbia Arena
Remodeling
Current Locations
Cost = Approx. $40 million Cost = Approx. $40 million
Longevity = 50+ years.
Major maintenance repairs (such
as roof) start around 40 years.
Longevity = 10-20 years
Space: Available space for both
current and future needs.
Space: Limited.
No room for future growth.
Appearance: Opportunity to
increase City pride and
appearance, and make area more
appealing to private developers.
Appearance: Functionality
will be priority over
community appearance.
Public Works: Will be designed
to blend into surrounding
properties.
Public Works: May impact
marketability to private
developers.
Relocation of Staff & Services
During Construction:
Not needed.
No disruption to services.
Relocation of Staff & Services
During Construction:
1-2 years, significant disruption
to services.
Community Areas: Park, plaza
and possibility for other
common areas.
Community Areas: None.
Public Feedback: Columbia Arena Site
As we wrap up another
great gardening season, we
would like to thank all our
dedicated gardeners for
participating in our
community garden. Look for
2016 plot registration infor -
mation in the next issue of
Community Connection .
Pictured: Alice Ruth Irwin,
94 years young, and an active
Community Garden participant
for 14 years.
•Unsafe mechanics area.
•Vehicles and equipment are stored outside and
deteriorate faster.
•Chemical and material runoff from outdoor storage may end
up in Rice Creek.
•Lack of space needed to properly maintain vehicles
and equipment.
?
Fire office doubles as sleeping quarters Deteriorating parking ramp
Narrow police garage door Larger equipment makes for unsafe quarters
Great prices – Great choices!
Come get unique, handmade
holiday gifts from local artists.
December 3 – December 19
Tuesday – Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Banfill-Locke Center for the Ar ts
presents
Hol id ay Gif t mAR T 20 15
Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts
6666 East River Road, Fridley
www.banfill-locke.org
Public Park
Private
Development
Preserve
Local History
Civic
Presence
Fridley residents
want to retain
public park space.
A civic presence provides
the unique opportunity to
pay tribute to the history
of this location.
There is a desire for a
symbol of community pride
and distinction, and the
inclusion of public areas.
Private development will
meet City housing needs
and is necessary to make
this site financially feasible.
The beautiful autumn weather gave us a chance to get outside and have fun. Thank you to everyone who
turned out for the events, from the Fire Station Open House to after school Halloween parties, recycling
drop-off to Pumpkin Night in the Park.
Up next: WinterFest 2016! Save the date: Saturday, January 23.
Fridley Fall Fun
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
Pumpkin Night at Springbrook: Despite
late adjustments due to construction, this year’s
Pumpkin Night in the Park once again welcomed a
great crowd. New this year, fire dancers awed
audiences, and Elvis returned to shake things up.
Fire Open House: Highlights included fire
engines, a car extrication demo, a kitchen fire
simulator, aerial rides and canine meet-and-greets.
SPRING Groundbreaking: A special thank you to everyone who celebrated with us at Springbrook’s
groundbreaking event on October 7. Construction is underway for the SPRING (Sanctuary Protection and
Renewal Into the Next Generation) project, and we look forward to opening the doors to an incredible new
facility sometime in 2016. In the meantime, take a hike out to the new Springbrook floating boardwalk
before the snow hits. It is the highlight to any visit to SNC.
SNC Director Mike Maher, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell, Parks & Rec Director Jack Kirk, State Representative Carolyn
Laine, Councilmember Jim Saefke, Planning Commission Chair Dave Kondrick, Mayor Scott Lund, State Senator Barb
Goodwin, SNCF Vice Chair Donna Bahls, Parks & Rec Commission Chair Mike Heintz, former SNC Director Siah St. Clair.
State Senator Barb Goodwin, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell, Councilmembers Dolores Varichak,
Bob Barnette, and Jim Saefke, Parks & Rec Commission Chair Mike Heintz,
Architect Paul Anderson, Councilmember Ann Bolkcom and construction manager Earl Smith.
The new 850’ floating boardwalk at
Springbrook Nature Center.
SNC Director Mike Maher, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell,
State Representative Connie Bernardy, SNCF board member
Neal Hayford, and Parks & Rec Director Jack Kirk.
Outdoor at Commons Park: sleigh rides, ice
games, dog sled rides, snowball launching and more!
Indoors at Fridley Community Center: Bingo,
dancing, crafts, games and treats!
Keep warm and make s’mores by the bonfire! Meet the
Clydesdales! Try your luck for fun prizes!
Don’t forget our Medallion Hunt!
Where could it be? Your keen eye and sharp detective
skills could earn you the $100 cash prize!
Questions? Give us a call at 763-572-3570.
winter fest
12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23
Indoor and Outdoor Family Fun
Win $100 in our Medallion Hunt!