08-28-2023
City Council Meeting
August 28, 2023
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Lund called the City Council Meeting of August 28, 2023, to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Mayor Scott Lund
Councilmember Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Tom Tillberry
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Absent None
Others Present
Walter Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk
Sarah Sonsalla, City Attorney
Ann Essling to Receive Proclamation
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
1. Proclamation: Constitution Week, September 17-23, 2023
Mayor Lund presented the proclamation declaring September 17 through September 23, 2023 as
Constitution Week.
Ann Essling received the proclamation and commented that today, domestic tranquility is not something
they can take for granted. She acknowledged the work of the Police and Fire Departments to protect the
City of Fridley and thanked them for their service.
Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Ostwald to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Bolkcom.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
City Council Meeting 8/28/2023 Minutes Page 2
Approval/Receipt of Minutes
2. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of August 14, 2023.
3. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of August 14, 2023.
4. Receive the Minutes from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 5, 2023.
5. Receive the Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting of August 16, 2023.
New Business
6. Resolution No. 2023-96, Approving Gifts, Donations and Sponsorships Received Between July 15,
2023 and August 18, 2023.
Claims
7. Resolution No. 2023-97 Approving Claims for the Period Ending August 23, 2023.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Tillberry.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
Eugene Pilipanko, 7591 Lakeside Road NE, commented on an ongoing issue of harassment he has with
his neighbor. He stated that currently his neighbor is storing junk and debris on her property next to his
property line and he asked the City for assistance. He stated that he would also like assistance in obtaining
a restraining order against the neighbor, acknowledging that perhaps the police could assist. Mayor Lund
agreed that the police would be the best place to obtain that assistance.
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, took the contact information for the resident and
offered to meet with him to address these issues.
Regular Agenda
Old Business
8. Ordinance No. 1414, Creating Title No. 4 (Public Nuisance) of the Fridley City Code and the
Chapters Contained Therein (Second Reading)
City Council Meeting 8/28/2023 Minutes Page 3
Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk, stated that after the first reading of the ordinance staff realized that
an issued desired to be addressed by the Council was not included in that first reading. Staff has now
updated the ordinance to include a definition of “engine retarding break” (aka “jake braking”), which
has been added as prohibited. She reviewed the next steps should the Council adopt the ordinance
tonight.
Mayor Lund was happy to see this issue being addressed. Councilmember Evanson asked and
received confirmation that this prohibition would apply to City streets and parking lots and not on
highways.
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance
No. 1414, Creating Title No. 4 (Public Nuisance) of the Fridley City Code and the Chapters Contained
Therein and to approve summary Ordinance No. 1414 for publication. Seconded by
Councilmember Tillberry.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
New Business
9. Ordinance No. 1415, Amending the Fridley City Code to Add Chapter 311, Public Use of Cannabis
Products
Wally Wysopal, City Manager, provided background information on this topic which continues to be
discussed by the City and other cities throughout the state in response to the action of the legislature.
He stated that this ordinance would amend the City Code to add Chapter 311, Public Use of Cannabis
Products, which would prohibit cannabis and cannabis-related products in any public place or on any
public property. He reviewed the next steps, should the first reading be approved tonight.
Councilmember Evanson asked about the communication that residents should expect to educate
them on this topic.
Mr. Wysopal commented that the City would use its newsletter and other platforms such as social
media. He stated that perhaps signage in the parks would be appropriate as well.
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1415,
Amending the Fridley City Code to Add Chapter 311, Public Use of Cannabis Products. Seconded by
Councilmember Ostwald.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informal Status Reports
Mayor Lund noted that information should soon be provided to residents about a three-part open
meeting/learning session on the topic of public art. He reviewed the dates and invited residents to attend
and participate.
City Council Meeting 8/28/2023 Minutes Page 4
Mr. Wysopal commented that information will be posted on the City website for those who cannot attend
to follow along.
Councilmember Ostwald noted that staff has begun to work on the process to update the City website.
He stated there is a survey available on the website for residents to provide input.
Mr. Hickok reminded residents of the five-year celebration of the City campus on September 9. He
highlighted some of the events and encouraged the public to attend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Adjourn
Motion made by Councilmember Ostwald to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting
adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Scott J. Lund
City Clerk Mayor