01-08-2024
City Council Meeting
January 8, 2024
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Lund called the City Council Meeting of January 8, 2024, to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Mayor Scott Lund
Councilmember Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Councilmember Tom Tillberry
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Others Present
Walter Wysopal, City Manager
Joe Starks, Finance Director
Korey Johnson, Assistant Finance Director
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
1. Acknowledging the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Fiscal
Year Ending December 31, 2022.
Joe Starks, Finance Director, reported that the City has once again received the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. He noted the City has received this award each
year since 2011. He thanked the finance staff for their great work.
Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Tillberry.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Approval/Receipt of Minutes
2. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of December 18, 2023.
City Council Meeting 1/8/2024 Minutes Page 2
3. Receive the Minutes from the Special City Council Conference Meeting of December 18, 2023.
4. Receive the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC) Meeting of
November 14, 2023.
New Business
5. Resolution No. 2024-01, Confirming City Council Appointments and Designations.
6. Resolution No. 2024-03, Authorizing Use of Municipal State Aid System Funding for 2024 Local
Improvement Projects.
7. Resolution No. 2024-04, Ordering Final Plans, Specifications and Calling for Bids for 2024 Street
Rehabilitation Project No. ST2024-01.
8. Resolution No. 2024-06, Approving Financial Management Policy Revisions.
Claims
9. Resolution No. 2024-02, Approving Claims for the Period Ending January 3, 2024.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
Bob Hosman, 281 Sylvan Lane N.E., commented that the three-block narrowing of the University
Avenue service road is not acceptable. He stated that the bike and pedestrian lane would not be
connected to anything and therefore suggested that the road simply be repaved with a striped bike
lane. He confirmed that he spoke against this improvement prior to construction as well.
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, stated that the City took advantage of the gas main
reconstruction on the east side of the road, asking that the utility company rebuild the road according
to the plans of the corridor, which included construction of a trail. He commented that the
bike/pedestrian trail will connect and provided additional details. He noted that final construction will
take place in 2024.
Mr. Hosman commented that the asphalt has not been poured yet and he would like the road to return
to a two-lane road with bike lanes like Main Street.
Mr. Kosluchar commented that they would not have sufficient space to have two driving lanes, two bike
lanes, and a sidewalk which Main Street has.
Councilmember Bolkcom said that some of the signatures are lacking addresses.
Mr. Hosman commented that most of the signatures belong to residents who live on Sylvan and
Mercury.
City Council Meeting 1/8/2024 Minutes Page 3
Councilmember Bolkcom recognized that there was a split opinion from residents on this project, with
some happy they would have the trail and others not wanting the road to change.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Ostwald.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
New Business
10. Resolution No. 2024-05, Approving a Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Application and
Agreement with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, provided background information on the new program from
Met Council Environmental Services (MCES) designed to help address inflow/infiltration (I/I) from
private services. He provided more details on I/I, the MCES program, and the grant application
noting that the City has been allocated $50,000 for work to occur between January 1, 2024 and
December 31, 2024. Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Councilmember Evanson provided an example of when an I/I issue was identified at his home. He
asked how a property owner might become aware of the issue.
Mr. Kosluchar stated that the City has its own televising program and there are other contractors
who regularly televise lines. He stated that some costs may be reimbursable if a resident meets
income guidelines. He stated that staff recommends that lines be televised if a resident has lived in
their home for a decade or two.
Councilmember Evanson asked how a resident would access these funds if an issue is identified.
Mr. Kosluchar stated that the City will be in touch with some contractors and information will be
posted on the City’s website. He noted that residents can call utilities staff to find out more
information. He stated that the City will be conducting a separate I/I study this year, which is
separate from private services. He stated that study will identify areas that need focus.
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt Resolution No. 2024-05, Approving a Municipal
Inflow and Infiltration Grant Application and Agreement with Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services. Seconded by Councilmember Ostwald.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
City Council Meeting 1/8/2024 Minutes Page 4
Informal Status Reports
Councilmember Ostwald said Winterfest will be held at the Springbrook Nature Center on January 20,
2024.
Adjourn
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Ostwald.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously and the
meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Scott J. Lund
City Clerk Mayor