06-12-2024
Public Arts Commission
June 12, 2024
6:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Minutes
Call to Order
6:00 PM
Present
Josh Collins
Ryan Fugleberg
Gary Osterbauer
Kara Ruwart
Frank Sedzielarz
Maija Sedzielarz
Gary Swanson
Staff Liaison: Scott Hickok
Absent
Council Liaison: Ann Bolkcom
Approve of Meeting Minutes
N/A
New Business
Introduction of Kara Ruwart, newest Council appointed Commissioner. Commissioner Ruwart provided
a detailed background of her interest in and her work in art. The Commissioners welcomed Ruwart and
provided a brief introduction of themselves as well.
Contract Review for Artist, The Commission Reviewed the proposed language for the contract between
the Artist and agencies of the City of Fridley and the Rice Creek Watershed District. A general discussion
ensued with overall agreement on the language. The commission also reviewed the language questioned
by, or needing refinement as requested by the Artist. Again, the consensus was that the language and
Artist requested modifications appeared reasonable and supported.
Old Business
501C3 Progress Report Scott Hickok explained the work being completed by Mayor Lund in forming
the non-profit. The Mayor has selected the Board members. Two of the final three members selected
were selected from a group of three individuals who had indicated an interest in being involved in the
Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 8/26/2024
Public Arts Initiative. After interviewing the candidates, the decision was made that Kara Ruwart would be
appointed to the Commission and the other two interested parties would be on the non-profit Board.
Now that the name and the board members have been selected, the Mayor has sought legal assistance
on the IRS portions of the non-profit formation to assure proper legal steps have been considered.
Filing of the non-profit with the Secretary of State will be the next order of business.
Other Items
Debrief on June 1, 2024, City Open House The Commission discussed their experiences at the open
house. Overall the experience was positive. Comments regarding the area under the canopy point to
additional work necessary for the safety of park users. Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz was aware of a fall
during the event that was clearly related to the varying surface levels being difficult to make out as a
person walks through the area. Scott Hickok explained that safety features were planned into furniture
(that had not yet been installed) and other demarcation that would guide users avoid such accidents in
the future.
Commissioners were generally pleased with the event. A comment regarding parking working out for the
event, due to turnover, was noted.
TEDx Talk – Public Art Commissioner Frank Sedzielarz provided a TEDx Talk on public Art. The speaker
was Jack Becker, of Forecast Public Art. Retired after 42 years Jack Becker directed Public Art with Forecast
from 1978 – 2016. Becker’s TEDx discussion was both inspired and inspiring for the Commission. The
importance of public art to the community was an important theme for the presentation. Examples of
public art initiatives given were incredible and similar projects in Fridley doable.
On-Boarding Manual Scott Hickok indicated that the On-Boarding Manual had been prepared by
Danielle Herrick in the City Clerks office and was being offered as an educational element of the packet.
The Council manual also allows the Commission members to see what is provided for new Council
members and allows a glimpse into the future Commissioner Packet that is being prepared currently.
Ryan Fugleberg commented that the Commission should be focusing on the criteria and priorities for
selecting art as we move forward and consider our policy recommendations.
Adjournment
8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Hickok
Recording Secretary