10-02-2024
Public Arts Commission
October 2, 2024
6:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Minutes
Call to Order
6:00 PM
Present
Council Liaison: Ann Bolkcom
Joshua Collins, Chair
Ryan Fugleberg, Vice Chair
Mayor, Scott Lund
Gary Osterbauer
Kara Ruwart
Frank Sedzielarz
Maija Sedzielarz
Gary Swanson
Staff Liaison: Scott Hickok
Absent
Also, Present
Syed Hilal
Safwaan
Antione Jenkins
Approve of Meeting Minutes
No corrections or comments were received regarding the September 4, 2024, Minutes.
New Business
1. Guest Syed Halil and his colleagues Safwaan, and Antione Jenkins introduced themselves and
discussed the concept of providing a memorial for friend Nathan Shefraw in common’s Park
potentially on or near the basketball court that currently exists (and will exist in the new site plan
for the park. Mr. Halil explained Shefraw was tragically killed in a car accident in California earlier
this year. As a tribute to their friend, the group of colleagues expressed an interest in potentially
providing a tribute to be painted on the surface of the court.
Antione Jenkins shared three examples of sketches that he had done to express what could be
done on the court. In his presentation Jenkins explained that the Shifty’ s Premium Cuts Logo
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Meeting October 2, 2024
was simply used as an example of where the art could go and how the Court might be laid out.
Shifty’ s was the name of the business that was started by Shefraw, a business in Mounds View
that grew into a barber school and was an example of growing up in the area and giving back.
Shefraw grew up in the Fridley school system and did much in the way of volunteering and
inspiring others with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Chair Collins indicated that one of the principles of Public Art is that it does not serve as
advertisement, no advertisement should be present on any public art placement.
Mr. Jenkins reiterated that it was not his intention to have the final piece include reference to
the business, he only was demonstrating layout ideas, and the center circle could be faces of
individuals instead, maybe an inclusive illustration of a Muslim woman in traditional dress and
others, with Nathan’s face in that mix of individuals.
Mayor Lund indicated That something that we have not done but is common is naming rights.
Councilmember Bolkcom suggested that memorial benches are a common way to remember
loved ones and friends in parks and public places.
Chair Collins suggested we present a proposal first to Council about how we do decision
making, and how we make our recommendations, which will require much discussion at the
Commission level before we would decide discussion. Collins continued; we should have Parks
involved in some of those discussions.
Chair Collins stated that the Moore Lake Art installation was a good thing but not typical for
how we will likely make our future recommendations. The art and placement should be driven
by our recommendations and fit with an overall plan that we lay out and recommend to Council.
This is different than a piece being driven by an artist or in another way.
Mayor Lund asked if the Commission is suggesting that there be a memorial policy.
Chair Collins indicated that that needs to be discussed and there should be a prohibition on
Logos.
Mayor Lund Mentioned that we have had a successful paver project at Springbrook, and this
allows folks to remember or honor individuals.
Mayor Lund stated it is much easier when you have something specific you are raising funds for.
Gary Osterbauer stated the Dunes would be a great place for an art installation.
Chair Collins indicated we want the Commission to engage with the artist after a selection
process.
Council Member Bolkcom asked, what are our policies, and do we need to state them?
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Meeting October 2, 2024
A general policy discussion ensued. The Commission thanked their guests and told them that
before a decision of their question could be given, policy discussion needs to occur.
After the guests departed, the Commission continued its discussion on policy direction and
determined that a sub working committee would be helpful to meet and to discuss next steps
and set the agenda for the next meetings. Ryan Fugleberg, Maija Sedzielarz, and Joshua Collins
agreed to meet for that discussion with a date and time to be determined.
Mayor Lund provided a brief update of the status of his Fridley Creative Arts Foundation and
then left for that meeting, which was occurring in the Fireside room.
Old Business
2. Teams Introduction and Tutorial. The City Clerk and City Manager advised that a TEAMs group
with a Commission such as the Public Arts Commission, or any Commission for that matter a
Team’s group for communication would be looked upon as an inappropriate meeting of the
Commission as it is a quorum and communication needs to be public, easy for the public to get
to, and the meeting needs to be open.
Other Items
3. None.
Adjournment
7:28 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Hickok
Recording Secretary