12-23-2024
City Council Meeting
December 23, 2024
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Lund called the City Council Meeting of December 23, 2024, to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Mayor Scott Lund
Councilmember Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Tom Tillberry
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Absent
Others Present
Walter Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Joe Starks, Finance Director
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Sarah Sonsalla, City Attorney
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
1. Acknowledging the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Year Ended
December 31, 2023.
Joe Starks, Finance Director, reported that the City has once again received the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ending December 31, 2023, which it
has received every year since 2011. He noted two additional financial awards presented to the City
and commended the finance staff for their continued hard work. He presented the certificate to
Mayor Lund. Mayor Lund acknowledged the work of Mr. Starks and his team, which allows the City
to receive these awards.
Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Ostwald.
City Council Meeting 12/23/2024 Minutes Page 2
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 9, 2024.
3. Receive the Minutes from the Council Conference Meeting of December 9, 2024.
4. Receive the Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of November 4, 2024.
5. Receive the Minutes of the Public Arts Commission Meeting of November 6, 2024.
6. Receive the Minutes of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Meeting of November
7, 2024.
7. Receive the Minutes of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQEC) Meeting of
November 12, 2024.
New Business
8. Resolution No. 2024-184, Adopting the Commission Onboarding Manual.
9. Ordinance No. 1426, Amending the Fridley City Code to add Chapter 312, Cannabis Business, and
Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 209, Fees (Second Reading).
10. Resolution No. 2024-187, Approving Gifts, Donations, and Sponsorships Received Between
November 16, 2024 and December 15, 2024.
Claims
11. Resolution No. 2024-183 Approving Claims for the Period Ending December 18, 2024.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
County Commissioner Mandy Meisner honored Mayor Lund at his last meeting recognizing the work that
he has done in the community as a resident and elected official. She explained that Mayor Lund has been
her role model and the inspiration for her to run for office as well. She acknowledged that even though
Mayor Lund will no longer be Mayor, he will continue to serve the community and inspire the next
generation. Mayor Lund thanked her for her kind words. He commented that it is an honor and pleasure
to work alongside Ms. Meisner.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Tillberry.
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Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
New Business
12. Resolution No. 2024-188, Accepting the Award of Community Development Block Grant Funds
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for a Public Facility to be Generally Located at 110 77 Way NE
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, presented a resolution for consideration accepting
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grant funds of up to $350,000 for the art center to be located at 110 77 Way NE. He thanked Ms.
Meisner and the County for being an advocate for the arts and this program. He stated that the Rum
River Art Center will be occupying the space that has previously housed the fire department and North
Suburban Art Center. He stated that the building does need updates and provided a summary of the
proposed improvements that will make the building handicap accessible.
Mayor Lund thanked Ms. Meisner and the County for providing the funding that will make this facility
more user-friendly. He also welcomed the Rum River Art Center to Fridley. Councilmember Bolkcom
commented that the Rum River Art Center staff is very enthusiastic, and she is excited to see what
they will do in the new space.
Ms. Meisner commented that the CDBG grant funds can be used for capital projects, noting that the
County has more funds than projects presented and encouraged the City to continue to apply with
their projects. She also provided additional details on the accessibility projects the County is working
on within the parks and City projects that could be eligible.
Mayor Lund commented on the railroad bridge the City is working on noting a current funding gap
and asked for any assistance the County can provide. Ms. Meisner commented that the City is making
great progress and taking the right steps. She noted that she is watching the project and will continue
to be involved in those conversations.
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve Resolution No. 2024-188 Accepting the Award of
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Community Development Block Grant Funds for a Public Facility to be Generally Located at 110 77
Way NE. Seconded by Councilmember Tillberry.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
13. Resolution 2024-185, Approving Budget Reappropriation for Certain Funds for the Fiscal Year
Ending December 31, 2024.
Mr. Starks presented a draft resolution that would approve budget reappropriation for certain funds
for the fiscal year. He provided an overview of the request and the 2024 budget amendments. He
stated that staff recommends approval of the resolution as presented.
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Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve Resolution No. 2024-185 Approving Budget
Reappropriation for Certain Funds for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2024. Seconded by
Councilmember Ostwald.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
14. Resolution No. 2024-186, Authorizing a Funding Application and Grant Agreement with the
Metropolitan Council for Private Sanitary Inflow/Infiltration Reduction for 2025.
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, provided background information on inflow and infiltration, the
MCES program, and the grant. He asked the Council to approve the resolution and encouraged
residents to apply. He noted that targeted mailers will be sent to areas where there are high
groundwater levels.
Councilmember Evanson asked if this grant could be used by homeowners to repair their sewer
system. Mr. Kosluchar confirmed that to be correct and noted that interested residents can contact
the utility division to gain more information. He stated that more information can also be found on
the website and in the City newsletter.
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve Resolution No. 2024-186, Approving a Municipal
Inflow and Infiltration Grant Application and Agreement with Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services for 2025. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informal Status Reports
Mayor Lund commented that he has never taken this job lightly and has never had a hidden agenda. He
stated that he always did what he thought was best for the community in his time serving. He stated that
he has started the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation to further public art in this community. He commented
that the first piece of art is currently being commissioned and will be located at Moore Lake Park. He
stated that it has been a pleasure and honor to serve for the past 24 years and thanked everyone.
Councilmember Tillberry commented that Mayor Lund has done a lot for the community and is leaving a
great legacy. He stated that there will be a public celebration recognizing the work of Mayor Lund on
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February 20. Councilmember Bolkcom echoed the comments of Councilmember Tillberry and
commented that they will miss him. She commented that it has been an honor to serve with him.
Councilmember Evanson commented on his history in working with Mayor Lund which led to his path of
service to the community. He appreciated the leadership and mentorship that Mayor Lund has provided.
Councilmember Ostwald commented that the goal is to leave something better than it was and believed
that Mayor Lund has done that, and his legacy will live on.
Wally Wysopal, City Manager, thanked Mayor Lund for making his job easier, as Mayor Lund is a person
of character and wished him the best on behalf of City staff.
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Mayor Lund commented that it has been great to work with everyone for all these years and looked
forward to continuing to work within the community in new ways. He thanked all the City staff.
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 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Scott J. Lund
City Clerk Mayor