2-5-2025
Public Arts Commission
February 05, 2025
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approve January 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission Minutes
New Business
2.Update from Commissioners Sedzielarz and Collins on research completed since January 8, 2025
3.Isaac Kidder Artist Proposal Discussion
4.Rice Creek Watershed Kendra Sommerfeld offer to Provide Additional Funds For Water Related
Art
5.Special Guest Makilyn Koep, Executive Director Rumriver Art Center to Discuss plans for Fridley
Location and June 1st Goal to Occupy Center.
Old Business
6.BriefDiscussion on Resolution 2025 11, regardin
Commission to advance in its efforts to find and select to recommend the right art for
Other Items
Adjournment
Accessibility Notice:
If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff.
Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad.
Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cov
neeg ua hauj lwm.
Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha
Magaalada.
Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of
Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who
require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.govor (763) 572-3450.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:February 5, 2025 Meeting Type:Public ArtsCommission
Submitted By:Julianne Beberg, Office Coordinator
Title
Approve January 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission Minutes
Background
Approve January 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission Minutes
Financial Impact
Recommendation
ApproveJanuary 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission Minutes
Attachments and Other Resources
January 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission Minutes
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Public Arts Commission
January8, 2025
6:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Minutes
Call to Order
6:00 PM
Present
Josh Collins
Ryan Fugleberg
Kara Ruwart
Frank Sedzielarz
Maija Sedzielarz
Gary Swanson
Gary Osterbauer
Scott Lund, President, Fridley Creative Arts Foundation
Mike Maher, Director of Fridley Parks and Recreation
Staff Liaison:
Scott Hickok
Absent
Council Member Ann Bolkcom
Approve of Meeting Minutesof December11, 2024
Minutes approved with the following modifications identified by FrankSedzielarz. By the Minnesota
State Arts Board should be added to the statement by Mayor Lund indicating that a paid staff member
would be required to obtain State arts funding for the Foundation. Motion to approve minutes by Maija
Sedzielarz, seconded by Ryan Fugleberg. Motion passed 5-0
New Business
1.Commons Park Redevelopment Plan and Discussion of Public Art Placement Location
Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Maher attended as a guest to present the plans for the
Commons Park Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Maher indicated that the group that he has been working
with, which is the Parks Master Plan group including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and
other City staff. Mr. Maher indicated that
circular sidewalks. Much like a wheel this area acts as the center from which everything else radiates
outward.
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Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 1/30/2025
Mr. Maher presented a history of the Public engagement process that was extensive and defined
improvements to be made throughout the park system in Fridley. Mr. Maher indicated the total cost
approved for the Parks Mater Plan improvements is $30M dollars and will stretch over the next 8 years.
Mr. Maher indicated the parks that have been improved thus far and the positive public input that the
City has received as a result. Mr. Maher indicated that there was some discussion generated by the
suggestion of moving the ball diamonds, however the plan as it now exists has been accepted by all
parties and the negotiations ended successfully.
Chair, Josh Collins, asked if there were any plans to put a trail from the parking lot at the north end to the
disc golf course north of the Middle School. Mr. Maher described the irregular boundary of Commons
Park. He illustrated the boundary through use of a slide in his PowerPoint and indicated that the average
person will not step over the line between School District owned property and that owned by the City,
however it has been purposely designed to be cohesive and work well together. He indicated that there
has been talk of seeking grant funds through the Safe Routes to School Program that may allow that
installation to happen, however a trail connection there is not in this plan.
Mr. Maher continued his presentation and discussed the distinct areas in the plan that allow the 4-season
enjoyment of the space. The
awarded to them by the State to help pay $500,000 of that amount due to the inclusive design of the
play area. Maher continued by discussing the ball fields, pickleball courts and various other features
outside of the new building also planned for the site.
As he discussed the building, he discussed the attractive materials chosen for the exterior.
Stating that the building is meant to blend in and have a presence both. On the interior, Maher described
the various spaces, the event/classrooms that expand
house area that can be utilized to warm up or for rest rooms, vending in that area. And the art discussed
to create a fun colorful expression. The group purposely did not have a sports theme to the art to keep
it as inclusive as possible and to not become dated over time.
Gary Swanson asked if rooms will be available for rent. Mr. Maher explained that the current plans for the
building are that it would be staff, on weekdays and weekends and that spaces could be rented. He
imagines this will be a hit for Birthday parties with the splash pad and other features to enjoy while at a
birthday party.
Going back to the buil
responded no, it would not be, it is an area intended for less structured, or less formal play.
Gary Swanson Commented on the more formal yard west of the building and said he can see that being
a very popular area to enjoy. He said it reminded him of the Mall at the University of Minnesota and can
see people enjoying it in a similar way.
Focusing on the Art placement and potential areas, Mr. Marer pointed out the area on the east side of
the building. Indicating that the sail shade structure, performance area has been illustrated, but the area
between the sail shade area of the building and the building itself has been less defined. Mr. Maher
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Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 3
Meeting 1/30/2025
pointed out the planter was where people could sit and suggested that that may be an area that the
group would like to consider.
The Commission members began a general discussion of the potential for art in that area A member
asked if Mike Maher knew the dimensions (Diameter) of the space, he indicated that he could get back
to them and make that available. However, he did not know right off, his best estimate would be
Karat Ruwart envisioned a piece of art with movement, like a mobile would be interesting. Chair Collins
indicated he too thought a piece of kinetic (moving) art would be appropriate in that location. Collins was
involved with the St. Paul Union Depot installation of a Kinetic Art Piece and thought that if that is the
direction we were headed as a commission we should begin to talk to artists about what kind of sculpture
would fit in that space and how much should a group plan to budget in that instance. Mr. Collins
continued by stating that kinetic art can get expensive quickly and that in the Union Depo was well over
$100k.
Gary Osterbauer mentioned that he had heard from someone who knew he is involved in this Commission
and the work it is doing and suggested he look at Noblesville, Indiana. They have a Keep Noblesville
Beautiful or similar program, and public art is part of their effort.
Scott Lund, President of the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation reminded the group the grant application
period for the Regional Arts Council is between now and May. Having a location will help in many ways
with fundraising.
Scott Hickok thanked Director Maher for his attendance and presentation at the meeting and asked the
group if there was a consensus as to the location of the public Art Placement that they would like to
focus on. After presentation, the group was ready to vote on the location that all
believed would be most appropriate for an art installation at Commons Park, hopefully whose art
completion timing would coincide with the ribbon- redevelopment
completion.
Motion by Gary Swanson, seconded by Maija Sedzielarz to approve the priority Public Art location
withing the planted area with a seating wall around it, east of the new planned park building for the
park. Two final comments, Kara Ruwart asked that we make sure electrical (at least conduit is run in case
the art needs it. Chair Collins and Miaja Sedzielarz would begin discussing with experts in this type of
installation in Minneapolis and at Silverwood Park. With no other discussion, the motion Passed
unanimously.
2. Commission Member On-Boarding Manual Discussion
No discussion or presentation was necessary as the Commission had read the manual cover to cover in
the packet and all signature sheets were filled out and handed to Liaison Hickok.
Old Business
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Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 4
Meeting 1/30/2025
Liaison Hickok reported that the County HRA approved the CDBG Application as submitted and
awarded up to $350,000 with $10,000 going for Bacon oversight. A bid packet will be forthcoming, and
the project expenditures can begin once the County contract is signed. That signature is awaiting proof
of insurance from The League of Minnesota Cities.
The Homeowner of 5809 Arthur Street has been formally notified through a process server of
intent to demolish the hazardous structure at his address. The deadline for completion of
improvements is Friday January 10, 2025. A motion has been made by the City Attorney, to District
Court The Court must respond prior to the City moving
forward. That approval is anticipated to arrive very soon.
Other Items
None reported.
Adjournment
Motion by Maija Sedzielarz, seconded by Frank Sedzielarz at 7:46 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Hickok
Recording Secretary
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:January 31, 2025 Meeting Type:City Council
Submitted By ScottHickok, Community Development Director
Title
Update from Commissioners Sedzielarzand Collins on research completed since January8, 2025
Background
At the January meeting so much progress was made regarding location for a sculpture in the Commons
Park. As the meeting concluded and homework was being assigned, Commissioners Sedzielarz and
Collins indicated that they would volunteer to seek out information on the ballpark cost possibly and
the experiences in other locations in attracting both the art and the artists.
Commissioner Sedzielarz stated, I am attaching summaries from two interviews I did regarding outdoor
sculptures.I also attach a brochure from the Hutchinson 2024 Sculpture Stroll which highlights artworks
installed there for one year, with price tags for each one.Good insights into ballpark $$ we might use for the
Commons Park sculpture.
In addition, the brochure offers information we could use as we consider sculpture installations at Civic Plaza(our
priority #3). I also attach their 2025 application.
I ΝğƌƭƚΞ had a phone conversationwith Jim Clark today, Hopkins Visual Arts Manager. My notes are attached.
ŷğƓƉǤƚǒ Ʒƚ /ƚƒƒźƭƭźƚƓĻƩ ağźƆğ {ĻķǩźĻƌğƩǩ ŅƚƩ Ʒŷźƭ ƩĻƭĻğƩĭŷͲ źƷ źƭ ĭĻƩƷğźƓ ƷŷğƷ Ʒŷźƭ ƷǤƦĻ ƚŅ źƓŅƚƩƒğƷźƚƓ źƭ ĻǣğĭƷƌǤ
ǞŷğƷ ǞĻ ƓĻĻķ Ʒƚ ğķǝğƓĭĻ ƚǒƩ ĭğǒƭĻ͵ tƌĻğƭĻ ƭƦĻƓķ ƭƚƒĻ ƷźƒĻ ǞźƷŷ ƷŷĻ ğƷƷğĭŷƒĻƓƷƭ Ʒƚ ŷĻƌƦ ĬĻƷƷĻƩ ǒƓķĻƩƭƷğƓķ
ǞŷğƷ ƷŷĻ /ƚƒƒźƭƭźƚƓĻƩ ŷğƭ ƌĻğƩƓĻķ ğƓķ ŷğƭ ƭŷğƩĻķ͵
Financial Impact
None
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Public Arts Commission review the research and take elements of interest to assist
with understanding nextsteps for sculpture installation in Commons Park.
Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment
X Vibrant Neighborhoods &Places X Community Identity &Relationship Building
Financial Stability & Commercial ProsperityPublic Safety & Environmental Stewardship
Organizational Excellence
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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2024 Sculpture Stroll
2025 Artist Application
Interview with Wendy at MLA
Silverwood Gallery and Arts Coordinator
Interview with Jim Clark, Hopkins
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
8
2024
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:February 5, 2025 Meeting Type:Public ArtsCommission
Submitted By:Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Title
Isaac Kidder Artist Proposal Discussion
Background
While researching, Commissioner Sedzielarz learned that Isaac Kidder had approached the Art Director
As part of
conversationswith folks regarding costs and details for a possible sculpture for Commons Park, I contacted
Eileen Cohen, the Exhibitions Coordinator at Silverwood Park.I had an interview with her last summer,
when I was gathering info for artist criteria.I will be forwarding her answers to my questions, along with
a phone interview I had with Wendy Depaolis from the Arboretum in a few days. I am also meeting with
an artist friend tomorrow who is sure to give me some great insights into costs, etc.
Eileen introduced me to a sculptor who had contacted them about a proposal he is preparing to
submit.Silverwood is not able to commit to being a site for his project, but thought Fridley might be
interested.He sent me the proposal, timeline, and comments below.
Please review and let me know what more I should/could do.
As you know Commissioner Sedzielarz proceeded in proper fashion by not committing, but instead
communicating with the Staff liaison and all you commissioners, to see if we would approve at least a
letter of support in the artists grant application to complete his work in this specific Resonance of DNA
sculpture. An interactive educational piece. With positive support from the Commission and City
Manager, two letters of support were given to the artist, One from the Commission, and one from the
th
City. Further discussion at our February 5Commission meeting is anticipated.
Financial Impact
None
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission read materials and discuss the proposal by the artist Isaac
best location for the proposed sculpture if the Commission chooses to recommend approval to the
City Council.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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PAC Support Letter for Isaac Kidder
Isaac Kidder Letter of Support City
Kidder Isaac Pentatonic
Kidder Isaac Black Keys Artist Statement
Kidder Isaac Black Keys Previous Work
Kidder Isaac The Resonance of DNA Artist Statement
Kidder Isaac The Resonance of DNA Sculpture
Kidder Isaac Sculpture Kidder Isaac Variation
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Fridley Civic Campus
January 23, 2025
Isaac Kidder
Isaac Kidder Fine Art
RE:
Isaac,
No surprise that both Biology and Art were your degree areas of studyin college. Your art is
very interesting, beautiful, and inspires discussion, in this case,an art mixed with a biology
discussion. I live near the Hopkins Art Center and am familiar with your musicalinteractive art
hosted on Art Street in that community. It is fun to watch reactions as people approach your
Commission and a friend of Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz whom you have met as well. The
City is very interested in the opportunity to have an interactive piece of your work in our
Community.
Commissioner Sedzielarzhas shared your information with theother Public ArtCommissioners,
The City Manager has shared your Information with the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation, and we
have a City Council Liaison on the Commission who is now informed as well. The full City Council
will ultimately need to approve theinstallation, but the Commission will make their
recommendation as to where the sculpture would be best suited.
As an enthusiastic art municipality with many of us now
this opportunity to support you in your efforts to obtaingrant funding for the Resonance of DNA
Sculpture, whose concept plans you have provided. We will work with the Public Arts
Commission, Fridley Parks Master Plan Group, and the City Council to determine the best
location to highlight your work and in the meantime cheer you on as you seek grant funds to
make the sculpture for our community a reality.
Thanks again for your inquiry and for choosing Fridley to host a piece of your beautiful sculpture
partnership.
19
7071 University Ave N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-3450 FAX: 763-571-1287 FridleyMN.gov
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Sincerely,
Scott J. Hickok
Community Development Director
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7071 University Ave N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-3450 FAX: 763-571-1287 FridleyMN.gov
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:February 5, 2025 Meeting Type:Public ArtsCommission
Submitted By:Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Title
Rice Creek Watershed Kendra Sommerfeld offer to Provide Additional Funds For Water Related Art
Background
On January 28, 2025, Kendra Sommerfeld of the Rice Creek Watershed District contacted the City
indicating the following: I Just wanted to reach out with another art opportunity. I see CommonsPark in
Fridley is beginning the new renovations and just got permit approval from us. I'd be open to discussing
another art project at that park if you and the art committee are also interested. There are some
stormwater features there and native plantings, so there could be a funway of bringing those aspects
together.
Let me know what you think.
The Commission will want to review the proposal and suggest their preference to respond to Ms.
Sommerfeld and the Watershed District
Financial Impact
Dependent on whether additional City or Creative Arts Foundation funds would be used to supplement
the grant provided by the Rice Creek Watershed District. 02
The Recommendation
Staff recommends the Commission review the proposal and suggest theirpreference to respond to Ms.
Sommerfeld and the Watershed District
Attachments and Other Resources
Rice Creek Watershed Kendra Sommerfeld Email
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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From:Kendra Sommerfeld
To:Hickok, Scott
Subject:Art opportunities in Common Park
Date:Monday, January 27, 2025 10:31:27 AM
Hi Scott!
Just wanted to reach out with another art opportunity. I see Common Park in Fridley is
beginning the new renovations and just got permit approval from us. I'd be open to discussing
another art project at that park if you and the art committee are also interested. There are some
stormwater features there and also native plantings, so there could be a really fun way of
bringing those aspects together.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Kendra Sommerfeld - Communications & Outreach Manager
Phone: 763-398-3073
Visit Our New Website!
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:February 5, 2025 Meeting Type:Public ArtsCommission
Submitted By:Scott Hickok Community Development Director
Title
Special Guest Makilyn Koep, Executive Director Rumriver Art Center to Discuss plans for Fridley Location
st
and June 1Goal to Occupy Center.
Background
th
Way NE and has indicated
that because a major focus in their curriculum is serving special needs artists with classes, the
accessibility and other enhancements that North Suburban Center for the Arts described in their wish
list, would be required to reoccupy the space.
Staff has hired architect Bill Rust, Rust Architect and Engineering to prepare the concept drawings that
allowed us to accurately budget for the necessary building improvements, prior to making the request
to the County. Estimates show that the project would cost between $325,000 -$340,000. An additional
$10,000 would be necessary to monitor Davis Bacon compliance for payment of contractor wages.
It is our hope that the project can be complete for a June 1,2025,occupancy and move-in for the
Rumriver Art Center. Staff has met several times , Makilyn Koepto
make this move-in transition smooth. Director Koepon
Wednesday and introduce herself and discuss plans for the Center.
Financial Impact
Absorbed (Beyond County Awarded CDBG Grant costs of $350,000)
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission welcome Director Koep, Listen to plan, and ask questions as
required.
Attachments and Other Resources
Civil Engineering Document for Rum River Art Center
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:February5, 2025 Meeting Type:Public ArtsCommission
Submitted By:Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Title
BriefDiscussion on Resolution 2025 11
efforts to find and select to recommend the ri
selected.
Background
th
At the December 11, 2024, Public Arts Commission Meeting, Ryan Fugleberg suggested that the
Commission members express their top 3 choices in the Public Art Placement suggestions. These top
three priorities would give the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation a vision of location at least for their fund-
raising efforts. He suggested that his priority locations were:
Commons Park
Mississippi Street Underpass
Civic Campus
After a brief discussion, these locations were universally endorsed by the Public Arts Commission and
passed in a vote of 7-0.
Once the priority for top 3 locations for placement was determined in December. Director of Parks and
Recreation Mike Maher attended the January 8, 2025, Public Arts Commission meeting as a guest to
present the plans for the Commons Park Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Maher indicated that the group that
he has been working with, which is the Parks Master Plan group including architects, landscape
for the area defined by the circular sidewalks. Much like a wheel this area acts as the center from which
everything else radiates outward.
As h
Stating that the building is meant to blend in and have a presence both. On the interior, Maher described
the various spaces, the event/classrooms that expa
house area that can be utilized to warm up or for rest rooms, vending in that area. And the art discussed
to create a fun colorful expression. The group purposely did not have a sports theme to the art to keep
it as inclusive as possible and to not become dated over time.
Focusing on the Art placement and potential areas, Mr. Maher pointed out the area on the east side of
the building. Indicating that the sail shade structure, performance area has been illustrated, but the area
between the sail shade area of the building and the building itself has been less defined. Mr. Maher
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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pointed out the planter was where people could sit and suggested that that may be an area that the
group would like to consider.
The Commission members began a general discussion of the potential for art in that area A member
asked if Mike Maher knew the dimensions (Diameter) of the space, he indicated that he could get back
to them and make that available. However, he did not know right off, his best estimate would be
be interesting. Chair Collins indicated he too thought a piece of kinetic (moving) art would be appropriate
in that location. Collins was involved with the St. Paul Union Depot installation of a Kinetic Art Piece and
thought that if that is the direction we were headed as a commission we should begin to talk to artists
about what kind of sculpture would fit in that space and how much should a group plan to budget in that
instance. Mr. Collins continued by stating that kinetic art can get expensive quickly and that in the Union
Depo was well over $100k. The exact art that would be appropriate would be recommended in a future
Resolution before the City Council.
A motion was made and unanimously approved by the Public Arts Commission to approve the Public
recommendation that there be a public art installation within the planted area, with a seating wall
around it, east of the new planned park building. Exhibit A has been attached to illustrate the location
selected. Commissioner Ruwart asked that we make sure electrical (at least conduit is run in case the
art needs it).
lly approved these recommendations sent forward
by you the Commission and approved the items on their Consent Agenda.
Financial Impact
None
Recommendation
Staff Recommends the Commission review Resolution #2025-11, Passed by the City Council January
27, 2025, as a way of understanding process once they have made their recommendation.
Attachments and Other Resources
Resolution #2025-11
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Resolution No. 2025-11
Whereas, The City of Fridley has placed emphasis on the importance of art in the community,
both through a Center for the Arts and Formation of both a Public Arts Commission and Public
Arts Foundations; and
Whereas, The City believes art is an important part in the enrichment of individuals and human
spirit through creativity
Whereas, The City depends on its Public Arts Commission to advise the City Council on matters
of public art, its placement, specific locations for art installation, and art itself; and
Whereas, The Commission convened in December and determined its top three priority locations
for placement of the next public art installations were: Commons Park, The Mississippi Street
Underpass walls for murals, and the Civic Campus plaza ant walking trail area; and
Whereas, Additional locations will be recommended in time by the Commission in an overall plan,
however identifying the early priority sites allows the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation a vision of
what art-type and location they are fundraising for; and
Whereas, In their recommendation the Public Arts Commission desired to further specify a
location within the Commons Park Plan where they envision a sculpture; and
Whereas, The Commission is seeking the expertise of experts in the art community to evaluate
pricing to create a budget for a kinetic sculpture (sculpture designed to have movement while
being solidly anchored in one location), properly scaled to fill the space identified in the parks
plan; and
Whereas, Once an approximate price range is known; that information will be shared with the
Fridley Creative Arts Foundation for fund raising purposes; and
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Council hereby approves this resolution defining the
three top priorities for the next public art placement as recommended by the Public Arts
Commission and approves the location selected by the Commission for public art placement in
the Commons Park redevelopment plan and authorizes the Public Arts Commission to advance to
sculpture are known.
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th
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Fridley this 27 day of January 2025.
______________________________
Dave Ostwald Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Melissa Moore City Clerk
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