2-24-2025
City Council Meeting
February 24, 2025
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of February 24, 2025, to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Mayor Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Patrick Vescio
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Absent
Others Present
Walter Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Brandon Brodhag, Assistant City Engineer
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
1. Proclamation by Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce
John Connelly, President of Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce, presented an update for the
City Council. Mayor Ostwald and the Council thanked Mr. Connelly for the annual update and the
work the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce does for the community.
Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Evanson.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Approval/Receipt of Minutes
2. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of February 10, 2025.
3. Receive the Minutes from the Council Conference Meeting of February 10, 2025.
City Council Meeting 2/24/2025 Minutes Page 2
4. Receive the Minutes from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 6, 2025.
5. Receive the Minutes from the Public Arts Commission Meeting of January 8, 2025.
6. Receive the Minutes from the HRA Commission Meeting of January 9, 2025.
7. Receive the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission (EQRC) Meeting of
January 14, 2025.
New Business
8. Resolution No. 2025-21, Approving Gifts, Donations and Sponsorships Received Between
December 16, 2024 and February 14, 2025.
Claims
9. Resolution No. 2025-20, Approving Claims for the Period Ending February 19, 2025.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
Betty Ann Addison commented on the changes she has seen in the community during the time she has
lived in Fridley. She spoke about the benefits provided by trees, the reasons there should be more trees
in Fridley, and how to improve tree cover. She acknowledged the work the City is doing related to trees.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Evanson.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
New Business
10. Ordinance No. 1429, Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 209, Fees, to Update Mechanical
and Plumbing Permit Fees (First Reading)
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, stated that this is the consideration of the first
reading of an amendment proposed to Chapter 209 of the City Code, Fees, which will align the fees
in City Code with the State Building Code. He reviewed the proposed amendment language and
recommended approval of the first reading as presented.
City Council Meeting 2/24/2025 Minutes Page 3
Councilmember Evanson referenced the proposed change from a percentage of the value of the
appliance to the value of the job and asked for more information on the reasoning for that change.
Mr. Hickok explained how the sliding scale could be considered exorbitant and how the change would
ensure the cost of the inspection is accurately covered.
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1429, Amending
the Fridley City Code, Chapter 209, Fees, to Update Mechanical and Plumbing Permit Fees. Seconded
by Councilmember Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
11. Resolution No. 2025-18, Ordering Preparation of Preliminary Report, Plans and Specifications for
2026 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST2026-01
Brandon Brodhag, Assistant City Engineer, presented background information on the Pavement
Management Plan and proposed 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project. He stated that if this action is
approved, staff would be able to move forward on preliminary design and project feasibility. He
reviewed the project map, tentative schedule, and recommended approval of the resolution as
presented.
Councilmember Vescio commented that in speaking with a resident from the proposed project area,
he can confirm the streets are in poor condition and is happy to see this area proposed for
improvement. Mr. Brodhag commented that there will also be utility work in conjunction with this
project.
Wally Wysopal, City Manager, commented that the communication will be sent to the entire
neighborhood and not just those directly on the roads proposed for improvement because of the
impacts that will occur to that area.
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to approve Resolution No. 2025-18, Ordering Preparation of
Preliminary Report, Plans, and Specifications for 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST2026-01.
Seconded by Councilmember Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
12. Resolution No. 2025-19, Approving Ordering of Advertisement for Bids for Commons Park Site
Improvements Project
Mr. Brodhag presented a project overview for Commons Park and the proposed site improvements.
Councilmember Evanson noted that there were no deviations from previous plans.
Councilmember Vescio asked for and received confirmation about the location of the School District
property adjacent to the park.
City Council Meeting 2/24/2025 Minutes Page 4
Councilmember Bolkcom commended staff, noting that the project was previously proposed above
the budgeted amount and staff found creative ways to potentially lower that cost.
Motion made by Councilmember Vescio to approve Resolution No. 2025-19, Approve Ordering of
Advertisement for Bids for Commons Park Site Improvements Project. Seconded by Councilmember
Evanson.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informal Status Reports
Councilmember Bolkcom thanked everyone who attended the recent celebration for former Mayor Lund
as well as the Winter Warm-Up event.
Councilmember Evanson commented that the City is currently accepting applications through Friday at 4
p.m. for the vacant seat on the City Council.
Councilmember Vescio commented on recent training he attended that will assist him in better
understanding his position on the Council. He stated that he also rode along with public works plowing
during the recent storm, which also provided him with additional knowledge on that job. Councilmember
Evanson commented that he would also be interested in riding along with public works.
Councilmember Bolkcom reminded residents that trash cans should remain on private property and not
within the street, noting the impact that has on plows.
Adjourn
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting
adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald
City Clerk Mayor