3-10-2025
City Council Meeting
March 10, 2025
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of March 10, 2025, to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Mayor Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Patrick Vescio
Councilmember Luke Cardona
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Absent
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Others Present
Walter Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director
Sarah Sonsalla, City Attorney
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilmember Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Approval/Receipt of Minutes
1. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of February 24, 2025.
2. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of February 24, 2025.
3. Receive the Minutes from the Special City Council Meeting of March 4, 2025.
New Business
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4. Ordinance No. 1429, Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 209, Fees, to Update Mechanical
and Plumbing Permit Fees (Second Reading).
5. Resolution No. 2025-27, Accepting the 2025 City of Fridley Flock Camera Grant Agreement
Between the City and Axle Apartments (Roers Companies Property).
6. Resolution No. 2025-29, Renewing the Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and
the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for Participation
in the MN Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force.
Licenses
7. Resolution No. 2025-26, Approving Springbrook Nature Center Foundation Temporary Lawful
Gambling and Liquor Permits.
Claims
8. Resolution No. 2025-28, Approving Claims for the Period Ending March 5, 2025.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
Natividad Seefeld, Park Plaza Cooperative, stated that she is present to speak of the streetlights that were
promised to the Fireside Drive area in September of 2020. She stated that the lights have still not been
installed and with no sidewalks, it is an issue of safety. She commented that snowplows damaged some
of their fencing.
Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, commented that he will follow up on the fencing and lighting.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
New Business
9. Resolution No. 2025-23, Awarding Fire Station No. 3 Improvements Project.
Mr. Kosluchar provided background information on the Fire Station No. 3 Improvements Project which
will rehabilitate the existing space to allow Rumriver Art Center to occupy the space. He reviewed the
project location and existing conditions, project details, project bid, funding impact, and schedule.
He recommended that the Council receive the bids and award the project to the lowest responsive
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bidder, Brennan Construction of Minnesota, Inc. of Minneapolis, including a five percent contingency
for the total amount of $308,332.50.
Councilmember Vescio asked if the increase of 8.1 percent from the engineer’s estimate was due to
rising costs. Mr. Kosluchar replied that he did not believe a difference of 8.1 percent from the estimate
to the bid is that bad in these times. He stated that because of federal dollars being used, there are
regulations that need to be followed.
Councilmember Evanson commented that it is a small project, so being off by a small amount results
in a larger percentage of difference. He asked if the City would continue to own the space and lease
it to Rumriver Art Center. Mr. Kosluchar confirmed that is the plan for the building and improvements
to continue to be City-owned.
Councilmember Cardona asked for the details of the lease agreement. Wally Wysopal, City Manager,
commented that staff is currently negotiating that lease using the previous lease as a model. He
noted that will come before the City Council in the coming weeks.
Councilmember Evanson asked if the grant dollars would have a claw back if the space were not to
be leased for the duration by Rumriver Art Center. Ms. Kosluchar replied that the City would need to
continue to maintain the improvements and the space could be used for another purpose in the
future in that scenario. Mr. Wysopal reiterated that the funds are tied to the improvements, not the
tenant.
Councilmember Cardona asked and received confirmation that Public Works will be maintaining the
site.
Mayor Ostwald commented that Rumriver Art Center is very excited about this space as it is more
accessible than its current location.
Motion made by Councilmember Vescio to approve Resolution No. 2025-23, Awarding the Base Bid Fire
Station No. 3 Improvements Project. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
10. Resolution No. 2025-24, Awarding 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST2025-01.
Mr. Kosluchar presented background information as well as details on the existing condition, project
elements, project bidding, funding sources, and project schedule. Staff recommend that the Council
approve the resolution awarding the project.
Councilmember Evanson acknowledged that the bids were about 17 percent below the engineer’s
estimate and asked for any thoughts on the lower bids received. Mr. Kosluchar commented that the
construction climate is settling down a bit for utilities and roads. He confirmed that the scope of the
project was not reduced or changed.
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Councilmember Evanson asked how residents would be notified of the upcoming Q&A meeting. Mr.
Kosluchar commented that notices would be mailed, and they can also post information on the
website.
Councilmember Cardona encouraged residents in the neighborhood watching to share the
information with their neighbors. Mr. Kosluchar commented that for those residents unable to attend,
staff will go meet with residents onsite to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.
Councilmember Vescio asked where the meeting would be held, noting that perhaps Moore Lake
would be closer to the neighborhood. Mr. Kosluchar replied that he could check the availability of
that building.
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve Resolution No. 2025-24, Awarding 2025 Street
Rehabilitation Project No. ST2025-01. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informal Status Reports
Councilmember Cardona thanked the Council for welcoming him as a new member and appreciated the
confidence placed in him to fill this term. He recognized that he was not elected to this position and
commented on his commitment to meet more of the neighbors in his ward. He reminded residents of
th
the Homeowner Program meeting on March 17, noting that he will be attending that event as well.
Councilmember Evanson commented that there are currently open positions on the Parks Commission
and Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and encouraged interested residents to apply.
Councilmember Vescio stated that his home is part of the Lawns to Legumes program this year and
looked forward to the work they will do this spring.
Mr. Wysopal commented that the State Legislature is in session and provided an update on bills that will
be considered that could impact local controls of municipalities. He urged residents to contact their
legislative representative to share their concerns.
Councilmember Evanson noted that residents recently shared their concern with increased density in
certain areas. He stated that it is important to plan appropriately for where higher density housing occurs
to ensure sufficient infrastructure. He noted that some of these initiatives could actually drive the cost of
housing up, rather than decreasing it.
Adjourn
Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting
adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald
City Clerk Mayor