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4-2-2025 Public Arts Commission April 2, 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 Ann Bolkcom, Council Liaison Guest: Scott Lund, President, Fridley Creative Arts Foundation Staff Liaison: Scott Hickok Absent N/A Approve of Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2025 1. Approve March 5, 2025, Meeting Minutes. Minutes were approved with the following modifications identified by Maija Sedzielarz. Savage Library, not Hopkins, was the blank that needed to be filled in and Josh Collins clarified that he was asking if we were reviewing and comfortable with the City’s procurement procedures as it relates to this process. Kara Ruwart made a motion to approve, seconded by Gary Swanson, to approve the minutes with amendments suggested. The motion passed 5-0. New Business 2. Request For Qualifications (RFQ) For Commons Park Sculpture Scott Hickok indicated that the RFQ Announcements went out. He thanked Commissioner’s Sedzielarz and the Commission generally for their research in addresses and organizations where the invitation will be seen. Hickok also thanked Chair Collins edits and revisions suggested in the RFQ process documents and the agreement example. Mr. Hickok explained due to time constraints at the end and with having limited time to have the draft agreement Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 2 Meeting 5/9/2025 reviewed by our attorney’s office, he sent a revised version of the one reviewed by the attorney’s office and prepared for the Jessica Turtle, Northern Leopard Frog Sculpture for Moore Lake. Scot Hickok also explained that some of the email addresses where RFQ materials were sent came back as non-mailboxes, or incorrect email addresses. He continued that out of about 17 addresses attempted, as many as six addresses were rejected. This still left a healthy number of organizations that received and would share the information. Maija Sedzielarz reported on a virtual meeting with Emily Robinson from CFAC and FHS Arts teachers:  Teachers were excited to hear about CFAC and possible collaborations; introducing Fridley students and families to arts in Fridley.  Teachers mentioned projects they had heard of: crosswalk art and trash can art (in CH along Central). Maija Sedzielarz suggests that perhaps HS student interaction with a mural artist for the Mississippi St. underpass.  Brainstorming ideas included HS musicians for openings or HS art shows at CFAC. Council member Bolkcom liked the idea of connecting with the Fridley Art Teachers and they could be connected with the park and recreation Department to be involved in workshops such as Tap-weaving, Basket-making, Notebook Sketching, Zentangle Art creation, etc. Gary Swanson asked that we review the schedule we defined in the RFQ and wanted the Commission to make note of the dates decided, which are:  Publish the RFQ April 2, 2025  Hold Information Meeting April 7, 2025  RFQ Responses Due back by May 2, 2025  Regular Meeting of the Commission Reviews Finalists May 7, 2025  May 14, 2025, Potential Special Meeting of Commission to further discuss artists  Finalist Notification May 21, 2025  Finalist Full Presentation to the Park and Recreation Commission and Public Arts Commission (in a joint meeting on June 8, 2025 - TBD)  Final Public Arts Commission Recommendation to Council July 8, 2025 A general discussion ensued, including the question, do we believe this is the correct amount of time to make the selection and to do what is necessary to notify the artist. A general discussion ensued regarding the potential number of responses we could get based on the value of the project, the review process, scoring of the responses, etc. Old Business Scott Lund once again agreed with the single artist’s final design concept as it will be easier to fundraise once it is clear what their money is going toward. Lund also provided updates on Fridley Art Foundations plans to promote themselves in the 49er Parade, have art projects for Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 3 Meeting 5/9/2025 children and adults to attract attention like painting rocks to take home and potentially another coloring project. th Mr. Lund also announced that on June 17, 2025, Betty Ann Addison is hosting a plant sale on th her property at 1315 66 Avenue NE. Some of the proceeds from the plant sale will be dedicated to the Art Foundation. All are welcome and are encouraged to attend. Scott Lund indicated that the Foundation has its website up and donations can be made directly into the website. Lund concluded by indication he is looking for volunteers to walk in the parade and carry a banner for the Public Arts Foundation. He will be the Grand Marshal in the Parade, so other volunteers will be necessary. Vice Chair Ryan Fugleberg suggested that, depending on how many responses we get back, we thth may want to begin reviewing the responses on the 5 or 6 of May. There was a consensus that that may be necessary, however no motion or official vote. Adjournment: Frank Sedzielarz made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Kara Ruwart, motion passed unanimously Meeting Adjourned 7:48 PM Respectfully submitted, Scott Hickok Recording Secretary