5-27-2025
City Council Conference Meeting
May 27, 2025
5:30 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue N.E.
Agenda
Agenda
1.Northstar Commuter Rail Update
2.Police Staffing
3.Public Art Program Update
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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INFORMATIONALUPDATE
Date:May 27, 2025
Submitted By:Paul Bolin, Asst. Exec. Director -HRA
Title
Northstar Commuter Rail Update
Background
Metro Transit has started the process of eliminating Northstar commuter rail service. Over the past
month, staff have attended three meetings to hear preliminary plans for the shuttering of the
Northstar line.
Community Development Staff provide an overview of the discussions to date and the impact closing
of the Northstar service will have on the Fridley station.
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:May 27, 2025 Meeting Type:City CouncilConference Meeting
Submitted By:Ryan George, Public Safety Director
Title
Police Staffing
Background
Staff and the City Council will discuss various staffing topics withinthe Police Division.
Attachments and Other Resources
None
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:May27,2025 Meeting Type:City CouncilConference
Submitted By:Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Scott Hickock, Community Development Director
Title:
Public Art Program Update
Background
Transition of staff liaisonfor the Public Arts Commission from Community Development Director
Scott Hickock (retiring) to Parks and Recreation Director, Mike Maher. Engineering Technician
Jesslyn Quiramwill additionallyplayan instrumental role as a second staff contact representing
the Public Works Department. Jesslyn and Mike will work together closely to ensure that public
art projects meet the goals of the Public Arts Commission but are also seamlessly integrated into
city infrastructure and are maintainable, safe and durable.
The Public Arts Commission has provided a recommendation for an artist to complete a sculpture
for the Commons Park site, with the goalof completion and installation by June of 2026. A public
request for proposals was prepared and published for the project and 19 qualifications were
submitted by artists from across the nation.
Through a combination of application scoring and thoughtful discussionat a public meeting
held on May 7th, the Public Arts Commission narrowed the field down to two artists that they
felt were best qualified to realize the vision for the project, with a budget not to exceed $50,000.
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Two artists were interviewed at a meeting of the Public Arts Commission held on May 14. Based
on interviews and discussion, the Commission provided a recommendation to enter into
agreement negotiations with artist Ken McCall, based in Garden City, Idaho. During his 20-year
career, Ken has completed public art projects in many states and Canada.
A budget of $50,000 was established for the Commons Park public art project, to be installed in
a circular, raised bed area of the four-season plaza to the east of the park building. These funds
have been committed by the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization
established in 2024 to foster the development of the arts in Fridley through fundraising and
financial support.
An agreement is currently being reviewed by the City Attorney to represent the interests of the
artist, City of Fridley and Fridley Creative Arts Foundation.
A sculpture of a Northern Leopard Frog being completed by artist Jessica Turtle is being
completed in her studio. Staff are currently coordinatingthe logistics of transportation and
installation of the sculpture, which will be placed at the recently renovated Moore Lake Park.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Financial Impact
None. The Fridley Creative Arts Foundation has committed funds for the Commons Park Public Art
project and the Northern Leopard Frog sculpture to be installed at Moore Lake Park was funded
through a grant from the Rice Creek Watershed District and a generous donation from Mary Tjosvold.
Recommendation
None
Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment
X Vibrant Neighborhoods & Places X Community Identity & Relationship Building
Financial Stability & Commercial Prosperity Public 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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