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5-12-2025 City Council Meeting May 12, 2025 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of May 12, 2025, to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Mayor Dave Ostwald Councilmember Patrick Vescio Councilmember Ryan Evanson Councilmember Luke Cardona Councilmember Ann Bolkcom Absent Others Present Walter Wysopal, City Manager Thomas Roddy, Police Sergeant Jason Wiehle, Utilities Operations Manager Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk Stacy Stromberg, Planning Manager Nancy Abts, Associate Planner Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Pledge Of Allegiance Proclamations/Presentations 1. Proclamation for National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day Mayor Ostwald read aloud the proclamation for National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day and presented it to the Police Chief. Thomas Roddy, Police Sergeant, appreciated the relationship between the Police Department and the Council and the support of the City. 2. Proclamation for Public Works Week Mayor Ostwald read aloud the proclamation for Public Works Week and presented it to Jason Wiehle, Utilities Operations Manager. Mr. Wiehle thanked the Council for the support and commitment to City Council Meeting 5/12/2025 Minutes Page 2 the Public Works Department. He stated that support helps to support the work and mission of the department. Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Approval/Receipt of Minutes 3. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of April 28, 2025. 4. Receive the Minutes from the Local Board of Appeal and Authorization Meeting of April 28, 2025. 5. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of April 28, 2025. New Business 6. Resolution No. 2025-54, Approving and Authorizing Signing an Agreement with the Police Technician Union (LELS Local #514) for the City of Fridley Public Safety Department for the Years 2025 and 2026. 7. Resolution No. 2025-55, Approving Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for the th Reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 6 (Mississippi Street NE) at 7 Street NE Claims 8. Resolution No. 2025-57, Approving Claims for the Period Ending May 7, 2025. Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.) No one from the audience spoke. 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 Public Hearing(s) City Council Meeting 5/12/2025 Minutes Page 3 9. Public Hearing to Consider On-Sale Liquor License by Margarito Martinez for Que Taco and Resolution No. 2025-53, Approving On-Sale Liquor License for Que Taco Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk, presented a request for an on-sale liquor license from Margarito Martinez for Que Taco, 8300 University Avenue. She reviewed background information, analysis, and recommended approval of the license as presented. Margarito Martinez, applicant, stated that they do have three other locations and are new to Fridley. She stated that this would be their second location with a liquor license, and they are excited to offer drinks such as margaritas. Mayor Ostwald commented that the food is wonderful at the restaurant. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the applicant understands the food to liquor ratio. Ms. Martinez stated that she is aware of the regulation and did not have any concerns because of their extensive food menu. She reviewed the hours of operation for the business, which is open seven days per week and offers sit-down and take-out service. She confirmed that they own all the locations of the business. Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing, Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Councilmember Evanson recognized the desire of the community to have more restaurants and encouraged residents to visit this new location. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt Resolution No. 2025-53, Approving On-Sale Liquor License for Que Taco. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 10. Ordinance No. 1431, Public Hearing and First Reading Creating Title No. 6 (Zoning and Subdivision) of the Fridley City Code, Repealing Chapter 205 (Zoning), Repealing Chapter 211 (Subdivision), Repealing Chapter 213 (Fences), Amending Chapter 209 (Fees) and Amending Chapter 506 (Signs) Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. City Council Meeting 5/12/2025 Minutes Page 4 Stacy Stromberg, Planning Manager, reviewed details on the process to update the Zoning Code and the goals of the update. She presented information on the district modifications, zoning chapters, and use-specific standards. Rita Trapp, HKGi, presented information related to off-street parking, landscaping, architectural standards, and subdivision. Nancy Abts, Associate Planner, presented information about procedures and the zoning map. Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, shared information about updates to the overlay districts within the Zoning Code. th Ms. Stromberg stated that the Planning Commission held a public hearing at its April 16 meeting and unanimously recommended approval. Staff recommend approval of the first reading tonight, th noting that the second reading is tentatively scheduled for May 27. Mayor Ostwald commented on the outstanding coordination of talents. Councilmember Bolkcom echoed those thoughts and also recognized the members of the commissions who also participated. Councilmember Evanson recognized the architectural changes and asked if those would be impacted by the legislative changes that were proposed this year but did not pass. Ms. Abts stated that she approaches items to determine what is best for Fridley and believes that these regulations are reasonable for the development that they would like to see, and also what they have seen in recent development in the community. She believed that these regulations will be beneficial to the City for decades to come. Councilmember Evanson asked if the floodplain two-foot requirement will increase the number of properties that would need flood insurance. Ms. Workin replied that this would not bring more properties into the floodplain overlay district, as that is determined by the 100-year elevation of the water body. She explained that this would change the distance at which new, substantial structure would need to be built. Councilmember Evanson commented that commercial property owners may be positively impacted by the reduction in the parking requirement, which could help to create opportunities for development or redevelopment. He asked if there are plans to reach out to some of those property owners. Ms. Stromberg replied that is something that staff has discussed, especially the large retailers who have an immense amount of parking. She stated that is an option that they could consider, but some retailers prefer to keep the space for large shopping days. Councilmember Cardona asked if there had been input from the public. Ms. Stromberg replied that she has not received much response from the public, but noted that they have discussed this at different opportunities for public engagement. Mayor Ostwald asked how often the DNR, or the State, revisits the boundaries of the floodplain or makes changes to the overlay standards. Ms. Workin replied that the DNR has taken different City Council Meeting 5/12/2025 Minutes Page 5 approaches and provided examples of when the City has been required to adjust its standards to match the DNR or State. Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing, Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1431, Creating Title No. 6 (Zoning and Subdivision) of the Fridley City Code, Repealing Chapter 205 (Zoning, Repealing Chapter 211 (Subdivision), Repealing Chapter 213 (Fences), Amending Chapter 209 (Fees), and Amending Chapter 506 (Signs). Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Lund declared the motion carried unanimously. New Business Informal Status Reports Councilmember Cardona noted upcoming events, including the Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off stthth on May 31 and the city-wide garage sale on June 6 and 7. Councilmember Vescio commented on the recent tour of the Republic recycling facility, noting that they do a tremendous job. th, Mayor Ostwald commented that the events the American Legion will be holding on Monday, May 26 and welcomed members of the public to attend. Adjourn Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald City Clerk Mayor