5-27-2025
City Council Conference Meeting
May 27, 2025
5:30 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Roll Call
Present: Mayor Dave Ostwald
Councilmember Patrick Vescio
Councilmember Ann Bolkcom
Councilmember Luke Cardona
Councilmember Ryan Evanson
Others Present: Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Paul Bolin, HRA Director
Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician
Ryan George, Public Safety Director
Brandon Brodhag, Assistant City Engineer
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Items for Discussion
1. Northstar Rail Divesture
Paul Bolin, HRA Director, provided background on the Metropolitan Council and Minnesota
Department of Transportation’s decision to end the Northstar Light Rail. The focus of the
discussion was on the various leases that provide the train station, tunnel and parking lots.
2. Police Staffing
Ryan George, Public Safety Director, reported that the Public Safety Department remains fully
staffed. A strong Community Service Officer program provides good candidates for the sworn
positions and also the ICPOET program has helped with grants. Chief George also introduced an
additional opportunity through Independent School District 14 to add two additional positions
through a Setting 4 program. These positions would be separate from the existing School
Resource Officer program.
3. Public Art at Commons Park
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician and
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a review of the relationship between the
City Council, Public Arts Commission and a Private Art Foundation pertaining to the public art
considered for Commons Park.