6-4-2025
Public Arts Commission Meeting
June 4, 2025
6:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Chair Collins called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Present
Josh Collins, Chair
Ryan Fugleberg, Vice Chair
Gary Osterbauer
Gary Swanson
Maija Sedzielarz
Frank Sedzielarz
Kara Ruwart
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician
Approve Public Arts Commission Agenda for June 4, 2025
Motion by Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz to approve the June 4, 2025 meeting agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Swanson. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Public Arts Commission Minutes for May 7th and 14th, 2025*
Motion by Commissioner Swanson to approve the May 7, 2025 meeting minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Osterbauer. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Swanson to approve May 14, 2025, meeting minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Osterbauer. The motion passed unanimously.
*Additional corrections were requested to the April 2nd, 2025 minutes. These minutes will be amended
and submitted for approval at the July 9th meeting.
New Business
1. Moore Lake Park Sculpture Update
Park Commission 6/4/2025 Minutes Page 2
Staff stated that a meeting with the Rice Creek Watershed District and artist Jessica Turtle had
been scheduled for Monday June 2nd but was rescheduled for Monday, June 9th. Staff will update
the Commission on the takeaways from the meeting with the expectation that the project
timeline, installation location and transportation logistics will be firmed up.
Staff also presented a first draft of a sign that will be installed at the public art site at Moore Lake
and will serve as a template for future art program signage.
The Commission presented feedback on the sign including moving the artwork description to the
top, including information on Fridley’s public arts program, possibly removing the circular graphic
in the top right corner, exploring the idea of using a QR code or link to the art program webpage
and making sure the sign font and layout follow best practices for accessibility.
Staff additionally requested feedback on a ceremony to mark the installation of the public art
project at Moore Lake. The Commission suggested combining the event with a public concert
that is already scheduled on a weekday evening this summer.
The Commission took no formal action on this item.
2. 2025-2026 Workplan Draft Discussion
Staff stated that a draft workplan document was drafted to capture a list of projects, priorities
and ideas discussed in past meetings of the Public Arts Commission.
The Commission suggested several additions to the workplan including; follow up on an inquiry
to create a mural project at the Commons Park basketball courts, to explore a program offered
by a company that creates mural-ready sculptural benches from recycled wind turbines, exploring
options to add art into city utility and infrastructure projects, and to look at a mural or sculpture
walk/stroll program.
No formal action was taken on this agenda item.
3. Commons Park Sculpture Community Engagement Model
Staff stated that a draft copy of an agreement for the Commons Park sculpture project was
included in the Commission packet. The agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney and
represents the interests of the City of Fridley, Artist and Fridley Creative Arts Foundation.
The Commission suggested allowing additional time for the Artist to create a conceptual design
and budget and to better define expectations for community engagement.
Staff will make the modifications and send the agreement to the Artist for review. If substantial
changes are requested by the Artist, the agreement will be subject to a final legal review before
going to Fridley City Council for approval.
No formal action was taken by the Commission on this item.
Old Business
Other Items
Commissioner Frank Sedzielarz wished to discuss an inquiry by artist Lisa Elias regarding the RFQ
review process. Ms. Elias questioned if a secondary, corrected submission was included in the
packet of information used for evaluation of artist qualifications. Review indicated that this second
submission was not included in an electronic version of the materials but was added to the printed
packets that were distributed to each of the Commissioners prior to the evaluation meeting. The
Commission did not feel that this omission impacted the results of their evaluation and it was
determined that staff would follow up with Ms. Elias to inform her of the outcome of her inquiry.
Additionally, the Commission discussed community outreach at the Fridley 49er Days Festival,
being held June 12-14. Several Commissioners will be volunteering at an information table for the
Fridley Public Arts Foundation. The question of what stories or perspectives might be missing from
our public spaces was determined to be the theme of the engagement process.
Adjournment
Commissioner Osterbauer made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Seconded by
Commissioner Ruwart. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Recording Secretary