7-9-2025
Public Arts Commission Meeting
July 9, 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 (Arrived at 6:30 pm)
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician
Approve Public Arts Commission Agenda for July 9, 2025
Motion by Commissioner Osterbauer to approve the July 9, 2025 meeting agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Swanson. The motion passed unanimously.
1. Approve Public Arts Commission Minutes for June 4th 2025
Motion by Commissioner Fugleberg to approve the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Frank Sedzielarz. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
2. Commons Park Sculpture Update
Staff stated that agreement negotiations were in progress between Staff, the Artist and the City
Attorney and the group discussed the process of the agreement going to the next possible City
Council meeting for approval after review by the Artist and Foundation. The group further
discussed using the Public Arts Commission meeting following approval of the agreement to kick
off the art project with the Artist.
Park Commission 7/9/2025 Minutes Page 2
The Commission took no formal action on this item.
3. 2025-2026 Workplan Draft Discussion
Staff stated that a workplan document was created to capture a list of projects, priorities and
ideas discussed in past meetings of the Public Arts Commission.
The Commission reviewed the workplan in detail in June and made several suggestions for
updates, which were included in the July workplan update. Staff revied the updates.
No formal action was taken on this agenda item.
4. Smaller-scale Public Art Options
Staff presented a framework for exploration of a number of smaller-scale public art programs for
the Commission over the next several meetings. These art programs may include sculptures on
loan, art benches, art on utility boxes, small murals, and murals on benches made from recycled
wind turbines, and sculptures in roundabouts/traffic circles located within the City. The
Commission indicated this was a good approach and would explore these various options and
make recommendations on which programs should be prioritized.
Information on a product line of recycled wind turbines from Noblewins Company was reviewed
including pricing and examples of murals being installed on the bench frames.
Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz shared details received from current/former staff in Hutchinson,
MN regarding their sculpture stroll. The growth of their program, strategies for installing artwork,
funding and sponsorships and role of their Public Arts Commission were discussed.
No formal action was taken by the Commission on this item.
5. Moore Lake Park Sculpture Update
Staff reviewed the progress on the Northern Leopard Frog sculpture being made by artist Jessica
Turtle. Staff reported on a meeting between the artist, staff and Rice Creek Watershed District,
who is funding a portion of the project to discuss installation location.
An early idea for the installation location was to place the sculpture in a pond to give the
appearance that it was sitting atop vegetation in the water. After exploring this idea, staff
recommended installing the sculpture on dry land and creating a small, landscaped garden
around the sculpture. The location map and example photos were shared with the Commission.
Motion by Commission Swanson to endorse the proposed location for the Moore Lake Park Sculpture
and surrounding landscaped garden. Seconded by Commissioner Ruwart. The motion passed
unanimously.
Old Business
Other Items
Adjournment
Commissioner Frank Sedzielarz made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Seconded by
Commissioner Swanson. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Recording Secretary