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10-13-2025 City Council Meeting October 13, 2025 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of October 13, 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 Sarah Sonsalla, City Attorney Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner Joe Starks, Finance Director Brandon Brodhag, Assistant City Engineer Stacy Stromberg, Assistant Community Development and HRA Director Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director Pledge Of Allegiance Proclamations/Presentations 1. Proclamation for Acknowledging the Exceptional Donation by James Noddin, Eagle Scout Candidate, for Picnic Tables at Springbrook Nature Center Mayor Ostwald presented the proclamation acknowledging the exceptional donation of picnic tables at Springbrook Nature Center from Eagle Scout Candidate James Noddin. 2. Presentation of GreenStep Cities Step 5 Award Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, presented the GreenStep Cities Step 5 Award. Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 2 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. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of September 22, 2025. 4. Receive the Minutes from the Council Conference Meeting of September 22, 2025. 5. Receive the Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting of September 17, 2025. 6. Receive the Minutes from the HRA Commission Meeting of September 4, 2025. New Business 7. Resolution No. 2025-122, Accepting the 2025 City of Fridley Flock Camera Grant Agreement Between the City and Cielo Apartments. 8. Resolution No 2025-123, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Utility and Driveway Lateral Repair Projects. 9. Resolution No. 2025-124, Certifying Certain Delinquent Utility Services and Other Unpaid Charges for Collection with 2026 Property Taxes. 10. Resolution No. 2025-125, Accepting and Confirming Statutory Tort Limits. 11. Resolution No. 2025-129, Approving a SCORE Grant Agreement with Anoka County for the Residential Recycling Program. 12. Resolution No. 2025-130, Approving an Amendment to the Contract for Recycling Collection with Allied Waste Services. 13. Resolution No. 2025-131, Approving an Amendment to the Contract for Organics Collection with Allied Waste Services. 14. Resolution No. 2025-135, Approving and Authorizing Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Patrol Officers (Local #119) for the City of Fridley Public Safety Department. 15. Resolution No. 2025-138, Approving Interim Use Permit, IUP #25-02 for a Temporary Outdoor Storage Container at 7490 Central Avenue NE (Ward 2). 16. Resolution No. 2025-137, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Tree Removals. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 3 Claims 17. Resolution No. 2025-136, Approving Claims for the Period Ending October 8, 2025. Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.) No one from the audience spoke. Adoption of Regular Agenda Mayor Ostwald noted that Item 21 was listed as a public hearing, but should actually be moved under New Business. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda as amended. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Regular Agenda Public Hearing(s) 18. Public Hearing and Resolution No. 2025-126, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST-2025-01 Joe Starks, Finance Director, noted that this public hearing related to the pavement improvements, while traffic calming improvements will be addressed under the next agenda item. He provided background information on special assessments. 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. Mr. Starks continued to provide information related to the special assessment process, noting that the City Clerk’s Office has not received any objections related to the proposed assessment. Brandon Brodhag, Assistant City Engineer, provided a summary of the work that was completed for improvement project ST-2025-01. Mr. Starks reviewed the proposed assessment information for the residential properties within the project area, along with related project costs. He recommended that the Council complete the public hearing and consider adoption of the resolution as presented. Mayor Ostwald invited public comments. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 4 Steve MacInthune, 5502 W. Danube Road, asked for information on prepayment. Mr. Starks stated that one prepayment can be made and provided details on that process. Roman Zownirowycz, 5527 E Danube Road, asked why residents have to pay for street assessments. He appreciated that the road was left open for traffic in one direction during construction, but believed signage could have been improved. Mayor Ostwald explained the assessment process. Rachel Cagle, 5643, N Danube Road, commented on a lack of oversight throughout this process and what she viewed as a lack of public engagement. Carl Britebirth, 5477 E Danube Road, provided positive feedback on the contractors who completed the work. He asked if there would be a warranty on the concrete and grass work. Mayor Ostwald encouraged residents to reach out to staff with any issues. Mr. Brodhag replied that there is a two- year warranty on the concrete. Mr. MacInthune asked who residents would report restoration issues to and commented that the City staff who were onsite were very responsive. Mayor Ostwald identified the staff member who can discuss those restoration concerns. Patricia Freeburg, 5557 E Danube Road, commented that the workers were pleasant but often offered more than could be delivered. She provided input on drainage issues she believed were not addressed, and did not believe the speed humps provide any benefit. She commented that the Danube streets were never meant to handle through traffic. She was not satisfied with the results of the project. Mr. Brodhag replied that they did address drainage issues to the extent possible while working with the grade of the road. Jennifer Mulvahill, 5601 N Danube Road, believed that the two private schools should also contribute to the project costs because of their use of the roads. She stated that the residents wanted the road to be dead-ended rather than the speed humps. Jessica Hodge, 5575 W Danube Road, expressed concern with the quality of the work that has been completed, and that the residents have to contribute to the cost of that work. She provided input on the poor look of the concrete work and grass restoration. Mayor Ostwald explained that at the beginning of this process, the City explained how much higher the cost would have been to replace all the concrete and the high cost that would be assessed to residents, which is why the patch method was chosen. Dianne Muvahill, 5601 N Danube, commented that the workers did a nice job, in her opinion, in the area near her home. She agreed that the residents would have preferred a dead-end rather than speed bumps. She believed that the process could be improved by obtaining more input from residents on the front end of a project. Mayor Ostwald noted that the process typically begins one year ahead of a project and asked staff to provide input on that process. Mr. Brodhag stated that the process began in June of 2024 with an open house and reviewed the timeline of the project and related meetings with residents. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 5 Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the neighborhood could work with public safety related to the traffic and speed concerns, while recognizing that this is a public street. Wally Wysopal, City Manager, confirmed that the City does work with neighborhoods in an attempt to address issues such as traffic volumes and speeds. Sarah Sonsalla, City Attorney, provided more specific information on how properties can be assessed for a project in response to the resident comment related to the private school properties. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to close the public hearing, Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Evanson noted the questions related to the quality of the work and advised that there is a two-year warranty on the concrete work, and grass restoration issues should be directed to City staff. He recognized that drainage issues were resolved to the extent possible, and additional concerns should be directed to City staff. He referenced the cost for the improvements and noted that the City contributed a larger proportion of the cost because of the cost for concrete work, noting that about two-thirds of the project cost was funded by the City. He thanked the residents for the input related to improved communications, signage, and engagement. Councilmember Bolkcom reiterated that residents can reach out to City staff with any ongoing concerns. She stated that public safety can continue to work with the residents to address concerns with traffic volume and speed. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt Resolution No. 2025-126, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST-2025-01. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 19. Public Hearing and Resolution No. 2025-127, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 East Danube Traffic Calming Project No. ST-2025-02 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. Mr. Starks presented information on the special assessment process, noting that to date, no written objections have been received by the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Brodhag presented a summary of the traffic calming improvements, and the evaluation of the traffic occurred following the project. Mr. Starks provided more specific information on the proposed assessment roll. He recommended that the Council complete the public hearing and consider approving the resolution as presented. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 6 Councilmember Vescio asked if the height of the speed humps was chosen to protect vehicles and activities like plowing. Mr. Brodhag confirmed that, for safety reasons and road maintenance, that height was chosen. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the height of the speed bumps is similar to other areas. Mr. Brodhag confirmed that similar height humps were added to Channel Road in a previous project. Mayor Ostwald welcomed public comment. Megan Herndorf, 5467 E Danube Road, commented that while she is satisfied with the road project, the speed bumps are wildly inadequate, noting a height of 2.5 inches, while speed bumps in a neighboring community are 3.5 inches. She stated that one additional inch in height would be enough to slow vehicle speeds. Mr. Brodhag commented that staff will verify the height of the speed humps as the bid specified three inches. Boyd Herndorf, 5467 E Danube Road, provided additional information on the measurements for the speed hump. He noted that because the run-up is so long, it does not have the intended purpose of slowing traffic. Mr. Brodhag confirmed that staff will follow up to ensure the specifications were met. Mrs. Herndorf did not believe that the assessment should be approved until this is resolved. Jennifer Mulvahill, 5601 N Danube Road, referenced the traffic evaluation data and did not believe that it was accurate. She stated that the posted speed limit was noted as 30 mph, but residents paid for and installed two 15 mph speed limit signs. Mr. Brodhag stated that the statutory speed limit remains at 30 mph, and the signs posted at 15 mph are just advisory signs. He noted that the cost for the signs was split 50/50 between the City and the assessment. Patricia Freeburg, 5557 E Danube Road, noted the comments that were made by residents during the previous public hearing as well. She stated that residents assumed that the improvement would be speed bumps rather than speed humps. She believed the speed humps were worthless and the City should have just not added this to the project. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if six-inch speed bumps would even be feasible. Mr. Brodhag stated that six-inch speed bumps would not be feasible for traffic or street maintenance. He explained that the speed humps have reduced the speed and traffic volumes, as shown in the evaluation data. Ms. Mulvahill commented that she believed that the data is not accurate, as she believed the times and dates were not comparable for pre- and post-construction. She stated that every single vehicle was exceeding the 15 mph posted speed limit. Mr. Brodhag noted the dates that were observed pre- and post-construction and explained the data collection process. Jacob Affolt, 5457 E Danube Road, commented that the speed humps are inadequate, noting that his children cannot play in his front yard or driveway because of the concern for safety with passing vehicles. He commented that neighboring communities have six-inch speed bumps and, therefore, Fridley should be able to as well. He commented that the post-construction data was most likely City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 7 impacted by vehicles choosing not to go down that route because of the construction. He stated that he would be happy contributing towards the cost of the improvement if it were adequate, but it is not. Mayor Ostwald asked if this would still meet the requirements for Anoka County if this were tabled tonight. Mr. Starks replied that if this were tabled tonight, they would not meet the requirement for the tax rolls in 2026, and that would be delayed to 2027. He confirmed that because of the low cost of the improvement, this would not impact the City funds if the assessment approval were delayed. Mr. Wysopal asked if the petition included a definition of the speed humps and whether the improvement was built to the promised specifications. Mr. Brodhag stated that different options were discussed with the residents at the open house, including speed humps and other traffic calming measures. Councilmember Bolkcom noted that the street improvement and traffic calming measures could be split apart from each other. Mr. Starks noted that the total project cost for the traffic calming measures was $27,763.15, with $13,855 levied in special assessments. Mr. Wysopal explained that if the element was built as proposed, and that did not meet the satisfaction of residents, he was unsure whether the height would meet resident standards and how they would determine that. Councilmember Evanson recognized that traffic patterns may have changed to avoid construction, and perhaps there should be a future evaluation to determine if the traffic volume and speed have been impacted as desired. Councilmember Vescio agreed that an ongoing follow-up evaluation would be beneficial. Rick Schroder, 5497 E Danube Road, stated that he supports ongoing evaluation to provide more data. He asked for input from engineering on the cost estimate for the project. Mr. Brodhag stated that he can follow up with those specifics and noted some of the project cost categories. Councilmember Cardona stated that he would like verification that the speed humps were constructed to three inches. He stated that he would be okay approving this tonight with the knowledge that if there is work needed on the humps after measurements are confirmed, the City would address that. Mr. Brodhag provided additional input, noting that if additional traffic calming measures were needed, that would be at the cost of the City. He provided additional information on traffic calming and noted that Google Maps has been updated to remove Danube from the route. He noted that there was constant traffic throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and therefore, they think the additional traffic is the general public and not specific to the schools. A resident noted that Google is still showing Danube as closed, which may have resulted in the lower traffic counts. Mr. Herndorf commented on the cut-through traffic and spoke about additional factors that have an impact on traffic, such as the hills and winter road conditions. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 8 Scott Vonderhaar, 5547 E Danube Road, stated that there has been a lot of discussion about the three inches but noted the impact of rise over run as well. He commented that, depending on the time of day, the speed humps blend into the roadway as the black paint has already faded to grey. He commented that even if the humps are structurally effective, they do not stand out in appearance. Mayor Ostwald asked why the paint is not yellow, as that would make people more hesitant. Mr. Brodhag replied that standard pavement markings were used. Councilmember Evanson asked if the paint color could be changed. Mr. Brodhag replied that it is the minimum standard and therefore could be reviewed by staff. Mr. Wysopal appreciated the debate, noting that there was discussion to begin this process, which led to a feasibility study and the construction of the traffic calming improvement as designed. He stated that staff will verify that the three inches were constructed. He stated that the speed hump is identical to what was constructed on Channel Road, but recognized that it can be hard for residents to know what it will look like until it is constructed. He stated that if the improvement is not working as designed, City staff would continue to work with the residents, but he was concerned that without knowing the desired end result, it would be hard to agree to continued improvements. He asked the Council to take action on the item that was built as promised. He noted that other City funds were used towards this project and did not want to continue to spend funds on a moving target as he did not believe the ultimate desire of some who live on the street would ever be reached. He stated that the City built the project they said they would and has committed to reviewing this to determine what else could be done, such as paint color changes. Councilmember Bolkcom recognized that staff recommends that the Council should move forward as the project was built as designed, recognizing that staff can continue to work with residents on potential future changes. Mr. Wysopal stated that if the project was not built to the three-inch requirement, it would be the obligation of the contractor to come back and make the correction. He agreed that the appropriate thing would be to move forward and reevaluate after one year of time to determine the impact of the project. Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to close the public hearing, Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Evanson commented that a lot of great input was received tonight from the residents and staff. He recognized that they need to have realistic expectations that even with well-designed traffic calming measures, some people will still not obey that. He had concerns that there may be some bias in the data. He stated that because this is a lower-cost project, he can support tabling this to ensure that the project is built as designed, with evaluation to occur in one year. Councilmember Cardona stated that he can support approving this as the City fulfilled its obligation for the project. He stated that City staff is going to follow up to determine if the project was constructed as required, and if it was not, the contractor would need to fix that. He stated that he City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 9 does not support waiting one year, as that becomes a moving target for the desired outcome. He stated that the data already shows improvement and that it can still be reevaluated in one year. Councilmember Bolkcom agreed. She noted that the improvement has been constructed, and if work is needed to correct something, that would occur at no cost to residents. She noted additional work that could be done, working with public safety as well. She did not believe they needed to postpone action. Councilmember Vescio recognized that this is where these residents live and appreciated their input. He stated that the roads needed repair, and the schools are not going anywhere. He hoped that residents would reach out if any issues arise with the work that is warranted. He stated that the City agreed to the traffic calming measures, which were constructed, and recognized that they may not satisfy all the residents. He commented that the data shows that traffic volumes and speeds have been reduced, but recognized that not every driver is going to do what they should. Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to adopt Resolution No. 2025-127, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 East Danube Traffic Calming Project No. ST-2025-02. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Further discussion: Councilmember Bolkcom noted that staff will follow up on the items discussed tonight. Mr. Wysopal asked and received confirmation that follow-up traffic evaluation could occur at six months and one year. Mr. Brodhag stated that staff will verify that the speed humps were constructed as designed as soon as possible. Upon a voice vote of 4 – 1 (Evanson opposed), Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried. Mayor Ostwald briefly recessed the meeting at 9:51 p.m. Mayor Ostwald reconvened the meeting at 9:58 p.m. 20. Public Hearing and Resolution No. 2025-128, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Nuisance Abatements and 2025 Rental Reinspection Fees Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Starks presented information on nuisance abatements and rental reinspection fees, noting a total of 50 properties with assessments totaling $148,069. He noted a payment that was received late Friday afternoon, which is reflected in the revised assessment roll. He stated that to date, one written objection has been received by the City Clerk’s Office. He recommended that the Council complete the public hearing, receive the revised assessment roll, and adopt the resolution as presented. Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to accept the revised assessment roll into the record, Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 10 Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Vescio noted the high total for the property at 5809 Arthur Street and asked how th that would be collected. Mr. Starks explained that if the costs are not paid by November 15, they would be certified to the County and paid with the property taxes. There were no public comments. Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to close the public hearing, Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt Resolution No. 2025-128, Adopting the Assessment for 2025 Nuisance Abatements and 2025 Rental Reinspection Fees. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. New Business 21. Ordinance No. 1434, Amending Title No. 6, Zoning and Subdivision, Related to the Public District, Use Definitions and Conditions, and Subdivision Procedures (First Reading) Stacy Stromberg, Assistant Community Development and HRA Director, provided background information on the Zoning Code update that occurred and related updates that have been identified since that time. She presented the proposed updates related to subdivision procedures, use definitions/use table, public facilities district, and principal use standards. She stated that the Planning Commission reviewed this and recommended approval, noting that the Council is asked to consider the first reading of the ordinance tonight. Mayor Ostwald commented that these seem to be straightforward updates. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1434 Amending Title No. 6, Zoning and Subdivision, Related to the Public District, Use Definitions and Conditions, and Subdivision Procedures. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 22. Resolution No. 2025-132, Authorizing Execution of Loan Agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for the Locke Park WTP GAC Treatment Addition Project No. 24-199 Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, presented a summary of the Locke Park WTP GAC Treatment Addition Project, noting that the proposed resolution would authorize finalization and execution of the loan agreement with the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). He reviewed the project elements, financial impacts, next steps, and recommendation to approve the resolution as presented. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 11 Mayor Ostwald suggested that Mr. Kosluchar continue with the presentation for Item 23, and the Council could then take action on both items. Mr. Kosluchar presented a summary of the bidding for the project, the low bid received, the recommendation to award the project, and the next steps. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there would be any impact on Locke Park once the work begins. Mr. Kosluchar stated that it will most likely be taken offline when construction begins in earnest in the spring and will most likely remain offline for one year during the project. Mayor Ostwald noted that this project will help expand the City's utilities and filter additional material from the well. He applauded staff for the work to put the project together and obtain the loan. Mr. Kosluchar recognized the work of the utility and finance staff who worked on this project. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve Resolution No. 2025-132, Authorizing Execution of Loan Agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for the Locke Park WTP GAC Treatment Addition Project No. 24-199. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 23. Resolution No. 2025-133, Receiving Bids and Awarding Locke Park WTP GAC Treatment Addition Project No. 24-199 Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve Resolution No. 2025-133, Receiving Bids and Awarding Locke Park WTP GAC Treatment Addition Project No. 24-199. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 24. Resolution No. 2025-134, Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling for Public Hearing on Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST-2026-01 Mr. Brodhag presented the Feasibility Report for the proposed street rehabilitation project ST-2026- 01, including the project area, resident outreach and engagement, proposed improvements, utility improvements, special assessment, project budget, and tentative schedule. He stated that the feasibility report concludes that the project is cost-effective, necessary, and feasible, and recommends approval of the resolution as presented. Councilmember Cardona encouraged the residents in the project area to attend the public hearing and believed that they would appreciate the proposed improvements. Councilmember Vescio asked if residents would have access to their homes when the water main work is completed. Mr. Brodhag stated that they typically work with contractors to allow access to each property to the best of their ability, recognizing that there may be times when access is limited. Noting that access is restored at the end of the workday. City Council Meeting 10/13/2025 Minutes Page 12 Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to approve Resolution No. 2025-134, Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling for Public Hearing on Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST-2026-01. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Informal Status Reports Councilmember Bolkcom stated that she and Councilmember Cardona received a tour of Commons Park and noted that great progress is being made. She noted that the Springbrook Sampler was a great event and recognized the grand opening of the art center. She commented that tickets are still available for Springbrook Pumpkin Night in the Park. Councilmember Cardona provided input on the recent public safety events that he attended and enjoyed, along with the events mentioned by Councilmember Bolkcom. He noted the trick-or-treating event coming up that will be hosted by the Fire Department. Councilmember Evanson provided an update on the most recent Metro Cities Board meeting. Adjourn Motion made by Councilmember Vescio to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 10:43 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald City Clerk Mayor