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10-1-2025 Public Arts Commission October 01, 2025 6:00 PM Commons Park 555 61st Avenue NE (Rain Site - 7071 University Ave) Agenda Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. September 3, 2025 Public Arts Commission Minutes New Business 2. Commons Park Construction Site Tour 3. Moore Lake Park Sculpture Project Reflection 4. Utility Box Wrap Program Implementation Process 5. Workplan Review Old Business Other Items Adjournment Accessibility Notice:  If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff.  Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad.  Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cov neeg ua hauj lwm.  Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha Magaalada. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450. 1 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: October 1, 2025 Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title September 3, 2025 Public Arts Commission Minutes Background Attached are the meeting minutes of the September 3, 2025 Public Arts Commission. Financial Impact None. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the September 3, 2025 Public Arts Commission minutes. Attachments and Other Resources  September 3, 2025 Public Arts Commission Minutes. 2 Item 1. Public Arts Commission Meeting September 3, 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 Councilmember Ann Bolkcom Scott Lund representing Fridley Creative Arts Foundation 1. Approve Public Arts Commission Minutes for August 6th 2025 A correction to the minutes was noted by Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz that Frank Sedzielarz was also among Commissioners attending summer concerts to gather community input on public art. Motion by Commissioner Swanson to approve the August 6, 2025 meeting minutes as corrected. Seconded by Commissioner Ruwart. The motion passed unanimously. New Business 2. Project Kickoff Meeting with Artist Ken McCall Artist Ken McCall joined the Commission virtually at 6:15 pm. Staff reviewed the process where three community engagement questions proposed by the artist were incorporated into a survey created by the City’s communications staff and shared on the city website and social media sites. The three questions are:  What themes or symbols do you feel represent Fridley or Fridley’s community spirit? 3 Item 1. Public Art Commission 9/3/2025 Minutes Page 2  Are there particular natural elements or local culture you would like to see reflected in a sculpture?  If you could see one feeling or idea brought to life in the sculpture, what would it be? Staff shared several themes that had emerged from early survey responses including cultural diversity, nature and water features, and unity/community connections. The Commissioners shared additional comments and insights into each of the three discussion questions. The Commissioners and artist decided that an additional check-in would be helpful at the next meeting, scheduled for October 1st, 2026. The meeting with Ken McCall ended at 7:10 pm. The Commission took no formal action on this item. 3. Moore Lake Park Frog Sculpture Ribbon Cutting Event Discussion Staff presented an overview of the ribbon cutting event planned for Wednesday, September 10th at Moore Lake Park to celebrate the installation of a public art sculpture created by artist Jessica Turtle. Staff shared plans for music, speakers, activities, and additional festivities. The Commission asked several questions about publicity for the event and staff shared that the City’s communications team would be leading the marketing effort. No formal action was taken on this agenda item. 4. Utility Box Wrap Program Next Steps Staff reviewed information on the possibility of installing artist-designed utility box wraps on new utility boxes installed along University Avenue. Staff indicated that the partnerships required to access and wrap the boxes seem feasible and that wraps could be printed and installed by Fridley staff for an estimated $810. A program calling for submissions and parameters for compensating selected designers would need to be developed. Staff reviewed that a process to pursue this program would be to seek funding from the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation and then seek approval from City Council. The Commission asked questions about mowing and maintenance around the utility boxes. Staff indicated that some may be in the right of way of HWY 47 and could be MNDOT responsibility but that the City could monitor and mow around them. A motion was made to recommend pursuing the utility box wrap program for six utility boxes installed as part of the recent University Ave. lighting project by Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz. Seconded by Commissioner Frank Sedzielarz. The motion passed unanimously. 4 Item 1. 5. Proposed 2026 Meeting Dates Staff presented a slate of proposed meeting dates for 2026 as follows: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Wednesday April 1, 2026 Wednesday May 6, 2026 Wednesday June 3, 2026 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Wednesday, November 4, 2026 Wednesday, December 2, 2026 A motion was made by Commissioner Swanson to approve the proposed 2026 Public Arts Commission Schedule. Seconded by Commissioner Osterbauer. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business Other Items Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz requested that the October meeting agenda includes a debrief of the Moore Lake Park sculpture project to look at opportunities for process improvement. Commissioner Maija Sedzielarz further shared a summary of survey responses from a Touch-a- Truck event including several creative animal sculpture ideas from kids. Adjournment Commissioner Osterbauer made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Ruwart. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Recording Secretary 5 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: October 1, 2025 Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician Title Commons Park Construction Site Tour Background Commons Park construction is in progress with the overall park layout including trails, play features, athletic courts and fields being visible. The Public Arts Commission will walk the site and learn more about the project and construction process with the opportunity to ask questions and provide input on use of the park space for future events, programs and art installations. Hard hats and safety vests will be provided and Commissioners are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The group will meet in the south parking lot at 6 pm. Financial Impact None Recommendation None Attachments and Other Resources  Site layout map 6 Item 2. Commons Park Site Layout for 10/1/2025 Public Arts Commission Meeting 7 Item 2. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: October 1, 2025 Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician Title Moore Lake Park Sculpture Project Reflection Background Upon completion of the sculpture project at Moore Lake Park by artist Jessica Turtle, the Commission requested the opportunity to discuss the project and use the experience to improve processes for future projects. Possible areas of discussion may include:  Artist selection and process  Concept development and selection  Funding  Signage  Ribbon cutting and celebration of project completion  Installation process and site selection  Other Financial Impact None Recommendation None Attachments and Other Resources  Project photos 8 Item 3. Northern Leopard Frog Sculpture at Moore Lake Park Members of the Public Arts Commission and Councilmember Ann Bolkcom at Ribbon Cutting Event on September 10, 2025 9 Item 3. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: October 1, 2025 Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title Utility Box Wrap Program Implementation Process Background At the September 3 meeting of the Public Arts Commission, a recommendation was made to implement a utility box wrap program on six newly installed utility boxes along University Avenue. The recommendation was brought to the attention of the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation and funding for the project was requested with an estimated project cost of $8,400. Staff will take the recommendation of the Commission and vote to fund the project to the Fridley City Council prior to project implementation. As staff prepares for that process, guidance from the Commission on project parameters and policies will help staff develop a set of project parameters for implementation. Discussion items may include:  A description of artwork and design to be included in a call for artists  An honorarium amount for selected artists and designers  An evaluation process and timeline for art selection  Other guidance from the Commission Financial Impact The project will be funded by the non-profit Fridley Creative Arts Foundation Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission provide guidance on a process and timeline for implementation of a utility box wrap program and an honorarium amount for selected artists and designers for the program. Attachments and Other Resources  None 10 Item 4. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: October 1, 2025 Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician Title Workplan Review Background Staff have committed to maintaining a workplan document to capture and track goals, projects and priorities identified by the Public Arts Commission. This document will generally be reviewed and updated quarterly. Financial Impact None Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission review the workplan document and share feedback to ensure that the document is current and complete. Attachments and Other Resources  Workplan document updated for October 1, 2025 meeting 11 Item 5. Public Arts Commission 2025-2026 Workplan Draft Updated 9/19/25 12 Item 5. 2025-2026 Public Arts Commission 1 2025 Public Arts Commission Workplan Draft – Updated for July Meeting Goals and Strategic Initiatives: 1. Definition of Public Art: A work of art designed and or created by an artist or artist-led team located indoor or outdoors and visually and/or physically accessible to the public. It may include permanent visual art, performances, installations, events and temporary works. 2. Community: Foster community identity and spirit, promote cultural enrichment and economic development through creative arts, encourage public art involvement, and inspire innovation to build a vibrant arts community. 3. Historic/Cultural focus: Develop distinctive destinations that highlight the area's evolving history and foster collaboration among artists and Fridley's diverse community, celebrating heritage, ethnicity, and civic pride to transform it into an arts destination. 4. Arts Commission focus: The Arts Commission aims to connect with city departments for public art programs, engage with other jurisdictions for support, communicate goals citywide, ensure maintenance of art collections, and partner with the Fridley Arts Foundation for long-term funding and program viability. 5. Utilize a meeting format and schedule that meets desired outcomes for staff and Commissioners: a. Incorporate work session/site tour format as needed to better facilitate advisory role of Commission b. Meeting cancellations when/if a meeting is not needed c. Discuss options for recording meetings and minutes 6. Monthly check-in meeting with the Chair and Staff to plan future meeting agendas and share information. 13 Item 5. 2025-2026 Public Arts Commission 2 2025-2026 Workplan Current Item Process Status 2025-2026 Goals and Workplan  Review at October 2025 meeting, make updates per direction of Commission  Update throughout year In progress  Vice Chair  Nominations annually. Ryan Fugleberg is 2025 Vice-chair Complete for 2025 Commission Chair  Establish monthly check-in meeting with Chair and Staff to set agenda for the following meeting In progress Programs and Special Events  Opportunities to volunteer at Parks and Recreation programs and events to promote public art program  Presence at Fridley 49er Days Festival to be held July 16-18, 2026 in conjunction with grand opening for Commons Park and ribbon cutting for sculpture  Provide guidance for the creation of a signature arts festival to be held at the newly renovated Commons Park site (perhaps part of 49er Days) In progress, ongoing Commons Park Sculpture  Work with artist on conceptual design of sculpture  Work with artist to refine concept design into final design  Plan ribbon cutting ceremony as part of 49er Days Festival on July 18, 2026 In progress Mississippi St. Underpass Mural Project  Coordinate timeline of mural concepting with construction and development timeline  Identify funding sources and budget target  Identify possible themes for mural Future project Fridley Civic Campus Art Project  Evaluate possibility of Issac Kidder sculpture being installed at Civic Campus pending grant funding Future project 14 Item 5. 2025-2026 Public Arts Commission 3  Consider concept for art trail to extend from Civic Campus into Locke Park and Community Park (community park only if underpass/overpass is established) Consider implementation of a rotating public art program  Create program parameters and policy document  Connect with staff in communities with rotating public art program  Identify source of funding for honorariums for artists displaying works in Fridley  Consider a planned route or walk for murals or sculptures Future project Consider implementation of an art bench program at City Parks  Create program parameters and policy document if program establishment is identified as a goal of the Commission  Establish source of funds for artist awards if program is established Future project Develop policy document to evaluate public requests for art by donation or for recognition purposes  Connect with stakeholders such as Creative Arts Foundation  Develop first draft of policy (toolkit) Explore option of Noblewins wind turbine upcycled benches as option for public art murals  Consider in relation to other options for murals and benches and weigh budget, impact, etc. Utility box wrap program  Recommendation made to implement program on six boxes installed along University Ave in 2025  Next step to request funding from Fridley Creative Arts Foundation  Third step to seek approval from City Council  Fourth step to develop program parameters and policies  15 Item 5. 2025-2026 Public Arts Commission 4 Completed Item Process Notes Status Public art installation at Moore Lake Park  Process debrief scheduled for October 2025 meeting Commissioner Orientation and Training  Review Commission onboarding manual  All commissioners have signed code of conduct agreement Complete for 2025 16 Item 5.