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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-23-2026 City Council Meeting February 23, 2026 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of February 23, 2026, to order at 7:15 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 Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Pledge Of Allegiance Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Approval/Receipt of Minutes 1. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of February 9, 2026. 2. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of February 9, 2026. 3. Receive the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting of January 13, 2026. 4. Receive the Minutes from the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 5, 2026. 5. Receive the Public Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2026. City Council Meeting 2/23/2026 Minutes Page 2 New Business 6. Resolution No. 2026-13, Approving Entering into a Contract for Ancillary Insurance Lines and Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance with MetLife, Inc. for the 2026-2027 Plan Years. 7. Resolution No 2026-19, Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for the Reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 6 (Mississippi Street) West of University Avenue. 8. Resolution No. 2026-21, Approving Gifts, Donations, and Sponsorships Received Between December 27, 2025, and February 28, 2026. Claims 9. Resolution No. 2026-20, Approving Claims for the Period Ending February 18, 2026. Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.) st Audry Nelson, 61 Avenue and 2 ½ Street, commented on a recent situation she witnessed with unruly people in front of her home and commended the police for how well they handled the situation. th Guy Harper, 7566 5 Street NE, commented that these are trying times that have tested everyone more than expected. He believed the community did a good job, and while there are incidents where people have acted wrongly, most people are doing their best. He stated that he is reminded of the wonderful things in the community and did not want the residents to lose sight of that. David May, resident, complimented the City Council for the response to the recent unrest related to immigration enforcement. He believed that the Council and City responded in a manner of good governance, setting a moderate course of action to ensure that residents are safe and free from government overreach without overstepping their authority. Adoption of Regular Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Regular Agenda New Business 10. Ordinance No. 1437, Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 209, Fees, to Include Fees for New Commons Park Facilities (First Reading) City Council Meeting 2/23/2026 Minutes Page 3 Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the proposed ordinance would update fees in several categories, and he provided an overview of the proposed Commons Park rental program. He recommended approval as presented. Councilmember Bolkcom asked about the shelter rental times. Mr. Maher was unsure of the exact times but noted that it is a full-day rental. Councilmember Cardona commented that when someone rents the building, there will be staff on- site. Councilmember Evanson asked and received confirmation that the damage deposit rate would be the same for a resident and a non-resident. He asked for information on the number of times the damage deposit has been kept. Mr. Maher estimated that the deposit is held one to three times per year, typically not for damage but for clear violation of the rules. He commented that instances of damage are few and far between. He explained that they try to find the balance between ensuring that the deposit is enough that people want to get it back, while not creating a barrier for residents. Motion made by Councilmember Vescio, to approve the first reading of Ordinance 1437, Amending the Fridley City Code Chapter 209, Fees, to Include Fees for New Commons Park Facilities. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Informal Status Reports Councilmember Evanson stated that he toured Commons Park on Friday with staff, and the building appears to be on track. He was impressed with how the project is moving along and was excited about the completed project. Mayor Ostwald commented on the upcoming Winter Warm Up Event, hosted by the Lions, which will be raising funds for a new fishing pier at Moore Lake. Tickets must be purchased ahead of the event. Councilmember Vescio noted the upcoming open hours for the County Road 6 and Mississippi project. Councilmember Cardona thanked those who have provided input over the past few weeks, recognizing that this has been a trying time. He also thanked the City staff who have been under a lot of pressure as well. Adjourn Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, City Council Meeting 2/23/2026 Minutes Page 4 Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald City Clerk Mayor