HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2026
City Council Meeting
May 11, 2026
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of May 11, 2026, 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
Rich Perron, Streets Operations Manager
Shawn Murphy, Police Sergeant
Stacy Stromberg, Assistant CD/HRA Director
Pledge Of Allegiance
Proclamations/Presentations
1. Public Works Week Proclamation
Mayor Ostwald presented the Public Works Week Proclamation. Rich Perron, Streets Operations
Manager, thanked the Council for their support.
2. Proclamation for National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day
Mayor Ostwald presented the Proclamation for National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial
Day. Police Sergeant Shawn Murphy thanked the Council for their support.
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.
City Council Meeting 5/11/2026 Minutes Page 2
Approval/Receipt of Minutes
3. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of April 27, 2026.
4. Approve the Minutes of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting of April 27, 2026.
5. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of April 27, 2026.
6. Receive the Minutes from the April 27, 2026, Joint Worksession of the Planning Commission, HRA,
and City Council.
7. Receive the Minutes of the March 2, 2026, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
8. Receive the March 4, 2026, Minutes of the Public Arts Commission.
New Business
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9. Resolution No. 2026-50, Awarding 85 Avenue Trail Rehabilitation Project No. 25443.
10. Resolution No 2026-49, Approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota for
Access to the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN).
11. Resolution No. 2026-51, Authorizing Execution of Grant Agreement with MnDOT for SS4A Federal
Transportation Grants Technical Assistance and IIJA Discretionary Match.
12. Resolution No. 2026-52, Approving a Letter of Support for Great River Greening Proposal for
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council Funding for Habitat Restoration at Locke Park.
Claims
13. Resolution No. 2026-53, Approving Claims for the Period Ending May 6, 2026.
Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.)
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Bob Loso, 1334 76 Avenue, commented that four years ago, there was a sewer revitalization project in
his neighborhood, and the contractor burst the pipe directly in front of his home. He commented that
when the street was resurfaced, it was done improperly and commented on areas where water pools and
turns to ice in the winter. He noted that the largest of those areas is at the end of his driveway, which
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causes damage to his driveway and yard. He commented that from Central to 1340 76 Avenue, the road
surface is very uneven. He asked if staff could check the road to see if anything could be done to improve
the road conditions and the drainage.
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Dana Carlson commented on a personal situation where his daughter was adopted, and his son was
abducted. He spoke of others locally whom he believed were involved and of the retaliation he is
receiving for speaking at the open forum.
Adoption of Regular Agenda
Motion made by Councilmember Cardona to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember
Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Regular Agenda
New Business
14. Ordinance No. 1438, Amending Chapter 404, Vehicles.
Stacy Stromberg, Assistant Community Development/HRA Director, presented modifications to
Chapter 404, Vehicles, which will include language that describes the process used to impound
inoperable, junk, or unlicensed vehicles. The long-standing process staff is using will not change; the
process will just be described in Code. She provided additional information on common violations,
the proposed amendments, authority to impound, notification process, and asked the Council to
approve the first reading of the ordinance.
Councilmember Cardona asked about the number of vehicles that are towed each year. Ms.
Stromberg estimated about five per year.
Councilmember Evanson asked how long a vehicle might be out before staff places the vehicle on a
report, noting a situation where a resident is working on a vehicle, but it may be taking longer than
anticipated. He recognized that there is a balance in giving someone time to work on the vehicle and
the vehicle becoming an eyesore for the community. Ms. Stromberg stated that staff are always
willing to give extensions and have conversations with residents, but agreed there has to be a balance
between that and the image of the neighborhood.
Councilmember Evanson asked if residents respond positively when having discussions with staff on
this topic. Ms. Stromberg stated that only three percent of violations have heavy staff involvement
to this level, as most people want to be compliant. She explained that the first letter is education-
focused, informing residents of the rules.
Councilmember Vescio asked if the property would be compliant once a vehicle is towed. Ms.
Stromberg stated that there are times when there are multiple violations along with an inoperable
vehicle, noting that other violations may have a different timeline for compliance.
Mayor Ostwald asked about the number of staff who handle code enforcement. Ms. Stromberg
replied that there is one full-time Code Enforcement Officer. She noted that there is one summer
intern who will be assisting in that position.
City Council Meeting 5/11/2026 Minutes Page 4
Councilmember Bolkcom asked about the most common code enforcement violations. Ms.
Stromberg replied that garbage can placement has been high, but one of the most common violations
is tall grass.
Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1438, Amending
Chapter 404, Vehicles. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informal Status Reports
Councilmember Cardona stated that the Parks System Improvement Projects continue to move forward
and noted upcoming neighborhood meetings to receive input on upcoming park projects. The city-wide
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garage sale is taking place June 5 and 6.
Adjourn
Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adjourn. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting
adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald
City Clerk Mayor