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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-2026 City Council Meeting September 14, 2026 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of September 14, 2026, to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Mayor Dave Ostwald Councilmember Patrick Vescio Councilmember Ryan Evanson Councilmember Luke Cardona Councilmember Ann Bolkcom Others Present Walter Wysopal, City Manager Joe Starks, Finance Director Pledge Of Allegiance Proclamations/Presentations 1. Constitution Week Proclamation Mayor Ostwald read the Constitution Week Proclamation. 2. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Mayor Ostwald read a Proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and recognized the work of Alexandra House. Approval of Proposed Consent Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the proposed Consent Agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. 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 August 24, 2026. City Council Meeting 9/14/2026 Minutes Page 2 4. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of August 24, 2026. 5. Receive the Minutes from the Planning Commission Meeting of August 19, 2026. New Business 6. Resolution No. 2026-97, Authorizing an Application for Metropolitan Council Planning Assistance Grant Funds for Fridley’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. 7. Resolution No. 2026-98, Approving Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-04 for a Detached Above- Garage Accessory Dwelling Unit at 60 Talmadge Way. 8. Resolution No. 2026-99, Approving Conditional Use Permit, CUP #26-03 by Gerhard Builders and Remodeling, LLC for an Oversized Garage at 531 Kimball Street N.E. (Ward 3). 9. Resolution No. 2026-100, Awarding the 2026-2027 Private Ash Tree Removal Program. th 10. Resolution No. 2026-101, Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 1 with MnDOT for 57 Avenue Overpass Project Local Road Improvement Program Grant Agreement. 11. Resolution No. 2026-102, Declaring Costs to be Assessed, Ordering Preparation of the Proposed Assessment Roll and Directing Publication of the Public Hearing Notice for the 2026 Street Rehabilitation Project No. ST-2026-02. 12. Resolution No. 2026-103, Declaring Costs to be Assessed, Ordering Preparation of the Proposed Assessment Roll, and Directing Publication of the Public Hearing Notice for the 2026 Nuisance Abatements for 2026 Rental Reinspection Fees. 13. Resolution No. 2026-104, Approving Special Event Permit for Totino Grace Anniversary Event to be Held October 3, 2026. Claims 14. Resolution No. 2026-104, Approving Claims for the Period Ending September 9, 2026. Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.) Derek Lind, ACEIT, provided an update on the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling related to the use of poll pads and the choice the City has to use paper or poll pads. He recommended that the City go back to using paper. Councilmember Evanson recognized that Mr. Lind has been to quite a few meetings and asked about the arguments that each side was making before the Supreme Court. Mr. Lind stated that the County argued that they were the head election official and the court did not agree. City Council Meeting 9/14/2026 Minutes Page 3 David Hoke asked if the Council favors a resolution permanently banning Sharia law in the City of Fridley. He asked if there is something that he can do to get that item on the agenda. Mayor Ostwald replied that the City does not make any formal policy decisions during Open Forum. He stated that Mr. Hoke could contact him to have further discussions. Julie Houle, School Board member, introduced Columbia Heights Superintendent Zena Stenvik. Ms. Stenvik reviewed the mission of Columbia Heights Schools and provided information on the loss of funding and the upcoming referendum. Jameson Lemke, ABATE of Minnesota, provided his paperwork for a gambling permit for May of 2027. Mayor Ostwald explained the review process that would be done by staff and noted that the item will appear on a future agenda for Council action. Aaron Klemz stated that he wanted to follow up on his comments made two weeks ago related to the Anoka County FLOCK program and the questions he posed to the City Attorney related to the terms of the contract and whether the County has data ownership. Wally Wysopal, City Manager, commented that he does not have the contract but believed there is a statement on the website. He commented that he cannot speak on the legalities of the County program. Mr. Klemz stated that he has a copy of the contract and could provide that to the City for review. He asked when the City would make a decision on whether to opt in to the Anoka County FLOCK program. Mayor Ostwald commented that once they review the contract, they will have a discussion and make a decision. Mr. Klemz noted two communities that have chosen not to opt in to the County program. Adoption of Regular Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Regular Agenda New Business 15. Resolution No. 2026-105, Approving the Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2026, Collectible in 2027, for the City of Fridley Joe Starks, Finance Director, provided information on the City’s financial strengths, long-term financial plan, economic expectations, and property tax distribution. He provided additional information related to the net tax capacity by property class, fiscal disparities, general assumptions, general fund expenditures, general fund revenues, and local government aid. He provided an overview of the proposed property tax levy and asked the Council to consider adoption of the preliminary budget and tax levy. He stated that on December 14, 2026, the Council will consider adoption of the final City Council Meeting 9/14/2026 Minutes Page 4 budget and tax levy. He reminded residents and the Council that they will continue to refine the figures in the budget and that these preliminary amounts are the ceiling. Councilmember Evanson recognized that tonight they set the maximum increase for the budget and levy and noted that in recent years they have reduced the preliminary figures before final adoption in December. Mr. Starks confirmed that historically, they have come down before final adoption. Councilmember Evanson asked which areas staff would focus on in an attempt to further reduce these numbers. Mr. Starks recognized that personnel costs are 80 percent of the budget, so they will continue to refine those numbers. He noted that revenue projections could be changed and they could review the insurance policies with the League of Minnesota Cities. Councilmember Evanson asked about savings that were recognized through road projects where higher amounts had been budgeted and whether those savings carry forward and future project budgets had been adjusted. Mr. Starks explained how street projects are funded, noting that they are not funded by the City tax levy. Councilmember Evanson recognized that the tax impact on single-family homes will be lessened by the growth in the commercial and industrial tax base. Councilmember Cardona recognized that there have been multiple meetings and discussions to get to this point. He recognized that they are always fiscally responsible with a conservative approach and kept in mind the current economic climate. He spoke about the importance of keeping the embedded social worker and continuing to invest in the parks. Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2026-105, Approving the Proposed Property Tax Levy for 2026, Collectible in 2027, for the City of Fridley. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 16. Resolution No. 2026-106, Approving the Proposed 2027 General Fund Budget for the City of Fridley Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2026-106, Approving the Proposed 2027 General Fund Budget for the City of Fridley. Seconded by Councilmember Vescio. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. 17. Resolution No. 2026-107, Consenting to the Property Tax Levy for 2026, Collectible in 2027, for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Fridley Mr. Starks provided background information on the HRA and its levy authority. He stated that the HRA Board of Commissioners provided a levy recommendation at its September meeting and recommended approval as presented. City Council Meeting 9/14/2026 Minutes Page 5 Councilmember Evanson asked if there was any noteworthy feedback from the HRA. Mr. Starks th reviewed examples of projects, such as the 57 Avenue bridge, as well as the HRA home rehab programs. th Councilmember Cardona stated that he does have concerns with the funding for the 57 Avenue bridge and potential budget shortfalls, so he appreciated the forethought of the HRA. Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt Resolution No. 2026-107, Consenting to the Property Tax Levy for 2026, Collectible in 2027, for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Fridley. Seconded by Councilmember Cardona. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Informal Status Reports th Councilmember Bolkcom noted an upcoming public meeting on September 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. and encouraged residents to attend. Councilmember Evanson commented on the upcoming Pumpkin Night in the Park and encouraged residents to volunteer. More information can be found on the City website. Councilmember Cardona noted the climate and natural systems workshop he recently attended. He th noted the next workshop date on that same topic will take place on September 19 at Springbrook. Adjourn Motion made by Councilmember Evanson 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 8:12 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald City Clerk Mayor