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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-2026 City Council Meeting September 28, 2026 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Mayor Ostwald called the City Council Meeting of September 28, 2026, to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Mayor Dave Ostwald Councilmember Patrick Vescio Councilmember Ryan Evanson Councilmember Ann Bolkcom Absent Councilmember Luke Cardona Others Present Walter Wysopal, City Manager Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director Pledge Of Allegiance Proclamations/Presentations 1. Proclamation Honoring Steve Smuder, Troop 167 Boy Scout Leader Mayor Ostwald read the Proclamation Honoring Steve Smuder, Troop 167 Boy Scout Leader. 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 2. Approve the Minutes from the City Council Meeting of September 14, 2026 3. Receive the Minutes from the City Council Conference Meeting of September 14, 2026 4. Receive the August 6, 2026 HRA Minutes City Council Meeting 9/28/2026 Minutes Page 2 New Business 5. Resolution No. 2026-109, Approving Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for Continued Participation in the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force 6. Resolution No. 2026-110, Approving Gifts, Donations, and Sponsorships Received Between August 20, 2026 and September 21, 2026 Licenses 7. Resolution No. 2026-113, Approving Temporary Gambling Permit for American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Minnesota (ABATE MN) Raffle to be Held May 30, 2027 Claims 8. Resolution No. 2026-111, Approving Claims for the Period Ending September 23, 2026. Open Forum, Visitors: (Consideration of Items not on Agenda – 15 minutes.) Cassandra Shartra, SEIU of Healthcare of Minnesota and Iowa, commented that she works at Unity Hospital and shared concerns about Sutter Health acquiring Allina. She stated that she is part of a coalition seeking a community benefits agreement to protect patients and employees, and asked the City to sign a letter encouraging such an agreement. Kayla Minesma commented that she is a resident and works in registration at Unity Hospital. She asked the Council to sign the letter to encourage Sutter Health to sign the agreement that is fair to patients and employees. Motion made by Councilmember Vescio to accept the letters from SEIU into the public record. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Aaron Klemz, Hillcrest Drive NE, asked when the City will decide whether or not to opt in or out of the Anoka County FLOCK program. He stated that since the last time he spoke, he asked the County when a formal proposal would be made to the City and was made aware that no formal proposal has been made to any city in the county and there are no plans to do so. He stated that the City has the power to make a decision to opt out at any time, and/or ask for more information from the Sheriff on the pilot program. He asked the City to take action. Adoption of Regular Agenda Motion made by Councilmember Evanson to adopt the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. City Council Meeting 9/28/2026 Minutes Page 3 Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Regular Agenda New Business 9. Resolution No. 2026-112, Authorizing Installation of Signage Prohibiting Engine Braking Jim Kosluchar, Public Works Director, stated that there is an ordinance that allows enforcement against engine braking through the noise ordinance, but there is no signage that is commonly used to alert truck operators. He stated that the action tonight would allow the City to request the signage to be placed on County roads and trunk highways. He commented that staff would be selective in the placement of the signs to best address the issue. He noted that it will be likely that an ordinance amendment will come forward at the next meeting to provide better clarification of what is required. Councilmember Bolkcom commented that this started with a resident complaint related to the engine braking noise she was hearing at night. She asked what benefit the signs will provide. Mr. Kosluchar explained that the signs will educate drivers, but recognized that there may still be a component of whether or not they comply. He stated that Public Safety could place themselves at those problem locations for enforcement, and the word could spread that the City is enforcing the regulation. He recognized the recent resident complaint but noted that staff has received complaints from a handful of residents over the last year or two. Councilmember Evanson asked if there are complaints for specific roadways. Mr. Kosluchar replied that most of the complaints are related to 47, 65, and East River Road. He stated that even though complaints do not arise from the industrial areas, they would post signage in those areas in an attempt to educate drivers on the regulation. Councilmember Evanson asked if anything could be done on 694. Mr. Kosluchar replied that staff have received similar complaints about that roadway and would ask the State if signage could be posted on 694. Councilmember Vescio asked if surrounding communities have similar signage. Mr. Kosluchar replied that some communities do. He commented that the signage is helpful from an educational standpoint, as the desire is to change behavior rather than issue tickets. Councilmember Evanson asked if they anticipate a negative response from the CDL/trucking community. Mr. Kosluchar replied that they have not reached out to those businesses, as these types of ordinances are quite common. Mayor Ostwald stated that as someone who lives on East River Road, he is familiar with the issue and supports the installation of signage. Councilmember Evanson suggested that they reach out to the industrial businesses to make them aware of the regulation. City Council Meeting 9/28/2026 Minutes Page 4 Motion made by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, Authorizing Installation of Signage Prohibiting Engine Braking. Seconded by Councilmember Evanson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Ostwald declared the motion carried unanimously. Informal Status Reports Councilmember Evanson reminded residents of the upcoming Pumpkin Night in the Park event and encouraged interested individuals to volunteer. 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 7:21 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Moore Dave Ostwald City Clerk Mayor