## Public Arts Commission Meeting July 1, 2026 at 6 p.m. ## Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Avenue NE ## Agenda ## Call to Order ## Roll Call ## Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of the June 3, 2026 Minutes of the Public Arts Commission ## New Business ## 2. Utility Box Art Wrap Program Update ## 3. Manoomin Sculpture Update and Celebration ## 4. Sylvan Hills Public Art Bench Update ## 5. 2026-2027 Work Plan Review ## Old Business ## Other Items ## Adjournment ## Accessibility Notice: If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff. Upon request, accommodations will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities or those needing interpretation services to participate in City of Fridley services, programs or activities. If you are in need of an interpreter or require auxiliary aids, contact the City at 763-572-3450 at least five business days in advance to ensure arrangements can be made. A solicitud, se darán adaptaciones para permitir que las personas con discapacidades o las que necesiten servicios de interpretación participen en los servicios, programas o actividades de la Ciudad de Fridley. Si necesita un intérprete o requiere ayudas auxiliares, comuníquese con la Ciudad al 763-572-3450 al menos cinco días hábiles de antelación para asegurar que se puedan hacer los arreglos. Markii la codsado, adeegyo caawimaad ah ayaa la siin doonaa dadka naafada ah ama kuwa u baahan adeegga turjumaadda si ay uga qayb qaataan adeegyada, barnaamijyada, ama hawlaha magaalada Fridley. Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjubaan ama qalabka caawiya dadka naafada ah, kala xiriir Magaalada taleefankan 763-572-3450 ugu yaraan shan maalmood oo shaqo kahor, si loo hubiyo in qabanqaabada laguu sameeyo. Raws li kev thov, yuav muaj kev pab tshwj xeeb rau cov neeg xiam oob qhab lossis cov uas xav tau kev pab txhais Page 1 of 20 lus kom lawv tuaj koom tau nrog Nroog Fridley (City of Fridley service) cov kev pab cuam, cov kev kawm, los sis cov dej num sib txawv. Yog koj xav tau neeg txhais lus los sis xav tau lwm yam kev pab, thov hu rau lub Nroog ntawm 763-572-3450 kom tsis pub tsawg tshaj tsib hnub ua hauj lwm ua ntej, xwv kom peb thiaj li npaj tau rau koj raws li lub sij hawm ntawv. Page 2 of 20 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: July 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician Title: Approval of the June 3, 2026 Minutes of the Public Arts Commission ## Background Minutes of the June 3, 2026 Meeting of Public Arts Commission are presented for review and approval. ## Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the June 3, 2026 meeting minutes. ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. PA_ Commission Minutes- June 3 2026 ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 3 of 20 ## Public Arts Commission Meeting June 3, 2026 ## 6:00 PM ## Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Ave. NE, Fridley, MN 55432 ## Minutes ## Call to Order Vice-Chair Maija Sedzielarz called the Public Arts Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ## Present ## Maija Sedzielarz, Vice Chair ## Ryan Fugleberg ## Kara Ruwart ## Gary Swanson ## Gary Osterbauer ## Frank Sedzielarz ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician ## Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Chris Ewert and Stephen Himmerich were present from Kimley-Horn Consultants ## 1. Approve Public Arts Commission Minutes for May 6, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Swanson to approve the May 6, 2026, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Osterbauer. The motion passed unanimously. ## New Business 2. 57 th ## Avenue Bridge Presentation Chris Ewert and Stephen Himmerich were present from Kimley-Horn Consultants to present an overview of the design planning for the future 57 th Avenue bridge in Fridley. Their presentation outlined the various design options and inspirational cues for elements of the bridge and adjacent roadways. Elements such as railings, piers, parapets, lighting, overlooks, material textures and abutments may all have subtle design options that can be designed to create looks inspired by historical architecture, nature, or industrial design. The Commission did not provide a formal recommendation but encouraged a focus on pedestrian-level design elements such as lighting, an overlook of the Minneapolis skyline and overall design inspiration from industrial/geometric Page 4 of 20 ## Public Art Commission 6/3/2026 Minutes Page 2 ## 3. Sylvan Hills Park Community Art Bench Project Staff provided an overview of a proposed art bench project to be installed at Sylvan Hills Park in 2027 through grant funding from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. The City would work with Artist Jessica Turtle on concept design, fabrication of sculptural elements through a third-party vendor, and fabrication of the final art piece. Creative Flow Art Center will be a vendor for the project through their engagement efforts to facilitate the creation of clay tiles designed by community members that will be incorporated into the art bench. A motion was made by Commissioner Fugleberg to endorse and recommend the Sylvan Hills Park public art bench project as part of Fridley’s public art program Second, by Frank Sedzielarz. The motion passed unanimously. ## 4. Utility Box Art Wrap Program Updates and Next Steps Staff provided updates on the Utility Box Art Wrap program. Following recommendation of artwork by the Commission, two resolutions were adopted by the City Council to accept the recommendation of six art designs plus two alternates for the art wrap pilot program and the second to support an application to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to install art in their right of way. Staff further indicated that next steps would be to send VARA wavers to selected artists and to begin sending artwork to the City’s contractor for graphic design and printing services. ## 5. Manoomin Sculpture Sign Review Two design drafts of an informational/interpretive sign were presented to the Commission to be installed alongside the new Manoomin sculpture at Commons Park in July. The Commission made the following comments: • Be sure to verify the most appropriate use and spelling of Manomin/Manoomin • The commission preferred the donor information to appear on the right column vs. along the bottom of the sign • Suggested shortening the “about the artist” section • Requested consideration to add a QR code that would link to more information No formal action was taken on this agenda item. Page 5 of 20 ## Old Business ## None ## Other Items ## None ## Adjournment Commissioner Swanson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The second was made by Commissioner Kara Ruwart. The motion was passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ## Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Recording Secretary Page 6 of 20 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: July 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician ## Title: Utility Box Art Wrap Program Update ## Background Staff have reached the implementation phase of the utility box art wrap program. Completed steps include policy development, call for art, art selection, Council approval, and submission of VARA waivers. Next steps include graphic design layout, artist awards, installation, and celebration. Staff will provide additional updates on current status and facilitate discussion on the project completion, marketing, and celebration. ## Recommendation ## None ## Attachments and Other Resources ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 7 of 20 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: July 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician ## Title: Manoomin Sculpture Update and Celebration ## Background Artist Ken McCall is completing his Manoomin sculpture, to be installed at Fridley Commons Park the week of July 6th. A public celebration and ribbon cutting event are planned as part of the Commons Park Grand Opening and 49er Days event on Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 pm. Staff will present an update on the plans for installation, lighting, and landscaping prior to the ribbon cutting. Commissioners will also have an opportunity to share some ideas and input on the short ribbon cutting ceremony along with other ideas to celebrate the art installation during 49er Days. ## Recommendation ## None ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Manoomin Ribbon Cutting Invitation ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 8 of 20 Page 9 of 20 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: July 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician ## Title: Sylvan Hills Public Art Bench Update ## Background A public art installation has been recommended by the Public Arts Commission for Sylvan Hills Park.Council has reviewed the project and staff are moving into the implementation phase. Project highlights are as follows: • Project to be fully funded through the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization grant awarded for Sylvan Hills Park. Expected project costs currently range from $40,000-$50,000. • Project concept was inspired by the Sacred Waters, Shared Future initiative, celebrating water quality improvements in the Mississippi River in the past 100 years. • Artist Jessica Turtle was involved in early project discussions and provided concept development for the project. Staff would like to enter into an agreement with this artist to create the final art installation from sculptural elements and community- created ceramic tiles. • The concept is for a river-shaped bench and fish to be tiled to create a functional and artistic public art piece. • Creative Flow Art Center has created a proposal to lead a process for community engagement where community members can create tiles for the project that allow for water quality education and creative expression. • The schedule would be for tile making and planning in 2026 with installation in 2027. • No funding from the Fridley Creative Arts Foundation is expected to be requested for the project. • Creative Flow Art Center will present at several City of Fridley events throughout the summer months with project information and opportunities for community members to contribute to this exciting project. ## Recommendation ## None Page 10 of 20 ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Community Tile Artists at Creative Flow Art Center ## 2. Sylvan Hills Clay Tiles ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 11 of 20 Page 12 of 20 Page 13 of 20 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: July 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Public Arts Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jesslyn Quiram, Engineering Technician ## Title: 2026-2027 Work Plan Review ## Background A work plan document has been created and updated periodically to track projects, progress and priorities for the Public Arts Commission. An updated copy of the plan is attached for review and comment by the Commission. ## Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission review, edit and approve the 2026-2027 work plan. ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. 2026 Public Arts Commission Workplan Master Copy ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 14 of 20 ## Public Arts ## Commission 2026 ## Workplan Draft Updated for 7/1/2026 Page 15 of 20 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission 1 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission Workplan Draft – Updated for 1/7/2026 7/1/2026 ## 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 Page 16 of 20 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission 2 2025-2026-2027 Workplan ## Current Item Process Status 2026 Goals and Workplan • Review at January 2026 meeting, make updates per direction of Commission • Update throughout year In progress Participate in and Support ## Sacred Waters, Shared ## Future Initiative ## • Support efforts of Creative Flow Art Center and City of Fridley staff to partner with Watershed Districts to celebrate Mississippi River through art in 2026 ## • Provide input on Sylvan Hills Public Art Bench project ## NEW -– ## Proposed In progress ## Explore Public Art ## Installation at Springbrook ## Nature Center • Present overview of public art program ## to Springbrook Nature Center Foundation (SNCF) at January 12 meeting • Support SNCF with project fundraising if group votes to fund a project • Play advisory and approval role for recommended art • Grant received and additional funding approved for Noblewins recycled wind turbine benches to be covered with mural ## NEW – ## Proposed In progress ## Vice Chair • Nominations annually. Ryan Fugleberg is 2025 Vice-chair ## • Elect 2026 Vice Chair at January Meeting – Maija Sedzielarz elected as ## Vice Chair Complete for 2025 Commission Chair • Establish regular 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 In progress, ongoing Page 17 of 20 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission 3 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) Commons Park Sculpture • Work with artist on conceptual design of sculpture • Work with artist to refine concept design into final design • Work with artist and community stakeholders on events, listening sessions, education programs and celebrations as art is constructed and celebrated • 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 – Project has been lowered in priority ## Fridley Civic ## Campus/Locke Park Art ## Trail Project • Evaluate possibility of Issac Kidder sculpture being installed at Civic Campus pending grant funding • Consider concept for art trail to extend ## from Civic Campus into Locke Park and Community Park (community park only if underpass/overpass is established) • Formal recommendation was made to Council to proceed with project • Concept shared with Council and stakeholders at May 11 conference meeting Future project In progress – concept and budgeting phase Consider implementation of a rotating public art program • Create program parameters and policy document – draft reviewed • Connect with staff in communities with rotating public art program • Identify source of funding for honorariums for artists displaying works in Fridley Future project In progress – combined with ## Locke/Civic ## Campus Art ## Trail Project Page 18 of 20 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission 4 • Consider a planned route or walk for murals or sculptures • Budget for consultant to create plan for Art Trail for 2027 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) • Ensure that policy would provide direction to group that proposed mural on Commons basketball court Future project 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. ## • Planed for Springbrook Nature Center for 2026 purchase and 2027 implementation Future project In progress 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 • Publish calls for art focusing on local artists and organizations (January/February) • Select and recommend artwork for six utility boxes (April/May) • Install vinyl wraps on (July/August) • Celebrate completion of project and highlight art and artists ## Implementation ## Phase Page 19 of 20 ## 2026 Public Arts Commission 5 ## Completed Item Process Notes Status Public art installation at ## Moore Lake Park • Process debrief scheduled for October 2025 meeting ## Complete ## Commissioner Orientation and Training • Review Commission onboarding manual • All commissioners have signed code of conduct agreement Complete for 2025 Page 20 of 20