## Charter Commission Meeting May 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. ## Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Avenue NE ## Agenda ## Call to Order ## Roll Call ## Approval of Agenda ## Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of April 6, 2026 Joint Charter Commission and City Council Meeting Minutes ## Administrative Matters ## 2. Letter from Mayor Ostwald ## 3. Prospective Commissioner Interviews ## Old Business ## New Business ## Future Meeting Topics/Communications ## 4. Future Meeting Topics ## Adjournment ## Accessibility Notice: • If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff. • Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad. • Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cove neeg ua hauj lwm. • Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha Magaalada. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450. Page 1 of 22 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: May 4, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Charter Commission ## Submitted By: Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk Title: Approval of April 6, 2026 Joint Charter Commission and City Council Meeting ## Minutes ## Background Attached are the minutes from the April 6, 2026 Joint Charter Commission and City Council meeting for the Commission's consideration. ## Recommendation Staff recommend the approval of the April 6, 2026 Joint Charter Commission and City Council meeting minutes. ## Attachments and Other Resources 1. April 6, 2026 Joint Charter Commission and City Council Meeting Minutes ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 2 of 22 ## Joint City Council and ## Charter Commission Meeting April 6, 2026 ## 7:00 PM ## Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE ## Minutes ## Call to Order Chair Bremener called the Charter Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ## Present Commissioners Barre, Bremener, Findell, Gardner, Karnopp, Kisner, Kranz, Linton, A. Nelson, Reynolds, ## Rolstad, Schmitz, Smith ## Absent ## R. Nelson, Seefeld ## Others Present ## Dave Ostwald, Mayor ## Councilmembers Luke Cardona, Ryan Evanson, Ann Bolkcom, Ryan Evanson ## Wally Wysopal, City Manager ## Melissa Moore, Assistant City Manager ## Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk ## Avonna Starck, Resident ## Anna Pribula, Resident ## Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda as presented by Commissioner Gardner, seconded by Commissioner Barre. Upon a voice all vote with all commissioners voting aye, Chair Bremener declared the motion carried unanimously. ## Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of February 2, 2026 Charter Commission Meeting Minutes and Approval of March 2, 2026 ## Charter Commission Meeting Minutes Motion to approve both sets of meeting minutes by Commissioner Karnopp, Seconded by Commissioner Reynolds. Upon a voice all vote with all commissioners voting aye, Chair Bremener declared the motion carried unanimously. Page 3 of 22 ## Charter Commission 04-06-2026 Minutes Page 2 ## Administrative Matters ## 2. Commission Appreciation Dinner Chair Bremener reminded Commissioners that RSVP’s were due for the Commission Appreciation Dinner to be held April 20 at Springbrook Nature Center. ## 3. Appreciation to Commissioner Kranz A certificate of appreciation was presented to Commissioner Ted Kranz for his many years of service as this was his final meeting as member of the Charter Commission. ## 4. Commission Vacancy and Prospective Commissioner Interviews With Commissioner Kranz stepping down, there is a vacancy on the Commission. Staff have received applications from four interested individuals who will be invited to the May Charter Commission meeting to be interviewed. Chair Bremener stated that after this opening is filled, the Commission will begin to look at the process for interviewing and selecting candidates for the Commission and how potential applicants are retained. ## New Business 5. Chapter 5 Presentation and Discussion with the City Council Chair Bremener gave a presentation to the City Council explaining the rationale on the proposed changes to Chapter 5. City Council members asked questions. Mayor Ostwald said that the City Council will discuss the Commission’s presentation and report at an upcoming City Council Conference meeting. Mayor Ostwald stated that they will reach back out to the Commission with further questions and what they think the next steps will be. 6. Discussion with the City Council The Commission and the City Council had a discussion on some of the questions Commissioners had regarding the Council’s vision and what projects are happening in the City. Commissioners also asked the Council if they want to see a different process for Charter amendments. Council members felt that a discussion like the one held at this meeting is helpful and otherwise see no need for change. ## Future Meeting Topics/Communications ## 6. Future Meeting Topics • Candidate Interview Process and application • Next Chapter to Review – Chapter 6 and Chapter 2 ## • Commission Onboarding Manual • Meeting schedule cadence Page 4 of 22 ## Charter Commission 04-06-2026 Minutes Page 3 ## Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Kranz to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Rolstad. Upon a voice all vote with all commissioners voting aye, Chair Bremener declared the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Page 5 of 22 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: May 4, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Charter Commission ## Submitted By: Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk ## Title: Letter from Mayor Ostwald ## Background Mayor Ostwald sent all Charter Commissioners a letter thanking everyone for the joint Charter Commission and City Council meeting in April. These were mailed via U.S. Mail; a copy is attached to this agenda as well. ## Recommendation ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Mayor Ostwald Letter to Commissioners 4-10-2026 ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 6 of 22 ## Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Ave N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 • 763-571-3450 • FAX: 763-571-1287 • FridleyMN.gov ## Dear Chair Bremener and Charter Commission members, Thank you for hosting the joint meeting with the City Council on April 6, we appreciate your time and dedication to community service. Positive, honest conversations are necessary in building lasting relationships with our commissioners and establishing trust between both groups. As with our last joint meeting, your commitment to custodianship of the charter is commendable. Thank you for taking the time to develop the presentation and clarifying your position regarding Chapter 5 edits. The council is grateful for your advocacy and will discuss the presented work at a future conference meeting. The upcoming schedule has been set for several meetings but we will take it in a timely manner to provide direction moving forward. It was a pleasure having dialog regarding the direction and updates the city currently is working on. By sharing our plans and vision, we hope to provide the charter commission with a clear path forward with your mission. Hearing your questions and concerns is beneficial for the council's decision making process. Thank you all again for your time, dedication and thoughtfulness in the performance of your role in local government. ## Sincerely, ## David Ostwald ## Mayor Page 7 of 22 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: May 4, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Charter Commission ## Submitted By: Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk ## Title: Prospective Commissioner Interviews ## Background On February 2, 2026, the Charter Commission accepted the resignation of Commissioner Kranz, resulting in one vacancy. Attached are interest forms from Richard Coleman, Gary Olsen and Saynab Jama, three residents who would like to serve on the Charter Commission. Some of the applicant data is considered private data on individuals and has been redacted pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.601 subd. 3. All applicants are expected to attend this evening’s meeting and have submitted supplemental questionnaires (attached) as has been customary for the Commission. As a reminder, State law authorizes the district court with the authority to appoint members to the Commission. The Chief Judge may consider a recommendation for appointment by the Commission. Minnesota Statute § 410.05 subd. 3 states: “A city council, a charter commission, or the petitioners requesting the appointment of a charter commission may submit to the court the names of eligible nominees which the district court may consider in making appointments to the charter commission.” It has been Fridley’s past practice for the commission to meet with prospective commissioners and make a recommendation to the court for appointment. Upon recommendation of the Commission, staff will communicate with the Chief Judge, who will make an appointment. ## Recommendation Staff recommend the Commission discourse with the three applicants. Staff recommend the Commission make a motion to recommend one applicant for appointment to the Chief Judge. ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Richard Coleman Application ## 2. Richard Coleman Supplemental Questionnaire ## 3. Gary Olsen Application Page 8 of 22 ## 4. Gary Olsen Supplemental Questionnaire ## 5. Saynab Jama Application ## 6. Saynab Jama Charter Commission Questionnaire ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 9 of 22 Page 10 of 22 Page 11 of 22 ## Charter Commission Candidate Questionnaire ## Candidate Name: Richard Coleman 1. Are you available for winter meetings (the months of January through May)? Yes. I am available to attend winter meetings and am able to commit the necessary time to participate fully during the January through May meeting period. 2. If you are appointed, what would your expectations be? If appointed, I would expect to serve as a careful, independent, and engaged member of the Charter Commission. I would approach my responsibilities with the intent to thoughtfully review charter provisions, participate constructively in discussions, and evaluate recommendations based on clarity, legality, and the long-term interests of Fridley residents. I view this role as one of public trust and believe it requires diligence, preparation, and respect for the Commission’s advisory responsibilities under Minnesota law. 3. Does your job require travel that may inhibit your participation in evening meetings? No. My current work and personal schedule do not require regular travel that would prevent my participation in evening meetings. 4. Why do you want to be on the Charter Commission? What could you bring to the table? I am a 30-year resident of Fridley with a strong interest in municipal governance, civic responsibility, and the proper role of a city charter in serving and protecting the community. I believe a city charter should be clear, lawful, and structured to support accountable, effective local government. I bring a background rooted in public service, leadership, and thoughtful decision-making. I am a member of the Fridley/Columbia Heights Rotary Club, a volunteer STRIVE mentor to Fridley High School seniors, a neighborhood block captain, and a current elder board member at Fridley Grace Evangelical Free Page 12 of 22 Church. In addition, I am a retired United States Army Reservist, having served 10 years of active duty and an additional 23 years in local reserve units, including five years of mobilizations following September 11, 2001. I retired at the rank of Sergeant Major (SGM/E-9) and had the honor of serving as the senior enlisted leader for units ranging from approximately 100 to over 1,000 service members. These experiences reinforced for me that well-governed organizations—whether military units, churches, schools, or cities—depend on accountability, clarity of purpose, and principled leadership. I would bring that same mindset to the Charter Commission. 5. Are you familiar with what the City Charter is? Yes. I understand the City Charter to be the foundational governing document of the city, functioning much like a local constitution. It establishes the form of government, outlines powers and responsibilities, and provides a framework to ensure lawful, transparent, and accountable municipal operation. I am committed to reviewing the charter with care and in accordance with Minnesota law. 6. Is there anything else or any other comments you would like to share with the Commission? I would approach service on the Charter Commission with diligence, neutrality, and respect for differing viewpoints. My goal would be to help ensure that any charter recommendations are clear, lawful, and responsive to the needs of Fridley residents. I value civil discussion, careful analysis, and decisions grounded in the public interest, and I would be honored to serve the community in this capacity. Page 13 of 22 Page 14 of 22 Page 15 of 22 Page 16 of 22 Please submit this form to cityclerk@fridleymn.gov. Thank you. ## Charter Commission Candidate Questionnaire ## Candidate Name: ___________________________________________ 1.Are you available for winter meetings (the months of January through May)? 2.If you are appointed, what would your expectations be? 3.Does your job require travel, that may inhibit your participation in evening meetings? 4.Why do you want to be on the Charter Commission? What could you bring to the table? 5.Are you familiar with what the City Charter is? 6.Is there anything else or any other comments you would like to share with the Commission? Page 17 of 22 Page 18 of 22 Page 19 of 22 Page 20 of 22 Please submit this form to cityclerk@fridleymn.gov. Thank you. ## Charter Commission Candidate Questionnaire ## Candidate Name: ___________________________________________ 1. Are you available for winter meetings (the months of January through May)? 2. If you are appointed, what would your expectations be? 3. Does your job require travel, that may inhibit your participation in evening meetings? 4. Why do you want to be on the Charter Commission? What could you bring to the table? 5. Are you familiar with what the City Charter is? 6. Is there anything else or any other comments you would like to share with the Commission? Page 21 of 22 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: May 4, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Charter Commission ## Submitted By: Beth Kondrick, Deputy City Clerk ## Title: Future Meeting Topics ## Background Future meeting topics requested by Commissioners: • Candidate interview process • Next chapter to review: Chapter 2 for cleaning up of language and ordinances, Chapter 6 ## • Commission Onboarding Manual • Meeting schedule cadence ## Recommendation ## Attachments and Other Resources ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 22 of 22