City of
Fridley
December 2015 No. 197
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
We believe in a Fridley that is a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
6431 University Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55432 phone: 763-571-3450 www.FridleyMN.gov e-mail: info@FridleyMN.gov Mayor – Scott J. Lund Councilmember-at-Large – Robert L. Barnette Councilmember 1st Ward – James T. Saefke Councilmember 2nd Ward – Dolores M. Varichak Councilmember 3rd Ward – Ann R. Bolkcom City Manager – Wally Wysopal
What’s Inside New K9 Hits the Streets ...............2
Redevelopment of Columbia Arena May Include New City Buildings As we get excited about the growth and development that is happening around the City, we also face challenges with our current City buildings that must be addressed. Last year, the City Council authorized a study to take place by an independent engineering and architectural firm to look at the conditions of our buildings. The results showed deficiencies in three areas: 1. Handicap accessibility in City Hall is problematic. 2. Significant deterioration to the buildings requires immediate repairs.
3. There is a lack of space for operations. Approximately 20,000 square feet of additional space is necessary. At the same time that building study was taking place, a series of public workshops examined the best ways to redevelop the former Columbia Arena site. Your feedback included a desire for park space, a civic presence and private housing development necessary to offset costs. The Fridley City Council is now looking at whether these two separate projects should merge. continued on page 7
Congratulations Captain Monsrud .2 Lieutentant Promotions ..................2 Two New Sergeants.....................2 Well-Deserved Retirements ............3 Adopt-a-Hydrant ..........................3 Did You Know? ..........................4 City Employees Inducted into Fridley Hall of Fame .................4 Home Improvement Loans.............5 Fire Safety Poster Winner .............5 Winter Reminders ........................6 Xcel Energy Partners with Springbrook......................6 Fridley Fact Sheet ........................7 Community Gardens ....................7 Fridley Fall Fun............................8
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Meet Fridley’s New Director of Public Safety Brian Weierke knows Fridley. He started with Fridley Police in 1995 and has since served in a variety of capacities, each contributing to his deep and strong understanding of public safety services. When Don Abbott announced his retirement, City Manager Wally Wysopal and the Fridley City Council gave serious thought to who would best fill this key role in our community. Brian Weierke immediately came to mind. “Brian has depth of character, strong involvement in the community, understanding of our City’s unique needs and the leadership skills necessary to be successful,” says Wally Wysopal. “I am convinced Brian will serve his position with a sense of duty, sacrifice, valor and honor of which all our officers and Police Department professionals demonstrate on a daily basis.” As a Patrol Officer, Brian wore many hats including School Resource Officer, Problem Response Team and Detective Unit. He also served as Sergeant for three years. In 2004, he was appointed Police Captain, serving in both Field Operations and Technical Services. He demonstrated teamwork and leadership, developing many programs and initiatives along with Co-Captain Bob Rewitzer. Director Weierke is a graduate of the prestigious FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and he also completed the Emergency Management Certification Program in 2006. “Captain Weierke is very knowledgeable in the operations of the Police Department and the public safety needs of the community,” says recently retired Director Don Abbott. “Brian believes in collaboration, and is a very involved member of the community outside of work. His 11 years as a captain, including a month as acting Director in 2014, will make his transition to Director virtually seamless. I am confident the department and the City will do well on his watch.” Brian began his new role on September 30 and looks forward to continuing Fridley’s tradition of being
responsive to community needs and partnering with the community to keep our City safe.
Q & A with Director Weierke What are some of the strengths you see within the community to build upon? Partnerships. We have some terrific neighborhoodbased programs. Our block captains program, neighborhood resource officers and strong school partnerships are some programs that have been working well and we want to commit more resources to their success. It is our intent to not only continue these programs but to strengthen them. What challenges do you think the coming year will bring?
The climate of policing is very difficult and dangerous right now. Attitudes toward police are changing, so our top priority is the relationship we have with our community. We have had a number of recent retirements which means we have many new officers. Because of this we are focusing a lot of attention on our training and showing our continued commitment to all of our residents. Have you always wanted to be a police officer? What led you to this career?
Yes, I have wanted to be a police officer since attending Shakopee High School. My father told me early in life to be a leader not a follower. In my mind, police officers are leaders in society, as they all have to hold themselves to a higher standard both on and off duty. What programs stand out within the department as unique or special to Fridley?
Our school resource officer program is very special to our Police Department. All three of our school resource officers work tirelessly to partner with all the schools in Fridley. As a parent myself, I can understand how continued on page 2
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Congratulations Captain Monsrud We are pleased to announce that Mike Monsrud was appointed Police Captain on November 2. Mike has played a vital role in the Police Department since he started in 1989. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004, and to Lieutenant in charge of the Investigations Unit in 2007. His experience, leadership style and ability to make sound decisions will serve him well in this new position.
K-9 Jax makes his public debut at Fridley’s annual Fire Open House
New K-9 Hits the Streets Officer Tom Roddy and new Fridley K-9 Jax graduated from Patrol Dog 1 training on September 11, and wasted no time getting to work. Jax’s first public appearance took place only hours later as Officer Roddy showed off his new partner with a K-9 demo at Fridley VFW Post 363 as part of a 9/11 tribute.
“Mike has been with the Police Department for 26 years and has been involved with many different programs and projects throughout his career,” says Director Brian Weierke. “He has shown great leadership in his current Lieutenant’s position and will do a wonderful job as a Captain.” Congratulations Captain Monsrud!
Lieutenant Promotions Over the last few months, Fridley Police conducted a command level promotion process to identify current and future Captain and Lieutenant openings. Six candidates participated in a very thorough and detailed assessment, and we extend our congratulations to Sergeant Ryan George and Sergeant Steve Monsrud who will be promoted to Lieutenants effective January 1. Ryan George was hired as a Patrol Officer in 2005. Over the years, he has served as School Resource Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Safety Camp counselor, certified DARE instructor, DMT-G Operator, Reserve Unit Coordinator, Fleet Coordinator and Speed Board Coordinator. Ryan earned a BA Degree in Criminology, Associate of Science Degree in Law Enforcement, and a Master of Arts Degree in Police Leadership. He also completed the Northwestern University – Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Ryan will start the new year as our Support Lieutenant.
K-9 Jax joins Fridley Police at the young age of twoand-a-half. He is a Malinois, also known as a Belgium Shepherd. Like fellow K-9 Nitro, Jax also comes from the Czech Republic, where he was bred and raised specifically for public service. Jax’s K-9 training consisted of being scored by eight judges, and Officer Roddy and Jax received a final score of 694, out of a possible 700! He is certified through the United States Police Canine Association, and skilled in narcotic detection, tracking, trailing, article search and apprehension. Jax has already been called upon to assist neighboring communities. He was even able to locate a victim’s property following a robbery in Columbia Heights. In October, Officer Roddy and Jax attended the Fire Open House where many residents were able to see his skills in action. There is no doubt this new K-9 unit will be a valuable addition to our City.
Steve Monsrud began with the City in 1993. Among many roles, he served on the Safety Committee, is currently the field training and compliance coordinator, and supervises patrol officers. Along with a degree in Law Enforcement and Geography, Steve has participated in the Northwestern University Supervision of Police Personnel, attended the MN Chiefs of Police Association Leadership Academy, and is currently attending the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, having been nominated based on his exceptional work. He returns to Fridley this month with new knowledge and skills that will be invaluable to our community as he accepts his new assignment to Patrol Lieutenant.
Brian Weirke, continued from page 1
important it is for parents to know that we are doing everything we can to keep kids safe in our schools. We believe the relationships we build in the schools are supporting not only our future leaders but all of the school staff as well.
Two New Sergeants Seven officers participated in the sergeant promotion process which included an interview panel, written test, and several different types of scored exercises.
What can residents do to partner with police and keep our neighborhoods safe? We simply cannot respond appropriately or make arrests without your help. There are countless times when our officers were only able to make an arrest because a resident called to report seeing something that was not quite right. No one knows your neighborhood better than you. Call 9-1-1 when you see something out of sorts or suspicious in your neighborhood. That is what the police are here for, to serve and protect our community.
Nick Knaeble
Congratulations to Nick Knaeble and Zak Chlebeck for appointment to Police Sergeants. Both Officers Knaeble and Chlebeck currently serve as School Resource Officers and will begin their new positions next month. Zak Chlebeck
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Well-Deserved Retirements: Thank You Director Abbott and Captain Rewitzer
Adopt-a-Hydrant
Director Don Abbott
every 60 seconds! You
After 31 years of leadership to Fridley, Don Abbott, Director of Public Safety, announced his retirement. In 1984, police officers carried revolvers, squad cars did not have computers, and the device that changes traffic lights did not exist in Fridley. This is the year that Don Abbott joined Fridley Police, and he has seen a lot change during his three decades of service. Today, the 11 law enforcement and 16 fire agencies in Anoka County are in the final phases of implementing a joint, state-of-the-art information system that will provide consistent, reliable data immediately to those enroute to an emergency. Director Abbott was instrumental in coordinating, training and launching this service for the county and those efforts are receiving national attention, one of his many professional accomplishments. Building partnerships has always been a priority for Abbott. Over the last 25 years, Fridley crime has been dropping and police calls have been increasing. This is exactly what we want to see in a community, a partnership between law enforcement and residents that provides an opportunity for help before a situation escalates to a crime.
In 2009, Abbott brought the first Police K-9 unit to Fridley, a program that has achieved great success. Fridley K-9 units are now among the top requested in the area. In 1991, with help from many others, Abbott formed the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association Honor Guard to pay tribute to fallen officers. Officers from across the state form this unit and have trained with the U.S. Army 3d Infantry in memorial affairs. Over the years, Abbott has received numerous recognitions, including the 1998 Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Meritorious Service Award for exceptional achievement and extraordinary valor, service, professionalism and leadership; and his appointment to Director of Public Safety on April 30, 2004. Looking back, it is not the highly publicized or dangerous moments that stand out most to Don Abbott. It is the human moments. Standing with a teenage girl as she said her final goodbye to her mother; taking in the sound of a family’s laughter and giving them a few extra minutes before sharing news that change their lives. Those are the moments that have become a part of him forever. Not one to sit still, Abbott already has plans to continue making a difference. Teaching, training and consulting are just a few of many things on the horizon.
“One of the more rewarding things as a police officer over the years has been the interaction with the community,” says Abbott. Some of his favorite memories include answering questions as a patrol officer, spending time with at-risk kids during Shop with a Cop, and connecting with residents at Night to Unite.
“If you can create something that lasts, and can last beyond your time with it, and it gets stronger and better, that is very, very gratifying.” Don Abbott certainly leaves Fridley a lasting legacy, a tradition of partnership and innovation to build upon for generations to come.
A fire doubles in size can save valuable time by keeping the snow clear of any fire hydrant near your home: 3 feet around and clear to the street.
Rescue a Hydrant from the cold winter snow!
Remember: 3 Feet Around and Clear to the Street Seconds Matter - Shovel Out Your Hydrant, 3 Feet on All Sides and a Path to the Street
Don’t Forget Your Hydrant!
Captain Robert “Bob” Rewitzer The longevity of officers in the Fridley Police Department is very impressive, and Don Abbott is not the only familiar face that recently said goodbye. After 26 years of serving our community, Captain Bob Rewitzer also retired this fall. “I have had the pleasure to work side by side with Captain Rewitzer for the last 11 years,” says Director Brian Weierke. “Bob is one of the most committed and hardest working people I’ve ever been around.” Police Captain is a little different than Bob’s original plans to be a veterinarian. In 1979, Bob took a job as an Animal Control Officer to beef up his resume in hopes of impressing vet school admissions. That led to a full-time position as a Community Service Officer with Anoka, and it was there he realized police work was in his future. Looking back over his career at Fridley, Bob focuses on the big picture rather than the moments: the balance between good and evil, the advantages of community partnerships and the domino
effect of one small moment in time making a big impact on the future. Twice, Bob saved a life by performing CPR. “Traffic enforcement can be a very thankless job,” explains Bob. “But that one speeding ticket could change a behavior, prevent an accident and save a life.” It is not about the one small inconvenience of that ticket; it is about the bigger picture.” The days of post-it note scribbles while listening to a one-channel radio are gone, but listening is still the backbone of police success. Bob believes that listening to our residents and our high community involvement is one of the biggest strengths we have as a city. Bob Rewitzer laid the foundation for one of the most successful partnerships we have today. He was a detective when the first pawn shop opened in Fridley. He helped develop regulations and language on how to address those that attempt to pawn the property of another. Today, that language has been adopted by many other
communities and Fridley has a dedicated Pawn Shop Detective. “Bob has a strong passion to make not only the community of Fridley a better place, but always puts the needs of the Police Department ahead of his own,” says Weierke. “We will sincerely miss him and wish him well in a very deserving retirement.”
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Fridley
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Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.
Holiday Cooking Reminders • Make sure smoke alarms are working. • Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and stay in your home while cooking your turkey – keep an eye on both. • Keep kids out of the kitchen and away from hot food and liquids. • Keep the floor clean and clear to prevent falls and spills. • Keep knives, matches, lighters, candles and electrical cords out of the reach of children. • Avoid gas-fueled turkey fryers that use hot oil. Consider an alternative that does not use oil. If you do use a turkey fryer, make sure the turkey is completely thawed and avoid using the fryer if it is raining or snowing.
Connection
Pictured: Ralph Messer, Connie Thompson and Siah St. Clair. Not pictured but also honored is Earl Bakken who was unable to attend the ceremony but was represented by his daughters.
City Employees Inducted into Fridley Hall of Fame The Fridley Hall of Fame was established in 2004 by the Fridley Historical Society to recognize individuals who have contributed to the growth and success of the City. In November, four new members, including three current or retired City of Fridley employees, were inducted with a ceremony at the Fridley Community Center. Ralph Messer joined our Fire Department in 1968 and served our community for over 40 years. During his time here, he helped create the Rental Housing Code, and established the Rental Property Inspection Division prior to becoming Fire Marshal. He also taught fire prevention in schools, senior homes, businesses and apartment complexes. He continues to educate and volunteer, and enjoys preserving the Fire Department’s history. Siah St. Clair served as Springbrook Nature Center’s Director for 35 years starting in 1978. During his tenure, a piece of undeveloped land became a leading environmental education center and research site. Working closely with schools, he developed an environmental curriculum to meet local school science standards. His efforts made
Springbrook a destination point for people from all over the region and laid the foundation for the current SPRING project. Connie Thompson has worked for the City for 36 years and currently coordinates the Senior Program. Connie continually offers new and innovative programming that enriches the lives of residents. She also volunteers with Fridley ‘49er Days (36 years), is a founding member of the Fridley Community Theater Advisory Board, and participates in numerous aging and education agencies. She has been awarded the “Spotlight Award” from the Hennepin Theatre Trust, and the Outstanding Senior Service award from the Minnesota Association of Senior Services. Also, honored this year is Medtronic founder Earl Bakken. Earl is the inventor of the cardiac pacemaker. He brought the Medtronic headquarters to Fridley in 1972, going to great lengths to preserve the natural surroundings of his buildings. Today a Fortune 500 Company with 98,000 employees worldwide, Medtronic still keeps its international headquarters in Fridley and is an invaluable asset to our community.
JOIN US FOR Winter Break Youth Trips Grades K-5: School’s Out Events December 28: Snow Tubing at Green Acres, $25 December 29: Cinema Grill & The Works, $28 December 30: Big Thrill Factory, $28 All events will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Transportation to and from the Fridley Community Center to each event location is included. Extended hours available: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., $8 additional/event. Get details and register online at FridleyMN.gov or call 763-572-3570.
THE ROARING TWENTIES Celebrate Flappers, Speakeasies, Tin Lizzies and the Charleston by stepping out to the Fridley History Center! It’s sure to be the Bee’s Knees!
Free Admission! Exhibit Hours: Saturdays, Nov. 14 – Dec. 26 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 17 – Dec. 22 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Exhibit includes Historical Vignettes, Operating Train Set, Trivia, Children’s Activities, Photo Booth & Treats for All! Fridley History Center: 611 Mississippi St NE 763-571-0120 • www.fridleyhistory.org
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Get Ready for Winter for a Home Improvement Loan The City of Fridley has home improvement dollars available for homeowners to upgrade their heating systems, insulate attics and side walls, replace windows and more. Low interest loans are available to help you complete projects this winter and enjoy your improvements and utility savings all year long. These loans now have no income limits, lower interest and loans up to $50,000!
Fridley Low Interest Home Improvement Loan Program •
4.5% fixed interest rate
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$1,000 to $50,000 loan amount
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Terms up to 20 years
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No maximum household income limit.
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Eligible improvements include most exterior and interior improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, code violation repairs and remodeling.
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Owner-Occupied, 1-4 unit residences in the City of Fridley are eligible.
3 Easy Ways to Apply
Not sure where to start? No problem! Schedule a Fridley Home Remodeling Advisor visit! No matter what type of project you are contemplating, answers to your home improvement questions are free of charge. So whether you would like assistance prioritizing improvements, evaluating contractors’ bids or just learning how to get started, this no sales, no pressure visit from an independent professional is available to you. The City of Fridley has contracted with the Center for Energy and Environment Lending Center (CEE Lending Center), a local non-profit, to conduct the Remodeling Advisor Visits as well as assist you through the loan process. To schedule your free Remodeling Advisor Visit, call 612-335-5856. For more information on loans and rebates available, call 612-335-5884 or go to www.mnlendingcenter.org.
Apply online at mnlendingcenter.org
Email loaninfo@mncee.org for a copy of the application
Call (612) 335-5884 to have an application mailed to you.
2015 Fire Safety Poster Winner Congratulations to Sawyer Lee-Tally, a 4th grade student at Hayes Elementary. Sawyer is our 2015 Fire Safety Poster Contest winner! Each fall, the Fridley Fire Department joins forces with area schools to help spread a fire safety message. This year’s message: “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep,” was also the theme for the 4th grade poster contest. Sawyer’s colorful poster was selected as the Fridley winner, and will now go on to compete at the Minnesota State Fire Chief ’s competition. To celebrate, Fridley firefighters picked up Sawyer and two of her friends for a fire truck ride to DQ. There they enjoyed a behindthe-scenes tour and tried their hands at creating the famous curlytopped ice cream cone. Thank you Sawyer for helping us remind everyone to have working smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor of the home.
Attention Utility Customers! Did you know…You can have your City of Fridley utility bill paid automatically with our free Direct Payment Program! • Save money (no stamps, no processing fees) • Save time (no checks to write) • No late fees, no worries!
Utility Bill Direct Payment Program Form City of
Mail completed forms to: City of Fridley Attn: Utility Billing 6431 University Ave NE Fridley MN 55432
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Direct Payment is a free service and enrollment is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1. Simply complete the form to the right. 2. Attach a voided check or savings withdrawal slip. 3. Return it to us with your current City of Fridley utility payment or mail anytime.
Financial Institution: ________________________________________________ ■ Checking ■ Savings By signing below I am authorizing the City of Fridley Utility Department to automatically withdraw my utility payment from my checking / savings account.
Once you are enrolled your utility bill will state *** Bank Draft***. It’s that simple!
Signature ________________________________________________________ Date ___________________
Bills are paid automatically from your checking or savings account on the due date. Our Direct Payment Program is a free service and you can withdraw anytime by contacting us at least 10 days prior to your due date. Questions? Call us! 763-572-3529
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Utility Account #:______________________________ Daytime Phone#: ___________________________
Attach voided check or savings withdrawal slip here.
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Fridley Community Calendar December 2 3 7 8 14 16 24-25
Appeals Commission HRA Meeting Parks & Recreation Commission Environmental Quality & Energy Commission City Council Meeting Planning Commission City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas 28 City Council Meeting
January 1 City Offices Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day 4 Charter Commission 6 Appeals Commission 7 HRA Meeting 11 City Council Meeting 12 Environment Quality & Energy Commission 18 City Offices Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 20 Planning Commission 25 City Council Meeting NOTE: City Council and Commission meetings start at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held at the Municipal Center, 6431 University Avenue NE. The public is welcome. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids and would like to attend a meeting, should contact Roberta Collins at 763-572-3500 at least one week in advance.
We wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
Fridley City Hall Holiday Hours: December 10 - Offices will close at 3 p.m. for an Annual Employee Meeting December 24 & 25 - closed January 1 - closed
Xcel Energy Partners with Springbrook Springbrook Nature Center plans to make another stride in environmental education, thanks to a generous $7,500 grant from Xcel Energy. New containers and signage will help visitors practice and learn more about recycling and composting, essential efforts for our future. Thanks to hard-working staff, the fundraising efforts of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation and community partners such as Xcel Energy, Springbrook is a leader in environmental education. We provide curricula activities to schools (over 15,000 students per year) and other groups from more than 35 communities. Offerings include environmental science classes (pre-k through college), team building adventure activities, nature hikes, live animal programs, exhibits and self-led activities, all aimed at educating youth and adults about concepts in nature, actual contact with nature, and the importance of protecting and preserving the natural environment.
Winter Reminders Safety First! Our dedicated crews plow 107 miles of city roads, 80 cul-de-sacs, 18 alleyways and dead ends, 17 parking lots and 16 miles of sidewalks and trails. There will be big trucks coming through your neighborhoods, often during poor weather with slippery conditions and limited visibility. For that reason, we ask for your help. • Keep children safe. Do not build snow forts or snow sculptures close to the street. It may be tempting – large snow piles just begging to be climbed – but keep those snowmen closer to your home. Plows are big, they do not swerve quickly, sometimes drivers have limited site lines, and they need extra room to turn or move. • Reduce your speed around plows and keep your distance. • Keep garbage cans in your driveway and out of the street or sidewalk. This also goes for recycling containers. Do not put ANYTHING in the street including sleds and toys. Winter Parking Rules Now through April 1, there is no parking on any city street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., regardless of weather. In addition, there is no street parking anytime while snow removal is in progress. We do this so our plows can work quickly and effectively. Roads may require treatment before or after a snow event, and a single snowfall may require a plow to pass multiple times. Winter parking restrictions
help lessen the risk of damage to vehicles and plows, and help plow drivers work as quickly as possible. Vehicles left on the street during these times can be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense. Plowing 101 Emergency routes are first priority after any snowfall. These redline streets are established to ensure emergency vehicles can reach within one or two blocks of every home. After emergency routes are clear, the City is split into 11 plowing districts. Each district has 4 different starting points that rotate each time. If your street was plowed last this time, it will not be next time. Clean, safe plowing of all City streets takes approximately 10-12 hours. Reminder for Property Owners It is unlawful to push, shovel or blow snow onto or across city streets and boulevards. Penalties range from a formal warning to a $700 fine or 90 days in jail plus any City cost. Property owners are responsible for their actions and those of their contracted snow removers. Remember: Fridley does not declare snow emergencies. There is no street parking between 2 - 6 a.m. from now until April 1, and anytime plows are out. Together, we will make it through another beautiful Minnesota winter! Thank you for partnering with us to keep our community safe.
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Fridley City Hall Fact Sheet Fridley Public Works and City Hall buildings are over 60 years old and there is an urgent need to address major maintenance, safety, accessibility, environmental and legal issues.
CITY HALL, FIRE, POLICE
A Closer Look at the Problems • Elevators, restrooms, stairwells and entrances are not up to code for handicap accessibility. You can’t even turn a wheelchair around to face the buttons in the elevator. • Failing parking ramp.
Fire office doubles as sleeping quarters
Deteriorating parking ramp
Narrow police garage door
Larger equipment makes for unsafe quarters
• Poor air quality. • Deteriorating walls. • Windows need replacing. • Deficient HVAC and electrical systems. • New laws require separate male and female areas in Police and Fire facilities which there is not enough space to accommodate this law.
PUBLIC WORKS
• Lack of space for operations and office equipment.
Best Value for Taxpayers
• Unsafe mechanics area. • Vehicles and equipment are stored outside and deteriorate faster. • Chemical and material runoff from outdoor storage may end up in Rice Creek. • Lack of space needed to properly maintain vehicles and equipment.
Public Feedback: Columbia Arena Site Private Development
Public Park
Private development will meet City housing needs and is necessary to make this site financially feasible.
Fridley residents want to retain public park space.
Civic Presence
Preserve Local History
There is a desire for a symbol of community pride and distinction, and the inclusion of public areas.
A civic presence provides the unique opportunity to pay tribute to the history of this location.
?
Want to learn more? Share your thoughts? Reach out to us! Online, by phone or in person—we are listening and happy to answer your questions.
Building New at Columbia Arena
Remodeling Current Locations
Cost = Approx. $40 million
Cost = Approx. $40 million
Longevity = 50+ years. Major maintenance repairs (such as roof ) start around 40 years.
Longevity = 10-20 years
Space: Available space for both current and future needs.
Space: Limited. No room for future growth.
Appearance: Opportunity to increase City pride and appearance, and make area more appealing to private developers.
Appearance: Functionality will be priority over community appearance.
Public Works: Will be designed to blend into surrounding properties.
Public Works: May impact marketability to private developers.
Relocation of Staff & Services During Construction: Not needed. No disruption to services.
Relocation of Staff & Services During Construction: 1-2 years, significant disruption to services.
Community Areas: Park, plaza and possibility for other common areas.
Community Areas: None.
Website Blog: FridleyMN.gov/city-hall-update Council Public Comments: December 28 at 6 p.m.
December 3 – December 19 Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As we wrap up another great gardening season, we would like to thank all our dedicated gardeners for participating in our community garden. Look for 2016 plot registration information in the next issue of Community Connection.
Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts 6666 East River Road, Fridley www.banfill-locke.org
Pictured: Alice Ruth Irwin, 94 years young, and an active Community Garden participant for 14 years.
Ar ts Banfill-Locke Center for the presents
Holiday Gif t mART 2015
Great prices – Great choices! Come get unique, handmade holiday gifts from local artists.
Fridley
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Community
Connection
Fridley Fall Fun The beautiful autumn weather gave us a chance to get outside and have fun. Thank you to everyone who turned out for the events, from the Fire Station Open House to after school Halloween parties, recycling drop-off to Pumpkin Night in the Park. Up next: WinterFest 2016! Save the date: Saturday, January 23. Pumpkin Night at Springbrook: Despite late adjustments due to construction, this year’s Pumpkin Night in the Park once again welcomed a great crowd. New this year, fire dancers awed audiences, and Elvis returned to shake things up.
Fire Open House: Highlights included fire engines, a car extrication demo, a kitchen fire simulator, aerial rides and canine meet-and-greets.
SPRING Groundbreaking: A special thank you to everyone who celebrated with us at Springbrook’s groundbreaking event on October 7. Construction is underway for the SPRING (Sanctuary Protection and Renewal Into the Next Generation) project, and we look forward to opening the doors to an incredible new facility sometime in 2016. In the meantime, take a hike out to the new Springbrook floating boardwalk before the snow hits. It is the highlight to any visit to SNC.
The new 850’ floating boardwalk at Springbrook Nature Center.
SNC Director Mike Maher, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell, Parks & Rec Director Jack Kirk, State Representative Carolyn Laine, Councilmember Jim Saefke, Planning Commission Chair Dave Kondrick, Mayor Scott Lund, State Senator Barb Goodwin, SNCF Vice Chair Donna Bahls, Parks & Rec Commission Chair Mike Heintz, former SNC Director Siah St. Clair.
State Senator Barb Goodwin, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell, Councilmembers Dolores Varichak, Bob Barnette, and Jim Saefke, Parks & Rec Commission Chair Mike Heintz, Architect Paul Anderson, Councilmember Ann Bolkcom and construction manager Earl Smith.
winterfest 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 23
SNC Director Mike Maher, SNCF Chair Malcolm Mitchell, State Representative Connie Bernardy, SNCF board member Neal Hayford, and Parks & Rec Director Jack Kirk.
Outdoor at Commons Park: sleigh rides, ice games, dog sled rides, snowball launching and more! Indoors at Fridley Community Center: Bingo, dancing, crafts, games and treats! Keep warm and make s’mores by the bonfire! Meet the Clydesdales! Try your luck for fun prizes!
Indoor and Outdoor Family Fun Win $100 in our Medallion Hunt!
Don’t forget our Medallion Hunt! Where could it be? Your keen eye and sharp detective skills could earn you the $100 cash prize! Questions? Give us a call at 763-572-3570.