Re-Thinking Landscaping for Water Quality

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Last Updated on Thursday, 06 June 2013 11:07

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• • • • Raingardens-curb cut vs. downspout
      • Design ideas, sample landscape plans
      • Native plant guidance & plant sourcing
      • Lakeshore and riverbank care & planting
      • Raingarden infiltration devices and sources for hardscape materials
      • Sustainable lawn care, updated care tips

Mitch Haustein from Anoka Conservation District and Kay Qualley, Environmental Planner, City of Fridley will speak.

Mississippi Watershed Management Org., Coon Creek and Rice Creek Watershed Districts will be available to answer questions.

Enter a raffle to win valuable rain garden plant guides from Blue Thumb.   See you soon!

Vacancies on City Commissions

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 May 2013 12:16

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Are you interested in serving on one of the City's commissions?  There is currently an opening on the City's Appeals Commission and the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission.

The Appeals Commission consists of five members and meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center.  The Appeals Commission provides a way for property owners to appeal alleged errors in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by staff in the enforcement of the City Code.  It also hears requests for variances to the Zoning Chapter of the City Code.

The Environmental Quality and Energy Commission consists of seven members and meets the second Tuesday of odd-number months at 7:00 p.m. at the Fridley Municipal Center.  The EQEC advises on a broad range of environmental policies and programs and the management of the City's environmental resources.  It attempts to provide the City Council with accurate information to assist in making and implementing sound environmental policy in such areas as solid waste abatement programming, environmental education, waste reduction, and water resource management.

If you would like to be considered for one of these openings, please fill out a Commission Interest Form or contact the Fridley City Manager's Office. 

City Council Formally Approves New City Manager

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Last Updated on Monday, 06 May 2013 11:43

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The Fridley City Council met on April 30, 2013, in a Special Meeting to formally approve the contract for Walter (Wally) T. Wysopal to lead the organization and serve as the next City Manager. Wysopal will begin his new assignment June 17, 2013 and is looking forward to getting started.

"I'm excited to join the City of Fridley and look forward to helping lead the City through its next exciting chapter," said Wysopal. "The City has many great qualities and has a strong legacy of partnering with businesses, schools, residents and community groups. It is also well known for being fiscally responsible and remaining stable throughout some very difficult times. It is my hope to continue the effective leadership for which Fridley is so well known," said Wysopal.

Wysopal brings more than 29 years of experience in local government and has held strong leadership positions within several successful organizations. He is well versed in executing redevelopment strategies and in building collaborative partnerships to achieve his goals.

He has been the City Manager for North St. Paul since1998. His previous job history includes employment by the City of St. Louis Park in the following positions: Assistant City Manager (1993-1998); Assistant to City Manager/Personnel Officer (1988-1993); and Public Works Administrative Assistant (1986-1988). He also worked for Northfield, Illinois as the Assistant to Village Manager (1983-1986).

In addition to his local government expertise, Wysopal has been an adjunct professor with Hamline University School of Business since 1998 where he teaches Public Administration. He also teaches at Metropolitan State University in Human Resources.

Wysopal is enrolled in the doctorate program at Hamline University for Public Administration and has a Master's of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

Mayor Scott Lund is anxious to work with Wysopal stating "It's been a long process to find our next City Manager, but I am excited to be working with Wally and know that he'll do an outstanding job for the City of Fridley." He went on to say that "I believe he has the expertise and leadership style that will fit well with our city. He will be resourceful, approachable and responsive to the needs of our constituents, which are so important in times of change," said Lund.

Wysopal rose to the top of the list from 46 applicants from around the county, concluding a five-month selection process conducted by the executive search firm of Slavin Management Consultants out of Norcross, GA. Consultants Bob Slavin and David Krings solicited resumes and credentials and narrowed the group down to nine (9) finalists for the Council to interview. The City Council held initial interviews over two (2) days (April 5 & 6) and held a second round interviews on April 15th with Wally Wysopal (currently the City Manager for North St. Paul) and Michael Ericson (currently an Economic Development consultant with the City of Maplewood).

Department Managers will be working to schedule meetings and opportunities to meet Wally. Watch for more announcements and information to follow.

Questions can be directed to Debbie Dahl, Director of Human Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 763-572-3507.

City Council Selects Walter Wysopal as Next City Manager

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 09:48

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council Schedules Second Interviews for Top Job

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Last Updated on Monday, 15 April 2013 10:13

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Compost Sites Now Open in Anoka County

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Last Updated on Monday, 08 April 2013 13:50

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The two Anoka County yard waste drop locations are: Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapid (763-767-7964) and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Lino Lakes (651-429-3723). Fees to drop off yard waste are $5 per vehicle for up to four cubic yards of plant waste. Larger quantities of yard waste are charged accordingly. Keep leaves and grass separate from tree branches and stumps. Provide proof of residency to use these facilities. For more information visit www.anokacounty.us/yardwaste

49er Days

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Last Updated on Thursday, 25 April 2013 13:10

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The 2013 festival is right around the corner.

Medtronic and the Fridley ‘49er Days Festival Committee will be working together this year to provide the 2013 festival. The Medtronic Rice Creek Campus, located at 7000 Old Central Avenue will be the festival location this year.  

Other new bits and pieces regarding the festival include a Grade “A” carnival with a variety of rides for all ages! The carnival will also provide a number of their own food vendors which will replace the Taste of Fridley that was held the past two years.

This year, there will also be a Pie Baking Contest sponsored by Financial One Credit Union and Bakers Square. Financial One is sponsoring the grand prize of $1,000! Anyone age 18 and older may enter. Everyone who registers prior to the event on June 29^th will receive a $5 coupon for the Blaine Bakers Square. The contest will be held during the festival on Saturday and entries will be judged by Bakers Square. Participants may register through the Parks & Recreation on-line registration web-site by going to  The activity number to use to sign up is 349490-1.

The Fridley Lions Club parade kicks off the festival on Thursday, June 27^th. It will start at 6:30 p.m. following the same route as in past years: west on 61^st Ave. from the Middle school, north on 7^th St.; east on Mississippi; and south on Able back to the Middle School. The Rotary Fun Run precedes the parade, and will start from St. Philips Church. For information on the Fun Run contact Bob Olsen at 763-586-3603.

The Lions Club is also hosting a softball tournament at Community Park. Teams that are interested in participating can get more information by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Fridley Senior Program is hosting card tournaments on Friday, June 28^th (500 & Cribbage). Interested participants should call 763-502-5150.

As in the past, there will be free street dances on Friday and Saturday evenings (as well as a Pizza Eating Contest sponsored by The Zza Factory). The Power of 10 will kick things off on Friday night, and Chris Brooks and the Silver City Boys will be back to perform on Saturday. Bands perform from 7 – 11 p.m. each night. Also, there will be a Fridley All Class Reunion on Saturday.

Saturday is also Kids Day which offers a variety of activities for kids including face painting, magician, crafts, etc. Kids Day runs from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Other activities prior to the street dance include a performance by the Fridley City Band at 5:30 p.m., and at 6:00 p.m. the Fridley Ambassador program will be held at the Fridley High School to determine the new ambassadors who will represent Fridley the upcoming year. Those interested in becoming a Fridley Ambassador can obtain an application and submit it by May 20th.

Other activities are still being planned. If you, or your organization, are interested in participating in this year’s event, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ‘49er Days President, at 603-548-3958.

MORE TO COME!

See the schedule at a glance.

49er Days Kids Day

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 June 2013 10:01

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The 2013 Kids Day event will be held on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Medtronic Rice Creek Campus. Activities will include...

Games

Crafts

Magician

Face Painting

Organizations & Businesses: If you are interested in particiapting in Kids Day by providing an activity or making a donation please check out the info and registration form.