Public Meetings - Bloomington, Minnesota

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM (UTC) with four council members present (Mayor, Councilmembers Nelson, Carter, Lohman) due to absences. The meeting included the oath of office for new City Manager Zach Walker, consent agenda approval, two bond sales, a study on missing middle housing, a reserve analysis from GFOA, the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan draft, and budget discussions for external services and utility rates. The meeting was extended to 9:20 PM and adjourned at 9:20 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved items 3.1 through 3.3 via consent agenda (motion by Councilmember Nelson, second by Carter), passed 4-0. Discussion Items - Oath of Office for City Manager Zach Walker: Zach Walker was sworn in as the new city manager, joining from Independence, Missouri. He expressed gratitude and excitement to lead Bloomington. - Resolution 4.1 – Award of Sale of Taxable CIP Bonds Series 2025 D: Staff presented the sale of $3,210,000 in bonds at a true interest cost of 4.66% for the acquisition of land for the public works fleet garage. The city maintained its triple-A bond rating. Approved 4-0. - Resolution 4.2 – Award of Sale of G.O. PIR Bonds Series 57: Staff presented the sale of $2,900,000 in tax-exempt bonds at a 2.8% interest rate for the pavement management program. Approved 4-0. - Study Item 5.1 – Missing Middle Housing Phase 2: Staff presented definitions and performance standards for triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, cottage courts, and multiplexes. Council discussed parking standards, zoning districts (including R1), lot sizes, and setbacks. Councilmember Carter preferred option B (1 space/unit, no garage for most types). Councilmember Lohman emphasized context-sensitive parking and strategic zoning near transit. Councilmember Nelson sought clarity on townhome garage requirements. No final action taken; further discussion expected. - Study Item 5.2 – Reserve Study Results: Shane Kavanaugh (GFOA) presented a risk-based analysis using Monte Carlo simulation across 10,000 parallel universes. The city’s current General Fund reserve ($53 million) is at the ceiling of the recommended “Goldilocks” range (46–53 million), providing about 90% confidence in maintaining triple-A bond rating. Staff plans to bring similar analysis for other funds in November. Council discussed climate risk, infrastructure investment, and application of results. - Item 5.3 – 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan Draft: Staff presented the draft CIP, a planning tool with projects over $50,000. Highlights included the $75 million police station (2035), $75 million water park parking ramp (South Loop), and $30 million in cash plus $45 million in TIF bonds for the ramp. Council emphasized the document is a planning tool, not a final commitment. Councilmember Carter requested more info on Civic Plaza Lunchroom and 84th Street Pedestrian Bridge. Councilmember Lohman inquired about Fire Station 2 rebuild and sanitary sewer projects. - Item 5.4 – Budget Discussions: - External Services Team: Community Development (11.6M ops, flat revenue, reduced 0.5 FTE), Parks & Rec (staffing increases, fee adjustments, Center for Arts study), Public Health (6.5M revenue, 72% grants, stable), Public Works (20M general fund, fleet and facilities funds, savings from training). - Utility Rates: Proposed rates for 2026: Water and Stormwater – no increase; Wastewater – 6% increase (due to MCES charges); Solid Waste – rate restructuring with new cart sizes and every-other-week service option. Average household may see slight decrease. Public hearing set for November 17. - Council Policy and Issue Update: Mayor reported a successful listening session with two residents (Dennis Ordal and Jody Chanan). Councilmember Lohman clarified the role of contractors in city projects. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 4-0. - Resolution 4.1 (CIP bonds) approved 4-0. - Resolution 4.2 (PIR bonds) approved 4-0. - Meeting extended to 9:20 PM by motion, approved 4-0. - Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM, motion passed 4-0. - No formal votes on missing middle housing, reserve study, CIP, or budget; these items are for discussion and will return in future meetings.

This meeting, held Monday, October 13, 2025, focused on major project approvals (Community Health and Wellness Center GMP, MnDOT I-494 municipal consent, Heights HIA bonds), several public hearings (parking appeals, assessment rolls, district plan amendments), and budget discussions for 2026. The council operated with five members due to two absences. The agenda and minutes were not available; this summary is based solely on the transcribed proceedings. Consent Calendar - Consent agenda items 3.1 through 3.25 (excluding 3.3) were approved unanimously 5-0. Items included routine approvals, contracts, and resolutions. - Item 3.3 was pulled for individual consideration: a resolution to rename Valley View Tennis Courts to the Marsha Bach Tennis Courts. Councilmember Loman praised Marsha Bach's over 50 years of service to Bloomington tennis. Bach was present and spoke emotionally, thanking staff and family. The resolution passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4.4 public hearing (PMP assessments): Michael Coda, owner of a rental property at 8400 Old Cedar, expressed concern about a new bike path being constructed within 20 feet of his bedroom side, stating he felt "bike path to death" with three trails nearby. He requested screening (bushes or fence). Staff indicated they would work with him on options; the council directed staff to explore screening and design alternatives. - Residents at council listening session: The Mayor noted one and a half speakers: Elizabeth Cambrone (Newton neighborhood) raised construction communication issues, and Brian Emerson sought information on prior discussions. (Summarized from Mayor's remarks; no direct quotes.) - No other public speakers appeared at any hearings. Discussion Items - Hennepin County Commissioner Update (Item 2.1): Commissioner Debbie Gootell presented county achievements: $3.1 billion annual budget, 1.3 million residents served, 2026 levy of $1.13 billion (7.79% increase). She highlighted affordable housing investments ($19.5M in 2024 capital funds), the Elevate Hennepin program (3,262 entrepreneurs, 41,712 hours, 222 businesses launched), school-based mental health (260 fewer suicide attempts, 6,600 students served), and police-embedded social workers (1,046 referrals from Bloomington PD in 2024). She announced grants to Bloomington, including $10,000 for basketball equipment, $25,000 for Kennedy High School music equipment, and $7,000 for Oak Grove Middle School. She also discussed the tree canopy program (576,000 trees planted since 2020) and the I-494 project. Council members thanked her and asked about Metro Transit and traffic concerns on Penn Avenue. - Community Health and Wellness Center (Item 5.1): Presenters from HGA, JE Dunn, and others provided a design update (100% design development, LEED Silver target). The project budget is $104.8M, including $3M in bond interest. The guaranteed maximum price (GMP) construction contract with JE Dunn is $82,157,823, plus a 5% city-held contingency of $4,107,891, totaling $86,265,714. Councilmember Nelson questioned the escalation clause; staff and JE Dunn clarified: about 60% of the project is quoted, and savings beyond the GMP revert to the city. Council members requested exploration of traffic mitigation on Newton (e.g., reconfiguring parking lot, wayfinding, bigger trees) and discussed the berm buffer. The GMP resolution was approved 5-0. - MnDOT I-494 Municipal Consent (Item 4.2): Andrew Lataya from MnDOT presented phase 2 details: work on Highway 100, 35W, and between 35W and 24th Avenue, including bikeways, sidewalks, and bridge replacements. The city's cost share is estimated at approximately $1.6M (including $100k for off-Right-of-Way connections, $750k for signals at France/82nd, and $160k for street lighting/engineering). Construction is staged 2027-2030, maintaining three lanes in each direction where possible. Staff received one public comment on 82nd Street pedestrian facilities. Public hearing closed with no speakers; council approved municipal consent 5-0. - Third Avenue Parking Appeal (Item 4.3): Due to concerns about event parking at Kennedy Stadium, staff surveyed 26 affected properties; results were close, with a slight preference for restricting parking on the west side (school side). An appeal requested the east side (residential side) instead. Arguments included sidewalks and safety. Public hearing closed with no speakers. Council debated: Councilmember Nelson preferred to honor resident survey, Councilmember MUA supported the appeal for safer traffic flow, and Councilmember D'Alessandro suggested a compromise (time-based). Motions initially failed (east side 2-3, west side 3-2), but after reconsideration, the west side restriction (no parking 24 hours) passed 4-1. The restriction applies between 96th and 98th Streets. - PMP Assessment Roll (Item 4.4): Staff Bob Hansen and Brian Hansen presented the 2025 pavement management program reconstruction project (8 segments, total cost $8.4M). Assessments are based on adjusted front footage (25% or 50% rates). The roll includes special benefit adjustments for three parcels. Public hearing included Michael Coda's comment. The resolution approving the assessment roll passed 5-0. - South Loop District Plan Amendment (Item 4.5): Planner Ramler Olson presented an update to the 2012 plan, functioning as an addendum. The planning commission recommended approval 6-0. Changes include committing to study land use intensity (height, FAR) and preserving a future trail connection near Hogback Ponds. Council discussion addressed airport parking (language left vague) and sustainability (incentive-based approach preferred). Public hearing closed with no speakers; resolution approved 5-0. - Normandale Lake District Plan Amendment (Item 4.6): Staff proposed removing the $5M pedestrian bridge over 84th/Normandale from the plan, replacing it with a $3.5M intersection safety improvement. Councilmember Nelson questioned the necessity given low crash data; staff indicated proactive safety philosophy. Councilmember MUA supported keeping the project to encourage future connectivity. Public hearing closed with no speakers. Two resolutions passed 5-0: adopting the pedestrian safety study findings, and amending the district plan to remove the bridge reference. - Strategic Plan and Strategic Priorities Fund (Item 5.2): Elizabeth Tolzman and Kari Carlson updated council on the Bloomington Tomorrow Together plan, noting community team sessions and a council retreat. The Strategic Priorities Fund balance is $9.8M; a draft 2026 budget was presented with categories, spending about $3M. Council members discussed the process: Dalessandro wanted faster, direct council decisions; Nelson preferred drawing down the fund for budget programming; Loman supported community engagement; MUA emphasized tax levy stabilization. No action taken; staff will refine and bring back. - 2026 Budget Discussions (Items 5.3 and 5.4): Tolzman and Economy Scholer presented the Internal Enterprise Services Team and Finance department budgets. No new FTE requested; potential savings estimated at $300k. Topics included revenue opportunities (broadband franchise fee, charitable gambling, cannabis fees), cost savings (consolidating polling places from 31 to 20, accrual caps, reducing subscriptions), and emerging items (cybersecurity, AI, state compliance). The Finance presentation noted stable revenues, 28 FTEs, and a net increase of $160k. Council thanked staff for excellence. Key Outcomes - Community Health and Wellness Center GMP approved (5-0) for $86,265,714 with authorization for staff to execute documents. - MnDOT I-494 municipal consent approved (5-0). - Third Avenue parking restriction approved (4-1) to be posted on the west side (school side) between 96th and 98th Streets, no parking 24 hours. - PMP assessment roll approved (5-0). - South Loop District Plan amendment approved (5-0). - Normandale Lake District Plan amendment approved (5-0) to remove pedestrian bridge and adopt safety study. - Heights HIA bond award (5-0) for $959,000 to Huntington Bank at 5.09% interest; final assessment roll adopted. - Consent calendar approved (5-0) excluding 3.3, which was approved separately (5-0). - Council directed staff to explore screening and design options for the bike path near 8400 Old Cedar. - Council will revisit Strategic Priorities Fund structure after further refinement.

The City Council and Port Authority held a concurrent meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on a second amended and restated Tax Increment Financing (TIF) spending plan. The meeting included approval of minutes from prior sessions and a presentation by staff, followed by a unanimous vote to adopt the amended spending plan. Consent Calendar - The City Council approved the minutes of the previous meeting (vote 6-0). - The Port Authority approved its minutes (vote 7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. No one was online or in chambers to comment. Discussion Items - Item 4.1 – Second Amended and Restated TIF Spending Plan: - Kevin Canais presented the proposed amendment. He explained that the original spending plan, approved on March 9, 2022, authorized $55 million for TIF. It was amended and restated on December 7, 2022, to increase the amount to $95.2 million based on updated projections and guidance from the Office of the State Auditor. - The second amendment would: - Extend the deadline to commit and spend funds within TIF districts 1C and 1G (Mall of America property) from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2027 (a two-year extension). - Incorporate a broader legislative extension to December 31, 2026, allowing use of funds outside the TIF districts on the MOA property. - Allow interest earned on the segregated account (currently $7.3 million) to be used as spending plan TIF dollars. - Mr. Canais emphasized that the amendment authorizes but does not obligate the city to spend any funds. Future projects, including the Mall of America Water Park, would require a separate redevelopment agreement approved at a later public meeting. - Councilmember D'Alessandro asked for clarification on the source of the funds. Mr. Canais confirmed that the $95.2 million comes from tax increment revenue generated in TIF districts 1C and 1G, which the city controls and had transferred into a segregated account. - Mayor and Council President Erickson noted that the action is technical and does not involve a decision on how funds will be used. Key Outcomes - City Council Vote: Unanimously approved the resolution adopting the second amended and restated TIF spending plan (vote 7-0). - Port Authority Vote: Unanimously approved the same resolution (vote 7-0). - The public hearing was closed after neither online nor in-person comments were received. - The meeting was adjourned (City Council and Port Authority, both 7-0).

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, September 29, 2025. The meeting included the celebration of the 2025 Hatch Bloomington winner, a proclamation for Disability Employee Awareness Month, introduction of a new employee, approval of a corrected preliminary tax levy resolution, adoption of an airport parking study ordinance, and study items on commercial vehicles and miscellaneous ordinances. Updates were provided on the I-494 project and priority-based budgeting. Consent Calendar - Items 3.2 through 3.22 were approved 7-0, with a noted typo correction on item 3.6. - Item 3.1 (resolution rescinding and reestablishing preliminary tax levies) was held for discussion and later passed 6-1 (Councilmember Rivas opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was given during the public hearing for item 4.2 (vacation of easements). Discussion Items - 2025 Hatch Bloomington Celebration: Staff presented results of the retail pitch competition. The winner was Book Mother, founded by Twilight Dang. Statistics: 50 applications, 35 complete, 20,000+ public votes, 189 media mentions reaching 240 million, $5 million earned media value. The mayor expressed pride in all participants. - Disability Employee Awareness Month Proclamation: The mayor read a proclamation declaring October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Maxine Pigos Illica and Ben Venar from the city's ERG spoke about the importance of inclusion. An event will be held October 31. - New Employee Introduction: Public Works introduced Callie Doden, a civil engineer working on drinking water and wastewater projects. - Item 3.1 – Preliminary Tax Levy: Councilmember Rivas held the item, requesting staff bring the levy down to a total of 9.8% including HRA and Port Authority levies. Councilmember Dalessandro noted these bodies set their own levies. The corrected resolution passed 6-1. - Item 4.1 – Airport Parking Study Ordinance: Three ordinance options were presented. The council adopted the staff recommended option that retains interim use permits for existing remote airport parking until August 2027 and continues negotiations with operators. Vote 5-2 (Councilmembers Moo and Rivas opposed). Summary publication passed 7-0. - Item 4.2 – Vacation of Easements: A public hearing was held with no speakers. The ordinance approving the vacation for the community health center site was adopted 7-0. - Item 5.1 – Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts (Study): Staff presented data on current code and enforcement (280 violations in 2024, 141 for oversized trailers). Council provided feedback on height/length limits, vehicle quantities, and screening. No formal action; staff will draft an ordinance. - Item 5.2 – Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance (Study): Staff reviewed proposed language cleanup and policy changes (e.g., exterior lighting, mixed-use residential allowances, garage height limits, art structures). Council offered input on several items. No action taken; revised ordinances expected in November. - Item 5.3 – I-494 Project Phase 2 Update: MnDOT presented the project scope, schedule (2027-2030), and local cost share items. Council requested improved traffic management and communication with residents during construction. Municipal consent request scheduled for October 13. - Item 5.4 – Priority-Based Budgeting Update: Staff presented the scoring process (441 programs), impact matrix results, and emerging opportunities. Council discussed lessons learned, alignment with strategic plan, and future two-year budget cycles. Further details will come in October meetings. - Council Policy and Issue Update: Mayor reported on a gun violence forum and the upcoming tri-city mental health summit. Councilmember Carter raised concerns about Lake Normandale water quality and infrastructure. Councilmember Loman thanked staff for work on a compliance issue and the Newton Avenue community center. Key Outcomes - Approved (7-0): Consent agenda items 3.2-3.22; vacation of easements (4.2); summary publication for airport ordinance. - Approved (6-1): Corrected preliminary tax levy resolution (3.1), with Councilmember Rivas opposed. - Approved (5-2): Airport parking ordinance adopting the IUP extension option (4.1), opposed by Councilmembers Moo and Rivas. - Study Items: No formal action on commercial vehicles (5.1) or miscellaneous issues (5.2); staff directed to return with draft ordinances. - Upcoming: Municipal consent for I-494 Phase 2 (Oct 13); budget deliberations continuing through December; PBB recommendations to follow.

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM (CT) in the council chambers. The meeting began with proclamations for the International Day of Peace and Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month, followed by a consent agenda, three public hearings, and study items on parking ramp licensure and refuse standards. Key actions included adopting a 2025 bond issuance, holding over a subdivision plat for further neighborhood discussion, and directing staff to craft a compromise ordinance on airport parking after a contentious debate. A motion to make remote airport parking a permitted use failed 2-4, but a subsequent motion to align interim use permits through 2027 passed 4-2. Proclamations - International Day of Peace (September 21, 2025): Mayor Bussey read the proclamation, noting the recent tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Commissioners Althea Frostner, Amar El Mustafa, and Anita Smithson spoke, urging the community to act for peace locally and globally. - Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2025): The proclamation was read in English and Spanish. Community members Celimon Toya and Yosa Chavero shared personal stories of safety, belonging, and the importance of cultural celebration in Bloomington. Consent Calendar - Items Approved (Items 3.1, 3.3-3.6): Approved unanimously (6-0) on a motion by Councilmember Carter, seconded by Councilmember Mua. Councilmember Rivas requested to hold Item 3.2 (Washburn Circle subdivision plat) for further discussion. - Item 3.2 Held Over: Councilmember Dalessandro moved to hold the item to the September 29 regular meeting to allow more time for neighborhood engagement and staff clarification. The motion passed 6-0 (motion by Dalessandro, second by Rivas). Staff noted the 120-day application deadline had been extended by 60 days. Public Comments & Testimony - Listening Session (prior to meeting): Six residents spoke: - Samia Mohammed (Kennedy High School student) urged action on gun violence and school safety. - Richard DeGrud and Glorious (last name not stated) opposed the Washburn Circle lot split, raising concerns about setbacks, safety, and tree preservation. - Jody Tasto requested the city study quiet zones for train horns in the Highland/Bush Lake area. - Robert Norman complained about incomplete fiber optic restoration by Lumen on his property. - Public Hearing 4.3 (Airport Parking): - Megan Rogers (Attorney, Larkin Hoffman) , representing Mall of America, supported the proposed ordinance for new remote airport parking in existing structures (e.g., East Ramp) and thanked staff for collaboration. - Bill Griffith (Rosa Development) , representing the Muir family (owners of Park & Go and Park & Fly), argued that the existing facilities predate current zoning and that the proposed performance standards (set-aside, landscaping, stormwater) are unrealistic and would not spur redevelopment. He presented a counter-proposal for a permitted use with no parking lot modifications, warning that the current ordinance would lead to future conflicts when interim use permits expire. Discussion Items - Airport Parking Study Ordinance (Item 4.3): Council delved into a lengthy debate over the future of remote airport parking at Park & Go and Park & Fly (zoned HXR). - Staff Proposal: Conditional use permit with a 3-acre development set-aside, deferred compliance (by 2029 or 2034) for parking lot islands, landscaping, and stormwater management. - Councilmember Dalessandro questioned the legality of requiring improvements on temporary uses and suggested separating the ordinance into three parts: hotel parking (permitted accessory), new parking in existing structures (conditional use), and existing facilities (to be handled separately). He noted the owners have not invested despite 30 years of temporary permits. - Councilmember Nelson argued the temporary use was a generous city policy; he feared the set-aside would disincentivize redevelopment and preferred a conditional use with no performance standards, allowing market forces to drive change. - Councilmember Mua expressed preference for permitted use for existing operators, supporting continuing successful businesses. - Councilmember Rivas raised legal implications of changing the use after decades, and stressed the need for a final decision, not another deferral. - Mayor Bussey leaned toward compromise, noting the city cannot force redevelopment of profitable businesses. He suggested making remote airport parking a permitted use without set-asides. - Motion to Make Remote Airport Parking a Permitted Use: Mayor Bussey moved; Councilmember Rivas seconded. Failed 2-4 (Mayor Bussey and one other – likely unknown – in favor; Dalessandro, Carter, Mua, Nelson against; Rivas recorded as 'No' in roll call? Actually transcript shows Rivas said 'No' – so 2-4? Wait roll call: Dalessandro nay, Carter nay, Mua no, Nelson no, Rivas no, Mayor Bussey aye. That's 1-5? But transcript says

The Bloomington City Council met on September 8, 2025, to address a wide range of items, including setting a preliminary 2026 tax levy and budget, receiving an update on the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project, conducting public hearings on property assessments, and making appointments to commissions. Key decisions included a 9.44% preliminary levy increase, recognition of employees and community awards, and a closed session for litigation management. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda (items 3.2–3.17) and item 3.1 (donation acceptances) unanimously (7-0). Councilmember Rivas held item 3.1 to acknowledge donors including Rosemary Townsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mary R. Gannum (in memory of Pat Ganon), and Walmart. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Corlitz spoke during the council listening session. He asked about firearms legislation and expressed concerns regarding the mayor’s support for allowing local municipalities to enact ordinances related to firearms. Council members noted the conversation would continue to evolve. - Jeff Johnson raised concerns about aircraft noise in East Bloomington. The council acknowledged that construction on airport runways was causing increased noise and directed him to the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) of the Metropolitan Airports Commission for further discussion. - Jeremy Hildeen addressed the council during the public hearing on civil fines (item 4.7). He explained his inability to pay a $500 fine for a garage needing repair, citing job loss, permitting difficulties, and lack of assistance. He asked for more compassionate outreach and help navigating city processes. The council voted to remove his property from the assessment roll and direct staff to work with him, with a report due at the end of September. Discussion Items - Preliminary 2026 Tax Levy and Budget (Items 4.1 & 4.2) - Deputy Finance Officer Kari Carlson presented the proposed 9.44% tax levy increase ($8.3 million over 2025) and the general fund budget for 2026. Key drivers included expiring grants (SAFER, ARPA), personnel costs, and debt service. Staff reduced the original forecast from 18% to 9.44% by using surplus funds, reducing debt service increases, and finding health insurance savings. The council discussed the need to balance service demands with long-term planning, the use of the strategic priorities fund, and the impact on residents. Councilmembers expressed support for continued refinement before final adoption in December. Both resolutions passed 7-0. - Assessment Public Hearings (Items 4.3 – 4.7) - Staff presented rolls for nuisance abatement (14 properties, $6,000), tree removal (6 properties, $28,000), weed/brush removal (49 properties, $20,000), delinquent utilities (876 properties, $1.1 million), and civil fines (116 properties, $163,000). Each hearing was opened and closed, and motions to adopt assessment rolls passed, except that for item 4.7 (civil fines) council voted to remove the property at 8444 Emerson Avenue pending staff review and a follow-up report. - Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project Update (Item 5.1) - Staff presented the 60% design update. Key features include: 50–60 acres of native habitat restoration, stream remeandering, a boardwalk, bridge replacements (including bridge 8 currently closed), a new veteran’s memorial at Harrison Park (opening Veterans Day 2026), and a redesigned Moyer Park with disc golf and an inclusive playground. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet is open for public comment through October 2. No formal action was taken. Discussion covered permitting timelines, bicycle enforcement, benches for elderly users, and asset management plans. - City Council Policy & Issue Update (Item 5.2) - The mayor summarized the evening’s listening session, expressed gratitude to police for their response to the South High School shooting, and noted two new speakers. Councilmembers shared reflections on gun violence, homelessness, and economic security. Staff also announced national awards: the notable neighbor video series (third place) and the Nine Mile Creek renewal engagement (first place) from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association. Key Outcomes - Preliminary 2026 Tax Levy adopted at 9.44% increase ($8.3 million) – vote 7-0. - Preliminary 2026 General Fund Budget adopted – vote 7-0. - Assessment rolls approved for all items except property 8444 Emerson Avenue, which was removed for staff review (set for report at September 29 meeting). - Appointments confirmed: Amari Moussignek to Human Rights Commission (young adult member) and Cecilio Santana to Port Authority Commission – both votes 7-0. - Closed session held for litigation management on the Normandale Boulevard project; council directed staff to follow the discussion and actions taken (vote 7-0). - Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM after extending the deadline.

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, August 25, 2025, starting at approximately 7:00 PM and adjourning after 11:00 PM after extending the meeting twice (first to 10:00 PM, then to 11:00 PM via suspension of rules). The agenda was heavy, including a public hearing on an airport parking ordinance, a comprehensive plan amendment for St. Mark's Church, the Bloomington Community Health and Wellness Center, the Heights Condominium HIA project, and several bond authorizations. The meeting was moved to allow public comment with a five-minute limit per speaker. Consent Calendar - Approved items 3.1 through 3.18 (18 routine items) by a 7-0 vote without discussion or holds. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4.1 (Airport Parking Study Ordinance): Dan Williamson (Park & Go) expressed general support but raised concerns about the three-acre set-aside mandate, arguing the market should drive development and that milestones are unworkable. Amir (Rosa Development) opposed the set-aside and landscaping requirements, calling them a "lien on property" and argued the city is shrinking their business while allowing new competitors. Bill Griffith (attorney for Rosa Development) urged the city to allow existing rights as a permitted use rather than imposing a conditional use permit with a shot clock, and proposed structured parking as a path forward. John Hoopmacher questioned why the Met Center site was not included in similar regulations. - Item 4.2 (St. Mark's Comp Plan Amendment): Jeffrey Schucket (Bloomington resident of 50+ years) opposed the plan, citing high construction costs (estimated $500,000+ per unit) and taxpayer burden for gap financing. Ann Roth questioned the cost-effectiveness of building new homes versus purchasing existing homes for affordable housing. - Item 4.3 (Community Health and Wellness Center): Numerous residents testified. Brian Emerson (homeowner on Newton Avenue) stated the project would reduce property values by at least 10% and called it a "boondoggle" that injures neighbors. Elizabeth Cambrone cited city code and historical precedent (Martin Luther Manor case) where a 26% traffic increase was deemed injurious, whereas this project would increase traffic 167% on Newton Avenue. Travis Cambrone highlighted safety concerns for his deaf child and criticized lack of mitigation. Dulcy Emerson feared losing $200,000 in home equity. Mike Urban opposed the loss of green space. Rebecca Balder cited heat island effects and duplication of existing fitness centers. Colleen Bloom questioned fiscal responsibility, noting projected annual deficits of $567,000 to $745,000 and a 56.2% sales tax approval that she argued was based on misleading promises. Andrew Thule cited a 2023 survey showing residents wanted outdoor spaces, not indoor aquatics, and accused the city of managing dissent. Paul Coate spoke in support, thanking staff for transparent process and noting that 56.2% voted for the sales tax. Danny Indivino Golly (remote) supported the collaborative design process. Matthew Hallett supported the project but suggested a green roof and non-chlorine pool. Alan Redding asked if a racial equity impact analysis was completed. Shannon Mavis (remote) argued the traffic study was flawed. John Hoopmacher and Jeffrey Schucket also spoke against the project. Discussion Items - Item 4.1 (Airport Parking Ordinance): Staff presented a summary of the parking study, proposing permanent conditional use permits, three-acre development set-aside, and hotel airport parking as permitted accessory use. Council decided to continue the public hearing to September 15, 2025, to allow more information gathering. Motion passed 7-0. - Item 4.2 (St. Mark's Comp Plan Amendment): Staff explained the proposal to re-guide the property from quasi-public to low-density residential to facilitate 16 affordable owner-occupied units. The HRA detailed community engagement, affordability covenants, and minimal impact on neighborhood taxes. Council discussed grant funding and costs; motion to adopt passed 7-0. - Item 4.3 (Community Health and Wellness Center): Staff presented the revised 106,000-square-foot facility, traffic studies, and mitigation measures. Traffic engineer Kelsey Larson stated the project triggers city code thresholds due to adding 1,000 vehicles per day on Newton Avenue, but recommended curb bump-outs and parking on the west side of Newton as mitigation. Kirk Roberts compared traffic context and noted the extent is only 475 feet into the neighborhood. Council extensively debated impacts on Newton Avenue residents. Councilmember Loman proposed moving forward with a directive to staff to work with neighbors on a mitigation plan. Councilmember Revass suggested delaying the vote, but the majority supported moving forward. The motion to approve the preliminary and final development plan (with conditions) passed 6-1 (Councilmember Revass opposed). The comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning passed 7-0. - Item 4.4 (Heights Condominium HIA Project): Staff reported cost increases of $350,000 due to deterioration, scope expansion (additional balconies), and inflation. The HRA approved the increase at its August 12 meeting. Council discussed the urgency; Councilmember Dalessandro urged swift approval. Three motions (development agreement, interfund loan, bond issuance) all passed 7-0. - Item 4.5 (CIP Amendment 2025-2034): Staff explained moving the salt shed funding from other sources to capital improvement bonds. Public hearing opened and closed. Approved 7-0. - Item 4.6 (Reimbursement Resolution): For the salt shed, not to exceed $14 million. Approved 7-0. - Item 4.7 (Tax-Exempt GO CIP Bonds): Authorized issuance of $14 million for the salt shed. Approved 7-0. - Item 4.8 (Taxable GO CIP Bonds): Authorized issuance of $3.3 million for land acquisition (garage). Approved 7-0. - Item 5.2 (Council Policy Updates): Mayor noted the Learning Link Up event and thanked staff. Public comment from John Hoopmacher on various concerns. No further action. Key Outcomes - Item 4.1: Public hearing continued to September 15, 2025 (7-0). - Item 4.2: Comprehensive plan amendment approved (7-0). - Item 4.3: Comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, and preliminary/final development plan approved (comp plan and rezoning 7-0; development plan 6-1). Council directed staff to work with Newton Avenue residents on a mitigation plan. - Item 4.4: Three resolutions approved (7-0 each): development agreement, interfund loan authorization, and bond issuance authorization. - Item 4.5: Capital improvement plan amendment approved (7-0). - Item 4.6: Reimbursement resolution approved (7-0). - Item 4.7: Tax-exempt bond issuance authorized (7-0). - Item 4.8: Taxable bond issuance authorized (7-0). - Item 5.1: Moved to September 8 meeting (unanimous).