Bloomington City Council Meeting - November 24, 2025

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included an award presentation for creative placemaking, approval of consent items, a public hearing to update the location of the veterans memorial, and a public comment opportunity on the 2026 property tax levy and general fund budget. The council voted unanimously on several items and continued discussion of the levy to a future meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as stated (7-0).
• Approved consent business items 3.1 through 3.6 (7-0).
• Continued consideration of item 3.7 (resolution amending listening session guidelines and council rules of procedure) to a December 2025 City Council meeting (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Suzanne Boston (lifelong resident, senior on fixed income): Expressed anger over property tax increases of 12% in 2025 and 10% in 2024, totaling over 22% in two years. She cited specific spending (bathroom remodel, recreation center, council salaries) and questioned what cuts are being made. She stated she might be forced to sell her home.
• Linda Blair (resident): Argued property taxes should fund only core obligations (public safety, infrastructure) and criticized spending on “pet projects” (City Hall bathroom, murals, traffic studies). She noted the median home price is $365,400 and claimed the city is wasting money. She was cut off at three minutes.
• John Hoopmacher (resident since 1992): Expressed frustration that residents are not heard; called listening sessions “virtue signaling.” He questioned the 7.48% proposed levy increase, noting inflation is 3–3.5%, and suggested starting from zero rather than 17%. He cited a comprehensive report showing $300 million in city coffers and asked why more money is needed.
• Julie Burgerson (resident): Spoke for seniors and families working multiple jobs. She reported hearing from seniors who said they will lose their homes. She criticized the HRA’s 67% increase, questioned HRA homes not paying property taxes, and accused the council of not caring about homeowners. She noted the Mayor had not followed up on a previous promise.

Discussion Items

• Creative Placemaking Award (Item 2.1): Representatives from the Creative Placemaking Commission and the American Planning Association (APA) Minnesota chapter presented the “Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award” to the city for its creative placemaking plan and engagement efforts. The award recognized work since 2016, including the Hante (Healing Bridge) mural at Cedar Avenue Bridge. The council praised the efforts.
• Veterans Memorial Location Update (Public Hearing 4.1): Maintenance Superintendent Tim Burnt presented an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of city code to change the proposed memorial location from Civic Plaza to Harrison Park due to site constraints. Kate Blessing (Bloomington Remembers Veterans Group) supported the change, citing neighborhood and veteran approval, noting the site offers a quieter, more serene setting. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance (7-0). Construction is expected to begin spring 2026 and finish by October 2026.
• 2026 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget (Item 5.1): Finance Director Kari Carlson presented the budget process. Key points:
  • Preliminary levy set at 9.44% increase ($96.2 million) on September 8.
  • Additional reductions of $1.72 million proposed to lower the levy to 7.48%.
  • The general fund budget increases by $5.5 million, driven largely by public safety (fire department transition to combination staffing, ending of federal SAFER grants and ARP funds).
  • Bloomington receives no Local Government Aid (LGA); it is the #1 net contributor to fiscal disparities, sending money to other metro cities.
  • Public feedback from surveys, community events, and the Let's Talk Bloomington page showed concerns about affordability, rising costs, and desire for strategic spending.
  • Public comments (see above) were taken, and the council discussed next steps. Councilmembers expressed empathy for residents but defended the budget process and noted the city has added multiple engagement opportunities. Councilmember Rivas asked for better transparency on all taxes combined. Councilmember Carter clarified that HRA and Port Authority levies have not yet been finalized by the council. Councilmember Nelson highlighted long-term challenges (aging infrastructure) and noted Bloomington’s tax levy increases are lower than several peer cities. Councilmember Moa appreciated public engagement and pledged to push HRA to reduce its levy. The Mayor emphasized that 85% of expenditures go to core services (police, fire, public works, parks, community development). The council will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing on December 8 and final levy adoption on December 15.

Key Outcomes

• Award recognition: Accepted with thanks.
• Consent items: 3.1–3.6 approved (7-0); item 3.7 continued to December 2025 (7-0).
• Veterans memorial ordinance: Adopted unanimously (7-0) to relocate to Harrison Park; construction expected spring–fall 2026.
• 2026 levy and budget: No decision made; public comment period closed. Council will continue discussion at December 8 Truth in Taxation hearing and finalize December 15.
• Council updates: Mayor summarized earlier listening session (topics: Flock safety cameras, gas leaf blowers, cannabis facility, Nicollet Avenue redevelopment). Councilmember Rivas reported on a National League of Cities conference, noting billions in federal grant opportunities. Mayor reported on a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany focused on med tech and workforce.
• Adjournment: 7-0.