Bloomington City Council Meeting: December 8, 2025

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations of the Omar Bonderud Human Rights Awards, a Human Rights Day proclamation, a public hearing on the 2026 property tax levy (Truth in Taxation), and hearings on the Capital Improvement Plan, a CDBG amendment, and a small business codes ordinance. The council also discussed and held over a resolution to revise the compensation plan for non-union employees. A total of 24 consent items were approved, with one item (HRA budget) laid over to the next meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda (7-0).
• Approval of consent business items 3.1–3.22 and 3.24 (7-0).
• Item 3.23 (Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget) was held over after Councilmember Rebas requested a detailed breakdown of expenditures. Motion to lay over passed 6-1 (Councilmember Dalessandro opposed).

Public Comments & Testimony

Truth in Taxation Hearing (Item 4.1) — Numerous residents spoke both in person and online. Many opposed the proposed 7.48% tax levy increase, citing personal financial strain. Key speakers:

• Frank Lowe (28-year resident) stated his taxes would rise over 10% and expressed concern about city management.
• John Hoopmaker (since 1992) challenged the council to listen to residents who disagree with the majority and criticized the budget process.
• Shelley Carries (35-year resident, widow) reported a 14.6% increase on her home and questioned the valuation methodology.
• Jeff Johnson (retired, fixed income) noted a $410 annual increase, calling it unsustainable.
• Andy Thule (54-year resident) proposed multiple spending cuts, including eliminating the diversity, equity, and inclusion department, and urged a 5% across-the-board budget reduction.
• Chad Dolly (since 2002) asked for clarification on property market value assessments.
• Matt Frederick (commercial property owner) reported a 47% increase over four years, forcing his business to consider relocating.
• Rochelle Reynolds (lifelong resident) questioned the amount given to NGOs and disputed her home’s assessed value.
• Jonathan Minks criticized redundant departments (e.g., local sick leave enforcement) and consultant spending.
• Jim Schulender asked for a breakdown of the community development budget.
• Doug Graham (since 1989) recounted rising taxes from $800 to $4,600 and questioned the timing of large capital projects.
• Dan Roll (since 1978) called for 2% cuts across all departments.
• An additional speaker (name not captured) criticized the HRA’s planned 68% levy increase (later reduced to 49%) and noted the HRA owns 41 single-family homes, removing them from the market.
• Darren Anderson (21-year resident) reported a 45% tax increase over five years while his wages stagnated.
• Jim Foster (35-year resident) urged the council to truly hear residents and consider an oversight committee.
• One online caller, Sharon Billings (retired, lifelong resident), expressed satisfaction with city services and supported paying her fair share.

Capital Improvement Plan Hearing (Item 4.2) — Robert Coleman questioned the $75 million parking ramp at Mall of America and suggested better transit-oriented development.

Small Business Codes Ordinance (Item 4.5) — No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Truth in Taxation (4.1): Budget Manager Kari Carlson presented the levy evolution from a conceptual 17.92% increase to a proposed 7.48% increase. The median value home would see an increase of $133.60 per year. Reductions of $1.7 million were identified, including lower debt service and increased state aid. The majority of the increase is driven by public safety costs, particularly the transition to a full-time fire department and the end of federal grants. Councilmember Dalessandro explained that the grants accelerated the hiring of 36 firefighters, but the ongoing costs were always planned for the levy. Councilmember Rebas expressed concerns about transparency in HRA spending.
• Capital Improvement Plan (4.2): Staff presented the 10-year plan with 192 projects over $50,000. Council discussed the debt service impact on the levy, particularly for the city garage and fire stations. Councilmember Dalessandro highlighted the strategic initiative for fire station upgrades and requested better communication.
• Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (4.3): The council authorized the issuance of $19.765 million in bonds for the Nine Mile Creek Corridor improvements, funded by the local sales tax. Councilmember Dalessandro noted that sales tax revenues appear on track to pay off the bonds within 10–12 years.
• CDBG Substantial Amendment (4.4): The council approved using $2.2 million in COVID-19 CDBG funds for rehabilitating 41 HRA-owned affordable rental homes. Councilmember Rebas questioned why the funds had not been spent earlier; staff cited staff turnover.
• Small Business Codes Ordinance (4.5): The council adopted an ordinance allowing non-residential uses in all zoning districts to use exterior refuse enclosures instead of attached interior trash rooms. The planning commission recommended an amendment to allow flexibility on through lots. Councilmember Loman opposed, citing potential odor and pest issues; the ordinance passed 6-1.
• Compensation Plan (5.1): HR Manager Steve Barrett presented a new compensation plan for non-union employees, moving to a nine-step automatic 4% annual increase system (based on a Baker Tilly study). The plan aims to address inequities and improve budget predictability. Several council members questioned the lack of performance-based raises and the long-term cost. Councilmember Dalessandro argued that automatic steps reduce turnover and are predictable. After debate, the council voted 7-0 to hold the item over to a future meeting for more information.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda and Consent: Approved with votes of 7-0 on motions.
• Layover of HRA Item 3.23: Passed 6-1; Councilmember Dalessandro dissented.
• Truth in Taxation Hearing: Closed with no vote on the levy; final adoption scheduled for December 15, 2025. Council directed staff to provide additional information.
• Capital Improvement Plan (Resolution 2026-2035): Adopted 7-0.
• General Obligation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (Series 2026A): Authorized 7-0; $19,765,000 principal amount.
• CDBG Substantial Amendment (Rehab Affordable Rental Housing): Approved 7-0.
• Small Business Codes Ordinance (Exterior Refuse Enclosures): Adopted 6-1 (Councilmember Loman opposed). Summary publication also approved 7-0.
• Compensation Plan Revision: Held over to a future meeting by a 7-0 vote.
• Council Policy Updates: Mayor reported on listening session topics including separated bike lanes, commercial vehicles in neighborhoods, and concerns about federal ICE actions. Councilmember Carter and Dalessandro expressed strong support for immigrant neighbors; Councilmember Loman cautioned against putting local police in conflict with federal law. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:15 PM.