Bloomington City Council Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, March 23, 2026, starting at approximately 5:00 PM (CDT). The meeting covered a wide range of topics including recognition of local athletic achievements, public health proclamations, land use ordinances, a moratorium on certain government facilities, and updates on city projects. The council extended the meeting until 9:15 PM to complete the agenda. Votes were taken via roll call due to some members attending online.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items 3.2 through 3.15) by a 7-0 vote.
• Item 3.1 (donations) was pulled for separate discussion. It was approved 7-0 after Councilmember Carter highlighted donations totaling approximately $62,000 for the Veterans Memorial dog tags, plus donations to the Bloomington Police Department, public health (bundles of love), and an Apple AirTag for IT.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4.2 (Woodbridge Marsh and Paul's Pond Drawdown): Matthew Hallett, a resident, spoke in support of the project and suggested using the drawdown opportunity for habitat restoration, noting that aquatic restoration is expensive when water is present.
• Item 4.3 (Moratorium on Certain Government Facilities): Multiple residents spoke in favor of the moratorium, citing concerns about human rights abuses, decreased property values, and the negative impacts of detention centers on communities. Speakers included Anita Smith, Will Clark, Matthew Hallett, and Matt Dubay. One caller, Julie Burgerson, spoke against the moratorium, alleging fraud related to an organization called Artistry and criticizing the city's handling of immigration issues. The mayor noted the allegations were unrelated to the moratorium discussion.
• Item 4.4 (Remote Airport Parking): Representatives from Park and Fly (Kristen Muremous and attorney Mr. Griffith) and Park and Go (Dan Williamson) spoke in favor of the ordinance, emphasizing the need for permanent zoning to enable financing and development. No opposition was voiced during the public hearing.
• Item 4.5 (Fence Standards Ordinance): No public speakers.

Discussion Items

• 2.1 Dred Scott Softball Fields Recognition: The Jefferson High School varsity softball team captains thanked the council for improvements to field safety and playability, funded through city investments and partnerships with Toro and the Bloomington Fast Pitch Association. The council commended the work.
• 2.2 Proclamation for National Public Health Week (April 6–12, 2026): Mayor Bussey read the proclamation, which emphasized the city's commitment to health equity and modernizing the public health system. John Allen, chair of the Advisory Board of Health, thanked the council for supporting public health initiatives.
• 2.3 Introduction of New Employees: Dr. Nick Kelly introduced two new public health staff: John Neidenhauser (public health specialist, substance use prevention) and Tori Dietschmann (emergency preparedness specialist). Both were welcomed by the council.
• 2.4 Appointment to Merit Board: The council appointed Thomas Pierce to the Merit Board for a term from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, by a 7-0 vote.
• 2.5 Advisory Board of Health 2026 Annual Report and Work Plan: John Allen presented highlights of 2025 activities and 2026 focus areas including mental health, substance abuse, cannabis policy changes, and the impact of federal healthcare changes. He noted the potential closure of Hennepin County Medical Center and the merger of Allina Health with Sutter Health as critical issues to monitor. The council accepted the report and work plan by a 7-0 vote.
• 4.1 Missing Middle Housing Phase Two Ordinance: Staff presented two options (Ordinance A and B). After discussion, the council adopted Ordinance B, which makes detached townhouse dwellings a permitted use in R1 zoning (subject to single-family height standards) and allows cottage court dwellings as permitted. The vote was 7-0, followed by a 7-0 vote for summary publication.
• 4.2 Public Hearing: Woodbridge Marsh and Paul's Pond Drawdown: The city seeks temporary drawdowns to replace outlet control structures. Staff confirmed that 75% of riparian property owners approved. The council closed the public hearing (7-0) and then authorized the drawdown and DNR coordination by a 7-0 vote.
• 4.3 Public Hearing: Moratorium on Certain Government Facilities: After extensive public comment and council deliberation, the council adopted an interim ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium (expiring April 2, 2027) on secure detention facilities for 25+ individuals. The vote was 6-1, with Councilmember Rivas opposed. Summary publication was approved 7-0.
• 4.4 City Code Amendment: Remote Airport Parking: The ordinance allows existing remote airport parking (Park and Fly, Park and Go) as a conditional use in the CX-2 zoning district, requiring a future development site of at least 2.75 acres and compliance by 2036. The council approved the ordinance 6-1 (Councilmember Nelson opposed) and summary publication 7-0.
• 4.5 City Code Amendment: Fence Standards: The adopted ordinance clarifies fence height exemptions in corner side yards (up to 6 feet behind the rear plane of the house), removes opacity requirements, updates material standards (prohibits plastic slats for screening, restricts fence coverings to commercially built products), and cleans up code language. The vote was 6-0 (Councilmember Nelson absent), followed by a 6-0 vote for summary publication.
• 5. City Council Policy and Issue Updates:
  • Mayor Bussey recapped a pre-meeting listening session where residents spoke about Metro Surge, police accountability, and face coverings. He also thanked staff for a successful State of the City address.
  • Councilmember Loman asked to ensure public awareness of the 106th Street Bridge preservation project.
  • Councilmember Rivas reported on an NLC advocacy committee regarding drone acquisition for public safety.
  • Councilmember Robertson and others reported on a trip to Washington D.C. to lobby for federal funding for sewer, 98th Street corridor, and water infrastructure projects.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Several items received unanimous approval (7-0 or 6-0). The moratorium on government facilities passed 6-1; the remote airport parking ordinance passed 6-1.
• Ordinance Adoptions: Missing Middle Housing Phase Two (Option B), Remote Airport Parking (CX-2 conditional use with development conditions), Fence Standards (height/opacity/material updates).
• Moratorium: A one-year moratorium (through April 2, 2027) on new detention facilities for 25+ individuals, pending a planning study.
• Public Hearings Closed: For drawdown, moratorium, remote airport parking, and fence ordinances.
• Appointments: Thomas Pierce to the Merit Board.
• Reports Accepted: Advisory Board of Health 2026 Annual Report and Work Plan.
• Future Actions: City staff will complete the DNR permit application for the drawdown and initiate the planning study for government facilities.