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Record of Proceedings

Bloomington City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

City Council — Monday, April 13, 2026
BodyBloomington, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, April 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:59:41

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:01

Good evening, everyone, and welcome.

0:03

I will call our Bloomington City Council meeting to order.

0:06

Uh it is Monday, April 13th, 2026.

0:08

This is our regular city council meeting.

0:10

We will start our meeting as we always do.

0:12

If you're able, uh please stand, remove any head coverings, and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:19

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:36

Thanks for everybody joining us in the council chambers tonight.

0:39

Thanks for everybody watching online.

0:41

We are actually at five uh council members tonight.

0:44

We've got council member uh Nelson remotely and council member um Carter is uh not able to join us at the meeting tonight, so we have a total of six, but five in the chambers, which means we're gonna have to do all votes by roll call vote.

0:57

And just wanted to put you on uh on notice for that.

1:01

Our first order of business uh in our agenda is the approval of the agenda and our agenda this evening under item two, our introductory items, we actually have three proclamations.

1:10

Item 2.1 is a proclamation for volunteer recognition week.

1:14

2.2 is a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and item 2.3 is a proclamation for Arbor Day 2026.

1:22

We do have one more item under item two, that's our 2026 Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission work plan.

1:27

That'll be item 2.4.

1:29

Under our consent business, we've got 15 items on the consent business.

1:32

Councilmember Robertson has the convent consent agenda tonight.

1:35

Thank you for taking that on.

1:37

Under four hearings resolutions and ordinances, we have a couple of items, including one public hearing.

1:42

Item 4.1 is a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation sewer revenue bonds.

1:48

And item 4.2 is our public hearing that is regarding our community development block grant 2026 annual action plan.

1:56

Under our organizational business, we've got three items.

1:58

I 5.1 is a study item regarding corner lot standards.

2:02

Item 5.2, we'll get a public safety update from Chief Booker T.

2:05

Hodges.

2:06

Item 5.3, we'll get an uh an update on the community health and wellness center.

2:10

They are at 100% construction documents.

2:12

And then we'll wrap up with our council policy and issue updates.

2:17

Council, anything to add or any corrections on our agenda this evening.

2:22

And let's hope we get through it before the storms come rolling in and knock the power out.

2:26

And uh, I'm sure Chief Seal will keep us uh uh up to speed on that.

2:31

No uh adjustments to tonight's agenda.

2:33

I would move the agenda as stated.

2:35

Motion and the second by Councilmember Dalessandro to accept tonight's agenda as stated.

2:40

No further council discussion on this, Ms.

2:42

Wright.

2:43

Nelson.

2:45

Dalessandro.

2:46

Aye.

2:47

Rivas.

2:48

Loman.

2:50

Robertson.

2:52

Hi.

2:53

Mayor Bussey.

2:54

Aye.

2:54

Motion carries six zero.

2:56

Thank you so very much.

2:57

We have an agenda.

2:58

And our first three items are proclamations, so I'm gonna make my way down to the podium.

3:22

Our first proclamation this evening is for volunteer recognition week, which is April 19th through the 25th, and we've got a couple of our teen volunteers with us who are going to join me up here.

3:31

Uh Ebon, am I saying that correct?

3:34

Evan Nas and Miliana Santiago.

3:38

Will you uh what we usually do?

3:39

Why don't you come on up and join me while I read the proclamation?

3:43

The cameras are up there, so you've got to come up here and stand and face that way.

3:46

So and uh, and then we'll we'll turn the uh microphone over to you.

3:50

So come on up, come on in behind me here.

3:53

Thanks for being here tonight.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation████████████████████20%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Zoning Regulations███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Community Engagement████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Mental Health Awareness█████5%
Environmental Protection████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Bloomington City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Bloomington City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, approval of consent business, a public hearing on the CDBG annual action plan, discussion of corner lot standards, a public safety update, and an update on the Community Health and Wellness Center. All votes were conducted by roll call due to one council member absent (Carter) and one attending remotely (Nelson). Six council members were present.

Proclamations

  • Volunteer Recognition Week (April 19–25, 2026): Mayor Bussey read the proclamation. Teen volunteers Evan Knaus and Miliana Santiago spoke, noting that 60 teen volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours of service in 2025. Applications for 2026 summer adventure playgrounds and Camp Coda are open until May 15.
  • National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18, 2026): Katrina Trudeau, training and quality assurance coordinator, accepted the proclamation. She reported that in 2025, public safety telecommunicators handled 128,021 phone calls and entered 80,798 computer-aided dispatch events.
  • Arbor Day (April 24, 2026): Dustin Jacobson accepted the proclamation. He discussed the importance of tree diversity and noted that USDA zone changes now allow planting of species like pecans and hickories in Bloomington.

Consent Calendar

  • Consent business items 3.1 through 3.15 were approved unanimously (6-0) after no council member requested to hold any item.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Hearing (CDBG 2026 Annual Action Plan): No members of the public spoke either in chambers or online. The public comment period closed the previous day with zero comments received.
  • Listening Session (prior to meeting): Councilmember Bussey reported three speakers from the earlier listening session:
    • Jonathan Minks questioned council decisions regarding HRA expenditures and funding.
    • Trina Sletto expressed relief that Operation Metro Surge is concluding but noted ongoing impacts on affected communities. She also mentioned that private groups have raised upwards of $800,000 to support those impacted.
    • Andy Thule proposed using self-driving and AI devices for snow removal on sidewalks.

Discussion Items

  • Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission 2026 Work Plan: Ryan Loken (chair) and Leah Hughes presented. Key 2025 accomplishments included: Bloomington Ice Garden modernization (opened October 2025), Community Health and Wellness Center (100% design development), Nine Mile Creek Corridor renewal (tree removal completed, construction starting), Bryant Park (first inclusive playground, net-zero building), and Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park (first all-wheels park). 2026 initiatives focus on continued Bloomington Forward projects, naming rights and sponsorships (targeting Ice Garden and Health Center), Urban Forestry Master Plan (draft to council early summer), Art Center business analysis, Parks System Master Plan update (mid-point review), Dakota Public Art project (sculpture selection panel), youth sports study, and Dolph Duan golf course pre-design. Council approved the work plan 6-0.
  • Resolution: General Obligation Sewer Revenue Bonds (Series 2026 C): Laurie Economy Schuler presented. The bonds, up to $24.63 million, will fund the North Central Sanitary Line to support higher-density redevelopment in the Pan American district. The sale is expected on May 18, 2026. The city is also seeking state and federal funding. Council approved the resolution 6-0.
  • CDBG 2026 Annual Action Plan: Mr. Palermo presented. The program receives $477,190 from HUD (FY2026 allocation). Activities include homeowner rehab, public services (RFP open), acquisition/demolition, and fair housing. The budget includes carryover funds from 2025 and loan repayments. No public comments were received. Council approved the plan 6-0.
  • Corner Lot Standards (Study Item): Emily Hesback presented research and proposed code changes. Current rules treat all street-facing yards on corner lots as front yards, requiring larger setbacks and lot sizes. Staff proposed reducing the side-yard setback adjacent to a street from 30 to 20 feet, and aligning lot width/area with interior lots (Option 1: same standards; Option 2: modest change). The Planning Commission recommended a modest approach. Council discussion: Councilmembers Dalessandro and Nelson supported Option 1 (same as interior lots) for consistency; Mayor Bussey favored the Planning Commission’s more cautious approach. Councilmember Loman asked about impact on ADU creation. No action taken; further discussion will occur at Planning Commission public hearing on May 21 and Council public hearing on June 15.
  • Public Safety Update: Chief Booker Hodges reported a 10% overall crime reduction in Bloomington in 2025. The department is currently fully staffed (131 officers) but expects temporary understaffing due to retirements. Highlights of the Community Service Unit/Brain Health Unit: 21% reduction in mental health holds and 27% reduction in police/EMS/hospital resource use; 170 people served, 795 psychotherapy sessions completed at no cost. The unit includes an embedded Hennepin County social worker and two licensed marriage family therapists. Chief Hodges also noted concerns about political violence and the need to separate politics from public safety. He thanked the council for supporting wellness programs. Council thanked the chief and staff.
  • Community Health and Wellness Center Update: Dakota Kenyon and project team (HGA, J.E. Dunn) presented the 100% construction documents milestone. Thanks to favorable bidding, a third gymnasium was added on day one, improving revenue potential. Other additions: designated drop-off lane, exterior trash enclosure, expanded track (10 laps per mile vs. 13). The budget remains $104.8 million. Construction is progressing with precast panels and structural steel; completion expected late Q3 2027. A community postcard update will be mailed this week. Council praised the rapid progress.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission 2026 Work Plan (6-0).
  • Approved resolution authorizing $24.63 million in General Obligation Sewer Revenue Bonds (Series 2026 C) (6-0).
  • Approved the Community Development Block Grant 2026 Annual Action Plan and budget (6-0).
  • Approved consent business items 3.1–3.15 (6-0).
  • No action on corner lot standards; public hearings scheduled for May 21 (Planning Commission) and June 15 (Council).
  • City received USA Today’s prestigious workplace award based on employee feedback.
  • Councilmember Dalessandro requested a future update on the Logan Lodge and Boutique operations.
  • Council discussed the importance of continued engagement with boards and commissions to address perceptions of disconnection.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone, and welcome. I will call our Bloomington City Council meeting to order. Uh it is Monday, April 13th, 2026. This is our regular city council meeting. We will start our meeting as we always do. If you're able, uh please stand, remove any head coverings, and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thanks for everybody joining us in the council chambers tonight. Thanks for everybody watching online. We are actually at five uh council members tonight. We've got council member uh Nelson remotely and council member um Carter is uh not able to join us at the meeting tonight, so we have a total of six, but five in the chambers, which means we're gonna have to do all votes by roll call vote. And just wanted to put you on uh on notice for that. Our first order of business uh in our agenda is the approval of the agenda and our agenda this evening under item two, our introductory items, we actually have three proclamations. Item 2.1 is a proclamation for volunteer recognition week. 2.2 is a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and item 2.3 is a proclamation for Arbor Day 2026. We do have one more item under item two, that's our 2026 Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission work plan. That'll be item 2.4. Under our consent business, we've got 15 items on the consent business. Councilmember Robertson has the convent consent agenda tonight. Thank you for taking that on. Under four hearings resolutions and ordinances, we have a couple of items, including one public hearing. Item 4.1 is a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation sewer revenue bonds. And item 4.2 is our public hearing that is regarding our community development block grant 2026 annual action plan. Under our organizational business, we've got three items. I 5.1 is a study item regarding corner lot standards. Item 5.2, we'll get a public safety update from Chief Booker T. Hodges. Item 5.3, we'll get an uh an update on the community health and wellness center. They are at 100% construction documents. And then we'll wrap up with our council policy and issue updates. Council, anything to add or any corrections on our agenda this evening. And let's hope we get through it before the storms come rolling in and knock the power out. And uh, I'm sure Chief Seal will keep us uh uh up to speed on that. No uh adjustments to tonight's agenda. I would move the agenda as stated. Motion and the second by Councilmember Dalessandro to accept tonight's agenda as stated. No further council discussion on this, Ms. Wright. Nelson. Dalessandro. Aye. Rivas. Loman. Robertson. Hi. Mayor Bussey. Aye. Motion carries six zero. Thank you so very much. We have an agenda.

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