Bloomington City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, May 4, 2026, beginning with presentation of the colors and five proclamations (National Police Week, Respect for Law Week, Small Business Week, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Building Safety Month). The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing on a privately initiated code amendment for tower standards, and organizational business items covering the Bloomington Center for the Arts strategic plan, senior programming and community health center pro forma, parking supply study, and on-street parking policy discussion. The council also heard public comments during the council policy and issues update.

Consent Calendar

• Seven consent items were initially presented. Councilmember Rivas pulled item 3.3 (Smith Park Joint Use Agreement) for discussion. The remaining items (3.1, 3.2, 3.4–3.7) were approved unanimously 6-0.
• After discussion, item 3.3 was also approved 6-0. The agreement ends city maintenance of the football field on the Daro Farouk property (which is not city-owned) due to low usage and future capital needs, while retaining shared access and parking tied to a conditional use permit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was given during the public hearing for item 4.1.
• During the council policy and issues update, the mayor summarized comments from five listening session speakers:
  • Sarah Kleinsasertan (Bloomington Symphony Orchestra) spoke in support of the resonance arts organizations and the Bloomington Center for the Arts.
  • Sally Ness opposed the Smith Park joint use agreement (item 3.3).
  • Mary Craterville complained about neighbor's trees and creeping Charlie encroaching on her property.
  • Paul Coate urged a continued welcoming approach to immigrant communities and asked about the status of the investigation into the death of Desiree Marie Roswell at the Bloomington City Jail on March 13. The mayor noted the investigation is being handled by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and is independent of the city.
  • Jamie Anthony opposed reverting to the old Minnesota state flag and also asked about the Roswell investigation.

Discussion Items

1. Item 3.3 – Smith Park Shared Use Agreement

• Staff explained the city no longer needs the football field on the Daro Farouk property (low reservations: ~50 annually vs. ~300 for typical fields) and can save $6,000–$8,000 per year by not maintaining it. The agreement does not change property ownership; shared access and parking will continue due to the conditional use permit. Councilmember Rivas expressed concern about impacted reservations, but staff confirmed no current summer reservations and that fall users (BAA) can be accommodated elsewhere. The council approved the amendment.

2. Item 4.1 – Privately Initiated Code Amendment for Tower Standards

• The amendment allows existing towers (camouflaged as bell towers or steeples) to remain on former places of assembly sites when those sites are redeveloped. The applicant is the Bloomington HRA to facilitate redevelopment of St. Mark's Church (86th and Xerxes). A permanent easement for the tower complicates redevelopment. No one spoke at the public hearing. The council adopted the ordinance and authorized summary publication, both 6-0.

3. Item 5.1 – 2026 Bloomington Center for the Arts Strategic Plan and Operations Analysis

• Consultant Duncan Webb presented a situation analysis: BCA has excellent facilities but faces challenges in utilization, cost recovery (currently ~24% direct cost recovery), and equitable access. Key findings include low public event days in Schneider Theater, underused education studios, and a need to clarify governance and mission. Nine emerging directions were outlined (e.g., optimize utilization, improve cost recovery, revise partner agreements, expand education and outreach). Councilmembers emphasized developing a mission, leveraging partners rather than city-run programs, and recognizing the public good of arts. Next steps involve further stakeholder engagement and financial modeling over 4–5 months.

4. Item 5.2 – 50+ Programming and Community Health and Wellness Center Pro Forma

• Matt Calwell reported that after Creekside's closure (May 2025), 95% of programs transitioned to Logan Lodge or other locations. Attendance has been steady or increased. The boutique sales are down but will benefit from higher traffic at the new wellness center. Dakota presented a pro forma showing 90% cost recovery in the first full year (2028) and over 106% by year five, using conservative assumptions and phased ramp-up. Councilmembers asked about space and staffing for room changeovers; staff confirmed adequate staffing is included. Council expressed appreciation for ongoing communication with seniors.

5. Item 5.3 – Parking Supply Study (Update)

• Liz O'Day presented options for reducing off-street parking minimums: (1) no change, (2) targeted reductions in commercial nodes, (3) citywide right-sizing (20% or less), (4) parking maximums, (5) eliminate minimums. Staff recommended a middle approach combining options 2 and 3. Council consensus leaned toward options 2 and 3, with Councilmember Nelson and others cautious about maximums or full elimination. Further public hearings will occur before any code changes.

6. Item 5.4 – On-Street Parking Overview and Policy Changes

• Amy Marone and Kirk Roberts reviewed current on-street parking policy, which is driven by adjacent resident preferences. They noted issues: restrictions around parks/trailheads push overflow into neighborhoods; restrictions near assembly uses and multifamily housing often lead to disregard of rules. Staff proposed a less restrictive approach: remove restrictions around parks/trailheads, allow parking adjacent to assembly uses on request, and cautiously reduce restrictions near multifamily housing. A parking management group (staff-led) is suggested. Councilmembers discussed the need for enforcement and community outreach, especially to neighborhoods that previously requested restrictions. No formal decision was made; staff will return with proposed policy changes.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (items 3.1, 3.2, 3.4–3.7) approved 6-0.
• Item 3.3 (Smith Park shared use agreement amendment) approved 6-0.
• Item 4.1: Ordinance allowing existing towers at former places of assembly sites and resolution for summary publication both approved 6-0.
• For the BCA strategic plan, council provided direction to develop a mission statement and prioritize partner-delivered programs; no formal vote.
• For the community health and wellness center pro forma, council acknowledged the update; no formal action.
• For the parking supply study, council indicated support for options 2 and 3 (targeted adjustments and right-sizing), with future public hearings.
• For on-street parking, council gave general support for a less restrictive approach but emphasized the need for enforcement and public input before changes.
• The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM after a motion to extend the time.