Bloomington City Council Meeting – May 18, 2026

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM (evening session). The meeting began with a withdrawal of a motion to reconsider a previous vote on a use agreement at Dar al-Farouk, after Councilmember Rivas explained insufficient public support. The council then approved the agenda (7-0), introduced new employees, proclaimed Public Works Week, and conducted public hearings on franchise fees and a rezoning. The main discussion focused on an update on fire department response and staffing. Key votes all passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3.1, 3.2, and 3.4–3.9 were approved unanimously (7-0) without discussion.
• Item 3.3 (Missing Middle Housing – R1 zoning changes) was considered separately. Councilmember Nelson noted that the project density is nearly identical to adjacent townhomes, and previous concerns about private roads and sewers were resolved. He expressed support, stating “any housing is good housing.” The item was approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Listening Session (prior to meeting): Four speakers addressed Smith Park issues:
  • Sally Ness raised concerns about the joint use agreement.
  • Andrew Thule discussed conditions and needed cleanup at the park.
  • Jamie Anthony spoke about inclusion and acceptance in the community.
  • Chris Nicholson highlighted use of the rectangle field by soccer associations.
• Public Hearing on Franchise Fees (Item 4.2): Resident Matthew Hallett questioned who pays the fees – residents or corporations. He stated that while he supports infrastructure, the fees burden residents while utilities record profits, arguing corporations should pay. Council clarified that fees are charged to utilities but typically passed to ratepayers; Councilmember Dalessandro noted this is a state-level issue.
• Public Hearing on Rezoning (Item 4.3): No public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of New Employees: Seven new staff were welcomed from Community Development, Legal, and Public Works, including roles in housing, inspections, engineering, and paralegal support.
• Proclamation for Public Works Week: Mayor Bussey proclaimed May 17–23, 2026 as Public Works Week, recognizing the contributions of public works officials. A department representative thanked the council for support.
• Item 4.1 – Sewer Revenue Bonds: Staff reported that the North Central Sanitary Line project received $4 million in state bonding, reducing the bond sale from $24.6 million to $20.3 million. The bonds were sold at 3.93% interest (20-year term) with a AAA rating. Councilmember Dalessandro praised the timing during Public Works Week and thanked the state delegation. The resolution was approved 7-0.
• Item 4.2 – Franchise Fee Ordinances: Staff presented history and performance metrics: Since 2016, franchise fees have funded over 85 miles of overlays, 225 miles of seal coats, and 10 miles of trail reconstruction. Proposed rates keep residential fees flat but increase commercial rates (e.g., $1.10/month for non-demand, $17–$18 for demand). Retaining wall maintenance would be added as a new category. Public engagement drew no attendees at an April 29 open house. Council discussed the pass-through to ratepayers and approved both CenterPoint and Xcel ordinances (7-0 each), plus summary publications.
• Item 4.3 – Rezoning (8030 Old Cedar Avenue): The property owner sought rezoning from FD2 (freeway development) to B1 (neighborhood office) to allow a spa/salon (6% of floor area). Staff noted compatibility with the comprehensive plan and surrounding B1 zoning. A potential coffee shop would require a separate code change. The rezoning was approved 7-0.
• Fire Department Update: Chiefs presented 2025–2026 response data:
  • 2025: 11,730 calls, 19 structure fires, 1 civilian fatality, 14 injuries. PSAP-to-arrival goal of 7:30 was not met (average 9:11). Overlapping calls 42% of the time.
  • 2026 (through April): 3,929 calls, up 4%; 10 structure fires, no fatalities. Staffing challenges: 48 full-time firefighters (40 on shift), 62 part-time. Proposed plan includes hiring 9 full-time staff in 2027, promoting to battalion chiefs, and constructing new stations. Council discussed risks, costs, and the priority to build a full-time department. City Manager Walker affirmed finishing this initiative as a council priority.
• Council Policy & Issue Updates: Mayor Bussey recapped the listening session. City Manager Walker noted a successful state legislative session for Bloomington, with a full report on June 1. Councilmember Dalessandro requested an update on retaining walls; Councilmember Rivas asked about a specific wall repair. Staff are continuing assessments.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved 7-0.
• Consent agenda approved 7-0 (including item 3.3).
• Resolution awarding sewer revenue bonds (Item 4.1) approved 7-0.
• Ordinance modifying CenterPoint Energy gas franchise fee and summary publication approved 7-0.
• Ordinance modifying Xcel Energy electric franchise fee and summary publication approved 7-0.
• Ordinance rezoning 8030 Old Cedar Avenue from FD2 to B1 and summary publication approved 7-0.
• Fire department update received; no formal vote taken.
• Upcoming: June 1 meeting requires full attendance (7 votes needed for certain items). State legislative update scheduled for June 1.