Kim Berggren

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions focused on three consent items, one of which, related to the Metropolitan Council livable communities demonstration account grant application, was held for discussion. During the discussion of item 3.3, which concerned the St. Mark's affordable housing project grant application, clarification was sought regarding how the funds would fill financial gaps for infrastructure, specifically the cul-de-sac and storm sewer connections. Organizational business involved reviewing the proposed budget for the Program Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which included an estimated allocation of $465,000. Proposed budget adjustments included dedicating carryover funding and program income to the rehab loan program, using direct allocation funds for acquisition and demolition of blighted properties, and increasing the budget for public services (rental assistance, fair housing assistance, and senior home maintenance) due to under-prescribing in the previous year. There were subsequent questions regarding the funding amounts for acquisition/demolition and acquisition/rehab projects, and the source of funds for public services. The authority also provided updates on an upcoming home fair, confirmed the next meeting date, and reported progress on resolving issues for the St. Mark's site, aiming for closing in late March.

Key discussions and actions for the City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and introductory items such as a Proclamation for Transgender Day of Visibility and a Proclamation for Women's History Month, alongside a Community Impact update from VEAP. Consent business involved numerous resolutions and approvals concerning infrastructure projects, including the Pavement Management Program (PMP) Street Improvement Project (2026-101) and the Harrison Park Trailhead and Veteran's Memorial Plaza Improvement Project, for which a contract award to Blackstone Contractors, LLC, was considered. Other consent items addressed a cooperative agreement with Hennepin County for the Normandale Blvd PMP Trail & Sidewalk Improvement Project, approval of travel expenses for Councilmembers, authorization for a grant agreement application with the EPA for Well 7 construction, replacement of a tax levy schedule for General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds Series 2026B, approval for the 2026 PMP Street Maintenance Project (2026-102), acknowledgment of street list modifications for the 2026-102 project, authorization of a contract for 2026 Construction and Environmental Testing Services with Braun Intertec Corporation, and a variance request concerning a Salt Shed structure. Hearings included public hearings regarding Revenue Bonds for Lifespace Communities, Inc. (Bloomington Friendship Village) and the American Square TIF Plan Amendment, as well as a resolution reaffirming the need for local community stability.

The meeting included a presentation by the City Manager regarding an introduction and an update on the Commercial Nodes Toolkit. Organizational matters covered thanking an outgoing Commissioner, a discussion on Council participation, project updates across the Citywide and South Loop areas, and the approval of the 2026 Creative Placemaking Work Plan. New business involved motions to approve funding support for an Artistry MOA Fraser Art Installation advertisement, and for promotion of StoryFest contingent upon the event being held in Bloomington. Other business included announcements regarding a Board and Commission Connect meeting and a Training Update discussion.

The Urban Forest Master Plan, developed by the City of Bloomington, is a long-term, data-driven framework intended to guide citywide tree management, planting priorities, service levels, and policy direction. The plan establishes clear goals and strategies, encompassing proactive management, private tree stewardship, policy alignment, community goal integration, urban forest resilience, and expanded partnerships. The overarching vision is to enhance environmental health, neighborhood character, property values, and overall quality of life within the community.

The agenda for the City Council Special Meeting included organizational business, specifically the Richfield-Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) 2026 Annual Meeting Packet. The packet material concerns action requested of the RBWMO, though no formal action was necessary by the City Council itself regarding item 2.1. The document also provided substantial background on the RBWMO's structure, 2025 activities, the 2026 work plan, ongoing projects like the Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) projects (Conservation Education, Residential Grant Program, Fisheries/AIS study), and updates on the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan updates, for which Barr Engineering was recommended.