Bloomington City Council — Transcript

Monday, January 26, 2026

Story

Council questions rising police technology costs at January meeting

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Introduction of new city employees

2025 Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan for Human Rights Commission

Consent business (items 3.1-3.16)

Public hearing for City of Hampton revenue note

Resolution on reimbursement of utility system improvement expenditures

Public hearing regarding alcohol license violation at Benihaha

Authorization to bid Nine Mile Creek corridor and lower valley projects

Local affordable housing aid proposal for rental assistance

Closed session for pending litigation

Areas of Interest (4)

Councilor Dlesandro questions exponential cost increase of Axon police contract, moving from $0.5M to $3M+ annually.
Human Rights Commission transitions under Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Workplace Culture for better alignment.
City of Bloomington faces potential litigation, necessitating a closed-door executive session.
Ongoing scrutiny of city expenditures as council members request justification for rising contract costs.

Votes (3)

Approval of January 26, 2026, meeting agenda

Passed7-0

Moved by Mayor · Seconded by Council Member Carter

Approval of Human Rights Commission's 2026 work plan

Passed7-0

Moved by Council Member Robertson · Seconded by Council Member Dlesandro

Approve consent items 3.1-3.11 and 3.13-3.16

Passed7-0

Moved by Council Member Robertson · Seconded by Council Member Dlesandro

Notable Quotes (2)

Just stay curious about each other. It's very difficult in community right now... Our government only works when people show up even when it's uncomfortable.
— Anita Smithson

Civic engagement and community cohesionAdvice to the council during her final presentation.

I feel like the cost of Axon has gone up exponentially... I feel like when we first passed this... four years ago... there was a number like half a million a year and now it's 3 point something million a year.
— Council Member Dlesandro

Budget/ExpendituresQuestioning the consent agenda item 3.12 regarding police technology contracts.

People (8)

Mayor of BloomingtonMayor

Presiding over the council meeting and facilitating introductions.

Carl S.GIS Specialist

New employee, former Minnesota IT services developer.

1 quote

“Very excited about the work I've been getting involved in and very excited to, uh, yeah, continue, uh, contributing to the city.”

Response to introduction.

Amy CheneyChief Information Officer

Introducing new GIS specialist.

KT Bulver HouseRecreation Supervisor

New Parks and Recreation employee.

1 quote

“I was born and raised in Bloomington... I'm honored to be a part of our park and wreck team.”

Introduction of her background and role.

Anthony DeellaRecreation Manager

Introducing new recreation supervisor.

Anita SmithsonHuman Rights Commission Chair

Presenting annual report and 2026 work plan.

1 quote

“Just stay curious... government only works when people show up even when it's uncomfortable.”

Advice to council and public.

Council Member RobertsonCouncil Member

Managing the consent agenda.

Council Member DlesandroCouncil Member

Questioning budget increases, specifically regarding Axon contract costs.

Places Mentioned

Bloomington City Council ChambersNine Mile CreekMoyer ParkAxeman'sBloomington Civic PlazaJapanese Garden at Normandale Community College

Events & Meetings (3)

Monday, January 26, 2026 - Bloomington City Council Meeting
September 2026 - 50th Anniversary celebration of Japanese Garden
March 20, June 26, November 14 - Indigenous filmfest series dates

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

4.1

Resolution for host approval and issuance of City of Hampton revenue note.

4.2

Resolution declaring intent to reimburse expenditures for utility system improvements from bond proceeds.

5.3

Resolution to close public meeting for discussion of proposed litigation.

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