Bloomington City Council — Transcript
Monday, September 28, 2026
Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Proclamation
Introduction of New Employees
City Donations Acceptance
Public Street Name Change (Hopkins Road to Mission Road)
City Code Amendment for Sports Training Facilities in FD2 Zoning
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Cleanup Items
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Minor Policy Items
Centerpoint Energy Network Geothermal Pilot
Community Food Production and Sustainability Policies
Votes (16)
Approval of tonight's agenda
Moved by Council Member Carter [0:03:00] · Seconded by Council Member Robinson [0:03:04]
The Acting Mayor quickly ran through the agenda, which included introductory items, a proclamation, new employee introductions, consent business, four public hearings (street name change, FD2 zoning amendment, miscellaneous issues cleanup, miscellaneous issues minor policy), and organizational business on Centerpoint Energy's network geothermal pilot. No changes were proposed by council members.
Proclamation recognizing Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month (2.1)
Acting Mayor Allesandro read a proclamation designating September 15th to October 15th, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The proclamation highlighted the rich cultural heritage, significant contributions to the economy, and the importance of diversity in Bloomington, noting the 11.2% Hispanic or Latino population and the OLA employee resource group. Community members Martha Mendoza Mendista Rios and Juan Ceso Cortez accepted the proclamation, with Isa Menola providing translation, expressing gratitude for Bloomington being a welcoming home.
Introduction of New Employees
Scott Anderson introduced Scott Frost as the new Civil Engineer in the Utilities Division of Public Works, noting his background in Bloomington and experience with water and sewer infrastructure. Emma Streuss introduced Dr. Jen Fuller as the new Sustainability Coordinator, highlighting her 20 years of experience in environmental education and policy, including a PhD, and her upcoming work on the Climate Action Plan. Both new employees expressed eagerness for their roles and were welcomed by the Acting Mayor.
Consent Business (3.2-3.13)
Moved by Council Member Carter [0:16:09] · Seconded by Council Member Robertson [0:16:17]
Council Member Carter moved to approve the bulk of the consent agenda after holding item 3.1 for separate discussion. There were no further questions or comments from the council on items 3.2 through 3.13.
Donations (3.1)
Moved by Council Member Carter [0:18:49] · Seconded by Council Member Robertson [0:18:50]
Council Member Carter held this item from the consent agenda to publicly thank various community partners and individuals for their donations. These included the American Legion Post 550 for dog tags, anonymous donors for BPD office supplies, snacks, lunch for the BPD youth leadership program, and the BPD Wellness Program. The Bloomington Community Foundation donated $10,000 for a wellness summit, and public health received donations for Narcan, baby blankets, and newborn bundles. Staff were requested to send formal thank-you notes.
Public Street Name Change for a portion of Hopkins Road to Mission Road (4.1) - Ordinance Adoption
Moved by Council Member Robertson [0:27:54] · Seconded by Council Member Nelson [0:28:36]
City Engineer Julie Long presented the proposal to rename a portion of Hopkins Road to Mission Road, noting it would resolve existing right-of-way confusion at a Y-look intersection and address parcels with inconsistent street names. The change was part of the Pavement Management Program (PMP). To mitigate homeowner hassle, the city offered a $1,000 stipend to affected households. Council Member Nelson raised a concern about the election implications for residents, leading to a friendly amendment to make the ordinance effective on November 4, 2026. The public hearing was opened and closed without public testimony.
City Code Amendment: Designate Sports Training Facility as Permitted Use in FD2 Zoning District (4.2) - Ordinance Adoption
Moved by Council Member Carter [0:37:37] · Seconded by Council Member Robertson [0:37:43]
Kareem Sherard presented a privately initiated city code amendment to allow sports training facilities as a permitted use in the FD2 (Freeway Development) zoning district, specifically to accommodate a dance studio at 1321 American Boulevard. Staff found the use compatible with the district's mixed-use nature, citing its allowance in other industrial zones and minimal traffic impact due to off-peak operations. Planning Manager Mr. Johnson clarified the historical and eclectic nature of the FD2 district. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony.
City Code Amendment: Designate Sports Training Facility as Permitted Use in FD2 Zoning District (4.2) - Summary Publication
Moved by Council Member Carter [0:38:20] · Seconded by Council Member Robertson [0:38:29]
Following the adoption of the ordinance to amend Chapter 21, a separate resolution was moved to authorize summary publication of the newly approved ordinance. This ensures the public record reflects the code change efficiently.
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Cleanup Items (4.3) - Ordinance Adoption
Moved by Council Member Robertson [0:45:51] · Seconded by Council Member Rivas [0:46:01]
Emily Heshbach presented 16 cleanup items for the city's zoning code, categorized as correcting errors or improving clarity. These included updating corner lot definitions, clarifying residential occupancy standards for new middle housing types, and reclassifying hotel airport parking as an accessory use. Council Member Carter inquired about an ordinance (B) allowing sheep for grazing, learning it applies to properties with a minimum of one acre, limiting its residential applicability. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony. Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Cleanup Items (4.3) - Summary Publication
Moved by Council Member Robertson [0:46:42] · Seconded by Council Member Carter [0:46:46]
A resolution was adopted to authorize the summary publication of the ordinances A through J and L through Q that were just approved. This procedural step ensures the legal notice of the amended city code.
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Minor Policy Items (4.4) - Ordinance Adoption
Moved by Council Member Robertson [0:53:57] · Seconded by Council Member Rivas [0:54:02]
Emily Heshbach presented five minor policy updates. Key items included establishing odor mitigation requirements for cannabis businesses near residential uses (Ordinance R), creating a distinct 'car detailing' use from 'car wash' (Ordinance S), clarifying tree preservation standards for missing middle housing types (Ordinance T), restoring previous trailer parking standards to allow parking on grass in inside and rear yards (Ordinance U), and specifying minimum application requirements for rezoning (Ordinance V). Council members sought clarification on the car detailing map and the impact of the changes. The public hearing was opened and closed without public testimony. Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval.
Miscellaneous Issues Ordinance - Minor Policy Items (4.4) - Summary Publication
Moved by Council Member Robertson [0:54:49] · Seconded by Council Member Rivas [0:54:58]
A resolution was adopted to authorize the summary publication of the ordinances R through V that were just approved. This ensures the legal notice of the updated city code amendments related to minor policy items.
Centerpoint Energy Network Geothermal Pilot
Emma Streuss introduced the Centerpoint Energy team, emphasizing Bloomington's strategic interest in network geothermal to reduce natural gas emissions and meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Cat Kudson and Emma Ingabretson from Centerpoint provided an overview of their Natural Gas Innovation Act pilot projects, with Bloomington being one of three candidate sites. They detailed the project timeline, construction process, and confirmed that participation would be opt-in, inviting community members to a public open house. Council Member Nelson questioned how Bloomington could strengthen its candidacy, the role of Xcel Energy, and potential programs for developers interested in multi-unit geothermal systems.
Council Policy and Issue Updates - Listening Session Recap
Acting Mayor Allesandro recapped the evening's listening session, noting presentations from Brian Emerson and Elizabeth Garbone on Community Health and Wellness Center construction concerns, Sally Nes on the Smith Park shared agreement, Matthew Hellet on sustainable residential practices (reducing sod, growing food), and Deb Harper on residential code violation notice of corrections process. The recap acknowledged both repeat and new speakers.
Council Policy and Issue Updates - City Staff Update (Inter-City Leadership)
Acting City Manager Miss Tolman provided an update on the Mayor, City Manager, and Deputy City Manager's attendance at the Inter-City Leadership convening in Kansas City. She highlighted the event's importance for regional leaders across Minnesota to discuss innovative approaches to economic development, regional collaboration, downtown vibrancy, transit, and public safety. She anticipated that the attendees would bring back best practices, innovation, and potential items for the 2027 work plan.
Council Policy and Issue Updates - Growing Food in Bloomington
Building on Matthew Hellet's listening session comments, Council Member Carter proposed that the planning staff and commission investigate city policies that either help or hinder residents growing and producing their own food. She emphasized the environmental and public health benefits, especially regarding food affordability. Acting Mayor Allesandro supported the idea, suggesting collaboration between the planning and sustainability commissions and identifying this as a potential item for the 2027 work plan, citing community garden expansion and food-growing boulevard trees as opportunities.
Notable Quotes (19)
Whereas in Bloomington, Minnesota, we believe diversity is a strength. 11.2% of Bloomington residents identify as Hispanic or Latino who value the safety, connectedness, and the opportunity to live free and fulfilling lives, who are proud to call Bloomington home. Hispanic and Latino residents are an integral part of Bloomington, strengthening our community through culture, neighborliness, connection, and conversation.
As the Hispanic woman and as a resident of Bloomington, it is an honor to represent the Hispanic and Latino community. Thank you for making Bloomington a home for our families, a place where they feel safe and proud of where we come from, while also giving us the opportunity to contribute our work, knowledge, and experience to this community.
She comes to us from U of M Extension and has 20 years of experience working in environmental education and environmental policy... we are excited for her to serve in this role and bring all of her expertise especially to next year when we um start working on finishing up our climate action plan and implementation.
It's important for us to recognize that oftentimes you are the people that most of the folks around here see, uh we get to sit up here, uh but you get to go out into the uh community and and be the face of Bloomington for a lot of that.
I can think I can say very confidently that we can't do this on our own. And so having so many wonderful partners um is really truly we're very fortunate.
One of the unique things about the project is on the existing east side of the road of the existing Hopkins Road or what most of us would think is Hopkins Road, on the east side they have Mission Road addresses and on the west side they have Hopkins Road addresses. With the project this year as part of the PMP, we looked at assigning rightway better. We've always gotten a lot of concerns and calls about this Ylook intersection and nobody knowing who has the right of way.
Given that we have an election coming up, are there any implications for folks that live in these few houses in terms of that?
Given that sports training facilities are allowed in the city's other industrial zona districts and are functioning well overall, staff does not have any concerns about adding this use to FD2. Um, sports training facilities is are consistent with the type of services located in the zoning district and it can provide beneficial services without unreasonable traffic impacts.
FD2 is a legacy district uh that was established along American Boulevard a long time ago, and the properties are a wide mix of uh kind of flex office and warehouse uh buildings, but it also that district also allows hotels. It actually allows multif family as well. So because it's a legacy district, it has a much more eclectic uh mix of uses.
Every year staff brings forward a miscellaneous issues ordinance to address smaller zoning code changes that don't warrant separate projects on the planning commission work plan. These include cleanup items such as correcting errors or improving clarity, as well as minor policy updates that make smallcale changes or clarify existing policy.
Can we change that tonight? Are you looking to get a goat or No, I have actually heard about this issue, though. And I heard about it at National Night Out. Um that there were some people in different neighborhoods who wanted to I guess there's businesses right where you can hire goats or sheep or whatever.
This amendment would establish that requirement directly in the zoning code for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and combination businesses located within 150 ft of residential property. This creates a clear and consistent standard for applicants and decision makers.
This amendment would clarify that all new residential plats, including those with three family detached town homes and cottage court dwellings in the R1, R1A, and RS1 districts must follow the city's tree preservation standards. This is consistent with feedback from the planning commission and city council that missing middle housing in single family districts should meet the same standards as single family homes.
Our natural gas use u for a city we're seeing a decrease in emissions from electricity. Natural gas unfortunately over the past decade even with our actions really hasn't been going down and that's something that we will really need to address and network geothermal is a great strategy to look at how we can um heat and and cool our buildings uh using um more renewable sources than what we're currently doing.
A few years ago, the state legislature passed the natural gas innovation act. This law put into place a regulatory framework that allows natural gas utilities like Centerpoint uh to deploy renewable energy resources and innovative technologies. And it does this by allowing us to file multi-year innovation plans that are then approved and overseen by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
One thing that is coming up in the next phase of our site selection process is we um intend to uh start the conversations about what the commitment would be. Specifically, um we are looking for uh in in our process a letter of intent from uh participating buildings as well as buildings that would or the properties that would host the geothermal asset.
It's regional leaders from all over uh Minnesota. Um and they really look at innovative approaches to economic development, uh regional collaboration, downtown vibrancy, transit and public safety. And as you know, the city of Bloomington has a key role um in all those areas.
I do think it would be um really I think it would be a good policy or project for maybe our planning group, our planning staff and planning um commission to look at what policies we have in place that either help or hurt people who want to grow and produce their own food in Bloomington.
Things like um community garden expansion. I think Mr. Howlet mentioned that. We talked about make um a boulevard trees that are actually food growing trees, right? We've talked about that. So, I think there's a lot of opportunity here. Um and it would be nice to see maybe the planning commission and the sustainability commission working together on some of these things.
Ordinances & Resolutions (21)
Official declaration recognizing Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in Bloomington.
Consent agenda item detailing acceptance of various community donations.
City code section related to road naming and addressing.
Ordinance for the public street name change of Hopkins Road to Mission Road.
City code chapter related to zoning, amended for FD2 district and miscellaneous issues.
Cleanup items amending chapters 1, 4, 15, and 21 of the city code.
Minor policy items amending chapters 10 and 21 of the city code.
Authorization for summary publication of adopted ordinances.
Recently adopted ordinance whose language was updated in cleanup items.
Recent ordinance referenced in cleanup and minor policy items regarding residential standards.
Recent ordinance affecting hotel airport parking classification.
Recent ordinance whose trailer parking regulations were amended.
City program under which the Hopkins Road right-of-way issues were addressed.
City plan in the process of finalization with carbon neutrality goals.
Existing city plan outlining energy goals and strategies.
Future city plan that may incorporate recommendations from the American Boulevard transit way study.
State law enabling natural gas utilities to deploy renewable energy resources.
Pilot project for deploying network geothermal systems for heating and cooling.
Recipient of donations for lunch.
Recipient of donations for wellness initiatives.
Study whose recommendations will influence future comprehensive planning for the American Boulevard corridor.