Bloomington City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Story
Bloomington presents 2025 budget with modest utility rate increases
Small Business Support Initiatives
New Business Opening and Economic Development
Bryant and Tretbaugh Parks Redevelopment Update
Veterans Appreciation Celebration
Votes (4)
2025 Budget and Utility Rate Presentations
The Finance Department detailed proposed utility rate increases for 2025, including 3% for water and wastewater, 5% for stormwater, and an average of 2.6% for solid waste. Separately, the Public Works Department presented its own budget proposals to the City Council. These discussions are part of the larger budget process culminating in a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing.
Small Business Saturday Proclamation and 'Love Local' Campaign
On November 18th, the Mayor issued a proclamation in recognition of Small Business Saturday on November 30th, emphasizing the vital role small businesses play in the local economy. Additionally, Bloomington's partnership with Hennepin County on the 'Love Local' campaign was highlighted, encouraging year-round support for local businesses.
Bryant and Tretbaugh Parks Redevelopment Update
Updates were provided on the ongoing work at Bryant Park, set to feature a new shelter, skate spot, and the city's first fully inclusive playground, and Tretbaugh Bike Park, which will include a tot track and natural surface trails. Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2025 and will also include natural resource improvements. The public was advised to avoid the parks until completion for safety.
Veterans Appreciation Celebration Event Report
A Veterans Appreciation Celebration was held, bringing together Bloomington veterans, families, and community members in tribute to military service. The event, hosted by Representative Steve Elkins at the Masonic Heritage Center, featured Commander Travis D. Brinkman as keynote speaker. The City’s Community Outreach and Engagement Division, American Legion Post #550, and volunteers supported the event, where veterans received challenge coins and thank you notes.
Notable Quotes (8)
THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT PRESENTED THE 2025 UTILITY RATES AND BUDGET REQUESTS FOR THE CITY’S WATER, WASTEWATER, STORMWATER AND SOLID WASTE SERVICES.
THE RATE INCREASES WERE 3% FOR BOTH WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES, 5% FOR STORMWATER, AND AN AVERAGE OF 2.6% FOR SOLID WASTE.
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18-TH THE MAYOR READ A PROCLAMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, REMINDING US OF THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS SMALL BUSINESSES MAKE TO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND COMMUNITY.
BLOOMINGTON HAS PARTNERED WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY TO CONTINUE THE LOVE LOCAL CAMPAIGN WHICH REMINDS US TO SUPPORT THOSE SMALL BUSINESSES WHO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SO VIBRANT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR!
WHEN COMPLETE IN 2025, BRYANT WILL FEATURE A NEW SHELTER BUILDING, SKATE SPOT AND THE CITY’S FIRST FULLY INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND.
THE TRETBAUGH BIKE PARK WILL HAVE A TOT TRACK, NATURAL SURFACE TRAIL AND SKILLS LOOP.
THE VETERANS APPRECIATION CELEBRATION BROUGHT TOGETHER BLOOMINGTON VETERANS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN A HEARTFELT TRIBUE TO MILITARY SERVICE.
COMMANDER TRAVIS D. BRINKMAN, A BLOOMINGTON NATIVE WITH NEARLY TWO DECADES OF MILITARY SERVICE, DELIVERED THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
The city's financial plan for the year 2025, including departmental requests.
Proposed rate adjustments for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services for 2025.
An official declaration read by the Mayor to recognize and support local small businesses.