[0:16] Hello, and thanks for tuning in to Bloomington today. [0:18] Let's take a look at the latest news in Bloomington. [0:21] Share your feedback on the 2026 budget. [0:24] Each year, the city council approves a budget to fund city services [0:28] including police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, and more. [0:32] Share your thoughts on what the City Council should consider [0:35] when setting the 2026 property Tax Levy. [0:38] You can share your thoughts in person about the property [0:41] tax levy and budget with the City Council on November 24th at 6:30 p.m. [0:46] or December 8th at 6:30 p.m. [0:48] in the Council Chambers at Civic Plaza, or provide feedback online at [0:53] blm.mn/budgetfeedback. [0:56] On November 4th [0:57] Bloomington voters cast their ballots for the At-Large [1:00] district one and district two seats on the City Council. [1:03] Bloomington voters elected Danielle Robertson to the At-Large seat. [1:07] Dwayne Lowman to represent district one and Shawn Nelson to represent district two. [1:13] Each will serve a four year term beginning in January 2026. [1:16] For complete election results, visit [1:18] blm.mn/vote [1:20] The City of Bloomington [1:21] is taking action to ensure that residents who rely on essential food programs [1:26] have access to food support during the federal government shutdown. [1:30] Nearly 8000 Bloomington residents rely on these programs [1:33] to help feed their families. [1:35] Due to a lack of funding caused by the shutdown, food benefits [1:38] through Snap and Minnesota Family Investment Program are uncertain. [1:42] On October 27th, the Bloomington City Council allocated [1:45] $250,000 of Strategic Priorities funding to make grants [1:50] to nonprofit organizations for their food assistance programs [1:53] in November. The Bloomington police and fire departments [1:56] are also collecting food donations at sites throughout Bloomington. [2:00] To learn more about the city's response and how you can help, visit [2:03] the link on your screen. [2:05] Changes may be coming to Bloomington garbage rates in 2026. [2:09] The city's pay as you throw system will stay in place, but the price differences [2:13] between cart sizes may increase, meaning smaller carts could cost less. [2:18] A new, lower priced every other week pickup option may also be offered [2:22] for households with the smallest cart and very little trash. [2:25] These proposed updates, shaped by a detailed rate study and resident [2:29] feedback, aim to keep service affordable and encourage waste reduction. [2:33] Preliminary rates were presented to the council in July, [2:36] with final proposed rates shared on October 20th. [2:39] The council is expected to consider adoption after the November 17th [2:43] public hearing. [2:44] Stay tuned to this fall for details on how to choose your cart size [2:48] and service level. [2:49] If these changes are approved. A recent City Council meeting [2:52] celebrated the city's …