Approval of the 2025 City of Bloomington Legislative Platform

The Council discussed the importance of advocating for Bloomington's interests at the state level. The platform includes specific funding requests for key infrastructure projects like the North Central Sanitary Sewer Project ($26 million total, requesting $13 million from state) and the Normandale Boulevard Trail ($9 million total, requesting $4.5 million from state), along with policy changes such as liquor law amendments for Dwan Golf Course and property tax exemptions for development sites. It also covers broader policy areas like economic development, environment, housing, and public safety, developed through a new staff legislative action team process.

Discussion on City Code Standards Affecting Small Businesses

The Council reviewed various city code requirements that can pose barriers for small businesses, including regulations on exterior building materials, parking, rooftop equipment screening, trash/recycling storage, odor control, and grease interceptors. The objective is to identify and potentially modify these standards to foster a more small business-friendly environment in Bloomington. The discussion emphasized the need to balance business facilitation with the protection of public infrastructure and the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Public engagement, including hearings, is planned.