Council questions rising police technology costs at January meeting
The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved routine business items on Tuesday, but one council member raised concerns about a police contract that has ballooned from $500,000 to more than $3 million annually over four years.
Council Member Dlesandro questioned the exponential cost increase of an Axon police technology contract during the council's consent agenda vote. "I feel like the cost of Axon has gone up exponentially," Dlesandro said, noting that when the contract was first approved four years ago, it was budgeted at around half a million dollars annually. The council ultimately approved the consent items 7-0, but Dlesandro's comments signal growing scrutiny over city spending.
The council also unanimously approved the Human Rights Commission's 2026 work plan. Commission Chair Anita Smithson urged residents to stay engaged with local government, even when it feels uncomfortable. "Our government only works when people show up even when it's uncomfortable," Smithson said during her presentation.
The meeting also featured introductions of two new city employees: Carl S., a GIS specialist hired from Minnesota IT services, and KT Bulver House, a recreation supervisor who grew up in Bloomington. "I'm honored to be a part of our park and rec team," Bulver House said.
The council approved several other items, including resolutions related to a Hampton revenue note and utility system improvements. The council also scheduled a closed-door executive session to discuss pending litigation. Additional agenda items included a public hearing on an alcohol license violation at a local establishment and authorization to bid on Nine Mile Creek corridor and lower valley projects. The council is also considering a local affordable housing proposal focused on rental assistance.
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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
Moved by Mayor · Seconded by Council Member Carter
Approval of Human Rights Commission's 2026 work plan
Moved by Council Member Robertson · Seconded by Council Member Dlesandro
Approve consent items 3.1-3.11 and 3.13-3.16
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.
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.
People (8)
Mayor of BloomingtonMayorPresiding over the council meeting and facilitating introductions.
Presiding over the council meeting and facilitating introductions.
Carl S.GIS SpecialistNew employee, former Minnesota IT services developer.
1 quote
New employee, former Minnesota IT services developer.
“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 OfficerIntroducing new GIS specialist.
Introducing new GIS specialist.
KT Bulver HouseRecreation SupervisorNew Parks and Recreation employee.
1 quote
New Parks and Recreation employee.
“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 ManagerIntroducing new recreation supervisor.
Introducing new recreation supervisor.
Anita SmithsonHuman Rights Commission ChairPresenting annual report and 2026 work plan.
1 quote
Presenting annual report and 2026 work plan.
“Just stay curious... government only works when people show up even when it's uncomfortable.”
Advice to council and public.
Council Member RobertsonCouncil MemberManaging the consent agenda.
Managing the consent agenda.
Council Member DlesandroCouncil MemberQuestioning budget increases, specifically regarding Axon contract costs.
Questioning budget increases, specifically regarding Axon contract costs.
Places Mentioned
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)
Resolution for host approval and issuance of City of Hampton revenue note.
Resolution declaring intent to reimburse expenditures for utility system improvements from bond proceeds.
Resolution to close public meeting for discussion of proposed litigation.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
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
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