Council Awards Human Rights Honor, Studies Business Code Changes
The Bloomington City Council opened 2025 by presenting the Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award to the Bloomington Freedom to Read Club and directing staff to prepare comprehensive changes to small business regulations.
The Freedom to Read Club, founded by students from Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools, received the annual human rights award for their advocacy work protecting access to inclusive literature in school libraries. The group successfully influenced the school board to adopt new policies for library materials and gender equity, and their efforts contributed to state legislation making it more difficult to ban books from Minnesota libraries.
Books have already been under siege across the nation with over 10,000 book bans in public schools last year alone," said club member Nora Regan during the presentation. "We believe wholeheartedly that literature is what empowers youth to engage with their communities, to build political movements and to find their voices.
The council also approved a comprehensive study of small business codes and processes, directing staff to prepare ordinance amendments by April 1. The study addresses parking flexibility, rooftop equipment screening, grease interception requirements, odor control, exterior materials standards, and trash storage facilities. Planning staff will work with the Port Authority to continue engaging with the business community on regulatory improvements.
In organizational business, the council made annual appointments to various boards and commissions. The meeting also featured a farewell to City Manager Jamie Verbrugge, who concluded his 10-year tenure with the city. Mayor Tim Busse proclaimed January 6, 2025, as "Jamie Verbrugge Day" in recognition of his service.
The council directed staff to return within 30 days with recommendations for a process to review council involvement in volunteer boards and commissions, following discussion about consistency in appointments across different advisory bodies.
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Other Topics from This Document
2024 Omar Bonnaroo Human Rights Award
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Proclamation
Small Business Codes and Processes Study
2025 Planning Commission Work Plan
Appointments to various city commissions and alliances
City Council Policy and Issue Update
Recognition of retiring City Manager Jamie Verbrugge
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