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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Areas of Interest (4)
- Bloomington City Manager Jamie Verbrugge retires after a decade, leaving a legacy of strategic growth and infrastructure investment.
- Student-led 'Freedom to Read' club receives Human Rights Award for successful advocacy against school library book censorship.
- Tensions remain over library material policies as student activists warn of ongoing challenges to education and diversity.
- City of Bloomington navigates political pressure from groups like 'Moms for Liberty' regarding school library book selection.
Votes (1)
Approval of the agenda as stated
Moved by Mayor Tim Bussey · Seconded by Councilmember
Notable Quotes (2)
Protecting the rights of young people to read is momentous on its own but the added benefit of cultivating an environment where young people are free to express the truest version of themselves is a priceless anti-bullying and harm reduction practice.
As soon as you have someone whose identity is stripped from the media, then they're stripped from the community as a whole as well.
People (4)
Tim BusseyMayorPresiding officer of the Bloomington City Council.
Presiding officer of the Bloomington City Council.
Jamie VerbruggeCity ManagerOutgoing City Manager retiring after 10 years of service.
1 quote
Outgoing City Manager retiring after 10 years of service.
“Local government is where it happens in this country, right? The thing that affects people's lives most directly is where they live.”
Reflecting on his career during his final meeting.
Anita SmithsonChair of the Human Rights CommissionPresented the Omar Bonnaroo Human Rights Award to student activists.
Presented the Omar Bonnaroo Human Rights Award to student activists.
AbbieFounding Member, Bloomington Freedom to Read ClubStudent activist involved in challenging book bans.
1 quote
Student activist involved in challenging book bans.
“Literature is what empowers youth to engage with their communities, to build political movements and to find their voices.”
Acceptance speech for the Human Rights Award.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- January 6, 2025 - Bloomington City Council Meeting
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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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