Outgoing Human Rights Commission Chair Anita Smithson presented a year-end report highlighting seven proclamations, the Omar Banderude Human Rights Award (given to Unidos Minnesota and Normandale Community College's equity team), and Bloomington's Municipal Equality Index score rising to 96. The council unanimously approved the commission's 2026 work plan, which includes an indigenous film series (March, June, and November 2026) and continued proclamation and community-outreach programming; the commission's move under the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Workplace Culture was also discussed as a efficiency-driven realignment.
Council Member Delisandro questioned a sharp rise in the city's Axon (police body camera vendor) costs from roughly $500,000 to over $3 million. Police Chief Hajes clarified the increase reflects the city's decision to move its police records management system to Axon rather than renew its current vendor (CentralSquare), not a cost increase for body cameras, and that payment isn't due for two years. Council then approved the item unanimously.
After a public hearing with no public comment, the council voted 7-0 to give host approval allowing the city of Hampton, MN to issue a revenue note financing the Frasier Child and Family Service Center project at the former Slumberland site (78th and Xerxes). Staff clarified the city of Bloomington bears no financial obligation or tax-authority impact from the note.
The council unanimously adopted a resolution declaring intent to reimburse up to $33 million in utility system improvement costs from future bond proceeds for the North Central Sanitary Diversion Project. Finance staff said actual bond authorization will come later, with a bond sale expected around May 18, 2026.
In a quasi-judicial public hearing, the city presented evidence that Benihana Bloomington Corporation (Mall of America) failed a third underage alcohol compliance check within five years on Aug. 11, 2025, following prior violations in 2023 and 2024. Attorneys for parent company The ONE Group argued the 'license holder' effectively changed with its 2024 acquisition of Benihana and asked for a lighter one-day suspension, but the council rejected that argument 7-0, finding the license holder never legally changed. The council imposed the code-mandated $2,000 fine and 5-day license suspension; the company detailed new mandatory ID-check and staff retraining policies adopted since the violation.
Staff presented detailed plans to authorize bidding on the NM Creek Corridor renewal and Lower Valley Management Plan renewal projects, funded by the local option sales tax. Plans include a redesigned Moyer Park (new picnic shelter, accessible playground, trail loop, disc golf redo), bridge replacements, retaining wall stabilization under 106th Street, extensive streambank erosion repairs, and a large-scale restoration of a straightened creek channel back to a natural meander with a new boardwalk. The transcript ends before a formal vote is recorded on this item.
