Bloomington wants to apply for federal money aimed at crime victims. On Monday, Oct. 12, the City Council takes up a resolution that would let the city apply for a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, sign that agreement and make the related budget adjustments.
The item is No. 3.9 on the agenda and sits in the Consent Business section. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road.
The published agenda leaves out the important details. It gives no dollar amount, no grant period and no word on whether the city would have to put up matching money. It also doesn't name the city department that would run the program or say what the money would buy. Those details are normally in the full council packet, and this story will be updated once they're public.
Some background: the city already has someone whose job is helping crime victims. The City Attorney's Office prosecutes non-felony cases involving adults in Bloomington, and it employs a Crime Victim Liaison who contacts victims about their rights and upcoming court dates. The liaison can be reached at 952-563-4632 or [email protected]. The city also points victims to Cornerstone Advocacy Service at 952-884-0330 for emergency housing, domestic assault advocacy and help getting restraining orders. The agenda doesn't say whether the federal grant would go to the liaison's work, the police department or something new.
Grants made up a good chunk of the night's agenda. The council is also considering 3 applications to the National Recreation and Parks Association covering girls' and women's sports and youth sports lighting, plus 1 to the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Each of those resolutions also includes budget adjustments. In addition, the council will consider a contract for security upgrades at Civic Plaza and resolutions to pay off 4 bond series early.
Next steps: the council's vote only gives staff permission to apply and to sign if the money comes through.
