City Council - Regular Meeting

Hello Bloomington. I'm Mayor Tim Busy and this is the council minute for the week of April 13th. At Monday night's council meeting, we heard an update on the Bloomington Police Department from Chief Booker Hodgeges. Here in Bloomington, we're seeing positive trends in public safety, including a 10% reduction in total crime in 2025 compared to 2024. This progress is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our Bloomington Police Department, strong leadership in the department, and this community's commitment to public safety. We're also seeing real progress in how we respond to mental health crisis calls. Through partnerships with Henipin County and our community brain health services team, crisis calls and resource use are down, including a 34% reduction in crisis related reporting and a 27% reduction in emergency resources being used on the streets. This important work is not only helping connect people to the right care, but it demonstrates a thoughtful and compassionate approach to public safety. It's making a real difference in people's lives while also freeing up first responders for other needs. At the same time, BPD continues to focus on community engagement. From youth programs like Cops and Cones, the Youth Leadership Academy, and the Captain's Crew to communitywide events like Coffee with the Cops, Neighborhood Watch, and the Bloomington Faith Collective, Bloomington Police have an active and prominent presence across this city, making connections and building trust. I'm grateful for the professionalism that our Bloomington Police Department shows each day performing what we know is not an easy job and they do it while upholding the department's core value of respect. Well done. Also on Monday, the city council reviewed the 2026 work plan of the parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission. We all know how much

Bloomington residents value and love the parks in this city. And this work plan is guided by two important documents that were directly shaped by input from residents. The city's Bloomington tomorrow together strategic plan and our park system master plan. It's not surprising that the work of the parks arts and recreation commission focuses on natural resources, trails, equity, and long-term investment in our park system. Key priorities for 2026 include continued work on Bloomington forward projects like the community health and wellness center and NineM Creek corridor along with efforts like the urban forestry master plan, arts funding, and long-term capital planning. This work plan helps ensure that our parks, programs, and public spaces continue to serve our community for years to come. This week, we also read into the record three important proclamations. First, we proclaim volunteer recognition week April 19th through the 25th, celebrating the nearly 800 volunteers who help support city programs, events, and services. We also recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the dispatchers who are often the first point of contact in an emergency. They handled more than 128,000 calls last year. And finally, we proclaimed Arbor Day on April 24th, recognizing the important role trees play in our economy, culture, history, and the future of the state, and celebrating nearly 40 years of Bloomington as a Tree City USA from the Arbor Day Foundation. Congrats to all. And finally today, a quick update on the new Veterans Memorial coming to Bloomington. As I'm sure you know, the city is partnering with Bloomington Remembers Veterans to create a peaceful space to honor those who served. The memorial will be integrated into the 9M Creek Corridor project, specifically at Harrison Park, with construction

expected to be completed by Veterans Day of this year. Community members can take part by purchasing a symbolic dog tag to honor a veteran, whether they're from Bloomington or beyond. And for those who were missing in action, killed in action, or who were prisoners of war, dog tags will be provided at no cost. To learn more or to purchase a tag, visit the city's website. That will do it for this week's council minute. Thanks so much for tuning in. Until next time, stay safe, Bloomington.