The most significant topic discussed was the city code amendment concerning park dedication and platting standards. The update stems from the Minnesota Supreme Court case, PO vs. City of Burnsville, which affirmed municipalities’ rights to require park dedication fees, provided they are justified with studies or evidence. Bloomington’s legal department conducted a review to ensure the city’s standards align with the court’s findings, confirming that Bloomington’s system remains effective but required some updates for clarity and compliance.

Key changes in the ordinance include refining the findings and purpose statement to directly reference the city’s comprehensive plan and park system master plan. This adjustment ensures that park dedication fees are tied to identified needs in these planning documents, making them more defensible legally. Furthermore, clarifications were made regarding the calculation of development employees and the introduction of a new process for lot line adjustments and consolidations, bringing the city’s procedures in line with state statutes.

The amendments also address multiphase developments, proposing a shift from using variances to allowing deferral of park dedication payments through development agreements. This change aims to streamline the process and eliminate the need for variances, which have specific findings that may not always apply. Additionally, exceptions to platting requirements for public schools and stormwater management facilities on outlots were proposed, recognizing the limited public benefit in requiring platting for these scenarios.

The Commission unanimously voted to recommend the approval of these amendments, emphasizing the importance of staying current with legal developments to avoid potential conflicts. Members expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the staff’s work in preparing the ordinance changes.