A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion initiated by Mark Jenko from the group Restore the Nine. Jenko addressed the council on the topic of the proposed new bicycle access point at Queen Avenue to the Minnesota River. He argued that with the existing twelve bicycle access points, the new proposal was unnecessary. Jenko highlighted potential issues such as increased bicycle traffic on the NMCC Pedestrian Trail, which could complicate enforcement efforts due to cyclists’ inappropriate use. He also mentioned limited parking at Queen Avenue, predicting that cyclists might resort to parking on neighborhood streets, which could upset local residents. Jenko proposed reallocating the funds designated for this project towards environmental restoration initiatives in Central Park, believing that this would be a better use of resources.

Following Jenko’s remarks, Chrisan Laua also from Restore the Nine, addressed the council regarding the 9-Mile Creek Corridor renewal project. Laua advocated for preserving the natural surface of the trail south of 106th Street instead of paving it. She argued that the current mix of paved and natural surfaces caters to a diverse user base, emphasizing that retaining the natural surface would promote equity and environmental sustainability. Laua highlighted that individuals with disabilities benefit from softer surfaces that are less taxing on joints. She also raised concerns about the environmental impacts of paving, especially given the area’s susceptibility to flooding and the additional costs associated with wetland mitigation. Laua urged the council to focus on inclusive and sustainable solutions that address community needs without compromising the environment.

Another resident, Robert Coleman, raised two issues during the meeting. First, he shared his experience of being under police surveillance and requested an internal investigation to understand the rationale behind the police monitoring his activities. Coleman reported that there were eight police reports with his name and questioned the legal basis for this surveillance, urging the council to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the use of city resources in this matter.

Shifting the discussion to transit matters, Coleman voiced concerns about the Metro Transit redesign and its impact on Bloomington. He criticized the lack of service improvements in the city despite a reported 30% increase in overall metro area transit service. Coleman pointed out that only a small portion of new operator hires would benefit Bloomington and lamented the absence of weekend service for several routes, some of which had not been reinstated since cuts in 2004. He urged the council to communicate these issues more effectively to constituents and engage proactively with Metro Transit representatives. Coleman noted that areas with lower transit needs were receiving better service than Bloomington, which is classified as a more transit-supportive area.

Council members engaged with Coleman, discussing his interactions with the metro council representative for Bloomington and expressing the need for ongoing dialogue about transit issues. The conversation among council members further explored concerns regarding Metro Transit and the need for improved transportation solutions in Bloomington. There was discussion about Metro micro zones, which involve ride-sharing services using Metro Mobility buses, and the potential impact on current bus routes. A council member acknowledged having mixed experiences with ride-sharing services, noting reliability as a concern.

The meeting also addressed the future of senior facilities in Bloomington, raised by Jerry Hiller, a long-time resident and business owner. Hiller emphasized the importance of maintaining a standalone facility for seniors, pointing out the community’s growing senior population, which increased from 3% in 1970 to 25% recently. He criticized the new community center being built, arguing that it would not adequately serve the needs of seniors. Hiller expressed concern over the loss of specific amenities that catered to seniors and highlighted the introduction of facilities like swimming pools and weight rooms, which he deemed less relevant. He suggested that existing facilities are not being effectively utilized and called for better use of resources for community benefit.

Hiller further engaged the council, expressing a desire to discuss how taxpayer dollars could be maximized for community improvement, especially in the context of the new Health and Wellness Center. In response, a council member emphasized that the community had supported the Health and Wellness Center initiative, underlining the project’s transparency and alignment with community needs. The council acknowledged the necessity for ongoing community engagement as the design process for the new center progresses.