The Bloomington Charter Commission has announced they will meet to discuss two topics:  Ranked Choice Voting and Organized Trash Collection. The meeting will take place on Monday, March 23, in the Haeg Conference Room, Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington.  The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm.

The Charter Commission may discuss whether Ranked Choice Voting can be imposed by an ordinance passed by the City Council or if it needs to be voted on by referendum.  The concern is that there are no state statutes or rules that pertain specifically to such voting.  Is the city able to make their own rules for voting in local elections?

The Charter Commission also needs to review the recent Minnesota Supreme Court ruling on Bloomington’s “organized” system of trash collection.   The Court held that the City of Bloomington acted outside its authority in rejecting a ballot measure which gives voters the right to choose whether to continue with Organized Collection of waste hauling in the City of Bloomington.

This will be an open meeting, although it is not clear if the public will be allowed to speak.  Citizens concerned with these developments are urged to attend to at least show their interest. With many meetings and larger gatherings being rescheduled, please verify on the city website before travelling to attend.