Council issues Black History Month and Winter Salt Week proclamations

Mayor Tim Bussey and councilmembers issued two proclamations during the Jan. 27 meeting: one recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month and a second proclaiming Jan. 27–31, 2025 as Winter Salt Week.

Black History Month proclamation: The mayor read a proclamation noting the historic role of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the city’s Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging profile series that highlights local Black leaders. Larry McKenzie, president of the Kappa Alpha Psi Bloomington‑Richfield Alumni Chapter, accepted the proclamation and spoke briefly about the chapter’s community work. Chief Hodges also offered remarks in support of the chapter.

Winter Salt Week proclamation: The council also read a proclamation urging responsible deicing practices to protect fresh water and infrastructure. Lou Anne Waddick, a Minnesota water steward with the Stop Overse Salting group, told the council that Minnesota applies approximately 445,000 tons of deicing salt annually and warned of long‑term chloride contamination; Bloomington water resources manager Brian Bridal (spelled in the record as "Brian Bridal") described city operational practices that have reduced salt use over the past decade and highlighted technology used by crews.

Ending: The council encouraged residents, businesses and city departments to participate in Winter Salt Week activities and to adopt best practices to protect water resources.

Speakers and quotes are drawn from the meeting transcript and attributed below.