Minneapolis now has a tougher set of dog regulations intended to protect people like letter carrier Bryan Bloomquist, attacked by two pit bulls in July that left him with dozens of bites.

The City Council Friday approved the tougher standards intended to curb dogs that are dangerous or potentially so.

A key change is intended to make it easier to restrict dogs that charge unprovoked at postal workers and others who are legally on a property. The dog wouldn't have to bite, but its charge would have to provoke a defensive action, such as jumping a fence or using a mailbag as a shield. That would trigger designation of the dog as potentially dangerous, requiring high registration fees, use of a muzzle and a 3-foot leash when outside and a long list of other requirements.

Supporters argue that by designating such dogs as potentially dangerous, they can be curbed before they do the kind of serious injury that Bloomquist suffered when delivering mail to a house in the 3300 block of Colfax Avenue N. in the McKinley neighborhood.

In addition, here's some of what the City Council did Friday:

• Acted to take advantage of low-interest rates to reduce debt payments, much like some homeowners. It authorized refinancing the $155.6 million in debt it carries on the Convention Center, the most the city owes for any facility. The city later this year will sell fixed-rate bonds to refinance some debt that carries a variable interest rate, and some fixed-rate debt that's at a higher interest rate.

• Blocked plans for a Broadway Avenue W. development that included a liquor store. The city Planning Commission had approved a plan for a building addition at 217-229 Broadway. A developer proposes to build an addition for a liquor store onto an existing building that now holds a bar and strip club. The existing space would be converted to a restaurant. A representative of Merwin Liquors, also on Broadway, contested the approval and the council backed that on an 8-4 vote, despite objections from Council Member Gary Schiff, the council's zoning chair.

• Accepted a $258,378 grant that will keep the Skyway Senior Center operating for three years in downtown Minneapolis. UCare gave the money, replacing Medica -- and earlier Target -- as the center's sponsor.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438