Bloomington City Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe | City of Bloomington
Bloomington City Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe | City of Bloomington
City of Bloomington City Council met April 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council convened in regular session in the Government Center Boardroom at 6:00 P.M. Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance ending with a moment of silent prayer/reflection.
Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Title | Status |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Mayor | Present |
| Jenna Kearns | Council Member, Ward 1 | Present |
| Michael Mosley | Council Member, Ward 2 | Present |
| Sheila Montney | Council Member, Ward 3 | Present, Remote |
| John Danenberger | Council Member, Ward 4 | Present |
| Nick Becker | Council Member, Ward 5 | Present |
| Cody Hendricks | Council Member, Ward 6 | Present |
| Mollie Ward | Council Member, Ward 7 | Present |
| Kent Lee | Council Member, Ward 8 | Present |
| Tom Crumpler | Council Member, Ward 9 | Present |
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried.
Council Member Montney joined the meeting at 6:03 P.M.
Recognition/Appointments
Item 5.A. Proclamation 56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerk's Week, as requested by the Administration Department.
Mayor Mwilambwe presented the Proclamation, and City Clerk, Leslie Yocum, and Deputy City Clerk, Amanda Stutsman, were present to accept.
Item 5.B. Recognition of Board & Commission Appointment, as requested by the Administration Department.
City Clerk Yocum welcomed Cortney Eddelman to the Welcoming America Commission. Public Comment
Mayor Mwilambwe read a public comment statement of procedure. Dakota Black emailed public comment, and Karen Stailey-Lauder and Jackie Beyer spoke in-person.
Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled by Council from the Consent Agenda for discussion are listed and voted on separately.
Council Member Ward made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mosley, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of 7.D. and 7.L.
Item 7.A. Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the March 24, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 7.B. Consideration and Action on Approving Bills and Payroll in the Amount of $7,247,233.10, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 7.C. Consideration and Action on Approving Appointments to Boards and Commissions, as requested by the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Appointments be approved.)
Item 7.D. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Mosley.
Item 7.E. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving a Change Order with Stewart Spreading Inc., for Lime Sludge Removal, in the Amount of $248,351.03, as requested by the Water Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 071
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CHANGE ORDER WITH STEWART SPREADING INC., FOR LIME SLUDGE REMOVAL, IN THE AMOUNT OF $248,351.03
Item 7.F. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving a Unit Price Agreement with Republic Services, Inc., for Street Sweeping Debris Disposal (Bid #2025-31), and Granting Authority for Purchase in Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 072
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A UNIT PRICE AGREEMENT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC., FOR STREET SWEEPING DEBRIS DISPOSAL (BID #2025-31), AND GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR PURCHASE IN FISCAL YEARS 2026, 2027, 2028, AND 2029
Item 7.G. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving a Unit Price Agreement with Republic Services, Inc. for Construction and Demolition Debris Disposal (Bid #2025-33), and Granting Authority for Purchase in Fiscal Year 2026, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 073
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A UNIT PRICE AGREEMENT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS DISPOSAL (BID #2025-33), AND GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR PURCHASE IN FISCAL YEAR 2026
Item 7.H. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement Amendment with PMA Management Corp., for Third Party Claims Administration Services, in the Amount of $134,952, as requested by the Human Resources Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 074
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT AMENDMENT WITH PMA MANAGEMENT CORP., FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $134,952
Item 7.I. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement for the Proposal of Insurance, Brokered by Arthur J. Gallagher, for Fiscal Year 2026, in the Amount of $1,742,988, as requested by the Human Resources Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 075
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPOSAL OF INSURANCE, BROKERED BY ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,742,988
Item 7.J. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with R.B. Crowther Co., for the Fire Station #1 Roof Replacement (Bid #2025-40), in the Amount of $507,500, as requested by the Fire Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 076
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH R.B. CROWTHER CO., FOR THE FIRE STATION #1 ROOF REPLACEMENT (BID #2025-40), IN THE AMOUNT OF $507,500
Item 7.K. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements and Authorizing an Agreement with McLean County Asphalt Co., for Surface Repair of the City's Douglas Parking Lots A, B, and C, in the Amount of $42,426.07, as requested by the Public Works Department and the Arts & Entertainment Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 077
A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH MCLEAN COUNTY ASPHALT CO., FOR SURFACE REPAIR OF THE CITY'S DOUGLAS PARKING LOTS A, B, AND C, IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,426.07
Item 7. L. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Danenberger.
Item 7.M. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Wilcox Electric & Service Inc., for the Eagle Crest East Pump Station Electrical Replacement Project (Bid #2025-44), in the Amount of $118,140, as requested by the Engineering Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 079
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH WILCOX ELECTRIC & SERVICE INC., FOR THE EAGLE CREST EAST PUMP STATION ELECTRICAL REPLACEMENT PROJECT (BID #2025-44), IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,140
Item 7.N. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with CIMCO Refrigeration, Inc., for 2025 Ice Plant Maintenance, in the Amount of $79,787.05, as requested by the Public Works Department and the Parks & Recreation Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 080
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH CIMCO REFRIGERATION, INC., FOR 2025 ICE PLANT MAINTENANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,787.05
Item 7.O. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Inc., for the Miller Park Zoo Master Plan (RFQ # 2025-38), in the Amount of $124,900, as requested by the Parks & Recreation Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 081
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH LAMAR JOHNSON COLLABORATIVE, INC., FOR THE MILLER PARK ZOO MASTER PLAN (RFQ # 2025-38), IN THE AMOUNT OF $124,900
Item 7.P. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving the List of Designated Architectural, Engineering, and Professional Services Firms Selected from Responses to the City's Request for Qualifications (RFQ #2025-32), as requested by the Engineering Department and the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 082
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LIST OF DESIGNATED ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS SELECTED FROM RESPONSES TO THE CITY'S REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ #2025-32)
Item 7.Q. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Stark Excavating, Inc. for Wylie Drive & Maple Hill Road Intersection Improvements (Bid #2025-25), in the Amount of $448,920.50, as requested by the Engineering Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 083
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH STARK EXCAVATING, INC. FOR WYLIE DRIVE & MAPLE HILL ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS (BID #2025-25), IN THE AMOUNT OF $448,920.50
Item 7.R. Consideration and Action on (1) a Resolution Approving a Construction Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company as a Part of the Fox Creek Road & Bridge Project, in the Amount $342,415.60; and (2) a Supplemental Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds, in the Amount $342,415.60, as requested by the Engineering Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution and Supplemental Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 084
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY AS A PART OF THE FOX CREEK ROAD & BRIDGE PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT $342,415.60
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 085
A SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE FOR MOTOR FUEL TAX (MFT) FUNDS, IN THE AMOUNT $342,415.60
Item 7.S. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Approval of the Proposal from Farnsworth Group for the Police Department HVAC Improvements Design, in an Amount Not to Exceed $98,390, as requested by the Public Works Department and the Police Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 086
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL FROM FARNSWORTH GROUP FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HVAC IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $98,390
Item 7.T. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Contract Between the City of Bloomington and Jeffrey R. Jurgens, as requested by City Council and Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 087
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND JEFFREY R. JURGENS
Item 7.U. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 29 of the Bloomington City Code to Prohibit Loitering on Medians Within the City that are Less than Six Feet Wide, as requested by the Legal Department and the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 – 031
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 29 OF THE BLOOMINGTON CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT LOITERING ON MEDIANS WITHIN THE CITY THAT ARE LESS THAN SIX FEET WIDE
Item 7.V. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Amending Section 30 of Chapter 1 of the City Code Regarding the Biennial Review of the Schedule of Fees, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 – 032
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 30 OF CHAPTER 1 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE SCHEDULE OF FEES
Item 7.W. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Amending Section 1204 of Chapter 39 of the Bloomington City Code to Exempt Military Veterans Rated as 100% Service-Connected Disability as Determined by the United States Veterans Administration from the City’s Vehicle Use Tax, as requested by the Legal Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 – 033
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1204 OF CHAPTER 39 OF THE BLOOMINGTON CITY CODE TO EXEMPT MILITARY VETERANS RATED AS 100% SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY AS DETERMINED BY THE UNITED STATES VETERANS ADMINISTRATION FROM THE CITY’S VEHICLE USE TAX
Item 7.X. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Amending the Bloomington City Code Updating Chapter 44 Pertaining to Text Amendments to the Zoning Code Relating to Use Tables, Definitions, Landscaping, and Screening, as requested by the Development Services Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 – 034
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BLOOMINGTON CITY CODE UPDATING CHAPTER 44 PERTAINING TO TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE RELATING TO USE TABLES, DEFINITIONS, LANDSCAPING, AND SCREENING
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried.
Items Pulled from Consent Agenda
The following Item was presented:
Item 7.D. Consideration and Action on Approving an Appointment to a Commission, as requested by the Administration Department.
Council Member Mosley recused himself as the appointee was his wife.
Council Member Mosley left the room at 6:14 P.M.
Council Member Ward made a motion, seconded by Council Member Becker, to approve the Item as presented.
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Montney, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler ABSTAIN: Mosley
Motion carried.
Council Member Mosley returned to the meeting at 6:15 P.M.
The following Item was presented:
Item 7. L. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Joe's Towing and Recovery, for Vehicles Up to 10,000 Gross Vehicle Weight (Bid #2025-37), and Granting Authority for Purchase in Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, 2028, and Optional Two Additional Fiscal Years 2029 and 2030, as requested by the Police Department and the Police Department.
Council Member Danenberger asked questions about the bidding process for the towing contract. City Manager Jeff Jurgens noted that the City had used its OpenGov platform to solicit bids and received two. Police Chief Jamal Simington added that standard bidding procedures.
Council Member Danenberger made a motion, seconded by Council Member Becker, to approve the Item as presented.
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 078
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH JOE'S TOWING AND RECOVERY, FOR VEHICLES UP TO 10,000 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (BID #2025-37), AND GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR PURCHASE IN FISCAL YEARS 2026, 2027, 2028, AND OPTIONAL TWO ADDITIONAL FISCAL YEARS 2029 AND 2030
The following Item was presented:
Item 8.A. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Establishing a Standardized Housing Incentive Program, as requested by the Administration Department.
City Manager Jurgens explained that the proposed housing policy was designed to incentivize various types of housing including low-income, senior, historic, and market-rate housing. He pointed out that staff had worked with stakeholders to fine-tune the policy.
Council Member Ward made a motion, seconded by Council Member Hendricks, to approve the Item as presented.
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025 - 035
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A STANDARDIZED HOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM The following Item was presented:
Item 8.B. Recognition of Outgoing Mayor and City Council Members, as requested by the Administration Department.
Mayor Mwilambwe thanked outgoing Council Members Donna Bolen, Nick Becker, and Tom Crumpler for their service and presented them with a plaque memorializing their service.
Jeff Jurgens recognized Mayor Mwilambwe's 15 years of service on Council and expressed appreciation from the staff for the Mayor's guidance, passion for serving the City, and presented him with a plaque memorializing his service. He thanked all the Council Members for their service and emphasized the significant impact they’d made, stating their "fingerprints will be on the City for generations to come."
Mayor Mwilambwe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as both a Council Member and Mayor, highlighting that Council agreed more often than they disagreed. He reflected on Bloomington as a special place that attracts people, noting that he never imagined becoming an elected official when he first came to Bloomington as a student, and emphasized the importance of remaining positive about the City's future.
Finance Director’s Report
Finance Director Scott Rathbun provided a financial update for March, noting the City was 11 months into the fiscal year with sales tax still to come, and explained that while close to year end, there were still expenses to track. He highlighted that PPRT (Personal Property Replacement Tax) continued to be about 36% below budget with $2.7 million projected compared to the original $3 million budgeted. He mentioned the ongoing state revenue clawbacks and moved onto discuss golf's exceptional year with increases in rounds played, online bookings, season pass sales, and revenue.
City Manager’s Discussion
City Manager Jurgens provided updates on the Streetscape Project. He praised Public Works crews for setting up Downtown dining with 18 restaurants, highlighted Arbor Day celebrations, and reminded the community to provide feedback on the Miller Park master plan survey. He concluded by thanking staff for their guidance and support.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Mwilambwe emphasized the incredible expertise of City staff, noting that while it's easy for the community to criticize, Bloomington staff were truly second to none. He highlighted staff's execution of projects and urged residents to be proud of their community. He stressed the importance of remaining positive and recognizing the continuous improvement of Bloomington.
Council Members' Discussion
Council Member Ward shared her experience at the International Worker’s Memorial Day service, and expressed appreciation to the outgoing Council Members and Mayor for their collaboration and service to the community.
Council Member Crumpler acknowledged and congratulated Council Member-Elect Abby Scott praising her hard work during the campaign and expressed pride in her upcoming representation of Ward 9.
Council Member Hendricks raised concerns about a recent bar crawl in Downtown. He suggested the City review the event's application with input from other groups.
Council Member Mosley expressed gratitude to the outgoing and remaining Council Members appreciating the warm and welcome courtesy he’d been shown in taking his position.
Executive Session
Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Danenberger, to enter into Executive Session per Section 2(c)(11) of 5 ILCS 120 to discuss a Pending Litigation.
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried.
Council Member Montney left the meeting at 7:05 P.M.
Council entered into Executive Session at 7:06 P.M.
Adjournment
Council returned to Open Session at 7:16 P.M.
Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Lee, to return to Open Session and adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll:
AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Danenberger, Becker, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Crumpler Motion carried (viva voce).
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 P.M.
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