McLean County Times

City of Bloomington City Council met May 12.

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 Dan Brady 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
Dan Brady	Mayor	Present
Jenna Kearns	Council Member, Ward 1	Present
Michael Mosley	Council Member, Ward 2	Present
Sheila Montney	Council Member, Ward 3	Present
John Danenberger	Council Member, Ward 4	Present
Mike Straza	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
Abby Scott	Council Member, Ward 9	Present

Recognition/Appointments 

Item 5.A. Presentation of City of Bloomington Police Officer Commission Certificates to Officers Lukas Reinthaler and Tabitha McCall Upon Completion of Their Probationary Period, as requested by the Police Department. 

Police Chief Jamal Simington introduced Officers Lukas Reinthaler and Tabitha McCall and presented each with their Police Officer Commission Certificates.

Item 5.B. Proclamation for Building Safety Month, as requested by the Administration Department. 

Mayor Brady presented the Proclamation, and Chris McAllister, City Building Official, and City Inspectors Eric Leman, Bill Dodd, Clint Kilpatrick, and Gayle Price, were present to accept.

Item 5.C. Recognition of Board & Commission Appointment, as requested by the Administration Department. 

Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, recognized the following appointments: Elicssha Sanders, Connect Transit Board; Alan Lessoff, Historic Preservation Commission; Rachael Mosley, Planning Commission; Cierra Aiden, Special Commission for Safe Communities; and Robert Harris, Special Commission for Safe Communities.

Public Comment 

Mayor Brady made a statement about public comment expectations. The following emailed public comment: (1) Joe Strano, (2) Larry and Kerry Van Gundy, (3) Tom Powell, (4) Krystle Able, (5) Andrew Eberline, and (6) Darlene Dabney. The following spoke in-person: (1) Sabrina Burkiewicz; (2) Matthew Toczko; (3) Robbie Osenga; and (4) Liam Wheeler.

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 Straza, to approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 7.K. 

Item 7.A. Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the April 14, 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 $10,883,926.52, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The  proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.) 

Item 7.C. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding  Requirements and Approving an Amendment to Extend the Agreement with TELUS Health Through May 31, 2028, for the City's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), as requested by the Human Resources Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be  approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 088 

A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT WITH TELUS HEALTH THROUGH MAY 31, 2028, FOR THE CITY'S EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) 

Item 7.D. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding Requirements and Authorizing an Amendment to Extend the Agreement with Holmes Murphy through June 30, 2028, for Insurance Broker Services for the City's Dental, Life, and Health Benefits for Staff, as requested by the Human Resources Department. (Recommended Motion:  The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 090 

A RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT WITH HOLMES MURPHY THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028, FOR INSURANCE BROKER SERVICES FOR THE CITY'S DENTAL, LIFE, AND HEALTH BENEFITS FOR STAFF 

Item 7.E. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Donohue & Associates, Inc., for a Design to Replace the Existing Electrical System at the Water Treatment Plant, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,019,625, as requested by the Water Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 091 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH DONOHUE & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR A DESIGN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,019,625 

Item 7.F. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Donohue & Associates, Inc., for the Design to Replace the Existing Quicklime System with a Hydrated Lime System at the Water Treatment Plant, in an Amount Not to Exceed $489,230, as requested by the Water Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 092 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH DONOHUE & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR THE DESIGN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING QUICKLIME SYSTEM WITH A HYDRATED LIME SYSTEM AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $489,230 

Item 7.G. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving Two Easement  Agreements with Ameren Illinois Company to Further the Construction of the New Northeast Pumping Station, as requested by the Water Department. (Recommended Motion: (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 089 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING TWO EASEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY TO FURTHER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW NORTHEAST PUMPING STATION 

Item 7.H. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of a Joint Agreement with the Town of Normal and the Ecology Action Center for an Energy Efficiency Program, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed  Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 093 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A JOINT AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF NORMAL AND THE ECOLOGY ACTION CENTER FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM 

Item 7.I. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Rejecting the Sole Bid Received for  Bid #2025-43, Authorizing Waiving the Technical Bidding Requirements, and Authorizing City Staff to Negotiate an Agreement with Stark Excavating, Inc. for Construction of the North Main Street portion of the Downtown for Everyone Streetscape Plan, as requested by the Engineering Department and the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 094 

A RESOLUTION REJECTING THE SOLE BID RECEIVED FOR BID #2025-43, AUTHORIZING WAIVING THE TECHNICAL BIDDING REQUIREMENTS, AND AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH STARK 

EXCAVATING, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTH MAIN STREET PORTION OF THE DOWNTOWN FOR EVERYONE STREETSCAPE PLAN 

Item 7.J. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving 1) the Annual Renewal of the Agreement with Flock Group, Inc., for Existing Products, in the Amount of $20,900, and 2) the Annual Renewal of the Agreement with Flock Group, Inc., for Flock OS Software, in the Amount of $38,400, as requested by the Police Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.) 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 – 095 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING 1) THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK GROUP, INC., FOR EXISTING PRODUCTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,900, AND 2) THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK GROUP, INC., FOR FLOCK OS SOFTWARE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,400 

Item 7.K. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Danenberger. Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll: 

AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott Motion carried. 

Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda 

The following Item was presented: 

Item 7.K. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for a Multiple-Family Conversion Dwelling (3+ Units) with a Waiver of § 44-1040A for One Unit, in  the R-2 (Mixed Residence) District, for the Property Located at 707 E. Empire Street (PIN: 21- 04-227-004), as requested by the Legal Department and the Legal Department. 

Council Member Straza recused himself as he was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals when the Item was considered. He left the room at 6:24 P.M.

Council Member Danenberger made a motion, seconded by Council Member Montney, to approve an Ordinance denying a Special Use Permit for 707 E. Empire Street in accordance with the unanimous recommendation by the Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Council Member Ward, due to the current housing crisis, strongly encouraged Council to vote against the current motion as she believed it would force someone to become unhoused.

Council Member Danenberger stated that there were only two units occupied at 707 E. Empire Street, and that no one would be evicted. He reminded Council of the nine-unit Victorian house at 1 White Place that historically remained partially occupied. He shared that the basement units were unlivable and undesirable, similar to the third unit at 707 E. Empire Street. He stressed that one unit would not be a detriment to the housing crisis.

Council Member Hendricks confirmed with Alissa Pemberton, Planning Manager, that the property’s history included a request from a previous owner for a special use permit for a three unit building that had been denied by Council.

Council Member Mosley discussed rental enforcement with Kelly Pfiefer, Development Services Director.

Council Member Ward stated that if denied the current property owner would be penalized for the non-compliance of the previous owner.

Council Member Danenberger disagreed and stated that, based on statements he received by residents near 707 E. Empire, the current owner knew the building was approved for two units only and had attempted to create more units without following required procedure.

Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll: 

AYES: Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Hendricks, Lee, Scott

NAYES: Kearns, Ward

ABSTAIN: Straza

Motion carried. 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025 – 036 

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A MULTIPLE-FAMILY CONVERSION DWELLING (3+ UNITS) WITH A WAIVER OF 44-1040A FOR ONE UNIT, IN THE R-2 (MIXED RESIDENCE) DISTRICT, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 707 E. EMPIRE STREET (PIN: 21-04-227-004) 

Council Member Straza returned to the meeting at 6:35 P.M.

Regular Agenda 

The following Item was presented: 

Item 8.A. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Spheros Environmental Group Parent, Inc. for a Second Algaecide Treatment, in the Amount of $82,534.80, as requested by the Water Department. 

City Manager Jeff Jurgens stated that staff were requesting approval of the proposed water treatment as a contingency in case it was needed based on water testing.

Ed Andrews, Water Director, provided an update on Lakes Bloomington and Evergreen and discussed the 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, as well as continuous water quality monitoring. He shared that, as of late Friday afternoon, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) had reduced water monitoring requirements as they believed the City was at the end of the algae bloom issue and may not need an algaecide treatment.

Council Member Lee and Director Andrews discussed how City staff gather water samples for testing at the IEPA lab in Springfield.

Mayor Brady confirmed water sample testing frequency with Director Andrews.

Council Member Lee made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ward, to approve the Item as presented. 

Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll: 

AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott Motion carried. 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 - 096 

A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH SPHEROS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP PARENT, INC. FOR A SECOND ALGAECIDE TREATMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,534.80 

The following Item was presented: 

Item 8.B. Consideration and Action on a Resolution Supporting the Sale by Connect Transit of 104 E. Oakland Avenue to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a Non-Congregate Shelter  Project, as requested by the Administration Department. 

City Manager Jurgens explained the history of the Item, as well as various opportunities the City had provided for public and Council input.

Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ward, to approve the Item as presented. 

Council Member Hendricks expressed support and thanked Matt Burgess, CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries, and City Administration for their collaboration efforts. He believed this was an opportunity for the City to become a model for compassion and action for the unhoused.

Council Member Montney expressed interest in additional discussion on historical events and data. She reported on the increase of unhoused over the past five years, as well as the need for additional substance abuse resources. She then compared studies from Denver, Colorado and Seattle, Washington.

Council Member Ward strongly supported the Item and agreed that discussions should continue focusing on proactive measures to address root causes of becoming unhoused. She pointed out that the case studies mentioned were not from cities of comparable size.

Council Member Scott noted multiple case studies on similar projects in other Midwest communities and discussed her research into success rates.

Council Member Mosley expressed support for the Item noting Council should continue research into root causes.

Council Member Montey shared questions sent to her by constituents.

Mayor Brady clarified the City’s responsibility into the project and permitting process with City Manager Jurgens. City Manager Jurgens stated that the City had made no direct financial commitments and then he explained the permit approval process.

Council Member Ward made a motion, seconded by Council Member Danenberger, to amend the motion to approve the Resolution with the addition to encourage the Town of Normal to also pass a similar Resolution in support. 

Council Members Hendricks and Mosley expressed concerns with the approval of the Bloomington Resolution being contingent on the Town of Normal approving a similar resolution in support. They were also concerned that tabling it could hinder the project’s timeline.

City Clerk Yocum confirmed with Council Member Hendricks that he agreed to the amended motion. Council Member Hendricks did not support language making the City’s Resolution contingent on the Town of Normal, but did support adding language that encouraged the Town to support the project. Clerk Yocum committed to adding such language if approved.

Council Member Ward and Danenberger withdrew the motion to amend. 

Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll: 

AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott Motion carried. 

RESOLUTION NO. 2025 - 097 

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SALE BY CONNECT TRANSIT OF 104 E. OAKLAND AVENUE TO HOME SWEET HOME MINISTRIES FOR A NON-CONGREGATE SHELTER PROJECT 

City Manager’s Discussion

City Manager Jurgens shared that over 400 Bloomington Junior High 8th Graders were CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) trained at a recent event held by the Fire Department. He then recognized staff for their hard work in obtaining an Aa1 Rating by Moody’s, which is the highest rating. He discussed items that would come before Council at upcoming meetings. He highlighted a successful Family Fun Day at Tipton Park and commented to the successful completion of the Spring Bulk Pick Up.

Mayor's Discussion 

Mayor Brady commented on the Newly Elected Ceremony and expressed excitement to begin his tenure as the new Mayor.

Council Members' Discussion 

No discussion was had.

Executive Session 

No Executive Session was had.

Adjournment 

Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Lee, to adjourn the meeting. 

Mayor Mwilambwe directed the Clerk to call roll: 

AYES: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott Motion carried (viva voce). 

The meeting adjourned at 7:19 P.M.

https://cityblm.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=cityblm_90ebb305cbbc0b29ddc69e192221f064.pdf&view=1