Park board approves Centerstone partnership, security renewal, Banneker repairs, market fee changes and tree‑program contracts

The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners approved a series of service agreements and program contracts during its January meeting, voting to move forward with a Centerstone partnership, an MSI security renewal, Banneker roof repairs, a farmers‑market fee change for food trucks, and several tree‑assistance contracts.

Amy Landback, operations coordinator, recommended approving a partnership agreement with Centerstone of Indiana totaling $538,000 — $381,000 for public‑works services and $147,000 for Parks and Recreation. The parks portion covers rotating crews that visit parks on a schedule and staffed coverage at the Switchyard restroom building; staff said crews typically run three people on rotation with one to two staff at Switchyard depending on need. "This crew has really helped us extend our reach and be able to cover more ground and have more boots on the ground daily," Landback said.

The board also approved a one‑year renewal of the MSI security contract at existing terms; staff described typical coverage as one officer from 7 to 9 p.m., two officers from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and overnight coverage at Switchyard Park year‑round, with an hourly rate of about $28.69 and a holiday rate of about $43.04. Commissioners noted current ARPA funds are covering security costs now but emphasized the need to monitor funding for 2027 and beyond.

Kevin Terrell presented a contract with B and L Sheet Metal to address longstanding water infiltration at the Banneker Community Center; the project will use a $20,000 Black Heritage grant with the remainder of costs from nonreverting funds. Terrell said the work focuses on drainage and sealing to stop gymnasium leaks and that historical‑sensitive renderings were approved.

Clarence Boone recommended increasing the Bloomington Community Farmers Market food‑truck fee structure: single‑space vendors will continue to pay $35 per week; vendors requiring more than one market space will be charged $50 per week. Boone said the change arose from advisory‑council consultation and aims for equitable fees tied to space usage and generator/noise considerations.

Haskell Smith, urban forester, outlined the tree assistance program contracts: Davie Resource Group (removals/mitigation) not to exceed $36,910 funded in part by ESD; Canopy Bloomington to plant up to 12 replacement trees not to exceed $4,770 (also ESD funds); JR Ellington Tree Expert Company and Bluestone Tree LLC service agreements for hazard tree removals and pruning, each not to exceed $25,000 from the general fund. Board members approved each agreement on separate motions.

All motions were moved, seconded and carried on voice votes. Staff indicated these agreements are intended to address operational needs (security and restroom staffing), facility preservation (Banneker repairs), market management (fee equity), and urban‑forest health and hazard mitigation.