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Council votes: UDO update adopted; storm debris fund approved; personnel funding hearing continued
Summary
At its Sept. 18 meeting the Bloomington Common Council adopted Ordinance 20-24-17 (UDO amendments) 8–0, approved a $500,000 appropriation for storm debris removal 7–1, continued the public hearing on appropriation 20-24-03 (public works personnel funding) to Oct. 1 (7–1), and approved personnel appointments including hiring recommendation for the council administrator/attorney and appointment of Katie Yoder to the Parking Commission.
The Bloomington Common Council recorded several formal actions on Sept. 18, 2024. Key outcomes and motions from the meeting are summarized below.
Ordinance 20-24-17 (Title 20 UDO amendments) — Adopted 8–0 The council adopted amendments to Title 20 to align grading/erosion permitting with Title 13 (stormwater) and state IDEM rules and to adjust steep-slope regulations. Council approved Amendment 1 clarifying that construction measures apply to slopes 12% or greater but less than 25%. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote of 8–0.
Appropriation Ordinance 20-24-04 (storm debris removal) — Adopted 7–1 Council approved an additional appropriation of $500,000 from the Public Works General Fund to cover third-party contracts and related storm-response expenses arising from the June 25 supercell storm. Corporation counsel summarized preliminary storm costs (overtime, equipment, materials and contracts totaling preliminary estimates) and said the city will pursue FEMA/state reimbursement. The appropriation passed by roll call 7–1.
Appropriation Ordinance 20-24-03 (facilities asset & operations coordinator) — public hearing continued to Oct. 1 (7–1) Council introduced an additional appropriation request (approximately $72,000) to fund a new public-works personnel position and to replenish a temporary-employee budget line. After extensive council questioning about timing, use of temporary funds and whether transfers would be preferable, the council voted 7–1 to continue the public hearing to Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. so Public Works Director Adam Wason can attend.
Hiring and appointment actions - Hiring committee: Council accepted the hiring committee's recommendation and moved to hire Lisa (transcript shows both "Lehner" and "Leonard" in different places) for the council administrator/attorney position with a $104,089 salary, contingent on background check and active Indiana law license; motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. - Appointments: The council appointed Katie Yoder to Parking Commission seat C2 (motion moved and seconded; voice vote passed).
Public comment highlights During public comment several residents criticized the Capital Improvement Board's process for the convention center expansion and urged better public engagement; others (Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce) supported completing the project to community standards while urging fiscal caution on personnel costs and long-term budgets.
What comes next The council will reconvene on Oct. 1 for a regular session (second readings and continued hearings) and will hold a special session Oct. 30 for salary ordinances. The appropriation 20-24-03 public hearing will continue Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.; public works director attendance was requested.
