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Council approves Smith Park joint-use amendment and adopts ordinance on existing towers
Summary
The Bloomington City Council approved an amended shared-use agreement for Smith Park that shifts maintenance responsibilities and adopted a privately initiated city code amendment allowing existing camouflaged towers at former places of assembly sites to remain when those sites are redeveloped; both measures passed unanimously (6–0).
The Bloomington City Council on May 11 approved two administrative items that move local planning and park operations forward.
Council members unanimously (6–0) authorized an amendment to the shared parking and use agreement for Smith Park that clarifies access and transfers maintenance responsibility for a privately owned football field back to the property owner. Planning staff told the council the amendment does not change property ownership; it reduces the city’s maintenance obligations and, according to staff, will save the city roughly $6,000–$8,000 a year in field upkeep.
The motion to authorize execution of the amendment was made by Council member Lohmann and seconded by Council member Robertson; the council voted to accept the consent item without further amendment.
Separately, the council adopted a privately initiated ordinance to allow existing telecommunications towers that are camouflaged as bell towers, steeples or similar structures to remain on former places of assembly sites when those sites are redeveloped. Planning staff explained the change responds to redevelopment constraints created by long-term property rights associated with tower installations. Mike Palermo, representing the HRA, told the council the tower site at Saint Mark’s holds a permanent easement rather than a lease, a factor that complicates negotiations.
Council member D’Alessandro moved the ordinance and Council member Rivas seconded; the council approved both the ordinance and a resolution for summary publication by a 6–0 vote.
What happens next: The ordinance amends chapter 21 of the city code as summarized in the council motion; staff and the HRA will continue to work with developers and property owners to implement the code change and address site-specific design and access details.
Votes at a glance
- Smith Park shared-use agreement amendment (consent item 3.3): Motion to authorize the mayor and city manager to execute an amended shared parking and use agreement for Smith Park and the Dar Afaruk property. Mover: Council member Lohmann; Second: Council member Robertson; Outcome: Approved 6–0.
- Ordinance to allow existing towers at former places of assembly (item 4.1): Motion to amend chapter 21 of the city code to allow existing, camouflaged towers to remain on redeveloped former places of assembly sites. Mover: Council member D’Alessandro; Second: Council member Rivas; Outcome: Approved 6–0.
No public speakers addressed item 4.1 during the hearing. The council authorized summary publication of the ordinance at the same meeting.
