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Commission hears updates on grants, energy projects and a volunteer call to draft chicken ordinance language
Summary
Commissioners reviewed organizational staffing and vacancies, learned of local grant opportunities (Monroe County waste-reduction grant, neighborhood grant tax/form issue), heard staff updates on a $60 million clean-energy project portfolio and Earth Day outreach, and were asked to volunteer to draft ordinance language for a poultry flock-size recommendation.
The Bloomington Commission on Sustainability and Resilience used part of its April meeting to share staffing and program updates, identify grant opportunities and ask for volunteer help drafting municipal code language on backyard poultry.
Chair Justin Vassel reported the commission currently has 12 of 14 seats filled and reminded commissioners of an upcoming O'Neal School capstone presentation on sustainable energy utilities scheduled for April 28. He also said Resolution 2026-02 (automated license plate reader technology) had been distributed to most offices but that the Monroe County Sheriff’s contact information remained elusive.
Public comment and grants: Ellie Spear, a community volunteer, said she received a 1099-NEC for a neighborhood grant that was intended for supplies, creating an unexpected tax liability. She urged the commission to review application and disbursement processes and offered to help neighbors navigate them. Commissioner Matt Austin highlighted a Monroe County Waste Reduction District grant (deadline May 15) with about $17,000 available and an individual award cap he said was roughly $5,000.
Energy and outreach updates: Staff reported that Bloomington Energy Works staff collected project proposals totaling an estimated $60 million for a clean-energy public–private partnership plan to pursue low-cost financing for local projects across Monroe County; staff also noted an energy audit being completed for Bloomington High School South and described tree plantings under a cool-corridor grant. The staff liaison reminded commissioners the commission will staff a table at Earth Day on April 18 at Switchyard Park.
Poultry ordinance follow-up: The commission asked for a volunteer to convert a previously passed policy recommendation (Resolution 2025-01) into draft ordinance language changing allowable flock sizes based on property size; one commissioner offered to provide existing permit documentation to help draft the change.
What comes next: staff said it will circulate notices for upcoming meetings, publish minutes and follow up on the grant processes and the request to draft ordinance language. The items not completed during the meeting will be carried to the May agenda.
