Bloomington police report cites barking-dog enforcement, junk-cleanup deadlines and park camping incident

Officer Small reported to the Village of Bloomington Board on Aug. 4 that officers have received three complaints about persistent barking at a 4th Street residence and informed the resident that they must reduce the number of dogs to five by Sept. 1, 2025. Officer Small said the resident was cooperative but warned the board that failure to comply could lead to daily citations or an administrative warrant to seize and rehome animals at the owner’s expense.

Officer Small also described follow-ups on multiple junk-cleanup violations, noting most properties were given Sept. 1, 2025 compliance deadlines. One property showed no progress and may face formal enforcement. He reported a junked vehicle on Wall Street had been removed and another vehicle is pending registration; a Bowery Street resident was given 30 days to sell a remaining vehicle.

On park activity, Officer Small said a group from Iowa was found camping after a softball tournament and, because of intoxication levels, were not removed that night; they were advised to apply for a Special Use Permit for future events and left the area clean. He listed other July activity including a suspicious vehicle at Court Street storage units, a domestic disturbance with no charges, two youths shining lights into homes on 1st Street, and a non-criminal harassment dispute where a restraining-order option was discussed.

Officer Small told the board the department has received new uniforms, a village truck is being used for ordinance enforcement, business cards have been ordered, and a new police phone number is active. He recommended a future committee meeting to plan equipment to enable traffic-enforcement capabilities. Board members asked for patrol focus on Mill Street stop-sign concerns raised by a resident.