Bloomington Interview Committee Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Interview Committee of the Bloomington City Council met on April 9, 2026, to conduct interviews for appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Commission on Sustainability and Resilience. The committee also discussed concerns regarding a Bloomington Transit board member's residency and received liaison updates.

Historic Preservation Commission Appointments

• The committee learned that applicant Sarah Brinkman had declined to attend, effectively withdrawing from consideration. Council members clarified the term status of incumbent Matt Austin, noting an interim appointment that expired January 31, 2026, with a 90-day buffer until April 30, 2026.
• Council member Zulu reported that former mayoral appointees Reynard Cross and Sam DeSolar were not reappointed by Mayor Thompson. DeSolar declined a council non‑voting seat, but Cross expressed interest.
• The committee voted unanimously to invite Cassie Shelton (after confirming she lives within city limits) and James Hutchison (a new applicant with a background in history and park interpretation) to interview for the Historic Preservation Commission.
• The committee also voted unanimously to appoint Reynard Cross to seat C2 of the Historic Preservation Commission, filling a vacancy when his previous mayor‑appointed term ended.

Concerns Regarding Bloomington Transit Board Member

• Council member Zulu raised a concern that James McLeary, President of the Bloomington Transit Board, may reside in Florida and declared Florida residency for tax purposes while receiving a stipend from BT. McLeary was described as anti‑transit and focused on microtransit. Council members agreed the mayor should investigate where McLeary declares his primary residence, noting the contrast with a county resident recently denied representation on another board.

Liaison Updates

• Council members reported on their liaison roles: one member needed to contact the new chair of the Blue Arts Commission; another noted the RDC (Redevelopment Commission?) is holding frequent executive sessions, limiting visibility into their activities.

Interview and Recommendation for Commission on Sustainability and Resilience

• The committee interviewed Rebecca Payne for seat C3 of the Commission on Sustainability and Resilience. Payne shared her background in urban planning and public health, her current role as a health educator with Purdue Extension in Lawrence County, and her motivation to serve based on civic engagement and concern for her children’s future. She identified climate denial and political polarity as major threats to sustainability, and suggested Bloomington could focus on electric vehicle incentives and solar panel adoption. She emphasized equity and inclusion, noting that the most vulnerable populations (including the elderly) are often left behind.
• Council member Roller, who serves on the commission, explained that the commission meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., has active subcommittees on waste reduction, transportation, and housing, and has recently worked on topics like toxic chemicals, local food, and chicken ordinances.
• The committee voted unanimously to recommend Rebecca Payne’s appointment to the full council for seat C3.

Key Outcomes

• Cassie Shelton and James Hutchison invited to interview for the Historic Preservation Commission on April 15, 2026 (before the council’s deliberation session).
• Reynard Cross appointed to Historic Preservation Commission seat C2 (voice vote: unanimous).
• Rebecca Payne recommended for appointment to Commission on Sustainability and Resilience seat C3 (voice vote: unanimous).
• The committee will raise the Bloomington Transit board member residency issue with Mayor Thompson.
• The next regularly scheduled committee meeting is April 22, 2026.