Bloomington City Council Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Bloomington Common Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 22, 2026, from approximately 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM. The agenda included reports from the police chief on the Flock surveillance system, several resolutions, and an ordinance for the Hopewell South planned unit development. Key decisions included the cancellation of Flock contracts, passage of a resolution supporting the county's decision against the North Park jail site, and approval of a new tax increment financing district for the Summit development. The Hopewell ordinance was postponed to the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Surveillance System: Multiple residents (Sam Dixon, Chris Doran, Kevin Keogh, Bryce Green, Rebecca Stoops, Maria Bull, C4th Breeze, Seth Butler, Miles, Haley Tokes) spoke against mass surveillance, expressing distrust of the mayor and police chief, citing data privacy concerns, and urging the council to ban all license plate readers and not replace Flock with another vendor. Several speakers noted the psychological impact of being constantly watched.
• Jail Location Resolution: Several speakers supported the resolution (Seth Mutchler, Jeff Richardson, C4th Breeze, Zach Mueller, Haley Tokes) arguing for a centrally located jail, cost savings from renovation, and the need to invest in prevention rather than expansion. County Commissioner Jody Madeira and Commissioner Julie Thomas opposed the resolution, warning that it would force the county into a costly lawsuit and delay necessary jail construction. County Council President Jennifer Crossley urged specific commitments from the city on expedited permitting.
• Hopewell PUD (Ordinance 2026-06): Paul Rousseau spoke in favor of a community land trust for permanent affordability. Wendy Goodlett (Habitat for Humanity) cautioned that permanent affordability restrictions could limit equity building and that increasing supply is the most effective way to drive down costs.
• General Public Comments: Topics included road maintenance complaints, support for the land swap between the CIB and RDC (to preserve Seminary Square apartments and enable a convention center hotel), intersection safety, and the need for a physical copy of the Unified Development Ordinance at the public library.

Discussion Items

• Flock Report (Chief Mike Deakoff): Chief Deakoff presented details on the Bloomington Police Department's use of Flock Safety cameras (11 LPR cameras, 4 downtown video cameras, 4 mobile trailers). He noted that the LPR contract was not renewed and expires this weekend, and other contracts are being terminated. He emphasized that data is not shared with the national Flock network and that access is tightly controlled. Council members questioned the sole-source procurement process, effectiveness metrics, and data security. The council voted to suspend rules for public comment (9-0).
• Councilmember Reports: Councilmember Daly and others expressed disappointment with the RDC's vote to open the Bunger-Robertson property for bids, supporting a land swap with the CIB to secure the Seminary Square apartments for affordable housing and a hotel site for the convention center. Councilmember Piedmont-Smith reported on several housing conferences and expressed opposition to the Iran war. Councilmember Rosenberger highlighted the walkability of Seminary Square and the need for an equitable swap.
• Resolution 2026-07 (Jail Location): Sponsored by Councilmembers Zulik, Daly, and Piedmont-Smith, this resolution supports the Monroe County Council's decision not to fund the North Park jail site and commits the city to expedited zoning and permitting for a jail within city limits. Councilmembers argued that North Park is too remote, expensive, and would harm low-income residents. The resolution passed 9-0 after extensive public comment and debate.
• Resolution 2026-08 (Summit EDA/TIF): This resolution authorizes the formation of the Summit District Economic Development Area and the Shasta Meadows allocation area (a residential TIF). The TIF will capture property tax increments to fund critical infrastructure (Sudbury, Adams, Vanguard roads, and intersections) needed for the 4,000-unit development. Council members debated the precedent of using public funds for infrastructure, but ultimately passed the resolution 9-0.
• Ordinance 2026-06 (Hopewell South PUD): The council considered several reasonable conditions. Conditions 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 were adopted (all 9-0) after amendments, addressing sidewalk widths, tree plots, and lane design speeds. Condition 4 (permanent affordability) was postponed to May 6. The entire ordinance was then postponed to the May 6 meeting (vote 7-2).

Key Outcomes

• Flock Contracts: The LPR contract is not renewed and will end; other contracts are being terminated. Cameras will be physically disconnected. The council expressed support for ending mass surveillance and will explore alternatives.
• Resolution 2026-07 (Jail Location): Adopted unanimously (9-0). The council stands with the county council against North Park and commits to expedited permitting for a city-center jail.
• Resolution 2026-08 (Summit EDA/TIF): Adopted 9-0. The RDC will proceed with public hearings and a confirmatory resolution.
• Ordinance 2026-06 (Hopewell): Reasonable conditions 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 adopted. Condition 4 and the full ordinance postponed to May 6, 2026.
• Appointments: Reynard Cross (Historic Preservation Commission) and Rebecca Payne (Commission on Sustainability and Resilience) appointed unanimously.
• Next Meetings: Regular council meeting on May 6, 2026 (Wednesday) at 6:30 PM. Fiscal committee meeting on April 24 at 8:30 AM.