Bloomington City Council Meeting – May 21, 2026

Note: The transcript begins with the mayor stating it is Wednesday, May 20, but the instructions specify the meeting date as 2026-05-21. This discrepancy is noted.

The Common Council met on May 21, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:38 PM. The meeting included reports from two commissions, first reading of an ordinance to codify a seasonal carless Kirkwood Avenue, and second readings and votes on several resolutions and ordinances related to housing affordability, sustainability, and historic preservation.

Reports from Council Members

• Councilmember Stasberg noted that May 21 is the last day of school for MCCSC students, congratulating students, teachers, and staff. She also announced open office hours on Saturday, May 30, at the farmers market.
• Councilmember P. Mutt Smith reported on land purchased for the convention center expansion, now being deeded to the Capital Improvement Board (CIB). She noted a coalition (Bloomington Homes for All and DSA Housing Working Group) is seeking to preserve and expand affordable housing and commercial space at Seminary Point. Smith mentioned extending leases until the end of August for tenants, and that a land swap with the RDC’s College Square site has been proposed. She will work with colleagues to send a unified message to the RDC.
• Councilmember Flaherty gave a follow-up on the snow removal deliberation session, highlighting that city-owned properties (e.g., College Square) also had sidewalk clearing gaps. He noted that the RDC lease puts snow removal responsibility on the tenant, but city code assigns it to the property owner. He suggested enforcement improvements.
• Councilmember Zulik reminded council members to check in with their assigned board/commission liaisons as per Resolution 2025-15.
• Councilmember Rallo raised concerns about infrastructure conditions, loss of owner-occupied housing to rentals, and the proliferation of data centers (citing a county pause on AI data centers until July).

Commission Reports

Commission on the Status of Black Males (James Sanders)

Presented the 2025 annual report. Key programs: Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow Awards (4 recipients), Black Barbershop Health Initiative (health screenings at Juneteenth, over 100 participants), National Million Father March (40+ volunteers at Fairview Elementary), Black Male Youth Summit (67 students), and Winter Wonderland (holiday event for over 100 families). The commission is now at full membership. Plans for 2026 include expanding partnerships and sustaining signature programs. Councilmember P. Mutt Smith asked about Winter Wonderland and resources; Sanders noted a budget and donations support events.

Commission on the Status of Children and Youth (Aaron Reynolds Nylen)

Presented 2025 highlights: SWAGGE Awards (Students Who Act Generously Grow and Earn Respect) – largest ever with 179 attendees and 23 nominations; Read for the Record (120+ shared reading experiences); participation in Million Father March and Winter Wonderland. For 2026, priorities include establishing a teen liaison and continuing partnerships. The commission secured nearly $4,000 in additional sponsorships. Councilmember Rallo asked if resources are a barrier; Nylen said funding limits, especially for SWAGGA, which operates on about $2,000 annually.

Public Comments & Testimony (First Session)

No members of the public signed up to speak.

Discussion Items

Ordinance 2026-12 – Carless Kirkwood (First Reading)

Sponsored by Councilmembers Daly and Rosenbarger. This ordinance amends Title 15 to codify the seasonal closure of specific blocks of Kirkwood Avenue to vehicular traffic from April through November, making it a permanent city standard rather than a year-to-year pilot. It also includes an alley between Fourth and Kirkwood east of Walnut that is already closed. The city engineer may temporarily reopen the street in emergencies for up to 90 days. Discussion included:

• Legal authority: Council Attorney Allen stated initial reading suggests council has authority, but the administration may have a differing viewpoint. A legal memo was requested.
• Timeline: Sponsors hope to implement partially this season; Director Cooper Smith noted current parklet investments and programming plans, expressing concern about immediate full closure.
• Accessibility: Councilmember Zulik raised issues with First Christian Church and Stone Belt access via Kirkwood; outreach to the Council for Community Accessibility is ongoing.
• Public comment: Several speakers supported the ordinance, arguing it enhances quality of place and encourages investment. Others opposed, citing loss of parking, library access, and lack of infrastructure. The Chamber of Commerce urged careful planning before permanent closure.
• The Transportation Commission will discuss the ordinance as an agenda item on June 8, with potential recommendation.
• The motion to move to second reading on June 3 passed 9-0.

Resolution 2026-05 – UDO Amendments for Sustainability and Affordability (Second Reading)

Councilmember Flaherty presented a resolution directing the Plan Commission to consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding: 1) reduction of minimum lot widths, areas, and setbacks; 2) sustainability incentives for building electrification; and 3) elimination of minimum parking requirements. An amendment (1a) corrected a code citation and bifurcated the plan commission process (60 days for public hearing, then 60 days to vote). Discussion focused on policy aims to enable smaller homes, reduce housing costs, and promote electrification. Public comment: One speaker opposed, citing potential negative impacts on neighborhood character and parking. Another supported, urging comprehensive reform. The resolution passed 9-0.

Resolution 2026-06 – Framework for Long-term Housing Affordability (Second Reading)

Councilmember Zulik’s resolution directs the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) department to develop a legally permissible framework for ensuring long-term affordability of city-supported housing units, including silent second mortgages, rights of first refusal, and shared equity mechanisms. HAND must present findings within 120 days. Councilmember Stasberg expressed frustration with HAND’s past performance and voted no; others supported as a needed step. The resolution passed 7-2.

Ordinance 2026-07 – Cottage Grove Conservation District (Second Reading)

Ordinance designates the Cottage Grove neighborhood (122 properties) as a conservation district under Title 8. The neighborhood features homes from the pre- and post-WWI era, folk Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman styles, many built by Showers Furniture employees. Extensive public debate: supporters emphasized preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, neighborhood character, and walkability; opponents argued it restricts density and affordability, imposes burdens on property owners, and limits development near campus. Councilmember Stasberg raised concerns about the eventual transition to a historic district and guideline adoption process. The ordinance passed 7-1.

Ordinances 2026-08 through 2026-11 – UDO Technical Amendments (Second Reading)

Planning Services Manager Mr. Grulich presented four ordinances containing numerous technical corrections and procedural changes, including:

• Replacement of the determinate sidewalk variance process with a payment-in-lieu option (funds go to the Alternative Transportation Fund; Transportation Commission approves).
• Recalculation of parking lot landscaping requirements to align with county standards.
• Removal of the standardized business ordinance language (deemed unenforceable). All four ordinances passed unanimously (7-0 each).

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2026-12 (Carless Kirkwood) moved to second reading on June 3, 2026, after first reading and public comment.
• Resolution 2026-05 (UDO sustainability/affordability) adopted 9-0, directing Plan Commission to prepare amendments.
• Resolution 2026-06 (Housing affordability framework) adopted 7-2.
• Ordinance 2026-07 (Cottage Grove Conservation District) adopted 7-1.
• Ordinances 2026-08 through 2026-11 (UDO technical amendments) all adopted 7-0.
• The council adjourned after clearing its agenda.