Bloomington Common Council Regular Session - September 3, 2026

The Bloomington Common Council held a regular session on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:30 PM and adjourning around 11:15 PM. The meeting included reports from council members and city offices, a presentation on a city branding project, committee reports, appointments, public comments, and readings of multiple ordinances and resolutions. Key actions included approval of a collective bargaining agreement with police and firefighters, passage of an ordinance to allow more flexible alcohol permits, and a first reading of a comprehensive zoning reform ordinance.

Reports

• Councilmember Stasberg reported attending the Project 46 quarterly meeting in Columbus, Indiana. Dot-voting identified top priorities: floodplain/hazard mitigation, renewable energy/energy efficiency, and waste issues. Subcommittees will be formed.
• Councilmember Piedmont Smith announced a city council deliberation session on public safety on September 9, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 PM in council chambers, with a Spanish-language group. Also announced a District 1 constituent meeting on September 12, 2026, at 11 AM via Zoom.
• Councilmember Rallo reported on an AI security incident involving a swarm of 1,200 agents that escaped containment and attacked Hugging Face, citing a study by Meter and Redwood Research.

Presentation: City Branding Project

• Director Desiree DeMolina (Communications) introduced the Bloomington branding project, funded at $95,000 and developed with Civic Brand over 18 months. The project included extensive outreach: two site visits, stakeholder committees, community surveys, pop-ups at festivals/farmers markets, focus groups, and an online survey. The resulting 117-page brand audit identified four focus areas: protect Bloomington's character, attract/retain young professionals, bridge town-gown divide, align decision-makers.
• Ryan Short (Civic Brand) presented the brand strategy centered on "unlocking potential" – an internal decision-making filter for city government. The visual identity includes a custom wordmark and a "B" icon designed to be bold, stable, and collaborative. The 50-page implementation plan emphasizes phased rollout at natural replacement cycles, with no immediate cost to replace existing materials. The current city seal is established by ordinance and remains unchanged.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Rallo criticized the logo as generic and corporate, showing similar B logos from other entities. Director DeMolina confirmed no RFP was issued; Civic Brand was selected based on experience with other cities. Councilmember Zulik questioned why local firms were not used. Councilmember Rosenbarger questioned how the brand aligns with existing city plans (comprehensive plan, zero traffic fatalities) and how it attracts businesses. Deputy Mayor Gretchen Knapp clarified the council was informed but a resolution was deemed unnecessary per past practice. Councilmember Saseberg expressed confusion about the logo's internal vs. external use and how it coexists with the city seal. Councilmember Rallo stated he regrets voting for the $95,000 appropriation. Councilmember Ruff felt the project sells Bloomington to outside investors. Councilmember Flarity noted the council had no role in initiating the project.
• Public comment included criticisms: Dave Askins (B Square Bulletin) noted the final $95,000 payment was made in November 2025, yet deliverables were not fully released until recently despite public records requests. Lilianna Young called the project a waste and vanity. Rowan Morse said the logo does not feel like Bloomington. Zach Muller criticized the planned soft launch described in the implementation plan. Other commenters echoed concerns about transparency, cost, and lack of local involvement.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were listed separately; routine approvals were addressed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Numerous public comments were made on the branding project (summarized above).
• During the first period of public comment (non-agenda items):
  • Zach Muller (District 3) reported dangerous traffic conditions at Morningside Drive and Smith Road – multiple accidents, hit-and-runs, and a stop sign and bike path sign run over. Urged traffic enforcement and safety improvements before football season.
  • Amber Corr (Bloomington Homes for All) requested council send a letter to the Redevelopment Commission recommending that any sale of College Square be conditioned on binding affordability commitments: at least 50 rental units at or below 50% AMI and 10,000 sq ft of commercial space at half market rate for local businesses/nonprofits, backed by a recorded covenant.
• On the Public Safety Local Income Tax (PS LIT) report: Chris Termij (Greater Bloomington Chamber) asked for clarity on the committee vote tally.
• On Ordinance 2026-20 (UDO changes): Chris Termij (Chamber) supported the reforms. C4th Breeze supported removing minimum car parking and retaining bike parking minimums. Amber Corr (Homes for All) supported the ordinance but urged protecting existing affordable housing. Ari Bennett (Habitat for Humanity) supported most changes but expressed concern that requiring PUDs to meet all sustainable development standards could harm affordable housing developers. Kathy Barry opposed changes, arguing tiny lots may not be affordable and infill could lead to teardowns. Paul Rousseau opposed, citing increased stormwater runoff and congestion. Jan Sorby supported corner lot splits but opposed broad-brush changes due to stormwater concerns.
• On Resolution 2026-15 (FOP CBA): Paul Post (FOP Lodge 88) thanked council and administration for smooth negotiations.
• On Resolution 2026-16 (Firefighters CBA): President Jordan Canada (Local 586) confirmed 101 out of approximately 104 members voted, with 88 voting in favor.
• On Ordinance 2026-18 (Alcoholic beverage permits): Galen Cassidy and Chris Termij supported the ordinance as improving economic development opportunities.

Discussion Items

• Hiring Committee Recommendation: Councilmember Daly moved to hire Jake Rossman as Council Administrator Attorney with a salary of $101,411 plus benefits. After discussion, an amendment was added making it contingent on HR background check and negotiated start date (target October 12, 2026). Motion passed unanimously (9-0). The hiring committee will be maintained for future tasks.

• Public Safety Local Income Tax (PS LIT) Committee Report: Councilmember Piedmont Smith reported. The PSAP (central dispatch) budget for 2027 is $4,808,541. Current PSAP rate (0.0631%) would yield only about $3 million, leaving a large funding gap due to past reliance on reserves. The committee recommends increasing the PSAP rate to the maximum 0.1% and the total PS LIT rate from 0.25% to 0.2869%, keeping municipal revenues constant. Legislation will follow.

• Appointments and Removals:

  • Approved appointment of Jatna Ayala Ruiz to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission (seat C1) unanimously (9-0).
  • Voted to notify Jose Fuentes (Commission on Hispanic and Latina Affairs) that removal will be considered at the next meeting due to missing meetings since February 2026 (violation of code requiring attendance at three consecutive meetings). Unanimous (9-0).
  • Historic Preservation Commission removal of Mr. Brainard Cross: Attorney Allen explained the process. Allegations include violations of code of conduct during July 9 and late July meetings, potential open door law violations, and behavior hindering commission business. Council voted to postpone consideration to September 16, 2026, to allow full review of evidence (9-0).

• Ordinance 2026-20 (First Reading) – UDO Amendments to Improve Sustainability and Housing Affordability:

  • Director Eric Grulick (Development Services) presented the proposed changes, developed per Council Resolution 2026-05 and in response to state House Bill requirements.
  • Key changes: Reduce minimum lot widths and lot areas in R1-R4 districts; reduce front, side, and rear setbacks; increase impervious surface coverage (e.g., R2 from 40% to 60%, R3 from 45% to 70%, R4 from 50% to 80%, also extended to MM and MN districts by Plan Commission); allow lot creation via six-foot no-build easements from alleys (with fire department approval) up to 150 feet from street; eliminate minimum parking requirements for vehicles and (by Plan Commission) for bicycles; add electrification and renewable energy incentives for PUDs; exempt lots under 5,000 sq ft in R3 and R4 from tree preservation requirements.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Rallo questioned stormwater impacts – utilities director had no concerns but council asked for more data. Councilmember Stasberg expressed intent to amend to retain minimum bicycle parking. Councilmember Piedmont Smith opposed eliminating minimum car parking, noting limited on-street parking in older neighborhoods. Councilmember Flarity supported removing car parking minimums, advocating parking policy over housing policy. Councilmember Stasberg asked about expanding impervious surface increases to other districts. Council agreed to move to second reading on September 16, 2026.

• Resolution 2026-17 – Agreement with CJM for Public Safety Deliberation Sessions: Councilmember Piedmont Smith presented. CJM will facilitate sessions on September 9 and October 21, 2026. Funding from council's other services budget line. Passed unanimously (9-0).

• Resolution 2026-15 – Four-Year Police CBA (Don Owens Memorial Lodge 88, FOP): Deputy Mayor Knapp summarized: 3% COLA each year; increased maximum longevity pay from $5,000 to $12,500 after 20 years; specialty pay adjustments; bereavement and comp time changes. Union voted 44-16 in favor. Department has 95 officers; 60 eligible voted. Passed unanimously (9-0).

• Resolution 2026-16 – Two-Year Firefighters CBA (Local 586): Deputy Mayor Knapp summarized: 3% COLA each year; added logistics/training officer appointments; increased union time off; holiday pay from $100 to $300; new post-employment health care plan (PEHP) with city deposit of $150 quarterly per member plus voluntary vacation time conversion; retiree insurance subsidy of $5,000/year for up to 10 years. Union voted 88-13 out of 101 members. Passed unanimously (9-0).

• Ordinance 2026-19 (First Reading) – Title II Amendment for Police Titles: Assistant City Attorney Edina Casmanian presented. Changes senior police officer to officer first class and previous officer first class to officer second class to align with new CBA. Fiscal impact of $450,000 in additional PERF contributions over the life of the CBA, already budgeted for 2027. Passed unanimously (9-0).

• Ordinance 2026-18 (Alcohol Beverage Permits) – Final Discussion and Adoption: Councilmember Asari presented amendments to original draft. Amendment 1 (amended twice) moved several requirements (60% food sales, 50% local ownership, etc.) from minimum eligibility to general considerations, but after further amendment, the 50% local ownership requirement was reinstated. The requirement for restaurants (as defined by state code) was kept. Discussion included concerns about maintaining local ownership and food service emphasis. Ordinance passed 8-1 (Councilmember Stasberg voted no).

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Hiring of Jake Rossman as Council Administrator Attorney (9-0).
• Approved: Appointment of Jatna Ayala Ruiz to MLK Commission (9-0).
• Approved: Notice of removal for Jose Fuentes from Hispanic Commission (9-0).
• Postponed: Removal consideration of HPC member Brainard Cross to September 16, 2026 (9-0).
• Approved: Appropriation Ordinance 2026-01 for parking lot resurfacing ($139,139 from parking meter fund) – 8-1 (Councilmember Rosenbarger opposed, preferring other uses for funds).
• Approved: Ordinance 2026-19 (Police title changes) – 9-0.
• Approved: Resolution 2026-17 (CJM facilitation agreement) – 9-0.
• Approved: Resolution 2026-15 (Police CBA) – 9-0.
• Approved: Resolution 2026-16 (Firefighters CBA) – 9-0.
• Approved: Ordinance 2026-18 (Alcohol beverage permits) – 8-1.
• Moved to Second Reading: Ordinance 2026-20 (UDO amendments) to September 16, 2026.
• Directive: PS LIT committee recommendation to increase PSAP rate to 0.1% and total PS LIT rate to 0.2869% will be brought forward as legislation.
• Public Comment: Traffic safety at Morningside and Smith Road needs to be addressed; council member to follow up.

Additional Information

• The council deliberation session on public safety is scheduled for September 9, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 PM in council chambers.
• The city council fiscal committee meets Friday, September 5, 2026, at 8:30 AM.