Bloomington City Council Meeting Summary: September 14, 2026

The Bloomington City Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM (CT) in council chambers and via remote participation. The meeting covered proclamations, consent agenda, adoption of the preliminary 2027 tax levy and budget, annual assessment hearings, and a rezoning request for James Avenue City Homes. The council extended the meeting twice, first to 9:30 PM and then to 10:00 PM, to address the full agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 3.1–3.11 and 3.13–3.24 (24 items total) by a 7-0 roll call vote.
• Item 3.12 (Advisory Board of Health bylaws and rules of procedure) was held by Councilmember Lowman, who voted no; the item passed 6-1 with Lowman in opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tax Levy (4.1): Two speakers addressed the preliminary 2027 levy. Matt Hallett argued the levy was not high enough given climate and federal policy challenges, and expressed concerns about Axon technology (related to police drones) and its ties to ICE. Dan Bell urged the council to consider the cumulative burden of rising taxes on seniors and fixed-income residents, and called for more efficient spending.
• Assessment Hearings (4.3–4.7):
  • Marlis Johansson (phone) questioned why unpaid assessments don't appear on title searches when properties sell, specifically regarding civil fines.
  • Matt Hallett suggested debt forgiveness programs for stormwater drainage and encouraged native landscaping to reduce water use.
  • Mohammed Abdel Hafiz (on 4.6) appealed a $155 charge for removal of nine leaf bags that had been placed to block drafts while he was out of the country. The council later exempted his property from the assessment.
• Rezoning – James Avenue City Homes (4.8): Several residents opposed the project:
  • Kathy Jones (neighbor) asked why R1 zoning could not be used and opposed changing to R3, citing increased traffic and incompatibility with the neighborhood.
  • Luann Mikhail questioned the traffic analysis, predicting higher daily trips than estimated.
  • Jan Miller and Scott Deers expressed concerns about height, parking, construction impacts, and the loss of a maintained home at 9033 James.
  • Dan Bell argued the project would not provide truly affordable housing.
  • Matt Hallett suggested the city explore eco-village concepts and better stormwater management.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations & Honors:

  • International Day of Peace (September 21) – proclaimed by Mayor Busse. The youth commissioner was absent but the proclamation was read.
  • National Suicide Prevention Month and Week – proclaimed; Jen Owens from SAVE praised Bloomington’s postvention LOSS Team.
  • Hatch Bloomington 2026 winners honored – five existing local businesses received a total of $124,000 (Port Authority added $24,000 to the original $100,000). Winners: Auto's Auto Body (collision repair), Afghan Darvand (restaurant), Nine Mile Brewing (taproom), Bloomington Garden Center, and Zeke's Place (diner).
  • New public works employees introduced: Amy Hiam (fleet support), Everly Goleman (equipment operator), Jacob Stone (service technician).
  • Paige Roman appointed to the Merit Board (7-0 vote) to fill a vacancy.

• Preliminary 2027 Tax Levy & Budget (4.1/4.2): Finance Director Kari Carlson presented a proposed 6.64% increase in the city levy ($100.2 million). Key drivers: public safety staffing (fire department transition), new technology (drone-first responder, Axon platform), and the new Community Health & Wellness Center opening in 2027. A $1.9 million debt levy reduction from the Capital and Debt Management Fund helped offset the increase. The median-value home would see a $128.49 annual increase ($2.47/week). The council discussed inflationary pressures, staffing, and reserve policies. Councilmembers expressed support, citing thorough community engagement and transparent breakdowns. The 2027 preliminary levy and budget passed 7-0. The conceptual 2028 budget also passed 7-0.

• Assessment Hearings (4.3–4.7): Staff presented the annual process for delinquent utilities, tree removal, weed/brush removal, public nuisance abatement, and civil fines. After public testimony, the council closed each hearing and adopted the assessment rolls with one exception: on 4.6 (nuisance abatement), the council voted to exempt 8724 Crest Road ($155 charge) due to extenuating circumstances (property owner was out of country caring for ill mother). All other assessments were approved unanimously.

• Rezoning – James Avenue City Homes (4.8): Applicant Steve Furlong seeks to rezone two parcels (9025 and 9033 James Avenue) from R1 to R3, approve a final site and building plan for nine detached townhomes, and plat the lots. The property is guided Medium Density Residential in the Comp Plan. Planning Commission recommended approval with a construction management plan condition. During council discussion, concerns were raised about:

  • Lack of guarantee on final building design (conceptual plans show 20-ft height, but R3 allows up to 50 ft).
  • Traffic generation (staff estimated 66 new daily trips; residents argued it could be higher).
  • Construction impacts and duration.
  • Whether the project truly provides affordable housing (lot prices ~$120k, homes expected $400k–$600k).
  • The need for more information on the construction management plan, potential height restrictions, and compatibility with the neighborhood. Councilmember Lowman expressed reluctance to approve the R3 rezoning without clearer certainty about final development. Councilmember Nelson noted that if rezoned to R3, any code-compliant structure could be built, subject to setback and other standards. After extensive discussion, the council voted 7-0 to table the item to the October 12, 2026 meeting, directing staff to provide additional information and clarification.

Key Outcomes

• 2027 Preliminary Tax Levy & Budget: Adopted (7-0). Levy set at $100.2 million (6.64% increase). Public comment heard; no changes made at this step.
• Conceptual 2028 Budget: Approved (7-0) as a planning target.
• Consent Agenda: Approved (7-0) except item 3.12 passed 6-1 (Lowman opposed).
• Merit Board Appointment: Paige Roman appointed (7-0).
• Assessment Rolls (4.3–4.7): All adopted (7-0) with the exception of the assessment at 8724 Crest Road (nuisance abatement) which was specifically exempted from the roll in a 7-0 vote.
• Rezoning – James Avenue City Homes: Tabled to October 12, 2026 (7-0). Staff to prepare further analysis, particularly on use of a construction management plan and options for ensuring compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM.