This transcript has been formatted with the correct speaker names based on the city official list and contextual clues within the dialogue. Note: Several names in the raw transcript were phonetically transcribed (e.g., "Tim Balter" for Tim Bulger; "Councilmember Martin" or "Moore" for Councilmember Robertson). These have been corrected to match your provided list. *** **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Welcome. I will call to order this business meeting, this regular business meeting of the Bloomington City Council, Monday, April 3rd, 2023. Thanks for everybody who's joining us here in the chambers and thanks to everybody watching at home. We will start the meeting as we typically do—if you could please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. *(Pledge of Allegiance recited)* **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Once again, welcome. Hope everybody survived the little spring snowstorm over the weekend. First order of business this evening is the approval of our agenda. In the introductory items, we have two proclamations: one for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and the second for Public Health Week. We're going to have an introduction of new employees and then we'll make an appointment to our Advisory Board of Health. The Consent Business, which Councilmember Nelson will take us through, has 16 items on it. Under Item 4 are hearings, resolutions, and ordinances. We have two public hearings. One is on the 700 American Boulevard West Pre-Development Agreement. The next is Item 4.2, a public hearing on a Prohibited Nuisance Conduct Ordinance. Under our Organizational Business, we have five items. We'll have a report from our City Assessor Tim Bulger to talk about a 2023 Assessment Report. We'll have a budget discussion and update with Cari Carlson, Deputy Finance Officer. We will have a discussion about a Tree Assessment Ordinance and payment discussion and then get an update on our 98th Street Study that is underway now. Then we'll finish as we typically do with our City Council Policy and Issue Update. Council, are there any changes or additions to the agenda this evening? If not, I will move approval of our agenda tonight. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** So moved. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Motion and a second to approve tonight's agenda. Further council discussion on this? All those in favor please signify by saying aye. (Ayes). Opposed? The motion carries six-zero. I should note that Councilmember Carter is not with us this evening. On our agenda now, Items 2.1 and 2.2 are proclamations, so I'm going to head down to the microphone here. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** As I said, we've got two proclamations tonight. Item 2.1 is a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. We’ve got two of our public safety dispatch folks here this evening: Alyssa Eastwood and Josh Reichert. Welcome. If you'd like, you can come up because then we can do the "grip and grin" after I read the proclamation. *(Mayor Busse reads the Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 9-15, 2023)* **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** We've worked quite a bit and seen the work of our public safety professionals here in City Hall. They do outstanding work. Our police officers and firefighters have tough jobs, but one of the toughest jobs I have seen is the work these folks do. The demands on them, the stress, and the hours are exemplary. These folks are invaluable. Alyssa and Josh, thank you so very much. It is greatly appreciated. I want to thank you for what you do. **[00:00] Alyssa Eastwood:** Thank you. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** The second proclamation this evening is for National Public Health Week, April 3rd through the 9th, 2023. *(Mayor Busse reads the Proclamation for National Public Health Week)* **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Now we've got Dr. Nick Kelley and the Chair of our Board of Health, Star Sage. They're both with us this evening. If you could please come up. Councilmember Carter has talked frequently about how long you live depends on your zip code in the City of Bloomington. When we talk about disparities in health outcomes, we see it right there. The work that the Department of Public Health does every day is greatly appreciated and often overlooked. I want to congratulate you and thank you for the work that you do. **[00:00] Nick Kelley:** Thank you. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Next up on our agenda is our introduction of new employees. I see Diane coming forward to do some introductions for us. **[00:00] Diane [Staff]:** Thank you, Mayor and City Council. I am very pleased to introduce you to three new employees in the Community Services Department. We will start first with our Mail Coordinator, Nolan Perceive. Nolan joined the city on February 22nd. Previously he worked at the VA Medical Center. Please welcome Nolan. **[00:00] Nolan Perceive:** Greetings. Good to be here. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Welcome, Nolan. Glad to see you here. **[00:00] Diane [Staff]:** Next, I want to introduce to you Patrick Wilson. Patrick began with the Communications Division in January of 2023, taking on the role of Bloomington Community Access Television Production Specialist. Please welcome Patrick Wilson. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Welcome, Patrick. Glad to have you on board. **[00:00] Diane [Staff]:** And finally, Irene Barba-Corney. Irene joined the Public Health Division as our new Assistant Public Health Administrator on February 6th. Irene was born and raised in London and moved to the U.S. in 2003. Please welcome Irene Barba-Corney. **[00:00] Irene Barba-Corney:** Thank you, Mayor Busse and Councilmembers. In the two months I've been here, I've been really inspired by the work the Public Health Division is doing. I've been very lucky to have a leader like Nick [Kelley] guiding me. Happy to be here. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Well, welcome. Next up is an Advisory Board of Health appointment. We had an opening. We reached out to Annabel Kornblum, who had applied previously and was amenable to being appointed. I move that we appoint Annabel Kornblum to the Advisory Board of Health for a one-year term. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** All those in favor please signify by saying aye. (Ayes). Motion carries six-zero. Moving on to the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Nelson. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say thank you to the Public Health team; I presented to the legislature last week regarding our bonding request for them. Regarding the agenda, I will hold 3.1, and I believe the Mayor is holding 3.16. I move to approve 3.2 through 3.15. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Motion by Councilmember Nelson, second by Councilmember Lowman. All those in favor say aye. (Ayes). Motion carries six-zero. Councilmember, maybe we should start with 3.16. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** I held 3.16, the Polar Semiconductor Job Creation Fund resolution. I’m going to recuse myself from this vote because of my association with a competitor of Polar Semiconductor. Councilmember Nelson, I'll have you take over as Acting Mayor for this item. **[00:00] Acting Mayor Shawn Nelson:** I'd entertain a motion. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** I'd like to move to adopt the resolution regarding the support of a Job Creation Fund application in the case of Polar Semiconductor LLC. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Second. **[00:00] Acting Mayor Shawn Nelson:** Hearing none, all in favor? (Ayes). 3.16 passes. I'll turn it back over to you, Mayor. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Thank you. Back to you, Councilmember Nelson, for 3.1. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** One of the true joys of consent is the donations. I’d like to thank people for their generous donations to our Police Department. There is also a donation of a little over $49,000 from the Metropolitan Airports Commission for a robot to help with safety at the airport. We also had donations for needle workers and quilters. I move Item 3.1. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Ayes). Motion carries six-zero. Item 4.1 is a public hearing on 700 American Boulevard West. We’ll hear from Mike Palermo from our Port Authority. **[00:00] Mike Palermo (Port Authority):** Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is a Pre-Development Agreement for 700 American Boulevard West. The city has owned this site since 2012. We put out an RFP and selected Shafer Richardson. The goal is up to 153 units with 5,000 square feet of commercial space. They will likely apply for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and low-income housing tax credits. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Is part of the agreement—we’re not attaching any specific conditions to the property yet? **[00:00] Mike Palermo:** No specific conditions on the design yet; that will happen during the entitlement process with the Planning Commission and City Council. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** This is a public hearing. I will open the public hearing. Is there anyone in the chambers or on the phone? **[00:00] Michael Sable (Asst. City Manager):** Mr. Mayor, no one on the phone. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** Move to close the public hearing. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** All in favor? (Ayes). Public hearing closed. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** Mayor, I will move that we adopt the resolution approving the preliminary redevelopment agreement with the Port Authority and SRB Strategic Housing LLC. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** All those in favor say aye. (Ayes). Motion carries six-zero. Item 4.2 is a public hearing regarding the Prohibited Nuisance Conduct Ordinance. Melissa Manderschied. **[00:00] Melissa Manderschied (City Attorney):** Mayor and members, we decided to take the opportunity to conform our specific city code language to match the state trespass statute. This is a "clean up" ordinance. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** I will open the public hearing on Item 4.2. Anyone on the phone? **[00:00] Michael Sable:** No one on the phone. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** Move to close. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Motion carries. Councilmember Dallessandro? **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Quick clarification—does the police trespass notice process need updating too? **[00:00] Melissa Manderschied:** We will meet with the Police Department to ensure everyone is on the same page procedurally. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** I move to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the City Code related to public peace and safety. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** All in favor? (Ayes). Motion carries. Item 5.1 is the 2023 Assessment report. Tim Bulger. **[00:00] Tim Bulger (City Assessor):** Good evening. Our primary objective is to value and classify property as of January 2nd each year. For 2023, residential values went up 1.9% on average. This is a big departure from last year’s 16%. Industrial went up 20.7%. Apartments actually went down 1%. Median home value is now $361,800. Interest rates have doubled in a year, which is why sales volume is down significantly. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Do you have any insights from the conversations you had with residents who appealed? **[00:00] Tim Bulger:** Some people are talking about being "taxed out" of their homes. We also emphasize the property tax refund, as millions are left on the table by residents who don't apply. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** Does "residential" include condos? **[00:00] Tim Bulger:** Yes, we consider condos, townhomes, and single-family detached as residential. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** Can you explain what a "co-op" is? **[00:00] Tim Bulger:** You buy a share in the building and have the right to live there, but you don't own the specific real estate in the same way. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Item 5.2 is a budget update. Cari Carlson. **[00:00] Cari Carlson (Deputy Finance Officer):** For 2022, preliminary results show we ended with a $2.6 million surplus compared to the amended budget, mostly due to higher lodging and permit taxes. For 2023, 85% of the tax levy increase was an investment in public safety, including more full-time firefighters and police officers. We are starting public engagement for the 2024 budget soon. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** I appreciate the hard copies. I noticed that while public safety was 42% of the General Fund, it's 50% of every property tax dollar. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** I’d like to see data on the "cost of doing business" versus new investments so residents can see the difference. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Item 5.3 is the Tree Assessment Ordinance. Cari Carlson. **[00:00] Cari Carlson:** Since 2017, bills for disease tree removal (Emerald Ash Borer) have jumped from under $60,000 to $300,000. Currently, the ordinance only allows a one-year assessment at 8% interest. We are proposing a tiered system (1, 3, 5, or 10 years) based on the cost, with a 6.5% interest rate. **[00:00] Councilmember Dwayne Lowman:** I’m concerned for those who are economically challenged. I’d like to see an equity review on this. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** Do people have the right to hire their own company to take these trees down? **[00:00] Cari Carlson:** Yes, they can contract individually. If they don't, the city steps in and assesses the cost. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Let's look into a tree replacement incentive as well. Item 5.4 is the 98th Street Study. Kirk Roberts and Brian Nemeth. **[00:00] Kirk Roberts (Engineering):** We are looking at the 35W and 98th Street interchange. It’s a major transit hub now with the Orange Line. The 1990s plan for more freeway ramps doesn't fit anymore. **[00:00] Brian Nemeth (Bolton & Menk):** We want to improve pedestrian safety and eliminate the "weaving" of traffic. We are looking at a mid-term plan that keeps the existing bridge and a long-term plan to replace the bridge in 20-30 years. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Final item is Council Policy and Issue Update. We had a listening session with Grant Weithenheimer about food trucks. I also traveled to DC with Councilmembers Lowman and Dallessandro for the NLC conference. **[00:00] Zach Walker (City Manager):** Then we went to Paris for the Bureau of International Expositions symposium regarding the Expo 2027 bid. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** The Paris trip was great to ensure international delegates felt heard regarding our theme "Healthy People, Healthy Planet." **[00:00] Michael Sable (Asst. City Manager):** A quick legislative update: we have five weeks left in the session. We are currently included for $1.8 million for the Public Health building design in the bonding bill. **[00:00] Councilmember Shawn Nelson:** I want to thank the Public Works plow driver who helped move a fallen tree branch during the storm. She did a great job. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Motion to adjourn. **[00:00] Councilmember Danielle Robertson:** So moved. **[00:00] Councilmember Lona Dallessandro:** Second. **[00:00] Mayor Tim Busse:** Motion carries. Have a good week.