Common Council Regular Session
Regular MeetingBloomington, IN · December 13, 2023
Minutes
In the Council Chambers of the Showers City Hall, Bloomington, Indiana on COMMON COUNCIL
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6:30pm, Council President Sue REGULAR SESSION
Sgambelluri presided over a Regular Session of the Common Council. December 13, 2023
Councilmembers present: Matt Flaherty, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Dave Rollo, ROLL CALL [6:30pm]
Kate Rosenbarger, Susan Sandberg, Sue Sgambelluri, Ron Smith, Stephen
Volan
Councilmembers present via Zoom: Jim Sims
Councilmembers absent: none
Council Vice President Isabel Piedmont-Smith gave a land acknowledgment AGENDA SUMMATION
and Council President Sue Sgambelluri summarized the agenda. [6:30pm]
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to amend the agenda to add Vote to amend agenda
councilmember remarks for retiring members after council schedule, and [6:36pm]
before adjournment. The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0,
Abstain: 0. (Sims' audio was not working, but indicated his yes vote via
hand gesture.)
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to approve the minutes from APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 1, 2023. The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, [6:40pm]
Abstain: 0. (Sims' audio was not working, but indicated his yes vote via
hand gesture) March 01, 2023 (Regular
Session)
Rollo noted the upcoming change in the administration and acknowledged REPORTS [6:41pm]
Mayor John Hamilton for the willingness to work on difficult city projects,
and with council. Council Members
Sandberg mentioned her and Rollo's upcoming joint constituent meeting.
She said it would be her last one as councilmember.
Mayor John Hamilton noted it was the final council meeting of the year. He The Mayor and City
thanked Sandberg, Volan, Sims, Smith, and Sgambelluri for their time on Offices [6:43pm]
council and congratulated Piedmont-Smith, Rollo, Flaherty, and
Rosenbarger on their successful reelection. He appreciated the continued
support for the down payment assistance program, the proposed sale of the
current Bloomington Police Department (BPD) building, and funding for
investing in police and fire facilities. He discussed the process of purchasing
the Showers West building and the proposed projects to be funded. He said
it was an honor to have worked with council over the previous eight years
and noted significant accomplishments.
Flaherty reported on the Special Committee on Council Processes (SCCP) Council Committees
and its work on board and commission reforms. He noted the Novak report, [6:55pm]
council recommendations, priorities, and work the committee had done. He
discussed the committee's recommendation for additional resources and
funding for the Office of the City Clerk to oversee boards and commissions.
He said that the incoming administration, along with other stakeholders,
would best determine next steps. He provided additional information.
Rollo asked about combining the Environmental Commission (EC) and the Council discussion:
Commission on Sustainability (BCOS). He favored keeping them separate.
Flaherty stated that the committee had discussed the options with the
commissioners and chairs. The three pillars of sustainability were
environmental, social, and economic. The EC was focused on environmental
quality and BCOS was more holistic. Combining the commissions was not
favored by most but the next steps were still being determined.
p. 2 Meeting Date: 12-13-23
Volan moved and Rollo seconded to accept the report on Board and Vote to accept report
Commission Reform. The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 8, Nays: 0, [7:02pm]
Abstain: 1 (Sandberg).
Daryl Ruble spoke against the land and labor acknowledgment, about traffic Public [7:02pm]
calming items and streets, the unhoused population, and BPD.
Jim Shelton discussed the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
program and explained how the children were supported in the courts.
Terry Amsler commented on the Novak report, the SCCP, the purpose of
boards and commissions, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There were no appointments to boards and commissions. APPOINTMENTS TO
BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS [7:20pm]
LEGISLATION FOR
SECOND READING AND
RESOLUTIONS [7:21pm]
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Ordinance 23-31 be Ordinance 23-31 - To
introduced and read by title and synopsis only. The motion received a roll Amend Title 2 of the
call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. Clerk Nicole Bolden read the Bloomington Municipal
legislation by title and synopsis. Code Entitled
"Administration And
Rollo moved it was seconded by Piedmont-Smith to adopt Ordinance 23-31. Personnel" - Re:
Amending Chapter 2.23
Volan presented Ordinance 23-31 and said it was important to have closed (Community and Family
captioning in public accommodations in the city. He described when the Resources Department:·
closed captioning would be handled, how enforcement would occur, and a by adding Section
phase-in period. The legislation was endorsed by the Council for 2.23.240 - Closed
Community Accessibility (CCA) and the Bloomington and Monroe County Captioning in Places of
Human Rights Commission (HRC). He introduced Holly Elkins. Public Accommodation
[7:21pm]
Holly Elkins, Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD), thanked council for the
opportunity to comment on the importance of closed captioning. She shared
personal experiences as a deaf person, and spoke about the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), closed captioning, and accessibility. She noted
studies showing those aged fifteen to thirty nine years old preferred to have
subtitles. She provided additional details and commented on subtitles on
social media, and at the meeting that evening. She urged council to support
the legislation and thanked Volan.
Volan concluded the presentation with his lived experience with subtitles.
Piedmont-Smith asked how places of public accommodation would be Council questions
notified about the requirement.
Volan stated that there was not a specific plan yet.
Michael Shermis, Special Projects Coordinator, Community and Family
Resources (CFRD) department, and staff liaison for the CCA and HRC, stated
there would be a press release, and more.
Volan spoke about his discussion on closed captioning with members of
the city government in Seattle and their processes.
There was additional discussion on outreach and complaints.
Rollo asked if there were monetary penalties.
Shermis said no. It would be a human rights violation investigation.
Volan added the goal was to have closed captions turned on.
Rollo asked if CFRD was prepared to handle the complaints.
Shermis said yes, and that staff did not anticipate many complaints.
Meeting Date: 12-13-23 p. 3
There was a brief discussion on accessibility with council's meetings. Ordinance 23-31 (cont'd)
Dan Domsic, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), Public comment:
spoke in favor of Ordinance 23-31.
Volan wondered if closed captioning would be required when there was no Council comments:
sound on the television or for sporting events.
Elkins said that closed captioning was improving and some sports
already included scores and more.
Volan said that places with multiple televisions only needed to have one
of every five with closed captions.
Piedmont-Smith thanked Volan and Elkins. She favored the legislation and
encouraged outreach to businesses and provided some examples.
Flaherty thanked Volan and noted Volan's advocacy for accessibility during
his tenure on council. He thanked everyone involved.
Volan thanked Elkins and Shermis and everyone that provided input in
drafting the legislation.
Sims thanked Volan, Elkins, and Shermis. He expressed support for the
legislation.
The motion to adopt Ordinance 23-31 received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Vote to adopt Ordinance
Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. 23-31 [7:58pm]
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Appropriation Ordinance Appropriation Ordinance
23-08 be introduced and read by title and synopsis only. The motion 23-08 - To Specially
received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. Bolden read the Appropriate from the
legislation by title and synopsis. General Fund, Economic
Development LIT Fund,
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Appropriation Ordinance Parks and Recreation
23-08 be adopted. General Fund, the Rental
Inspection Program Fund,
Cheryl Gilliland, Director of Auditing and Financial Systems in the Local Road and Street
Controller's office, noted that the meeting that evening served as the public Fund, Parking Facilities
hearing and was noticed in the newspaper ten days prior. The legislation Fund, Cumulative Capital
was the year-end appropriation. There was no impact on the General Fund Development Fund,
or tax rates. She provided a summary on the transfers and the uses of funds. Vehicle Replacement
Fund, Solid Waste Fund
Piedmont-Smith asked for clarification on the fiscal impact of the vehicle and Fleet Maintenance
replacement fund. Fund Expenditures Nat
Gilliland clarified that the sale of the used vehicle, totaling $180,000, had Otherwise Appropriated
not been appropriated yet. (Appropriating Various
Transfers of Funds within
Rollo asked about the $12,000 for the mayor's office for employee turnover. the General Fund,
Gilliland stated that several employees had left that year and the payout Economic Development
cost needed additional funds. LIT Fund, Parks &
Recreation General Fund,
Local Road and Street
Fund, Parking Facilities
Fund, Cumulative Capital
Development Fund, Solid
Waste Fund, Fleet
Maintenance Fund, and
Appropriating Additional
Funds from the Rental
Inspection Program Fund
and Vehicle Replacement
Fund) [7:47pm]
p. 4 Meeting Date: 12-13-23
Appropriation Ordinance
23-08 (cont'd)
Jeff Rodgers, Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, discussed Public comment:
staffing shortages.
Rollo commented on staff that had left and had received bonuses totaling Council comments:
about $100,000. He referenced a Herald Times article where Mayor John
Hamilton stated that was a normal process.
Larry Allen, Deputy Mayor, said that the policy in the employee manual
dictated that employees be paid a certain amount for unused vacation time
and comp time. He noted that two deputy mayors, a communications
director, and a director of public engagement had left that year. It was an
unusual year but followed normal city policy.
Rollo restated it was standard practice for when employees left the city.
Allen confirmed that was correct.
Piedmont-Smith was pleased that additional money was not needed.
The motion to adopt Appropriation Ordinance 23-08 received a roll call Vote to adopt
vote of Ayes: 8, Nays: 0, Abstain: 1 (Sandberg). Appropriation Ordinance
23-08 [8:24pm]
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Resolution 23-23 be Resolution 23-23 -A
introduced and read by title and synopsis only. The motion received a roll Resolution Authorizing
call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. Bolden read the legislation by title the Sale of Real Property -
and synopsis. Re: 220 E. Third Street
[8:24pm]
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Resolution 23-23 be
adopted.
Allen presented Resolution 23-23 and provided details on the sale,
statutory authority, and the best offer after the bidding process. The closing
would occur in 2024 but Resolution 23-23 authorized the sale. He spoke
about the background of the facility and its flooding. He commented on
bonding, the purchase of the Showers West building, and repairs and
improvements to fire station facilities, and presented funding sources and
uses of public safety project funds. The sale of the current police station
required the approval of the council. Allen said there was a deed restriction
pertaining to the donation of the land to the city which would be addressed
during the closing process. The sale of the police headquarters building
would not change Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park. He briefly discussed the
offers and stated that the administration recommended the approval of the
sale to GMS-Pavilion Properties, LLC because the offer exceeded the
minimum bid and was from a reputable developer, the holdover terms were
flexible and favorable to BPD, and a range of uses would help activate the
area economically by providing facilities that were currently lacking in the
area, and allowed for additional community use of the adjacent public park.
Allen explained the next steps.
Rollo asked why the deed restriction was no longer applicable. Council questions:
Allen responded that staff was confident that the sale of the building was
allowable and provided some details on staffs research into the matter.
Rollo asked if staff anticipated litigation.
Allen stated that the city hoped it did not come down to litigation, but
that had been mentioned in the letter sent by Mr. Hill.
Piedmont-Smith expressed concern about the decrease in the cost for the
renovation of Fire Station 3 and the training facility. She asked if the work
to be done would be of high quality, with building longevity, given the
decrease in funding.
Meeting Date: 12-13-23 p. 5
Allen said that with a limited budget, the work would be prioritized and Resolution 23-23 (cont'd)
be up to code, and safe, et cetera.
Piedmont-Smith said there would be some savings from fire station #1. Council questions:
Allen confirmed that was correct, as well as with Showers West. He gave
additional examples of potential work and funding.
Volan asked why Tax Increment Financing (TIF), or rainy day funds were
not being used.
Allen said those funding sources could be used, but it would be up to the
next administration and council.
Smith asked what would prevent the city from selling the adjacent city park.
Allen explained that staff looked at the historic uses of the land, and there
were clear boundaries for the park. It was not going to be changed in the
foreseeable future.
Smith asked why the reversion clause was not disclosed earlier.
Allen responded that it was not disclosed earlier because it was not a
barrier to the sale of the building.
Hamilton added that the question was if the city had a legal right to sell
the building, and research confirmed that it could. The city had done its due
diligence in researching the legal aspects. He reiterated that the bonds and
the sale of the building paid for all four projects in the legislation, without
using Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CRED) funds.
Rosenbarger asked for clarification on the lease of the building after the
sale, if needed.
Allen stated that if needed, the city could lease the space until the police
station moved. It had not been included in the projected costs, but could be
paid for from multiple funding sources, including operations.
Rosenbarger asked if the real tor fees would come out of the proceeds to
the city. She asked if that was negotiable.
Allen confirmed there would be associated closing costs with the sale of
the building. There would be an opportunity to negotiate prior to closing.
Sgambelluri asked about possible cost overruns that would make the work
impossible.
Allen said that the bids included contingency costs to allow for
unforeseeable change orders. There were also conservative estimates, for
items like the construction manager cost.
Volan referenced an email from Randy Lloyd who served on the Board of
Public Works in 1997, when the building was being considered for the
police headquarters. Lloyd noted in the email that the reversion clause in
the deed was oflegal significance. Volan asked why the administration now
believed it was not valid.
Allen said that an Indiana statute declared void reversionary interests
after thirty years. The deed was from the 1920s so the timeline far exceeded
that. He noted that the building and parking lot had been used for a police
headquarters, and not a public park. He highlighted that the city wanted to
have good discussion on the issues with the families.
Volan stated that the building was built in the 1960 and had been used as
a municipal building and later a police headquarters which were both for
public purposes.
Rollo noted that the building was built to be a police station despite being
used as a city hall. He asked what the $12.5 million renovation cost of
Showers West included and if it addressed the FOP concerns.
Allen said it addressed many issues but was not a full redesign of ingress
or egress. It included a secure, gated area in the parking garage and the
police radio tower would be relocated. There had been many discussions
with city departments to arrive at the best outcome.
p. 6 Meeting Date: 12-13-23
There was additional discussion on parking needs in the Showers Resolution 23-23 (cont'd)
building, for police, fire, city employees, and more.
Council questions:
Piedmont-Smith asked for further clarification on the closing costs which
would decrease the city's proceeds.
Allen stated that there would be fees taken out of the total, but were
negotiable during the closing process. He said that there were other funding
sources that could make up the difference, such as the accumulated interest
in the city's accounts.
Hamilton noted that the bids for Showers West had come in at the
estimated amounts, which was helped with overall funding of projects. He
clarified that what was before council that evening was the approval to
move ahead with the sale of the current police headquarters, and proceed
with negotiations. If council did not approve the legislation that evening,
then the administration would move forward with the prioritized projects.
Nathaniel Hill, IV, urged council to not approve the sale of the building, as
the grandson of the original signers of the deed, and provided reasons.
James Haverstock, representing the Waldron family and his deceased wife Public comment:
(a niece of Charlie and Cecil Waldron) spoke against the sale of the building.
Philip Hill, descendent of one of the families that donated the land, asked
council to keep the building public and not sell it.
Dr. Norris Chumley, representing the Buskirk family, said he signed the
original deed, and also spoke against the sale of the building.
Jeff Rodgers, FOP Vice President, commented on the costs, projects, and
cautioned moving forward with many unknowns.
Jamie Sholl urged council to vote against the sale of the building.
Thomas Westgard gave reasons against Resolution 23-23.
Paul Post, FOP President, spoke against the sale of the building.
Kerry Thomson, mayor-elect, provided reasons to vote against the sale, and
not rush into it at the end of the current administration.
Stephen Lucas, Council Attorney, read a comment submitted via Zoom chat
from Owen Chumley who opposed the sale of the building.
Lucas read a comment submitted via Zoom chat from Jane [last name
unknown] pertaining the parking needs and the lack of parking at Showers.
Volan asked about external improvements of Showers West and its costs. Council comments:
Hamilton said there would be minimal changes to the exterior of Showers
West because it was a historic building. There would be security
improvements to parking, and secure doors, and moving the radio tower.
Volan asked for clarification on the secured parking.
Hamilton said it would be gated parking, only accessible by the police.
Volan asked why the sale would not be a violation of the deed, at least in
spirit, and would possibly set a negative precedent for future donations.
Hamilton first thanked the families for the original, generous donation,
and for their comments that evening. He stated that in the 1960s, a portion
of the donated land was converted into a building for the city. Currently, it
housed a dated police headquarters. The city had explored significant
improvements and found it to not be feasible. He noted that it would be
swapping one public building for another; the Showers West would become
publicly owned, and the current police headquarters would become private.
Meeting Date: 12-13-23 p. 7
He provided reasons in support of moving forward with the negotiations Resolution 23-23 (cont'd)
and in order to begin the projects.
Volan asked if the building being built in the 1960s changed the reversion Council comments:
clause in the deed. He asked if there was a transfer of the property that
allowed that.
Beth Cate, Corporation Counsel, said the issue was more complex than
only referencing the original deed. There were additional documents, which
had been researched by staff. She commented on the normal course of
business, including extensive research and consulting, like was done in
researching the legality of selling the current police headquarters.
Volan asked why it was not a violation of the spirit of the donation.
Hamilton explained that it was the sale of a building which had been used
as a municipal building for over sixty years and not the public park. He
stated that there was an inadequate police headquarters there and the goal
was to have an outstanding headquarters elsewhere. Furthermore, if it was
against the spirit of the gift, it would have been better for the families to
contest the building when it was built in the 1960s.
Rollo thanked the families for the donation and comments that evening. He
was displeased that council had not been notified of the deed restriction
especially since there was financing tied to the sale for other projects. He
thought it could be legal to make the sale, but it was not ethical. He had
opposed the purchase of the Showers West building for a new police
headquarters, because it was opposed by the police union. He commented
on the high costs, financing, and thought it best to vote against the sale.
Sandberg opposed the sale of the current police headquarters and move to
Showers West. She noted the police preferred to stay in their current
building. She commented on police officer retention and staffing shortages.
She would vote against Resolution 23-23.
Piedmont-Smith reminded everyone that she voted in favor of the purchase
of Showers West for the purpose of the new police station and fire
administrative offices. She believed mayor-elect Kerry Thomson was also in
favor of that move though she had expressed concerns about the financial
details. Piedmont-Smith had requested specific details from staff about the
sale and the original deed and her questions had not been answered. There
was not a detailed breakdown of everything included in the bid, cost
projections, and more. She also respected the feedback from the heirs of the
original donors of the land. She could not vote yes that evening.
Rosenbarger concurred with Piedmont-Smith about Showers West, though
more information was needed. She believed it ideal to have city staff in one
building and to expand departments like the Community and Family
Resources or creating a diversity, equity, and inclusion department. Many of
the unknowns that evening would remain until the projects were started
and finished. She commented on the legal and moral aspects of the proposal
and the state statute limiting the deed restrictions. She believed the
opposition should have occurred when the building was built. Rosenbarger
spoke about a vacant block with part being a parking lot and the other a
fenced in grassy area, owned by the church to the north of it. That property
could be used for many other purposes. She commented on public transit,
accessibility, and housing. She concluded by stating that all the city's land
was stolen from Indigenous peoples.
Smith said the sale of the building violated the spirit of the donation and the
decision did not have to occur that evening. He did not support Resolution
23-23. He spoke in favor of the original donation for the public good.
Volan commented on the potential litigation and noted that additional
housing was needed in the city. He spoke about the original land donation
p. 8 Meeting Date: 12-13-23
and the intent of the donors. He said that council had fiscal oversight but did Resolution 23-23 (cont'd)
not appropriate funding. He commented on city funding, the rainy day fund,
TIF, bonds, parking demands and usage, and parking garages. He asked Council comments:
about Rhino's which was supposed to be on the ground floor of Pavilion's
Urban Station 2 building. Perhaps it was overlooked when the developers
read the deed or the agreement.
Sims stated that he had supported the purchase of Showers West, the
relocation of the police headquarters, renovations to the fire stations, and
the bonds. He wished he had known about the reversion in the deed. He
commented on knowing some of the original donor's family, like Dr.
Chumley and expressed concern with the entire process. He was pleased
that mayor-elect Thomson saw value in the Showers building.
Flaherty appreciated the discussion and thought it was important to have
the police department and fire administration near other city staff, and also
to continue to rethink policing with new paths forward. He looked forward
to working with the new council and new administration on the Showers
West building. He commented on his experience in teaching law and public
affairs at Indiana University, and the discussion on the deed, which was a
good case for property law analysis. There were differing perspectives on
the spirit of the land donation, but law respected what was in the deed; that
the land be a free public park. That was violated sixty years ago when the
city chose to build a building. The clear, written intent of the deed required
a free, public park. Adhering to that spirit would require leveling the
building and parking lot to become part of the park. Flaherty commented on
funding sources, reserves, and said that he was happy to continue the
discussion but that it was not the right time to authorize the sale.
Sgambelluri noted the complexity of the proposed projects which bridged
two councils and administrations. She did not believe that the finances or
ethics were right. She acknowledged the additional information that was
provided to council but stated she needed more time to digest it. She
thought the new council might appreciate having more time too. There
were too many questions at the time to vote in favor so she would vote
against Resolution 23-23.
Volan commented on the administration's accomplishments like capital
replacement into fleet and more. Mayor Hamilton also rehabilitated capital
assets. He questioned recent funding sources for proposed projects and
commented on options for funding. He noted that Mayor Hamilton had
requested a higher Local Income Tax (LIT) and that council had rejected the
full amount. He commented on his wish to use CRED funds in its district and
did not like selling a public asset like the police headquarters.
The motion to adopt Resolution 23-23 received a roll call vote of Ayes: 0, Vote to adopt Resolution
Nays: 9, Abstain: 0. FAILED 23-23 [10:31pm]
There was no legislation for first reading. LEGISLATION FOR FIRST
READING [10:31pm]
Paul Post, FOP President, thanked council for their engagement with them. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC
COMMENT [10:31pm]
Jennifer Crossley, Monroe County Council District IV, extended gratitude for
outgoing councilmembers. She looked forward to working with the new
councilmembers and administration.
Lucas reviewed the upcoming council schedule and organizational meeting. COUNCIL SCHEDULE
He said it was a privilege to have served council. He appreciated their [10:33pm]
dedication to public service, as well as Mayor Hamilton's.
Meeting Date: 12-13-23 p. 9
Rollo read the encomium for Smith. Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith COUNCIL SCHEDULE
seconded to adopt an Encomium for Ron Smith. (cont'd)
Rosenbarger read the encomium for Volan. Rosenbarger moved and
Piedmont-Smith seconded to adopt an Encomium for Stephen Volan.
Flaherty read the encomium for Sims. Flaherty moved and Piedmont-Smith
seconded to adopt an Encomium for Jim Sims.
Rollo read the encomium for Sandberg. Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith
seconded to adopt an Encomium for Susan Sandberg.
Piedmont-Smith read the encomium for Sgambelluri. She presented
Sgambelluri with an engraved gavel. Piedmont-Smith and Rollo seconded to
adopt an Encomium for Sue Sgambelluri.
Volan thanked council staff that had left the city including Abbi Knipstine,
Beck Boustani, Stacy Jane Rhodes, and Dan Sherman. He also thanked Chris
Sturbaum, Dorothy Granger, Andy Ruff, Allison Chopra, Tim Mayer, Darryl
Neher, Marty Spechler, Brad Wisler, Mark Satterfield, Jason Banach, David
Sabbagh, Chris Gaal, and Mike Diekhoff. He commented on serving as
president during the pandemic, and acknowledged Jim Sims, too. He
thanked Dave Rollo who had served during Volan's entire tenure. He looked
forward to the next council and their work.
Rollo added his appreciation for his colleagues on council, as a deliberative
body, and said he would miss those who would not be returning.
Sims appreciated his time on council and challenged the new council and
new administration to minimize divisiveness. He commented on the
collaboration on the resolution denouncing white supremacy and
appreciated those who worked on that legislation, including Flaherty,
Rosenbarger, and community activist Amy Ang. He spoke about being
caucused in and thanked Tim Mayer who vacated the seat. He also thanked
former council attorney Dan Sherman, and current council attorney Stephen
Lucas. He noted that he and his wife, Doris Sims, cared deeply about the
community in the city. He thanked Piedmont-Smith for all her work. He also
acknowledged Rollo.
Sandberg said it was her privilege to serve the city. She thanked her
constituents and those who strived to make the city a good, livable and
strong place to live. She acknowledged the nonprofit, business, academic
communities. She looked forward to retiring.
Sgambelluri said it was a pleasure and privilege to serve on council. She
thanked Lucas and Deputy Attorney Ash Kulak for their work. She
acknowledged her colleagues, Monroe County officials, and residents like
Deb Hutton, Sharon Yarber, Tracy Bee, Corey Ruts, Cindy York, and many
more who spent countless hours working for their neighborhoods.
The motions received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. Vote for encomia
[10:55pm]
Sgambelluri adjourned the meeting without objection. ADJOURNMENT
[10:55pm]
p. 10 Meeting Date: 12-13-23
APPROVED b~ e Common Council of the City of Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana upon this
h2,-thday of l..,:t,,..1 • 2024.
APPROVE: ATTEST:
~~~b-
Isabel Piedmont-Smith, PRESIDENT Nicole Bolden, CLERK
Bloomington Common Council City of Bloomington
Agenda
MEMORANDUM
Bloomington Common Council - Regular Session
Bloomington City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, Indiana
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Meeting called to order: 6:30 pm
Council President Sue Sgambelluri presided.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Matt Flaherty, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Dave Rollo, Kate Rosenbarger,
Susan Sandberg, Sue Sgambelluri, Ron Smith, Stephen Volan
Councilmembers present via Zoom: Jim Sims
Councilmembers absent: none
City staff, officials, and guests present: Mayor John Hamilton, Stephen Lucas, Michael Shermis, Cheryl
Gilliland, Deputy Mayor Larry Allen, Jeff Rodgers, Paul Post, Beth Cate, City Clerk Nicole Bolden
AGENDA SUMMATION
Council Vice President Isabel Piedmont-Smith gave a land acknowledgment. Council President Sue
Sgambelluri summarized the agenda.
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to amend the agenda.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. (Sims audio was not working,
but indicated his yes vote via hand gesture)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to approve the minutes from March 1, 2023.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0. (Sims audio was not working,
but indicated his yes vote via hand gesture)
REPORTS
MOTION: Volan moved and Rollo seconded to accept the report on Board and Commission Reform.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 8, Nays: 0, Abstain: 1 (Sandberg).
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
There were no appointments to Boards and Commissions.
LEGISLATION FOR SECOND READING AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 23-31 - To Amend Title 2 of the Bloomington Municipal Code Entitled "Administration And
Personnel" - Re: Amending Chapter 2.23 (Community and Family Resources Department) by adding
Section 2.23.240 - Closed Captioning in Places of Public Accommodation
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Ordinance 23-31 be introduced and read by
title and synopsis only.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0.
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Ordinance 23-31 be adopted.
ACTION: The motion to adopt Ordinance 23-31 received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0.
Appropriation Ordinance 23-08 - To Specially Appropriate from the General Fund, Economic
Development LIT Fund, Parks and Recreation General Fund, the Rental Inspection Program Fund, Local
Road and Street Fund, Parking Facilities Fund, Cumulative Capital Development Fund, Vehicle
Replacement Fund, Solid Waste Fund and Fleet Maintenance Fund Expenditures Not Otherwise
Appropriated (Appropriating Various Transfers of Funds within the General Fund, Economic
Development LIT Fund, Parks & Recreation General Fund, Local Road and Street Fund, Parking Facilities
Fund, Cumulative Capital Development Fund, Solid Waste Fund, Fleet Maintenance Fund, and
Appropriating Additional Funds from the Rental Inspection Program Fund and Vehicle Replacement
Fund)
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MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Appropriation Ordinance 23-08 be introduced
and read by title and synopsis only.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0.
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Appropriation Ordinance 23-08 be adopted.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 8, Nays: 0, Abstain: 1 (Sandberg).
Resolution 23-23 – A Resolution Authorizing the Sale of Real Property - Re: 220 E. Third Street
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Resolution 23-23 be introduced and read by
title and synopsis only.
ACTION: The motion received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0.
MOTION: Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded that Resolution 23-23 be adopted.
ACTION: The motion to adopt Resolution 23-23 received a roll call vote of Ayes: 0, Nays: 9, Abstain: 0.
FAILED
LEGISLATION FOR FIRST READINGS
There was no legislation for first reading.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Christopher Emge
COUNCIL SCHEDULE
MOTION: The following motions were made:
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to adopt an Encomium for Ron Smith.
Rosenbarger moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to adopt an Encomium for Stephen
Volan.
Flaherty moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to adopt an Encomium for Jim Sims.
Rollo moved and Piedmont-Smith seconded to adopt an Encomium for Susan Sandberg.
Piedmont-Smith and Rollo seconded moved to adopt an Encomium for Sue Sgambelluri.
ACTION: The motions received a roll call vote of Ayes: 9, Nays: 0, Abstain: 0.
ADJOURNMENT [10:55pm]
ACTION: Sgambelluri adjourned the meeting.
Memorandum prepared by:
Clerk Nicole Bolden
City of Bloomington
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