Bloomington boards and councils weigh water contract, liquor licenses, and zoning variances in busy two-week stretch
Over the past two weeks, Bloomington's boards and commissions convened on topics ranging from a multi-million-dollar water system engineering agreement to liquor license ownership changes and a disability pension hearing. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, the items below reflect what was placed on each agenda for consideration — not confirmed outcomes.
City Council — July 13
The City Council agenda included the largest dollar items of the period. Members were scheduled to act on a resolution approving a $5,216,280 bid waiver with Donohue & Associates for water systemwide improvement engineering. The consent agenda also listed a $2,182,950 construction contract with Stark Excavating for the South Main Booster Station, an $845,611 agreement for the Fiscal Year 2027 Concrete Subdivisions Program, and a $145,000 real estate purchase at 719 South Clayton Street for a sewer project. A public hearing was set on the Program Year 2025 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report. The regular agenda included an update on housing rehabilitation and a $200,000 budget amendment for the Home Repair and Accessibility Program.
Liquor Commission — July 14
The Liquor Commission scheduled public hearings on three license matters: an ownership change for Yankee Doodle at 1407 Morrissey Dr. (Class TAS license), an ownership change for Maguires at 220 N. Center St. (Class TAS license), and a new Class RAS license application for House of Yolk Breakfast Restaurant at 2115 W. Market St. The agenda also listed a citation against Bloom Bawarchi 2.0 at 503 N. Prospect Rd. for selling alcohol to a person under 21.
Fire Pension Board — July 14
The Fire Pension Board was set to hold a hearing on the City of Bloomington's motion to intervene in Tyson Shultz's duty disability application, with a final determination on the motion expected.
Zoning Board of Appeals — July 15
The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled public hearings on two variance requests. V-01-26, filed by Gregg Bauer, sought reductions in required front yard, lot width, and lot area to build a two-family dwelling at 1115 W. Oakland Ave. in the R-2 district. V-02-26, filed by William Brady, sought to allow an accessory garage/carport encroachment into a secondary front yard (a 9-foot setback versus the required 15.5 feet) and a fully opaque fence in a required secondary front yard at 1202 E. Jefferson St.
Human Relations Commission — July 9
The Human Relations Commission was to determine whether a formal evidentiary hearing is warranted for a complaint filed by Laquita Hicks against RCS Management. The agenda also included a proposed $3,000 sponsorship for the 2026 Cultural Fest, an update on discrimination complaints, and a discussion on updates affecting the immigrant community.
Historic Preservation Commission — July 16
The commission considered Certificates of Appropriateness and Funk Grants for three properties: roof repair on the carriage house at 410 E. Walnut St. (grant up to $2,157), front porch repair at 809 N. McLean St. (grant up to $7,250), and exterior painting at 903 E. Jefferson St. (grant up to $4,500).
Other boards
The Foreign Fire Insurance Board met July 8 to review a quarterly treasurer's report and spending requests including an airway simulator for up to $2,500 and a $27.09 reimbursement to E. Davison for grill parts. The Citizens' Beautification Committee met July 16 to select beautification award winners and hear a presentation on holiday decoration events.
Coming up
- **Committee of the Whole — July 20:** Presentation and discussion on the Behavioral Health Initiative, plus a presentation on regulating vape vending machines. No motion expected on the vape item. Public comment limited to 30 minutes, with speakers capped at 3 minutes.
- **Building Board of Appeals — July 21:** Special session on adopting 2021 International Code Council codes and the 2023 National Electric Code, plus a presentation on property maintenance code appeals. Meeting at Government Center Boardroom, 4th Floor, Room #400.
- **Public Safety & Community Relations Board — July 22:** Bloomington Police Department presentation on complaint updates and a Taser report, with resolved complaints distributed for review.