The City of Bloomington wants to settle a lawsuit alleging misconduct by four of its police officers.
The city council is scheduled to vote Monday night to pay Donnelly Jackson and Ashley Burrell $55,000 to settle a 2017 lawsuit.
Jackson claims he was injured based on his refusal to leave a vehicle in January 2016. Burrell alleges police conducted an unreasonable search and seizure of her vehicle.
Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus said the city denies the officers did anything wrong, but added defending the officers in a lawsuit would cost too much money.
“The city is not admitting or acknowledging or stating any level of fault,” Tyus said. “This is purely an economic decision.”
The lawsuit predates the city's civilian community relations board which handles complaints against police officers.
Tyus said the plaintiffs could bring their complaint to the board if they wish, depending on the terms of the proposed settlement.
Attorney Quinn Johnston of Peoria is representing Bloomington in the case.
Chicken Coops
The city council will also consider the city’s first chicken coop permit since it enacted new rules to allow them in the city.
Karla Lane is looking for a special use permit to raise up to 12 chickens on four acres in the Waterford Estates subdivision at 3402 and 3404 E. Oakland Ave. in southeast Bloomington.
The city’s Zoning Board of Appeals approved the plan on April 17 in a 5-1 vote.
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