Some new things could be added to Bloomington’s Administrative Court that are expected to improve the process. The court was established last year to make it easier for the city to enforce property and behavioral code violations. Deputy Corporation Counsel Angela Fyans-Jimenez said the court has been “very successful” since its creation last April.
“I think there’s only some minor changes I would like to make to the ordinance.”
Fyans-Jimenez is proposing two revisions to the current Administrative Court. One of those includes the addition of a $100 court fee for people who have to come to the court for property violations after remaining out of compliance with city inspectors.
Another change would create a status for repeat offenders, categorizing them based on the amount of time they have been in violation of city codes.
Fyans-Jimenez discussed the success of the program by pointing out a 144 percent increase in property violations being handled by the court. She said the process has been streamlined so that the court can focus on property owners that aren’t complying with city code.
“They’re actively pursuing the problems that have been directed to them, and making sure that people are meeting the timelines."
Fyans-Jimenez told the council that she considers all complaints about the program, but she noted that the majority of complaints are focused on the length of the hearings. She said that’s part of the price people pay for remaining out of compliance with city code.
“If you had your property cleaned up, you wouldn’t be here in the first place. If you had worked with the inspector, you wouldn’t be here.”
Fyans-Jimenez plans to bring her proposed changes to the council next month.