City of Bloomington

MetroNet has issued a new coverage map for Bloomington that includes most of the older neighborhoods previously left out as intended areas of service.

Bloomington could spend as much as $8.6 million per year, over a five-year period, on roads, sidewalks, traffic signals and other infrastructure pending the approval of a Capital Improvement Plan. If approved, the plan would nearly double current spending levels.

The Bloomington City Council will meet in a work session to begin discussing long-term plans for infrastructure in the city, as part of a pending five-year Capital Improvement Plan. 

Bloomington Planning Commission member Jay Ballmer is running for Alderman in Ward Three.

Before his kickoff event at an east side restaurant and night club, Ballmer told GLT he will watch out for particular challenges facing ward three.

The Bloomington City Council could spend at least 18 hours putting together a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, including at least eight at meetings scheduled through next March. Aldermen heard a presentation from Finance Director Patti-Lynn Silva to focus on multiple financing and debt policies for the city.

Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe said he's concerned a short-term plan to take on more debt could be affected by future economic downturn.

State Police are investigating past Coliseum operations in Bloomington.

A city news release indicated concerns arose several months ago involving the previous operator and the city brought in state police at that time.

Bloomington Finance Director Patti-Lynn Silva will help the City Council take the next step in developing a five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The CIP could include plans for roads, sewers, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.

New super-high-speed internet, phone and cable service planned for Bloomington will not extend to the residents of the city's west side -- at least not in the near future.

MetroNet, an Indiana-based service provider, had promised in April to install a fiber optic network throughout the city. 

Downtown business owner Jamie Mathy is running for alderman of Bloomington's Ward 1. His campaign is focusing on education, neighborhood unity and economic development. 

The Bloomington City Council has agreed to move forward with an October 10 public hearing for a Tax Increment Financing district in downtown. 

Bloomington's mayor is telling supporters he'll formally launch a re-election bid next week.

Tari Renner is sending supporters emails saying he'll officially announce his third run for mayor August 24th during a noon event at the Route 66 visitors center in downtown Bloomington.

Bloomington Aldermen will meet as a committee to learn more about the hotel proposal that was rejected by city officials last month.

Community leaders and government officials in McLean County are receiving praise for their improvements to resources for people suffering from mental illness in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin said the area is moving in the right direction.

Bloomington Aldermen will consider changes to ordinances on smoking and the liquor commission tonight. The city council will vote on a ban on electronic cigarette vaping in city-owned facilities where smoking is banned.

People in the Twin Cities are reacting to the Connect Transit route and schedule overhaul that will start on August 15th. Sheila Eskew of Bloomington said she's happy with the changes.

The Bloomington city council  unanimously agreed to drill water supply wells around Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen. At a cost of $170,000, engineering firm Baxter and Woodman Inc. will drill into the St. Peter Aquifer

Bloomington Aldermen will vote on spending $107 thousand on engineering services to look at the costs of installing water supply wells near Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake.

The City of Bloomington could have a final five-year capital improvement plan by the end of the year. Aldermen and city staff will work together in the coming months to finish up the proposal, which was presented in draft form during a city council work session.

Bloomington Aldermen will consider spending an additional $25 thousand this year to help with operational costs for the Route 66 Visitors Center at the entrance of the McLean County Museum of History.

Flamingos at a new exhibit opening at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington have been let out for the first time. More than 20 Greater Flamingos, which are the tallest species, can be seen when patrons first walk into the zoo.

The Bloomington City Council chose to put off a vote on video gaming machine fees for one week.