Common Council

As the legislative body of the City, the Common Council, often referred to as the City Council, is a link between the citizens of Bloomington and their government. By enacting legislation that fosters the health, safety, and welfare of the City, the Council works to represent the interests of residents while ensuring the delivery of municipal services. By statute, the Council is responsible for the control of the City's property and finances, and the appropriation of money (Indiana Code § 36‐4‐6‐18).

• E-MAIL the Council office: council@bloomington.in.gov

 

Councilmembers

Learn more about Councilmembers, including biographies and contact information (click on the name).

Front row, Left to Right:

Jim Sims (Council President and At-Large Representative)

Stephen Volan (District VI Representative)

Isabel Piedmont-Smith (District V Representative)

Back row, Left to Right:

Kate Rosenbarger (District I Representative)

Matt Flaherty (Parliamentarian and At-Large Representative)

Sue Sgambelluri (Council Vice President and District II Representative)

Dave Rollo (District IV Representative)

Susan Sandberg (At-Large Representative)

Ron Smith (District III Representative)

Find your Council Representative

Six Councilmembers represent individual City districts and three represent the City At-Large. To find out which Council district you are in, consult the City Council District Interactive Map or use the myBloomington address search to find all sorts of information about the area in which you live. Downloadable maps are available in the Council District Map Gallery.

Upcoming Council Meetings

January 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm - Regular Session

Meeting accessible via Zoom: https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/92468981969?pwd=ckY0dno3dEZ3WlFPMEIzTjZLT2tBQT09

January 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm - Council Work Session

Meeting accessible via Zoom: https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/93054314869?pwd=emM2dlFrdWx1RE5xWVYyWGpxSHljUT09

Members of the public wishing to join virtual meetings may do so with meeting links posted above (which will be added as meetings approach). Public participants will be muted and will have video disabled. Public comment will be handled according to procedures to be announced by the presiding officer. In the event of too many participants or unforeseen technical or practical issues, meetings may be terminated and restarted to allow only councilmembers and relevant city staff to participate. The public may still access meetings by watching via Community Access Television Services or on Facebook here.

Statement on public meetings during public health emergency:

As a result of Executive Orders issued by the Governor, the Council and its committees may adjust normal meeting procedures during the public health emergency to adhere to guidance provided by state officials. These adjustments may include:

- allowing members of the Council or its committees to participate in meetings electronically;

- posting notices and agendas for meetings solely by electronic means (on this page);

- using electronic meeting platforms to allow for remote public attendance and participation (when possible);

- encouraging the public to watch meetings via Community Access Television Services broadcast or livestream, and encouraging remote submissions of public comment (via email, to council@bloomington.in.gov).

Please check back on this webpage for the most up-to-date information about how the public can access Council meetings during the public health emergency.

Meetings are generally held the first four Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 pm. Council Meetings (Regular Sessions and Special Sessions) are meetings where official actions are taken (e.g. legislation is passed, legislation is amended, etc.). Council Committee Meetings are where legislation is discussed.

All meetings of the Council and its committees are open to the public. Agendas, notices and background material for these meetings will be linked at the Council's "Meetings & Documents" Page.

• 2021 COUNCIL CALENDAR: Please consult the Council's meeting calendar for a list of currently-scheduled Council and Council Committee meetings
   
• ANNUAL SCHEDULE & FILING DEADLINES:  An annual schedule along with filing deadlines for City Departments to file legislation with the Council can be found here.  Please note that legislation is due no later than 12:00 pm on the applicable due date.
   
• PUBLIC COMMENT: The Council values the voices of citizens and welcomes public comment at its meetings. View Rules for Making Public Comment.  Members of the public who wish to display visuals as part of their public comment, should contact the Council Office by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, the day before the Council meeting. Please call (812) 349-3409 or e-mail council@bloomington.in.gov.
   
• VIEW MEETINGS: Watch live and archived Council meetings via Civic Webcasts