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July 2020 News Releases

Community Invited to Second Virtual Town Hall on Hospital Site Redevelopment

The City invites residents to participate in and learn more about the master planning process for the redevelopment of the current IU Health Bloomington Hospital at the second virtual town hall public forum Thursday, August 6, at 6 p.m.  Participants may join from computer or mobile by registering in advance at the following link:

City of Bloomington Utilities Reports New COVID-19 Case

An employee of the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) Transmission and Distribution (T&D) meter services division received a positive COVID-19 viral test result Wednesday, July 29.  The employee has self-isolated since first experiencing symptoms July 24, and has been placed on paid leave to recover.  The employee was not identified through contact tracing conducted after four other CBU employees’ recent positive COVID-19 viral test results.  

Leaf Collection Survey Part of Innovation Pilot to Improve City Service Delivery

The City of Bloomington is currently conducting a survey about the annual leaf collection program.  Through Monday, August 3, residents are asked to provide feedback on their experience of the curbside leaf vacuuming program the City provides in the fall. Accessible in both English and Spanish, the survey invites residents who are renters or homeowners to share their experience.

Road and Bike/Ped Infrastructure Improvements, Garage Projects Progress

Improvements to city streets and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, garages, and other public works proceed this summer, as current public health guidelines allow.  Updates on several projects follow, starting with those nearing or having reached substantial completion:   

Parking Meters Reactivated August 1; 15-Minute Pick-Up/Drop-Off Pilot Launches

The City of Bloomington is implementing two measures August 1 to maximize the availability of downtown parking upon the return of the university population and to support the local economy as part of Mayor John Hamilton’s Recover Forward initiative. 

Neighborhood Residential Parking Permit Sales Go Online Today

In keeping with current guidelines for physical distancing, the process of applying for a residential parking permit in the City of Bloomington has transitioned online. Starting today (Monday, July 20) residents of Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 may submit an application to purchase a 2020-2021 neighborhood parking permit at https://bloomington.t2hosted.com/.

City of Bloomington Invites Residents to Adopt-a-Drain

The City of Bloomington Utilities Department (CBU) invites residents to participate in a new family-friendly volunteer program, Adopt-a-Drain. In this partnership, residents help maintain storm drains to reduce flood risk and increase water quality. 

Mayor Executes Order to Accelerate COVID-Preventive Measures

Mayor John Hamilton signed an executive order today that will accelerate the implementation within Bloomington city limits of several aspects of the Monroe County Public Health Order of July 17. In light of continued concern about local signs of increasing transmission, and in “wholehearted support” of the provisions of the county order, the mayor’s Executive Order 20-02 will accelerate the effective dates of certain requirements of the county order for the protection of the community. 

Sixth City Employee Receives Positive COVID-19 Viral Test Result

A second employee of the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) Transmission and Distribution services has received a positive result of a COVID-19 viral test. The employee received a positive test result over the weekend. Having self-isolated since first experiencing symptoms on Wednesday, July 15, the employee has been placed on paid leave to recover.

BT Maintenance Staffer Diagnosed With COVID-19

A Bloomington Transit (BT) employee has received a positive result of a COVID-19 viral test. The employee, who works in the bus maintenance section of the organization, received the positive test result Wednesday, July 15. 

Sanitation Division Updates Recycling Info on Carts

Staff from the Sanitation Division are currently applying a new informative sticker to the lid of each residential recycling cart on residents’ regular trash/recycling day.  Over the next two weeks, residents are asked to leave their recycling containers at the curb after collection to allow staff the opportunity to complete this task.  Sanitation personnel wearing high visibility safety vests identifying them as City of Bloomington employees will be arriving at each scheduled recycling stop to update each recycling cart. 

Summer Brings Improvements to Roads and Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure

The construction season proceeds this summer, as current public health guidelines allow, bringing improvements to city streets and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, among other public works.  City employees are continuing to practice (and work with contractors to implement) CDC protocols regarding physical distancing, face covering, hygiene, and disinfection of vehicles and equipment to protect workers engaged in these projects and prevent community transmission of COVID-19. Updates on several projects follow, with an opportunity for Bloomington homeowners leading this week’s list: 

Mayor Hamilton to Propose “Recovering Forward” in Thursday Remarks

On Thursday, July 16, Mayor John Hamilton will present remarks about the range of challenges currently confronting the community and propose strategies for addressing them in a transformative way. 

Fifth City Employee Diagnosed With COVID-19

A fifth employee of the City of Bloomington has received a positive result of a COVID-19 viral test. The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) Transmission and Distribution employee received the positive test result Monday, July 13.  Having self-isolated since first experiencing symptoms on Tuesday, July 7, the employee has been placed on paid leave to recover.  

Bloomington Police Department Apprehends Hit-and-Run Driver

The City of Bloomington announces that the Bloomington Police Department (BPD) has apprehended the driver who injured two pedestrians after a demonstration in downtown Bloomington on Monday, July 6.

BPD Investigating July 6 Incident to Identify and Locate Driver Who Struck Pedestrians

The Bloomington Police Department (BPD) is currently conducting an investigation to determine the identity and location of the driver (and passenger) of a vehicle that drove into pedestrians last night after a peaceful rally on the courthouse square, injuring two pedestrians, before leaving the scene.

Mayor Hamilton and City Clerk Bolden Release Statement

On behalf of the City of Bloomington, we would like to express outrage and grief relating to two apparent racially motivated incidents reported in our community over the July 4 weekend.

Mayor Receives Positive COVID-19 Antibody Result

Mayor John Hamilton learned late Wednesday evening that the result of a COVID-19 antibody test he was administered was positive, indicating that he has very likely experienced a COVID-19 infection. The mayor had received two negative results to COVID-19 viral tests administered April 18 and 21, after having experienced moderate flu-like symptoms and been potentially exposed to COVID-19.