Description

PURPOSE: The commission formulates adopts and implements policies, principles, and standards for humane treatment and control of all animals in the city.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Appointees shall have been voters of the city for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment.

DUTIES: Reviewing the decisions and actions of the senior animal control officer in any matter related to the enforcement of chapter 2.12.010 of the Bloomington Municipal Code.

TIME COMMITMENT: 1.5 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member of the commission does not receive compensation for their service.

The 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m in the Animal Shelter.

Description

PURPOSE: The Bloomington Arts Commission provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and promote community appreciation for and participation in the arts.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: All members of the commission shall have a demonstrated commitment to the arts. To the extent possible, priority shall be given first to ensure a broad representation of professional artists from the disciplines of the visual, performing, and literary arts and then to arts administrators and arts consumers and to representatives from the education and business communities. Appointees shall have been voters of the city for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment and be at least 18 years of age.

DUTIES: The commission's powers and duties include, but are not limited to; (1)Develop and present to the city a public art plan, which is a list of potential public art projects to be coordinated by the commission and produced as a collaborative effort by the city and/or other civic entities; (2)Develop and administer programs to achieve the commission's purpose; (3)Inform the common council, city administration, and city boards and commissions on current art issues, and offer policy recommendations and advice; and, (4)Adopt administrative rules and regulations, adopt procedures, conduct activities, and form committees, necessary to conduct the commission's business.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

Meetings are on the Second Wednesday of the Month, 5-6:30 pm in the McCloskey room.

Description

PURPOSE: The Bloomington Digital Underground is the City of Bloomington's core fiber-optic network, connecting City, County, MCPL, MCCSC and other facilities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES: The duties of this committee shall be as follows: (A) The BDU Advisory Board advises the City on management of the BDU, related City telecommunications and IT infrastructure investments, and strategic IT initiatives.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Meetings are required at least once quarterly, but typically occur every month on the first Thursday of the month at 4pm in the McCloskey Room at City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: The Human Rights Commission is designed to enforce Bloomington's Human Rights Ordinance in a fair and timely manner, to educate community members about their rights and responsibilities under various civil rights laws, to raise awareness on all human rights issues, to ensure that contractors and subcontractors on city jobs pay employees applicable common wages, to ensure that the City, as an employer, governmental entity and provider of public accommodations, complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and to provide the community with information about the ADA.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Members of the Human Rights Commission shall be representative of the community and shall be city or county residents.

QUALIFICATIONS: Preference for appointments shall be given to persons belonging to local religious organizations, the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission, Monroe County Government, local community school corporations, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

DUTIES: The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)To create subcommittees and advisory committees as in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purpose of this section. (2)To issue such publications and such results of investigation and research as in its judgment will tend to minimize or eliminate discrimination because of race, sex, religion, disability, color, national origin, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or housing status. (3) To investigate complaints filed with the commission.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Human Rights Discussions

The staff of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission gives talks on a variety of human rights-related topics, including fair employment and fair housing practices, sexual harassment, affirmative action and hate incidents. The service is free. If you would like to schedule a talk, contact the BMHRC at 349-3478 or human.rights@bloomington.in.gov.

This commission typically meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 5:00pm in the Hooker conference room.

Description

PURPOSE: The purpose of this board is to hear the appeal of any person who is the subject of, or directly impacted by, a ruling or decision of the enforcing officer or any administration official, in any matter relative to the interpretation or enforcement of any of the provisions of Title 16 of the Bloomington Municipal Code. The board is authorized to make investigations relative to the appeal and may overrule the decisions of any administrative officer including the neighborhood development division.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Members shall be residents of the city. Members may be, but are not required to be, persons who are elected, appointed, or otherwise employed by the city, but such members shall not constitute a majority of the board. Consideration shall be given for appointment to the board to tenants, owners, and persons with experience in the area of building, managing, and leasing housing.

DUTIES: The powers and duties of the board of housing quality appeals shall be to: (A)Hear and determine appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official charged with the enforcement of any regulation or restrictions set forth in the property maintenance code; (B)Permit and authorize variances in particular situations specified in the property maintenance code; (C)Hear and authorize variances to the terms of the property maintenance code upon which the board is required to act under this section; (D)In exercising its powers, the board of housing quality appeals may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from as in its opinion ought to be done in the premises, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from which the appeal is taken.

TIME COMMITMENT: Four hours a month or more.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

Every third Tuesday of the month.

Description

PURPOSE: The Board of Park Commissioners is a policy-making authority for the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The four commissioners shall be appointed on the basis of their interest in and knowledge of parks and recreation. No more than two members may be affiliated with the same political party. Each commissioner must be a freeholder residing in the city. In making initial appointments the Mayor, in order to provide continuity of experience and programs, shall give special consideration to the appointment of members from the previous park or recreation boards.

DUTIES: Policy-making authority for the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

The Board meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.

Description

PURPOSE: The board of public safety shall have control and oversee the police and fire department of the city pursuant to statute, and shall have the authority to allow and approve claims.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The board shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the mayor and who shall serve at the mayor's pleasure. Members shall have been voters of the city for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment.

DUTIES: The board of public safety shall have control and oversee the police and fire department of the city pursuant to statute, and shall have the authority to allow and approve claims.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member of such board shall receive for services compensation in an amount to be fixed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the common council. No such member who holds any other remunerative position with the city shall be entitled to receive additional compensation for services performed as a member of such board

This board meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in McCloskey

Description

PURPOSE: The Board of Public Works monitors and grants final approval to commission resolutions and directives. The Board shall consist of three members appointed by the mayor.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Appointees shall have been voters of the city for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment.

DUTIES: The board shall be the chief administrative body of the city and shall have control of the day-to-day operation of the department of public works and shall have the authority to allow and approve claims for the department of public works and the engineering department.

TIME COMMITMENT: 6.5 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member of the Board of Public Works does receive compensation for their service

The Board of Public Works meets in person at City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom every other Tuesday at 5:30pm . To view the schedule of upcoming meetings for the Board of Public Works please consult the Calendar on the City's website.

Description

PURPOSE: The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hears and makes the final decision on requests for variances from both the development and the use standards in the Unified Development Ordinance. The BZA also hears and makes final decisions on conditional use requests. In addition, the BZA makes the final decision concerning appeals from administrative decisions. Bloomington Municipal Code 20.01.010.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The board shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the mayor and who shall serve at the mayor's pleasure. Members shall have been voters of the city for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment.

DUTIES: The powers and duties of the board of zoning appeals shall be as set out in Title 20 of the Bloomington Municipal Code.

TIME COMMITMENT: 3 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

Once per month on a Thursday, but not the same Thursday every month.

On June 5, 2024 Bloomington City Council adopted Resolution 2024-12 to implement outcome based budgeted. Part of this resolution stated: Section 1: The Council will work with the Office of the Mayor to establish a Task Force on the Budgeting Process, consisting of council members and city staff. This Task Force will be charged with exploring and recommending improvements to Bloomington’s budgeting process, ensuring that the city employs the most effective, transparent, and community-aligned budgeting practices available. Section 2: The Council will work with the Office of the Mayor and City Controller to develop a framework for implementing the recommendations of the Task Force on Budgeting Processes, including the possibility of implementing outcome-based budgeting or a hybrid approach within the City of Bloomington by the time the budget is being developed for budget year 2026.

The Budget Task Force needs to be established. The Task Force will have the following membership, roles, and responsibilities: - Four (4) member Task Force, consisting of Deputy Mayor Gretchen Knapp, City Controller Jessica McClellen, and 2 City Council Members (1 of whom also serves on the Finance Committee) - Applicable city staff will be pulled in, as needed, for specific information/tasks. - This task force will be a short term transition to an improved budgeting process. - Outcome based budgeting is based on a shared understanding of what the desired outcomes are. This Task Force will work on identifying and documenting those big picture goals. Documented goals will need to be approved by the full City Council and Office of the Mayor. - This group will develop a framework for how the different departmental responsibilities can be aligned with the desired outcomes. - The group will make recommendations to process and budget formats for FY2026.

This committee meets as needed.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Capital Improvements Board is to manage and direct the affairs of the Convention Center and its expansion. A Capital Improvement Board ("CIB") is hereby created, pursuant to Indiana Code 36-10-8 et seq. to manage and direct the affairs of the Monroe County Convention Center ("Convention Center") and its expansion.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The CIB shall be composed of seven (7) members, consistent with IC 36-10-8-4. The units of government which shall make appointments to the CIB are Monroe County and the City of Bloomington. Specifically, Monroe County ("County") shall appoint three (3) members and the City of Bloomington ("City") shall appoint three (3) members. Those six (6) members appointed shall appoint the seventh appointment, such appointment must comply with IC 36-10-8-4(b). The Mayor shall appoint two members to the CIB, the appointments must not be from the same political party. The City Council shall appoint one member to the CIB. The County Commissioners shall appoint two members to the CIB, the appointments must not be from the same political party. The County Council shall appoint one member to the CIB. To create staggered appointments, the first round of appointments made by the Mayor and the County Commissioners will expire ending on January 15, 2024. All other and subsequent appointments with be two-year appointments to the CIB.

DUTIES: The CIB shall select the site for the expansion of the Convention Center expansion components, including a site plan, select and contract with the operation and management organization(s), oversee process for hotelier partner selection, name the expanded center, hire/retain support staff, and the need for additional amenities including a parking garage.

TIME COMMITMENT: 4 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

2nd Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.

Description

PURPOSE: This is the public body that reviews and recommends CDBG funding for a variety of community projects.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The membership is as follows: two City Council members, two Redevelopment Commission members, and up to 18 community members appointed by the Mayor.

DUTIES: The Council is split into two committees; one to review applications and recommend funding for physical improvement projects and one to review applications and recommend funding for public service programs.

TIME COMMITMENT: 6.5 hours per month from December through January

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

The meeting schedule varies but mostly occurs in December and January each year.

Description

PURPOSE: The legislative body of the City, the City Council is a link between the citizens of Bloomington and their government.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Registered voters who live in the City of Bloomington can be elected to the council.

DUTIES: 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.

TIME COMMITMENT: 6 hours a month or more.

COMPENSATION: Each member does receive compensation and city benefits for their service.

Meetings are generally held the first four Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers

The new nonprofit, City of Bloomington Capital Improvements, Inc. (CBCI), will be governed by a five-member board of directors to benefit, perform, and carry out the charitable, educational, and other public purposes of the City of Bloomington.

CBCI will also be guided by bylaws and a conflicts of interest policy to ensure transparency and accountability .

---Regular Meetings--- A regular annual meeting of the board of directors shall be held at such times and places as may be designated by resolution by the board of directors. The board of directors shall by resolution provide the time and place for the holding of quarterly meetings of the Board. Notice and conduct of the board’s regular meetings shall comply with the provisions of the Indiana Open Door Law, IC 5-14-1.5 et seq., except that public notice of meetings shall be given solely through the corporation’s website unless notice by publication is specifically required by law. The president of the board shall specify a reasonable amount of time for public comment at each regular meeting.

---Special Meetings--- Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by or at the request of the president or any two directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board may fix the time and place for holding any special meeting of the Board called by them, or may determine that a special meeting shall occur by remote communication i.e. virtually. Notice of any special meeting of the board of directors shall be given to the directors at least three days previously by electronic mail to the addresses provided by the directors for board communications, or other means permitted by applicable law. Notice and conduct of the board’s special meetings shall comply with the provisions of the Indiana Open Door Law, IC 5-14-1.5 et seq., except that they may be conducted solely by remote communication and that public notice of meetings as well as meeting agendas and documents to be discussed at the meetings, shall be provided solely through the corporation’s website unless notice by publication is specifically required by law. The president of the board shall specify a reasonable amount of time for public comment at each special meeting.

Description

PURPOSE: The Commission was established to encourage the development of programming, explore issues and concerns, celebrate accomplishments, and promote solutions to problems and challenges.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Commission members shall be residents of Monroe County. Preference for appointments shall be given to people with expertise in, or representing, one or more of the following areas: senior issues, health and wellness, recreation, employment, social services, transportation, and affordable housing.

DUTIES: Celebrate the contributions seniors make to the Bloomington community.

TIME COMMITMENT: Four hours a month or more.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Hooker Conference Room in City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: The Commission was established to encourage the development of programming, explore issues and concerns, celebrate accomplishments, and promote solutions to problems and challenges.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Commission members shall be residents of Monroe County. Preference for appointments shall be given to people with expertise in, or representing, one or more of the following areas: senior issues, health and wellness, recreation, employment, social services, transportation, and affordable housing.

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) Work in collaboration with other community organizations to promote public awareness of the senior and aging community.

TIME COMMITMENT: Four hours a month or more.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service

All Commission meetings are open to the public and are held the last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: The City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability (BCOS) promotes economic development, environmental health, and social equity in our community for present and future generations. The commission gathers and disseminates information; promotes practical initiatives; and measures, monitors, and reports on our community's progress toward sustainability.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Sustainability is an interdisciplinary concept. As such, the commission's membership shall reflect environmental, social and economic perspectives, unified by the common interest of sustainability. The commission shall draw its members from government, business, academia, not-for-profits and neighborhood associations.

DUTIES: The commission shall have the following powers and duties: (A) To coordinate ongoing and to propose and promote new sustainability initiatives among residents, businesses, governmental, nongovernmental agencies and educational organizations through education and outreach programs; (B)To advise and make recommendations to the Bloomington common council, city administration, and city boards and commissions on policies and programs that infuse the work of city government with an operating philosophy based on sustainability; (C)To determine, in cooperation with other city boards and commissions, Bloomington's current and future sustainability status by developing and monitoring a set of sustainability indicators; (D)To provide, in cooperation with other city boards and commissions, an annual "sustainability assessment" based on said indicators. The assessment shall be included in an annual report and provided to the common council, mayor and the public; (E)To advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies, boards and commissions of the city of Bloomington, the state, other local governments, industries, other states, interstate or interlocal agencies, and the federal government, and with interested persons or groups on matters of sustainability; (F)To adopt administrative rules and regulations for the conduct of its business; and, (G)To research and apply for grants or other funds or gifts from public or private agencies for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or purposes of this section.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

BCOS meets regularly on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6pm in the McCloskey Room at City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: To develop action committees addressing problems of Black males in the areas of Education, Health, Criminal Justice and Employment; To serve as a catalyst to promote positive public and private remedies to the multi-faceted problems confronting Black males in our community and the resulting effects on the entire community; To organize and convene community forums and neighborhood-based focus groups to discuss the status of Black males; To network with groups with similar missions, such as the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the African American National Council, and local commissions throughout the state, sharing ideas, information, data and plans.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Commission members shall be residents of Monroe County. Preference for appointments may be given to people with expertise in, or representing, one or more of the following areas: education, health, employment, criminal justice, black history, the faith community and the social service community.

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) To develop action committees addressing problems of Black males in the areas of Education, Health, Criminal Justice and Employment; (B) To serve as a catalyst to promote positive public and private remedies to the multi-faceted problems confronting Black males in our community and the resulting effects on the entire community; (C) To organize and convene community forums and neighborhood-based focus groups to discuss the status of Black males; and, (D) To network with groups with similar missions, such as the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the African American National Council, and local commissions throughout the state, sharing ideas, information, data and plans.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

All meetings are held in the Hooker Conference Room #245, at City Hall at Showers Plaza, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, Indiana on the Second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. (Dates and meeting rooms are subject to change).

The purpose of the Commission shall be to promote connections in our community which empower, enhance and nurture children and youth. The Commission will access resources and information to make recommendations to people and organizations with authority to create and support systems that encourage healthy development of children and youth.

QUALIFICATIONS: Commission members shall be residents of Monroe County. To the extent possible, members of the commissions should include representatives of agencies that work with children and youth, low-income people and social service providers. To the extent possible, preference will be given to people with experience working with children and youth advocacy groups, direct knowledge of children and youth needs and community resources, and/or knowledge of legislative and policy-making processes.

The Commission on the Status of Children and Youth holds meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall at Showers, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, Hooker Conference Room, Suite 245.

Description

PURPOSE: The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women explores women's issues and concerns, celebrates women's accomplishments, and promotes solutions to the problems and challenges faced by women. The Commission's purpose is to assure that women and men have equal opportunity to function fully and optimally as citizens of Bloomington, as equal participants in the economy, in politics and government, in education, in social development, in the system of justice, and in all other facets of life. To these ends the Commission identifies needs, resources, and gaps in resources for women; monitors federal, state, and local policies and their impact on women; stimulates and encourages legislation, issues publications, and does all it can to help improve opportunities for women in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS: Commission members hall be residents of Monroe County. The members of the Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women shall be representative of the diverse educational, employment, economic, business and community service elements of the community. Preference for appointments shall be given to persons with experience working for women's issues, knowledge of legislative and policy making processes, and direct knowledge and experience working with women's needs and community resources.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The members of the Bloomington commission on the status of women shall be representative of the diverse educational, employment, economic, business and community service elements of the community. Preference for appointments shall be given to persons with experience working for women's issues, knowledge of legislative and policy making processes, and direct knowledge and experience working with women's needs and community resources. In order that the concerns of the total community be adequately represented on the commission, commission membership may include both women and men.

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) Identify the needs of, resources for, and services available to women in order to improve opportunities for women in Bloomington. (B) To stimulate and encourage legislation for the development of services that benefit women; (C) To educate ourselves on federal, state and local issues as they relate to women and identify participation efforts to assure women's equity. Strategy will include issuing publications, materials, and research findings and educational opportunities for our community. (D) To maintain a close liaison with other women's commissions and advocacy groups.

TIME COMMITMENT: 4 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

The Commission on the Status of Women usually meets the first Thursday of each month at Showers City Hall. The Public is welcome to attend these meetings.

This is a special committee of the Common Council established under BMC 2.04.240 on January 11, 2023 by Council President Sue Sgambelluri. The membership is limited to councilmembers.

This committee meets as needed.

This is a special committee of the Common Council established on March 5, 2025 by Council President Hopi Stosberg. The membership is limited to councilmembers.

The committee meets as needed.

Description

PURPOSE: The CAPS Commission’s goal is to increase the safety of all Bloomington community members, especially those often marginalized due to race, disability, gender, sexual identity, or sexual orientation.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) The CAPS Commission will perform research and gather data on the perceptions and preferences about public safety from community members, with specific focus on data gathered from minority community members, individuals who are disabled, and other often marginalized community members. (B) The CAPS Commission will research evidence-based alternatives to traditional policing, identify best practices in public safety globally and evaluate the efficacy of such practices for implementation in Bloomington, and will make recommendations to the Common Council, the Board of Public Safety, and/or the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee on policies and programs that enhance public safety for all community members.

TIME COMMITMENT:

MEETINGS: The commission shall meet monthly, unless canceled by the commission, with a minimum of four meetings per year.

STAFFING: The Common Council staff shall provide general administrative support for the regularly scheduled monthly meetings.

COMPENSATION: Each member shall have one vote and shall serve without compensation

The Commission typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Description

PURPOSE: The Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) is a volunteer group that advocates for the interests of people with disabilities. Formerly known as the Community Council on Handicap Concerns, the group was formed in 1990. The CCA promotes awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and works to develop solutions to problems of accessibility in the community.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES: The duties of this council shall be as follows: (A) Assessment: To seek information about the needs and available services for persons with disabilities; (B) Awareness: To educate all segments of the community; (C) Accessibility: To promote access to places of public accommodation, housing, programs, and services; (D) Affinity: To develop coalitions with groups that share similar interests; (E) Advocacy: To promote the best interests of persons with disabilities by supporting specific, identified issues; (F) Advice: To serve as a resource to the community; and, (G) Action: To actively work to accomplish the objectives of the organization.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Description

PURPOSE: Since 1998, the City of Bloomington and Monroe County have cooperated in the operation of a joint central emergency dispatch center. The Dispatch Policy Board serves as the oversight board for central emergency dispatch. The Policy Board is established pursuant to an interlocal cooperation agreement between the City of Bloomington and Monroe County, and the Board's members are appointed by the City and County. The Board meets at least every other month to review claims, examine contracts, receive information about dispatch operations, and discuss all other issues pertaining to dispatch services in Monroe County.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES:

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Generally meets every two months on odd-numbered months. See City calendar for specific dates.

Description

PURPOSE: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission seeks to promote and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and promote the acceptance of diversity in the community. The Commission sponsors events and programs to commemorate the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, including a volunteer service day initiative "A Day ON! Not a Day Off", "40 Days of Peace", the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, and the annual community-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The Commission also sponsors events throughout the year which promote justice, racial harmony and equal opportunity.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: While there are no requirements for eligibility, preference for appointments shall be given to persons belonging to local religious organizations, the Bloomington human rights commission, Monroe County Government, local community school corporations, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) To promote and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and the acceptance of diversity in our community. In the pursuit of these purposes the commission may appoint additional volunteers and commission associates.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

Monthly on the fourth Wednesday

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

City Hall-1-Cityhall Kelly Conference Room (RM #155)

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Description

PURPOSE: The Bloomington Economic Development Commission (EDC) was created to enhance economic growth within the City of Bloomington. The five commissioners employ a variety of tools to stimulate redevelopment and increased employment, including tax abatements and economic development revenue bonds.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES: The duties of this commission shall be as follows: (A) Have a responsibility for the financing of economic development facilities and pollution control facilities within the City of Bloomington; (B) Shall have all the powers and authorities set out for such commissions in IC 36-7-12 and shall bear such duties and responsibilities as are therein set out; and, (C) Shall follow such rules and procedures and observe such limitations as are now set out in IC 36-7-12, or as shall be added by future amendments to the Indiana Code.

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

The EDC meets on the fourth Friday of each month, with some exceptions for holidays. Regularly scheduled meetings are at Noon in the Hooker Conference Room of City Hall. For further information regarding the EDC please contact the Economic & Sustainable Development Department at 812.349.3418.

Description

PURPOSE: Established in 1971 by municipal ordinance, the Bloomington Environmental Commission (EC), formerly known as the Environmental Quality and Conservations Commission, is a voluntary advisory body composed of citizens appointed by the Mayor and Common Council. The mission of the EC is to advise the City on how its actions and policies may preserve and enhance the quality of Bloomington’s environment, including the life-supporting processes that natural ecological systems provide to humans and other organisms. For current vacancies, please refer to the list of members

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Commissioners must reside within the municipal boundary. Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in one or more areas of physical, biological, or environmental sciences; sanitation and recycling; public health; or conservation.

DUTIES: The EC actively participates in the city planning process; researches and reports on environmental topics; develops educational materials; responds to inquiries from residents; and coordinates with other municipal boards and commissions, and other organizations on issues of mutual interest.

TIME COMMITMENT: 5 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member of the commission does not receive compensation for their service.

Regular meetings are generally on the third Thursday every month at 6:00pm, and working group meetings convene as needed. It is expected that all members will be active in EC projects by attending monthly meetings and working group meetings. The time required to fulfill the EC duties are approximately four hours per month.

Description

PURPOSE: The Environmental Resource Advisory Council acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Park Commissioners in all policy matters pertaining to the operations of City natural areas or facilities. The ERAC also assists in the formulation of policies relating to the use and protection of environmentally sensitive and natural areas.

The ERAC also works closely with the Environmental Commission, the Bloomington Tree Commission, and local public, private, and semi-private organizations in a mutually cooperative manner for the betterment of the environment.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The Environmental Resources Advisory Council (ERAC) is made up of five regular voting members, and four special voting members representing the City of Bloomington's Environmental Commission, the City of Bloomington Utilities Service Board, one member with expertise in natural resource management, and one member with expertise in outdoor recreation and environmental education. One special, non-voting member serves as the liaison from the Bloomington City Council.

DUTIES:

TIME COMMITMENT: 1.5 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

The Environmental Resources Advisory Council (ERAC) meets the second Wednesday of every even-numbered month from 4:30-6 p.m.

Description

PURPOSE: The Farmers’ Market Advisory Council consists of 11 members representing Market vendors, customers and food and beverage artisans. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Park Commissioners and Park staff on policy matters relating to the Farmers’ Market. Four Market vendors serve on the Farmers’ Market Advisory Council. Meetings are usually held at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the Allison Conference Room, 2nd Floor Room #225, (City Hall) 401 North Morton,. It is advisable to check with Market staff prior to each month’s meeting in case there has been a change.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The members of the Council shall serve without compensation. The members of the Council shall hold no other elected or paid public office in the City.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Parks Commissioners and staff in broad policy matters pertaining to the facilities and operations of the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market (“BCFM”) and to cooperate with other civic groups and governmental agencies in the advancement of the BCFM within the Bloomington community.

TIME COMMITMENT: Varies between 1-4 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Voluntary

Meetings are usually held at 5:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month in the Parks and Recreation Department Conference Room, located in Suite 250 at 401 N. Morton St. in City Hall. Advisory Council meetings are open to the public.

PURPOSE & DUTIES: The Fire Merit Commission establishes or administers policies based on merit for the appointment, promotion, demotion, and dismissal of members of the fire department. Each commissioner shall take an oath to "conscientiously discharge the commissioner's duties". A signed copy of the oath shall be filed with the Board of Public Safety.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Each commissioner must have been a resident of the City for three (3) consecutive years immediately preceding the commissioner's term, a commissioner must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a commissioner may not be an active member of a police or fire department or agency and not more than two (2) of the commissioners may be past members of a police or fire department or agency. AND must be a person of good moral character. A person may not serve on the commission if the person receives any remuneration as a salary from the unit.

TIME COMMITMENT:

COMPENSATION: If the Board of Public Safety recommends compensating members, the City Council may determine a per diem to be paid to each commissioner.

Description

The Firefighters Pension Board will oversee the pension fund and the hiring of new firefighters.

Annually, one regularly scheduled session, which takes place during February. All other sessions are special sessions.

The Hearing Officer hears and makes the final decision on certain conditional uses, as specified in the Plan Commission rules.

The Hearing Officer also hears and makes final decisions on certain variances from development standards. As with the Plat Committee, the Hearing Officer can meet more often and at more convenient hours than the full Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals, thus improving service to citizens.

The Hearing Officer is a Planning and Transportation Department staff member that is appointed by the Plan Commission.

Every other Wednesday

Description

PURPOSE: The Commission works to educate the public concerning the goals and methods of historic preservation.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The commission shall consist of nine voting members who must be residents. All members shall be appointed by the mayor subject to the approval of the common council. All members shall be interested in the preservation and development of historic buildings and areas.

DUTIES: Making effective the provisions of Title 8 Historic Preservation and Protection.

TIME COMMITMENT: 8 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member of the commission does not receive compensation for their service.

The commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month January through October and on the second Thursdays of November and December.

Description

PURPOSE: Commissioners serve as the governing officers of a public-corporate entity, one that functions as a developer and landlord of local low-income housing programs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The executive shall then appoint seven (7) persons, one (1) of whom must be a resident of a housing project under the jurisdiction of the housing authority, no more than four (4) of whom may be of the same political party, as commissioners of the housing authority. In a town or county, the fiscal body shall appoint seven (7) persons, one (1) of whom must be a person directly assisted by the housing authority, no more than four (4) of whom may be of the same political party, as commissioners of the housing authority.

TIME COMMITMENT: Four hours a month or more.

COMPENSATION: Each member does not receive compensation for their service.

All regular meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Bloomington Housing Authority's Community Room at 1007 N. Summitt St. Bloomington, IN 47404. For cancellations or changes, please refer to Public Notices in the Herald Time

Since the inception of the Jack Hopkins Social Services funding program in 1993, the Bloomington Common Council and Mayor have provided over $2 million in one-time funding to social services agencies for projects that have made a difference in the lives of City residents in need.

The Monroe County Domestic Violence Coalition is committed to improving the response to domestic violence issues through communication and coordination of services. Major projects of the Coalition include a bi-annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference held every other November and the implementation and monitoring of an audit of our community's response to domestic violence.

Time required by member to serve on coalition: 1 hour per month

The Monroe County Domestic Violence Coalition meets on the third Friday of each month at 12:00 noon in the McCloskey Conference Room (#135), located in Showers City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, Indiana. (Dates and meeting rooms are subject to change.)

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a volunteer group consisting of representatives from community organizations, professional organizations, neighborhood associations, and the private sector. Interested citizens that are not officially representing an agency or association are also invited to join the CAC.

Through the CAC, the MPO receives direct input for Policy Committee deliberation and transportation issues. The CAC also assists in developing public involvement programs to solicit general public input on all MPO activities.

Time required by member to serve on committee: 4 hours per month

CAC meetings are open to the public and meet at 6:30pm in the McCloskey Room of City Hall.

The Policy Committee of the Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) discusses and approves MPO policy.

Time required by member to serve on committee: 4 hours per month

Meetings are open to the public and are held on an "as needed" basis, at 1:30pm in the McCloskey Room of City Hall.

TAC meetings are open to the public and meeting at 10:00 am in the McCloskey Room of City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: The Plan Commission is the land use and development policy body for the City and is the decision-making body for site plan review, preliminary and final plats, and final Planned Unit Developments (PUD's). The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Common Council for rezoning requests, preliminary PUD's, and amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The Plan Commission also advises the Common Council on the adoption of, and amendments to, the Growth Policies Plan (GPP).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The Plan Commission is composed of nine voting members. They are Bloomington residents appointed by the Mayor and various City of Bloomington boards. A member of the Common Council also serves a rotational term on the Plan Commission. The Traffic and Transportation Engineer is an ex-officio member.

DUTIES:

TIME COMMITMENT: 9 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Once per month on a Monday but not the same Monday every month

Description

PURPOSE: The Plat Committee hears and makes final decisions on preliminary and final plat (subdivision) requests. This group can meet more frequently and at more convenient hours than the full Plan Commission, thereby improving service to citizens.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The Plat Committee is composed of three members that represent the Plan Commission, Planning and Transportation Department.

DUTIES:

TIME COMMITMENT: 2 hours per month

COMPENSATION:

Description

PURPOSE:

ELGILIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

DUTIES:

TIME COMMITMENT: 1 hour per month

COMPENSATION:

Annually, one regularly scheduled session, which takes place during February. All other sessions are special sessions.

PURPOSE: The Public Transportation Corporation is a separate municipal corporation charged with the management of the Bloomington Transit System, with taxing authority as set out in I.C. 36-9-4. Statutory Authority: (I.C. 36-9-4) (BMC 2.76)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: As per IC 36-9-4-14(b), Board members must be residents of the taxing district of the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation and must be a resident of the City of Bloomington.

DUTIES: The duties of a board member are to attend monthly board meetings, to serve in any officer role as elected by the Board of Directors, and to carry out the purposes of the corporation.

TIME COMMITMENT: The estimated time required to fulfill the duties is 2-3 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member receives a compensation of $100.00 per month.

3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Bloomington Transit conference room, 130 W Grimes Ln

Description

PURPOSE: The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission oversees the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
A redevelopment commissioner must be at least eighteen years of age and a city resident.

DUTIES: Include Community Development Block Grant, HOME funds, Neighborhood Improvement Grants, and Tax Increment Districts.

TIME COMMITMENT: 4 hours per month

COMPENSATION: Each member of the Commission does not receive compensation for their service.

Meetings are generally held on the first and third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm in the McCloskey Room of City Hall.

Description

PURPOSE: The Common Council Sidewalk Committee meets each year to recommend the best way to use appropriations from the City's Alternative Transportation Fund for the following year. Established in 1992, the Fund receives excess revenues from the Residential Neighborhood Parking Permit program and is dedicated to reducing our community's dependence on the automobile. The Committee has helped further this goal by primarily funding the design and construction of new sidewalks. Most of the sidewalks funded by Committee connect with existing pedestrian ways and are expected to be used by a significant number of residents.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIRMENTS:

DUTIES:

TIME REQUIREMENT:

COMPENSATION:

The Transportation Commission (hereinafter referred to as “commission”) is established with the explicit purpose of guiding the city’s transportation endeavors through a comprehensive framework which seeks to provide adequate and safe access to all right-of-way users while prioritizing nonautomotive modes and sustainability. The commission shall provide recommendations and guidance to the mayor and common council in the pursuit of developing and implementing a city-wide policy to eliminate all transportation related fatalities and serious injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and passengers; shall promote sustainable transportation; shall foster equitable access; and shall promote community-centric design. The commission shall also serve as a standing steering committee for future transportation-related studies and grant programs.

APPOINTMENTS: The commission shall consist of the following nine members, none of whom may hold any employment, elected, or appointed position with the City, unless specifically permitted as outlined in this section:

(a) One member appointed by the mayor shall be a member from the council for community accessibility or a designated representative. The council for community accessibility shall submit a list of at least three names to the mayor for consideration; (b) One member appointed by the public transportation corporation board of directors shall be a member or a designated representative, including from among staff of the corporation; (c) One member appointed by the plan commission shall be a member or a designated representative; (d) One member appointed by the board of public works shall be a member or a designated representative; (e) One member appointed by the common council shall be from among its membership; (f) Two members shall be appointed by the council, and shall be residents living within city limits who have experience using forms of travel other than personal motor vehicles as their primary method of transportation; (g) Two members shall be appointed, one by the mayor and one by the council, and shall be residents living within the city limits. Preference for appointments shall be given to board members, employees, or other formal volunteers with Monroe County Community School Corporation, especially as involved in safe routes to school, pollution reduction, and school bus utilization; and members of community organizations dedicated to serving marginalized groups, especially safety-marginalized transportation users.

PROCEDURE: The commission shall establish its own rules of operating procedure which may be amended from time to time by a majority vote.

MEETINGS: Meetings will be held monthly.

Duties

• Advise City Landscaper (Urban Forester) on practices of urban forestry,
• Assist the City Landscaper (Urban Forester) in formulating policies and procedures of urban forestry and formulating procedures for administering the provisions of this chapter,
• Promote public education on the proper selection, planting, and care of trees by assisting in composing a manual and by other means,
• Assist the City Landscaper (Urban Forester) in efforts to fund and promote the acquisition and distribution of additional trees on public property and right-of-ways,
• Provide information and advice to the Board of Public Works on cases before it regarding trees or in adopting additional policies and practices relating to trees.

Time required by member to serve on commission: 1.5 hours per month

For more information about the Tree Commission, contact Tim Street, Operations and Development Director, at 812-349-3706 or tim.street@bloomington.in.gov.

Meets on the third Monday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Description

PURPOSE: The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) aims to "provide the means to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for Zone residents and businesses." The BUEA Zone is an area north, west, and south of Downtown whose residents and businesses are eligible for scholarships, arts and business grants, and tax incentives. In accordance with Indiana State Code Title 5-28-15, the BUEA contributes to economic development efforts in Bloomington's urban core. Over its 25+ year lifespan, the BUEA has spurred millions of dollars in investment. Indiana offers a variety of state tax benefits for Zone businesses, investors, and residents. Businesses and investors who claim Zone-related tax benefits remit a percentage of their savings to the BUEA, which in turn operates a variety of programs to spur economic development within the Zone. The BUEA is managed by the City of Bloomington's Department of Economic & Sustainable Development (ESD).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: The board currently has three vacancies. Two are gubernatorial appointments. The remaining vacancy is an appointment by Common Council of a Zone Resident, of a differing political party than the other appointed zone resident.

DUTIES: The duties of the position are to attend board meetings once a month and to review materials in advance of each board meeting.

TIME COMMITMENT: The estimated time commitment is 2 hours per month.

COMPENSATION: Each member of the commission does not receive compensation for their service.

The duties of the position are to attend board meetings once a month and to review materials in advance of each board meeting. The estimated time commitment is 2 hours per month and there is no compensation.

Second Wednesday of every month, at Noon in the McCloskey Conf. Room

The Utility Service Board (USB) oversees the Utilities Department and coordinates operations with City policies. The USB is made up of seven voting members (4 appointed by the Mayor, 3 appointed by Common Council) and two non-voting Ex-Officio members (1 appointed by the Mayor, 1 appointed by Common Council). Five appointees must be city residents. No more than two-thirds of the members may be of the same political party.

Time required by member to serve on board: 1 hour per month

All meetings, unless otherwise noted, are held in the board room in the Utilities building at 600 E. Miller Drive (corner of Miller and Henderson).