By: Diane Benjamin
The meeting was short! Nothing was even slightly controversial until comments by aldermen. More on that in a minute.
The only agenda item concerned swinging doors downtown hitting pedestrians. This downtown picture is from the slide show presentation:
Businesses like Windy City Wieners want more indoor floor space, so they want the doors moved toward the street like the other buildings pictured. That required text amendment changes to the zoning code so walkers don’t get smacked by a door that swings out.
Note the building to the right and left of Windy City. Do their doors swing out? If yes, are people getting smacked by them?
Zoning staff got the proposal approved, but businesses who want to destroy the building’s character by moving the door will be required to add planters or benches along the building to keep people from getting hit by the door. They will also need to get the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Nothing was mentioned about businesses with doors that swing out now adding planters etc. If you happen to be downtown, please check which direction those other 2 doors above swing.
You know you live in Illinois when government has to protect you from every possible injury while not maintaining infrastructure. Are people actually being injured downtown by doors that swing out?
The Front and Center Building is gone, according to the City Manager. It will soon be a parking lot.
Aldermen comments:
Just hit Play on the video below to hear Abby Scott. Later Molly Ward chirps in. Both expect Alderman Sheila Montney to report to the Council on the meetings of the 2 county commissions she was appointed to. This story shows those: https://blnnews.com/2026/01/08/go-where-the-money-is-fail/
Neither Ward nor Scott gets it: Montney represents the CITY’s interests, not the Council’s. She was appointed to ensure sales tax dollars Bloomington sends the County under the Intergovernmental Agreement are spent per the document.
The McLean County Behavioral Health Coordinating Council isn’t subject to FOIA—so they expect secrecy. But the FAC posts agendas and videos of meetings. Ward and Scott can watch without needing a report.
Meanwhile, other elected officials are on Boards of organizations getting taxpayer dollars. Why aren’t Ward and Scott demanding reports from them? Here are a few:
Mike Straza is on the Board of the BN Convention and Visitors Bureau: https://www.visitbn.org/contact-us/
Why isn’t he required to report to Council Molly?
Mayor Brady and City Manager Jeff Jurgens are on the Board of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council: https://www.bnbiz.org/bnedc-board
Why don’t either issue reports to the Council Molly?
Anyone think Abby and Molly have some ulterior motive? 🤔
Just hit PLAY:
Mollie is on a special Committee to determine the audit of the Mental Health & Public Safety Fund as required by the ToN & the CoB. She was “appointed” by Lizzy Johnson without consideration by the Councils. They have met a few times. Any reports?
As required by an IGA, Connect Transit is to provide an annual report to both Councils. Has anyone seen one?
Some more factoids..the Behavioral Health Coordinator provides reports to the Executive Committee of the County Board.
Interested Council members can do their own homework—it’s all about control not being informed.
Mollie and Abby should also familiarize themselves with the County ordinance governing the County’s Boards & Commissions.
They are making fools of themselves.
Frequently