Bloomington parks board approves contracts, fee changes and budget allocations in January meeting

The Bloomington Board of Park Commissioners met in January and approved a slate of routine motions and contracts, including a temporary contract for a portable restroom at Seminary Park, a $538,000 partnership agreement with Centerstone of Indiana and several tree‑service agreements.

The board elected officers for 2026 (Kim Clapp as secretary, Kathleen Mills as president, Ellen Rodke as the plan commission representative and Jim Whitlatch as liaison to the Parks Foundation) and approved the consent calendar. The board then approved Resolution 26‑01 to appropriate nonreverting fund expenditures for 2026; staff had requested $2,315,000 in nonreverting expenditures and noted continuing encumbrances for a mobile stage.

Key approvals and outcomes at a glance:
- Portable‑restroom services: Agreement with A and A Quick Pump for Seminary Park cleaning and pumping services not to exceed $39,960 for the year; motion carried.
- Centerstone partnership: Approved a $538,000 agreement with Centerstone of Indiana ($381,000 for Public Works, $147,000 for Parks and Recreation) covering a rotating crew and Switchyard restroom support.
- Security renewal: One‑year renewal with MSI for Switchyard Park security (overnight hours) approved; staff said living‑wage adjustments slightly changed rates and current funding includes ARPA support.
- Banneker repairs: Contract with B & L Sheet Metal to address long‑running water infiltration at the Banneker Community Center was approved; the project uses a $20,000 Black Heritage Program grant with the remainder from nonreverting funds.
- Farmers Market fees: Food‑truck weekly fee schedule changed so vendors that fit a standard market space pay $35/week and vendors requiring more space pay $50/week; applications open Jan. 21–Feb. 20.
- Tree program contracts: Agreements approved with Davie Tree Expert Company (removals/pruning, not to exceed $36,910, ESD funding), Canopy Bloomington (up to 12 replacement trees, $4,770), JR Ellington Tree Expert Company (hazard removals, not to exceed $25,000) and Bluestone Tree LLC (hazard removals, not to exceed $25,000).

Most motions passed by voice vote; the meeting included routine roll call, staff presentations and brief discussion for several items. The board set its next meeting for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m.