By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.
The city council voted unanimously Monday night to create a seven-member technology commission, an idea spearheaded by Alderman Jamie Mathy.
“What’s next? What’s the next thing coming down the line?”
Mathy would like to see the panel look at such issues as citizens’ privacy, and open data policies.
Mayor Tari Renner will select commission members, with the city council’s approval. Mathy said last month he has list of people he’d like to see serve on the commission.
Without discussion, all council members were in agreement to give Kroger another year to make good on its performance bond requirements to improve infrastructure between College Avenue and Jumer Drive in northeast Bloomington.
Kroger put on hold plans to build a $25 million grocery store at the site, and financial incentives offered by the city expired last year. City Manager Tim Gleason said the city would gladly negotiate a package similar to sales tax rebates initially offered to Kroger if it decided a build a store that would replace its location at Normal’s Landmark Plaza.
Even if Kroger does not develop the property, the grocer is required to make various infrastructure upgrades such as adding an eastbound right-turn lane on College Avenue, building sidewalks, installing storm sewers and new bus shelters.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
