By Sam Thomas
BLOOMINGTON- The Bloomington City Council saw a presentation from Public Works Director Jim Karch at Monday’s committee-of-the-whole work session that outlined a request of $43 million for street resurfacing over the next five years.
The meeting was the first of what is likely to be a months-long process of identifying which projects should be included in the city’s new capital improvement plan.
Ward 7 aldermen Scott Black said he’s concerned with the lack of priority given to the city’s aging and historic districts.
“Is it really the best use of taxpayer dollars to be resurfacing and widening roads that are not needed when you have critical infrastructure in our historic neighborhoods that have not been addressed and are not part of this plan?” he asked.
Black was referring to multiple city-funded projects undertaken at the Grove subdivision in Bloomington.
Despite his concerns, he still sees the requested $8.6 million in yearly funding for streets and sidewalks in the city as progress. He said he just hopes to see the money spent as efficiently as possible.
“I think it’s a good start. You’ve seen this council put more money towards streets, sidewalks and sewers than previous council before that. I think we can do more, but what is the consequence of doing more?” he asked. “Does that mean we take more money out of other areas? Taking a holistic approach is really the best way to see how we can maximize taxpayer dollars.”
Ward 4 alderwoman Amelia Buragas raised issue with what she calls a lack of public input included in the plan.
“For example, when someone has an idea…some street-centered request or if work is going to be done on their street, they can ask for more information but there’s really no structure for that to be done in a public forum. That’s what’s missing from our process right now,” Buragas said.
Public forums over the plan will be held over the next several weeks and months.
The council also heard from Illinois State University professor Dr. John Lust on the issue of employee benefit compensation packages prior to adjournment Monday night.
Sam Thomas can be reached at Sam@WJBC.com.
