Case Date:

3/17/2025

The city council phone number listed on bloomington.in.gov (812-349-3409) is completely unreachable. Any time I call I get immediately disconnected, with a busy signal, and no option to leave a voicemail. I hope this is a simple oversight. The page for the common council literally says that the council is supposed to be a link between the citizens of Bloomington and their government. I have tried emailing my councilperson and not gotten a response there either. I was told by Mayor Thomson's husband when he came canvassing at my house before the election that she wanted to make it easier for residents to communicate with their government. This seems like an easy place to start.

Case Date:

3/28/2025

To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to raise ongoing and serious concerns about safety at Ferguson Dog Park. As a local resident and dog owner, I want to be able to use this public space, but I and many others have avoided it due to recurring problems with aggressive dogs and irresponsible owners. The park has unfortunately gained a reputation for being unsafe, especially in the large dog sections. Despite the park offering one section for small dogs and two for large dogs, the issue lies not in the layout but in the lack of enforcement when it comes to aggressive behavior. On multiple occasions, I’ve encountered people who knowingly bring aggressive, territorial dogs and allow them to instigate fights or intimidate other dogs. One woman even said to me, “Sorry, my dogs are just really aggressive,” without any acknowledgment that such dogs likely should not be in an off-leash public space. While there are signs advising people to report aggressive dogs to Animal Control, this is a reactive measure. It doesn’t prevent the problem, it merely suggests action after something bad happens. That approach is not good enough in a setting where dogs and people are vulnerable to serious injury. I urge the city to consider a more proactive and enforceable approach to managing the park, such as: • Installing surveillance cameras with audio capabilities to capture incidents involving aggressive dogs. This would make it easier to identify repeat offenders and enforce fines, bans, or other penalties. • Requiring owners to register their dogs for park access, with confirmation of vaccinations and agreement to behavioral rules. • Posting clear behavioral guidelines with visible consequences for aggressive or dangerous behavior. • Adding a reporting system with follow-up, so those who witness aggressive behavior can easily report it with time-stamped video or audio reference. • Random patrols or staff check-ins, especially during peak hours. Ferguson Dog Park has the potential to be a tremendous community asset, but right now, many responsible dog owners feel excluded due to fear for their dogs’ safety. I hope the city will take these concerns seriously and implement stronger, preventative measures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone. Thank you for your time and attention. I would appreciate a response regarding what actions, if any, are being considered to address these issues. Sincerely, Michael May 8123601499 4260 E Bethel Ln. Bloomington, IN 47408

Case Date:

3/20/2025

Just curious if any State/County/City agency or legislative body bans smoking outdoors in public parks by statute/ordinance/regulation. Specifically, there is a cigar-smoker (loud, older, possibly un-housed) who often sits on a bench near the NW corner of People's Park about 11am and smokes a cigar that can be smelled by anyone who walks through the park and even across the street at the bagel shop. Just wondering if he could be asked to smoke where other people are not forced to smell it.

Case Date:

11/6/2024

I have repeatedly requested for this gate and the others on the rail trail to be locked. It looks like someone has damaged the post on one of the gates. I would feel safer if it was not possible for cars or other motorized vehicles to easily access the trail from the nearby roads..

Case Date:

12/30/2024

Water running across trail just north of new road bridge. Needs a culvert.

Case Date:

3/31/2025

S. Bainbridge Drive, perhaps the most important street for Sherwood Oaks after Allendale, has been deteriorating badly ever since I moved to the neighborhood 2 1/2 years ago. It has been patched and patched and patched, but the breakup goes on. Really in need of a general redo.

Case Date:

3/31/2025

E. Sheridan Drive has some potholes forming between S. Manor and S. Woodlawn.

Case Date:

3/31/2025

Tapp Road in the west bound lane, just west of the Kingdom Hall there is a large pothole on the right (north side) of the lane forming.

Case Date:

3/25/2025

Water leak at UES, north parking lot.

Case Date:

3/31/2025

The cul-de-sac of E. Berkshire Court has chronic breakup problems. The area pictured was patched two years ago, but has broken up even worse. The pavement in all of Berkshire Court is not in good condition, but the cul-de-sac roundabout is really bad.