On the agenda: Bloomingtonil Committee of the Whole — data center (Jul 20)

City of Bloomington
Committee of the Whole
Regular Session Meeting
July 20, 2026

Page 1 of 14

Components of the City Council Agenda
Recognition and Proclamation
This portion of the meeting recognizes individuals, groups, or
institutions publicly, as well as those receiving a
proclamation, or declaring a day or event.
Public Hearing
Items that require receiving public testimony will be placed on
the agenda and noticed as a Public Hearing. Individuals have
an opportunity to provide public testimony on those items that
impact the community and/or residence.
Public Comment
Each Committee of the Whole meeting shall have a public
comment period not to exceed 30 minutes. Every speaker is
allotted up to 3 minutes to speak. Individuals wishing to email
public comment or speak remotely must email comments
and/or register online at least 15 minutes before the start of
the meeting. Individuals wishing to speak in-person must
register up to 5 minutes before the start of the meeting.
Speakers will be selected at random.
Public comment is a time to provide feedback. Committee of
the Whole does not respond to public comment. Speakers
who engage in threatening or disorderly behavior will have
their time ceased.
Consent Agenda
All items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be
routine in nature and will be enacted by one motion. There
will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
Committee of the Whole Member, City Manager, or
Corporation Counsel so requests; in which event, the item will
be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in the
Regular Agenda.
The City's Boards and Commissions hold Public Hearings
prior to some Committee of the Whole agenda items
appearing on the Committee of the Whole's Meeting Agenda.
Persons who wish to address the Committee of the Whole
should provide new information that is pertinent to the issue
before them.
Regular Agenda
All items that provide the Committee of the Whole an
opportunity to receive a presentation, ask questions of City
Staff, seek additional information, or deliberate prior to
making a decision will be placed on the Regular Agenda.

Mayor and Council
Mayor - Dan Brady
City Council Members
Ward 1 - Jenna Kearns
Ward 2 - Micheal Mosley
Ward 3 - Sheila Montney
Ward 4 - John Danenberger
Ward 5 - Michael Straza
Ward 6 - Cody Hendricks
Ward 7 - Mollie Ward
Ward 8 - Kent Lee
Ward 9 - Abby Scott
City Manager - Jeff Jurgens
Sr. Deputy City Manager - Billy Tyus
Deputy City Manager - Sue McLaughlin

City Logo Design Rationale
The CHEVRON Represents:
Service, Rank, and Authority
Growth and Diversity, A Friendly and
Safe Community A Positive, Upward
Movement and Commitment to Excellence!
Mission, Vision and Value
Statement
Mission
To Lead, Serve and Uplift the City of
Bloomington
Vision
A Jewel of the Midwest Cities
Values
Service-Centered, Results-Driven, Inclusive
Strategic Priorities and Guiding
Principles
The following strategic priorities will guide
all policy direction, budgetary decisions,
and organizational focus:
• Infrastructure
• Housing
• Public Safety
• Economic Vitality
• Core Government Functions
The following principles are foundational
and applicable to all strategic priorities,
decisions, and actions of the City:
• Fiscal Discipline
• Quality of Life
• Community Engagement

Page 2 of 14

Committee of the Whole - Regular Session Meeting Agenda
Government Center Boardroom, 4th Floor, Room #400
115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 6:00 PM
1.

Call to Order

2.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3.

Remain Standing for a Moment of Silent Prayer and/or Reflection

4.

Roll Call

5.

Public Comment
Individuals wishing to provide emailed public comment must email comments to
[email protected] at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting.
Individuals wishing to speak in-person or remotely may register at
www.cityblm.org/register at least 5 minutes before the start of the meeting for in-person
public comment and at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting for remote public
comment.

6.

Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled by
Committee of the Whole from the Consent Agenda for discussion are listed and voted on
separately.
A.

7.

Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2026,
Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk
Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)

Regular Agenda
A.

Update and Discussion on Behavioral Health Initiative Questions, as
requested by the City Council. (Recommended Motion: None; Presentation
Only.) (Presentation by Sheila Montney, Council Member, 10 minutes; and City
Council Discussion, 10 minutes.)

B.

Discussion and Direction on the Regulation of Vape Vending Machines, as
requested by the Mayor. (Recommended Motion: None; Presentation
Only.) (Presentation by Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, 5 minutes; and City Council
Discussion, 10 minutes.)

8.

City Manager's Discussion

9.

Executive Session
A.

None planned; although the City Council may go into Executive Session as
needed and allowed by law (5 ILCS 120/2)., as requested by the City Clerk
Department.

10. Adjournment
Page 3 of 14

Individuals with disabilities planning to attend the meeting who require reasonable
accommodations to observe and/or participate, or who have questions about the accessibility
of the meeting, should contact the City's ADA Coordinator at 309-434-2468
or [email protected].

Page 4 of 14

For Committee of the Whole: July 20, 2026
Ward Impacted: City Wide
Subject: Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2026, Regular
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.
Strategic Plan:
Goal 1. Financially Sound City Providing Quality Basic Services
Objective 1d. City services delivered in the most cost-effective, efficient manner
Background: The minutes of the meetings provided have been reviewed and certified as
correct and complete by the City Clerk. In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, minutes
must be approved 30 days after the meeting or at the second subsequent regular meeting
whichever is later. In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, minutes are available for public
inspection and posted to the City’s website within 10 days after approval.
Community Groups/Interested Persons Contacted: N/A
Financial Impact: N/A
Attachments:
1. DRAFT 06-15-2026 COW Minutes

Page 5 of 14

Minutes
Committee of the Whole - Regular Session
Meeting Monday, June 15, 2026 - 6:00 PM
The Committee of the Whole convened in regular session in the Government Center
Boardroom. Mayor Dan Brady called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance,
ending with a moment of silent prayer/reflection.
Roll Call
Present:

Council Member Jenna Kearns
Council Member Micheal Mosley
Council Member Sheila Montney
Council Member John Danenberger
Council Member Michael Straza
Council Member Cody Hendricks
Council Member Mollie Ward
Council Member Kent Lee
Council Member Abby Scott

Mayor Dan Brady

Public Comment
Gage Juarez emailed public comment. No other public comments were received.
Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled from the
Consent Agenda are listed and voted on separately.
Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Scott, to
approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
Item 6.A. Consideration and Action to Approve the Minutes of the May 18, 2026, Regular
Committee of the Whole Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. Recommended
Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Mayor Brady directed the Clerk to call roll:
Ayes: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott
Motion Carried.
Regular Agenda
The following Item was presented:
Item 7.A. Presentation on the City of Bloomington Supplemental Water Source Review
Draft Report, as requested by the Water Department.
City Manager Jeff Jurgens introduced the Item by explaining that, in light of Bloomington’s
growth and recent drought, staff and consultants had been studying long-term water supply
options and would share their work and findings with the Council.
Brett Lueschen, Water Director, gave an overview of Bloomington’s current water system.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - REGULAR SESSION MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
Page 1 of 4
Page 6 of 14

He explained its existing water sources (Lake Bloomington, Evergreen Lake, and the Mackinaw
pumping pool), treatment plant capacity, and distribution network. He shared that the City served
about 29,500 accounts (equivalent to 32,500 meters).
Bob Cole Hayes, Consultant with the Farnsworth Group, explained that Bloomington’s
key water issue was the drought-safe yield of its two reservoirs, noting that while normal supply
was adequate, the City needed to focus on the amount of water the lakes could reliably provide
during a drought. He explained that the ‘safe yield’ was a complex, scientific calculation that had
been studied multiple times, and that they had relied on a 2009 Illinois State Water Survey report
that estimated a safe yield was about 12.7 million gallons per day. He emphasized the importance
of planning future improvements around increasing the system’s resilience by widening the gap
between average daily use and available drought supply.
Kevin Hannel, Consultant with the Farnsworth Group, described how staff had actively
improved water management by enhancing monitoring of the Mackinaw River with a new United
States Geological Survey ("USGS"). He shared how stream gauges were being utilized to better
understand actual flows and capture more accurate numbers. He discussed upgrading meters
and meter technology to reduce non-revenue water and improve revenue recovery, as well as
ongoing leak detection with consultants to find and repair previously unknown leaks and
proactively identify main breaks before they occurred.
Director Lueschen briefly reviewed major water system projects, noting that the US 51
water main replacement was removing about 13,000 feet of aging pipe where active leaks had
already been found. He shared that the Census Tract 59 work would replace more than 600
lead/galvanized service lines that often leaked before the meter, and discussed upcoming
system-wide improvements to pump stations and transmission mains, along with ongoing leak
detection, were intended to modernize infrastructure and reduce water loss.
Mr. Hayes stated that Farnsworth had compiled many prior water-supply studies into a
concise technical summary, map, and options matrix to guide the City’s multi-generational
planning for a more resilient future water supply. He reported that a 2024 bathymetric survey of
Lakes Bloomington and Evergreen showed a limited dredging benefit at Lake Evergreen, but
indicated that dredging Lake Bloomington could add roughly 600 million gallons of storage (the
equivalent of 40 - 60 days of drought supply). Mr. Hayes added that dredging Lake Bloomington
would be a phased, long-term project targeting specific high-value areas rather than the entire
lake, and while costly, would both increase drought storage (by replacing silt with water) and
improve water quality as a generational investment in the City’s supply. He then outlined the
Mahomet Aquifer as the primary potential groundwater source. He noted that detailed geologic
and modeling studies indicated it could supply up to about 37 million gallons per day in phased
increments, though the required transmission pipeline would likely be more expensive than
developing the well field itself.
Scott Joyce, Asst. Water Director, explained how the Illinois River was a potential future
water source, and that it would require significant work to choose an intake location, route a
transmission main to Bloomington, and decide how/where the water would be treated. He noted
that it would involve many state and federal agencies, and the project would likely function as a
primary water source rather than a backup. He noted a preliminary cost estimate of about $175
million that would likely increase after a more detailed study.
Director Lueschen stated that staff intended to bring a proposal to Council to update the
City’s 2009 drought-safe yield study, within the next few months. He noted that dredging Lake
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - REGULAR SESSION MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
Page 2 of 4
Page 7 of 14

Bloomington would likely be needed eventually for maintenance and water quality, and
recommended the City continue studying additional groundwater from the Mahomet Aquifer,
surface water from the Illinois River, and other potential supplemental sources.
Council Member Montney and Director Lueschen discussed efforts to reduce nonrevenue water from roughly 30% to ~25%, the need to treat leakage as a formal performance
metric, the impact of Rivian’s water use on overall demand, and concerns about unlawful water
use. She recommended a more structured fraud-management approach and Asst. Director
Joyce noted ways to determine if water meters had been tampered with. She then discussed
safe yields with Mr. Hayes, and how dredging Lake Bloomington would be done in phases.
Council Member Ward asked how the recent droughts compared to past events and how
Bloomington’s water position compared with other cities. Mr. Hayes explained that the recent
drought had been relatively minor compared to the 1988–89 and 1939–41 droughts. He
reiterated that Bloomington was currently in good shape, but needed ongoing annual
investments in loss reduction and new supply options to maintain resiliency. She then confirmed
with staff that while the Illinois River could provide 800 million gallons of water daily,
Bloomington’s treatment plant could only process about 24.5 million gallons/day.
Council Member Lee asked whether upgraded residential meters could detect leaks and
alert residents to prevent unexpected high bills. Director Lueschen explained that the new
metering system would eventually provide daily reads through a fixed network, and that with
additional staffing and software improvements, the City hoped to use that data to flag abnormal
usage and notify customers.
Council Member Scott confirmed with Mr. Hayes and Mr. Hannel that roughly 350 million
gallons of water over the past year had been saved through leak reduction. They then confirmed
the safe yield level the City should ultimately target.
Council Member Montney made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Danenberger, to extend the Council Discussion time by 15 minutes.
Mayor Brady directed the Clerk to call roll:
Ayes: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott
Motion Carried.
Council Member Mosley confirmed with Mr. Hayes that the City needed to increase its
ability to have more water during droughts, and the recommendation was to diversify sources.
Council Member Straza asked about specific goals for further reducing water loss and
how updated safe yield data would guide growth planning. Director Lueschen stated that detailed
annual targets had not yet been set, staff aimed to move toward the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency's ("IEPA") 20% loss benchmark and would rely on a new safe yield study
(expected to take about a year) to define how much additional population and industrial demand
the system could reliably support.
Council Member Montney and Mr. Hannel discussed reasons for 30% non-metered water.
Director Lueschen attributed to the recent success in the decrease in the water leak rate to the
installation of new water meters and watermain replacement projects.
City Manager Jurgens reminded Council that some water mains were over 100 years old
and would leak until replaced.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - REGULAR SESSION MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
Page 8 of 14

Council Member Ward asked for a heat map showing water leaks to see where
replacement efforts should be targeted. Council Member Ward, Mr. Hays, and Mr. Hannel
discussed regional water projects in the Chicago suburbs and the potential for central Illinois to
do something similar.
City Manager's Discussion
City Manager Jurgens reported on several items including a successful first event at the
new North Main Plaza, the opening of a new Downtown parking lot at the former Front & Center
site, and planned public involvement for updating data center regulations and the Data Center
Moratorium. He also highlighted upcoming community events including the Juneteenth
celebration at Miller Park, the Sunnyside Park groundbreaking, and the upcoming July 2nd joint
drone show with the Town of Normal to celebrate the United States 250th Anniversary.
Executive Session
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
Council Member Hendricks made a motion, seconded by Council Member
Danenberger, to adjourn the meeting.
Mayor Brady directed the Clerk to call roll:
Ayes: Kearns, Mosley, Montney, Danenberger, Straza, Hendricks, Ward, Lee, Scott
Motion Carried (viva voce).
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.
CITY OF BLOOMINGTON

ATTEST

__________________________
Dan Brady, Mayor

_______________________________
Amanda Stutsman, Deputy City Clerk

MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - REGULAR SESSION MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
Page 4 of 4
Page 9 of 14

For Committee of the Whole: July 20, 2026
Ward Impacted: City Wide
Subject: Update and Discussion on Behavioral Health Initiative Questions
Recommended Motion: None; Presentation Only.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Background: This is a continuation of the discussion held at the meeting on June 22, 2026,
related to the City Council's representation and participation in McLean County’s Behavioral
Health Coordinating Committee and related advisory groups.
Community Groups/Interested Persons Contacted: N/A
Financial Impact: N/A
Attachments:
None

Page 10 of 14

For Committee of the Whole: July 20, 2026
Ward Impacted: City Wide
Subject: Discussion and Direction on the Regulation of Vape Vending Machines
Recommended Motion: None; Presentation Only.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Background: State law allows vape vending machines in liquor establishments where the
machines are under the direct supervision and control of management. A City Tobacco
license would also be required should a vendor or establishment decide to make such
machines available. Council will have a discussion on vape vending machines and provide
direction to staff on whether they would like to prohibit them or additionally regulate them when
placed in the community.
Community Groups/Interested Persons Contacted: N/A
Financial Impact: For discussion only. If approved in the future, the City could see revenue
for the tobacco license that would need to be issued.
Attachments:
1. FAQ

Page 11 of 14

Tobacco / E-Cigarette / Vape / Alternative Nicotine / Vending
Machine FAQ
Important note: This FAQ is a practical summary of Bloomington, Illinois and Illinois State law.
It is not legal advice. If there is a conflict between this FAQ and the governing ordinance, statute,
or administrative rule, the governing law controls.
1) What does the City of Bloomington regulate?
The City regulates the sale and possession of tobacco-related products to people under 21
through Chapter 41 of the City Code. The Ordinance expressly applies to tobacco products,
electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products.
Citations: Bloomington Ch. 41 – https://ecode360.com/34414153
2) Does Bloomington require a local Tobacco License?
Yes, Bloomington issues a local Tobacco License that applies to establishments selling tobacco
products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products.
3) What is a “tobacco product” for Bloomington licensing purposes?
“Tobacco product” is any product containing or made from tobacco that is intended for human
consumption, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed
or ingested by any other means, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, little cigars,
chewing tobacco, products used or associated with hookah, pipe tobacco, snuff, snus and any
other smokeless tobacco product which contains tobacco that is finely cut, ground, powdered or
leaf and intended to be placed in the oral cavity.
"Tobacco product" includes any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product, whether or
not sold separately.
"Tobacco product" DOES include an electronic cigarette and alternative nicotine product; or any
product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as
a tobacco cessation product, as a tobacco dependence product, or for other medical purposes
and is being marketed and sold solely for that approved purpose.
4) What is an “electronic cigarette” for Bloomington licensing purposes (AKA vape
products/devices)?
Means: (1) Any device that employs a battery or other mechanism to heat a solution or substance
to produce a vapor or aerosol intended for inhalation; (2) Any cartridge or container of a solution
or substance intended to be used with or in the device or to refill the device; or (3) Any solution
or substance, whether or not it contains nicotine intended for use in the device.

Page 12 of 14

"Electronic cigarette" INCLUDES, but is not limited to, any electronic nicotine delivery system,
electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hookah, vape pen, or similar
product or device, and any components or parts that can be used to build the product or device.
5) What is an “alternative nicotine product” for Bloomington licensing purposes?
A product or device not consisting of or containing tobacco that provides for the ingestion into
the body of nicotine, whether by chewing, smoking, absorbing, dissolving, inhaling, snorting,
sniffing, or by any other means.
6) What does Illinois regulate?
Illinois regulates tobacco products, electronic cigarettes/vapes, and alternative nicotine products
through State statutes and tax/licensing laws. These laws govern minimum age, ID verification,
free samples, vending machine restrictions, remote sales of e-cigarettes, and retailer licensing
through the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Citations:
720 ILCS 675/1 –
https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/072006750K1.htm
Illinois Department of Revenue, Electronic Cigarettes FAQ –
https://tax.illinois.gov/research/taxinformation/excise/electronic-cig-faq.html
720 ILCS 677/15 – https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/chapter-720/act-720-ilcs-677/
7) Does Illinois require a Tobacco License?
Yes, Illinois issues a Tobacco Retailers License that applies to establishments selling tobacco
products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products.
8) Can tobacco, electronic cigarettes/vapes, or alternative nicotine products be sold from
a vending machine in Illinois?
Yes, but only in limited circumstances. Illinois law permits vending machine sales of tobacco
products, electronic cigarettes/vapes, and alternative nicotine products only when the machine
is located in a place to which persons under 21 are not permitted access at any time.
Illinois guidance also discusses vending machine sales in certain alcohol-serving premises
under a specific statutory framework.
Citations:
720 ILCS 675/1 and 720 ILCS 677/15 –
https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/072006750K1.htm;
https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/chapter-720/act-720-ilcs-677/

Page 13 of 14

Illinois Department of Revenue General Information Letter ST 25-0061-GIL (11/25/2025) –
https://taxarchive.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/taxarchive/research/legal/letterrulings/sales-tax/2025/st25-0061-gil.pdf
9) Are vape vending machines allowed in Bloomington?
Bloomington does not have a separate stand-alone ordinance specifically authorizing vape
vending machines. As a result, the State law restrictions described above control the baseline
rule.
Any proposed vape vending machine in Bloomington should be reviewed for (1) compliance with
Illinois vending machine restrictions, (2) any required State retailer licensing, and (3) the
business holding a Bloomington Tobacco License.
Citations: 720 ILCS 675/1; 720 ILCS 677/15 – links above
10) Can a vape vending machine be located in a business open to minors?
Illinois law limits these machines to (1) locations where people under 21 are not permitted access
at any time; or places where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on the premises and
vending machine operation is under the direct supervision of the owner or manager.
For Bloomington, we don’t have adult-only establishments, but we do have a Tavern Liquor
License, which requires people entering to be 21 or older. Minors may enter only if with a
parent/guardian or if they are actively working for the establishment.
Citations:
720 ILCS 675/1; 720 ILCS 677/15; ST 25-0061-GIL – links above
11) If Bloomington Ordinance is silent on a specific issue, does State law still apply?
Yes. If Bloomington’s Code does not specifically address an issue—such as a detailed rule for
vape vending machines—that does not mean the activity is unregulated. Illinois law still applies,
and Bloomington may still regulate the business through any existing local licensing or zoning
authority that is authorized by ordinance. For example, if the State law regarding placement of
vending machines is violated at an establishment holding a Bloomington Liquor License the
Bloomington Liquor Commission could sanction the License holder for allowing a violation of
State law.
Citations: 720 ILCS 675/1; 720 ILCS 677/15 – links above

Page 14 of 14