The Bloomington City Council undid a decades-long agreement with the Town of Normal that covered many shared arrangements between the two communities.  And the two communities share a tourism organization, Visit Bloomington Normal. (Photo courtesy of visitbn.org)

McLean County

Bloomington, Normal at odds over Metro Zone agreement

By virtue of their close proximity to one another, Bloomington and Normal have long enjoyed a series of cooperative arrangements. Last week, relations between the two municipalities chilled. The Bloomington City Council on Monday, Feb. 27, officially unwound the 30-year-old Metro Zone development agreement with Normal, citing a need to cut costs and balance its budget. Immediately after the council handed down its decision, Normal Mayor Chris Koos blasted his Bloomington counterpart in sharply worded statement.

“The actions of Mayor (Tari) Renner and the Bloomington City Council provide indisputable evidence their pledges to cooperate and collaborate with Normal and others are hollow and disingenuous,” Koos said in the statement. For his part, Renner said he is open to exploring other partnerships with Normal.

Lyft ride-hailing service comes to Twin Cities

The sight of vehicles with pink mustaches might become a common occurrence throughout Bloomington and Normal. Representatives of Lyft, the San Francisco-based ride-hailing provider have announced their service is available in both communities after receiving the customary approvals.

Lyft’s larger competitor, Uber, has been offering ride-hailing in the Twin Cities for two years. In addition to providing each municipality with a $3,000 licensing fee, Lyft pledged its drivers would go through rigorous background checks and provide primary liability insurance.

Local soccer clubs join Chicago Fire network

A large shakeup is underway for the Illinois Fusion and Prairie Cities soccer clubs. The two organizations have announced they are merging under the new name Illinois Fire Juniors. Alongside the merger, the new organization will become an affiliate of the Chicago Fire pro soccer club. Chicago Fire is part of a larger network of clubs, with operations in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Michigan.

Bloomington

Renner, Lower top vote getters in mayoral primary race   

Incumbent Mayor Tari Renner and Alderman Kevin Lower edged out opponents Ian Bayne, Robert Fike and Alderwoman Diana Hauman in the five-person race for Bloomington’s top elected position after the polls closed on the primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Renner received 3,667 votes, or 48 percent of the votes cast, while Lower earned 1,450 votes, or 19 percent of the total. According to the Bloomington Election Commission, about 15 percent of the city’s eligible voters cast ballot.

Miller Park Zoo hosting junior zookeeper info meeting   

This summer, Miller Park Zoo will continue offering its long-running junior zookeeper program. Zoo staffers are holding an information session for students and parents from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. March 9, on the MPZ grounds, 1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington.

Junior zookeeper is touted as a hands-on opportunity for youth to gain experience in working with people and learning such skills as leadership and time management. For information, visit MPZ’s website, www.millerparkzoo.org or contact Shannon Reedy at (309) 434-2256 or sreedy@cityblm.org.

This year’s non-competitive Respect Run set

The Bloomington Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department will hold its 2017 Respect Run at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 26, at Miller Park, 1020 S. Morris Ave. Same-day registration is available for $5 per person, and a limited number of T-shirts will be offered at $15 per person. Proceeds benefit the city’s Special Opportunities Around Recreation, or SOAR, program. For information, call (309) 434-2260 or visit www.bpard.org.   

Normal

League, station to host Normal council candidate forum

The League of Women Voters and Illinois State University’s radio station, WGLT-FM, will host a forum for the four candidates seeking three spots up grabs this spring on the Normal Town Council. The debate has been scheduled 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle.

Incumbents Kevin McCarthy and Scott Preston and candidates Chemberly Cummings and Ron Ulmer will debate an assortment of issues. The forum will be broadcast live on WGLT-FM and online at www.wglt.org. It will be rebroadcast on the station at noon Wednesday, March 22.

Normal council stiffens regulations on gaming establishments

Gaming establishments, or businesses offering electronic gambling machines, will not be permitted within 200 feet of residential neighborhoods, following a recent decision by the Normal Town Council. The ordinance came to light after nearby residents expressed concern of a proposed business that would offer electronic gambling machines on West College Avenue. The specific parcel abutted a heavily residential area.

–McLean County News Briefs–