The Knox Rapid Entry system is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out, or there is any emergency, the Knox Box Rapid Entry System allows firefighters and paramedics immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store keys, access cards, gate keys, etc. in high-security Knox-Boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box purchased by a property owner can be opened by a master key controlled by the Fire Department. 

In addition to key boxes and vaults, Knox Padlocks and key switches operate the same master key. This allows fire department access to gated communities and storage areas using the same Master key. 

When an emergency occurs, the Knox Rapid Entry System will allow the Fire Department to spend less time and fewer resources gaining access to your building. This faster access will result in a more rapid control of the emergency situation. This could mean faster fire control or more rapid shut off of a sprinkler system, resulting in less water damage. 
 
Also, the Knox Rapid Entry System allows fire department access without damage to the building. Without this system, the fire department will gain access by forcible entry, often resulting in damage to doors or windows and their associated facings. After forcible entry, it's hard to secure a building again after the emergency has been controlled. Repairs made after a single forcible entry will likely pay for the purchase and installation of a Knox-Box. 
With the Knox-Box Rapid Entry System, property owners save in two ways; first, with more rapid control of emergencies and second, with less damage caused by fire department entry. 

As one should know, security of the Fire Department master key is a primary concern. Anyone with access to this key can have access to your building. The Bloomington Fire Department has chosen the Knox Master Key Retention system to help ensure the security of the Master Keys. Master keys are kept only in emergency apparatus. In each emergency, the key is secure in a Knox Master Key Retention device. The key can only be released when a Bloomington Fire Department Member activates a Personal Identification Number to release the Master Key. The Fire Department Member can then complete what task is needed and replace the Master Key in the emergency apparatus. The device that the key was removed from will have a recorded encrypted log of who removed the key and what time it was removed and replaced. This system allows the maximum security available for these master keys. 

Other companies do make similar products. However, any system adopted by a Fire Department must be compatible with all boxes. Only one master key will be carried on the fire apparatus. This key must operate all lock boxes in the City. To maintain master key security, all companies in this business carefully guard the master key codes. They will not release this information to any other manufacturer or supplier. These security concerns require that one vendor is selected for all installations in the city.  
 
The Knox Company has been chosen for several reasons. Their system has proven reliable in thousands of cities across the nation. They have a variety of products that meet rapid entry and access needs. However, the primary reason the Knox Company was selected for the Bloomington Fire Department was Key security. No other company makes a product similar to the Knox Master Key Retention system. Because we were not willing to compromise the reputation of Bloomington Fire Department, we chose the Knox Entry system. 

Effective January 1, 1994, all buildings equipped with sprinkler and/or fire alarm detection systems connected to a central station shall have a secure key box installed on the exterior of the premises in a location accessible to the Fire Department in the case of an emergency. The key box shall contain master keys necessary to gain access to all portions of the premises, including but not limited to keys for entry to the premises, keys to all locked points of egress, keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms, keys to locked electrical rooms and keys to elevator controls. All keys placed in the box shall be of a type approved by the Chief of the Fire Department and must be obtained through the Fire Department. The box shall be located and installed only in a manner approved by the Chief of the Fire Department. Promptly upon the installation of the key box, the owner of the building shall notify the Fire Department of the exact location of the box and turn over the box key to the Fire Department. Only the Fire Department shall have access to the box. Neither the building owner, the owner’s employees, agents or representatives or any other entity or organization, including police or other emergency response agencies, shall have access to the box. It shall be the owner’s responsibility to insure that all of the keys in the box work and the owner shall provide the Fire Department with a new key any time a lock opened by a key contained in the key box is changed or rekeyed. (Ordinance No. 1996-112) 

The Knox box should be located at the entrance of the building that allows the fire department the quickest access to the fire alarm panel or a remote annunciator panel. 

The Knox Box should be located between 4 and 6 feet off the ground. 

Property owners do not receive keys that will open their Knox Box. Any key that will open your Knox Box will also open other Knox Boxes in the City. For that reason, only the Fire Department has the master key. When your box is mounted and ready to install keys, call the non-emergency number at the Fire Department. An officer from the Fire Department will come and place the keys securely in your box. 

The City of Bloomington has an "On-Street Parking and Traffic Regulation Amendments" procedure (see below) for requesting parking changes on public streets within the City. This procedure requires that citizens provide certain information to the City. This information can be submitted using the requests/complaints procedure.

Residents desiring a Handicapped Parking Space in front of their residence may also submit their request through the requests/complaints procedure. Additional information required includes either:

• A copy of the Vehicle Registration Card indicating the requesting party lives at the requested address and has been issued a Disabled Veteran or Handicap License Plate, or
• A copy of the Placard and Application submitted to the Secretary of States office indicating that the party lives at the requested address.

On-Street Parking and Traffic Regulation Amendments

• At least one of the following conditions should be met before the City considers or initiates a traffic study to determine the merits of a request for a parking change:
  
  
  • A citizen may submit a written letter representing occupants on both sides of the street for which the parking change is requested. The letter should contain signatures (preferably 50%) and addresses of the neighbors or people impacted by a parking or traffic regulation who are interested in supporting the requested change. The letter should be submitted to the Traffic Engineer.
    
    
  • The Director of Engineering, Police or Fire Departments may initiate a parking or traffic regulation change on behalf of the City if they determine that it is in the best interest of the community to implement or modify such regulations.
    
    
• After such letter has been received by the Engineering Department, the City’s traffic engineering staff will study the matter and evaluate the merits of a request, taking into consideration the following general factors: public safety, traffic congestion, vehicular and pedestrian access, street maintenance, neighborhood and citywide needs, etc.
  
  
• Notification Process for Parking Change: It shall be the policy of the City of Bloomington to give adequate notice to the occupants of adjacent property when the removal of on-street parking or the modification of time limits is being contemplated. Notification of owners will not be necessary when a limited number (one or two) spaces are being eliminated at intersections because of sight distance concerns or if a new street is being constructed subject to restrictions as approved by the City Council.
  
  Notice is not required if the changes are being made in accordance with an agreement between the City and adjacent property occupants and/or owners. When specific locations are being considered for change, the following procedures will be utilized:
  
  
  • The matter will be discussed at the next City meeting.
  • If it is deemed necessary the City will notify adjacent property occupants, City Manager and City Council that a proposal has been received or that the City is contemplating a change in on-street parking regulations.
  • After allowing two weeks for comment, a recommendation which will be transmitted to the City Manager.
  • The City Manager’s office will notify the City Council of the Engineer’s recommendation, his assessment of that recommendation and the action that will result from the study. Following the City Manager’s notice to proceed, the Engineering Department will send a second notice to adjacent property owners informing them of the results of the City’s study, what action will be taken, and when that action will occur. A minimum of seven (7) days notice is necessary before actual changes are made. A copy of this notice will be sent to the City Manager and City Council.

Parking Violations

• Appeal a parking ticket
• Pay for a parking ticket

Requests or Complaints

Questions

Speed Studies

Requests for speed studies can be made using the  Non-Emergency Traffic Request/Complaint Form.  The City will consider a request to study a particular road segment no more than once per year and only if the conditions which affect the study have changed since the prior speed study. 

State and Federal Speed Limit Regulations

There are several "standard" or statutory speed limits established by law in the State of Illinois, such as 30 MPH in urban areas, 55 MPH in rural areas and 70 MPH on rural Interstates. Any other speed limit posting is considered an altered speed zone.

The City utilizes the Illinois Department of Transportation Policy on Establishing Speed Limits to establish altered speed limits.

In addition, the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices defines an altered Speed Zone as a speed limit, other than a statutory speed limit, that is based upon an engineering study.

The Transportation Engineering Section investigates request/complaints concerning Signing or Sight Distance Obstructions.

Throughout Bloomington, residents have become increasingly aware and concerned about the negative impact speeding vehicles have on their quality of life. They view speeding vehicles, cut-through traffic and associated noise and litter as detrimental to their security, property values, and the livability many have worked so hard to achieve.

City staff members from Engineering, Police, and Administration work with residents to find potential answers. At times, the answer has been "traffic calming." This is a traffic engineering technique to reduce speeds and includes such items as installation of speed humps. However, the use of traffic calming devices is used only rarely under a defined set of circumstances. More information on this technique, and how it is used in the City of Bloomington, is listed below.

Submitting Requests and Complaints

What is Traffic Calming?

• Changes in horizontal and/or vertical alignment of the roadway.
• Roadway or lane narrowing.
• Changes of roadway surface texture or color.
• Aesthetic improvements using landscape materials for enhanced streetscapes.

Goals and Objectives

• Improve the quality of life within neighborhoods.
• Increase safety and convenience for pedestrians and bicyclists, as long as such changes do not interfere with the safe operation of intended users of the roadways.
• Create attractive streetscapes.
• Reduce negative effects of automobile travel.
• Reduce the number and severity of automobile collisions.

• Reduction in the speed of motor vehicle traffic on residential areas to below a 15 percent violation rate (VR).
• Reduction in the volume of traffic traveling through residential areas.
• Causing unnecessary cut-through traffic to instead use streets designated as collector or arterial streets.
• Promote other modes of travel (walking, cycling, mass transit).

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program

Throughout Bloomington, residents have become increasingly aware and concerned about the negative impact speeding vehicles have on their quality of life. They view speeding vehicles, cut-through traffic and associated noise and litter as detrimental to their security, property values, and the livability many have worked so hard to achieve.

City staff members from Engineering, Police, and Administration work with residents to find potential answers. At times, the answer has been "traffic calming." This is a traffic engineering technique to reduce speeds and includes such items as installation of speed humps. However, the use of traffic calming devices is used only rarely under a defined set of circumstances. More information on this technique, and how it is used in the City of Bloomington, is listed below.

Submitting Requests and Complaints

What is Traffic Calming?

• Changes in horizontal and/or vertical alignment of the roadway.
• Roadway or lane narrowing.
• Changes of roadway surface texture or color.
• Aesthetic improvements using landscape materials for enhanced streetscapes.

Goals and Objectives

• Improve the quality of life within neighborhoods.
• Increase safety and convenience for pedestrians and bicyclists, as long as such changes do not interfere with the safe operation of intended users of the roadways.
• Create attractive streetscapes.
• Reduce negative effects of automobile travel.
• Reduce the number and severity of automobile collisions.

• Reduction in the speed of motor vehicle traffic on residential areas to below a 15 percent violation rate (VR).
• Reduction in the volume of traffic traveling through residential areas.
• Causing unnecessary cut-through traffic to instead use streets designated as collector or arterial streets.
• Promote other modes of travel (walking, cycling, mass transit).

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program

Click here to view the Utility Fees page for more information on storm water fees.

Click here to view the Utility Fees page for more information on sanitary sewer fees.

Sanitary sewer fees help pay for capital improvements to ensure safe and reliable service from the sanitary sewer infrastructure maintained by the City of Bloomington. These capital improvements are outlined in the Stormwater and Sanitary Sewer Master Plans, which is a set of documents that take an in-depth look at existing conditions and needs.

Sanitary sewer fees are included as a separate line item on your utility bill. For more information about your utility bill, click here to visit Utility Billing.

Contact the City of Bloomington Public Works Department at 309-434-2220. If the problem occurs outside of normal working hours, which are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., please contact the Bloomington Police Department at 309-820-8888. You can expect the maintenance crew to respond in a timely manner.

If it is determined that there is no problem in the City sewer main, you may choose to have your lateral line checked by a plumber. The City will not select, recommend, or contact a plumber for you. You have a responsibility to mitigate your damages as soon as possible. For insurance purposes, it is advisable to document any damage and take photographs prior to beginning clean-up but if unable, you should not wait to begin sanitizing your home.

If you have a sewer backup and do not know where the blockage is, you should contact the City before contacting a drain cleaning company. You may be able to avoid an unnecessary charge if the problem is in the City’s sewer line rather than in your property’s service line. A City employee will determine if the problem is in the City’s line or in your property’s service line.

Private Sewer Issues

Sewer backups can occur in your fixtures, interior pipes, or exterior pipes. In most cases, blockage problems are within private and not public sewer lines. If a blockage is suspected, check your fixtures and your house sewer pipe. Call a plumber for assistance. This diagram illustrates many ways and reasons why your private sewer may backup.

1. Root intrusion (blocks and damages) - keep trees and large plants away from sewer lines
2. Faulty pipes (leakage)
3. Driveway or deck drain
4. Roof downspout
5. Pipe sags (traps debris and sediment)
6. Sump pump (no rainwater or groundwater)
7. Sinks (no grease, oil, or trash)
8. Toilet (no trash)
9. Clean-outs (missing or broken covers)
10. Pool-pond overflow

Sanitary sewer line blockages are typically caused by roots, grease, and improper disposal of items. Tree roots can enter the sanitary sewer system at joints and cracks in the sewer service lines and mains. Grease can solidify in the sewer lines and restrict other waste from flowing through. The lines can be blocked by items like disposable diapers, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, washing machine lint, or other items improperly flushed down the drain or toilet.

The diagram below shows three potential problems with private sanitary sewer laterals: broken pipe, blockage, or root invasion.

1. Broken Pipe: Blockages and tree roots can damage pipes, causing them to break. The only solution is digging up and replacing the pipe. This is the most expensive potential problem to fix and usually costs more than $2,500.
2. Blockage: Excessive waste disposed of in sinks, drains, and toilets can block your sewer line. Things like grease and hair may build up to the point there you will need power rodding to unclog blockages. This can cost between $400 to $800.
3. Root Invasion: By nature, tree roots seek out water and nutrients in the ground. Your pipes are very attractive sources of water. Once a root penetrates a pipe, it can grow quickly and cause backups that can only be accessed by digging. This can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000.

Don’t contaminate the system. Sanitary sewer systems are designed to carry human waste and wastewater to water treatment facilities. Foreign objects and substances intentionally introduced into the sewer have damaging affects. Kitchen grease accumulates and causes blockages and should never be poured down the drain. The same is true for motor oil and other automotive fluids. Do not flush diapers, sanitary napkins, paper towels, shop rags, or anything else the sewer system is not designed to handle. These types of items regularly clog sewers in urban areas, and often cause sewer back-ups not just for the offending party, but also in neighboring homes.

Report illegal connections. Gutters, sump pumps and other storm water management systems should never be routed to a sanitary sewer. If you become aware of such a connection, immediately sever the connection and/or report the connection to the City of Bloomington Engineering Department at 309-434-2980.

Install a back-flow preventer. A back-flow preventer is a one-way valve device designed to prevent sanitary sewer overflows. If you have a back-flow preventer installed on your sewer line, you must be aware that it is designed to close when the sewer is flowing beyond its capacity, as can occasionally occur during a heavy rainfall. If you use your internal drains while the backflow valve is closed, you can create a flooding situation in your own home. Do not use your laundry machine, dishwasher, shower, or bath and minimize the use of sinks and toilets. You must also be aware of your back-flow preventer’s maintenance requirements to ensure that it continues to function properly. As with any privately owned system, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that these components are maintained and functioning properly.

Participate in the Overhead Sewer Grant Program. The Overhead Sewer Grant Program is run through the City’s Economic and Community Development Department. With overhead, a residential sewer service leaves the home just below ground level. Water from basement bathrooms and utilities must be pumped up to ground level. Click here to learn more about the Overhead Sewer Grant Program.

Due to the nature of a sewer system, it is not always reasonable or in the community’s best interest for the City to reimburse property owners in the event they experience damage from a sewer back-up. Every incident must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in order to determine if the City has any liability for the damage and responsibility to reimburse. Citizens are highly encouraged to maintain an insurance policy that covers instances of sanitary sewer overflow or back-up.

If you do decide to request reimbursement from the City for damages incurred, contact the Engineering Department during normal working hours at 309-434-2980, and ask for the City of Bloomington’s Third Party Administrator (TPA) contact information. All requests for reimbursement will be filed with the City’s TPA insurance carrier. The City considers all determinations made by the insurance carrier to be final.

Two common techniques are use of a water jet and “rodding.” Rodding involves sending a cleaning tool through the line with a long metal rod. Additional information is included below.

Rodding: Sewer Lateral Maintenance

Used to Clear Obstructions in Sewer Laterals and Pipes

A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects a building's plumbing to the sanitary sewer.

Normal maintenance of sewer laterals includes the removal of dirt, leaves, diapers, or tree roots. Debris and discarded materials are generally removed by jetting water through the pipes, or by rodding, which uses a motor to insert a steel rod through the lateral and rotating a cleaning device attached to the end of the rod,

The common method is to send a hydraulic root cutter through the pipe. The root cutter is equipped with a rotating blade to cut the root. Water jets move the root cutter through the pipe.

Hydraulic Root Cutter: Used to Remove Root Obstructions in Sewer Laterals

A sewer lateral is the pipe that connects a building's plumbing to the sanitary sewer system. When tree roots are obstructing a sewer lateral, a hydraulic root cutter is a more effective option for clearing the pipe. This method utilizes a rotating blade attached to the shaft of a hydraulic motor. High-pressure water jets are used to propel the cutter up and down the sewer pipe to clear the tree roots.

Sewer lining is a process of rehabilitating a sewer. Bloomington uses it because it is proven effective and efficient. It is affordable, saving millions of dollars compared to a more time consuming process of excavating, removing old sewer, and laying new pipe.

Think of a large tube sock. The sock, or the liner, is pushed through the sewer pipe with steam, water, or air. The liner clings to the side of the pipe. It then cures and hardens, forming a fiberglass-like shell coating the old sewer pipe. The liner becomes a pipe inside a pipe. The City expects a liner to last several decades. It is the primary method of sewer rehabilitation envisioned in the Bloomington sewer master plan, which was created by a team of specialists and adopted by the City Council on September 14, 2015.

Yes. A Quiet Zone does not mean you will never hear train horns. The name Quiet Zone means that train crews will not regularly blow the horn as a warning of the train’s approach to the crossings. There are numerous reasons you may hear a train horn.

• The crossing warning devices (lights, bells and gates) are malfunctioning
• The warning devices are out-of-service for repair, testing, or maintenance
• Railroad or contract employees are working on or near the tracks
• The train crew may sound a warning to animals, vehicle operators, pedestrians, trespassers, crews on other trains
• Passenger train crews may sound their horn upon arrival to a station to alert passengers standing too close to the platform
• Passenger trains may sound the horn to alert passengers of departure
• The engineer believes such action is appropriate in order to prevent imminent injury, death, or property damage

The Quiet Zone does not limit the use of locomotive bells that ring as the train goes through the crossing. These bells are an additional safety measure. Also, in a Quiet Zone, each public crossing must be equipped with functioning flashing lights, ringing bells, and gates that lower to temporarily close the road. Again, Federal law requires that these warning devices are working as intended.

The FRA’s Train Horn Final Rule (49CFR222) went into effect on June 24, 2005. Along with establishing a national protocol for horn use, it enables communities to establish quiet zones by reducing the risk caused by lack of horns. The rule identifies several ways communities may silence the regular use of horns at crossings.

One way is by installing safety improvements which may include a combination of railroad gates, flashers, upgraded railroad circuitry, raised medians, and other engineered solutions that provide visual, audible and physical warnings that a train is approaching. Four-quadrant gates, which are present throughout Bloomington, are approved safety measures that reduce risk at crossings by blocking all lanes of highway traffic.

Click here to view the FRA's webpage on The Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zones.

Trains have sounded horns or whistles as they approach crossings as a safety measure for more than a century. In the 1980's, Florida imposed a horn ban and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) noted a significant increase in grade crossing accidents. As a result, over the years, the FRA and Congress have developed rules requiring that trains sound their horn at all highway crossings nationwide.

The Federal rule enacted in 2005 requires that railroad employees must blow the horn 15-20 seconds prior to occupying a public highway-rail crossing. The Federal rule specifies the volume, length, and pattern of the sound of train horns.

It is best to call the non-emergency number for your local law enforcement agency or local health department. You may also contact the city or county solid waste agency, which usually has an inspector to investigate and cite violations of illegal dumping. Acting quickly stops a small problem from becoming a large, costly, and sometimes hazardous problem.

Bloomington Police Department: Call 309-820-8888
McLean County Health Department: Call 309-888-5482 or File a Public Health Complaint online
Bloomington Public Works Department: Call 309-434-2220

You can file a complaint with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Field Office for McLean County by visiting https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/pollution-complaint or calling (217) 278-5800.

The Amusement Tax applies to amusements and entertainment that are not participative - meaning the patron does not participate; the amusement is exhibitive in nature, meaning it is viewed in exchange for payment of a fee or charge.

Common examples of exhibitive entertainments: Movie Tickets, Movie or Game Rentals, Cable Television subscriptions, Coliseum, Zoo and Bloomington Center for Performing Arts, and sporting events (in which the patron does not participate).

Common examples of participative entertainments which are exempt from this tax are: bowling, golf, park and recreation programs, gym memberships, video gaming, and sports programs.

For further guidance, refer to City Municipal Code, Chapter 39, Article XIX.

All Events held at The Grossinger Arena and/or BCPA are subject to City’s 4.0% Amusement Tax.

For Other Amusement Events NOT held at the BCPA or The Arena… there’s a potential exemption in specific situations…

• For Bona fide religious, charitable, or not-for-profit organization that sponsor and conduct an Amusement Event… An exemption is available when both these conditions exist:
  • The organization has received an income tax exemption from the State of Illinois and the IRS; and
  • The proceeds inure exclusively and solely to the benefit of such organization.
• For Governmental entities that operate or conduct an Amusement Event… An exemption is available when both these conditions exist:
  • The amusement is operated or conducted by a park district, a school district, a public or private university, any other unit of local government, or interscholastic organization, whether individually or jointly; and
  • The place where the amusement is conducted is owned by a park district, a school district, a public or private university, or any other unit of local government, whether individually or jointly.

Note> Contact City Staff should you have questions regarding these and other potential exemptions cited in City Municipal Code, Chapter 39, Article XIX.

It is the responsibility of any business owner who thinks they may be subject to this tax to implement and remit this tax to the City.

Although the Amusement Tax can be passed on to patrons, the business owner is liable for collecting and submitting this tax to the City. Each Business will need to determine the best mechanism for charging and collecting this tax.

To register, use the Amusement Tax Registration Form.

Note: The City retains the right to audit the books of any business subject to this tax as outlined in the municipal code.

No. Amusement taxes must be submitted separately from any other tax you may be liable for.

You must use the Amusement Tax Remittance Form.

The Amusement Tax must be remitted by the 25th day of the month following the month of collection.

1. If you remit by mail, it must be postmarked by the 25th
2. If you bring in your form to City Hall, we must receive it on the 25th

For example, Amusement Taxes collected in the month of August must be remitted on or before the 25th of September.

If taxes are remitted after the 25th of the month:

1. A 5% late payment penalty fee is applied, AND
2. A 2% interest charge for each month payment is not received.

1. Identify whether your business is liable to collect and remit Amusement Taxes.
2. Register your business with the Finance Department.
3. Collect and remit taxes to the City’s Finance Department.

The tax applies to all volatile and inflammable liquids produced, blended, or compounded for the purposes of, or which are suitable or practicable for, operating motor vehicles.

Examples include any gasoline, gasohol, diesel, specialty fuel or other combustible gas.

For further guidance, refer to City Municipal Code, Chapter 39, Article XVIII.

The Local Motor Fuel tax is in addition to the State’s motor fuel tax.

As such, the City's eight cents ($0.08) per gallon Local Motor Fuel tax is levied directly by the City of Bloomington and should be submitted directly each month to the City.

It is the responsibility of any business owner who thinks they may be subject to this tax to implement and remit this tax to the City.

Although the Local Motor Fuel Tax can be passed on to patrons, the business owner is liable for collecting and submitting this tax to the City. Each Business will need to determine the best mechanism for charging and collecting this tax.

To register, use the Local Motor Fuel Tax Registration Form.

Note: The City retains the right to audit the books of any business subject to this tax as outlined in the municipal code.

No. Local Motor Fuel Taxes must be submitted separately from any other tax you may be liable for.

You must use the Local Motor Fuel Tax Remittance Form.

The Local Motor Fuel Tax must be remitted by the 25th day of the month following the month of collection.

1. If you remit by mail, it must be postmarked by the 25th
2. If you bring in your form to City Hall, we must receive it on the 25th

For example, Local Motor Fuel Taxes collected in the month of August must be remitted on or before the 25th of September.

If taxes are remitted after the 25th of the month:

1. A 5% late payment penalty fee is applied, AND
2. A 2% interest charge for each month payment is not received.

1. Complete the monthly Local Motor Fuel Tax Remittance Form
2. Complete as needed the monthly Multi-location Detail Form
3. Attach support documents [State Forms ST-1, ST-2]
4. Sign the Form
5. Write a check
6. Mail or drop off all documents by the 25th of the month,

1. Identify whether your business is liable to collect and remit Local Motor Fuel Taxes.
2. Register your business with the Finance Department.
3. Collect and remit taxes to the City’s Finance Department.

1. The Knox box should be located at the entrance of the building that allows the fire department the quickest access to the fire alarm panel or a remote annunciator panel.
2. The Knox Box should be located between 4 and 6 feet off the ground.

The City is trying to solve two long standing problems for our water supply. This project will increase the amount of water available for use during drought (reliable yield) while simultaneously providing a method to lower the concentration of nitrates when they are elevated in our reservoirs. Since the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) developed and began enforcing the nitrate regulation for drinking water supplies over 35 years ago, the City has actively pursued practices and actions to assure meeting this regulation.        

As part of an enforceable compliance agreement with the IEPA in the mid-1980’s, the City stated that it would solve the nitrate problem by blending water from its reservoirs to stay below the nitrate regulation. This has worked fairly well for the City through the years, simply because of the principle of dilution. Both reservoirs can absorb a fair amount of nitrates from the agricultural watershed before the water in the reservoir is at or above the nitrate standard. However, there is always a point that, as the reservoirs continue to be filled with high nitrate water from the watershed, they reach or exceed the nitrate standard. While Lake Bloomington can seasonally exceed the limit, Evergreen Lake will generally exceed the limit only after periods of extended drought. This usually occurs in the Lake Bloomington reservoir because it has a larger watershed in relation to the reservoir volume. High nitrates tend to occur less frequently in the Evergreen Lake reservoir as it has a smaller watershed and a larger volume of reservoir.        

Thus, it is a much more likely occurrence for the Lake Bloomington reservoir to exceed the nitrate standard.  We normally observe a seasonal cycle whereby the nitrate levels are elevated in both reservoirs in the spring, generally decline through the summer, and reach their lowest levels in the early fall.        

That means that the sole source for water with a nitrate level below the standard is the Evergreen Lake reservoir or Lake Bloomington reservoir water blended with the lower nitrate Evergreen Lake reservoir water. Again, historically, blending lower nitrate water from the Evergreen lake reservoir with the higher nitrate water from the Lake Bloomington reservoir has worked through the years. The City has an active source water protection program with the McLean County Soil and Water District and in cooperation with producers and landowners in the watersheds to decrease the amounts of nitrates and other nutrients entering our reservoir.        

However, following the drought of 1988-89, the City exceeded the 10 mg/l nitrate nitrogen standard. Both reservoirs were down by billions of gallons of water and when the rains did come again, they filled both reservoirs with high nitrate water. Since there was not as much low-nitrate water already in the reservoirs, the ability to dilute the high nitrate water coming into the reservoirs was limited and the reservoirs were overwhelmed with high nitrate water. The Lake Bloomington reservoir easily exceeded the nitrate standard in 1989 and the Evergreen Lake reservoir was above the nitrate standard for months.        

This experience could happen again. The City simply wants a cost-effective solution, kind of an insurance policy, against this happening again.

The process can be broken into several distinct steps. The first step in the process is to review all available information about the subsurface conditions, such as the location of existing wells, depth to the bedrock, existing aquifers, etc. This is done from existing public records and any research that has previously completed. The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) has completed this work.         

The St. Peter Aquifer is generally around 1600 feet deep in this area and residential wells are less than 500 feet deep in the glacial till.  The St. Peter sandstone formation is separated from the private well aquifer by alternating shale and carbonite layers which form impervious barriers known as aquitards.  These impervious layers prevent any change in water levels in the St. Peter aquifer from affecting the water levels in the upper aquifers.  The St. Peter Aquifer is currently used to supply the City of Minonk and the City of Chenoa as well as many Illinois municipalities farther to the north.        

The next step is to drill test well(s) in the areas where additional information is desired on the water quality and production capacity of the aquifer at this location. Because of the depth of the St. Peter Aquifer the test well(s) will be drilled at a production well diameter.  During the drilling process, careful attention is paid to the various layers of material that the drill passes through. The careful recording of this information develops what is known as the well “log”.        

The well will include a welded steel casing pipe from the surface down to the bedrock layers to isolate the shallower aquifers.  The test well is developed like a production well except it is intended for testing purposes to begin with.  The well will be pumped by a test pump which is generally smaller than the actual production pump. The test pumping is designed to determine the reaction of the aquifer to the effects of different rates of pumping over different periods of time and to gauge any potential influence on surrounding wells.

Test Well > Analysis > Process and Pipe Design > Permitting > Construction > Production Well      

The test well(s) will be constructed and tested during the summer and fall of 2017.  Well water quality and capacity testing will be used to design and permit any piping and plant modifications necessary to add the water to production.  Construction of production infrastructure improvements would occur during the summer of 2018.

The idea of the well testing program is to scientifically catalogue the response of nearby wells to either test pumping or production pumping if the City is able to develop a production well. This information will go a long way towards identifying any cause and effect relationship between the City pumping water and any influence on nearby wells.        

Wells that are monitored will have a detailed record of their response to normal weather conditions (amount of precipitation and the wells response to those conditions), and test or production pumping. This record will make it easier to determine the extent, if any of influence from the City’s pumping and may indicate the best course of action the City would take to minimize that influence.        

By not participating in the well testing program, a well owner can still make a claim against the City, but with the lack of information about the historical conditions of the well and the water levels in that well over a variety of conditions, it may be more difficult to relate the cause and effect of the City’s pumping and any influence on the well. That being said however, any claim of influence on a residents well will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

1. Use the Browse button to upload new attachments.
2. At this time, you can also use the Remove button if the file is incorrect and Click Upload to update the information.
   
   Note 1: If you click Upload before you have selected your file, reselect Upload Attachment or use the Back Arrow on your browser to return to the previous screen.
   
3. Click Reset to disregard any changes made.
4. Successful uploads will be acknowledged.
5. The new file should be listed in the previously submitted attachments section.
   
   Note 2: Once a document has been added, you will not be able to remove it.
   It has become the property of the City of Bloomington.
   

1. Locate your PIN from your original entry.
2. Open https://mss.cityblm.org .
3. Click the Log In Here link.
4. Complete the Applicant Login fields of First Name, Last Name, Zip Code, and PIN.
   a. If you forgot your PIN, click the link for an email reminder.
   b. Check your email for the reminder.
5. Enter the Validation Numbers.
6. Click Log In to display the Applicant Profile.
7. Navigate through the sections using the links provided in General Information.
8. Select Change in any of the Applicant Profile sections to update your information.

To apply for a job visit our self-service site at: https://mss.cityblm.org  

1. Click Employment Opportunities.
2. Select a position from the Positions Available.
3. Click Apply.
4. This opens the Online Application.
5. Complete applicable sections.
   a. Sections with (*) are required fields.
   b. You cannot continue to the next section unless these areas are completed.
   c. Use the Previous Section and Next Section to navigate through the Application.
   d. Use Add Another for additional entries.
   e. Upload your resume/cover letter if applicable.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Review Application.
   
7. Review the application.
   a. If a change needs to be made, scroll to the section and Select Change.
8. Scroll to the bottom of the page and Click Submit Application.
   
9. Once Submit is clicked, then your PIN will be displayed.
10. Close the Browser to Logout.

Most job postings include a closing date when applications will no longer be accepted. Candidates whose qualifications best meet the department's needs for the position will then be contacted for testing and/or interviews.

The process may take 2-3 weeks from closing date to scheduling of testing and/or interviews depending on the number of applications received and other factors. Only candidates selected for testing and/or interviews will be contacted.

Yes, you can apply for multiple positions by doing the following after you’ve submitted your initial application:

1. Click Employment Opportunities.
2. Select a position from the Positions Available.
3. Click Apply.
4. This opens the Online Application.

After an application has been submitted a confirmation e-mail will be sent within a few hours. Some e-mail systems may filter these as spam, if you don't see this email in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder.

Submitted applications can also be viewed through self-service portal https://mss.cityblm.org under employment opportunities once logged in. If the application has been submitted it will show a status of “Applied”.

Non-Profit Organizations

All Other Entities (Thu - Sun)

All Other Entities (Mon - Wed)

The tax is applied to any building designed or used principally for residential occupancy, including without limitation, single family dwellings, two family dwellings, and multiple family dwellings.

A residential rental unit is defined under the Rental Property Inspection Program, as follows:

Any unit in an apartment house, duplex, condominium or single family home in the City of Bloomington that is rented or available for rent.

The Community Development Department – Code Enhancement Division administers the Rental Property Inspection Program on behalf of the City. In accordance with the Program, registration is required of all residential rental units. A property owner and/or operator of a Short-Term Residential Rental Unit is required to annually register the residential rental unit with the Code Enhancement Division.

If you need additional information, please go to the Community Development Department's Rental Property website or call the Registration Program at (309) 434-2244.

The City’s tax applies to the total consideration paid for the rental of a Short-Term Residential Rental Unit.

There are no exemptions.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of any property operator who thinks they may be subject to the Short Term Rental Tax to implement, collect, and remit this tax to the City.

Yes, but be aware that you are still responsible to:

1. Register each property to pay tax. See this link to the STRT Registration Form.   
2. Remit a monthly Certification Form accompanied by documentation of tax collections. Your Listing Site needs to provide you with this data.

Notes: (a) Your Listing Site may refer to STRT as a Local "Occupancy Tax.". (b) The City retains the right to audit your own rental property tax records as outlined in the municipal code.

No. Short Term Rental Taxes must be submitted separately from any other tax for which you may be liable.

Not at this time. However, all orms can be downloaded from our website.

1. Registration Form may be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
2. Monthly Tax Certification Form may be faxed or emailed if no payment is due. However, if you file late, the Form along with payment must be mailed.
3. Monthly Tax Remittance Form with payment must be mailed.

Note: To operate properly, the Certification and Remittance Forms must be opened with free Adobe Acrobat Reader software or related Adobe software product.

Not at this time. Instead, if operators remitting the tax themselves can:

1. Mail the form along with a check, or
2. Bring in the form to the Finance Department along with cash or a check.

The Short Term Rental Form and Tax must be remitted by the 25th day of the month following the month of collection.

1. If you remit by mail, it must be postmarked by the 25th.
2. If you bring in your form to City Hall, we must receive it on the 25th.

For example, Short Term Rental Taxes collected in the month of June must be remitted on or before the 25th of July.

Note: If the 25th falls on a weekend and/or Holiday, then the postmark or payment is due the first business day afterwards.

If taxes are remitted after the 25th of the month:

1. A 5% late payment penalty fee is applied, AND
2. A 2% interest charge is applied immediately and, afterward, an additional 2% for each month payment is not received.

1. Choose and complete the correct form.
2. Attach the documents requested for each form.
3. Sign the form.
4. Write a check (as applicable).
5. Mail or drop off all documents by the 25th of the month.

1. Identify whether you will liable to collect and remit Short Term Rental Taxes.
2. Contact the Building Safety Department at 309-434-2244 to determine whether your property must be Registered in the Rental Property Program.
3. Register to pay STR Tax with the Finance Department.
4. Collect and remit taxes to the City’s Finance Department.

If you have further questions, contact us at 309-434-2233 or localtax@cityblm.org to help provide the best possible service.

A master key to access any locked room in the building would work best. If there is no master key then we would need keys to:

1. Keys to all locked points of egress.
2. Keys to any locked mechanical rooms.
3. Keys to any locked electrical rooms.
4. Keys to any locked rooms with fire alarm panels and/or sprinkler equipment.
5. Keys to elevator controls.

Electronic keys can also be placed in the Knox Box if that is what they use. 

If a keypad code is used to access the building that code should be written down on paper and placed in the Knox Box. 

All keys should be labeled to show what they will unlock. 

If you have any questions about our Knox Box program, please give us a call at 309-434-2500. 

Anyone wishing to consume alcohol at a City facility must submit an online request to the City Clerk Department. This request should be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the event. Note: Alcohol must be provided by an establishment that holds a Class W Catering or Secondary Premise License. The license application must be submitted by the establishment at least 15 days before the event. If you have any questions and/or require any additional information, please contact the City Clerk Department by phone at (309) 434-2509 Ext. 6 or by emailing cityclerk@cityblm.org.

Yes. The State of Illinois recognizes riparian rights which basically state that the landowners have a right to the water resources in the area of their land. Thus as a substantial landowner in the area around the reservoirs, the City can legally search for and possibly develop groundwater resources just as any other landowner in the area can. The important thing to remember is that riparian rights also include a “reasonable use” doctrine which means that water can be withdrawn for reasonable use but not at the detriment to others.

The City fully understands the impact of developing a groundwater supply. Rather than starting a project where the full effects of development are not known, it has chosen to scientifically study the issue. All aspects of the issue will be investigated before moving to the possibility of developing of a small, intermittent use, groundwater supply.

The City, utilizing its consultants and State resources, will determine the extent of the groundwater resources in the area around the reservoirs. The City will also determine if the quality and quantity necessary for its use (without serious impact on nearby wells), is present before moving forward with any program of groundwater development. The City does not intend to endanger any resident’s water supply.

1. Choose and complete the correct form.
2. Attach the documents requested for each form.
3. Sign the form.
4. Write a check (as applicable).
5. Mail or drop off all documents by the 25th of the month.

Most street light maintenance is performed by Ameren Illinois or Corn Belt Energy. The City of Bloomington maintains ornamental street lights and parts of Corn Belt Energy street lights. The best way to report a street light outage is to contact your electricity provider, which is one of the two providers listed below:

Ameren Illinois
1-800-755-5000
www.ameren.com

Corn Belt Energy
309-664-9265
309-662-5330
www.cornbeltenergy.com

Streetlights are generally installed by developers. To ask specifically about streetlights in your neighborhood, please put your request in writing with location details and mail to:

City of Bloomington
Engineering Department
PO Box 3157
Bloomington, Illinois, 61702

You may also submit the request via email to engineer@cityblm.org or fax to 309-434-2201.

The City Electricians are responsible for the ornamental lights in the city. They also maintain the pole, underground wire, fixtures and globes on Corn Belt Energy lights. Corn Belt Energy maintains the lamp and photocell. Ameren Illinois handles all issues with their lights.

Different styles of light work at different color temperatures. The white lights use a mercury vapor or metal halide lamp while the orange lights use a high-pressure sodium lamp.

The ratepayers that use the City of Bloomington water supply pay, through their water rates, a proportionate share for the public fire protection systems throughout the entire water supply, treatment and distribution systems. The most visible part of the fire protection system to most rate payers is the corner fire hydrant. But beyond that fire hydrant are a complex system of pumps, pipes and water reservoirs to provide water to that fire hydrant. This includes ample storage in the source water reservoirs to provide water for treatment in the Water Treatment Plant, proper sizing of water treatment units to provide adequate amounts of treated water to supply both the domestic needs of customers but also the public fire protection needs of citizens, as well as adequately sized water mains, booster pumps and storage facilities.

Customers can rely on the Public Fire Protection system for their fire protection needs at no additional cost. However, if a customer desires to have additional fire protection for their business, in the form of a sprinkler system or other fire suppression system relying on the public water supply for its water supply, the private fire protection charge applies. This is done so that the beneficiary of the Private Fire Protection system is paying their fair share for the public water system support of their private fire protection/suppression system.

If you notice signs of storm water pollution in the form of illicit discharges, poor erosion control practices, or other pollution, please contact the Engineering Department immediately at 309-434-2980. If the Department is closed, please call the Bloomington Police Department's non-emergency number at 309-820-8888.

• Improves durability and flexibility
• Slows the aging process
• Helps prevent raveling, stripping, and fatigue cracking
• Restores the cohesive ability of the asphalt cement to retain aggregate
• Seals the surface in-depth
• Can extend pavement life up to 40 percent

Click here for more information about Reclamite pavement preservation from the City’s vendor, Corrective Asphalt Materials.

This indicates a high-pressure sodium lamp (orange light) is nearing the end of its life.

1. Sediment from soil erosion

2. Construction materials and waste, such as paint, solvents, concrete, and drywall

3. Spilled oil, fuel, and other fluid from equipment and vehicles

4. Discharge from sewer pipe dewatering or bypass pumping

5. Discharge of heavily chlorinated water from water main flushing

Prior to widespread utilization of pavement preservation in the City, staff researched pavement preservation products and performed field testing to compare Reclamite and a promising competitor.  The field test locations are still monitored periodically by staff. This research and the test location results were used to determine that Reclamite is one of staff’s recommended pavement preservation products.

More recently, City staff researched additional pavement preservation products via site visits of current and previously treated roadways in other municipalities and has concluded that PressurePave pavement preservation and Chip Seal pavement preservation are two additional effective methods for extending the useful life of our paved roads in limited quantities and specific areas.

Staff has found that pavement preservation protects the City’s investment in roadwork by using the “keep your good roads good” strategy. Using pavement preservation helps limited road funding dollars go much further and reduces the annualized cost of paving and/or resurfacing.

1. Mud tracking onto the street or the City right-of-way

2. Damaged or missing silt fence

3. Clogged or missing storm sewer inlet filters

4. Concrete truck washing out into storm sewers

5. Oil or fuel spills

6. Trash or debris leaving a site  

Older streetlights rust and need to be painted. The new standards both for the City and across the country specify aluminum flutes or galvanized poles that don’t require painting.

The radio frequency (RF) water meters transmit a radio signal containing an encrypted meter number and meter reading that is received by a radio receiver in our marked City of Bloomington vehicle. Encryption of the data is a security feature that basically “scrambles” the data and makes the information unreadable except to a receiver that has the software to “unscramble” the data.

The meter reading from that transmission is used to generate a water bill. The transmission lasts for 7 milliseconds (0.007 of one second) and occurs once every 14 seconds, using less than 100 milliwatts of power. This regular transmission allows the City of Bloomington marked meter reading vehicle to capture readings as it drives by and on-demand should a special reading (such a “final” reading for a tenant moving from an apartment) be required at any time. In other words, the meter transmits for about a total of 43 seconds a day from a single "D" cell battery that the manufacturer states will last 20 years.

1. Paint, solvents, and detergents

2. Automotive fluids

3. Chlorinated pool water

4. Excess yard waste

5. Fertilizers and pesticides

6. Debris, such as plastic bags, six-pack rings, and bottles

7. Pet waste

Please report it to the utility company about a possible solution.

City staff or contractors will install temporary “No Parking” signs the week of the work on each street. City staff or contractors will also distribute notices to each property that provides dates and additional information prior to the start of the work on each street.

Typically, contractors will clean/sweep the pavement prior to starting chip seal operations. Once the pavement has been cleaned, the contractor will coat the roadway with a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, followed by a layer of crushed stone and aggregate. This aggregate will then be compacted into the emulsion by means of a rubber tire roller to ensure that the aggregate sets into and covers the asphalt. The roadway is typically swept again after several days to remove excess aggregate that did not adhere to the asphalt. Some of the areas in this project will also get a second layer of asphalt and aggregate applied in the same manner, as well as a third lighter layer of asphalt emulsion known as a fog seal. This method of pavement preservation is typically reapplied after 3-5 years depending on the wearing pattern of traffic on the surface.

1. Paint, oil, or chemicals dumping into a storm sewer

2. Sump pump discharging water that is sudsy, discolored, or odorous

3. Discoloration around storm sewer inlet

4. Grease in a storm sewer

Unfortunately, the City of Bloomington does not have a complaint process for alleged excessive train horn noise for these crossings. However, you can file a Violation Report with the Federal Railway Administration (FRA), which is the federal government agency that oversees railroads. The Federal rule enacted by the Federal Railway Administration in 2005 requires that railroad employees must blow the horn 15-20 seconds prior to occupying any public highway-rail crossing at any time of day. The Federal rule specifies the volume, length, and pattern of the sound of train horns. If you believe the train operator is in violation of this rule, the Violation Report is the best method for filing a complaint.

In order to complete the form, the FRA requests the location and railroad owner. In order to find this information, you can input your address or the address near the alleged violation into the FRA's interactive map, which is available at: http://fragis.fra.dot.gov/GISFRASafety/. In Bloomington, the two railroads are Union Pacific (north/south) and Norfolk Southern (east/west). The map also shows crossing numbers, crossing data, and mile posts.  The crossings where train operators use a horn are marked with yellow dots on the map. The number next to these dots is the crossing number, which you may need to include in your report. You can use these crossing numbers to indicate where the alleged violation occurred.  

Staff install temporary “No Parking” signs the week of the work on each street. Parking restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the dates specified on each sign. Once the pavement preservation is installed, driveway access on each street will be restricted for up to 30 minutes, unless there is an emergency.

Where Reclamite is applied, there may be aggregate that sticks to the tires and heard hitting the wheel wells of the car. This will last a few weeks until the material is fully cured.