Bloomington City Council: Proclamations for yoga and a train playground

Image Courtesy of the Bloomington City Council

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council held their first meeting of the month on Feb. 12.

Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe started the meeting off by granting a proclamation to the Hindu Swayamskevak Sangh (HSS) organization for the Health for Humanity Yogathon. HSS is a non-profit organization that is active in 34 states.  Surya Namaskar is the traditional yoga taught in this program which is a combination of posses and breathing exercises.

“The aim of this event is to get the benefit of people to be healthy both mentally and physically in their day-to-day lives,” a HSS spokesman said.

Mwilambe also recognized the Central Illinois Woodworkers Club for their efforts on the new train playground at Empire Junction Park. The number 23 locomotive will feature a light and a working train whistle for guests.

“We think thought this [whistle] would be very attractive to the kids,” Club Leader Todd Johnson said.

The meeting took a turn to a public hearing to address the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) which provides grants to urban communities and living status. The plan lasts for four years and was recently adopted in 2020.

Some of the goals by Grant Coordinator William Bessler are: to preserve housing, demolish fewer homes, support public services and provide higher quality services for facilities. A motion by Councilman Donna Boelen was called to vote. A swift 9 ayes to no nays which passed the CDBG for the 50th time in its history.

To conclude the meeting, Second Deputy City Manager Jeff Jurgens gave word on the upcoming events:

• Feb. 17 – Indoor Famers Market at Grossinger Motor Area.
• Feb. 24-25 – Kiwanis Pancake Days at Bloomington Center for preforming arts.
• March 1 – Shamrock and Roll – various locations in downtown Bloomington.

The Bloomington City Council will gather again Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. for the second meeting of the month.