During public comment, Nadeem Demian, senior development manager at Cultivate Power and project manager for Copperleaf Solar LLC, thanked the council for its encouragement of Copperleaf Solar’s local solar project and explained the company’s role.
Bloomington City Council considers solar project, approves zoning ordinance
Written by Bella Marello on January 13, 2026
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council met Monday, Jan. 12, to hear public comment on solar energy issues and to approve amendments and additions to downtown zoning codes.
City Manager Jeff Jurgens also provided a project update report to the council and the public.
“Copperleaf Solar allows residents and small businesses, particularly those who aren’t able to install solar on their own rooftops, to subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on their Ameren electric bills for the energy produced by that project,” said Demian. “Subscribers typically see savings of 10-15% while supporting locally generated renewable energy.”
The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, which included an ordinance granting an easement across Constitution Trail and a resolution approving a road use agreement for the solar development project.
The regular agenda included an ordinance amending Chapter 44 of the zoning code to allow D-1 downtown businesses to have doorways that swing into public walking space.
Bloomington Development Services Director Kelly Pfeifer explained to the council which parts of the code would need to be amended.
“Our planned commission held a public hearing related to the text amendment and forwards a recommendation unanimously to remove the requirement for the recessed entries, recapturing some of that space, but provided that the significant contributing structures with historical fabric would have review by the Historic Preservation Commission,” said Pfeifer.
This ordinance was approved by the council unanimously.
Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens closed the meeting with several local project updates. He said paver installation in a downtown area has been delayed due to weather but is 81% complete, and the former Elks building space is now open for public parking.
Jurgens also said the city is strongly encouraging residents to conserve water amid a moderate drought, leaf pickup is continuing, and demolition has been completed on the downtown building known as “Front and Center.”
Ward 8 Council Member Kent Lee thanked Jurgens and the city’s work.
“I wanted to give a shoutout to the street folks,” said Lee. “I got an email from a constituent who appreciates the new road that’s out there by Ward 8, the Oakland Ave., they really appreciate having that repaved, so thank you.”
The Bloomington City Council meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
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