End of discussion

The Bloomington City Council met Wednesday and discussed several issues including an amendment to Bloomington's Municipal Code. The amendment, which passed 9-0, revises the definition along with the permitted and conditional uses of hospitals and outpatient care facilities in Bloomington's medical district. The amendment corrected the language in the ordinance to clarify the difference between outpatient facilities and hospitals.\nBloomington Hospital is currently the only hospital that serves Bloomington and surrounding areas. "(It) is a great community service and institution," Councilman Andy Ruff said. \nSix months ago Dr. Kamal Tiwari proposed plans to build an outpatient care facility on West Tapp road to serve the Bloomington community. Bloomington Hospital has maintained over the last six months that a specialty hospital will be in direct competition with them. Hospitals compete among high technology services and a duplication in services resulting in higher costs. "I can't say in one or two decades ... Bloomington won't need another hospital, but what we need as a community is a bold effort in controlling hospital spending," said Frank Vilerdo, a retired professor from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.\nCouncilman Stephen Volan previously voted against this amendment, but after feeling his objection was not strong enough voted in favor of the change. Volan encouraged councilmen and the public to be a little more skeptical of this issue.\n"I do support a locally owned hospital, but it's not responsible to give the hospital a monopoly over healthcare," Volan said. \nThe council changing this amendment lets the debate go on, Councilman Christopher Gaal said.  \nHaving a discussion on this issue is not unfair and it is in the best interest of the community to have a public forum, Gaal suggested.\n"I only regret the council didn't take action several years ago," David Rollo said. "If we had, we would not be dealing with this issue now." \nTiwari is now planning on building his outpatient facility outside the city limits. Rollo also suggests if a similar action is not taken by the county they are only halfway to solving the problem.\nOther issues the council discussed was a report by the mayor's office regarding an application to the Indiana Department of Commerce for a Technology Park. This park will cover 87 acres and will make Bloomington a very attractive place for entrepreneurs. The technology park will be eligible for up to $4 million in grants. Two million dollars will go toward administrative expenses the city may occur and the other half will go towards Capital expenses. The technology park will be geared toward small businesses and entrepreneurs. "This is geared toward startup-small businesses," said Tom Micuda, director of the planning department. One of the requirements for the application of a technology park requires the park to have support from a research institution. \nIU will provide resources and the planning department will work closely with IU to help market this plan. The INDOC has already reviewed a draft of this application and a final copy will be sent off this week. \n-- Contact staff writer Jill Brooks at jimbrook@indiana.edu.