Mayor Kruzan: I want to keep city strong

Mayor Mark Kruzan warned citizens during the State of the City address that they have to maintain a steady economy in 2010 because it’s vital to the city’s future.

“We have to meet the ripple effect of the recession head-on,” Kruzan said to crowded City Council Chambers.

During the annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, Kruzan said it’s important to promote the city and projects that will improve the quality of life in Bloomington.

“The quality of life is synonymous with the economy,” he said.

The city could do that by strengthening local businesses and life sciences and expanding local marketing, Kruzan said.

The address focused on important projects and issues the city will be tackling throughout the year, such as possible expansion of the water plant, the possibility of moving Bloomington Hospital, the State Road 45/46 Bypass project, the second phase of the B-Line Trail and the future of the John Waldron Arts Center.

One of the first issues Kruzan discussed was the possible expansion of the water facility plant, which would increase rates for water utilities for all Bloomington residents.

Kruzan said the issue has to be dealt with in the upcoming weeks because it can’t wait any longer.

After the address, City Councilman Timothy Mayer said the water plant is at the top of his list of issues to tackle.

“The time has come that it’s necessary to look toward the future,” Mayer said.

Mayer said if the city waits any longer to take action, rates might increase even more because of rising construction costs.

The mayor addressed the possible relocation of Bloomington Hospital. He said there needs to be a plan that addresses what to do with the area and businesses that rely on the hospital so they survive during tough economic times.

Another project the mayor talked about was the State Road 45/46 Bypass, which could be as wide as seven lanes in certain areas. Kruzan said the city is still working out details, including making accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The second phase of construction on the B-Line Trail will start in April and will end by Labor Day, 2011.

Kruzan said he didn’t have a solution to the potential closing of the John Waldron Arts Center but said he did want it to remain a community arts center.

Another topic the mayor addressed was the 2010 Census. He said one of the largest populations in Bloomington — students — often go uncounted.

Kruzan mentioned the IU Public Relations Student Society of America’s campaign to increase the number of IU students counted in the census as Bloomington residents.

Mike Diekhoff, Bloomington’s police chief, spoke during the address and said the Bloomington Police Department plans to re-configure its police districts. The city will be divided into five districts including the northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast and a strong emphasis on the downtown district.

The Department’s plan means more officers on foot and bicycles around the downtown area, Diekhoff said.

He said the department hopes to create “collaboration with downtown residents, merchants and visitors.”

Mayer said overall the city address touched on key points the city has to continue looking at this year.

“I was very impressed with the list of initiatives, especially with the economic times were in,” Mayer said. “(Kruzan’s) keeping a close eye on the budget.”