Gleason speaks of leading through actions in final Bloomington City Council meeting | #citycouncil

BLOOMINGTON — After serving the city of Bloomington for the last six years, departing City Manager Tim Gleason said he has done his best to “lead through actions” during his final City Council meeting on Monday.

Gleason, whose last day with the city will be May 5, said he loves challenges and being told that certain projects cannot be accomplished.

“And if I started to comment to that list, we’d be here for a couple of hours because we’ve got a lot done this past six years,” Gleason said.

However, Gleason did not take all the credit. He also commended the work of Jeff Jurgens, who will serve as Bloomington’s new city manager starting May 6. Jurgens currently is one of two deputy city managers and served for several years as the city’s attorney.

Gleason is returning to the job he had before he came to Bloomington: city manager of Decatur.

The City Council unanimously approved a three-year contract with a $210,000 salary and other benefits for Jurgens during Monday’s meeting. Gleason said he expects Jurgens’ accomplishments will be even greater than his own.

Gleason also thanked the other deputy city manager, Billy Tyus, for his continued commitment.

“You talk about somebody that is great to have by your side, that will not let you fail (and) that’s exactly who (Tyus) has been for me and that’s exactly who he’s going to be for Jeff Jurgens,” Gleason said.

Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said he remembered being skeptical when Gleason discussed the O’Neil Pool and Park project. However, the new pool and amenities will be open later this year.

Gleason also led the city through the expansion of the Bloomington Public Library, the expansion of the Ferrero candy plant and a number of other economic development projects, he added.

Outside of his economic development duties, Gleason immediately brought another level of organization and transparency to the city’s operations, Mwilambwe said. One such example is the introduction of monthly finance reports during City Council meetings.

“It definitely has added a measure of transparency but also awareness for people in the community so every month, the community knows where we are and what we’re doing with the finances of the city,” Mwilambwe said.

Alderman Tom Crumpler that said when he was elected in 2021, he was as green as any council member who had been elected in the last several years. However, he worked with Gleason in one-on-one sessions to learn about the city’s operations and various departments.

At one point, Crumpler said he heard that someone had asked Gleason about his performance, to which Gleason replied, “I think he’s coming along.”

“Well I think I have come along and I want to thank you, Tim, for your support, especially in that first year on this Bloomington City Council and I wish you good luck in Decatur,” Crumpler said.