[0:01] - I'm Glen Markegard. [0:02] I'm planning manager for the city [0:04] and I've been with Bloomington 29 years. [0:08] As planning manager, I'm the division manager [0:10] for a team of 10. [0:12] One of the services we provide is development review, [0:16] so that involves meeting with developers on the front end, [0:20] finding sites that fit their needs, [0:23] ultimately receiving the applications that they submit, [0:26] reviewing those applications against city codes, [0:29] against the comprehensive plan, [0:31] making sure that the development [0:33] achieves the city's visions, [0:34] and then we will make a recommendation [0:37] to the Planning Commission, to the City Council, [0:40] and then follow that development [0:42] after approval until it's built, do the final inspections, [0:45] make sure everything was done correctly. [0:48] Another service we provide is long-range planning. [0:52] That involves preparing the comprehensive plan, [0:54] preparing district plans for areas, small area plans [0:58] for neighborhoods, preparing code amendments. [1:01] Another thing we do is meet with customers [1:04] at the front counter, on the phone, [1:06] for example, if you wanted to build [1:08] an addition or put in a fence or a shed. [1:11] We'll work with customers, talk about the standards [1:15] that are involved, the approvals processes, [1:18] and make sure people get what they need. [1:20] As planning manager, I'm also a liaison [1:23] to the Planning Commission, so that involves making sure [1:27] the commissioners are well-trained [1:29] and that the Commission follows all the state laws [1:32] and city requirements. [1:34] One of the things that attracted me to Bloomington [1:37] was that it was big enough to have large projects, [1:39] but small enough to not be overly bureaucratic. [1:42] It feels like a small city in a lot of ways. [1:46] One thing I really love about planning is being able [1:49] to follow the entire planning process from idea [1:53] to implementation to, you know, reality on the ground. [1:56] Being with Bloomington for so many years, [1:59] I've been lucky to be able to watch [2:01] entire neighborhoods transform, the South Loop District, [2:03] the Penn American District. [2:05] It's very rewarding to watch those neighborhoods evolve [2:08] and change over time. [2:10] I really like how government works in Bloomington. [2:13] The Council is very approachable, very transparent. [2:17] The staff is super professional and helpful, [2:21] delivers excellent customer service, [2:23] and I constantly hear from applicants [2:25] how they enjoy working with Bloomington. [2:28] Another thing that's great about Bloomington [2:30] is that it's a city that's willing to take risks [2:33] and to be a leader in the region. [2:35] There's been all kinds of code amendments [2:36] where Bloomington has been the first to adopt something, [2:39] and that's very fun to see. [2:42] Bloomington's been a great place to work. [2:44] I'm retiring in February [2:46] and it's been very rewarding to be in one city [2:48] for three decades and watch [2:51] all of our proactive land use planning come to fruition. [2:54] (inspiring music)