By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A couple of Bloomington City Council members, mulling over what they said is one of their toughest-ever decisions, were among about 15 people who heard Police Chief Brendan Heffner defend his department’s handling of officer misconduct allegations.

Heffner holds focus meetings with residents every other month, but Wednesday night’s session happened less than two weeks before aldermen decide whether to create a civilian advisory board, which would review the handling of those complaints.

Council woman Diana Hauman said she’s undecided on an issue that will likely make one side very unhappy.

“I’m meeting again with Chief Heffner, and also a representative of Black Lives Matter and Not in Our Town next week,” said Hauman.

“I’m still doing my research,” Hauman added.

Her council colleague Karen Schmidt acknowledged a sharp community divide.

“There is a division, and I think some of it is based on experiences and probably some reflection about where we are as a society,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt is waiting to see a final draft ordinance before making a decision. The council vote is now set for July 24.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]