WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, April 3rd, 2020.
Headlines: There are almost 3500 reported cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. 102 total deaths have been confirmed. This is out of almost 1800 people tested by the Indiana State Department of Health. There are 40 positive cases in Monroe County, with zero deaths, out of 278 people tested.
Indiana State Department of Health reports Age Distribution for those who tested positive in the state. The largest category of those who tested positive in Indiana include ages 50 through 59. This age group makes up 19.6 percent of positive coronavirus cases.
As for newborns through 19 year olds, this group makes up the smallest number of positive covid-19 cases – at 1.4 percent.
For those who died from Covid-19, the most at-risk group includes people who are 80 years old and up. This age group accounts for 40.2 percent of all covid-19 deaths in Indiana.
As for the metrics by day, an increase in positive cases almost directly correlates to a daily increase of testing. Therefore, the more testing done, the more positive cases seen.
The Bloomington City Council Sustainable Development Committee discussed a plan for administering funds administered form the Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Committee. During the March 31st meeting, Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley said the document attempts to balance immediate and outstanding needs of local businesses due to COVID-19.
Crowley said assistance in navigating other appropriate fund resources would also be available to businesses. He spoke of potential compensation for large-event revenue generators for businesses during the pandemic.
Council member Stephen Volan asked if Community Redevelopment Economic Districts funds could be used for economic relief. He said CRED funds would be reinvested in that geographical area NOT general state tax funds. Crowley said he was hesitant to open CRED funds.
Crowley said CRED funds would not work for short term recovery. Council member Matt Flaherty suggested a loan forgiveness program for funds used towards employee payroll. Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce President Erin Predmore said in order to receive loan forgiveness, the Indiana State Payroll Protection Program would require a business to rehire all staff. The appropriation ordinance will be heard on April 7th.
Up next, WFHB Correspondent Jake Jacobson reports on how United Way of Monroe County and partners issued over $333,000 in grants for 26 local nonprofits. We turn to Jake Jacobson for more on the story.
Bloomington City Council discussed the requested expenditure of Food and Beverage Tax Revenues for support of Food and Beverage Businesses and employees during their April first meeting. City Attorney Philippa Guthrie spoke about the 2 million-dollar expenditure and its potential impact on the convention center expansion.
Guthrie said the funds will be distributed as bridge loans. She said the State Board of Accounts released guidelines for appropriate usage of city funds for COVID-19 related relief.
Guthrie said an additional whereas clause could be added to state funding from FABTAC is more appropriate than the city’s general fund. Council member Jim Sims asked Guthrie what non food and beverage related businesses could qualify.
Guthrie said the city can set criteria for what types of businesses could apply. Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley said specifications of support for locally owned independent businesses versus local franchises still needs to be decided. He said there will be limitations on what funds could be used for.
Council member Susan Sandberg said this is bridge funding not a bail out. Local restaurant owner Susan Bright said her business’s funds are dwindling. Council members unanimously recommended do-pass.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said various counties are issuing tighter travel restrictions. Several counties enacted travelling restrictions based on three main categories: Warning, Watch and Advisory.
A warning is labeled in red. If a county issues a travel warning, it’s the highest level of local travel advisory. It means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a warning, it’s advised that people 1. Refrain from travel 2. Comply with necessary emergency measures 3. Cooperate with public officials and disaster services in emergency efforts. Both Marion County and Decatur County issued travel warnings.
A watch is labeled in orange. The state department of Homeland Security said this means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a watch, local travel advisory is limited to only essential travel. This means traveling to and from work, and it also extends to emergency situations. In a watch, emergency action plans are implemented by businesses, schools and government agencies.
Lastly, an advisory, labeled in yellow, is the lowest level of local travel advisory. An advisory means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. People should use caution or avoid these areas.
Monroe County has not restricted any travel so far. John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington, said that could change in the coming weeks.
The Monroe County Election Board discussed moving Ellettsville High School polling site to Town Hall during their April 2nd meeting. Edgewood High School Principal Dirk Ackerman said holding elections at the school is a safety concern and the Town Hall requested to host the polling site. Local Green Party Candidate Randy Paul said school polling sites contradicts the Help America Vote Act.
Akerman said other counties are moving polling sites out of high schools too. Council member Carolyn VandeWiele argued with Paul about the Indiana Memorial Union accessibility compliance with H-A-V-A.
Council member Hall Turner said the Election Board will schedule a public hearing to discuss Help America Vote Act criteria and vote on a November Ellettsville polling location.
For this next headline, we turn to WFHB Correspondent Jasmine White as she gives her report from home.
County Attorney Jeff Cockerill presented an inspection contract to the Monroe County Commissioners during their April first meeting. He said the contract is for road construction.
Cockerill said the contract uses Redevelopment Commission funds and the majority of the Redevelopment Commission supports the contract. Redevelopment Commissioner Jim Shelton added his support.
Commissioners unanimously approved the inspection contract.
Up next, Alex Dederer reports on a prescribed burning North of Griffy Lake. She also takes a look at agencies seeking to create safe places for the homeless.
The Bloomington Utilities Service Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Indiana University for sewer upgrades. Director Vic Kelson said upgrades are to accommodate a new campus residence hall.
Kelson said about 44 percent of the total sewage system’s flow comes from Indiana University. He said I-U will pay 44 percent of the capital costs for the project. Attorney Chris Wheeler said the city would have to pay all charges if the project exceeds the projected 2 million dollars.
Feature Report: WFHB Correspondent Braydyn Lents discusses how the Covid-19 pandemic affects those with disabilities. We turn to Braydyn for more on the story.
Credits:
Today’s headlines were written by Jasmine White, Jake Jacobson, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with CATS, Community Access Television Services. Our feature was written by Braydyn Lents. Our executive producer is Kade Young. Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
