WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021.
Later in the program, we have the latest edition for our podcast Prescription for Healthcare hosted by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone. Today’s guest today is T.R. Reid – a longtime corresponding for the Washington Post and chairman of the Colorado foundation for Universal Healthcare.
Also coming up in the next half hour, the Monroe County Public Library is reopening on February 22nd with limited in-building services. More on that in today’s headlines.
But first, your local headlines:
Monroe County Board of Health
The Monroe County Board of Health discussed COVID-19 vaccinations during their February second meeting. Monroe County Health Administrator spoke about appointment scheduling.
Caudill mentioned each vaccine vial holds ten vaccination doses. She said the weekly waitlist makes sure not vaccine goes unused.
Caudill mentioned waitlisted individuals are chosen based on the state’s eligibility, and at-risk individuals. Immunizations Coordinator Jaema Kelly reported no severe reactions from any individual getting the vaccination. She mentioned the County Convention Center site has five vaccinators.
Caudill mentioned that volunteers without medical experience are also needed for vaccination clinics.
Bloomington Board of Public Works
Bloomington Board of Public Works discussed a Memorandum of Understanding with City of Bloomington Utilities for traffic signal construction costs during their February second meeting. Board member Dana Palazzo stated construction would occur at the intersection of 3rd and Lincoln Streets. Engineer Neil Copper spoke about the improvements.
Copper mentioned the project cost about 2 hundred and 28 thousand dollars. Contractor Josh Burns said constriction is projected to begin in June of this year. Board members unanimously approved the MOU.
Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee
Monroe County Personnel Administration Committee reviewed the Waggoner Irwin and Scheele, or WIS, recommendation for the County Fleet and Building Manager position. During their February second meeting, Council Administrator Kim Shell said WIS classified the job as a Professional, Administrative, Technological job in the fifth category.
According to a 2006 WIS classification summary, a PAT five classified job would receive a salary of approximately 33 thousand to 43 thousand dollars. Committee member Marty Hawk stated the County GIS Coordinator position was also ranked as a PAT five position. Commissioners’ Administrator Angela Purdie spoke about effects on the approved salary budget.
Purdie clarified approximately one fourth of the job salary could be paid for through the Public Safety Local Income Tax. Committee members unanimously accepted the classification. Council members will take a final vote on the Fleet and Building Manager position during their February 9th meeting.
MCPL Reopens on February 22nd with Limited In-Building Services
The Monroe County Public Library is set to reopen on February 22nd with limited in-building services. Curbside pick-up will no longer be available in this new model
Mandy Hussey, communications and marketing manager for MCPL, spoke to WFHB over the phone earlier this afternoon. Hussey went into detail on Covid-19 safety precautions the library will put into place upon reopening.
“Masks are going to be required even for those who have been vaccinated,” said Hussey.
Hussey mentioned what library patrons should expect when it comes to activities available in the building starting later this month.
“You are able to come into the building and browse the shelves,” she said. “The other (sevice) is using computers.”
The curbside model will not be available starting February 22nd. However, as Hussey points out, there will be a drive-through option soon, similar to a pharmacy-style window.
As of now, the new drive-up window with a two-way speaker is temporarily closed. On the library’s website, it says, “Due to installation, the drive-up window may be delayed in its reopening.”
“We are installing a contactless drive-up window at the main library for the first time,” she said.
Hussey explained how MCPL plans to protect high-risk library-goers in the new model, which includes reserving the first hour of each day for older adults ages 65 and up, those with underlying health concerns, people with disabilities, expectant mothers, and other vulnerable populations.
“We will have some accommodations in place for those who are high-risk,” said Hussey.
There will be some virtual options in place for those who prefer to stay-at-home. Hussey outlined several activities that library patrons can utilize from the comfort of their own homes.
“We have a lot of virtual services right now,” she said.
She talked about what the future holds for the Monroe County Public Library during the new model of limited in-building services.
“We are cautiously optimistic right now,” said Hussey.
The main library on Kirkwood Avenue will have a capacity of 100 people, while the Ellettsville branch will have a capacity of 40 people. Furthermore, library goers are asked to limit their in-person visits to no more than one hour.
Feature Reports:
Up first, we have the latest edition of our podcast, Prescription for Healthcare, produced by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone. Our guest today is T.R. Reid – a longtime correspondent for the Washington Post and chairman of the Colorado foundation for Universal Healthcare. This podcast episode is Part I. in a two-part series and was recorded in January. Stay tuned for Part II., which will air next Thursday. You can find this program online or wherever you get your podcasts.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dr. Rob Stone and Karen Green Stone.
Better Beware is produced by Richard Fish.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
