WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, January 13th, 2021.
In today’s program, WFHB Contributor Kevin Weinberg reported on the gathering of advocates, concerned residents and journalists at Seminary Square Park on Monday in anticipation of the city’s planned eviction of the encampment that’s become the center of a standoff between the Hamilton administration and several social service agencies.
Also coming up, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty talks to State Senator Shelli Yoder about when teachers are next in line to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. That’s coming up in today’s feature reports.
But first, your local headlines:
Bloomington Commission on Sustainability
The Bloomington Commission on Sustainability discussed a Resolution on Housing First during their January 12th meeting. Commissioner Nejla Routsong described the housing first concept.
Routsong said the resolution would provide homes to people regardless of substance use disorder or disability. She mentioned the program began in Europe and has come into the United States.
Routsong reported the program has been proven successful. Commissioner Josheph Neukman stated the housing first program would be more affordable than operating multiple shelters. Routsong quoted the average program costs.
Commissioner Matt Flaherty mentioned Indiana landlords can discriminate against tenants based on their income source. He reported the discrimination CANNOT be prohibited through local law. Commissioners agreed to present the resolution to city council at a future meeting.
City of Bloomington Utilities Water Rate Case
The Bloomington Utilities Service Board Finance Subcommittee met to discuss the 2021 Water Rate Case. Utilities Director Vic Kelson spoke about commercial rates during their January 11th meeting.
Kelson clarified residential customers would see a maximum increase of about 3 dollars and 74 cents per month. Board members will vote on the water rate at their next finance subcommittee meeting, held on January 19th.
Bloomington Plan Commission
Zoning Planner Eric Greulich presented a Rezone Request for 87 acres at 3100 West Fullerton Pike form Planned Unit Development to Mixed-Use Corridor. He mentioned the zone use differences were too broad during the January 11th Bloomington Plan Commission meeting.
Greulich said the petitioned rezone would not compliment the comprehensive plan. He stated typical Mixed-Use Corridor zoned developments would not be suitable for the site.
Petitioner Representative Michael Carmin argued most PUD developments are allowed in MC zones.
He stated the property costs would not allow for small developments.
Greulich mentioned not many properties are available in Bloomington for large employment businesses. Commissioner Karin Saint John mentioned significant employment could be determined on current circumstances.
Saint John stated the zone purposes are very similar and the rules are unclear. Commission members forwarded the petition to City Council with no recommendation.
Ellettsville Town Council
The Ellettsville Town Council discussed the town’s COVID-19 Personnel Policy Response during the January 11th meeting. Attorney Darla Brown spoke about employee travel restrictions.
Brown stated any approved sick leave would be in addition to what was required by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. She mentioned the policy would end when the public health emergency is revoked by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Council members approved the policy, retroactive to January first, 2021.
Feature Reports:
WFHB Contributor Kevin Weinberg reports on the gathering of advocates, concerned residents and journalists at Seminary Square Park on Monday in anticipation of the city’s planned eviction of people experiencing homelessness from the park. WFHB’s Kevin Weinberg spoke with one camper, Aries, as he returned to his tent after working a second day at a new job. He described the support made possible by a centralized encampment, and how social support discourages addiction.
Governor Eric Holcomb announced last week that Indiana would prioritize vaccinating its elderly residents. In response to Indiana’s vaccine plan, State Senator Shelli Yoder is calling for teachers to be next in line for vaccination. WFHB reporter Aaron Comforty spoke with Sen. Yoder about her position.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News on WFHB,
Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our features were produced by Aaron Comforty and Kevin Weinberg.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive Producer is Kade Young.
