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This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, January 24th, 2023.
Later in the program, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation on the poor conditions of the current jail. Plus, local residents spoke out against a new jail during public comment. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – done in collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. But first, your local headlines:
Monroe County Commissioners
On January 18th at the Monroe County Commissioners meeting, Health Department Director Lori Kelley gave an update on Covid-19 levels in the community.
The commissioners heard from Assistant Director of the Planning Department and Floodplain Administrator Tammy Behrman who asked the commissioners to approve an amendment to zoning chapter 803. She said the amendment would clarify the new manufactured home replacement requirements.
During public comment on the ordinance, Monroe County Resident and Redevelopment Commission Member Randy Cassady asked the county to increase their public outreach about the floodplains and encouraged the county to identify and notify the public personally.
Commissioner Lee Jones said that some properties have been experiencing flooding due to development further upstream.
Commissioner Julie Thomas commented on the ordinance as well.
The commissioners unanimously approved the amendment to the ordinance.
Following the vote, Behrman gave a presentation on the National Flood Insurance Program.
Behrman shared how residents can figure out if their property is in a floodplain, and walked through how to use Elevate to see both FEMA and D-N-R flood maps.
Behrman emphasized that although these maps are informative, it doesn’t mean that other land won’t flood. She also said that the number of flood insurance policies have gone down in Monroe County.
Lastly, Behrman explained more about floodplain development permits.
For more information Behrman said residents can reach out to her with any questions.
Commissioner Julie Thomas recommended that residents consider getting flood insurance and shared some personal experience she has had.
The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on January 25th.
Community Justice Response Committee
During the January 23rd meeting of the Community Justice Response Committee, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office gave a presentation on the conditions of the current jail. Monroe County Deputy Cheif Phil Parker showed images of what the jail looks like now.
Chief Deputy Parker asked three corrections officers why the conditions are so poor inside the jail. Apart from the “it’s always been this way” comment, Parker explained:
Chief Deputy Parker said that people in holding cells are now issued a mat and a blanket. He said the holding cell has since been cleaned and repainted. Jail Commander Kyle Gibbons said that this small improvement was a necessary step in creating a more habitable facility for people who are booked into the jail. Parker reiterated saying that people placed in the jail are in their care and custody and deserve more humane treatment.
The presentation included chilling photographs and videos of how subpar the conditions are inside the facility. Foul water, a pile of debris and offensive graffiti were shown as evidence of the cruel state of the jail at the present moment. Sheriff Ruben Martė said he has been accused of acting too quickly on the new jail initiative. He pointed to graffiti inside the facility that read QUOTE “No N-Words.” END QUOTE
During public comment, Monroe County resident Seth Munchler said he does not believe that incarceration is the answer to the problems facing the county. Munchler said the focus should be on treatment and rehabilitation. He expressed frustration at the Monroe County Commissioners which he perceived as hindering the process of community dialogue in the jail planning effort. He called on Commissioner Lee Jones to be removed as chair of the committee.
Monroe County resident Kyle Dugger made a public comment on Zoom. He applauded Sheriff Martė on communicating the immediacy of resolving the jail’s poor conditions. Dugger said that while he recognizes the problem, he doesn’t believe the answer lies in a new jail facility.
The Community Justice Response Committee will meet next in a hybrid capacity at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 6th.
Lil Bub
Up next, Lil Bub’s Lil Show – done in collaboration between the WFHB Local News and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. We turn now to that segment.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young.
Lil Bub’s Lil Show is produced by Christine Brackenhoff and Stacy Bridavsky.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
