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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, January 4th, 2022.
Later in the program, the Bloomington Board of Public Works unanimously denied an appeal for a noise violation at a property on Washington Street. More in the bottom half of the program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Hostage Video on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB.
But first, your local headlines.
Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees
At the Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting Director Grier Carson gave his monthly report.
Board Member and Secretary Kari Esarey remarked that the library is hosting a lot of additional services. Carson responded that the 21st Century Library has a unique role to fill.
Carson also updated the board on the construction of the Southwest Branch, and shared that there has been some public concern about all of the construction going on around Gordon Pike.
Next, Finance Officer Gary Lettelleir gave a budget update. He informed the board that the Department of Local Government Finance turned down the 2023 budget and explained how that would affect the library’s services.
Esarey asked if there was a reason they turned down the budget. Lettelleir said that the budget they submitted increased from 2022 to 2023, and the increase exceeded the maximum growth quotient the State of Indiana set.
The board approved the Board meeting calendar and holiday schedule.
Board Member Nichelle Whitley Wash asked how the days off are chosen. Carson explained that every year they get to decide as a board. He said they want to discuss more about days off for holidays. Wash said she was glad they would be discussing how to go about including the federal holiday, Juneteenth.
The next Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting will be held on January 18th.
Bloomington Board of Public Works
During the January 3rd meeting of the Bloomington Board of Public Works, the board heard an appeal of a noise violation. City Attorney Chris Wheeler explained the alleged violation.
Bloomington Police Officer Thomas Kreuzman gave his testimony about responding to the noise violation.
Wheeler returned to the podium with the claim that the noise coming from the property was unlawful. He walked through his legal rationale.
Public Works Director Adam Wason asked for clarification on the timeline for the appeal. Wheeler responded.
Then, appellant Brandon Sermersheim was given the opportunity to speak and tell his side of the story.
Board Secretary Elizabeth Karon asked whether or not the appellant was notified of a fine on the day of the citation. Officer Kreuzman replied that the appellant was made aware of what to do if he had any questions.
Board President Kyla Cox Deckard asked whether the log of events the board received for the incident listed the details of complaints for the property in question, or if another property received complaints, as well. Kreuzman clarified that a neighboring property also received complaints from the public.
The three-person board unanimously denied the appeal for a noise violation. The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet again on January 17th.
Bloomington Utilities Service Board Meeting
At the Bloomington Utility Service Board meeting on January 3rd, Utilities Engineer Phil Peden asked the board to approve a community development block grant from the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department.
Board Member Amanda Burnham asked where the Near Westside Waterman neighborhood is located. Peden responded.
Burnham also asked if the work there had already been done. Peden explained that they have only done the design work for it, but have not started any construction which is what the grant will cover.
Board Member Kirk White asked for clarification about whether or not the grant would pay for the project upfront or if they would be reimbursed for it. Peden said they will be reimbursed.
The board approved the grant unanimously.
The next Utility Service Board meeting will be held on January 17th.
Better Beware
Up next, Hostage Video on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
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.
