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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, November 16th, 2023.
Later in the program, Mayor-Elect Kerry Thomson sent a letter to Current Mayor John Hamilton asking him to refrain from making any strategic decisions before the end of his term. More in the top half of tonight’s program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington City Council approved a resolution regarding the operation of a joint capital improvement board between the city and the county for the Monroe Convention Center.
That’s coming up in your daily headlines:
Mayor-Elect Thomson Sends Letter to Current Mayor Hamilton to Not Make Strategic Decisions
Incoming Mayor Kerry Thomson sent a letter to current Mayor John Hamilton asking him to “refrain from making any strategic or discretionary decisions” before the end of his term.
In Mayor-Elect Thomson’s letter, she wrote, “such vacancies would include but not limited to signing new contracts or extension of contracts, purchasing or conveying property and making future board and commission appointments.”
Thomson did say in her letter that she appreciates Mayor Hamilton’s decision to let vacancies remain and allowing acting or interim staff to serve. She also welcomed to engage in conversation with Hamilton on matters that may impact her tenure.
She wrote, “please accept this request with the spirit in which it is intended, which is respectful, collaborative and with the best interests of Bloomington in mind.” END QUOTE
Mayor Hamilton wrote a letter to the city council in response saying he was “very surprised” to receive Thomson’s letter. He said that Thomson’s request was “neither appropriate nor possible.”
Saying, “I make decisions daily that affect the future of the city for the upcoming days, weeks, months and years. It is my responsibility as mayor to do so, and I will continue to do so.”
Hamilton said he has reached out to Thomson over the phone to discuss the matter. Mayor-Elect Kerry Thomson will take office on January 1st of next year.
Bloomington City Council
At the November 15th meeting of the Bloomington City Council, the council heard a resolution regarding the operation of a joint capital improvement board between the city and the county for the Monroe Convention Center. Deputy City Clerk Sofia McDowell introduced the resolution.
Corporation Counsel Beth Cate elaborated on what the resolution entails and provided some background on the interlocal agreement.
Council Member Stephen Volan asked whether this agreement would comply with the Statehouse when it comes to food and beverage tax.
Council Member Dave Rollo questioned corporation counsel in what capacity would the city council oversee the CIB budget. Cate responded.
The resolution passed unanimously. The next city council meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 6th.
Monroe County Commissioners
At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting on November 8th, Health Department Director Lori Kelley gave an update on Covid-19 cases in the county.
Area 10 Agency on Aging Executive Director Chris Myers gave an update on Rural Transit numbers, and usage across the county.
Commissioner Julie Thomas asked Meyers to share how to schedule a ride and who is eligible to use their services. Meyers responded.
Later in the meeting, Highway Department Director Lisa Ridge asked the commissioners to approve a change order for a portable stop light on Sample Road.
The commissioners approved the change order unanimously.
Lastly, the Commissioner Penny Githens informed the public that they are accepting applications for appointments to boards and commissions.
The next Monroe County Commissioners meeting will be held on November 15th.
Feature Report:
Up next, we have an excerpt from Kite Line – our public affairs program devoted to prison issues in the Midwest and beyond. You can hear Kite Line each Friday at 5:30 p.m. on WFHB. We now turn to that segment on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Annika Harshbarger, Ashley Voss, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Kite Line is produced by Mia Beach and Hugh Farrell.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
