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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, November 8th, 2021.
Later in the program, WFHB News covers lead contaminated ash reported by local residents after the Bloomington Fire Department conducted a prescribed burn at a home on High Street. More coming up in your feature report.
Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Board
At the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Board meeting on November 4th board member Isabelle Piedmont-Smith asked about the landfill investments in German American Bank that she said were bleeding significantly.
Executive Director at Monroe County Solid Waste Management District Tom McGlasson replied.
Board member Cheryl Munson said it could be due to inflation. McGlasson said he would follow up with the bank.
McGlasson shared that the waste management district used to have a prescription medication drop-off; however, they did not have the proper training to do so. Therefore they only accept over the counter medication now. He shared locations where residents can drop off prescription medications instead.
Munson added that Monroe Hospital also collects prescription medication.
Next, McGlasson presented two options to the board for the holiday schedule to ensure that all staff employees are getting adequate amounts of paid holiday hours.
Board member Piedmont-Smith pointed out that for 2021, employees received one more day of paid holiday vacation.
McGlasson explained that sometimes holidays fall on weekdays, but if there is a holiday on a weekend then they won’t have that holliday off, so the number of holidays allotted can fluctuate.
McGlasson suggested that they table the official decision until the next board meeting on December 9th to ensure the most equitable schedule.
Ellettsville Plan Commission Hears Petition to Rezone Property
On November 4th, the Ellettsville Plan Commission revisited resident Kevin Farris’s petition to rezone his property to C-3 to support his storage business. The council had postponed a decision at the last meeting to ensure the petitioner could attend the meeting and could advocate for his case.
Commissioner Don Calvert expressed concern that if this is rezoned now, the property could be sold to someone else in the future. Once it is zoned C-3 then they couldn’t stop alternative development that they do not approve of.
Farris assured the commission that he has no plans of selling the property, and after he is gone his sons will own it.
Committee president David Drake responded saying he did not think asking these ‘What if? questions’ was an efficient use of time.
The plan commission voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to the council.
The next plan commission meeting will be held on December 2nd.
Bloomington City Council Hears Reports from HAND and Planning Department
On November 3rd at the Bloomington City Council meeting, the council heard from the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development John Zody. He presented the HAND Department Housing Report.
Zody shared that there were 537 households in Monroe County that received rental assistance in 2021 as of November 1st.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Mallory Rickbeil gave a presentation on sidewalk equity improvements in Bloomington.
Rickbeil shared a spacial equity analysis that the planning and transportation department completed which revealed certain demographics were under prioritized.
The next city council meeting will be held on November 10th.
Feature Report:
In today’s feature report, WFHB News covers lead contaminated ash reported by local residents after the Bloomington Fire Department conducted a prescribed burn at a home on High Street. We turn to News Director Kade Young for more.
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
Kite Line is produced by Mia Beach
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
Anchors are Don Geyra and Nicki Stewart-Ingersoll.
