This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, August 19th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have an excerpt from our public affairs program, Bring It On. The program discusses Covid-19 mitigation efforts by the Monroe County Community School Corporation. It focuses on the controversies surrounding Covid-19 vaccination and mandatory masking policies within schools. That’s coming up in today’s feature reports.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Robert Robinson reports on the Indiana Court of Appeals decision on federal unemployment benefits.

But first, we turn to Emily McCoy with The Statehouse Roundup:

Mayor John Hamilton announced on August 10th a recommendation to the Bloomington City Council members to remove Area 7 of the proposed annexation map for Monroe County. Originally, the area had been included for its potential to grow the community economically. However, after overwhelming concerns brought on by residents that live in Area 7, Major Hamilton gave his recommended annexation plan to the city council members. In his proposal, Mayor Hamilton had this to say, “But additional details from residents, Council members, and facts on the ground clarify its limited prospects for development, so we are recommending that this area not be considered for annexation.”

On Monday this week, Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law the House Enrolled act of 1006. State Representative Greg Steuerwald, who originally proposed the law, was in attendance at the signing in Plainfield Indiana at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. The law requires more funds to be allocated for the use of de-escalation training programs for police officers and allocates more shared information concerning employee officers among different Indiana police departments.

The House Enrolled Act or HEA was a unanimous decision by all four caucuses in the General Assembly. Including the members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus or the IBLC, who were in attendance at the signing. The IBLC chair, State Representative Robin Shackleford had this to say, “For years, police brutality and harassment have plagued Indiana's Black and Brown communities, HEA 1006 is our way of saying, 'No more.'”

Bloomington City Council 

The Bloomington City Council discussed American Rescue Plan Act funds at its August 18th regular session. Bloomington Corporation Counsel Philippa Guthrie recounted the Council’s decision to pass the general ARPA fund, which needed to be passed before funds could be distributed. She explained that the council would need to update the ARPA plan each time they awarded ARPA funds.

Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith brought up the idea of investing in land trusts. She questioned Executive Director of the Bloomington Housing Authority Amber Skoby about how the B-H-A will expand its role beyond helping with local housing. Skoby said they were slowly building their capacity to include managing land trusts.

Council members voted to approve the resolution unanimously.

Monroe County Commissioners 

Monroe County Commissioners talked about new playground equipment. Director of Monroe County Parks and Recreations Kelli Witmer proposed a contract for new playground equipment at Karst Farm Park. She said the new playground would have two areas for different age groups and be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Commissioner Penny Githens expressed excitement for the new equipment. She said her children really enjoyed the last new A-D-A compliant playground.

Commissioners approved the funding 2 to 0.

Bloomington Board of Public Works 

The Bloomington Board of Public Works discussed Lotus Festival at its August 17th meeting.