This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, the Bloomington City Council deliberated on unsafe conditions at the affordable housing development Union at Crescent. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the latest edition of Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between Lil Bub’s Big Fund and WFHB. More following today’s feature.

But first, your local headlines:

Council Approves Stormwater Update, Debates Salary Raises and Housing Challenges at Union at Crescent

The Bloomington City Council met on Wednesday, July 30th. The meeting began with councilmember reports by Council Member Courtney Daily, Council Member Sydney Zulich, and Council President Hopi Stosberg. Stosberg reminded the public about the rules of the road in regards to school bus stops.

Assistant Director for Environmental Programs, Kelsey Thetonia, from the City of Bloomington Utilities Department, presented amendments to the stormwater ordinance Title 13 that she explained are necessary to comply with House enrolled Act 1037.

The amendment was passed unanimously by the council.

Next, Director of Human Resources Sharr Pechac and City Controller Jessica McClellan explained that they are requesting an appropriation of funds from the human resources department budget to be dispersed to different departments. This would allow them to allocate salary increases to select employees.

Records Clerk at the Bloomington Police Department Linda Wear gave public comment, expressing her dissatisfaction with her salary. She explained that she has not had a sufficient pay increase by the City despite holding her position since 2003.

The transfer of appropriations was approved by a 5-3 vote. The council then deliberated about Union at Crescent, an affordable housing development that has struggled with tenant-caused damage. This has contributed to unsafe conditions that have driven out tenants and left the property below the thresholds set by the terms of its tax abatement. Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Jane Kupersmith explained the problems that the apartment complex has faced and the issue of its tax abatement.

Representing the apartment complex, Chief Financial Officer for Annex Group, Sam Hurley, presented on the efforts that they have taken to be compliant with the agreement. He explained that they have increased security measures and cleaning efforts. Ultimately after thorough discussion, the council voted to allow Union at Crescent to keep its reduced tax agreement with the city, finding that Union at Crescent has made reasonable efforts of compliance.

The Bloomington City Council adjourned with the announcement that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 6th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, we hear Part 2 of an interview with WFHB Environmental Correspondent Max Jancich as he speaks with Greg Olsen, Field Projects Director at the Sand County Foundation. Olsen discussed prairie strips, a conservation practice that integrates prairie ecosystems into 10-20 percent of farmland to improve water quality and soil health.

Up next, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. That segment coming up next on the WFHB Local News.

Credits: