This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, July 10th, 2023.

Later in the program, local journalist Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin provides a wrap-up of the Primary Election and looks forward to November for the General Election in the City of Bloomington. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Tory Crow from Beacon on the plight of the unhoused in Bloomington. Beacon operates the Shalom Center homeless shelter and right now they are short on volunteers. Learn how YOU can help later in the show on a new episode of Activate!

But first, your daily headlines:

Monroe County Election Board

A banner reads, "Vote Here Today," at 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100 (Young).

At the Monroe County Election Board meeting on July 6th, a new Board Member, Judith Benckart introduced herself, and explained that she is replacing Republican Chair Member Donovan Garletts.

Following Benckart’s appointment to the board, Board Member David Henry proposed that they move up the Democratic Presidency for the board by six months. Garletts had previously been president of the Board, and given that Benckart is new to the Election Board it would give her time to get acquainted with the board before being put in the role of president.

County Clerk Nicole Browne explained that there is a precedent that when there is a new member they arrange the President’s term to give the new member time to ease into the role as a board member. Browne also welcomed Benckart to the board.

The board voted unanimously to approve the amendment that would allow Board Member Henry to serve as Board President six months early. Chief Deputy Clerk Tressia Martin asked when Henry’s position as president would expire. Browne responded.

Later, the board discussed establishing a Vote Center Study Committee. Henry shared background information on vote centers in the county.

Browne commented that study committees can unnecessarily draw out the length of the discussion. Henry responded that he thinks the study is important to ensure the decision on vote centers is bipartisan.

Browne shared that she is in support of vote centers, but explained her concern with vote centers being regarded as an option to save money.

Henry made a motion to establish the committee.

The board unanimously voted to establish a Vote Center Study Commission. They will discuss further details about the commission at their next meeting on August 3rd.

The board will also meet on July 13th to discuss the potential candidacy of Joseph Davis.

Bloomington Board of Public Works

During the July 3rd meeting of the Bloomington Board of Public Works, Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley presented a new electric scooter license application.

During public comment, Local Resident Chuck Livingston said he’s witnessed electric scooters blocking sidewalks. He showed a series of photos he took, documenting the obstructions.

Crowley responded to the public comment, saying geofencing could assist in preventing residents from parking in incorrect locations.

Vice President of the Board Elizabeth Karon, asked whether this enforcement procedure is a new addition within the proposed license application. Board Secretary Jennifer Lloyd inquired on the timeline of enforcement. Crowley responded to both requests for clarification.

The board approved the license application unanimously. The Bloomington Board of Public Works will meet again on Tuesday, July 18th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, local journalist Dave Askins of the B-Square Bulletin provides a wrap-up of the Primary Election and looks forward to November for t...