This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, May 27th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Sophie Hall filed a report titled “A Bright Future for Energy in Indiana” which features experts weighing in on the transition to solar energy in light of Duke Energy’s 180 million dollar solar investment. That’s coming up in today’s feature reports.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Artbeat - a monthly segment that features interviews with artists, activists and educators about their work - hosted by Dr. Filiz Cicek. More following today’s feature reports.

But first, your local news brief:

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

Monroe County has had a 26% decrease in COVID-19 cases within the last 14 days, with 7 new cases yesterday. Although the amount of cases are decreasing, Monroe County is still seen as a high risk location for the 61% of the population that hasn’t been vaccinated.

For the first time since 2019, Bloomington public pools Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool will be open. According to a press conference, the pools will remain open all summer, with Bryan Park Pool open until September 6th and Mills Pool open until August 3rd, when they will close for the winter. Both pools will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $5 at each pool with children 3 years of age and under admitted for free.

The weekday version of the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market opens on June 1 from 4 to 7 pm at the Pavilion at Switchyard Park. A Fair of the Arts, an art and fine craft fair will also be coinciding with the Tuesday Market every other Tuesday until September 21st. Admission to both events is free to the public with free parking as well.

Bloomington City Council

The Bloomington City Council discussed hybrid virtual and in-person meetings at it’s May 26th Special Session. Council Administrator Attorney Stephen Lucas presented a resolution that would allow members of the public and some council members to attend future meetings digitally. He stated that the City supports this resolution and recognized that some boards and commissions have already passed some form of the resolution.

Reporter Dave Askins asked why this was a resolution and not an ordinance. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith echoed this concern. Lucas clarified that a resolution can be enforced in the same way as an ordinance in this case.

Council members approved the resolution 7 to 0.

Bloomington City Council - Housing Committee

The Bloomington City Council Housing Committee discussed changes to rental unit inspections in the municipal code. At the May 26th meeting, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development Department John Zody said the city has trouble enforcing occupancy limits in smaller rental units. He presented an ordinance that would require tenants and property owners to sign a document to prove a rental unit is meeting City occupancy limits.

Councilmember Kate Rosenbarger asked about the size of rental units targeted by the ordinance. She wondered why HAND chose properties with 4 units or less rather than larger units.

Council member Matt Flaherty showed concern over how the ordinance is worded. He said it needs to be clear that the ordinance exists to enforce the U-D-O, and not for safety purposes.

Council members voted to recommend the ordinance to the City Council 4 to 0.

Monroe County Commissioners 

County Planner Anne Crecelius presented an amendment to the Fieldstone P-U-D at the May 26th Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting. She outlined proposed changes to the P-U-D, including updated design standards and additional proposed uses.

A resident of Fieldstone expressed concern that the center would be close ...