This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, November 13th, 2024.

Later in the program, the Monroe County Council approved the purchase of the North Park property for the new jail site. More in today’s headlines.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “The Whole Tooth” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News.

But first, your local headlines:

County Council Approves North Park Property For New Jail

On Tuesday, the Monroe County council approved the purchase of the North Park property for the purpose of constructing a new jail.

The council approved the purchase agreement by a 5-1 vote in the amount of 11.375 million dollars.

County Attorney Jeff Cockerill walked through the purchase agreement for the property located at the northwest corner of I-69 and State Road 46.

County Councilor Marty Hawke asked whether the court system would be more accessible. Cockerill said it would likely be off Hunter Valley Road which he believes would be more visible.

Council Member Geoff McKim questioned Cockerill on the cost of the roadway and the wastewater treatment plant. Cockerill said the numbers are rough calculations at the moment.

According to the council’s agenda, the county intends to complete the jail structure first. However, “it will not operate the facility until contracts are awarded for courtroom construction.”

During her final comments, Council Member Jennifer Crossley acknowledged the contentious and controversial nature of the new jail initiative – but that she believes the county council has done their “due diligence” through the process.

The council voted 5-1 in support of the purchase agreement. The next regular session of the county council will take place on Tuesday, November 26th.

Bloomington City Council

The Bloomington City Council met on November 6th. Local non-profit Canopy Bloomington updated the council on the work they have been doing in partnership with the city. Canopy’s Board President, Philippa Guthrie, presented on the work they have done such as planting trees in the community and educating the public on tree maintenance.

Council Member Andy Ruff asked if they have done work replacing trees that were knocked down by the powerful storm that came through this summer.

Council Member Hopi Stosberg asked for clarification on the colors used on the map. Executive Director Ava Hartman explained how they created the map and how they use it to decide where to plant trees.

Later in the meeting, Special Projects Coordinator and A-D-A Coordinator, Michael Shermis spoke to the council asking them to approve updates to the City of Bloomington’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.

The council approved the changes with a unanimous vote.

Next, the council heard from Assistant City Attorney Chris Wheeler. He asked the council to approve a resolution to reject the establishment of a Merit System for the Bloomington Police Department.

Police Chief Michael Diekhoff spoke to the council and explained why they would prefer to keep the Board of Safety rather than adopt a new Merit Board System.

Wheeler explained that one reason the police department doesn’t want to adopt the merit board is due to the fact that they are currently understaffed.

Council Member Isak Asare asked if the decision to reject the merit system would be permanent. Wheeler explained that if, in the future, the police department wished to adopt the merit board they would be able to do so.

The council voted to approve the resolution unanimously. The Bloomington City Council will meet again for an executive session on November 13th, and on November 20th for their next regular session.

Feature Report:

Up next, “The Whole Tooth” on Better Beware – your weekly consumer watchdog segment on the WFHB Local News. For more, we turn to host and producer Richard Fish.

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