This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 27th, 2021.

Later in the program, we have an excerpt from our public affairs program Kite Line, from an episode titled “A Slightly Bigger Cage - Jail Expansion for Monroe County.” More coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Monroe County Board of Health extended the county-wide mask mandate through the month of October. More in the top half of tonight’s show.

The Monroe County Board of Health Extends Mask Mandate through October

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

The Monroe County Board of Health extended the mask mandate until October 31st at the September 22nd meeting.

During public comment resident Dr. Colin Elliot asked the board to consider adjusting the mask mandate to accommodate his son Reuban who he says is diagnosed with social pragmatic communications disorder.

Board member Carol Touloukian later said she empathized with Elliott’s situation; however, the number of Covid-19 cases is still too high.

Board member Ashley Cranor expressed her preference to extend the mask mandate. She said that the numbers of Covid-19 cases were not in a range where she felt comfortable letting the mask mandate expire.

According to Health Director Penny Caudill the mandate could be shorter if the number of Covid-19 cases decreases into the blue advisory category before October 31st.

The next board meeting is scheduled for October 7th.

Bloomington City Council Approves Seven of the Eight Areas for Annexation

 

The Bloomington City Council continued the process of annexation at the September 22nd meeting. All in all, they voted to annex seven of the eight proposed areas for annexation during both special sessions.

Council member Steve Volan remarked on individuals who are against annexation. He emphasized that they are already a part of the community.

Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith addressed the concerns of the individuals who have made public comments throughout the annexation process. She outlined what the annexation would and would not do for residents in the area.

The council voted 6-3-0 on the annexation of areas 1b, 1c, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Those opposed to annexation say they plan to remonstrate (Re-MON-straight), a process where if more than 65 percent of property owners in any given area of annexation sign a remonstration petition, the annexation of that area becomes void.

The next Bloomington City Council meeting will be held on September 29th.

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission Approves Request for New Construction at Restaurant Row Local Historic District

At the September 23rd meeting the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission discussed a request for new construction at Restaurant Row Local Historic District.

Commission member Jenny Southern explained the problems she could see with the proposed construction.

The construction would be two four bedroom apartments at 412 East 4th street. HAND staff member Eddie Wright supported the project.

The motion to approve the construction with the condition that they add four-inch siding, was approved 7-0-1. The next meeting will be on October 14th.

Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals Approves Zoning for a Home Occupation on Arlington Road

At the Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals September 23rd meeting the board approved zoning for a Home Occupation on Arlington Road.

According to Attorney Vince Taylor, his client Robert Iatarola has been running a pallet business from his home.