(upbeat music)
 Hello and welcome to Cats Week.
 I'm Annalise Poorman.
 At the Bloomington State of the City address on April 3rd,
 Police Chief Mike Decoff celebrated
 that the Bloomington Police Department
 had seen an increase in staff strengthening morale.
 A safe, civil and inclusive city
 starts with strong public safety teams.
 Under this administration,
 Bloomington has made significant strides
 fully staffing our police force.
 (audience applauds)
 These gains reflect a renewed sense of support
 felt across the department,
 driven by investments in higher pay,
 new policies on take-home cars,
 and modern tools and equipment.
 We're committed to building a culture
 that continues to improve morale and retention,
 and officers are responding with pride, purpose,
 and a clear sense that their work is valued.
 In addition, Decoff celebrated a 24.3% decrease
 in violent crime.
 Fire Chief Roger Kerr celebrated the success
 of the city's mobile integrated health system,
 which has been paving the way
 for mobile telehealth in the U.S.
 Our mobile integrated health program
 continues to lead the way in Indiana,
 combining emergency services with healthcare
 to provide a more effective, compassionate response
 to those in need.
 (audience applauds)
 Through a grant from the Indiana Department
 of Homeland Security, Bloomington's mobile integrated health
 has become the first in the U.S.
 to receive telemedicine kits.
 These kits enable real-time medical assessments,
 including vital signs, ECG readings,
 allowing doctors to make faster, more informed decisions
 that improve patient outcomes.
 We are grateful for the city's commitment to public safety
 and for the trust the community places in us.
 Mayor Carrie Thompson opened her speech with gratitude
 that the community sustained minimal damage
 through the recent storms.
 She also condemned the vandalism
 that impacted two local businesses this past week.
 The kiln and the forge were vandalized last night.
 This was really senseless destruction
 of places built by and for our community.
 And I want to be clear,
 destruction has no place in Bloomington.
 In Bloomington, we protect the spaces
 where inclusion, innovation, and opportunity take root.
 Every dollar our businesses have to spend
 repairing unnecessary and reckless destruction
 is a dollar they can't put
 toward helping our community thrive.
 We're investigating, we are responding,
 and we are moving forward.
 But let's all commit to using our powers for good,
 our creativity for the benefit of our whole
 and our energy to build up and not break down.
 Thompson also spoke to her administration's goals
 of accountability, transparency, and joy.
 She highlighted various projects supporting these goals,
 including the Downtown Community Cleanup Day,
 the Climate Action Dashboard,
 the Convention Center Expansion,
 and the construction of ADA-compliant ramps downtown.
 Thompson reiterated her administration's commitment
 to progress and community.
 Whether through policy partnerships or simply showing up,
 this first year has been filled with meaningful progress
 and meaningful listening.
 We're proud of what we've built and we're not finished.
 Thompson detailed key issues and goals
 throughout her term.
 First, focusing on the city's need
 to address the housing crisis.
 She said that her administration has created a plan
 to address the housing crisis by increasing support
 for the unhoused and implementing preventative measures.
 I made a clear promise and I'm keeping it.
 City funding will go only to organizations
 and community partners aligned with this coordinated framework.
 If you're not part of the solution,
 you won't be part of our funding.
 Thompson also mentioned the importance of transparency,
 highlighting her efforts to hear voices from the community.
 As I mentioned earlier, transparency and engagement
 are how we are leading.
 Every decision we make from policies to budgets
 should be clear, accessible, and most importantly,
 shaped by the people that we serve.
 A government that listens and then acts
 is a government that works.
 Over the past year,
 we've expanded direct engagement opportunities
 and increased public input in decision-making.
 I've kept my promise to take City Hall
 into the community each month
 through traveling town halls with cabinet and council members,
 one-on-one office hours and listening sessions
 with nonprofits and faith leaders.
 I've worked to make it easier for residents
 and community leaders to ask questions,
 raise concerns, share their hopes,
 and engage directly with their government.
 Thompson continued by noting the city's efforts
 to strengthen the Bloomington brand
 in an effort to attract more businesses and residents.
 We've prioritized something that's been long overlooked,
 how Bloomington presents itself to the world.
 Thriving economies are built on identity.
 Our story, our values, our sense of place,
 they all shape the way that we grow
 and who chooses to grow with us.
 And I know we have some future residents with us tonight,
 so welcome to Bloomington.
 Next, Director of Economic and Sustainable Development,
 Jane Cooper-Smith, shared an update
 on the city's financial well-being.
 In economic and sustainable development,
 our job is to create the conditions
 for a strong, resilient, and thriving Bloomington.
 Current economic pressures do not make our work
 very easy or any easier.
 Despite these national headwinds,
 we've stayed focused and we're delivering.
 We're reducing housing barriers,
 we're securing outside investments in Bloomington,
 and we're making long-term strategic commitments
 to our shared future.
 It's not always easy, but our team shows up
 follows through and is getting results.
 Cooper Smith said that the trades district
 had already bolstered the city's growing tech sector
 and shared an update on the Hopewell Commons.
 In 2024, Mayor Thompson led a strategic reset
 of the Hopewell development to ensure it delivers
 on its promises to the community.
 The redevelopment commission issued
 an updated public offering on Hopewell South
 and on Hopewell East, moving us toward
 a thoughtful and inclusive development.
 Construction of Hopewell Commons is now complete,
 including a green space, a 1% for the arts piece
 by John Resach that will begin installation this summer
 and temporary pickleball courts.
 Yeah.
 (audience applauding)
 Please join us to celebrate Hopewell Commons
 this month on April 23rd.
 We'll also host another public information session
 later this spring where you can do a full project download.
 Mayor Thompson closed the evening with a message of hope.
 My promise remains this.
 I will lead a city government that is open, responsive
 and built to serve the people who call Bloomington home.
 A city where barriers are removed,
 ideas are welcomed with compassion and curiosity
 and collaboration is our first instinct.
 We've made more progress than a single speech can capture
 and that's the kind of challenge
 every city should be lucky enough to have.
 Our team has delivered in big, meaningful ways,
 but the best is truly yet to come.
 At the Monroe County Election Board meeting on April 3rd,
 County Clerk Nicole Brown gave an update
 on ongoing legislation that could impact Indiana elections.
 The session at the State House is winding down.
 There are some bills that have already been signed
 by the governor, the one that relates to elections so far
 that's been signed is Senate Bill 199,
 which is, it is the bill that provides
 that two or more candidates of a political party
 may sign a written statement indicating their desire
 to name a watcher to be present
 at the county primary election.
 I note that that talks about the primary only,
 but it was signed on April 1st by the governor.
 Next, House Bill 1633 is the bill
 that calls for the study of election issues,
 but it also talks about the possibility
 of requiring all counties to become vote centers
 that will go to a study committee this summer.
 House Bill 1643 has been, it's a campaign finance bill
 that has been sent to the committee on appropriations.
 House Bill 1679 is of particular interest to clerks.
 It's where we asked for specific things
 such as making sure that every county clerk's office
 is closed on election day.
 Some of my clerk brothers and sisters are not as fortunate
 and so this says that the clerk is relieved
 of their judicial responsibilities on election day
 and their office is closed except for the purposes
 of overseeing the election.
 It also says that any county government employee
 who would like to serve, that they be given that day off
 like you would any other day to volunteer
 and that you are allowed to be off
 to serve as a poll worker on election day.
 We also did get our ask that the date
 for presidential certification be moved up to September 1st.
 This past year it was September 13th
 and that created a problem in that we only had one week
 to get everything done and get out our mail ballots
 to our absentee overseas and military voters.
 That again was House Bill 1679.
 1680 is election security and transparency.
 That is typically the bill
 for the Indiana election division.
 It has passed through both houses
 and is on second reading at the state house.
 House Bill 1681 is for local public questions
 and it provides that any local public question
 or referendum may be placed only on a ballot
 for the general election.
 Senate Bill 10 is the voter registration bill.
 It's a really big bill but the one that impacts elections.
 It does specify that you may not use
 a university identification to vote
 so students will not be allowed going forward
 to vote with their student ID.
 It is expected to pass and become law.
 Senate Bill 199, I said that had already been signed
 by the governor.
 And then Senate Bill 526 voids an advisory opinion
 adopted by the Indiana election commission
 and it has definitions for tabulation
 and ballot retraction should someone pass away
 and we need to remove the ballot.
 We anticipate those all becoming laws.
 It is on its third reading
 and we expect it to be signed by the governor.
 That's all of the legislative updates I have.
 The next election board meeting will be held on May 1st.
 At their meeting on April 3rd,
 the Monroe County commissioners
 approved declaring surplus items
 including 10 file cabinets from the sheriff's department,
 three dump trucks from the highway department
 and a patrol truck from the commissioner's office.
 The cabinets will be scrapped
 and the vehicles will be auctioned.
 Commissioner Jody Madeira highlighted
 the county's effective use of resources.
 I just wish that the public knew more
 about how we responsibly use materials
 that are at the end of their life.
 I think that they just think we throw things away
 and we're actually extraordinarily conservative
 and we try to get every extra penny of value out.
 Later, the commissioners discussed financial options
 for the Bean Blossom Fire District
 to merge with Ellitsville or Monroe County.
 County attorney, Jeff Cockrell noted
 that Bean Blossom residents want to know more
 about the problems with their fire department
 and the potential impacts of merging.
 This is a contract that would analyze
 both the proposal from the Monroe Fire Protection District
 as well as the Ellitsville Fire,
 Town of Ellitsville's proposal for fire service
 in that area to kind of put that whole thing in a package
 so that the residents can understand,
 hey, here's the problem
 and here's potential solutions to those problems
 so that they can make an educated decision
 on their fire protection.
 Madeira said that the county should be praised
 for their efforts.
 I just applaud the county for their commitment
 to transparency and for taking the time
 to really get this decision resolved
 in a correct manner in which all residents are informed.
 And I think that's what good government looks like.
 The commissioners also awarded two contracts,
 one two milestone and one two E&B paving
 for community crossings matching grant paving projects.
 The grants awarded by NDOT provide funds
 for local road and bridge improvements.
 Commissioner Lee Jones applauded highway director,
 Lisa Ridge for securing the grant,
 but expressed concern about the future of the program.
 I appreciate all the hard work that goes into this.
 It's not easy and we've got the next item related to this,
 but I do appreciate that consistently after year,
 you've been able to secure this money
 and really greatly appreciate it.
 Not sure what's gonna happen in the future with it though,
 because I keep seeing the legislation change
 and it's not good.
 Several roads around the county will be resurfaced
 as part of those paving projects
 over the next few months.
 Next, the health department requested approval
 for an agreement with Limelight Recovery
 to provide mental health and substance use treatment.
 Health administrator Lori Kelly
 highlighted the program's growth.
 We just saw how successful the program was
 and wanted to be able to provide this for a full year
 and also increase funding to provide
 both group therapy sessions and individual therapy.
 The commissioners approved the agreement.
 The stormwater management board met on April 2nd
 to discuss stormwater expenditures
 with various project updates.
 The board heard an MOU from the Lake Monroe Water Fund
 that requested $3,500 to fund a stream flow gauge
 in the eastern part of the lake.
 The monitoring gauge is funded in part
 by the US Geological Survey with additional assistance
 from Duke Energy and the nonprofit friends of Lake Monroe.
 The request was met with unanimous approval from the board.
 Board member Lee Jones shared her opinion
 on the MOU expressing her strong support.
 I think this is a very important thing
 to continue to maintain.
 Lake Monroe is really essential for our existence.
 It would be very foolish to not keep on keeping track.
 Next, Monroe County Highway Director, Lisa Ridge,
 provided an update to the Stipped Road Construction Project,
 outlining budget requirements to be appropriated
 by the County Council at a later date.
 She said that the aim of this project
 is to raise sections of the road
 to prevent hazardous flooding conditions for drivers.
 Ridge said that she hopes
 to reach the end of this project soon.
 I couldn't agree more, Tron.
 It's taken a long time to get here.
 Yes, I do see a completion of these two projects.
 I do wanna point out,
 but I don't know if you're familiar with area,
 but where this project of Stipped Road stops around Car Top
 and then going towards Morse Creek,
 there will still be an area that could face flooding,
 but it's outside the area of any homes
 or anybody being displaced.
 That was the main goal for this project.
 So the construction limits will include anybody
 that has a residential driveway in that area.
 The other end of Morse Creek,
 anybody would be able to get out on that side.
 So the goal that we had for this project,
 I believe we will meet those.
 So yeah, I'm excited that we can,
 I saw Morse Creek get done, it turned out really well.
 And I think Stipped Road,
 the other end is gonna turn out just as well.
 A water quality monitoring program report
 was delivered by O'Neill graduate fellow, Kaylin Berkey.
 She noted that all of Monroe County's watersheds
 largely stayed within the state required six to nine pH level
 and that temperature changes were within a safe range
 for the community.
 For Hoosier River Watch and state standards,
 you do not want the difference to exceed 2.8 degrees Celsius.
 Now the county average for this is about 0.3,
 which indicates that we're doing very good
 in terms of temperature change.
 Environmental factors are a big influence,
 especially with our smaller, slower moving streams
 that has to do with the air temperature
 and then tree cover and sun exposure.
 Berkey said that overall the water quality index
 was determined to be an average of 91.15 across the county,
 which is considered good by state standards.
 County commissioner, Julie Thomas reiterated
 the importance of the monitoring report,
 making sure that the program remains viable in the future.
 I'm wondering if there is a way
 that we can in the future,
 I'm hoping we're still gonna be tracking these numbers,
 that we can look at those instances
 where there's high turbidity and look in the area
 and see what's going on.
 Is there a construction project?
 Is there, what's changed or what's led to it?
 And I think making those connections
 is going to be really important for folks.
 The Monroe County Stormwater Management Board
 will meet again on May 7th.
 On April 2nd, the Bloomington City Council
 met for their regular session
 where they discussed Ordinance 2025-09,
 which would establish the Public Safety Answering Point
 Local Income Tax or PSAP Fund.
 The aim of this fund is to create a separate channel
 dedicated to paying for 911 and police dispatch services.
 City Controller Jessica McClellan stated
 that the aim of this ordinance
 was to support efficiency in police dispatch funding.
 Since 2016, a portion of our local income tax
 has been set aside for public safety.
 Part of that money is meant just for the dispatch center.
 Until now, that money was tracked separately
 on paper or on a spreadsheet,
 but kept in the same fund as the other public safety income.
 This ordinance simply moves that money into its own fund
 as required by state law.
 Doing so makes things cleaner, easier to track,
 and ensures that money is used for its intended purpose,
 supporting our 911 services.
 McClellan clarified that this would not impact funding
 for other public safety and emergency services.
 The original public safety local income tax fund
 still exists and can be used for other public safety needs
 like police and fire services,
 ambulance and emergency medical response,
 public safety communications, and 911 systems,
 and pensions for police, fire, and other safety personnel.
 The ordinance was passed unanimously.
 During public comment, professor of economics
 at Indiana University, Gerard Glom,
 spoke to the council expressing thanks
 for the efforts of the people who contributed
 to the emergency winter shelter
 and other homelessness initiatives.
 There were some lovely folks
 who this winter made the emergency winter shelter happen.
 And I want to express my gratitude
 for the two churches downtown
 that made their space available
 to people who are unhoused in this community.
 Glom warned of the future threats
 to the wellbeing of many people impacted by homelessness,
 both from the weather and from the federal government.
 From talking to people,
 I think there might be a sense among some people
 in this community that this is a one-time event.
 I'm not sure.
 I know for sure next January is going to happen.
 I know for sure that it's going to be cold in January.
 The other thing I think I know is
 as the social security system, the social safety net,
 is being systematically unraveled
 at various levels of the government,
 I can only see the demand for these kinds of services grow.
 In particular, it appears to me
 that the Administration for Community Living
 has been dismantled or is about to be totally dismantled.
 That's the organization that helps coordinate
 and probably also fund homes for the aging
 and adults with mental disabilities.
 If those funds disappear,
 where are these folks going to go?
 Director of Exodus Refugee Immigration Nonprofit,
 Erin Aquino gave the final public comment
 for the meeting spreading awareness
 of recent efforts nationwide
 to decrease immigration within the United States.
 And unfortunately, since January 20th of this year,
 we have not welcomed a single refugee in the country.
 Trump and his bigoted administration
 are trying to revoke the legal status
 of Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans,
 and we fear the some 280,000 Ukrainians we have welcomed.
 We have spoken to many pluralese
 who are living in fear of deportation
 for having done nothing wrong,
 but to come to this country to live.
 We call on our Bloomington elected officials
 to continue to break from these racist policies
 of our state and this presidential administration
 and voice their support for refugees
 and our Afghan and Ukrainian allies.
 Please make an official recognition
 of World Refugee Day on June 20th
 and partner with us to support
 and welcome refugees here in Bloomington.
 We commend the mayor and the city
 for not collaborating with ICE,
 and we ask you to continue to protect
 the rights of immigrants in our community.
 We ask for financial support to keep our doors open
 to serve the 500 immigrants that are here in our community.
 The Bloomington City Council
 will meet again on April 16th.
 And that is all for Cats Week.
 Thank you for joining us.
 For Cats and WFHB, I'm Annalise Poorman.
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 a.m. on the phone. (upbeat music)
 (upbeat music)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (water trickling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (crickets chirping)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (thunder rumbling)
 (rain pattering)
, (rain pattering) (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (eerie music)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (birds chirping)
, (birds chirping)
, (birds chirping)
, (birds chirping), (birds chirping),
 (birds chirping)
 (birds chirping)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)
 (rain pattering)