Response sent.

Mr. Robert Woodley, In response to your further inquiries regarding assisted listening systems, the Bloomington City Council chambers here at City Hall are equipped with an inductive hearing loop that works with updated hearing aids. Headphones on the same frequency are also available for those without updated hearing aids. I also have updated information regarding the proposed updates to the system at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Executive Director, Danielle McClelland, expects quotes in by the end of the month. These upgrades are subject to approval by the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission and are expected to be on the agenda for an August meeting. We can keep you apprised of that agenda item, if you would like. While the Waldron Arts Center is not a City owned facility, we reached out to them regarding specifics of their assisted listening system, budget, and future plans. I spoke with Ivy Tech Waldron Artistic Director Paul Daily, who told me that they did not have money budgeted for assisted listening upgrades this year. The Waldron’s phone number is 812.330.4400, and I’m sure Paul would be happy to speak with you about this. Lastly, I spoke with Angie Purdie, the Monroe County Commissioners’ Administrator. She explained that they currently do not have an assistive listening system in the County building, but do have a system in courtrooms. If you have any additional county related questions, please do not hesitate to call her at 812.349.2553. Sincerely, Matthew Wolf Fellow, Office of the Mayor

The council chamber is equipped with a hearing loop that works with updated hearing aids. If am someone does not have them we have headphone that are on the same frequency. They are stored in storage boxes on the south end of the dias. That is the only room that has these features. Rick Routon

Matt- Just had an email from Danielle. She should have quotes on the new listening devises by July 22nd. So probably looking at an August RDC meeting. Will keep you posted.

Matt My last conversation with Danielle regarding this purchase was about her getting some pricing together. Once that comes in it will have to go through the RDC project approval process because it will be purchased with TIF funds. To date I don't have a date for that meeting. I will check with Danielle to see where she is on getting pricing. In the meantime if you want to respond to the constituent that we will notify him when the purchase is scheduled to go before RDC for approval. Thanks! ! Paula

Dear Mayor Hamilton: Thank you for you’re your response and your interest in promoting assisted listening devices to make our community more inclusive especially at the Buskirk Chumley Theater. However, I am wary of vague proposed solutions from those who are not familiar with listening problems endured by wearers of hearing aids. Could someone describe to me what is proposed in terms of type, make and model? The solution should be a magnetic induction system as found in the auditorium of the Monroe County Public Library or at the First Presbyterian Church. In regard to the John Waldron Arts Center, having no money in the budget is not a sufficient answer. They are clearly in non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and should have addressed this need long ago. I do not attend the Cardinal Stage Company productions at this venue because I just cannot understand the dialog. CSP understands this need and hopes to build their own playhouse that will include a listening assist device. Is it necessary to lodge a complaint for WAC to initiate action? I also asked about listening assist devices at the city council, the courthouse and at other places where the public intersects with the justice system. I wonder what it means that you did not address this issue. Yours truly, Robert Woodley

Mr. Robert Woodley, Thank you for your message on June 10 regarding assisted listening devices at public facilities and thank you for your advocacy in promoting assisted listening devices to make our community more inclusive. In response to your concerns, the City-owned, but independently operated Buskirk-Chumley Theater (BCT) is currently finishing audio and projection improvements with an expected end date in September or October. At that time, BCT Management hopes to get quotes and move forward with replacement of the assisted listening system. The John Waldron Arts Center has no plans to update their assisted listening devices this year according to Paul Daily, Artistic Director of the John Waldron Arts Center. There is currently no money in their budget allocated for this project. Thanks again for writing in with your concerns and I hope the upcoming improvements at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater will make your future visits more enjoyable. Sincerely, John Hamilton