District 25 eNews, December 2nd, 2016

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President David Yates and Louisville Metro Government Seek Intervention in LG&E Rate Increase Case

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Louisville Metro Government will seek to intervene in the pending case before the Public Service Commission (PSC) involving Louisville Gas & Electric’s request for an increase in utility rates.

The city’s $17 million LG&E annual expense makes Louisville Metro one of the largest, if not the largest, single customers that LG&E serves. LG&E’s requested 8.5 percent rate increase would affect all local residents and could potentially reduce the number of local families served by Louisville Metro’s low-income heating assistance program. As the state’s largest urban area, Louisville Metro also provides and pays for the most extensive street light and traffic light infrastructure of any city in Kentucky.

"It's important for Metro Government to be part of the discussion on a decision that will impact every household in our city,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “This will allow us the ability to advocate for the citizens of Louisville while better understanding the needs of LG&E."

Fischer said this strategy aligns with other efforts to keep utility rate increase as low as possible, including at MSD and Louisville Water. The Mayor said he was especially concerned about the impact of rate increases on low-income families.

Mike O’Connell, in his capacity as Jefferson County Attorney, will directly represent Louisville Metro and the interests of its citizens on this matter. The county attorney will also engage an outside law firm and use other expert resources as necessary.

“Louisville Metro has a special interest in this case that cannot be represented by any other party,” O’Connell said. “It is important that the concerns of Louisville be heard. We will present issues and develop facts that will assist the Public Service Commission in fully considering this issue.”

Louisville Metro will formally file its motion to intervene with the PSC later this month. The PSC will then decide whether to grant Louisville Metro’s request, along with any other groups who have already sought or may seek intervenor status.

The decision to seek intervention drew praise from other city officials.

“It is important that Metro Government intercede to be a voice for the hundreds of thousands of people who will not be able to speak directly to the Public Service Commission,” Metro Council President David Yates said.  “For many households, the economy is slowly improving and we as representatives for every citizen of Louisville have a duty to ensure no undue burden is placed upon the shoulders of rate payers, of whom many are only just beginning to find room to breathe, financially. I fully support Metro Government’s decision to intervene.”

 “Many of us on Metro Council have concerns about LG&E's rate request, particularly the troublesome increase in fixed charges, which have the potential to undermine energy efficiency and disproportionately impact low-income residents,’ Councilman Bill Hollander said.  “Louisville Metro should have a seat at the table as these issues are decided and we applaud the decision to intervene.” 

“It is important for Louisville Metro to speak on behalf of our residents,” Councilman Kevin Kramer said.  “While it is appropriate for LG&E to seek ways to more efficiently offer and monitor its service, these efforts should actually result in lower long term costs for LG&E.  A temporary increase in expense should not lead to a long term increase in rates.”


President Yates Recognized by Greater Louisville Inc. as Most Valuable Policymaker

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Today, President David Yates was recognized by Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), Louisville's Chamber of Commerce, as the Most Valuable Policymaker. The esteemed award was bestowed to President Yates during this morning's Advocacy in Action Breakfast, where GLI unveiled their 2017 General Assembly Legislative Agenda. President Yates thanked all his private partners serving with him on GLI's Board of Directors as well as his colleagues on the Metro Council for their service and dedication to our community.

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Fund for the Arts Matching Grant Opportunity!

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Fund for the Arts' new crowdfunding platform, ArtsMatch for Access, will create impact across Louisville with up to $50,000 available in matching grants.  

Cultural Providers (arts groups, cultural institutions, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, schools, artists or individuals) are encouraged to submit a project proposal by November 30, 2016 via www.fundforthearts.org/artsmatch

Projects can range between $500 and $10,000 and the funds will be matched $1:$1 up to the approved amount through the support of the Jennifer Lawrence Arts Fund at the Fund for the Arts.  

This cycle is focused on access to the arts for nontraditional or underserved audiences or communities.

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St. Andrews Church Road Widening Project Info

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On Tuesday the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held an Open House Meeting on the widening of the St. Andrews Church Road from Dixie Hwy to Manslick Road. 

The project is currently in very early stages of development. The KYTC's Project Development Team will evaluate all public comments and finalize the preferred alternative selection for widening. Their are two sections of the Project: Section 1 - Dixie to Doss High School & Section 2 - Doss High School to Palatka Road. 

Section 2 is currently funded in the Highway Department's 6-year plan; Section 1 is not. Because of this, it is likely that Section 2 will be constructed before Section 1. No timetable has been set for the construction of Section 1. 

Section 2's Final Design is planned for 2017 with planned Right of Way Acquisitions in Late 2017/Early 2018, Utility Relocations in Mid to Late 2019 and Construction to occur Mid to Late 2019. These dates are not final. 

Please feel free to contact the below for more information:

Contact Info: 
Department of Highways, District Five
8310 Westport Road
Louisville KY. 40242
Phone: (502) 210-5400
Fax: (502) 210-5494
Hours: 8am - 4:30pm EST, M-F

Andrea.Clifford@ky.gov


Leaf Drop Off Locations! Last Day is Tomorrow!!!

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Public Works is offering a free leaf drop-off service November 8 through December 3

Drop-off will not be available on November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.

Leaf Drop Off Sites:

10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane) Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

595 Hubbards Lane 

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

636 Meriwether Avenue
Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Free Tree Giveaway - MSD/Community Forestry/Lville Nature Center

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Louisville Nature Center is proud to partner with the Louisville Division of Community Forestry and MSD to spread trees throughout Jefferson County. 

Residents can receive up to five free trees between now and June of 2017.

 It’s easy to be a tree steward.

  • Check the Louisville Nature Center website at www.louisvillenaturecenter.org, call 458-1328 or stop by our office to get information on which trees are available.  There is a limited number of trees by type so call early for best selection.
  • Trees come in three-gallon pots and average 3 to 5 feet in height.
  • Trees will be available for pick up on several designated dates in fall of 2016 and spring of 2017.
  • Individuals who make a $10 donation to the nature center when ordering will receive free home delivery.
  • Bask in the knowledge that you’ve done a good thing for the environment and left a legacy that will be enjoyed by yourself and generations to come.

Requirements

  • Trees must be planted in Jefferson County on private property. They cannot be planted in easements, parks, or in the containers.
  • You must bring proof of residency such as driver’s license or utility bill to the Nature Center prior to pick up/delivery date.
  • You must agree to care for and maintain the tree for its first three years.

Jefferson County Master Gardener Association (JCMGA) will be holding a tree education class at the Louisville Nature Center on November 10th from 7 pm to 8 pm.  These classes are free to the public, but donations for the nature center Sensory Garden are appreciated.  Call the nature center at 458-1328 to register.

Join Louisville Nature Center, MSD, and Louisville’s Office of Sustainability in adding 2,500 trees to our Louisville landscape.


Kentuckiana Works Labor Market Update! - November

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Monthly Snapshot:

The latest unemployment rate is 3.9%, compared to 4.3% at the same time last year.

The latest size of labor force is 642,709, compared to 619,931 at the same time last year.

The latest number of monthly online job postings is 10,359, with 2,150 of those requiring a Bachelor's degree or higher.

The latest number of quarterly (July-September) online job postings is 31,322, with 7,140 of those requiring a Bachelor's degree or higher. 

*All above data refers to the Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).


KY Transporation Cabinet Dixie Highway Paving Update 11/17/16

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Update as of 11/17/16 

Dixie Highway Repaving to be suspended between November 15th and April 2017

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that the primary resurfacing work along Dixie Highway will be suspended for the season beginning November 15th.

All lanes of traffic will be restored to it's original configuration, including medians and turning lanes, with all the barricades and cones removed before Thanksgiving, November 24th, 2016

The work will resume in the Spring of 2017 to complete the project to Greenwood Road.

For additional information, you can visit the KYTC District 5 website at http://transportation.ky.gov/district-5/


Provide Your Input on Louisville's Comprehensive Plan!

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Develop Louisville needs the participation of youth, young adults and young professionals in updating Louisville's Comprehensive Plan.

What is a Comprehensive Plan and why does Louisville have one?

A comprehensive plan establishes a framework to guide public and private decisions about future growth, preservation and changes within a local government. 

Louisville Metro adopted its current comprehensive plan, known as Cornerstone 2020, on June 15, 2000. Cornerstone 2020, which has a planning timeframe of 2000 to 2020, provides the framework for Louisville and Jefferson County’s land development regulations and policies (including the Land Development Code). The document describes the community’s direction for future development and growth. It also recommends policies and projects to achieve its desired results.

As future community leaders, you are the ones most impacted by the updated plan that will guide our community's growth to 2040 and we need to hear from you!

Here is the link to share. It is ready for your answers!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9MWVYGK

Please share your input and share this opportunity with others who want to have a voice in our community's future!


LMPD 21st Century Policing

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3rd Division Peace Walks!

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The 3rd Division LMPD will host a weekly “Peace Walk” each week. Major Hardison will be joined by a lieutenant and resource officer from the 3rd Division and they will be walking to promote unity and compassionate inclusion of all members of our community. Please see the schedule below and join the LMPD officers for a positive community event. 


LG&E HUG Program!

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BBB Tips on Holiday Shopping

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The holiday shopping season is here! Whether you are planning to go out shopping on Black Friday, or shop from home on Cyber Monday, here are some shopping tips from your Better Business Bureau.

Mobile Security: With so many shoppers using their mobile device to research and make purchases, it’s important to have a secure device. Be sure you're using the most recent updated version of apps and operating system on the phone.   Also, actively manage your location services, Bluetooth, microphone and camera – making sure apps use them appropriately.

Beware of fake websites. Fake websites will often mimic famous brands. Scammers take advantage of bargain hunters and parents who are looking for that hot new toy. Use a credit card for online shopping, as it has more fraud protections than a debit card.

HTTP and HTTPS: If you’re shopping online, before sending any personal, sensitive information, such as your credit card, make sure to look out to see if a website has “https://” at the beginning of its web address.  The “S” at the end of HTTPS indicates that the website is secure because it is encrypted, which makes it safe to enter credit card or other personal information. 

Use strong, unique passwords – Create strong passwords for all online accounts and include letters, numbers, and symbols. Longer passwords are more secure and harder to crack.

Read the Fine Print. Before you submit your order, look or the return policy, any warranties, and verify the shipping date.

Keep documentation of your order - After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

Small Business Saturday

Thousands of small businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday on November 26th. Look for the “shop small” signs at local businesses!

Social Media: Small businesses recognize the power of social media. To get the latest news, sales and promotions, follow small businesses on social media. Many of them will post information here first.

Reviews: Check out customer reviews before you shop. Or, if you had a great experience at a local business - share a review of it. 45% of shoppers use social media to read reviews or recommendations for products/stores.

Receipts and Warranty Information: When purchasing a gift for someone it’s always smart to ask for a gift receipt. This way the recipient can return or exchange a gift if need be. It’s also pertinent to pass along any warranty information that is tied to the item purchased.

Check out BBB. Find businesses you can trust at bbb.org. We have BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.7 million businesses, from the most popular chains to local shops. Read Customer Reviews and see how the business responds to complaints.

For more holiday tips, go to bbb.org/holidayhelper or call 1-800-388-2222.

David Yates


President of the Louisville 

Metro Council


Councilman

 District 25

601 W. Jefferson Street

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 574-1125

Email David

  

Brian Boles

Legislative Assistant

Email Brian


Office Locations

City Hall

601 W Jefferson Street

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 574-1125

 

Southwest Regional

Metro Council Office

7219 Dixie Highway

Louisville, KY 40272

(502) 574-7988


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Important Phone Numbers

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609 or 361-1318

Economic Development: 574-4140

Planning & Design Services: 574-6230

Community Services & Revitalization: 574-4377

Public Works: 574-5810

TARC: 585-1234

PARC: 569-6222

Legal Aid: 584-1254

IPL (Code Enforcement): 574-3321

Congressman John Yarmuth: 582-5129

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

Metro Parks: 456-8100

Metro Police: (Non Emergency)574-7111 or 574-2111

LMPD 3rd Division: 574-2135

Anonymous Tipline:574-LMPD (5673)

Metro Safe: 572-3460 or 574-7111