Honouring Our Unsung Heroes

Stay Aware of Storm Cleanup Scams

The recent damage done by floods in Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana brings out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors who take advantage of those who have already been victimized.

As a follow up, your local Better Business Bureau is warning local residents affected by the recent flooding to beware of storm chasers and out-of-town contractors soliciting business.

If you're a flood victim, our BBB offers the following tips:

• Know your rights and responsibilities provided by the state Attorney General. Kentucky residents can contact the Kentucky Attorney General’s office at ag.ky.gov or call 502.696.5300. Indiana residents can contact the Indiana Attorney General’s office at in.gov/attorneygeneral or 317.232.6201.
• Businesses must be licensed. Contact the Revenue Commission at 502.574.4860 to check out a company’s licensure.
• Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if sales people go door-to-door.  Verify that they need to have a permit by contacting your local Township or Municipality or call Permits & Licensing at 502.574.3321
• While most roofing contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work.
• Try to get at least 3-4 quotes from contractors, and insist that payments be made to the company, not an individual.
• Do not pay for the job in advance. Be wary of any contractor who demands full or half payment upfront. 
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics, such as the “good deal” you’ll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot.
• Get a written contract that specifies the price, the work to be done, the amount of liability insurance coverage maintained by the contractor, and a time frame. Require a copy of their current certificate of insurance.
• For general questions or complaints related to insurance, contact your state’s Department of Insurance. Kentucky residents can visit insurance.ky.gov or call 502.564.3630. Indiana residents can visit in.gov/idoi or call 1.800.622.4461.
• Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if there’s a problem.
• If you suspect a company may be price gouging necessary goods or services due to this disaster, report the business to BBB and the Attorney General’s office.
• Beware of FEMA imposters. In the past, scammers impersonate FEMA to try to scam consumers. Remember that FEMA does not charge for inspections and they always wear ID badges. If you are still unsure, check with FEMA first at fema.gov or call 202.646.2500.
• If you are looking to donate to a charity, be sure to check out the charity first at give.org and other charity evaluators like Charity Navigator or Guidestar.

MSD Update on Louisville Flooding

At the Metro Council, we've received an update from Wesley Sydnor at MSD on Louisville's flooding. As it's of obvious public interest, we've reprinted it below:

As all of our MSD team members continue to focus on flood response, I wanted to provide you a brief update on our efforts. First, here is some information to put this most recent rain event into historical perspective:

• This ranks among the ten worst floods in Louisville, with the Ohio River expected to crest at 35.63 feet on the upper gauge. The 1937 flood is No. 1 with a 52.15-foot crest, and 1997 is No. 7 with a 38.76-foot crest.
• Approximately 40 billion gallons of rain fell across Louisville over the past five days.
• This is the rainiest February in Louisville in 134 years.

As you are aware, our flood protection system includes 29 miles of floodwall and levee, as well as 16 flood pumping stations across the community. While flood protection is one of many services MSD provides, we currently have an all-hands- on-deck approach, with all resources dedicated to flood response. Even some workers who maybe typically are in an office or at a desk are engaged in our flood protection and response work.

Our activities during flooding events like this include:

• Responding to backups
• Clearing drainage systems (catch basins, culverts, etc.)
• Operating the Water Quality Treatment Centers
• Operating the 275 Sanitary Pump Stations
• Responding to cave-ins
• Operating 16 Flood Pumping Stations
• Installing floodgate closures and closing gates to the river
• Managing hazardous materials spills
• Operating open and underground storage basins
• Coordinating road closures
• Coordinating with other emergency response agencies
• Fielding customer service requests

Since Friday, our crews have closed six floodwall roadway closures, and these are expected to be closed for several more days. They will be opened as floodwaters recede. Our Customer Service Center received more than 1,500 service calls in three days, mostly for drainage and sewer backups, and we have crews working around the clock to respond to these.

All 16 of our flood pumping stations have been operating at full capacity since Friday. At full capacity, we are pumping 11.5 billion gallons of water through these stations. During the intense rain periods of Saturday night into Sunday, Paddy’s Run Pumping Station (put into service in 1953) had one of its six pumps fail, and Upper Mill Creek Pumping Station (put into service in 1979) had one of three pumps fail. Then in the early hours on Monday, the Pond Creek station (put into service in 1989) had one of its four pumps fail. Fortunately, crews have been able to keep the stations operating on the remaining pumps, though redundancy was lost.

While the operational challenge for us remains, there are always bright spots to find. For instance, a large amount of debris and trash that piled up on the city side of the Beargrass Creek Flood Pumping Station has actually become an unexpected positive for the station. Our crews analyzed the situation and made the determination to actually leave the debris because it is functioning as an additional filter for the mechanical components of the station.

Also, our crews on Saturday night were pressed into emergency rescue duty, quickly assisting the Lake Dreamland Fire Department by building a temporary gravel road to help with the evacuation of some residents. I’m proud of the commitment of our employees. While the floodwaters will rise and fall, MSD’s commitment to protecting our community remains steady. Thank you all for your partnership during this challenging time.

Cool Roof Rebates Now Available

The Office of Sustainability can provide you with rebates of $1 per square foot if you replace your roof with cool roof materials. Their Cool Roof Program helps you pay for this cool roof replacement, which will reflect heat (instead of absorbing it) and in turn keep your house cooler and reduce your utility bills.

Buildings located in Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15 are identified as high heat island areas based on the Urban Heat Management Study and have been reserved at least 60% of the available funding.

Interested? Learn more about the program and apply here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/incentives

Notice of Public Hearing: Barber Shop at 826 Humler St

You are invited to attend the review of a request for a CHANGE IN ZONING from R-6, Multi-Family to OR-1, Office/Residential, and a DETAILED DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN and Waivers for a barber shop.

• Subject Property: 826 Humler Street
• Case Number: 17ZONE1016
• Case Manager: Laura Mattingly (Laura.Mattingly@louisvilleky.gov)
• Meeting Type: Planning Commission
• Date: Thursday, March 15, 2018
• Time: The meeting will begin at 1:00 PM, and will continue until all cases are heard
• Location: Old Jail Building, 514 W. Liberty Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Today - Kentucky Opera's 'O Freedom'

The Kentucky Opera welcomes you to enjoy an upcoming performance of OH FREEDOM! at the Friendship House on Fourth Street. This is a fabulous performance sharing our African-American history from slavery through the Civil Rights Movement through song and storytelling. You will be so proud of our young opera studio artists as they mesmerize students across our grand county.

Friday, March 2

9:00 @ Mapleton Elementary: 8-9 Indian Mound Dr. Mt. Sterling, KY 40353

2:30 @ The Friendship House: 920 S. Fourth St.

Learn How You Can Help End the Opioid Crisis

Opioid overdose continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. It has contributed significantly to accidental deaths among those who use or misuse illicit and prescription drugs. First responders, prescribers, and the community can all make a major contribution towards reducing the toll of opioid analgesics. To find out how, join us for one of these FREE upcoming workshops!

Click here to register.

Dates and Locations:

• Tuesday, March 6, 2018 | Oldham County Health Department, 1786 Commerce Parkway, LaGrange, KY | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 13, 2018 | Shelby County Cooperative Extension Office, 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville KY | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 20, 2018 | Hillview City Offices, 283 Crestwood Road, Hillview KY | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 27, 2018 | Family & Children's Place, 525 Zane Street, Louisville KY | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

19 March - League of Women Voters Dinner & Democracy Meeting

You're invited to join our Dinner and Democracy Meeting: Reconciliation: White and Black Women Work for Voting Rights.

Featuring:

Dr. Randolph Hollingsworth, University of Kentucky

Interviewed by:

Cheri Bryant Hamilton, Metro Councilwoman

Join us:

• Monday, March 19, 2018
• Dinner at 5:30 p.m.; Program at 6:00 p.m.
• Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Ave.

No reservation required; donations accepted.

24 March - SummerWorks Job Expo

Free Cooking Workshop at Sullivan University

Next Saturday - Wild & Senic Film Festival

Forest Treasures @ Louisville Nature Centre

Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Please see 1st Division Crime Report for last week in the 1st Division.

Zone A (Russell and Portland) looked very good.  Much of the crime in Portland had suspects listed.  There was only 1 reported Part 1 Crime in Russell all of last week.

Zone B looks a little busier than normal but we have suspects in a number of the cases.  The two assaults will come off as they were walk-ins at the hospital that did not actually occur in the 1st Division.

Latest Compstat #’s as of last week:

• The 1st Division is currently down in overall crime -23.9%
• Beat 1 (Portland) is down -37.4%
• Beat 2 (Russell) is down -12.2%
• Beat 3 (Central Business District) is down -31.9%
• Beat 4 (NULU) is down -28.6%
• Beat 5 (East Broadway) is down -4.4%

This week in the 1st Division:

• Tuesday: Coffee with a Cop @ 10am Starbucks at the Seelbach
• Tuesday: Russell Neighborhood Association Meeting at 6pm
• Wednesday: Info table at the Learning House from 11-2
• Thursday: LMPD Awards Ceremony from 6-10
• Friday; Homeless Task Force at 10am
• Saturday: Shamrock Beer Run

Major Eric Johnson Johnson began his career in 1999 with the Louisville Division of Police (LPD). Prior to merger, he served as a patrol officer and a flex detective in the former Third and Fifth Districts. After merger, Johnson served in the Fourth Division and Metro Narcotics. In August 2005, Johnson was promoted to Sergeant and served in the First Division as a patrol and Division Detective supervisor.  In April 2013, Johnson was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Second Division.  In October 2013, Johnson became the Strategic Planning Lieutenant, where he oversaw the department's strategic plan, the Mayor’s LouieStat program, the department’s response to the President's Report on 21st Century Policing and a series of performance improvement initiatives.   After being promoted to the rank of major, Johnson commanded the Administrative Services Division. Major Johnson is a graduate of Southern High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville (U of L). He has received certifications in LEAN and Six Sigma. He also earned certification as a Balanced Scorecard Professional in advanced strategic planning.

Second Division

Major Ryan Bates Bates began his law enforcement career in August 1997 with the Louisville Division of Police. He served in the former Second, Fourth, and Sixth Districts. He was also a member of the Street Crimes Unit and the Gang Squad. After merger, Bates served as a patrol officer in the First Division. He was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. He served as a sergeant in the Second Division where he supervised the mid-watch platoon, FLEX Unit, and Detectives Unit. In 2012, Bates was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Fourth Division. He also served in the Second Division, where he supervised the mid-watch platoon and Division Resource Officers (DROs).   After being promoted to the rank of major, Bates commanded the Fourth Division. Major Bates served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 14 years. He served on the SWAT Team as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was appointed as the Assistant Commander in 2012 and Commander in 2015. Bates has also served on two (2) task forces which were created to address violent crime in the community. Major Bates is a graduate of Xavier University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officers Course.

Fourth Division

Major Joshua Judah Major Judah has been a police officer for 16 years, joining the former Louisville Division of Police in 2001. He served as a patrol officer all across Louisville, in neighborhoods ranging from Crescent Hill, Clifton, The Highlands, Downtown, Phoenix Hill, Old Louisville, Russell, Shawnee and Portland. He served as a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit for three years, investigating physical, sexual, and internet crimes against children across Louisville Metro. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009, where he served in the 3rd Division in southwest Louisville. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2011 and served in the Chief’s Office and the 4th Division. Major Judah was most recently the commander of LMPD’s Technical Services Unit, which encompasses all of LMPD’s technical projects. Examples of these projects include body cameras, in-car cameras, investigative software applications, in-car computers, and gunshot detection systems. Major Judah was also responsible for the Real Time Crime Center, which monitors LMPD’s nearly 200 surveillance cameras, as well as the Crime Information Center, which analyzes crime trends and provides strategic intelligence for the LMPD and its law-enforcement partners in the region. Major Judah holds a BA in History from Centre College and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. He was the recipient of LMPD’s Commanding Officer of the Year award in 2015. He is a graduate of the Academy of Police Supervision class 39 at Eastern Kentucky University, the 127th Session of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville, and the 263rd Session of the FBI National Academy. Major Judah lives in Louisville with his wife Katie and their daughters, Miriam and Leah.

Job Announcement

Sodexo Hiring Opportunities

March 1 and March 12

Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position. 

• March 1, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
• March 12, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 485-7130 for more information.

Community Outreach Specialist

Salary: $16.00 Hourly

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Community Services

Closing: 3/8/2018 11:59 AM Eastern

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Participates in and conducts community outreach events and activities Meets with citizens, attends community meetings, disseminates information, answers questions and resolves problems and complaints

Examples of Duties

UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION: Assists in planning, developing and implementing policies, procedures and programs Coordinates the scheduling of facilities and logistical issues for meetings, projects and events Recruits citizens for community projects and activities Assists citizens and community leaders in resolving neighborhood problems and complaints Collects statistical data, enters data, and analyzes and prepares reports Provides technical assistance concerning operations, procedures, activities, laws, ordinances and regulations Receives calls, schedules and meets with citizens, conducts field investigations, gathers information, and completes forms and reports to resolve complaints and problems Participates in community outreach programs, projects and activities to provide information, to publicize available services and to maintain positive public relations Attends community meetings to provide information, answer questions, discuss citizens' complaints, concerns and issues, and to explain procedures and operations Solicits donations, contributions, support and participation from businesses, foundations, organizations, agencies and groups to promote and implement events and activities Prepares correspondence and recommendations to resolve and to respond to citizens concerns, and completes special projects Assesses, counsels and refers citizens to available financial, medical, social and community assistance and services Performs related work

Minimum Requirements

Associate's degree Counseling Criminal Justice Education Liberal Arts Social Science Social Work Related field WORK EXPERIENCE Two years of social work, social service, community service or resource development experience EQUIVALENCY An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Must provide one's own source of transportation PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Meets regular and punctual attendance standards and any special needs of the position as determined by management, including mandatory overtime and performing related work

Supplemental Information

NU08 EOE Desirables Good organizational skills, communication and computer skills (knowledge of Microsoft products), ability to work independently and in a team setting.

To apply go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission '

Please find below a list of boards and commissions for an opportunity to serve:

BOARD VACANCIES

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews & Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board

REMINDERS

Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number, and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/  and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.

If you would like to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter (though we don't know why you ever would) please email wanda.smith@louisvilleky.gov with the subject "REMOVE". We won't be hurt (much).

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