District 7 E-Newsletter February 8, 2019

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
Councilwoman Paula McCraney

Councilwoman McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney

Links

Visit the District 7 Website

In this issue...


Welcome to the District 7 E-Newsletter!

We welcome you to the first issue of our e-newsletter and hope you enjoy reading about the exciting news and events across our great district. This communication will be coming to your inbox weekly, and it’s our hope that it will prove to be a wonderful tool to disseminate a broad range of information and increase awareness about our beloved District 7, along with upcoming events and developments around Metro Louisville.

The plan is to fill the e-newsletter with educational information, helpful hints and tips, a word of the week, and even some discount offerings from businesses in our communities. Each month we will feature a resident, business, and home rule city in District 7. We want this newsletter to be valuable for you, so please share your feedback and suggestions to help us keep it useful and interesting.

Your privacy is important to us! When residents sign up for this e-newsletter, they can rest assured that we will not sell, rent, trade, lease, bid out or give your e-mail address to anyone. We will not leave your information lying around on our desks, write it on the bathroom walls, or post it on social media. We believe in handling important data with care. Would you like them here or there? I would not like them here or there. I would not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam-I-am. We will not share your information with a fox. We will not share it in a box. We do not like green eggs and ham. We do not like them Sam-I-am. (Excerpted from the book, Green Eggs and Ham, by cartoonist Dr. Seuss, March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

So, please tell your neighbors that we are issuing a weekly e-newsletter and encourage them to sign up to receive it. Your neighbors can subscribe by clicking here.  If you no longer wish to receive the e-newsletter, click on this link and include the word unsubscribe in your message.


A Message from the Councilwoman

In my short five weeks as the District 7 Councilwoman, one thing that stands out above and beyond all else is PASSION. I have had an amazing month meeting with members of the Louisville Metro Police Department, homeless shelter administrators, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Fund for the Arts leadership team, and friends of our Louisville Free Public Library. Each person I have met cares deeply and genuinely for our community. With a combined 40 years working in the banking industry, local government and as an entrepreneur, I have a deep appreciation for dedicated and hard-working social services professionals and public servants. It has been a great honor to learn of the various programs offered in our community and witness the passion on the faces of those who strive daily to make a difference.

There is no greater reward than the opportunity to work with passionate people in what has become known as a compassionate city. Together, along with the various partners throughout the community, we will champion all things good for our district. Your support, advice, energy and suggestions will be an enormous inspiration to me as I introduce ordinances and push policies that will sustain our quality of life and continue to make Louisville a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. As your councilwoman, I will lead with Vision, Integrity and PASSION, because District 7 residents deserve VIP representation.

Let’s stay connected!

Councilwoman Paula McCraney


Meet Chase and Julie: Here to Serve You in District 7

chase

When you call our office, you’re likely to speak with Chase Sanders or Julie Brackett. Our motto in the District 7 office is, “Constituents come first,” so Chase and Julie stand ready to assist you.

Chase Sanders serves as Legislative Assistant to Councilwoman McCraney and is also a District 7 resident. A University of Kentucky graduate, Chase knew from an early age that he wanted to do something to help others throughout his life. As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Chase’s mother served as a legislative assistant for 25 years. He has been exposed to a great role model for his current position for more than half his life.

Chase worked for two years, first as staff helper and then as legislative assistant, to Councilwoman Cheri Bryant-Hamilton. Previously, Chase spent three years in the local office of Congressman John Yarmuth covering issues related to veterans’ affairs and health. He also had the opportunity to serve as a White House intern for a year while he was in college.

Chase is particularly excited about working with the Councilwoman in District 7, “because of the positive impact local government can have on the lives of constituents in real time.”

Julie

Julie Brackett just joined the team as Staff Helper on February 4. Most recently, she spent a semester teaching freshman English at Jefferson Community and Technical College, a throwback to her time as an English instructor after completing her master’s degree at the University of Louisville three decades ago. In between teaching stints, Julie worked for the American Heart Association (AHA), first in communications and then advocacy. In her role as Vice President of Advocacy for AHA’s Great Rivers Affiliate, Julie worked with a team of government relations staff to pass public policy across five states: Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Julie retired early from the AHA in August of 2018 to spend more time with family but is happy to have joined the District 7 team on a part-time basis. Her work over the years with volunteers was “extremely fulfilling,” and she looks forward to continuing “to make a positive difference locally.”


MSD Makes Preparation Due to Rising Ohio River

MSD

As the Ohio River rises, MSD is taking steps to protect Louisville Metro from flooding. River levels are projected to rise fairly quickly today, then slow over the weekend. The river is expected reach 20.6-feet is on the Upper Pool, and 50.9-feet on the Lower Pool on Monday. Currently, MSD has one of our 16 Flood Pumping Stations in service. We expect to have a total of nine in service by Sunday. No floodwall roadway closures are needed at this time.


Metro Louisville Budget

Metro Council begins each year by electing a new President, who then appoints committee chairs and vice-chairs. Councilwoman McCraney is pleased that President James appointed her to serve on the Budget Committee and pledges to keep you updated as our work progresses.

As the mayor proposes the city’s annual budget, we know that it promises to be extraordinarily challenging, particularly given the significant increase in pension costs we are obliged to pay because of a change in assumptions imposed by the Board of Trustees of the Kentucky Retirement Systems. Louisville's revenues are not growing fast enough to pay the pension bill from Frankfort without additional revenue, massive cuts in Metro services, or a combination of the two.

Mayor Fischer has announced "devastating" potential cuts to city services and possible layoffs to cover an expected $65 million budget gap over the next four years. Fischer said in a news release that he plans to decide how to fill the budget hole by mid-to-late March. The budget deficit was caused by the state-mandated pension increase that continues to grow each year. The cuts could include staffing reductions in nearly every city department, as well as the closing of two of the city's 21 fire stations, four of the five public pools, four of the 10 public golf courses and one of the city's 18 public library branches,

As we continue to work on the budget you can let me know your thoughts anytime by calling 574-1107 or emailing the Councilwoman here

Councilwoman McCraney invites you to join her and other District 7 residents for a Budget Talk to share your questions, comments and suggestions on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. until noon at the St. Matthews Community Center at 310 Ten Pin Lane.  We hope to see you there!


Hands-Only CPR Class February 12

CPR

Street Lights Out? Report Problems Using this Link

Lights

Functioning street lights are important to public safety. If you have a street light that is out, LG&E has provided a link you can use to report the issue.

LINK:  https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight    


Find the Latest Crime & Safety Info from LMPD

Crime

Crime Trends from Louisville Metro Police 

Click here and view our interactive crime mapping tool. Save it in your favorites; it's updated daily. Forward this email to your friends and family! 

Or use the crime mapping iPhone app: http://www.crimemapping.com/map/agency/211.

If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle. Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.


Free ACT Prep Classes/Programs

The Louisville Free Public Library is offering the following Free ACT Prep Programs for grades 7-12; the programs consist of an introduction to the ACT including what will be covered on the test, strategies for studying, and how to approach test day.

  • Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m.
  • MAIN LIBRARY
  • 301 York St. Call to register: 502-574-1724

 

  • Wednesday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
  • BON AIR LIBRARY
  • 2816 Del Rio Pl. Call to register: 502-574-1795

 

  • Saturday, February 23, 2 p.m.
  • SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY
  • 9725 Dixie Hwy. Call to register: 502-933-0029

 

Students can also get real-world test practice by taking a FREE full-length ACT practice test. Please bring two #2 pencils, a photo ID, and a calculator. Space is limited. Call the branch to register.

  • Saturday, February 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY
  • 200 Juneau Dr. Call to register: 502-245-7332

 

  • Saturday, February 16, 12-4 p.m.
  • SHIVELY LIBRARY
  • 3920 Dixie Hwy. Call to register: 502-574-1730

Engagement Opportunities! Join a Board or Commission

people

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

Please Help Keep Our Community Clean

Litter

If you see an area that is in need of litter clean up please call 311 to report the location! 

Thank you for your assistance. 


TreesLouisville/Arbor Day Foundation Partnering to Provide FREE Trees to Residents

tree Z

TreesLouisville is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide 870 free canopy trees to Louisville residents. Louisville loses around 54,000 trees yearly, and this is one way we can help replenish our depleted canopy.

Residents of Louisville can go to www.arborday.org/treeslouisville to participate. The program will have them provide an address, outline their home, and choose a tree from a selection of bald cypress, sugar maple, sycamore, tuliptree, blackgum, or swamp white oak. The program will recommend a location to plant the tree to maximize energy savings.

After making their selection, participants will either have their tree shipped directly to their home or can pick up their selection Saturday March 9 from 11am-6pm or Sunday March 10 from 11am-5pm at Fresh Start Growers Supply: 1007 E. Jefferson St. Louisville, KY 40206.  This is the first of four seasonal Community Canopy programs. The goal is to provide Louisville residents with over 3,500 free trees over the next two years.


Tax Time is Almost Here!

tax

VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is now open to provide free tax preparation for eligible residents.

  • To qualify, household income must be under $64,000
  • Assistance is available at eight locations across Louisville
  • Sites will be open through April 15, 2019

Schedule your appointment now by calling 305-0005 or online at http://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com .

Check out the full list of services provided at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3676bsp.pdf .


Utility Bill Assistance: LIHEAP Crisis Phase is Underway

LIHEAP

This year's Crisis Phase of the LIHEAP once again features expanded eligibility allowing residents who received a utility bill with a past due amount to apply, in addition to continuing to serve those who received a disconnect notice. Schedule an appointment by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Download this LIHEAP Crisis flyer, to share with others.


How to Identify Louisville Water Employees

Unfortunately, Louisville Water has heard reports of people posing as Louisville Water employees to gain access to homes.  It is extremely rare that a Louisville Water employee would ever need to enter a home, so customers should be very careful before giving someone access to their house. 

All Louisville Water Employees have company-issued ID cards with a photo and employee number.  Please follow the link below for tips on how to identify a legitimate Louisville Water employee.

https://www.louisvillewater.com/newsroom/how-identify-louisville-water-employee-1


February is Black History Month

Each February we celebrate Black History Month as a time to recognize and reflect upon the contributions of African Americans to our country. Below are a few of the events scheduled in Louisville to honor black history.

  • Spotlight on African American Innovators

February 1-28 at the Louisville Free Public Library, Portland Branch, 3305 Northwestern Parkway: Interactive displays and information to take home. Call 502-574-1744 for more information.

  • Black Jeopardy

Monday, Feb. 11, 3-4 p.m. at the Louisville Free Public Library, Newburg, 4800 Exeter Ave.: Show off how much you know about black history. Free for all ages. Refreshments and prizes provided. For more information, call: 502-479-6160.

  • African American History Month Film Series: Black Panther

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m. at the Louisville Free Public Library, Main Branch, 301 York St.: The international blockbuster about the heroes of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with University of Louisville faculty, representatives of community organizations, and members of the public about portrayals of African culture, the roles of women, and the advent of the black superhero. Tickets are free, but reservations requested. For more information: 502- 574-1603.

  • 17th Annual Metro Council Black History Month Program

Thursday, Feb. 21 from noon until 1 p.m., City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson St., Third Floor Council Chambers:  Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin and the Community Affairs-Housing, Health & Education Committee will host this year’s program with the theme of “Reaffirming Our Diverse Culture."  This special program will include recognition of a District 7 honoree. The program is open to the public.

  • Introduction to African American Genealogy

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Louisville Free Public Library, Bon Air, 2816 Del Rio Place: Joe Hardesty, Sons of the American Revolution Library Director, will lead this lecture on African-American genealogy. In this class, researchers will learn how to trace one's family back to emancipation and discover other resources (i.e. plantation records, etc.) that can be of tremendous help. The event is free. For more information, call 502-574-1795.

  • Screening of Long Time Coming

Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6:00 p.m.: The Ali Center will be screening a film called Long Time Coming. In 1955 when racial segregation defined the south, two groups of twelve-year old boys stepped onto a baseball field in an act of cultural defiance that would change the course of history. “Long Time Coming” was created to both honor the barrier-breakers and to stimulate honest and constructive conversation on race in America. The film highlights a moment in history where courage overcame destructive social norms to establish a better way, together. This film screening is free but registration is required. RSVP online at https://19291.blackbaudhosting.com/19291/Film-Long-time-Coming


Random Word of the Week

kakorrhaphiophobia

Definition: Fear of failure

Used in a Sentence: A person with kakorrhaphiophobia rarely takes risks.