District 6 Weekly Newsletter.

Summer Works 2019 Kicks Off!

At The Shawnee Boys and Girls Club with Mayor Fischer, JCPS Superintendent Marty Polio and other great partners to announce the kick off of Summer Works 2019!!

Budget Committee Met Yesterday!

Metro Council's Budget Committee met yesterday to consider an ordinance which would raise the insurance premium tax.  I support the amended version of the ordinance, with smaller increases than originally proposed.  I do so reluctantly, because that will mean far deeper cuts in City services in the budget we will pass in June.  But government, like most things, requires compromise, and I and others have been working hard to find a balance of cuts and new revenue which a majority of the Council will accept.  

While discussions are continuing, the proposal the committee voted on this would gradually increase the tax on property, and hold them at 10%, far lower than the original proposal. There would be no increased tax on health insurance premiums. At the maximum levels, the Louisville Metro rates would be far below what is already charged in many large Kentucky counties and cities, including Oldham County, where all lines of insurance, except health, are taxed at 10%. 

The revised ordinance also provides that ALL of the increased taxes would be put into a special fund and dedicated SOLELY to paying our dramatically increased pension bill from Frankfort.  That rising bill, which we cannot affect and have to pay, is the source of most of the problem we are facing. The pension invoice rises from $76 Million in FY 18 to $136 Million in FY 23 and each year after that.  In the event we are able to find new revenue options in the future, the ordinance says the increase in insurance premium taxes SHALL be reconsidered.  

This plan does NOT raise enough revenue to avoid cuts in services, not even close.  While there is no consensus on cuts (we will have two months to finalize the budget starting on April 25), sponsors of the new proposal have laid out a few of the many things we will likely be required to cut:  

• Budget cuts, with hiring freezes, for all nonrevenue producing positions and nonessential spending.
• A 5 percent salary cut or furloughs for all employees earning more than $90,000 annually.
• A $20,000 cut to every Metro Council member's spending.
• An increase in Metro employee health insurance premiums.
• Elimination of cost-of-living adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Elimination of all take-home vehicles, with public safety exemptions.
• Shifting the urban service district to alternating weekly yard waste and recycling; permanently eliminating yard waste collection in winter months.
• Discontinuing operations for the Belle of Louisville. 
• Returning Youth Detention Services responsibility to the state ( this one has great disagreement among the council and one I don’t currently support)
• Elimination of funding for the Living Room, a program designed to divert people with substance abuse and addiction issues, or mental illness, from jail.
• Elimination of capital budget spending on bike lanes for at least two years.
• Reducing budgets in every department, focusing on management and communications positions.
• Eliminating suburban street sweeping.
• Reducing EMS service by one ambulance in areas where suburban districts provide services.
• Eliminating support for suburban fire districts. 
• Examining middle management and upper management positions in metro government for need and span of control.

I have already heard from many of you that these cuts, which are only part of what we will need to do, are unacceptable.  On the other hand, I have spent a lot of time with Council members who are unwilling to raise taxes enough to avoid these cuts - and many more that we will have to make.

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me and participated in this discussion.  

Reminder, I will be having another neighborhood meeting to discuss the Budget and Revenue issues Saturday March 16^th at 10:00 AM at The California Community Center.  Everyone is invited.

Links to videos of the Budget Committee’s meetings, and questions and answers submitted to the committee, are here.

More about the entire issue is at this Metro website

Community Discussion - March 16th

Preschool Jamboree at Southwest Regional Library

Beacon House Leading the Way

Beacon House Leading the Way

Beacon House was recently featured in several articles and television reports pertaining to the oversight of recovery housing In Louisville. Louisville Metro Council President David James, a Beacon House Board member, introduced legislation to help curb establishments from advertising themselves as sober living facilities or transitional housing if they do not offer support services or treatment referrals necessary to assist individuals in recovery housing programs. 

Beacon House, a leader in the fight against addiction, has been working with local government and other organizations to create a standard of care for our community. 

Further information can be found at WLKY and Insider Louisville

Keep the madness on the court this March!

2019 Gubernatorial Forum

Be the Change - Voter Registration & Ballot Demo

Summer Resource Fair for Youth on March 23!

Summer Resource Fair for Youth on March 23

LOUISVILLE (March 13, 2019) - Louisville families with children of all ages are invited to a free resource fair showcasing summer activities for children, youth, and families on Sat., March 23.  Themed “SOAR” which stands for Summer Opportunities and Resource Fair, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DuValle Education Center gym, 3610 Bohne Ave.

This 6th annual SOAR event will feature local summer activities and resources for children and teens (ages early childhood to high school) including a wide variety of summer camps, parks and recreation programs, as well as employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities from a full list of exhibitors.  Drawings for summer program scholarships and door prizes will also take place. 

SOAR is held in March to allow individuals time to plan ahead and register for opportunities while openings are available.

Participating agencies and businesses include:

• Jefferson County Public Schools Early Childhood
• Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation (Summer Camp information)
• Catholic Enrichment Center
• First Virginia Ave. Baptist Church (Summer Explorations)
• Louisville Central Community Center
• Vision of Hope Ministry
• Be SMART for Kids
• YouthBuild
• KentuckianaWorks
• Northwest AHEC (Area Health Education Center)
• Louisville Leopard Percussionist
• SummerWorks

"Summer is a time to have fun, explore new places and ideas, learn new skills, make new friends and even make a little money", stated Elisa Freeman-Carr, Administrator of Ujima Neighborhood Place.  "We're excited to host the SOAR event to connect children and youth, especially those from lower income households, with the many wonderful summer programs, classes, camps, and other opportunities offered in our community."  

SOAR is also hosted by Bridges of Hope and Cane Run Neighborhood Places, Jefferson County Public Schools and the Villages of Park Duvalle. For questions about the SOAR event, or if you represent an agency which would like to participate, please contact Elisa Freeman-Carr at 313-4635 or Elisa.Freeman-Carr@louisvilleky.gov.  You can also download this flyer to share with others who may be interested.

Spring 2019 Giveaway!

Churchill Downs Derby Parking and Traffic Meeting - March 20

Vision Russell Updates and Events

Louisville Community Grocery Meetings

March 12^th @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 426 S. 15^th Street

The Louisville Community Grocery is working to establish an urban, community-owned grocery store. All are welcome meets every 2^nd Tuesdays of the Month.  Join us and find out how you can help build a grocery store to serve Russell neighbors. https://loufoodcoop.com/community-meetings/

CAN YOU SEE ME?

Tuesdays, March 5^th – April 16^th @ 6:45pm

Western Library, 604 S. 10^th Street

Conversations about Mental Health in the African American Community.  This new seven-part series led by Dr. Steven Kniffley, Assoc. Director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Spalding University.

Healthcare Hiring Event

March 13^th @ 9am – 12pm

Kentucky Health Career Center, 746 S. 5^th Street

Build or enhance your resume at https://focuscareer.ky.gov/careerexplorer/home. Please arrive early to register and print your resume.  For questions, call 502-574-3344 or Click here to learn more about the Kentucky Health Career Center.

Kentuckiana Builds Orientations

March 14^th, 18^th, 21^st, 25^th, 28^th, @ 10:00 am & 5:30 pm

Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway

Kentuckiana Builds is a 6-week training program that prepares you for a quality profession in fields like electrical, carpentry, pipefitting, plumbing, masonry, insulation and much more. For more information, please call 502-566-3371

Entrepreneurship 4 All Kick-Off Event

Thursday, March 14th @ 3:00-6:00 pm

Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

If you enjoyed the 2018 Be Your Own Boss Economic Summit, you don’t want to miss the E4All Louisville kickoff event! Louisville Central Community Center, Inc., Woodforest Bank, and partners will announce the application period for participants in the first E4All Louisville class. Come out and learn about how E4All Louisville can help entrepreneurs develop the mindset to take their businesses to the next level. This event will include networking opportunities, business coaching, a Shark Tank style pitching competition, prizes, and more! For more information call Patricia at (502)583-8821.  

2019 Prom Dress & Tuxedo Give-Away

Friday, March 15^th @ 3pm – 8pm 

Saturday, March 16^th @ 10am – 5pm

Mary Alyce Foundation Inc., 1800 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Ste. 2C

Want to go to Prom, but can’t afford a dress or tuxedo?  If so, please join us to pick out your prom dress or received your certificate to help on the rental for a tuxedo.  All services are provided to you for your donation of a personal care item to help the homeless. For more information contact The Mary Alyce Foundation at 502-767-0559

Cure Violence at the YMCA Community Connection Event

Saturday, March 16^th @ 11am – 1pm

Joshua, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 436 S. 15^th Street

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE. We are hosting a community discussion forum to help curb the cycle of violence and incarceration in the Russell Neighborhood. Refreshment will be served.  For more information contact Andrea Goins, Cure Violence Site Manager, 502-242-2885.

2019 Annual Meeting & Lyman T Johnson Distinguished Leadership Awards

Thursday, March 21^st @ 11am – 1pm

Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Please join LCCC Board of Directors and Staff as we honor Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ellis, Outstanding Community Volunteer, Award Recipient.  To RSVP: (502) 583-8821

West Louisville Dream Team Community Meeting

Thursday, March 21^st @ 5:30 pm

NIA Center, 2900 W. Broadway, 2^nd Floor Conference Room

For additional information please call 502-487-4419 or visit website www.westlouisvilledirectory.com

A Broadway Revue

Friday, March 22nd @ 7:00-9:00 pm

Louisville Central Community Centers, 1300 West Muhammad Ali Blvd  

Don’t miss the Tiny Tykes and Youth Troupe perform in our “Best of Broadway Revue”! We’ll be performing songs from your favorite Broadway Musicals! For information, call (502)583-8821.

ACE the ACT with TLC!

Saturday, March 23^rd @ 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Louisville Central Community Centers, 1300 West Muhammad Ali Blvd

Facilitated by Eddie Tinsley who has tutored the ACT for nine years. Sign up today and find ways to improve your score! Light breakfast and lunch provided.  Reserve your spot! Call Deborah Grant @ 502-583-8821.

Russell Neighborhood Association Meeting

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 @ 6:00 pm

Western Branch Library, 604 South 10^th Street

For additional information please email:  msjackie6040@gmail.com

Focus Community Meeting

Thursday, March 28^th @ 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 426 S. 15^th Street

Focus Community Meeting for Delores Pre-School Tutoring Service in the Russell Community. All community residents and leaders are invited to attend. For additional information please email  deloresbutler1240@gmail.com.

Please visit our website at www.VisionRussell.org for updates, events and much more!

Click here to view the February 2019  issue of the Vision Russell Newsletter.

Please respond to this e-mail with “Unsubscribe” if you wish to be removed from this communication.

FFEA Creek Sweep updated

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Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Major Andy McClinton Andrew McClinton began his career in law enforcement on January 22, 2001 with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD). As a patrol officer, he served in the former Sixth District (LPD) and First Division. As a detective, he served in the First Division Flex Platoon and in the Criminal Intelligence Unit. He was also a member of the Dignitary Protection Team for three (3) years. After being promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he served in the First Division, Robbery Unit, Professional Standards Unit and the Public Integrity Unit. In 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the Third Division and Administrative Services.  In 2017, McClinton was promoted to Major and commanded the Administrative Services Division. Major McClinton holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Hanover College. He is a graduate of the Academy of Police Supervision at Eastern Kentucky University and the 136th Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville. Major McClinton is married with two (2) children.

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

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.

Visit https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole. 

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

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