District 12 eNewsletter - March 20, 2019

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 03/20/2019 11:59 AM EDT
District 12
Rick Blackwell

Councilman Rick Blackwell
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1112
Email Rick

Liz McQuillen
Legislative Aide
(502) 574-1112
Email Liz

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Visit the D12 Website

In this edition...

From Councilman Blackwell - Budget Discussion

Thank you to all the constituents that attended the public meetings I’ve hosted over the past month or have emailed and called my office about the Metro budget deficit. I appreciate you sharing your ideas for how we move forward and address this growing shortfall created mainly by state-mandated rising pension costs which amount to a $35 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year and will rise to a $65 million shortfall by Fiscal Year 2023.

What I heard from constituents is that while no one wants their taxes raised, the amount of cuts necessary would also be unacceptable. I also heard that many people want any potential revenue increase to be shared more fairly among all Louisvillians, not just homeowners. I have supported a more balanced plan that includes a combination of lower revenue increases AND budget cuts.

At last Thursday’s Council Budget Committee meeting, an amended ordinance was passed which included an increase in the insurance premium tax for property, casualty, and other premiums ultimately to 10% over the next four years (lower than the originally proposed increase to 15%). The ordinance did not include any increases to vehicle or health insurance premiums. The ordinance also stipulates 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. I voted for this measure even though it did not include some features I supported –a 1.5% increase in vehicle tax – but I believe it is the closest compromise the Council will agree to.  There is a separate measure that will be introduced this week to a institute a 3% car rental fee which is estimated to produce around $1 million annually.

This plan does not raise revenue enough to cover the entire shortfall for the coming fiscal year or future fiscal years so there will have to be corresponding cuts to the Metro Budget and city services to bridge the gap. There is no consensus from Councilmembers yet as to what the cuts will ultimately affect (that will be decided during the normal Budget review process which begins April 25 and concludes in June) but I can assure you that these cuts will be unpopular and everyone will feel their effects in some way. Some of the cuts that have been proposed include:

  • Budget cuts with hiring freeze for all non-revenue producing positions and non-essential spending
  • 5% salary cut or furlough for all employees earning more than $90,000 annually
  • Reduce Metro Council Office’s operating budget or Neighborhood Development Funds by $20,000
  • Increase Metro employee health insurance premiums
  • Eliminate Cost of Living Increases for Metro Employees in Fiscal Year 2020
  • Eliminate all take home vehicles (with minimal public safety exceptions)
  • Move Urban Services District to alternating weekly yard waste and recycling; no yard waste collection in winter months
  • Move Belle of Louisville to private funding
  • Return Youth Detention Services responsibility to Commonwealth of Kentucky
  • Eliminate funding for the Living Room project
  • Eliminate capital budget spending on bike lanes for at least 2 years
  • Reduce budgets in every department, focusing on management and communication positions
  • Eliminate suburban street sweeping
  • Reduce EMS services by one ambulance in areas where suburban districts provide service
  • Eliminate support for suburban fire districts

Again, none of these proposed cuts are finalized and all of the suggestions will be further explored for viability and effectiveness. Let me be clear that I do not like some of the suggested cuts, but I realize that everyone will be unhappy to some degree with these reductions and am willing to work with my colleagues to come to a compromise agreement. While any cuts will be painful and unpopular, I believe a compromise plan is the most responsible avenue so that constituents are not overburdened with taxes and that the Metro services that are essential and contribute to our quality of life are not decimated.

I encourage you to check your homeowner’s policy paperwork to see how this increase will affect you. The ultimate increase to 10% will make Louisville on par with many other cities and counties in Kentucky including Shively and Oldham County (both of which also include vehicle premiums at 10%). There are many other municipalities and counties that have 10% or higher rates for insurance premium taxes including health and vehicle policies.

The Council will take a final vote on the ordinance at tomorrow’s Council Meeting – you can find the agenda and watch the meeting live here - http://legistar2.granicus.com/louisville/meetings/2019/3/7899_A_Metro_Council_19-03-21_Meeting_Agenda.pdf.

Thank you again to everyone who has called, emailed, or spoken with me in person,

Rick

Please check out the District 12 Budget PP to learn more about the Budget Deficit

Save the Date: Coffee with your Councilman - Saturday, April 13th

CWCM

Join Councilman Blackwell on Saturday, April 13th for an informal discussion on the topics, issues, concerns and suggestions you have for District 12 and Southwest Louisville. Stop by Panera Bread anytime between 10:00 am - 12 pm to speak directly with Councilman Blackwell and have a cup of coffee on him!

WHEN: Saturday, April 13th, 10 am - 12 pm

WHERE: Panera Bread, 6900 Dixie Hwy

For more information, contact the District 12 office at 502.574.1112 or danielle.tackett@louisvilleky.gov

Rescheduled Mary M. Miller Riverboat Cruise - Sunday, April 14th

Mary M Miller

The rescheduled Mary M. Miller riverboat cruise is coming up soon! The original date was cancelled and moved to Sunday, April 14th in order to give enough time for water levels to return to normal. 

There will be two cruise departure times, 1:00pm and 4:30pm. Boarding will begin 30 minutes prior to each of these scheduled times. Limited seating will be available the day of the cruises. You can reserve a seat by visiting Southwest Community Ministries and giving a $5 suggested minimum donation.

When: Sunday, April 14th 1:30pm &4:00pm

Where: Riverview Park, 8202 Greenwood Rd.

All reserved seats on the previously cancelled cruise date will be honored April 14th. If you have any questions, please call the District 12 office (502) 574-1112 or Southwest Community Ministries (502) 935-0310.

Southwest Regional Library's Preschool Jamboree - March 23rd

Preschool Jamboree

Metro Arts Community Center Spring Break Art Camp - April 1st through April 5th

Spring Break Art Camp

Esty Craft Entrepreneurship Program

Etsy

Fruit Tree Sale - April 20th

Fruit Tree Sale

Councilman Blackwell Sponsors YMCA Family Movie Night - April 26th

Family Movie Night

16th Annual Ken-Ducky Derby - April 27th

KenDucky Derby

Join a Board or Commission

Metro Council

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

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions focusing on a wide variety of issues, 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

For a list of boards and commissions, please visit:

https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/boards-and-commissions-list

Metro Animal Services' Pets of the Week: Arnold and Smoochie!

Arnold the dog

Arnold, MALE DOG

Arnold is a friendly dog that loves to be the center of attention. The approximately 3-year-old Beagle mix is also house and crate-trained. Arnold is also easy to leash walk and enjoys exploring with his nose. Arnold’s adoption fee is waived, thanks to the Pay It Forward Free Adoptions Program. He weighs about 40lbs and he’s already neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations. To meet or adopt Arnold, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Rd.) Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm. Send questions about Arnold to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 502-473-PETS
Smoochie the cat

Smoochie, FEMALE CAT

Smoochie is a stunning cat with striking green eyes. The 4-year-old is friendly cat whose owner could no longer care for her. You can meet Smoochie at Animal House Adoption Center. Her adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Smoochie is spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. To adopt Smoochie, visit Animal House Adoption Center located at 3516 Newburg Rd. Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm. Questions? Call 502-473-PETS.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Road Alerts & Updates

KYTC

Below is a list of projects overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet happening in Southwest Louisville.

US 31W (Dixie Highway) North: Lane closures and delays possible at Burnett Avenue (mile marker 18.3) due to installation of a micro-trench for conduit and fiber optic cables. Right lane will be closed daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.   This process will take several weeks to complete as crews progress north to West Broadway.

US 31W (Dixie Highway): Lane closures and sidewalk closures in place between Blanton Lane and Crums Lane (mile markers 12.5 to 15.3) due to construction for access management and bus rapid transit lines. Roadway is reduced to two lanes northbound between Upper Hunters Trace and Heaton Road. Roadway is reduced to two lanes on southbound Dixie Highway between Blanton Lane and Upper Hunters Trace. Roadway is reduced to one lane southbound and two lanes northbound between Herbert Avenue and Crums Lane. In these areas where the lane closures are in place, the sidewalks are closed on the side where the roadwork is taking place. Pedestrians need to cross Dixie Highway at a signalized intersection and use the sidewalk on the other side of the road instead of walking through the construction work.

Log on to goky.ky.gov for the latest in statewide traffic and travel information in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

District 12 Metro Public Works Updates

Sign

The following is a list of permits and notices from Louisville Metro public works for lane and sidewalk closures, utility cuts, street closures and oversize load notices in the Metro area. 

7411 Beahl Blvd - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW2459 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from March 22nd to April 19th.

3316 Blanton Ln - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1467 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

3801 Blanton Ln. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1938 to a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

1520 Dawn Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit number 19RW1471 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

1825 Lower Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1940 to close a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

1836 Lower Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1943 to close a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

2400 Lower Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1942 to close a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

2906 Lower Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1939 to close a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

5308 Nall Ave. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW2099 to close a driving and parking lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from March 1st to March 29th.

6206 Panax Ln - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW2458 to close a driving lane in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from March 22nd to April 19th.

6308 Player Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW2454 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from March 22nd to April 19th.

8317 Seaforth Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW2451 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to replace overhead electrical equipment. Permit is valid from March 22nd to April 19th.

2711 Triplett Ct. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1941 to  close a driving and parking lane in order to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from February 25th to March 25th.

1820 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1478 to close a sidewalk and driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

2212 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1585 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 13th to April 10th.

2114 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1589 to close a driving lane and sidewalk in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 13th to April 10th.

2404 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1584 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 13th to April 10th.

6303 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1466 to close a drving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

6515 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1464 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

6401 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1463 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 4th to April 2nd.

6507 Upper Hunters Trace - LG&E has been issued Permit Number 19RW1465 to close a driving lane in order to install gas service. Permit is valid from February 5th to April 2nd.

For more details or to see additional permitted work throughout Metro Louisville, visit the map here.

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