2NOT1 Father's Day Cookout 2019

Councilman David James' Neighborhood Walk

Victory Park Community Clean-up

Talk With David - Community Discussion

Louisville Synergy Project aims to strengthen relationships between police and community

Mayor Greg Fischer, Police Chief Steve Conrad and Louisville Metro Government Chief Equity Officer Kellie Watson today launched the Synergy Project, a community engagement initiative aimed at further strengthening police and community relationships grounded in trust and legitimacy.

By bringing together people from all parts of the community – residents, academia, business, youth, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and political leaders – this project creates an opportunity for police and community to work together in a safe, open, and respectful environment to identify root causes of distrust and find actionable solutions to move the city forward.

“Like communities across the nation, Louisville has challenges when it comes to police and community relations. We need to address that, and we believe that real, honest conversation is a good place to start,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I’m excited about the prospect of sessions planned throughout our community to really delve into complex issues and find solutions.”

The Synergy Project will explore the tensions that exist between the significant societal values of public safety and individual rights and determine how to create and maintain a balance between the two. Synergy will explore these tensions in order to mobilize actions for city-wide systemic change so every person in every part of the community can thrive.

The Synergy Project is modeled after The Illumination Project, an initiative undertaken in Charleston, S.C. after the 2015 hate crimes at Emanuel AME Church. During a year-long process, dozens of facilitated community conversations were held to discuss tensions between police and residents. At the end of the year, a strategic plan was unveiled, which continues to be revised and implemented today.

Each step of the process seeks to build greater understanding and agreement. Watson said that while the conversations may be challenging, the effort has the potential to forever change police-community relations in our community.

On Thursday, Mayor Fischer and Chiefs Conrad and Watson introduced the community members who have volunteered to serve on a Steering Group for the project.

“I’m grateful to the many officers and community members who have agreed to help guide and develop this process,” said Chief Conrad. “We need everyone in the community engaged to make our city safer, and we can’t do that unless we build better trust. This process is to help us do that.”

Chandra Irvin, Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Spiritual Renewal at Spalding University, participated in the development of the Charleston project and is lending her expertise to the project here in Louisville.

“This work is about what we do and what we achieve, about who we are and who we are becoming,” said Irvin. “Based on my work in Charleston and my belief in the people of Louisville, I believe we can achieve a shared greater purpose of building trust between police and residents. This effort is going to take the investment of the entire community.”

The Synergy Project is being initiated as part of Mayor Fischer’s Lean Into Louisville initiative.

“The goal of Lean Into Louisville is to have a more equitable city; a more unified and compassionate city where everyone can thrive,” said Chief Watson. “This is the beginning, by having difficult but honest conversations on issues that impact our entire city, such as police and community relations.”

Costs for both Synergy and Lean Into Louisville are being covered through generous donations from The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, the Humana Foundation, the Gheens Foundation and other donors, as well as through in-kind donations from Spalding University and other Metro Government agencies.

“I’m impressed with the city leadership’s commitment to creating programs that promote equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all. These values are consistent with the mission of The Papa John’s Foundation,” President and CEO of Papa John’s International, Inc. Steve Ritchie said. “Working together to heal and move forward takes courage, which is why we are proud to support The Synergy Project.”

Synergy Project Steering Group members

Farhan Abdi, Somali Community of Louisville

Karina Barillas, La Casita Center

Deirdra Beck, Black Graduate Students Association, Spalding University

Haley Brents, Youth Implementation Team, Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods

Vicki Catlin, Louisville Standing Up for Racial Justice

Olanda Cody, Volunteers in Police Service

Dr. Dwayne Compton, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Joshua Crawford, Pegasus Institute

Raoul Cunningham, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Matthew Goldberg, Jewish Federation of Louisville

Councilwoman Jessica Green, Louisville Metro Council District 1

Chris Hartman, Fairness Campaign

Chanelle Helm, Black Lives Matter

Aimee Jewell, Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)

Nicolai Jilek, Fraternal Order of Police

Edgardo Mansilla, Americana Community Center

Dr. Kimberly Martin, University of Louisville Cultural Center

Renee Murphy, Jefferson County Public Schools

Michael Neal, Louisville Metro Police Department

Dominique Pendergrass, THRIVE

Lyndsay Railey, Papa John’s International

Justin Reed, Urban League Young Professionals

Chris Sanders, Empower West Louisville

Major Jamey Schwab, Louisville Metro Police Department

Rabbi Dr. Nadia Siritsky, Kentucky One Health

Rev. David Snardon, Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church

Amanda Stahl, Independence Seekers Project

Sgt. Tiffany Tatum, Louisville Metro Police Department

Lt. William Vogt, Louisville Metro Police Department

Anne Walter, Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion

Darryl Young, Muhammad Ali Center

Rev. Elmer Zavala, Presbyterian Church

West On Wednesday event series

National Veterans Wheelchair Games coming to Louisville

Support our Veterans! National Veterans Wheelchair Games, July 11-17, Louisville, KY. This is the largest event of its kind in the world and they will be held in Louisville this year.

What is this event?

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is co-presented between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America.  The Games serve Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amputations and other central neurological impairments with the goal to increase their independence, healthy activity and quality of life through wheelchair sports and recreation.  Veterans are being exposed to wheelchair sports at their home VAMC or PVA Chapters as part of their rehabilitation to improve function, independence and getting them active in their home communities in sport and fitness.

Over 600 veterans will be competing in 20 events in locations throughout the city and Southern Indiana. LOTS of volunteers are needed, in all areas, filling many roles, hospitality at the airport and hotels, set up and tear down of equipment, monitoring buses, assisting with snacks, registration, etc.

The games begin July 11, with volunteer opportunities beginning on Tuesday, July 9. Please see attached flyer with more information. Volunteer sign ups are completed through the  website http://wheelchairgames.org, click on the volunteer tab. Volunteers, 14 and older,  must be willing to commit to a 4 to 6 hour shift on the days they volunteer.

This is a BIG event and highlights the amazing abilities of these veteran wheelchair athletes in many competitions. Events such as Wheelchair Basketball, Softball, Swimming, Cycling, Power Lifting, Trap Shooting are just a few of the events that support this dynamic competition.

Please help spread the word about the events and plan to volunteer and attend the events. This is a national event s come support and witness the abilities of these very inspiring athletes. Help us raise awareness and interest and distribute this information to any groups, organizations, churches in your network.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes at any of the sport competitions. Admission is free.

The website http://wheelchairgames.org has event locations and time. Check it out and hope to see you there.

THE COLOR RUN 2019 Street Closures

The following streets will be closed, or have their traffic diverted on Saturday June 29th for the 2019 Color Run. There will be NO PARKING on the streets listed below from 4am to Noon. Adjacent streets will also be affected by this event.

Witherspoon from Brook to Preston
Hancock from Franklin to Market
Witherspoon from Adams to Shelby
Preston from Main to Witherspoon
River Road from Witherspoon and Preston to Witherspoon & the Big Four Bridge
Witherspoon from Preston to Shelby
Clay from Witherspoon to Franklin
Franklin from Clay to Hancock
Main from Preston to Baxter
Story from Main to Johnson
Baxter from Main to Market
Market from Baxter to Preston

Louisville Parks and Recreation to host two-day “Pick Up The Parks” event

Help clean up your neighborhood park following the Fourth of July

Every year, Independence Day brings hundreds of visitors to the parks - and with that heavy traffic comes a lot of extra litter. On July 5-6, Louisville Parks and Recreation will host the first-ever “Pick-up the Parks” Days. The event will function as a do-it yourself volunteer project for individuals, families, neighborhood groups and organizations. Louisville Parks and Recreation encourages anyone and everyone to stop by their neighborhood park or one of the suggested parks to check for litter.

Any litter collected can be left in a tied off bag next to any trashcan in the park.

Need gloves or trash bags? Those cleaning up the parks can pick up supplies from any of these locations during operating hours starting June 24^th:

• Joe Creason Park, Main Park Office, 1297 Trevilian Way, 40213
• Newburg Community Center, 4810 Exeter Avenue, 40218
• Molly Leonard Portland Community Center, 640 N. 27^th Street, 40212
• Berrytown Community Center,1300 Heafer Road, 40223

For large groups, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Flarsheim at call (502) 574-7275 ahead of the clean-up to ensure there are enough supplies.

Recommended parks for clean-ups. Parks has identified high-traffic parks that might need a little bit of extra attention after the holiday. Those parks are listed below, but those wanting to chip in can clean up any park  in the city.

- George Rodgers Clark Park
- Petersburg Park
- Chickasaw Park
- Berrytown Park
- Highview Park

Win prizes! Share your #LitterFreeLou photos! Be sure to post clean-up photos to social media using the hashtag #LitterFreeLou and tag @loukyparks. Those posting photos will be entered into the Park Prize Raffle. It’s that easy! Have Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Flarsheim. Email sarah.flarsheim@louisvilleky.gov or call/text (502) 574-7275.

Mayor Fischer appoints Dwayne Clark as new Director of Louisville Metro Corrections

Mayor Greg Fischer announced he’s appointed Dwayne Clark as the new Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC). Clark replaces Mark Bolton, who announced his retirement in May, after serving as jail director since 2008. Clark previously served as Bolton’s chief of staff from 2009 through February 2019, when he retired. He had joined the LMDC in July 2004 as Deputy Director, after moving here from Illinois, where he worked for the state Department of Corrections for nearly 25 years. In the 1970s, he studied Criminal Justice at A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. “I am pleased that Dwayne has agreed to take on this critical job,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Like his predecessor, Dwayne has proven himself over the years to be more than capable of dealing with a challenging population in a professional and compassionate manner. And I believe he will continue our efforts at offering jail inmates more opportunity when they leave than when they come in.” Clark said he is honored by the appointment and the opportunity to lead the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. “I am looking forward to working with the LMDC staff and senior leadership team to continue their good work and commitment to sound, compassionate correctional care,” he said. “I am pleased to return to Louisville Metro Government, working with Mayor Fischer and his staff and serving the Louisville Metro community.” As LMDC Chief of Staff, Clark was responsible for jail operations and security, and served as director when Bolton was away. Clark also worked with Bolton and the rest of his senior leadership team to earn accreditations from the American Corrections Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. He begins his new role on Aug. 1, 2019.

Learn How to Trace Your Roots

Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting

2019 Sickle Cell Forum

Local Farmer's Market opened on Wednesdays at Treyton Oak Towers

A local farmer's market with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items is available every Wednesday, from 2:30 to 5 pm.  The farmers will be selling their goods on the 3rd Street side of the Treyton Oaks Parking lot.  Enjoy local produce, fresh from the fields this summer!

APCD Public Hearing and Board Meeting Agenda

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.

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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