District 7 E-Newsletter

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

Councilwoman 

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


Email Councilwoman McCraney


Janet Golden-Lewis

Staff Helper

(502) 574-2285

 

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers
of Interest

Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 456-8100

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

In this Issue...


Message From McCraney


Calgon take me away! From what, you ask? Cable TV!!!

Yes, I could walk away.  I could also turn off the television. I could channel surf and skip over the cable news stations, hide the remote from myself, or go into a room without a television set.  I have options. Oh, but, it's so doggone tempting to catch up on the latest developments, right?

WRONG! At least that's what I had to tell myself.

I thought about a song the congregation sang when I was growing up ---- "Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin..."  But, wouldn't you know it, just as soon as I finished singing the lyrics in my head, the following saying creeped into my psyche: "Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back."

What's wrong with me? Surely there's a diagnosis for this behavior; surely there's a cure. Something tells me, though, I am not alone. Something historic is happening right before our eyes, and people want to be a witness to it. Uh-oh, did I say the word, witness? LOL.

Today, something came across my desk that diverted my attention away from federal-level shenanigans. I received a legislative briefing from State Senator Gerald Neal. Okay, that diversion isn't quite what the doctor would have ordered, but the briefing was interesting. It was a "Senate Week in Review", written by Senator Reginald L. Thomas.  For at least the 10 minutes it took me to read and process the information, I was not glued to the television. It was refreshing, believe it or not.  Most of the Senate bills listed below affect us here in Louisville, and at some point, I may have to render an opinion or cast a vote on similar legislation at the local level. 

So, in the event that you are in need of a break from cable news, here is some State legislation that may, as Calgon does --- take you away. Thank you, Senator Neal, for my Calgon moment...

Senator Thomas wrote:

"Twelve days into the session, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 2. This measure would require a voter to provide proof of photographic identification in order to cast a vote in a precinct polling place. Additionally, it removes the ability for precinct workers to confirm someone's identity by personal acquaintance. 

According to Secretary of State Michael Adams, who testified in favor of SB 2 at the Senate State and Local Government Committee earlier this week, Kentucky has no issues with in-person voter fraud. When questioned about any specific instances of in-person voter fraud, the Secretary of State said there were none. 

If you want more people to participate in something, you make it more accessible. If you want fewer to participate, you make it harder. Instead of limiting the electorate, we ought to be searching for ways to increase voter participation—such as my bill proposals to extend voting hours, expand early in-person voting, and establish central voting locations. 

SB 2 does nothing but put up roadblocks and restrict voting access. This change also comes with a fiscal note of up to $3.6 million. For these reasons, I voted no. The bill passed 29-9 on a party line.

Other legislation that passed in the Senate this week includes:

  • SB 5 requires that proposed tax increases in ad valorem taxes and certain fees and the levy of new ad valorem taxes and fees by special purpose governmental entities be submitted to the local legislative body for review. It passed 28-10, and I voted against this measure that will harm libraries, public transportation, and water districts.

 

  • SB 20 prohibits certification or certification renewal of an assisted-living community if it is owned, managed, or operated by any person convicted of certain crimes or listed on an abuse list. The measure passed on the floor with unanimous consent.

 

  • SB 38 allows a court-appointed guardian or conservator to determine the disposition of remains after death if other alternatives have been exhausted. It passed overwhelmingly 35-2.

 

  • SB 56 restricts the sale and purchase of tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products by individuals under the age of 21. This measure comes on the heels of federal legislation in 2019 that raised the federal minimum age of sale of these products from 18 to 21. I supported this bill and it passed 28-10.

 

  • SB 66 prohibits a person who has been criminally charged in the death of another from making decisions regarding the disposition of the decedent's remains. The legislation passed 37-1.

 

  • SB 72 bans procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, bans trafficking girls across state lines for Female Genital Mutilations (FGMs), and strips the licenses from medical providers convicted of the practice. SB 72 passed the Senate unanimously.

Legislation passed in the Senate this week has now been sent to the House of Representatives for further action."

As for the Metro Council, our next legislative session is February 6. Committee assignments are being determined as I type, and we should be notified officially by Monday on which Committee we will serve. When I receive my Committee assignments, I will let you know.  I'm looking forward to getting back in the swing of Committee work, and bringing you along with me every step of the way.  As legislation is introduced and I cast a vote, I will write a summary in the e-Newsletter for your reading pleasure. Hopefully, my briefings will give you the much needed escape from whatever your vice is, be it cable news or something else.  

Have a great weekend. May you find a fun and exhilarating way to exhale!



News You Can Use

St. Matthews Baseball Little League Sign-Ups

St. Matthews Baseball Flyer

FREE Junk Drop-Off

Junk Drop Off

Junk Drop-Off

The Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center at (636 Meriwether Avenue) provides a means for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents to properly dispose of tires and household bulk waste including metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris and furniture. *Up to three household junk items may be dropped off at no charge per day. If there are more than three items a fee will be charged according. For additional information call 574-3570.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Friday: 8am-5pm        Saturday: 8am-3pm


Recycling Electronics

Electronics Recycled

Electronics Recycling Available at 636 Meriwether Avenue

Before destroying your electronics - "Reuse" first!  If your electronic equipment is still functioning, consider donating it to extend its life. 

The electronics recycling program is available to Louisville Metro/Jefferson County residents and businesses.  

Disposal Fees:

  • Disposal of 3 or fewer items or systems (computer, monitor, keyboard, printer and external drive): No charge
  • Disposal of more than 3 items or systems (by appointment only): $0.60/lb or $0.30/lb for non-profit organizations. Call the Waste Reduction Center at 574-2796 to make an appointment. Appointments available Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. CASH ONLY

Location:

Louisville Waste Reduction Center
636 Meriwether Avenue (Enter on Bland Street)

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(Holidays may affect hours.)

Acceptable electronic items:

  • Cell phones
  • Compact Discs, CD players (CD cases NOT accepted)
  • Computers
  • Copiers
  • Digital cameras
  • Disk drives
  • Electronic game systems
  • Floppy disks
  • Microwaves
  • Monitors
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Television sets 
  • VCRs and VHS tapes (cases NOT accepted)

Battery Recycling:

There are many types of batteries from household to vehicle and toxic to non-toxic. Vehicle batteries should be disposed of through an automotive store. All household batteries can be recycled at our household hazardous waste drop off location, Haz Bin, at 7501 Grade Lane. Some hardware stores and battery stores will also accept batteries for recycling. (There is usually a fee for recycling alkaline household batteries at retail stores.) Alkaline batteries are non-toxic and environmentally safe for household garbage collection. 


Census 2020 - Everyone Counts!

Census 2020 Circle

The U.S. Census will help determine Louisville's future for the next 10 years — representation in government, the allocation of federal resources affecting communities and families, education funding, and much more. 

Mayor Greg Fischer and the Louisville Municipal Complete Count Committee are working to help ensure a complete and proper count of all Louisville residents, and are seeking the community's help in getting out the word. The official Census 2020 date is April 1st and households will begin receiving Census information in March. 

To view a sample questionnaire and to learn more visit: 

https://louisvilleky.gov/census


Animal Abuse Registry

Animal Registry

Under the ordinance, LMAS will maintain the Animal Abuse Registry, updating it at least once every 30 days. Anyone convicted of animal abuse outside of Jefferson County must register within 10 days of establishing residency. Failure to register or comply with the registry could result in a maximum 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

To view the Animal Abuse Registry and read the ordinance, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/animal-services

To access the animal abuse registry website, click the link! https://animalabuseregistry.louisvilleky.gov/


Foster an Animal

Foster an Animal

 

Interested in Fostering Animals?

People who are interested in fostering will need to fill out the Foster Application(PDF) and either email, fax to 502-473-2634, or bring the completed application to the LMAS Animal Care Center, located at 3705 Manslick Rd.

For more information on our foster care program, please contact Stephanie Jackson at stephanie.jackson@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-6978.

Foster an Animal Quote

Public Meeting Notice - Applewood Lane

BOZA - Applewood - Feb 3

Public Meeting Notice - Blakenbaker Lane

Boza Notice - 922 Blankenbaker

Public Meeting Notice - Fountain Avenue/Westport Rd

BOZA - February 13

Winter Tips to Protect Pipes

Here are some easy, helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes. Click on EACH PICTURE below to view videos.

Water Pipe Pic 1

 

Pipes can freeze or even burst in times of cold weather after a period of disuse. Products to insulate pipes, such as a pipe sleeve and electrical heat tape, can be purchased and placed around pipes to prevent them from freezing. If a pipe has already frozen, wrapping it with an electric heating pad that is then warmed or towels heated with hot water can allow sufficient water to run through the pipe again. Here are steps to wrap pipes for cold weather.

 

 

Go through your house to check for leaky water pipes. Check bathroom and kitchen cabinets, the attic, basement, crawl spaces, and garage. Look for pipes running along outside walls of your house or through your foundation as well.  Use tools or have a professional licensed plumber repair any leaking pipes or pipe joints before wrapping them.

Water Pipe Pic 2
Water Pipe Pic 3

 

Know what type of pipe material you will be wrapping. The pipe's material can determine what kind of insulation product you use. Check hot and cold water supply pipes since both kinds of pipes can freeze.  Plastic pipes should only be wrapped with automatic heat tape. This kind of tape is insulated with heavy rubber around its wires.

 

 

Find the length and diameter of each pipe you will wrap. Count the number of faucets or valves along each pipe. These figures can help you determine how much insulation product you will need to buy.  Consult your pipe manufacturer's guidelines to help you decide how much insulation you will need.

Water Pipe Pic 4

LMPD Crime Banner

For the week of Sunday January 12th to Saturday January 18th

Theft from Automobile - There were a total of nine thefts from autos, which was a decrease from the previous week (13). In seven of the thefts force was used and two were unlocked. Please remember to lock your vehicles and take your valuables out of your car. See attached maps for more detail.

Auto Theft - There were five reported auto thefts for the week which was an increase from the previous week (4). In three of the thefts keys were used, one was by unknown means and one was unfounded. See attached maps for more detail.

Burglary - There were six reported burglaries this reporting period which was an increase from the previous week (3). Four of the burglaries were residential and two were businesses.  Entry was made by the following: Two were by force, two were unlocked, one was by unknown means and one was an attempt. See attached maps for more details.

There was one Homicide during the reporting period.

On 1/15/2020 at 3:59am the victim was found shot and burnt in the 200 block of Nob Hill Lane. Homicide is investigating.

There were no reported Robberies for this reporting period.



Community Events

Bridal Show in Westport Village

Bridal Pic

Please join us for our first annual Village Bridal Show

on Sunday, January 26th from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm,

located at Summer Classics Louisville in Westport Village!

12:30pm - Enjoy refreshments served by Westport Whiskey & Wine and Steak & Bourbon, while meeting a variety of unique wedding vendors.

1:30pm - Experience up to 20 wedding gowns from Fabulous Frocks Bridal on the runway, with styles including bling & sparkle, boho bride, ballgowns, classic, and lace looks!

This event is free and open to the public, so bring along your family and bridal party!

Plus, enter to win giveaways throughout the show!

Giveaways provided by Deka Lash, Avanti Skin Center of Louisville, Oberer's Flowers, Elements Massage, Stello Studios and European Wax Center.

Bridal Timeline

A Valentine's Voyage

Belle of Louisville

Set a course for adventure! Come aboard the “Love Boat!”

We have two special Valentine’s themed cruises on the Mary M. Miller, Friday and Saturday, February 14th and 15th.

These excursions have everything you could possibly want for a romantic date night or Galentine’s celebration— Each ticket includes dinner by Jarfi's, champagne, a commemorative Valentine's photo and a long-stem rose. There will be a "kissing booth" and other fun photo ops, cocktail specials and amazing music - all with fun a 80's vibe! Your Cruise Hostess will be DJ Jill Aquiar, whose infectious enthusiasm makes any cruise a party! 🎶🚢 ❤️ 🌹

Cruise wear, cocktail apparel or 80's fab attire are recommended. 😉 Ahoy!

Buy Tickets Here!

This is a Special Event therefore the special event cancellation policy applies.


Nature Exploration and Creative Play

Northeast Library Flyer

Looking for something to do outdoors with your family? The Northeast Regional Library's "Family Nature Play Day" may be what you're looking for. Families will learn how to identify wildlife through their tracks, make a tracking guide, and much more. Call the branch at 394-0379 to register or for more information.


Valentine's Day Romantic Retreat

Valentine's Retreat


Just for Fun

Tongue Twisters Pic

Betty Brought some butter, but the butter was bitter. So betty brought some better butter to make the bitter butter better.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought. If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought so much.

Billy Button bought a buttered biscuit. Did Billy Button buy a buttered biscuit?  If Billy Button bought a buttered biscuit, where’s the buttered biscuit Billy Button bought?


Quote of the Week


Life Hacks

Life Hack

Life Hack


NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99. The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk by clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.