District 12 eNewsletter - March 18, 2020

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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In this edition...


Louisville Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update

Bars and restaurants ordered to close temporarily

Mayor Fischer said he supports the decision by Gov. Andy Beshear to order bars and restaurants in the state to close temporarily and allow only carryout or delivery food service.

Mayor Fischer commended local restaurants and bars that had already been taking extra health measures like enhanced cleaning and more spacing between tables, and said that city officials are working with the local restaurant industry to help employees displaced by the closures.

Louisville Public Libraries temporarily closed

The Main Library and branches are closed. Library staff is teleworking when possible. Fines for overdue books and other material are temporarily suspended. Patrons should not try to return borrowed materials. LFPL offers access to eBooks, eMagazines, downloadable audiobooks, and streaming movies online at http://www.lfpl.org/

Louisville Zoo to close temporarily

After initially announcing the closure of indoor exhibits and event spaces, the Louisville Zoo is closing its entire facility to visitors, including the Asian Lantern Festival that was slated to run through April 25. The Zoo staff will continue to care for the animals and maintain the facility.

Inmate visitation is suspended immediately at Louisville Jail

Following a recommendation from Gov. Beshear, Metro Corrections has suspended inmate visitation for at least three weeks. Jail facilities had initially continued to allow inmates to receive visitors via video.

LG&E suspends disconnections until May 1

Louisville Gas & Electric Co. on Monday said that it will stop disconnecting customers with unpaid bills until May 1. The city’s electric utility said is also waiving new late fees incurred during this period.

Louisville Water Company to suspend shut offs

Louisville Water Company recognizes that access to clean water for washing hands is a vital component to reduce the spread of the virus. Because of this, they have decided to suspend turn offs for non-payment. 

This is a temporary measure and customers are still responsible for paying their water bill. Louisville Water will continue to work with customers who can’t pay by the due date.

LMPD operating under State of Emergency

LMPD is operating under a State of Emergency.  Currently, they are not responding to most non-violent criminal incidents requiring police reports.  These call are being sent to the LMPD Service Center.  Additionally, we are not responding to some low-level calls for service where no one is in imminent danger. 

All crimes reported during this period will be investigated in the same manner as before.  These changes are necessary to continue to provide our community with a high level of service while protecting the safety of our members and the public. 

During this period, we will have very limited resources to focus on some of the “quality of life” type issues we would typically help with. 

All personnel are currently being utilized for high priority patrol responses including our Beat Officers, District Resource Officers, Traffic Officer, and Detectives. 

Metro Parks & Recreation 

The city’s 120 parks, including its 18 Olmsted-designed parks and the 6,700-acre Jefferson Memorial Forest, will remain open with no restrictions on access. Jefferson Memorial Forest’s Welcome Center also will be open to the public. Parks employees are increasing cleaning protocols and implementing social distancing. 

The city’s 13 community centers are temporarily closed to the public through April 5.  

The Wilderness Louisville Senior Center is closed. 

The city’s 10 municipal golf courses will remain open. Contact the course to make a tee time. 

Metro Parks will not be accepting rentals of facilities and shelters through April 5. All rentals through April 5 were canceled by the close of business Friday, March 13. Those with rental agreements through Louisville Parks and Recreation will have the option of a refund or a rescheduled date. 

TARC

All TARC vehicles, including fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles, are being cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. TARC is exceeding the guidelines of most transit agencies concerning COVID-19 sanitization techniques.  

The TARC Safety & Security Department has been taking additional steps in response to COVID-19, providing kits to drivers that include gloves, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.

 

For more information, please visit Kycovid19.ky.gov.

Covid-19

Covid-19 Match Assistance Program

Elder Meals

JCPS Free Student Breakfast and Lunch Sites - Open NOW

Map

CPS Nutrition Services is distributing free breakfast and lunch to all children 18 and under as well as all JCPS students over age 18. JCPS has 45 sites where families can drive or walk up and get the meals from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. each weekday while schools are closed.

Each child present can get a breakfast and lunch.

For more information, visit the JCPS website here.

Food Sites

Senior March for Meals - Open NOW

Senior Meals

Neighborhood Place Locations and LIHEAP Sites Temporarily Close

Neighborhood Place

Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Mayor Greg Fischer announced a temporary closure and modified service delivery at all seven Neighborhood Place locations.  LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in-person services have also been suspended at all six locations and a mail-in service has been implemented.

 In an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19, these facilities are temporarily closed to the public, by declaration of the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness.  Residents can still access Louisville Metro Government services by following the processes described below.

Neighborhood Places, administered by Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS), will close to walk-in clients, but will remain open for staff to work. Clients will be scheduled by telephone appointment and will have access to document drop off locations.

Neighborhood Place Modified Service
Effective Wednesday, March 18, all seven Neighborhood place locations will be temporarily closed to walk-in clients.

Neighborhood Place partner agencies are offering modified service delivery via virtual and telephonic communication services including:

  • Financial assistance administered by RCS (includes rental assistance, food, transportation, childcare)
  • SNAP Food Benefits (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (KTAP/TANF), and Child Protective Services administered by the State’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) Department of Community Based Services (DCBS)
  • Home Visitation administered by Heathy Start
  • Truancy Diversion administered by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)

Contact numbers to access services

  • To find a Neighborhood Place in their area, residents may call Metro311 at 311 or 574-5000, or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place.
  • CHFS’ Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) SNAP and KTAP Services at 1-855-306-8959
  • JCPS, 313-HELP
  • Healthy Start, 574-6661

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Modified Service

Effective Wednesday, March 18, all six LIHEAP offices will close for walk-in clients, and all in-person appointments for the remainder of March 2020 have been cancelled.  This includes the LIHEAP offices at four Neighborhood Places sites (South Central, Bridges of Hope, Ujima and Northwest) as well as the Newburg Community Center and Southwest Government Center locations. 

Clients with standing appointments can still apply for LIHEAP and are being advised to mail required documentation to the central LIHEAP office at the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services offices at the following address:  The Edison Center, Attn:  LIHEAP, 701 W. Ormsby, Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40203

Please also download, complete and include the LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing formwhen mailing the documentation.  A copy of the required documentation is advisable but if original information is mailed, the LIHEAP staff will return to the applicant by mail.

LIHEAP documentation, the Family Profile and Remote Processing forms should be mailed as soon as possible and postmarked no later than March 31, 2020. LIHEAP paperwork can also be dropped off at secure Red Box sites in front of each Neighborhood Place site.   LIHEAP applications will be processed by LIHEAP staff and mailed back to the recipient.  

For more a full list of required documentation, LIHEAP eligibility and other more instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP.  Residents may call Metro311 at 311 or 574-5000 for more information.

Income residents who have no standing appointment, may still apply for LIHEAP by following this process.  Call 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com for more information.


Metro Animal Services' Pets of the Week: Hope & Kane!

Hope the cat

Hope, FEMALE CATS

There’s always hope when it comes to true love! Hope is a stunning Maine Coon who is looking for her purrfect match.  She’s an easygoing, friendly cat who gets along with other cats. You can adopt Hope for free, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Hope is approximately 2-years-old and weighs 16lbs.  She’s already spayed, vaccinated & microchipped.  To meet or adopt Hope, visit Animal House Adoption Center located at 3516 Newburg Road, open daily from 12-6pm. For more info about Hope, contact Louisville Metro Animal Services at 502-473-PETS

Kane the dog

Kane, MALE DOG

Kane is a senior shelter that proves age is just a number. The 8-years young Pit Bull is a happy, friendly dog that still loves playtime, especially if you challenge him to a game of tug-of-war. Kane also likes to be outdoors so he would enjoy having a back yard to run around or roll in the grass. Kane’s also likes affection and plenty of butt scratches. An approved adopter can adopt Kane for free, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Kane weighs 54lbs. and he’s already neutered, vaccinated & microchipped. He can be tested with other dogs or cats by request. Adopt Kane at Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road, open daily from 12-6pm. For more info about Kane, email Louisville Metro Animal Services atanimalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov, or call 502-473-PETS.


Metro Animal Services' Pit Bull of the Week: King

Manwich the dog

Did you know that Pit Bulls are the most overbred dog in Louisville? Don’t Shop. Adopt. The LMAS Shelter offers free adoptions for adult Pit Bulls, 40lbs or more.

Why shop for a Pit Bull when you can save a life by adopting one for free? Manwich is a one-year-old Pit bull and staff favorite at Louisville Metro Animal Services. The wiggly, happy dog is energetic, very friendly and super sweet! Manwich did well on a recent trip away from the shelter. He was good boy in the car and during a walk in the park, enjoyed exploring with his nose. Manwich is also obsessed with food so he’s always willing to be your personal taste tester.  If you’re busy, Manwich doesn’t mind playing with toys by himself. You can reward him later with butt scratches and belly rubs. Adopt Manwich for free thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Manwich weighs 68lbs. Neuter, vaccinations and a microchip are included with his adoption! To meet or adopt Manwich, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road), daily from 12-6pm.  Send questions about Manwich to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov


AARP Community Challenge Grant Application - Due April 1st

AARP Community Challenge

AARP invites you to submit applications for the 2020 Community Challenge Grant which provides funding for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are now being accepted for small grants to improve housing, transportation, public space, smart cities, civic engagement, and more.

All of Kentucky’s previously funded projects can be found here.

This year’s application is due by April 1, 2020, 11:59 p.m. ET and all projects must be completed by November 9, 2020. Applications must be submitted through www.aarp.org/communitychallenge.


VITA Free Tax Preparation - Appointments Postponed through April 6th

VITA
At the advice of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, VITA has temporarily suspended operations. With the number of clients they see each day, the potential to transmit the coronavirus to taxpayers or volunteers is high, and the main priority is the health of our community. 
As of now, VITA will tentatively plan to open back on Monday, April 6th, along with JCPS. If the current situation changes, this date may move up or be delayed further. The appointment system will not be accessible during this period. During this time, we encourage taxpayers to use the free, online filing options that are accessible on this website. They will also be working to increase their capacity to assist taxpayers in completing their own returns through additional resources and exploring alternative service delivery models to assist taxpayers. There may be remote volunteer opportunities to assist in these efforts, and we will keep you updated.
At this time, the IRS has not issued an official extension of the filing deadline, but it is possible that they may do so. We will be sure to update you regarding any changes to the tax code that may affect you during this time.

ABC License Application - 6801 Dixie Hwy. Ste. 150

ABC

6801 Dixie Hwy. Ste. 150 has applied for an  NQ2 Retail Drink & Sunday Drink License, a Retail Malt Beverage License through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 1003 Twilight Trail, Frankfort, Ky. 40601-8400, within 30 days of the date of this legal publication (Friday, April 10th).

Some of the reasons for refusal of a license as stated in KRS 243.450 are:

  • Premise does not comply fully with all alcoholic beverage control statutes and regulations of the board.
  • The applicant or the premises does not comply with all regulations of a city administrator.
  • The applicant has done an act for which a revocation of license would be authorized.
  • The applicant has made any false material statement in his application.
  • Public sentiment in the are
  • Number of licensed outlets in the area
  • Potential for future growth
  • Type of area involved
  • Type of transportation available financial potential of the area

ABC License Application - 4129 Flintlock Dr.

ABC

4129 Flintlock Dr. has applied for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package license through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 1003 Twilight Trail, Frankfort, Ky. 40601-8400, within 30 days of the date of this legal publication (Friday, April 13th).

Some of the reasons for refusal of a license as stated in KRS 243.450 are:

  • Premise does not comply fully with all alcoholic beverage control statutes and regulations of the board.
  • The applicant or the premises does not comply with all regulations of a city administrator.
  • The applicant has done an act for which a revocation of license would be authorized.
  • The applicant has made any false material statement in his application.
  • Public sentiment in the are
  • Number of licensed outlets in the area
  • Potential for future growth
  • Type of area involved
  • Type of transportation available financial potential of the area

2020 Census Job Opportunities - STILL HIRING

Census Jobs

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