The District 14 office will continue to monitor and answer concerns and emails received, although the 601 W. Jefferson St. office and the Southwest Government Center offices are not open to the public.
You can contact us by calling 502-574-1114 and leaving a voicemail or email Cindi.Fowler@LouisvilleKy.gov
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This Easter Holiday may look different from years past, but Councilwoman Fowler and her staff hope you will be able to celebrate in some way.
Please remember that safety is the top priority, even on Holidays. We may not be able to hold family gatherings, but we can still honor Easter this Sunday in other ways.
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We are very sorry to announce that the Junk Drop Off event originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4th has been postponed until further notice.
These events are always extremely important in helping reduce the amount of junk which is illegally dumped, but the safety and health of the community is ultimately the top priority.
Once we have more information, we will provide updates regarding when the Junk Drop Off will be rescheduled.
Thank you for understanding and please be safe!
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Lighter traffic pattern enables New Dixie Highway crews to shift final surfacing work to daylight hours
Crews working on the $35 million New Dixie Highway project will this week begin final surfacing work – the last portion of the project expected to involve lane closures.
Originally, crews were expected to complete final surfacing in the evening and overnight to avoid impeding traffic during peak times. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has meant a significant reduction in daytime driving on Dixie Highway, allowing for the final surfacing work to be done in daylight. Traffic has decreased with the cancellation of schools and churches, as well as restrictions on restaurants and retail.
Moving the work to the daytime hours will improve the quality of the final surface. Even with bright lights brought to the work site, workers are not able to see all indents and imperfections in the surfacing at night. Doing the work during the daylight hours will improve the smoothness of the road, which should be a noticeable improvement to drivers.
The final surfacing and striping will be completed by mid-May. Crews are also continuing to work on technology components of the New Dixie Highway, including improved signaling.
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As of Wednesday, there have been 478 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisville, an increase of 76 since Tuesday. There have been four additional deaths, bringing the Louisville total to 31.
Currently, 42 members of LMPD, Louisville Fire, Metro EMS, Metro Corrections, and the Sheriff’s Office are off-duty due to COVID-19:
- 6 are off with positive tests and in self-isolation.
- 18 are off and quarantined due to exposure to someone with a positive test.
- 18 are “screened off” with symptoms and have been tested (or due to be tested) but have not received test results.
Positive test numbers for first responders/public safety since the incident began:
- 11 positive tests.
- 4 have fully recovered and returned to duty.
Metro Corrections inmate data for April 8:
- 33 inmates have been tested.
- 0 positive tests.
- 2 tests are pending.
- 4 inmates are in isolation due to possible COVID-19 exposure.
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UofL Health expands telehealth to assist in COVID-19 response
On March 16, UofL Health launched an expansion of our telehealth program to improve patient access while maintaining social distancing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We now have over 675 providers using this technology to provide patient care.
UofL Health – Telehealth is available to established and qualifying new patients by calling our primary care access line: 502-588-4343. A scheduling specialist will help determine whether a telehealth or in-person visit best serves the need of the patient.
The telehealth appointment is similar to an in-person appointment with a provider. During the visit, the patient will talk about his/her current health concerns and learn what to do.
- The visit can take place from a location that is most convenient and comfortable for the patient.
- Providers will use a video-based application to speak with the patient by phone, tablet or computer.
- The telemedicine platform is secure and HIPPA compliant.
- The patient’s photo and voice will not be recorded or stored.
- The patient’s privacy and rights will be respected and ensured.
If it is determined that a telehealth appointment is appropriate, the scheduler will provide further instructions to the patient on downloading the application, verifying an email address, and confirming that there is a compatible device available (desktop, laptop, phone or tablet) with a webcam or built-in camera. When it is time for the appointment to begin, the patient will click on a link to be connected with the provider.
Through UofL Health – Telehealth, our providers can provide an initial assessment of symptoms related to COVID-19, plus treat common conditions like colds and flu, sore throats, rashes, allergies, bladder infections and more. Providers may prescribe medication, if appropriate, recommend over-the-counter medication or provide home care options. If needed, the provider may refer patients to an appropriate UofL Physicians – Primary Care location, specialist or to an emergency department.
Updated Visitor Policy for UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic and anticipation of a surge of cases in Kentucky, UofL Health is constantly evaluating and updating our visitor policy out of care and concern for the safety of our patients and staff. We understand the difficulty that these decisions may mean for our patients and their loved ones, and appreciate your support in ensuring that the most current policy is followed.
Effective immediately, no visitors will be allowed in the treatment areas of any UofL Health Emergency Departments – including UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital -- except for the following:
- Life-threatening illnesses as determined by the attending physician and/or charge RN (severe trauma/critically ill from something other than COVID-19): one family member at-a-time for a specified period. Minors will be allowed one visitor (parent or guardian) in the room after appropriate screening and will be required to wear a mask.
- Any patient that requires special needs, which can include those with a disability, cognitive impairment, developmentally-disabled individuals with a variety of personal, educational and vocational tasks, etc. will be allowed one visitor. These visitors must wear a mask.
Tent Triage at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
Mary & Elizabeth launched its Emergency Department tent triage/assessment area on Friday, April 3. Using a number of tents in the ED ambulance bay, this area is designed to rapidly identify low-acuity and low-risk respiratory patients and discharge them before they ever get exposed to the environmental risk of being in the hospital.
The streamlined process is designed to protect emergency department staff by minimizing potential COVID-19 exposures. In addition to the assessments, the space has been configured to allow for some basic testing including portable chest x-rays, lab draws and EKGs. For those occasional patients who ultimately warrant admission, the process includes direct admission to the hospital from the tent area, bypassing the ED and again, limiting potential exposure between patients and staff.
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Businesses opening only for residents over 60 and those most vulnerable to COVID-19:
- Target (first hour of business on Wednesday)
- Dollar General (first hour of business every day)
- Wal-Mart (first hour of business every Tuesday between March 24 and April 28)
- Wal-Mart is limting the number of customers in the each store at once. To manage this restriction, associates at a store will mark a queue at a single-entry door (in most cases the Grocery entrance) and direct arriving customers there, where they will be admitted one-by-one and counted. The stores have also established queue lines that are staffed with associates and emphasized social distancing signage to remind customers how important it is to stay 6 feet apart.
- Kroger (7-8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
- Rainbow Blossom (first hour of business every day)
- Whole Foods (first hour of business every day)
- Costco (8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
- Aldi (8:30-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday)
- Meijer (7-8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays)
- Sam's Club (7-9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday)
- Big Lots (first hour of business every day)
- Fresh Market (8-9 a.m. Monday through Friday)
- Sav-A-Lot, Taylor Boulevard (10-11 a.m.)
- Trader Joe's (9-10 a.m. daily)
- Walgreen's (8-9 a.m. on Tuesday)
Bills:
- Louisville Water Company: LWC will suspend turn offs for non-payment. This is a temporary measure and customers should still pay their bill.
- LG&E: Until May 1, the utility will suspend disconnects for residential customers and waive new late fees.
- MSD will waive late fees from March 23 to May 1 and is offering a 30 percent discount on wastewater charges for customers who are 65 or older and have a yearly household income of $35,000 or less. To pursue the senior discount, please click here.
- Fifth Third Bank: Offering various deferrals, forbearances and late fee waivers based on program/loan. For specific details, please click here.
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Low Income Home Energy Assisstance Program: Income-eligible residents of Louisville now have until April 30 to apply for funding to help with energy bills.
Meals:
- Beginning Monday, April 6:
- The nearly 400 homebound senior clients served by Senior Nutrition's Meals on Wheels program will continue to receive their meal delivery once per week with a five-frozen meal pack until daily, hot meal delivery can resume. In addition, 255 pre-certified individuals will be added to home delivery routes over the course of April.
- Though the nearly 20 Senior Congregate Nutrition Sites across Jefferson County remain temporarily closed, the Senior Nutrition staff will continue working with congregate participants to ensure their nutritional needs are being met during this critical period.
- JCPS has set up 45 feeding sites; 37 at schools; 8 at apartment complexes. Breakfast and lunch served. Emergency feeding sites here. Meals are availbale to all children 18 years old or younger. JCPS will distribute meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students can get up to four meals on Monday and Wednesday and two on Friday.
- Dare to Care:
- Dare to Care’s Kids Cafe sites are providing Grab & Go meals for children 18 and under on weeknights.
- Distribution centers are operating per usual.
- UberEats is waiving all delivery fees for orders from independently owned restaurants.
Digital Access:
- Spectrum Support: Beginning Monday, March 16, Charter commits to the following:
- Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students and teachers who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. A free self-installation kit will be provided to new student and educator households.
- Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a high-speed broadband program available to eligible low-income households
- Spectrum will not terminate service for residential or small business customers who face difficult economic circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Charter will not charge late fees for those customers facing difficult economic circumstances related to the pandemic
- Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees.
- AT&T is offering 60 days of free broadband internet/WiFi services to families with children who receive SNAP benefits, free and reduced lunch at school, or are enrolled in Head Start.
- T-Mobile and Sprint are waiving all data caps on cell phones, and their customers can use their phones as WiFi hotspots for free.
Federal Government Relief:
- Congress passed and President Trump signed, on March 18, H.R. 6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Act provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill guarantees free testing or health care coverage for coronavirus testing. It also provides paid sick leave for some workers and offers additional funding for seniors, food assistance, and unemployment benefits. Click here and here to learn for what you may be eligible to recieve.
State Government Relief:
- Governor Beshear announced on March 18 that all recipients of public assistance programs will automatically have their eligibility extended for three months. A re-application is not necessary. The assistance programs include food stamps and Medicaid. The Governot said all those that People lost their jobs and their work-related benefits due to COVID-19 can immediately apply for health coverage through the state’s Medicaid program.
- Per Governor Beshear on March 16, a seven-day waiting period is waived for any Kentuckian applying for unemployment benefits, and those unemployed due to COVID-19 are more likely to receive benefits than those that are unemployed for another reason. The Governor defined being unemployed by COVID-19 as when your employer has closed the business due to the virus or if you are quarantined. If it is expected that the individual will return to work when the business opens or when their quarantine is over, then that person meets the criteria as being unemployed by COVID-19 and could then be deemed eligible for benefits. Because the seven-day waiting period is now waived, if a Kentuckian is approved for benefits, the first payment they receive will be for two weeks of benefits and not just one, as is regular procedure.
- If you are filing for unemployment benefits, the State's Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, in order to serve the large influx of Kentuckians as efficiently as possible, has asked that Kentuckians calls their office on a schedule based on the first initial of their last name. Click hereto learn how to apply for unemployment insurance.
Social Services:
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Association of Community Ministries: There are 15 Community Ministries in the Louisville area that serve residents from every zip code. Each community ministry is supported by member churches and faith-based groups residing in their service area. The Community Ministries have systems in place to provide emergency financial assistance for utilities and housing as well as food and household supplies. Neighborhood based offices will remain open during this challenging time while also taking precautions to reduce the risk to clients, volunteers, and staff.
Service industry:
- 610 Magnolia (partnership with Maker’s Mark): 7 days per week offering hundreds of to-go dinners, 2 per person limit. Other supplies like diapers, toilet paper and Tylenol on hand. 5:00-8:30 p.m. every day. Bring paycheck stub or proof of restaurant employment.
Taxes:
- On Friday, March 20, the deadline to file taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15.
- Property Taxes
- The Department of Revenue has moved back the collection process for real estate and personal property taxes 30 days due to COVID-19.
- A certificate of delinquency will not be created until May 15. Until then, you may please visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website to pay property taxes. or use the drop box at the entrance to the Fiscal Court Building.
- Beginning May 16, payment plans may be requested from the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office.
- Eligible delinquent tax certificates are currently scheduled to be offered for sale on August 14 from its original date of July 17.
- Louisville Asset Building Coalition: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides free tax preparation services for income-eligible households. Click here to schedule a virtual appointment with a tax preparer here.
Housing/Evictions:
- Jefferson County Sheriff and the Louisville Public Housing Authority has stopped issuing eviction notices.
- New Directions Housing Corporation is waiving late fees on rent due from its residents.
- REBOUND Inc. will suspend rental payments for renters that have lost their income from COVID-19.
- Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund will suspend payment for its Fifth Third HomeOwner's Assistance Loan Program for the next 60 days.
- Fuller Center for Housing is suspending all late fees associated with mortgage and lease payments.
- If you are currently in the Habitat for Humanity homebuyer proggram or have a Habitat loan and have suffered a loss of income, Habitat will work with you in every possible way.
- Housing Partnership Inc. is surveying all residents to ask how they have been affected by COVID-19 and determining what types of assitance will be developed based on the responses.
- LHOME will offer loan modifications to all existing borrowes if necessary.
Adiction Resources:
- The following organizations are ready to help those in need:
Libraries:
- While libraries are closed, patrons are encouraged to check out eBooks, eMagazines, and downloadable audiobooks, and stream movies and music online at LFPL.org.
- Students working on schoolwork are encouraged to take advantage of online Research Tools.
- LFPL is not enforcing late fees.
- Pick up dates have been extended and hold requests have been suspended so that patrons will not lose their place in line for items.
International population:
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Download and share COVID-19 flyers translated in 14 different languages.
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Sign up for the Globalization e-newsletter to for updates in different languages.
- USCIS encourages all, including those that are undocumented, to take the appropriate medical steps if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms. The Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
The Emergency Food distribution sites have been a huge success! Beginning Monday, March 30th the schedule for the Emergency Food sites will be reduced to three days per week.
Families can pick up free breakfasts and lunches every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students will be able to pick up 4 meals per student Monday and Wednesday, and 2 for Friday.
The food sites will also have copies of printed educational materials for students.
For more information, visit the JCPS website here.
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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.
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. |
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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
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Income-eligible residents of Louisville now have more time to apply for funding to help with energy bills, thanks to an extension of the deadline for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The former deadline of March 31 was recently pushed back to Thursday, April 30, 2020 by Community Action Kentucky, which administers the LIHEAP program through a network of 23 Community Action Agencies across the state.
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that provides assistance to individuals or families struggling to pay their electric, natural gas or other energy bills. The current phase of LIHEAP, called the “Crisis Component”, assist households that are in a home energy crisis and that are facing disconnection from their utility services. Also again this year, residents who have received a current LG&E bill with a Past Due Balance may be eligible to apply.
Applicants must be Jefferson County residents with a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $2,790.00).
LIHEAP Crisis operates on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted or through April 30, 2020, whichever comes first.
“The extended deadline is great news,” said Tameka Laird, director of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, which administers LIHEAP locally as Louisville’s community action agency. “Our goal is that everyone who is eligible for LIHEAP, and in need of assistance, apply for this program.”
Modified service delivery for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Since March 18, all six LIHEAP offices have been closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Residents can still apply for LIHEAP by mail or utilizing Drop Boxes in front of the six LIHEAP offices.
LIHEAP required documentation, along with the downloadable LIHEAP Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be mailed as soon as possible and postmarked no later than April 30, 2020 to the central LIHEAP office at the following address: 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.
LIHEAP paperwork can also be dropped off at secure Drop Box sites in the front lobby of each of the six processing sites. 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 applications will be processed by LIHEAP staff and mailed back to the recipient.
LIHEAP Drop Boxes are available at the following locations:
· Northwest Neighborhood Place/Academy at Shawnee, 4018 W Market St., 40212
· South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 40215
· Neighborhood Place Ujima/Duvalle Education Center, 3610 Bohne Ave., 40211
· Neighborhood Place/Bridges of Hope, 1411 Algonquin Pkwy., 40210
· Newburg Community Center/East, 4810 Exeter Ave., 40218
· Southwest Government Center/Dixie Highway location. 7219 Dixie Highway, 40258
For more a full list of required documentation, LIHEAP eligibility and other more instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
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As coronavirus (COVID-19) developments change hour by hour, AARP Foundation is doing its part to flatten the curve of transmission. A top priority for us is ensuring we are protecting those most at risk, including our volunteers and taxpayers. Therefore, we are suspending AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services beginning March 16, 2020 until further notice.
We will continue to assess whether we can open again in some or all sites for the remainder of the tax season and if the tax season is extended. Please visit our website http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org/Sites/sites.html or call 502-394-3443 for updated info.
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The newest Coronavirus-themed phishing attack may be the most ruthless yet. The cybercriminals are sending emails that appear to be from a hospital and warn that you have been exposed to the virus through contact with a colleague, friend, or family member. Attached to the email is a “pre-filled” form to download and take with you to the hospital. Don’t be fooled. The attachment is actually a sophisticated piece of malware. This threat relies on panic and fear to bypass rational thinking. Don’t give in!
Remember to stay vigilant:
- Think before you click. The bad guys rely on impulsive clicking.
- Never download an attachment from an email you weren’t expecting.
- Even if the sender appears to be from a familiar organization, the email address could be spoofed. Call them using the number on their website to verify.
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For the health and safety of staff and library users, all LFPL programs and meeting room use have been suspended through April 5th.
http://www.lfpl.org/events/
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The Waste Reduction Center is currently closed for maintenance until further notice. They have to reconstruct a push wall on the loading pad. The wall at the loading pad has become unsafe for our staff and our customers.
Below is a list of private waste collection vendors as an option (for a fee) to use while the Center is closed.
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6211 Helenjean Way - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00852 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
6221 Helenjean Way - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00865 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
6208 Kenyon Dr. - LG&E has been granted Permit Number PW-REP-20-00851 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
6309 Kenyon Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00849 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
11005 Lehr Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00993 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 24th to April 21st.
6202 Maywick Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00857 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove existing gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
6212 Maywick Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00854 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove existing gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
6217 Maywick Rd. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00862 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove steel gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
11012 Oliverda Dr. - LG&E has been issued Permit Number PW-REP-20-00859 to close a driving lane to allow crews to remove existing gas service. Permit is valid from March 16th to April 13th.
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Today, the average life expectancy is at a record high of 79 years, As we get older, even the most independent among us may experience physical declines or financial hardship that strips away their independence. Add to that an increase in geographic mobility of our families, and the result is millions of seniors left behind, hungry and alone.
9 out of 10 say Meals on Wheels helps them live independently!
How can you help? Volunteers are always needed! Call (502) 935-0310 to learn more. They serve seniors in 40258, 40272, and 40117.
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