Newburg Library

***May Meeting Cancelled Due to COVID-19 outbreak***

On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM when we meet with LMPD, and 6:30PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.

Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us

Official Team Kentucky sources for information concerning COVID-19

COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725

The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as we are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline. Guidance is being added as it becomes available.

Click here for to visit the official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19 (updated daily).

For general inquires, email KYcovid19@ky.gov. Please be patient as we handle a high volume of emails.

COVID-19: Louisville Information

Louisville Metro has a website with updated information about COVID-19, including information from Mayor Greg Fischer’s briefings about City services.  You can access it here.

Kentucky's Response to COVID-19 (04/14 - 04/29)

Since the first case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Kentucky, Governor Beshear taken the following actions:

​4/29/2020:  Announced tentative schedule for re-opening many industries in May, as well as which industries will still need to stay closed until a later date.

4/28/2020:  Unveiled a new, 10-point plan that aims to guide businesses as they prepare for a gradual reopening while continuing to keep all workers and patrons safe. He said the guidelines apply to most employers.

Highlighted new testing options in Oldham and Mason counties.

The Oldham County Health Department is asking everyone to register for testing there through its website, and Buffalo Trace District Health Department asks those seeking tests to call 606-564-9447.

Gov. Beshear is urging Kentuckians to fill up all available testing slots at multiple sites throughout the commonwealth. Anyone can now sign up for the free COVID-19 testing. For the latest information on drive-through testing, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

4/27/2020:  Announced the four phases of health care reopening and detailed guidance and dates for each phase. Click here for more information.

Announced that a significant new infrastructure for contact tracing will be needed, and the state is preparing to hire more than 700 people across the state to help with contact tracing. A request for proposals will be issued this week to support the state with infrastructure and staffing.

The Governor said that by May 11, everybody working for an essential business that is reopening should be wearing a mask. Going to the grocery, into any place of business or any place where social distancing of keeping at least six-feet apart might be broken, the Governor said every Kentuckian should be wearing a mask.

As of today, dental offices may reopen under Phase 1, provided they follow certain protocols and have the proper equipment to do so. The Board of Dentistry, along with the Kentucky Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Hygienists’ Association and a number of other groups have developed the following guidelines for safely operating dental offices under Phase 1.

Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians they can fill out their Census at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (español).

4/26/2020:  Urged Kentuckians to fill up all available testing slots at multiple sites throughout the commonwealth. Anyone can now sign up for the free COVID-19 testing. For more information on drive-through testing, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

4/25/2020:  Announced those who applied for unemployment insurance in March should hear back this week.

4/24/2020:  Announced additional testing locations. Click here for more information.

Governor Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams announced new voting guidelines for the June primary. Click here for more information.

Governor Beshear commuted an additional 352 sentences. All of those who were commuted were serving sentences for non-violent, non-sexual offenses and had 5 years or fewer remaining on their sentences.

4/23/2020:  Announced that Monday, April 27, the state will begin the gradual restart and reopening of our Phase 1 health care services and facilities, although they will operate vastly different than they did before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Click here for detailed guidance.

Announced that just today, the state ran 6,769 tests. In addition to health care facilities, Kentuckians can be tested free of charge for COVID-19 at different Kroger and Walgreens sites. Click here for the full list.

Reminded Kentuckians of the precautions the state is taking in long-term care facilities, including: encouraging all residents to wear masks, cancelling communal dining and social activities, minimizing entry into resident rooms, restricting non-essential personnel from entering the building, daily temperature checks and adopting a low threshold to transfer ill residents to a higher level of care.

4/21/2020:  Announced the launch of "Healthy at Work," a new initiative to help Kentucky businesses reopen safely as we fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

Healthy at Work offers a phased approach to reopening Kentucky's economy. It is based on criteria set by public health experts and advice from industry experts.

During Phase 1 of Healthy at Work, the Kentucky Department for Public Health will determine whether Kentucky has met certain public health benchmarks for reopening Kentucky's economy. These benchmarks closely follow the White House's Guidelines for Reopening America.

During Phase 2 of Healthy at Work, the Department for Public Health will evaluate individual businesses' ability to safely reopen.

Among other things, each business proposal is required to explain its ability to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees, adequate access to hand sanitizer and disinfectant, and minimal direct contact between employees and the public.

Offered an update on the levels of PPE available in the commonwealth. He praised all of the individuals who have answered the call and donated these essential items for our health care workers. "In the last week, we have more gloves, surgical masks, face shields, respirator masks and coveralls," the Governor announced. Among the PPE items where Kentucky has seen growth in inventories, Gov. Beshear reported the state has on-hand about 1.5 million surgical masks, 365,000 N95 masks, 930,000 KN95 masks, 446,000 face shields, 4.5 million gloves and 37,000 gowns. All areas showed improved stocks over the past couple of weeks.

4/20/2020:  Advised the commonwealth's education leaders to keep facilities closed to in-person instruction for the rest of the school year. Governor Beshear said the move is in line with newly released guidelines from the White House as well as Kentucky's own newly announced benchmarks that the commonwealth must meet in order to start reopening the state's economy while keeping Kentuckians safe from the novel coronavirus.

Announced that the state has processed twice as many unemployment insurance claims since March 8 as it did in all of 2019.

4/18/2020:  Announced four new drive-through testing sites: Madisonville, Paducah, Somerset and Pikeville. Kentuckians can sign up for testing that begins later this week at thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing, or call 888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).

​4/17/2020:  Discussed benchmarks that the commonwealth must meet in order to start reopening the state's economy while keeping Kentuckians safe from the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The steps reflect federal guidance announced Thursday by the White House.

Benchmark criteria for Kentucky to move to the first stage

• 14 days where cases are decreasing
• Increased testing capacity and contact tracing
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) availability
• Ability to protect at-risk populations
• Ability to social distance and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on large gatherings
• Preparedness for possible future spike
• Status of vaccine and treatment

4/16/2020:  Announced that Kentucky is joining with Governors, Eric Holcomb of Indiana, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan to closely coordinate plans to reopen the regional economies when the time is right.

Announced the opening of state facilities to house people ill with or who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Initially, the shelters will be available at Lake Barkley and Lake Cumberland state parks. The program is a partnership with the Kentucky Department for Public Health and local health departments, the Kentucky Department of Parks, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Kentucky National Guard and volunteer medical staff.

Discussed benchmarks that the commonwealth must meet in order to start reopening the state’s economy while keeping Kentuckians safe from the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The steps reflect federal guidance announced Thursday by the White House.

4/15/2020:  Announced the first stage of a unique testing regime, starting with frontline health care workers, that is designed to save lives and get people back to work. The Co-Immunity Project is a collaboration among the State of Kentucky, Louisville Metro Government, the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and several major health care companies through the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council. The project will focus on comprehensive testing, centered on antibodies and developing donor plasma resources.

Announced that former Lt. Govs. Jerry Abramson, Steve Henry, Crit Luallen, Daniel Mongiardo and Steve Pence will co-chair the Team Kentucky Fund to help Kentuckians whose employment has been affected by COVID-19.

Announced that the field hospital at the Kentucky Exposition Center is now operational.

4/14/2020:  Announced that the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is making the largest gift in the storied organization’s history: $1 million to the Team Kentucky Fund.

Loosened drive-through testing eligibility parameters to allow more people to qualify. Also announced a second drive-through testing site in Kenton County. People can register at thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing, or call 888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).

Get Registered and Vote (in a new way!)

Everything is unusual this year – and voting is going to be no exception.  The Primary Election has already been moved from May 19 to June 23.  The latest change is that everyone is being encouraged to vote by absentee ballot.  For the first time, you will not need an excuse to vote absentee.   

Voters will have to request mail-in ballots in a portal on the State Board of Elections website by June 16. We’ll post information about that in future newsletters.

After voting, ballots will be sent to the county clerk. Mail-in ballots will have to be postmarked by June 23 and be received within three days of Election Day. In-person voting, with the possibility of drive-through voting, will be allowed, in new ways, for those who need to vote in person. Post cards will be sent out to Kentucky voters explaining the changes.

The first step in voting is always registering to vote and that has not changed. Register, change your registration or just check to make sure you are still correctly registered at this site.  The deadline to register for the June 23 primary is May 26.  Get registered and vote!

To read Governor Andy Beshear’s entire executive order, please click here.

Latest COVID-19 updates in the City of Louisville

Mayor Fischer and education leaders discuss the challenges of COVID-19 crisis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 30, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today spoke with the leaders of Louisville’s two major public institutions of higher learning to get a status report on how they are managing the COVID-19 crisis.

Both the University of Louisville and Jefferson Community & Technical College were forced to abruptly cancel in-person classes and send most of their students home in March to help prevent the spread of the virus.

But as the virus appears to be plateauing in Louisville and the local economy is taking steps to reopen, UofL President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi told the Mayor that the university is preparing to resume on-campus instruction for the fall semester.

“We fully intend to have students here on campus for the fall,” Dr. Bendapudi said. “Now, everyone knows this is caveated by what may come along.”

JCTC President and CEO Dr. Ty Handy said similar preparations are being made there, as well.

“We’re fully intending to offer a full complement of coursework,” Dr. Handy said.

Although 40 percent of JCTC’s students were already taking some classes online before the pandemic struck, Dr. Handy said much of the technical training the school performs requires hands-on, in-person instruction.

“We’re preparing for that,” he said.

Dr. Bendapudi stressed that UofL has continued educating its students via remote learning throughout the unprecedented shutdown.

“We have never closed down,” she said. “We are open for business.”

One challenge has been convincing students to stay focused on their future amid the extreme uncertainty that this global pandemic has created, Dr. Handy said.

“Students can hunker down and wait ’til this is all over, and end up not being prepared,” he said. “The natural reaction is to sit back and wait.”

But with every major crisis, such as 9/11 in 2001 and the 2007-09 Great Recession, the society and economy that develops on the other side often creates new opportunities and requires different skills than before, Dr. Handy said.

Data from the post-Great Recession recovery, for example, showed that even more jobs required a post-high school education than before, he noted. “Now is the time to take some action,” Dr. Handy said.

Mayor Fischer also spoke with Marland Cole, executive director of Evolve502, about the non-profit group’s efforts to stay connected with local students it has been helping to prepare for college and a career.

Evolve502 is a community-focused organization that helps Jefferson County Public School students pursue the dream of a college education by working to expand educational opportunities and reduce systemic barriers.

Cole said Evolve502 is connecting with students via online virtual sessions with the group’s career coaches. “We are trying to keep them engaged and focused on pursuing college,” Cole said.

Evolve502 is also forming a “rapid response team” to address the challenges presented by the pandemic, such as the technology gap that prevents many low-income students from taking full advantage of distance learning opportunities.

“Learning is being impacted,” said Cole, noting that “a new learning paradigm” is being created amidst the crisis. “Equity gaps that existed before (COVID-19) are even more apparent.”

Mayor Fischer agreed, noting studies indicating that post-high school education is “the number one disrupter of poverty.”

“The pandemic didn’t cause the inequities in our system, but it certainly put the spotlight on them,” the Mayor said.

To watch a replay of yesterday’s tele town hall, go to www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer.

Mayor Fischer says expanded testing and contact tracing is key to city’s recovery from COVID-19 crisis

Enhanced ability to quickly find and quarantine people exposed to the virus will help community reopen

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 29, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today said the city must greatly strengthen its ability to test and quarantine people exposed to the COVID-19 virus before it can ease emergency restrictions and fully reopen the economy.

The city has already begun a major effort to ramp up testing of the public, including the establishment of testing sites at Shawnee Park and the Bashford Manor Walmart. But the next step is increased contact tracing, in which authorities track down anyone who may have been exposed to a person with a positive test.

“We need to know who has the virus, get them quarantined and then our public health department has to have the capacity to track down the people who’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus and get them in quarantine. That’s how we beat COVID-19,” Mayor Fischer said.

The cost for this kind of major project is between $25 million and $100 million, the Mayor said. Although Congress has allocated $25 billion for coronavirus testing, the Mayor said local officials don’t know how much the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is sending to Louisville. He also expressed doubt that the eventual amount will be enough to help the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness sufficiently increase its capacity to test, trace, and track anyone with COVID-19.

“There remains uncertainty on this critical expense about what can and will be able to be funded by the federal or state governments,” Mayor Fischer said. “In any event, we know that not nearly enough federal funding has been allocated for Louisville’s combined costs for the direct impact from the virus and the revenue shortfalls associated with that.”

Dr. Sarah Moyer, the city’s chief health strategist, said Metro Public Health and Wellness has already expanded its Communicable Disease Team from nine people to 55, but did so by reassigning current staff members and utilizing student volunteers. Many more contact tracers will be needed for the city to maintain control of the current outbreak and prevent future ones.

“Communities don’t wait until there’s a fire to start hiring firefighters. When there’s a fire, we expect firefighters to show up with the right number of people and the right equipment,” Dr. Moyer said. “Our public health system should be no less prepared.”

The Mayor reiterated his demand that the federal government send more direct aid to Louisville as it continues to weather this public health crisis and resulting economic shutdown.

“This is why I continue to call for the federal government to provide the direct, flexible support that state and local governments need to provide critical services so we can beat this virus and get our economy safely reopened and move forward,” the Mayor said. “And I urge you to ask your federal representatives to do the same.”

Meanwhile, the Mayor said he hopes the new public testing sites will help address the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Louisville’s African American community. Although African Americans represent 23 to 24 percent of the city’s population, they make up almost a third – 32 percent – of Louisville’s COVID-19 fatalities.

“African Americans are dying of COVID-19 in disproportionately higher numbers in our city and around the country,” the Mayor said. “Being able to test more of our residents is one of the key determining factors in our plans to start safely reopening our economy when the data indicates that we’re ready. And this is especially critical in our African American communities.”

The city has partnered with the University of Louisville, Family Health Centers and Park DuValle Community Health Center to ensure African Americans here have access to more testing and healthcare and is coordinating messages about the need for social distancing with media outlets like WLOU, WGZB-96 and The Louisville Defender.

T Gonzales, director of the Center for Health Equity at the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, is helping to direct this effort.

“Equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be safe and healthy,” Gonzales said. “We need strategies for every community to be healthy where they live, work, learn and play, and access the care and treatment they need.”

Louisville COVID-19 data

As of Thursday, there have been 49 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisville, bringing the total to 1,275 with 662 recoveries. There have been two additional deaths since Wednesday, bringing the Louisville total to 91.

Currently, 45 members of LMPD, Louisville Fire, Metro EMS, Metro Corrections and the Sheriff’s Office are off-duty due to COVID-19:

• 12 are off with positive tests and in self-isolation.
• 12 are off and quarantined due to exposure to someone with a positive test.
• 21 are “screened off” with symptoms and tested, or due to be tested, but have not received test results.

Positive test numbers for first responders/public safety since the incident began:

• 22 positive tests.
• 10 have fully recovered and returned to duty.
  

Personal Protective Equipment needed for workers on COVID-19 frontline

Although Louisville hospitals are not yet overwhelmed with virus patients, they continue to be concerned about their supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical workers and first responders.

That includes:

·       Coveralls

·       Face shields

·       Respirators

·       Safety goggles

·       Surgical masks

·       Surgical gloves

·       Sanitizing wipes

·       Disinfectant spray

·       Hand sanitizer (65% alcohol minimum)

If your company can donate or manufacture any of these items, or know someone who can, and you want to know more, please contact Louisville Metro Government at covid19resources@louisvilleky.gov and someone will respond.

You can also contact the state PPE hotline at 1-833-448-3773 or go online at www.secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/TeamKentucky/PPE.

Louisville Metro Budget

Mayor Greg Fischer continues to reiterate the need for more direct federal aid to help Louisville navigate the uncertain times ahead and avoid drastic cuts to essential city services as the community combats the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of a massive economic downturn caused by the impact of COVID-19 virus in the city, Louisville Metro Government (LMG) is projecting a $46 million revenue decline for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, and another shortfall of $69 million during the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. He stresses that Congress and the White House need to provide this direct aid to cities and give them more flexibility in spending it.

There is talk of another federal package but there is also resistance to that idea among some legislators.  Please contact your federal representatives by email at these links or telephone, and tell them that Louisville and other cities need help now:

Senator Mitch McConnell (502) 582-6304

Senator Rand Paul (202) 224-4343

Congressman John Yarmuth (502) 582-5129

***A full schedule of Budget committee meetings, a link to Budget documents (they total hundreds of pages), a form to comment on the budget and (soon) instructions for public comments at virtual hearings are available at the Metro Council Clerk’s page CLICK HERE.

All Metro Council Committee meetings, including the Mayor’s budget address, are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and UVERSE Channel 99. The meetings are also available online on the Metro TV website by clicking on the “Gavel to Gavel” button.***

Agencies urged to apply for Louisville Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund

Current FY20 External Agency Fund (EAF) recipients and existing Louisville Metro programs may seek relief funding

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 24, 2020) – Louisville Metro Government will begin accepting applications today for the Louisville Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund (CRF) – established to supplement relief organizations experiencing an incremental surge in demand for services from persons impacted by the COVID-19 health pandemic.

FY20 External Agency Fund (non-profit) recipients or Metro administered programs with existing food and/or housing assistance programs are eligible to apply.

Metro Council voted to approve this $2.7 million relief package on March 19, 2020.

 "We recognize the challenges faced by many hardworking residents who have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 closures and hope this funding can help provide some comfort in these difficult times,” said Councilman Markus Winkler (D-17).

“These funds are made possible by the collective economic contribution of our residents.  This is a proactive approach to stabilizing housing and ensuring nutrition made possible by our organizations on the frontline.  Together we can invest in each other to ensure a healthy and more resilient community post COVID,” said Councilwoman Nicole George (D-21).

Mayor Greg Fischer thanked the Council for their partnership. “The agencies that are eligible for this funding have always been on the frontlines of the battle to support our most vulnerable,” he said. “It’s important that we support them now, as COVID-19 makes that battle all the more fierce.” 

Starting today, April 24, applications will be accepted from eligible organizations and reviewed on a weekly basis by a panel composed of representatives from the public and private sector. The funding may only be used by organizations that provide the following public services to Jefferson County residents: rent and/or mortgage assistance and/or food access.

Any approval will require that applicants demonstrate an increased demand for services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and depletion of other COVID-19 related funding. The goal is to provide funding within a week of panel approval.

The 5-person review panel will consist of one representative each from the Mayor’s office and Metro United Way, and three representatives from Metro Council.  The city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services will serve as the fiscal agent for administering the CRF.

Applications can be submitted to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMCCOVID.

For more information about the  Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund applications and guidelines, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund.

Process questions should be directed to Ethan Lambert, Grants Coordinator with the Office of Resilience and Community Services, at Ethan.Lambert@louisvilleky.gov.

Important Links Relating to Daily Updated COVID-19 Response

• Governor Beshear’s Executive Order:   https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/covid19/orderrestaurantclosures.pdf 
• TARC Information:  http://www.ridetarc.org/news-events/
• LIBA small business information:  www.keeplouisvilleweird.com
• For up to date local information:  https:/louisvilleky.gov/news/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus
• Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness: https://louisvilleky.gov/news/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus
• Governor’s Press Releases: https://governor.ky.gov/news
• KYCOVID19 https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx
• Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Additional Updates regarding the City of Louisville and Relief Available for those in Need

One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund: Click here to donate or learn how to apply for funds. 

• The One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible funding resources for rental assistance, childcare assistance, transportation aid, food access, utility assistance, pharmaceutical needs and other support as determined, via $1,000 payments to eligible households. Funds will also be made available to community-based organizations that are being hit hard by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for support, individuals/households must be Jefferson County residents with an income at or below 100 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), which is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The AMI for the Louisville region is $76,400 for a four-person family (100 percent AMI). Applicants will be asked to offer proof of identity and supporting documents that demonstrate a loss of earned income due to the COVID-19 pandemic due to medical reasons, business closure, or school closure. 

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. 

Meals:

• As of April 3, the Metro March for Meals, the meals pick-up program for seniors 60 year and older that began in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Louisville, has ended. Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition, part of the Office of Resilience and Community Services, is focusing its limited funding by returning to its original intent of serving those already deemed eligible through the Meals on Wheels and Senior Congregate Meals programs, as well as an additional 255 people who are currently on the waiting lists for home-delivered programs. Going forward, there will be no distribution of meals at the seven sites that had been operating through the Metro March for Meals program since March 17, 2020. More than 83,000 frozen meals were handed out over that three-week period.
• 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 available 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.
  

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 Governor 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 here to learn how to apply for unemployment insurance. 

Social Services:

• 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. 

Small Businesses:

• Almost a month ago, we updated you with the changes we've put into place since COVID-19 hit us, and how we are helping businesses through this difficult time. We have reached out to more than 500 local businesses to offer our assistance, connection to resources (federal/state/local), and lots of basic TLC. We have helped 71 METCO recipients get the necessary payment deferment they needed, and METCO dedicated existing loan funds to support the Small Business Continuity Loan with other partners and through LHOME; that loan program has received more than 700 inquiries from small businesses with 455 applications in process, and more than 30 loans awarded to very small businesses. 
• With the newly signed fourth federal relief bill, we are busily reaching out to companies we know can benefit from the federal aid, as well as checking in with larger companies to see how they are faring economically and about workforce issues. We also have translated some documents into several languages, so that we are not leaving anyone behind.
• Our newly intense assistance will continue as businesses reopen and face a new set of challenges. We take pride in our work to support Louisville’s businesses – large and small – and look forward to helping our community find our new normal as seamlessly as possible.
• As your partner in economic development, please do not hesitate to send any businesses you hear from our way. We are well equipped to help any business, no matter what size, and no matter the issue. You can also find a wealth of information on our small business resources page: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19

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 program 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 assistance will be developed based on the responses.  
• LHOME will offer loan modifications to all existing borrowers if necessary.
• Many have asked questions about evictions and how to assist tenants. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention. The memo includes information on the Governor’s Executive Order and the Supreme Court ruling stating no evictions can proceed until July 1st, resource for rental assistance and a flyer for Legal Aid who have been providing legal advice to tenants and helping them on communications with landlords.

Addiction Resources: 

• The following organizations are ready to help those in need:
  • Stay Clean 
  • In the Rooms
  • WEconnect & Unity Recovery
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • SMART Recovery
  • Young People in Recovery
  • Louisville Recovery Community Connection
  • Voices of Hope
  • Unity Yoga/Unity Recovery

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.

Information regarding receiving your Federal Coronavirus Stimulus Check

LOUISVILLE, KY (April 14, 2020) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that the distribution of federal COVID-19 stimulus payments will begin over the next few weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals with an adjusted gross income below $75,000, or $2,400 to married couples filing taxes jointly who earn under $150,000. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

The payments decline above the $75,000/$150,000 threshold and end at $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for married couples.

Most people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.  For residents who have already filed their 2019 tax return, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their 2019 tax return, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment.

The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed. For residents who have not yet filed their 2018 or 2019 taxes, doing so now will help expedite the receipt of the economic stimulus payment. For residents who do not have an account with a bank or credit union, establishing an account with an insured financial institution will also expedite receipt of the economic stimulus payment.

For individuals who don’t have a bank or credit union account on file with the IRS, the time to do so is now to avoid having to potentially wait months for a paper check. It is not too late for those who have never given their account information to the IRS. Nor is it too late for those who are unbanked to open a bank or credit union account and get the stimulus payment directly deposited into their account.

• Step 1: Get your bank or credit union account number. If you don’t already have one, open a safe and affordable certified Bank On account online. Visit bankonlouisville.org for more information.
• Step 2: Sign up with your bank account number at this IRS’ webpage  https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments.

For more details and updates about the economic stimulus payments,  please visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments.

For Louisville residents in need of help filing taxes and/or opening a bank account, the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and Bank On Louisville are sharing guidance.

Please note:

The Coalition for the Homeless is alarmed to report that we’ve seen individuals and organizations saying they’ll give loans or charge fees to people who allegedly “have to file a tax return to get their COVID payment from the federal government.”

No one needs to pay a fee or take out a loan to get their COVID payment from the federal government.

Here are the facts:

·         Anyone who filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return or who gets SSDI will automatically get a check.

·         If you have changed addresses since your last tax return, you can file a simple form to make sure your check is mailed to the right place. Here is the official form to update your address. 

·         If you DID NOT FILE a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and/or have zero income, you can still get a check—but you must file a form with the IRS first. Click this link for information and the link to the official IRS form.

Please be sure to share this information with anyone who is concerned about getting their check from the federal government, and if you work with people experiencing homelessness, please share this information with your clients. Thank you.

For more information about the COVID-19 outbreak and Louisville’s response to homelessness, go to louhomeless.org/coronavirus.

Additional Financial Assistance Available Due to the Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis

Free tax filing resources available

The easiest way to ensure the Treasury Department has your most up-to-date direct deposit information is to file a tax return. Anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 should file as soon as possible. The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC), which administers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) offers these resources and guidance:

• Taxpayers can still file with an IRS certified VITA tax preparer by scheduling an appointment at labcservices.org. Taxpayers can simply pick a date a time that works best for them, complete a short intake form, then upload their documents. A VITA preparer will then review their return with them at their scheduled appointment time.
• LABC also offers free tax preparation software through the IRS Free File Program Delivered by Turbo Tax. Individuals with an annual income under $36,000 or active duty military members with income under $69,000 qualify for this free tax software program. Visit labcservices.org to learn more, and for a screenshot guide that walks you through the free software.
• United Way Worldwide and H &R Block have partnered together to develop the My Free Taxes software program, which is available to all individuals regardless of annual income. Some limitations for certain tax forms apply. Visit Myfreetaxes.com to learn more about this offering.
• E-filing is still the quickest way to receive a tax refund, and choosing direct deposit ensures taxpayers receive their refund and economic impact payments in a fast, secure manner.
• The IRS, in partnership with Free File Alliance, launched a new web tool that allows quick registration for economic impact payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return, including those with too little income to file. The feature is available only on www.IRS.gov and users should look for “Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here” to take them directly to the tool.
• Individuals may also update their direct deposit information by filing a modified Economic Impact Payment tax return. Appointments to complete these returns are available at labcservices.org.
• The IRS is developing a portal for individuals who wish to update their direct deposit information and a stimulus payment tracker called “Get Stimulus Tool.” Visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief page at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments for the most up to date information.

Both the IRS and the Kentucky Department of Revenue have extended the 2019 income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020. Other relief programs by both agencies may become available. Visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief webpage at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus and the Kentucky Department of Revenue homepage at https://revenue.ky.gov/ for the most up to date information.

Resources available for opening a safe, affordable bank account

Having a bank account on file with the IRS is the fastest, safest, and most affordable way to receive the federal economic impact funds.   Bank On Louisville – a collaborative partnership working to connect people to safe, affordable, and certified banking accounts – offers these resources and guidance:

• Encourages Louisville-area residents to open a Bank On certified account where holders can access mobile banking, direct deposit, bill pay, ATM’s and more through area banks and credit unions with which they are familiar.
• Check listing of Bank On Louisville financial institution partners at bankonlouisville.org. Bank and credit union partners of Bank On Louisville offer accounts that are safe, affordable and functional. Several partners also offer Bank On Certified accounts which meet a rigorous set of standards related to affordability, consumer safety and functionality.  Specifically, these certified accounts do not allow overdraft or non-sufficient funds fees, so holders will never be hit with a surprise fee. They also charge $5 or less per month and do not charge for mobile banking, deposits, withdrawals, or bill payments.
• The process to open an account varies by financial institution, but many offer the ability to open an account online. In general, accounts can be opened online, in-person, over the phone or via a mobile app. A full list of bank and credit union partners and those with certified accounts can be found at: www.bankonlouisville.org.
• Not having a banking account on file with the IRS means that your economic impact payment will take longer to receive because it will come via paper check in the mail.
• Having a banking account will also ensure that other forms of income or benefits are received timely and safely – unemployment insurance, paychecks, tax refunds, etc.

Tips to make the most of economic impact payments

LABC and Bank On Louisville offer further guidance to help residents make the most of the economic impact payments:

• Get banked. Establish an account with an insured local bank or credit union so that you can receive your economic impact payment easier and faster and so that you can manage your money remotely and safely.
• Get your bank account information to the IRS so that you can get your stimulus payment faster, more safely, and for free. Visit the IRS’ website page on Economic Impact (stimulus) payments and sign up with your account number.
• Avoid payday lenders, or other predatory lending services, that may charge unreasonably high fees for advances on these economic impact payments and that charge you check cashing fees just so you can access your economic stimulus payment.
• Bank On Louisville and LABC encourage residents take the following safe financial measures during COVID-19:
• Get in control of your bills – contact your financial institution, utility providers, creditors, etc. to discuss payment plans, assistance programs, etc.
• Apply for benefits – apply for unemployment if you’ve lost your job or any portion of your wages, file your taxes, and claim other government benefits.
• Protect your money - beware of products, services, or unsolicited phone calls related to COVID-19 and get in touch with a financial counselor if need be.
• For more resources, visit bankonlouisville.org, and https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/covid-19-response-community-agency-actions-taken-assist-our-most.

For more information, visit Louisville Asset Building Coalition at www.labcservices.org and Bank On Louisville at www.bankonlouisville.org

More about Louisville Asset Building Coalition

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that is a broad public/private collaborative dedicated to promoting financial stability and asset building for individuals and families. By providing direct services and linkages to other community resources, LABC strives to build an economic foundation that will allow members of our community to reach their highest potential.

The coalition is committed to bettering its members and the community by leveraging the success of its free tax preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign. LABC also provides a continuum of financial education resources and asset development initiatives for Metro Louisville and Jefferson County.  Visit https://labcservices.org/ for more information.

More about Bank On Louisville

Launched in 2010, Bank On Louisville is a collaborative partnership between local government, financial institutions and community organizations that work to improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked residents in our Louisville community. To date, Bank On Louisville has helped connect more than 43,000 residents to safe and affordable bank accounts and connected more than 25,500 residents to quality financial education.  In 2020, Bank On Louisville is proud to celebrate 10 years of connecting residents to Louisville’s safest accounts.  Visit www.bankonlouisville.org for more information.

JCPS' Continued Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak

Current information from Ms. Abby Piper (Executive Administrator, Government/Community Relations; Jefferson County Public Schools):

The city is not in its usual Oaks Day splendor, but the good news is that kids are logged on today taking advantage of the change in schedule to learn. This is one of the days shifted to instructional days in a recent change to the school calendar that ends the school year on May 27. You can view that new calendar here: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/sites/default/files/Parent%20Calendar.pdf.

You may also want to see the information below about our new hotline. I anticipate this will be very useful to many of you as you continue to receive constituent questions. Generally speaking, we encourage families and students to start with their teachers or staff at the school they attend for instructional help, but the hotline addresses many of the social issues we know families are going through (or may go through) as we finish out the school year and beyond.

As always, I appreciate your service and support of JCPS and the thousands of students who rely on all of us to get it right.

JCPS to Launch CARE Hotline
313-CARE to offer assistance and referrals for services, basic needs

April 30, 2020 – Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) will launch a hotline next week to help connect families with needed resources and services.

Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, families can call 313-CARE (2273) for assistance and referrals related to medical services, drug and alcohol addiction help, homelessness and basic needs such as food, housing and utilities, among other supports.

The CARE line will be operated by professionals from the Academic Support Programs Department and includes school counselors, mental health practitioners, Family Resource Youth Services coordinators, and coordinators from the departments of Early Childhood, Health Services and Community Supports.

“We know there is a tremendous amount of anxiety and uncertainly right now beyond how students are going to complete their school work,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio.  “Many of our families are concerned about jobs, how they’re going to pay rent, how they’re going to keep food on the table.  The JCPS CARE line connects families with professionals who will be able to walk callers through the resources that are available and help connect them to the services they need.”

CARE operators will be able to offer assistance, resources and referrals for:

●      Basic needs, including food, utilities, clothing, public transportation and housing

●      Medical services

●      Emotional/ behavioral/ mental health

●      Domestic violence

●      Drug and alcohol addiction support

●      Unemployment

●      Homelessness

The line will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until May 29.  The district will evaluate the response and determine if there’s a need for it to continue over the summer and into next year.  Families can continue to call 313-HELP for general JCPS-related questions.

TARC to Implement Additional COVID-19 Measures: Passengers Must Wear Face Coverings and Exit Bus through Rear Door

Beginning Sunday, April 26, in a continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, TARC is implementing two new measures:

• All passengers are required to exit the rear doors
• All passengers are required to wear a face covering

The CDC has recommended that passengers wear face coverings to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These coverings should be secured over the nose and mouth, fit appropriately, and be otherwise compliant with CDC directives. Cloth or medical masks are acceptable and homemade face coverings using household items are absolutely acceptable. The CDC has also recommended limiting interaction on buses to the extent practical. By requiring passengers to exit the bus through the rear doors, interactions between drivers and passengers will be cut in half.

The only exceptions to these two new rules will be that those with mobility issues may choose the exit best suited to them, and children under 2 and those passengers with breathing difficulties will be exempt from wearing a face coverings.

“These additional requirements improve the level of safety for our riders and drivers, and support the best practices for COVID-19 prevention for our entire community,” said Laura Douglas, TARC Co-Executive Director.

“TARC cares about our drivers and passengers. These measures reflect TARC’s ongoing commitment to their safety amidst this crisis. Please, cover up and step back,” said Margaret Handmaker, TARC Co-Executive Director.

TARC drivers are “critical infrastructure workers” under federal law. While we recognize that TARC’s safety changes may place additional burdens on our riders, we are asking for the community’s help in protecting our drivers. Even though PPEs and masks are in short supply, or it may take an extra moment to make a face covering at home, it is still vitally important that TARC’s workers are protected, and that those they come into contact with are protected.

The CDC’s circular on the making and wearing of cloth face coverings, including how anyone can make one from simple household items, can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

TARC would also like to issue a reminder that ridership on ALL TARC BUSES remains limited to “essential services only.” For those traveling for essential needs but who are not essential workers, if able, please avoid traveling on TARC during the peak travel times of 6am to 9am, and 2pm to 6pm.

Link to examples of essential trips

Link to additional details and a full list of steps TARC has taken to date in Response to COVID-19

In a continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, TARC is working in close partnership with local, state, and national offices.

All fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles are cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Special Hours at some Louisville Businesses 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)​​
• 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)

Want to make a Homemade Cloth Mask to help Protect Against the Spread of COVID-19?  Check out this Link! 

***Governor Beshear is Requesting that all Kentuckians wear a Mask in Public by May 11.***

Reminder-2020 Census: Help spread the word; be counted!

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. In two weeks invitations will arrive at households and residents will be able to respond to the 2020 Census! Learn more.

https://louisvilleky.gov/census

The Census is fast approaching – 

Timeline

• March 12-20 – An invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census.
• March 16-24 – A reminder letter.
• March 26-April 3 – A reminder postcard. (if you haven’t responded yet)
• April 8-16 – A reminder letter and a paper questionnaire.
• April 20-27 – A final reminder postcard before the Census follows up in person.

Where are people counted?

• Count people at their usual residence, which is the place where they live and sleep most of the time.
• People in certain types of group facilities on Census Day are counted at the group facility.

People who do not have a usual residence, or who cannot determine a usual residence, are counted where they are on Census Day.

Census Job Opportunities 

As a reminder, another challenge we are facing is fulfilling jobs at the Census National Processing Center and Field Operations.  Attached are our flyers that explain the job opportunities. Please keep sharing this information through your social media, websites, newsletters etc. More information is below: 

1. To apply at NPC go to USAJobs.gov   Search keyword: PNC Location: Jeffersonville
2. Field Operations apply at Census.gov/jobs Hiring process may take 30-60days. 

If you wish to see other information in a different language click on the link below. 

https://www.census.gov/library/fact-sheets.html

Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community?  Contact 311!

Metro311 Service Request Information

• Submit a Service Request in the new system.
• Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the new system.  If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
• Anything submitted in the old reporting system (prior to June 19, 2019) will not show in the new system.  It is still being processed however. Please call Metro311 for status.
• To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue with Metro 311 by following this link.
• Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
• The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
• If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311. 

Help your Community and Report Potholes

One of the things we missed this Spring was the annual Pothole Blitz.  But Louisville Metro fills potholes in streets and alleys every day and we need your help to report them.

There are three ways to report potholes:

1. Click here to use an easy online form.
2. Use Twitter by including the hashtag #502pothole and the location of the hole in any tweet.
3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues. You may also email Metro311

Report Street Light Outages to LG&E

If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.

Is your neighborhood street facing speeding problems?  Do you and your neighbors desire to have speed humps installed?  Councilwoman Shanklin and the District 2 office want to help!

Vehicles speeding through neighborhood streets is an all too common problem facing many residents of the Louisville Metro area, resulting in dangerous conditions that affect adults and children alike.  District 2 is not immune to this issue, and your Council office would like to help.  Already this year three streets in the Newburg area (Ilex, Shasta, and Kilmer) have been outfitted with brand new speed humps, entirely paid for by Councilwoman Shanklin and her District 2 office. 

Still, the Councilwoman is not finished attempting to mitigate the speeding issues often negatively affecting D-2 neighborhoods.  If you and your neighbors have noticed a high number of speeders on your street and would like to be considered for speed hump installation, please contact the District 2 Council office at (502) 574-1102 or via email at either Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov or Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov.  Assuming that your street is eligible (must be Metro owned/must be long enough to support speed humps/etc.), after speaking with a representative from our office you will be asked to collect signatures (with individual addresses) from all of your neighbors that live on the street that is requesting the installation of speed humps.  At least 70% of all of the residents currently living on the street requesting speed humps must provide their signature/address in support in order for the street to be considered by Public Works.  Upon completion of this signature page, the original document must be given to Councilwoman Shanklin or Legislative Assistant Caleb Howard personally, or sent to our office at City Hall (601 W. Jefferson St., First Floor, 40202; ATTN: Caleb Howard).  As soon as the signature document is received, LA Howard will deliver it to Public Works, and that department will survey the street to determine whether or not speed humps will be appropriate to install--assuming Public Works signs off on the request, Councilwoman Shanklin will make the final determination with regards to moving forward with the installation or not.

In addition to the speed humps already constructed, Brenda Drive, Cedrus Circle, and Oakdale Lane have recently submitted their signature paperwork and are currently being considered by Public Works.

LMPD reminder:  Please secure your property!

A reminder to lock your vehicle, and never leave valuables in plain sight. This includes any and all keys, key fobs and firearms. 

Police report that some drivers are making it easy for thieves by leaving their vehicle running. Please secure your property. 

LMPD suggests making a 9 p.m. routine, as seen below.

• Remove valuables from your vehicle.
• Lock your car.
• Secure your weapons.
• Close your garage.
• Lock your doors and windows. 

Remember to report any suspicious behavior to LMPD’s non-emergency line at 574-7111. To speak to a call taker, press 5.

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Eligibility criteria:

•    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
•    Not available on rental property.
•    Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
•    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
•    Louisville-Jefferson County only.

Types of repairs:

• Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
• A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
• Electrical repairs/upgrades.
• Water line repairs/replacement.
• Sewer line repairs/replacement.
• Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).   
• Gas line leaks.

For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-Rudy@louisvilleky.gov.

Apply for a 30% Senior Discount on Sewer Services

If you'd like to apply for a 30% Senior Citizen Discount of the amount billed for sanitary sewer service and the EPA Consent Decree Surcharge, please print, complete and return the form.  You must be able to provide documentation verifying:

• you are the legal title/leaseholder/renter of the property
• you are 65 years of age or older
• your household gross income is $35,000 or less per year.

Click HERE for the form.

Food Pantry open in District 2

Open every 2^nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm

---------------------------------------------

• Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
• First Come, First Served Basis
• Picture ID & proof of residency required!

Sponsored By: 

Peace Presbyterian Church

4210 East Indian Trail

Louisville, KY  40213

Lawn Care for Cleaner Air

Most of us are stuck at home and many things have changed, but your grass is still growing. Why not take advantage of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program and save up to $100 on a new, air-friendly, electric-powered mower? You can get rebates on electric string trimmers, electric blowers, and reel mowers too. (Make sure to practice social distancing when making your purchase, of course!) Now is a great time to recycle that old, polluting equipment and save some cash on new gear that will make breathing a little easier for you and your community. You can also get larger rebates on more powerful equipment with our Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Professional program. Please see our website, https://louisvilleky.gov/government/lawn-care-cleaner-air, or call (502) 574-6000 if you have any questions.

Upcoming Events at Newburg Library!

SummerWorks Registration is Now Open!

SummerWorks is a free program that matches young people in Louisville to quality summer job opportunities! SummerWorks jobs include many different industries, including hospitality, advanced manufacturing, business, and many more.

To be eligible, youth must be 16-21 years of age as of June 1, 2020 and a resident of Louisville.

To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit https://www.summerworks.org/sign-up.

New interactive map makes legal Short Term Rentals easy to find

Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.

Now, there is a new tool available to help. This interactive map contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.

In the map sample at upper left, light blue represents properties with active registrations. Green indicates properties with active registrations and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is required to rent the property if it is not the owner's primary residence.

If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office. 

Report a Litterer!

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles, or any type of litter out of their car window. 

Click Here to Report!

LouieConnect

Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more.  Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.

***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***

• Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
• Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
• Brightside: (502) 574-2613
• Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
• Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
• IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
• Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
• LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
• LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
• LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
• LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
• LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
• Louisville Forward/Economic Development: (502) 574-4140
• Master Commissioner Jefferson Circuit Court (Foreclosure Sales): (502) 753-       4888
• Mayor Greg Fischer: (502) 574-2003
• Metro311: 311 or (502) 574-5000
• Metro Parks: (502) 456-8100
• Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD): (502) 540-6000
• Metro Safe: (502) 572-3460 or (502) 574-7111
• PARC: (502) 569-6222
• Planning & Design Services: (502) 574-6230
• Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): (502) 574-4016
• Public Works: (502) 574-5810
• Solid Waste Management (SWMS): (502) 574-3571
• TARC: (502) 585-1234
• Vacant & Public Property Administration: (502) 574-4016
• Your State Representative or State Senator: http://www.lrc.ky.gov