District Six Dispatch

Mayor Fischer thanks city’s frontline workers for their commitment, warns of deep cuts without federal help

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 13, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today called on all Louisvillians to thank frontline city workers for their commitment to keeping the city safe and functioning amid the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.

“These are the people who do the most necessary city government services – protecting public safety: Police, firefighters, EMS, public transportation, public health nurses, sanitation professionals,” the Mayor said. “Those jobs are important all the time, but they’ve never been more important – or more appreciated – than during this COVID-19 outbreak.”

But without more direct aid from the federal government, Mayor Fischer said the city could be forced to cut services and lay off scores of hardworking city employees. He asked Louisville residents to show their appreciation by contacting members of Congress and the White House to demand more help for America’s cities.

This week, the $3 trillion Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to boost funding to state and local governments and send more direct aid to Americans.

“Making drastic cuts would be a terrible idea under any circumstances but making them in the middle of a public health and an economic crisis is unimaginable,” the Mayor said. “That’s why I’ve joined a bipartisan group of mayors and governors across the nation that has been making the case for weeks – calling for Congress and the president to provide state and local governments across America with the funding and flexibility we need to maintain the critical services our residents and businesses need and deserve."

Mayor Fischer said that 47 percent of the city’s operating budget comes from payroll taxes, which have been dramatically reduced by record levels of unemployment due to the economic shutdown caused by the virus. In less than three months, Louisville’s city budget picture went from anticipating a $19 million surplus in the current fiscal year to a roughly $27 million deficit.

“And the picture gets worse next year,” the Mayor added. “When you add in the anticipated costs of expanding COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, which are essential to safely reopening and rebuilding our economy, Metro Government will experience estimated losses of $250 million in the next 26 months.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on city budgets across the country.

“Without help, our city and many others will be forced to make horrific cuts to all of our departments and services – and for us, that would have to include public safety because it comprises about 60 percent of our budget,” Mayor Fischer said. “And remember: we’ve spent nine years streamlining Metro Government, building an operation that’s been praised by multiple third parties as a model for being an effective, efficient and accountable city government.”

The Mayor was joined at his media briefing today by leaders of the many unions that represent Louisville Metro Government employees.

“The HEROES Act includes direct funding for fire departments, flexibility for current grant money that has already been allocated for fire departments, and direct funding for state and local governments,” said Brian C. O’Neill, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 345. “In the midst of this crisis, Louisville Fire responses have only been increasing – more fires, more emergencies – and we need a budget that will protect the Fire Department so that we can continue to protect the community.”

Cliff Kerce, executive director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 36, said cities across the country “are hemorrhaging” workers as cities cut their budgets during the downturn. “This is a five-alarm fire,” Kerce said. “We have to have Congress act quickly and efficiently.”

John Stovall, president of Teamsters Local 783, said members of his union are the people who pick up your garbage, maintain government facilities, maintain local roads, and take you to the hospital when you’re sick or injured. “It’s a lot of the stuff people take for granted,” Stovall said. “We can’t afford anymore cuts. It’s time for our federal government to step up and help.”

Daniel Johnson, president of Corrections FOP Lodge 77, said the outbreak has placed a major strain on his members. “We love our jobs and want to continue to provide an excellent job,” Johnson said. “Our resources are at risk. Local governments are in dire need of assistance.”

Ryan Nichols, president of Fraternal Order of Police Chapter 614, said federal aid is vital to avoiding further reductions at LMPD. “We are working at manpower levels where we cannot endure anymore cuts,” Nichols said.

Mayor Fischer called the introduction of the HEROES Act “a great first step.”

“We understand that this isn’t easy and there are different points of view on the best path forward,” the Mayor said. “But as a nation, we have to find a way to keep our local governments running and providing essential services so we can reduce the pain of both the health consequences and the economic consequences of this pandemic.”

To see a replay of today’s briefing, go to www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer

Daily COVID-19 data

As of Wednesday, there have been 11 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisville, bringing the total to 1,788 with 1,089 recoveries. There has been one additional death since Tuesday. The confirmed Louisville total is 124.

(Note: Today’s confirmed case count is lower than Tuesday’s due to an error in reporting.)

Gender/age details:

• Female/83

Currently, 56 members of LMPD, Louisville Fire, Metro EMS, Metro Corrections and the Sheriff’s Office are off-duty due to COVID-19:

• 21 are off with positive tests and in self-isolation.
• 26 are off and quarantined due to exposure to someone with a positive test.
• 9 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:

• 45 positive tests.
• 25 have fully recovered and returned to duty.

Metro Corrections inmate data for May 13:

• 438 inmates have been tested.
• 2 positives.
• 24 tests are pending.

Personal protective equipment donation

Mayor Fischer today thanked the Kentucky Science Center for donating some much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to help the city’s frontline healthcare warriors.

The Kentucky Science Center donated 5,000 vinyl and nitrile gloves, along with goggles and face masks, to Norton Healthcare.

“A lot of folks in our community have embraced our city value of compassion these last few weeks, especially toward our health care warriors, who are really leading the way by putting themselves in harm’s way every day for our benefit,” the Mayor said. “I want to thank the folks at the Kentucky Science Center for their compassion.”

If you or your organization have the capacity to donate or produce PPE like masks, gloves, and face shields, contact Louisville Metro Government at covid19resources@louisvilleky.gov.

Thursday tele town hall

Mayor Fischer will host a Facebook Live tele town hall on Thursday morning that focuses on public safety.

To participate, go to www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer at 10 a.m.

Landbank Launches New RFP Properties for May with Virtual Tours!

The Landbank Authority launches a new RFP for May 2020! Click here for available buildings and guidelines on how to submit a proposal. Proposals are due by May 22nd ,2020 by 5 p.m. EST. 

LIBA's Virtual Buy Local Fair

Do you love your locals and the Buy Local Fair? LIBA is offering a Virtual Buy Local Fair this Sunday! RSVP to the event to be entered to win $ to spend at the Fair – daily drawings! #VirtualBuyLocalFair https://www.facebook.com/events/917490055364452/?active_tab=discussion

You can find (and support!) ALL your local favorites in one place for a 24 hour special event. Starting Sunday at 12n, we’ll have fun prizes to give away, special showcases and more. RSVP now on Facebook for updates! #VirtualBuyLocalFair https://www.facebook.com/events/917490055364452/?active_tab=discussion

OTHER RESOURCES

There's always lots of options for promotion - see below for other things you can use:

* Attached is the VBLF logo

* Attached is a graphic with date info, etc.

* Short article for emails or other uses - 

Virtual Buy Local Fair, Starting Sunday, 5/17 for 24 Hours

Support ALL Your Favorite Locals Right Here!

Prizes * Showcases * Gift Cards For Sale

RSVP on Facebook to be entered to win money to spend on event day!

Gift cards galore available from local, independent businesses – including ours! For every $25 spent, you'll be entered to win fun prizes from our locals – from a Banana Split Kit (The Comfy Cow) to private Pilates lessons via Zoom (Wild & Woolly Pilates) to flower deliveries (Belmar Flower Shop) and many more!

Usually on May 17, LIBA would be hosting thousands of people at the Buy Local Fair. This year we've got a special virtual edition! Help your favorite locals get through the crisis and look forward to spending these gift cards when they reopen. Leading up to the event, we’ll have showcases via Facebook Live and daily drawings for money to spend at the Fair from our event RSVPs. Visit the shop at www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/VirtualBLF. #VirtualBuyLocalFair

Jeremiah Project FREE Construction Classes

Just in Case You Missed it: The Works Week

Keeping motorists safe!

Metro Public Works’ East District Road Operations crews repaired a large roadway depression caused by base failure, which had damaged the apron, roll curb, and street on Greenlawn Road, near Westport Rd. & Herr Lane in Eastern Jefferson County.  They dug up the problem area, removed debris, formed and poured new roll curb, fixed depression, laid and rolled asphalt to grade. Teamwork and quality equipment allowed for the project to be completed in just two days; way ahead of schedule!  To the passerby, it may just seem as road crews going about their day, just doing their job. We want our citizens to know that the well-trained men and women of Metro Public Works are committed to ensuring the safety of our motorists by providing quality roadway maintenance. The crews consisted of Crew Leader Thomas Gordon, Crew Leader Brian Abernethy, Senior Equipment Operator Scott Henry, Equipment Operator Rob Goodman, Equipment Operator Terrick White, Equipment Operator Joe Furman and Equipment Operator Tyler Adamzyck.

Recycle right! Use our Recycle Coach app to learn how

Recycling Coordinator, Frank Porter, talked with MetroTV about contamination problems at the self-service recycling drop-off locations. Watch the video here. These locations are a great resource for Louisville residents, but are often misused. The recycling dumpsters are for household recycling only - paper, cardboard, cartons, and plastic, metal, and glass containers. Any residents that are unsure what is recyclable or how to best dispose of any items, should refer to Louisville's free Recycle Coach app available at the App Store or on Google Play

Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Truckload Sale!

The Metro Solid Waste office is pleased to announce a one-day only compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale on Saturday, June 13! The online store offers several types of compost bins, kits, accessories, and rain barrels. Shop online and pick up your items at 1030 Phillips Lane, across from the Kentucky Exposition Center on Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Staff will wear personal protective equipment and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens. Staff may be able to safely place your order inside your vehicle or, if not, they can leave it for you to put in.) Backyard composting is good for our air quality and conserves valuable landfill space. The finished product adds nutrients to your garden and flower bed soil and it’s a great excuse to get outside! Water collected in rain barrels for later use on a lawn or garden provides benefits to the sewer system, but also lowers water costs and provides plants with water that has yet to be filtered for vital nutrients.  Purchases can be made here starting May 14

Paving Week - May 18, 2020Click to edit this heading.

Below is the list of Louisville Metro Public Works paving projects scheduled for the week of May 18, 2020. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and operational factors. Whipps Mill Road from Shelbyville Road to Gallant Fox Run Road Old Federal Road from Blankenbaker Road to dead end Endeavor Way from Bost Lane to dead end Market Street from S. 25th Street to Southwestern Parkway

Large item pick-up in Area H for the week of May 18

Click the map for a detailed view of Area H, where  Large Items waste collection is scheduled for the week of May 18. Residents may begin setting out items Friday afternoon, May 15. Reminder: Construction and demolition materials are NOT accepted, and tree trimmings must be bundled properly. Check Collection Guidelines To receive automatic reminders of Large Items set out dates, download our  Recycle Coach waste information and calendar app at the App Store or on Google Play

News Around the City and Beyond: Stay Informed

NorthWest Neighborhood Place temporarily relocates to the Nia Center

All Neighborhood Place sites remain closed to the public; clients being served remotely

Louisville, Ky (May 12, 2020) – Effective Wednesday, May 13, NorthWest Neighborhood Place will temporarily relocate from 4018 W. Market St. to the Nia Center at 2900 W. Broadway, 3^rd Floor, Louisville, KY  40211.

 The relocation is due to the renovations taking place at the Academy of Shawnee where NorthWest Neighborhood Place is housed.  Renovation work ramped up in early April and is anticipated to be completed by August 2021, with Neighborhood Place likely returning before that date once that section of the building is opened...

For the rest of the story click here.

City announces first wave of Louisville Metro Council COVID-19 grants

LOUISVILLE, KY (May 11, 2020) – The Louisville Metro Council COVID-19 Relief Fund has identified seven nonprofit organizations for the first round of funding to help further their work providing critical support to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metro Council voted to establish the $2.7 million emergency assistance package in mid-March with the goal of supplementing relief organizations that are experiencing an incremental surge in demand for services from persons impacted by the pandemic.

The funds are targeted to provide food and housing support via existing programs administered by Louisville Metro Government FY20 External Agency Fund (non-profit) recipients or Metro administered programs.

Applications began being accepted on April 24 and are reviewed on a weekly basis by a panel composed of representatives from the public and private sector.

The seven recipients for the first round include... To read more

Pets of the Week

Dog of the Week: Hank is a handsome heartbreaker who is looking for a permanent pad to crash, and he doesn't mind having furry roommates! The approximately 1-year-old Beagle/American Pit Bull Terrier mix is friendly with people, other dogs & cats. He also did well with younger and older children. Hank is a happy, sweet dog and even sweeter - his adoption fee is waived! Hank weighs about 50lbs. He's already neutered, vaccinated & microchipped. Meet Hank at Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, open daily from 12-6pm. Send questions about Hank to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

As we work to find homes for our adoptable pets, we're also working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors are asked to follow social distancing guidelines which can be found at louisvilleky.gov/covid19.To view additional steps taken by LMAS to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit louisvilleky.gov/animalservices.

Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Major Andy McClinton Andrew McClinton began his career in law enforcement on January 22, 2001 with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD). As a patrol officer, he served in the former Sixth District (LPD) and First Division. As a detective, he served in the First Division Flex Platoon and in the Criminal Intelligence Unit. He was also a member of the Dignitary Protection Team for three (3) years. After being promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he served in the First Division, Robbery Unit, Professional Standards Unit and the Public Integrity Unit. In 2016, he was promoted to Lieutenant and worked in the Third Division and Administrative Services.  In 2017, McClinton was promoted to Major and commanded the Administrative Services Division. Major McClinton holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from Hanover College. He is a graduate of the Academy of Police Supervision at Eastern Kentucky University and the 136th Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville. Major McClinton is married with two (2) children.

Second Division

Major Ryan Bates Bates began his law enforcement career in August 1997 with the Louisville Division of Police. He served in the former Second, Fourth, and Sixth Districts. He was also a member of the Street Crimes Unit and the Gang Squad. After merger, Bates served as a patrol officer in the First Division. He was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. He served as a sergeant in the Second Division where he supervised the mid-watch platoon, FLEX Unit, and Detectives Unit. In 2012, Bates was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Fourth Division. He also served in the Second Division, where he supervised the mid-watch platoon and Division Resource Officers (DROs).   After being promoted to the rank of major, Bates commanded the Fourth Division. Major Bates served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 14 years. He served on the SWAT Team as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was appointed as the Assistant Commander in 2012 and Commander in 2015. Bates has also served on two (2) task forces which were created to address violent crime in the community. Major Bates is a graduate of Xavier University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officers Course.

Fourth Division

Major Tim Burkett Major Tim Burkett began his career with the former Louisville Division of Police (LPD) in 1999 . He was a patrol officer and division detective in the former Fourth District. Additionally, he was a Sex Crimes detective and served on the Dignitary Protection Team (DPT). In 2007, Burkett was promoted to sergeant where he was a patrol sergeant and a division detective sergeant in the Eighth Division. In 2010, Burkett was promoted to lieutenant and commanded the Property Room. He also served as a Special Events lieutenant in the Special Operations Division. While in the Special Events Unit, he was responsible for planning and operating medium to large scale special events. He has been part of the command group for the PGA Championship, the Ironman Triathlon, Thunder over Louisville, the National Rifle Association (NRA) National Convention and many other events. He has been the lead on numerous events including marathons, parades, Muhammad Ali's Memorial Service and the world renowned Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. After being promoted to major, Burkett commanded the Special Operations Division Major Burkett holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a cognate in Public Administration. He was a Dean's Scholar graduate of the University of Louisville's Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course. He is a certified instructor with the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training

Job Announcement

Charter hiring nearly 500 employees in KY through virtual recruiting

Charter-Spectrum is now actively hiring for nearly 500 positions in Kentucky, including 300 in the Louisville area and 175 in Northern Kentucky.

Charter has been using virtual hiring practices for several years, including web-screening applications and video interviews, in addition to traditional face-to-face interviewing. Through February, the company was hiring 25 percent of new workers virtually. Once the current crisis began in mid-March, Charter ramped up its virtual hiring capacity and since then nearly 100 percent of new employees have been hired remotely. The shift has enabled Charter to continue to grow and invest in its workforce while adopting the CDC-recommended social distancing guidelines.
 
Charter has also taken significant steps to attract and retain high-quality employees. On April 20, Charter committed to no layoffs or furloughs for at least the next 60 days. Charter also announced plans to permanently raise its minimum wage to $20 an hour over the next two years for all hourly employees. An initial retroactive $1.50 increase will be implemented immediately for hourly frontline employees in the field and customer operation groups. Additionally, these same field and customer operations hourly workers will receive another permanent $1.50 per hour raise on top of their March 2021 merit increase. More information about Charter’s career opportunities can be found at Jobs.Spectrum.com. 
 
Charter’s virtual hiring process begins on the company’s website, where job applicants fill out an online assessment and answer a series of questions. Applicants who move forward in the process may then be asked to participate in a phone interview, and/or schedule a video interview, which can be done live or recorded by the job candidate and submitted at their convenience. All pre-employment screening, including reference and background checks, is completed remotely. Once the new employee electronically signs their acceptance letter, they can submit a headshot photo and their employee badge is mailed to them. 
 
When new employees arrive for their first day of work, it’s often the first time they meet face-to-face with other Charter employees and their supervisors. During the current crisis, Charter has taken steps in its workplaces to maximize social distancing, including smaller class sizes for training courses and additional distance between work stations. Some new employees, depending on their role, may go to the office only to pick up their equipment with which to work remotely for the time being.

Engineering Co-op: Civil/Environmental (Summer term)

Under the direction of a Professional Engineer, provides technical support in the field of civil/environmental engineering to ensure that regulatory and community service-level obligations are met.  Responsible for independent management of engineering related tasks as assigned by supervisor, including data collection, analysis and formulation of recommendations. 

For a more detailed position description, pay information, and to apply please visit our website: http://www.louisvillemsd.org/Careers

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/ M / F / DISABILITY / VET

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission '

Please find below a list of boards and commissions for an opportunity to serve:

BOARD VACANCIES

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews & Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board

REMINDERS

Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number, and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.

Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/  and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.

Visit at https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole.

If you would like to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter (though we don't know why you ever would) please email shalanna.taylor@louisvilleky.gov with the subject "REMOVE". We won't be hurt (much).

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