Councilwoman
Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney
Visit the District 7 Website
Phone Numbers of Interest
Air Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609 or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline: 574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 574-7275
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460 or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447
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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
I once heard someone say, "the only person who likes CHANGE is a baby with a wet diaper.” The authorship is unknown, although American author Mark Twain (1835-1910) is often credited with the saying. The phrase was cited in 1967 as, "the only person who doesn’t resist change is a baby with a wet diaper.”
Given our current political climate, civil unrest around the world, the number of businesses that have been looted and destroyed during weeks of protests, and a pandemic, I think CHANGE is inevitable.
I invite you to join me in understanding that nothing changes until we CHANGE our behavior. And as Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend once said, "We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change."
I won't say much else. I will let the pictures below (some I took myself) speak for themselves. Do you think it's time for CHANGE?
Most protestors were very orderly and peaceful. At times, generally after curfew, they were met with tear gas and/or pepper balls and told to disassemble.
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Protestors were basically walking along the sidewalk peacefully - far from curfew time, yet they were met with the tear gas seen in this photo.
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A
CVS
STORE
SUFFERED A LOSS.
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Bad News: Davis Jewelers on Shelbyville Road - the windows were broken and the business was looted. Good News: 7 people were arrested. |
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The pandemic had already sucked the life out of travel, conventions and corporate meetings, thus negatively impacting the hotel industry - then, this happened to the Omni:
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4th Street Live! was Hit.
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Backside of the Omni - Falls Center Market Boarded Up So Not to Attract Further Damage
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L & N Federal Credit Union - 2nd and Chestnut
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I watched people board up this Kroger at 28th and Broadway. Later that evening, I heard that lawless vandals had removed the boards and entered the store. Quite a bit of store merchandise was taken, and the pharmacy was practically wiped out. Mercy!
These peaceful protestors were at the corner of 26th and Broadway where police shot and killed a well-known business owner. The victim did shoot a gun into the air, and when he did, police began returning firing randomly.
These little cuties did their part in spreading positive messages. They are our future and deserve a safe, inclusive and more sensitive America.
Protestors Face-to- Face with the National Guard
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The Exercise of the 1st Amendment
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The National Guard Stood Ready to Protect and Serve(?).
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The Signs in This Picture Send the Nationwide Message for Most Protests: No Justice, No Peace. |
A Rallying Cry for CHANGE
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A Very Diverse Group of Individuals Peacefully Protest for Change.
Speaking of change, in a unanimous vote, the Public Safety Committee of the Louisville Metro Council has approved “Breonna’s Law” to regulate and provide specific guidelines for the use of no-knock warrants by Louisville Metro Police officers.
The Ordinance was proposed following the shooting death of Breonna Taylor on March 13th during a drug raid at her apartment. She was killed during the raid where a no-knock warrant was used.
“This is a moment when the community has clearly told its elected representatives that something must be done. This Ordinance is the first step in a long process of future reforms that will guarantee the safety of the people we represent while respecting the rule of law,” said Councilwoman Jessica Green (D-1) who chairs the committee and is also a primary sponsor of the Ordinance. “I am proud to honor the life of Breonna Taylor. May these changes prevent any future tragedies where the law is unclear when it comes to public safety and the rights of our citizens.”
The Ordinance spells out how no-knock warrants are to be used specifically and how they will be obtained by LMPD.
No-knock warrants may be obtained only in cases involving imminent threat of harm or death to law enforcement and/or to civilians, which shall be limited to the following offenses: murder, hostage taking, kidnapping, terrorism, human trafficking and sexual trafficking.
It states the no-knock warrant must be specific in why it is needed instead of a conventional search warrant. The Chief of Police or his or her designee will approve use of the no-knock warrant. The designee must have the rank of a Major or higher. The no-knock warrant must be executed by a SWAT team.
The new law requires the Metro Council’s Public Safety Committee be informed quarterly on how no-knock warrants are requested by LMPD, how many are issued by the courts, how many are executed by LMPD officers, and finally the number of injuries and fatalities suffered, if any, by police officers and by civilians in the execution of no-knock search warrants, and the locations of where the no-knock warrants are executed. The committee will ascertain that the spirit of the law is being followed.
There is also a provision that all officers serving a no-knock warrant will wear body cameras to be turned on five minutes prior to the execution of the warrant. The body camera will not be deactivated until five minutes after the warrant has been served. The body camera video will be maintained on record for five years.
Joining Sexton Smith and Green as sponsors of Breonna’s Law are Council members Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Keisha Dorsey (D-3), Donna Purvis (D-5), David James (D-6), Paula McCraney (D-7), Brandon Coan (D-8), Bill Hollander (D-9), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Mark Fox (D-13), Cindi Fowler (D-14), Kevin Triplett (D-15), Markus Winkler (D-17)), Nicole George (D-21), Madonna Flood (D-24), and David Yates (D-25).
The Ordinance now moves forward for final approval at the June 11th meeting of the Metro Council. Councilwoman Green called a special meeting of the Public Safety Committee on Monday, June 8th to consider any further discussion related to the Ordinance.
NOTE: After serious debate and further research, I have my heart set on banning no-knock warrants completely. I have spoken with several of my colleagues to convince them that this is the way to go. On Thursday, it is my intent to call for a complete ban. I anticipate my colleagues will join me. Stay tuned!
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced the city is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of the Louisville Metro Police Department. “Louisville Metro Government as a whole is focused on continuous improvement,” the Mayor said. “As we begin a search for a new police chief, this seems like a very good time to review the policies, procedures and structure of our police department to ensure that it aligns with the goals and values of our entire community.”
The Mayor said his office is reaching out to Metro Council to determine how best to involve them in the RFP process. The review is meant “to ensure we are utilizing best practices and sound policies and procedures in all aspects of our work,” said acting LMPD Chief Robert Schroeder. The review will focus on a number of areas, including training in use of force and bias-free policing, as well as accountability, supervision, community engagement, and other topics, the Chief said, adding that it will also identify any obstacles in implementing changes to improve those areas. The RFP requires the successful listening sessions to ensure “substantial interactions” with community members, interest groups, prosecutors and defense attorneys and police personnel. “It’s key that residents are involved in this review,” the Mayor said.
Also today, the Mayor announced that a search for a new permanent police chief has begun. The city will be contracting with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization with critical experience with the role, responsibilities and experience required of successful law enforcement chief executives, to conduct the search. Since its founding in 1976, PERF has identified best practices on fundamental issues such as reducing police use of force; developing community policing and problem-oriented policing; using technologies to deliver police services to the community; and evaluating crime reduction strategies.
Mayor Fischer stressed that he wants residents and LMPD input on the selection of a new chief, and the city will be setting up a survey form to facilitate that process.
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On Sunday, 70 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed. On Monday, 120 new cases were reported.
“Both Sunday’s and Monday’s numbers are down, but we will have to be watching as this continues,” the Governor said. “Keep getting tested. Every week since the week of May 11, we’ve had over 40,000 tests conducted in the commonwealth.”
The total number of reported deaths attributed to coronavirus stands at 472 Kentuckians.
At least 3,359 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus. For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity: for Sunday’s information, click here; for Monday’s information, click here.
More information Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s news conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish) and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (more than 20 additional languages).
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Request your ballot before June 15th at www.GoVoteKY.com or by contacting the Jefferson County Clerk at 574.6100. You will receive a ballot in the mail. That ballot must be returned and postmarked in the mail by June 23, 2020.
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IN PERSON JUNE 8 - JUNE 22 - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AT THE ELECTION CENTER (If you are unable to vote by mail)
Registered voters can make an appointment to vote in person at 701 West Ormsby Ave., STE 301, Louisville, KY 40203 prior to June 23rd (Election Day) by calling the Jefferson County Clerk at 574.6100.
IN PERSON JUNE 15 – JUNE 22 AT THE KENTUCKY FAIR & EXPOSITION CENTER - NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY (If you are unable to vote by mail or on June 23) Registered voters can vote in person at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209. Voting hours the week of June 15th – 22nd are from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Parking will be free and the facility is accessible for those with disabilities.
IN PERSON ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Registered voters can vote in person at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209. Parking will be free and the facility is accessible for those with disabilities. Persons can drop off their mail-in ballot at a special drop off located at the KFEC.
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5G is the latest generation of wireless networking technology, and it is being deployed by private network providers in Louisville beginning in 2020. Generally, 5G service is provided through a physical infrastructure consisting of a series of small wireless facilities or “small cells” that are cabinets mounted on poles and are connected to fiber optic cable located either underground or on overhead utility lines that are installed primarily in the public Right of Way. In certain cases, some elements may be installed on private property within utility easements. In Louisville the primary network providers are Verizon Wireless and AT&T, both of whom hold valid telecommunication franchises with Louisville Metro Government as required by local ordinance Chapter 116. It should be noted that 5G small cells are not the large steel-framed macro towers located off the Right of Way, typically on private or leased property.
How is the installation of the 5G network regulated?
The installation of system elements is regulated by several entities
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The providers must obtain permits from the FCC ensuring compliance with all applicable federal requirements, including health and technical requirements. FCC regulations also allow review by local governments within certain time and design parameters. FCC regulations provide some flexibility between the applicants and the local government within these parameters. FCC regulations limit Metro’s ability to control siting but does provide limited review authority pursuant to local ordinances. There are no automatic approvals if the deadlines are missed.
Louisville Metro Government: For its component of the review allowed by the FCC, Louisville Metro Government regulates the installation of the telecommunications systems in accordance with Louisville Metro Ordinance Chapter 116 and through the permitting process administered by the Department of Public Works (PW). Small cells installed in the public right of way require review by PW for compliance with the Right of Way Guide and Utility Policy and consideration of public comment. The first step in the process is where the provider provides a notice of the intent to install a small cell in a specific location is provided to all property owners within 150’ of the installation site via first class mail by the service provider. This notice is sent concurrent with PW review of the small cell. The public has 14 days to respond to the provider with any comments as directed in the notice. Comments directed to PW will also be considered. Following the public comment period, if all PW guidelines are satisfied including consideration of public comment, the next step is for the provider to apply for an Encroachment Permit that may be issued by PW for installation of the small cell.
Historic Areas:
As part of the federal permitting process through the FCC, the project may also be reviewed for impacts on historic properties. Historic properties in Louisville include properties in local preservation districts, National Register and National Register “eligible” areas. This review is also known as a “Section 106” review. In Kentucky, Section 106 reviews are administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council, the State Preservation Office (SHPO). For more information regarding the protection of historic resources, please see the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s guide: Protecting Historic Properties: A Citizen’s Guide to Section 106 Review.
Installation of small cells on private properties (i.e., not public Right of Way) in local preservation districts also requires review and approval by the Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission for compliance with applicable Design Guidelines which generally guide installation of utility items toward side and rear of properties when possible.
Who do I contact with concerns?
Construction related issues such as blocked sidewalk, debris, unclean site:
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The provider must be notified first! Call the contact listed in the notice letter provided by the service provider and make your comments known clearly and in detail. One of the providers, Verizon, has created a website for this purpose.
- Department of Public Works by phone at 574-3121 or by email.
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Metro311.
Concerns about location of a small/mini cell:
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The provider must be notified first! Call the contact listed in the notice letter provided by the service provider and make your comments known clearly and in detail. One of the providers, Verizon, has created a website for this purpose.
- Department of Public Works by phone at 574-3121 or by email.
Concerns about impacts to historic properties:
- As part of the 106 review process (see item 2.c.i above) interested citizens may request to become a “consulting party.” You can request to become a “consulting party” through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or the provider directly. For small cells and other telecommunications projects, contact Gabrielle Fernandez at (502) 892-3623 or visit their website.
- For local Landmarks concerns contact Metro Preservation Officer Cynthia Elmore at 574-2868 or by email. Cynthia is also a great resource for questions about historic reviews and the 106 process.
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While this wasn’t the end of the school year we’ve all come to expect, it is certainly one for the history books, and we’ve been constantly amazed at how our students, staff and families created innovative ways to keep learning.
Now that school is out for summer break, JCPS is offering multiple summer learning opportunities to continue engaging and supporting students. The programs are being held as virtual experiences, although the district will make every effort to host face-to-face learning late in the summer if circumstances change:
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Summer League, June 22-July 31, is open to students in grades 1-12 and is designed with the appeal of video game-based learning in mind.
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Lit & Camps, beginning mid-June, are designed for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, offering campers the opportunity to learn about chess, yoga, karate, hip hop and fencing.
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AMPED, beginning mid-June, is designed for students in grade 6 and up and will teach students how to download and install audio production and editing software and how to make, edit and publish beats.
To learn more about the programs, go to our website. We’ll be posting updates and ways to access the experiences on this site.
In order to support these learning opportunities, students who received Chromebooks and/or hotspots from the district will keep those throughout the summer.
Meal sites will continue to be open throughout the summer on the same Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, with additional mobile sites that started Monday, June 1. For a list of sites and times, click here.
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THERE ARE 27 FIGURES OF SPEECH IN THE PICTURE BELOW. THE FIRST TWO ARE 'IN A NUTSHELL" AND "A PIECE OF CAKE". HOW MANY CAN YOU FIND?
Answers are Below...
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk. Click on the“Watch Meetings Online” button.
OR access prior or current meetings here:
https://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
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