District 9 eNews - Thursday, June 11, 2020

 

 
D9 Masthead
Bill Hollander

Councilman Bill Hollander
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1109
Email Bill

Kyle Ethridge

Kyle Ethridge
Legislative Assistant
(502) 574-3908
Email Kyle


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In this Issue...


Say Her Name

Breonna Taylor

Breonna Taylor would have celebrated her 27th Birthday last Friday. But because she was killed by police after a no-knock warrant was served at her home, her birthday was commemorated by people all over the world calling for police and criminal justice reform and racial equality.  That night, I joined a group in District 9 saying Breonna Taylor’s name and calling for change.

BLM

Tonight, I will vote for an ordinance banning all no-knock warrants. After listening carefully to a lot of testimony, I’ve concluded they pose far too many risks to justify their use. Police have always had the authority to enter property where there is an imminent threat to life.  The ordinance I will vote for tonight will not change that. It will prevent police from obtaining a warrant and entering a home without knocking and announcing who they are, after claiming that evidence might otherwise be destroyed. 

Tonight’s vote – on what we are calling Breonna’s Law - will not be the last action we take on police reform and the broader issue of racial equality in Louisville. 

BLM 2

Reinvesting in disadvantaged communities is critical, as is directing resources to recruitment of a more diverse police force and better police training in things like de-escalation and implicit racial bias.

Quickly moving forward with a comprehensive, sustainable civilian review system for LMPD is vital and I’ll spend tomorrow afternoon in a work group on that subject.  

We won’t get it all done this week, or this month, or this year, but we can’t let this moment pass without significant reform.  We’re getting thousands of calls and emails, many from around the country, but many from right here in our community. Please keep speaking up – including in situations you think I need to do something more or differently.  I’ll keep listening – and I hope you will too. 


Please Share Your Priorities for New LMPD Chief

LMPD

Louisville residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to share their priorities for Louisville’s next permanent chief of police. The Mayor relieved former Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Chief Steve Conrad of his duties on June 1, and named Robert Schroeder as LMPD’s acting chief, pending the hiring of a permanent chief.

On June 3 the City hired the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization to lead the search, noting that PERF has identified best practices for cities across the country on fundamental issues such as reducing police use of force; developing community policing and problem-oriented policing; using technology to deliver police services to the community; and evaluating crime reduction strategies.

Please take the below survey to share your priorities for the next permanent chief of police. Please share the following:

  • The three most important qualities or skills you would like to see in the next police chief;
  • Your suggestions for improving police services; and
  • What a new chief must accomplish immediately, and over the next 2-3 years.

At the same time, PERF will survey LMPD employees by asking similar questions. The input of both the public and the department are important.

The community survey will be up for at least three weeks and is available online here. Metro is working to set up a phone line for those without access to a computer.

In addition to the survey, PERF will hold listening sessions over the next month, with various focus groups being held across the community. After that, PERF will review and analyze all the information residents provide to help pinpoint the qualities and characteristics needed for the city’s next police chief. They will use that information to conduct a national search and create a list of qualified candidates.

Next steps include convening a small group of community and Louisville Metro representatives to review the list, narrow it, conduct interviews, and send the Mayor their final recommendations. The entire process is expected to take 4 to 6 months.


Vote – Request a Mail-In Ballot by June 15!

Vote By Mail

Kentucky has an important election on June 23, and everyone is being encouraged to vote by absentee ballot.  For the first time, you will not need an excuse to vote absentee.   

To vote absentee, voters must request mail-in ballots at GoVoteKY.Com before June 16 (11:59 pm on June 15 is the deadline). After you complete the simple form, a ballot will be mailed to you along with a postage paid envelope to return to the County Clerk after you vote. Mail-in ballots will have to be postmarked by June 23 and be received within three days of Election Day.

There is in-person advance voting and one polling place in Jefferson County on Election Day, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, but the easiest way for most people to vote, by far, is by mail. Information about the in-person options is at http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/.

While Kentucky is a closed primary state and only registered voters of the Democratic or Republican Parties are eligible to vote in their party’s primary, there is an important Special Election in Kentucky’s 26th Senatorial district, which includes much of D9, to fill an unexpired term. Areas in yellow on this map are in Senate District 26. All voters in that district may vote in the Special Election.

Map

Exercise your right to vote!


Junk Pick-up in District 9 this Weekend

junk pickup

It’s time to clean house and get ready for another junk collection if you live in the 9th District Louisville Metro Urban Services District (USD). You may begin setting out your junk on Friday, June 12, in the afternoon. All junk must be set out by Monday, June 15 at 6:00 a.m. Some items (hazardous materials, construction debris, etc.) are not collected and these guidelines are being strictly followed. For collection guidelines, please click here. To sign up for junk set out reminders by email and text, click here! To see if you are in the collection area, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9, scroll to the bottom, click on “Find City Services by Address” and enter your address.


Virtual Wild & Scenic Film Festival – TONIGHT - June 11

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

The Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) has changed the 12th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival to a virtual platform this year in order to respect the safety and well-being of the community. The event is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 pm, and will remain available to watch until Monday, June 15.  Join in for a night of environmental and adventure films to inform, inspire, and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities! Any donation will get you admission to the event. Donations over $10 will make you eligible for prizes.  Tickets and more information are here.


Cities Are Essential – And Need Help

City seal

The Metro Council’s Budget Committee, which I chair, completed its thirtieth hearing on the FY21 Budget last night.  We will now spend the next two weeks discussing, changing and eventually adopting the budget. 

There continues to be much uncertainty about the budget, as we assess and consider adjustments brought on by declining tax revenues as a result of the global pandemic. Cities across Kentucky must balance their budgets every year – even when a recession causes revenues to plummet as is happening now.

Congress is considering bills which will allow state and local governments to use federal aid to replace lost tax revenue, an idea which has broad, bipartisan support, but is moving far too slowly.

To avoid massive cuts in the services delivered by the people you depend on to police streets, fight fires, look after the public health, run ambulances and pick up trash, cities and counties across Kentucky are asking Congress to pass legislation protecting the paychecks of those workers, just as it has protected paychecks of many private sector workers and businesses.  My view on this was published by the Courier-Journal in April.  You can read it here.

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


Healthy Openings

Healthy Openings

Many Kentucky businesses and government facilities have reopened as Kentucky, like other states, gradually loosen restrictions put in place to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.  The state website kycovid19.ky.gov has information about allowed reopenings and the latest guidance.

As businesses reopen, continuing to order carryout from our businesses is extremely important. I spoke with a Frankfort Avenue restaurant owner this week who hopes that carryout sales will allow the business to survive while seating remains limited.  Please continue to support local businesses however you can.   

Wearing a cloth face covering when you are around people is still recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and required to ride TARC and by some private businesses. Social distancing is still very important!

Please be safe as businesses and government facilities reopen.


COVID-19 Louisville Information

Bridge

Louisville Metro has a website with updated information about COVID-19 and about the City’s rebuilding effort, Build Back Better Together.  You can access it here.

There are several COVID testing sites in Jefferson County. Click here for a full list of sites.

If you are searching for employment opportunities these links might help. GLI has developed initiatives and compiled resources to assist job seekers in re-entering the workforce quickly: Job Seeker Resources by Greater Louisville Inc (GLI). GLI and KentuckianaWorks have partnered to create a job seeker program connecting potential employers to interested candidates. Input your information here: Job Seeker Connection Program.


Get or Give Help

food pantry

I’m inspired by the people and organizations assisting the growing number of people in need in our community but those organizations still need help. 

The community ministries in our area, United Crescent Hill Ministries and St. Matthews Area Ministries need both volunteers and donations. United Crescent Hill Ministries can be reached at (502) 893-0346 or https://www.uchmlouky.org/.  St. Matthews Area Ministries is at  (502)-893-0205 or http://stmam.com/.  Both sites have information about ways to volunteer, donate or seek help.


Tax Help Online

tax preparation

The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) that normally prepares taxes in-person has switched to a virtual tax preparation model. The service is free if you earned $66,000 Adjusted Gross Income or less in 2019, or if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Clients can make appointments by visiting https://labcservices.org/. You may also click here to view a flyer that fully describes the process. The tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020.


Stay Connected in D9

Kyle and I continue to work remotely for the most part but we are answering an extraordinary volume of phone calls and responding to many emails. Our voice mail system is filling up several times a day. The best way to reach us is at this contact page.

You can get news between now and our next eNews publication by following the D9 blog"Councilman Bill Hollander" Facebook page and the @BillHollander Twitter feed.       


Please Fill Out the 2020 Census

census

PLEASE go online and complete the census. It’s a very simple procedure.  You can also call 1-844-330-2020 to complete the survey over the phone as soon as you receive the invitation. The best way to avoid a visit from a census taker is to fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail as soon as you receive your invitation to participate.  We urge you to do so now, to limit person-to-person contact as the coronavirus continues to spread. The census website is here.


Notice of Planning & Design Public Meetings

For basic details for all of below case/s, please visit https://aca-louisville.accela.com/LJCMG/Welcome.aspx?.  Click on the “Planning” tab.  Then enter either the case number in the “record number” box or the address.

You can also click on the notice below to go to the application page.

For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager.  If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.  

19-ZONE-005220-VARIANCE-0053

Waste Reduction Center Now Open

Waste Reduction Center

The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue has reopened. To reduce COVID-19 contamination risks, these updated policies and procedures will be in place to keep employees and patrons safe:

  • All personnel must wear a mask when interacting with customers.
  • Payment booth operator must wear mask, gloves, and safety glasses.
  • Customers must wear a mask or face covering when exiting their vehicle at the electronics recycling area, payment booth, and debris drop-off area.
  • Customers checking in at the payment booth should remain in their vehicle if possible. They must not reach through the window and must use the clipboard for transactions.

At the Waste Reduction Center Louisville/Jefferson County residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three large household items, and up to three electronic devices for free. Residents may also dispose of metal, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, and construction debris for a fee. The Waste Reduction Center is located at 636 Meriwether Avenue and is open Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 


Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Truckload Sale

compost

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 between 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 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.)

Watch a 10-minute presentation by Public Education Supervisor, Karen Maynard, about backyard composting given during the Louisville Sustainability Council's Green Convene.


St. Matthews Friends of the Library Update

Library Curbside

The St. Matthews Friends of the Library hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during the current health crisis. Remember, if you have a library card with overdue fine-restrictions, if you have a library card that has expired or is about to, or if you are eligible for a library card but don’t have one yet, LFPL’s digital resources are available for you.

  • New library cards will be granted virtually.
  • Restrictions due to overdue fines and replacement fees have been lifted.
  • Recently expired and soon-to-be expired library cards are extended until September 1st.
  • All holds have been extended to 21 days.
  • Late fees are suspended. Don’t worry about returning materials to the library until it reopens.

The St. Matthews branch is currently open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for curbside pick-up of items that were being held when the library closed. The branch has a limited number of staff, who are calling patrons who have items on reserve and scheduling pick-up times. The branch asks that pick-ups be scheduled at least two hours in advance. Patrons may schedule a pick-up time by calling 574-1771. When you arrive to pick up your reserved item, park in one of the designated spaces and call to let a librarian know you are there. He or she will bring the item to your car.  

Nearly 80% of library employees are still furloughed at this time. Curbside pick-up for existing reserves is currently being offered at seven locations including the Main Library.  Other locations will be offering curbside pick-up for reserves one day per week. The libraries do not yet have a way to fulfill new patron requests.  

LFPL is currently working on a plan on how best to re-open for the health and safety of staff and library users.

Library - summer reading

SUMMER READING
The St. Matthews Friends of the Library have donated $1,000 to the Library Foundation in support of this year’s Summer Reading Program. Because of the pandemic, much of this year’s program will be virtual.  

The Summer Reading Program is free to all area youth, birth through 12th grade. You can register and log books read by calling 502-574-1611, by e-mail at Beanstack@LFPL.org, by completing the Summer Reading form (formularioenEspañol), or by writing your book titles on a piece of paper and mailing it to: Main Library, 301 York St., 40203.  

Summer Reading goes through August 8, 2020. Everyone who completes the program will receive a throwback backpack and free passes to local attractions as well as sweet treats from Ehrler’s Ice Cream, Fazoli’s Lemon Ice and participating McDonald’s. Plus, every completer is automatically entered for a chance to win one of our grand prize giveaways.


Peterson Dumesnil House On-Line Auction & Raffle

PD House

For the first time in its 37-year history, the Crescent Hill Fourth of July Festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.  Covid-19 is forcing the Peterson-Dumesnil House Foundation to shift from the traditional Silent Auction held during this event to a 100% online format.  

The 2020 Peterson-Dumesnil House on-line Auction & Raffle is now open and will run until Saturday, July 4 at 6:00 p.m. Auction winners will be notified immediately. Raffle winners will be pulled at 7:00 p.m. in a Facebook Live event. Click here to see Auction & Raffle Items

If you already have an account, you can start looking at items and place a bid or buy a chance.  If you do not have an account, go to top right of the page and click on "Login/Register" and then click the "Register" button.  It's that easy!

There are good odds on the Raffle Packages!  Only 100 tickets sold! Take a chance on Pappy Van Winkle - Bourbon Tastings - Photo Shoot - House Rental with Catering - Champagne & Flowers - Beer & Lou City FC - Happy Meal a week for a year - and more!

Split-the-Pot raffle, for just a $10 ticket, you could take home half the winnings.


Know Waste: Is All Plastic Recyclable?

Know Waste

People often assume that anything plastic can be tossed in the recycling bin. But not all plastic is accepted or even recoverable locally. Some plastic can be detrimental to the machinery - like plastic shopping bags or anything long and stringy. These items are pulled off the line by hand before it gets to the machines, but the conveyor moves fast. Some plastic doesn't hurt anything but will eventually get sorted out and sent to the landfill. And some items are too small to get recovered.

Here's some information and tips that might help at home when you're throwing something away:

  1. Try to avoid single-use plastic and plastic items you know can't be recycled.Use the What Goes Where search tool on the Recycle Coach app to find out if something is accepted.
  2. Reuse containers and other items when you can. 
  3. Know what's accepted in your recycling program. Most of Louisville's recycling is sorted and processed at WestRock Recycling and all haulers follow their guidelines. Rumpke Recycling has some different rules, so double check if you're serviced by them. Internet searches often bring up information that isn't applicable locally. Get the Recycle Coach app and follow @KnowWasteLou for local information!
  4. Recycle plastic containers with the lid attached.If possible, squeeze the air out first to conserve space in your bin. 
  5. Common plastic items that aren't accepted in residential recycling include: Styrofoam, plastic shopping bags, broken plastic toys, bulky plastic like outdoor chairs, and plastic yard signs. (Shredded paper should be recycled in clear plastic bags.)
  6. Understand that some things won't get recovered. A stray lid, a tiny container, or even plastic straws - although they're recyclable, they might not make it through the process and get recycled. 

If you have any questions or would like a virtual presentation or speaker at a meeting, contact our Solid Waste Public Education Supervisor, Karen Maynard, online by clicking Contact Form.


JCPS Summer Learning Opportunities

JCPS

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, please visit the JCPS website.


Whitehall Virtual Woodland Garden Tour – June 24

Whitehall

Whitehall House and Gardens is pleased to announce that it will host a virtual tour via Zoom entitled “Urban Ecology in the Woodland Garden” on Wednesday, June 24th at 6:00 p.m. Participants will consider the important services that gardens provide for our human, animal, and plant communities. Are you curious to learn more about Louisville’s tree canopy, biodiversity, or water? The woodland garden provides inspirational examples of ways that we can create positive impacts anywhere in the city. Whether you are new to the woodland garden or a regular visitor, this workshop, led by naturalist and educator Carolyn Waters, will have you seeing urban woodlands in a whole new way. The cost for the tour is $20 per person. Reservations are required and may be purchased online by clicking here.

This tour is part of Whitehall’s new educational series, Whitehall Wednesdays. In this regular series, Whitehall House and Gardens will host educational workshops for adults on the last Wednesday of every month that explore plants within the disciplines of art, gardening, science and forestry.  By partnering with flower farmers, florists, arborists, horticulturalists and naturalists, Whitehall's goal is to bring fresh new programming to plant lovers in Louisville.


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