District 9 eNews - Thursday, July 30, 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


Links

Visit the District 9 Website

Visit the D9 Blog

How District 9 Spends Your Tax Dollars

Subscribe to D9 eNews

Read Past eNews Editions

Find City Services by Address

In this Issue...


Police Reform in Louisville

LMPD

As the community awaits a decision by Attorney General Daniel Cameron on the investigation into the tragic death of Breonna Taylor, we’re continuing to focus on civilian oversight of LMPD and new ways of addressing some of the issues we now call on LMPD to handle.

LMPD

The community work group exploring a new civilian oversight system for LMPD continues to work, with a new timeline.  The committee met last Friday and will meet again this Friday.  All meetings are on Mayor Greg Fischer’s Facebook page and Metro TV. Last week’s meeting included a discussion with the Executive Director of the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, after work group co-chair Councilwoman Paula McCraney and I spoke to him about the work there, including some recent ordinance changes.

We also discussed a slightly longer timeframe for the work group to conclude its work and the filing of a proposed ordinance at Metro Council.  The tentative timetable now calls for the work group to wrap up by the end of August. Time is of the essence, in my view, but getting widespread input and coming up with the best model for Louisville is also critical. We had a civilian oversight system in Louisville before merger and it’s way past time that we bring it back, even stronger than before.

You can read more about civilian review and the work group’s efforts here. A Courier-Journal article on civilian oversight in Louisville is here.

Meanwhile, a Metro Council committee is also exploring the concept of “deflection”, which deploys social workers or behavioral health experts, sometimes with traditional police officers, to calls for service that might involve homelessness, mental illness or drug addiction.  Cities across the country have successfully used the model.  A WDRB story on a Metro Council meeting this week is here

Both civilian oversight and deflection were addressed in the city budget, with over $700,000 appropriated for the civilian oversight system and as much as $2.8 Million recommended for deflection and other efforts.


Coronavirus Pandemic Worsens in Kentucky

COVID-19

Like many states around the country, Kentucky has seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases. On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there are early signs that a coronavirus outbreak could be brewing in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.  The so-called positivity rate, or the percentage of tests run that are positive, appears to be rising in those states — an early indication that the outbreak is worsening, Fauci said. “That’s a surefire sign that you’ve got to be really careful,” Fauci said during an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America.” More on that is here.

Due to those increasing numbers, Governor Andy Beshear has closed bars and further limited indoor seating at restaurants. Schools have delayed their openings and JCPS has decided that when schools resume on August 25, it will be under a district-wide remote learning plan.

What can you do? Handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a mask in public are the most important ways you can keep yourself and your family healthy.

Also, please keep helping out local businesses, especially with takeout from restaurants impacted by the new restrictions. As Governor Andy Beshear says, “We’ll get through this together”. 


Eviction Prevention and Small Business Help

metro seal

Residents and businesses continue to suffer from the economic shutdowns required by the pandemic. Two programs are helping tenants and businesses in Louisville.

The budget Metro Council passed in June designated up to $21.2 million in federal CARES funding for the Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund is designed to prevent the anticipated wave of new eviction cases and aid low-to-moderate income households that are delinquent on rent payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will pay for up to three months of rent for households facing COVID-related delinquencies. Individual households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income ($45,840 annually for a family of four) are eligible to receive rental assistance. Individual households should CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY.

Our FY21 operating budget also includes up to $21.2 million in federal CARES funding for Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants. The program will provide eligible businesses with grants up to $50,000 based on demonstrated impact from COVID-19. The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants program is designed to help prevent business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to preserve the hundreds of fun and funky businesses that make Louisville unique. Download a flier with information about the grant program


Clifton Heights Business News

Pollo 2
Pollo

A new restaurant has opened on Brownsboro Road in Clifton Heights and another new business is coming soon. 

Pollo- A Gourmet Chicken Joint opened at 1991 Brownsboro Road on Monday.  It’s grown from a very popular food truck operation to a brick and mortar restaurant.  I was happy to stop by with a proclamation.  More information about POLLO is in this WLKY story.

farm stores

The old Rally’s at 2011 Brownsboro Road has a new owner and is slated to become a Farm Stores operation.  The existing building, which we’ve been working to get cleaned up since it closed on January 2, 2019, will be repurposed, and the plan is to open within six months. 

Farm Stores bills itself as “a unique neighborhood store - a drive-thru bakery, grocery, and cafe in one fast and friendly location.”  The Brownsboro Road location is also expected to have a walk-up window.  More about Farm Stores is here.


Voter Registration is Open

vote

More and more states are expanding vote by mail options during the pandemic, with West Virginia announcing on Monday that the coronavirus can be used as a reason to vote absentee in the November 3 general election.  Kentucky is now one of only eight states requiring some other excuse to vote by mail this November. 

Kentucky may still make changes in our antiquated election laws but one thing we know for sure is that only registered voters will be allowed to vote.  Registration is open and can be done online.  Register, change your registration or just check to make sure you are registered at GoVoteKY.com.  The deadline to register online to vote in the 2020 General Election is October 5, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. local time.


Know Waste Webinar Series - TODAY

Metro Solid Waste Management is hosting an educational series, Know Waste Webinar Series. Join on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. to learn about how trash, recycling, and compost works in Jefferson County. Register for the sessions online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. The second session is today at 3:00 p.m. and the topic is Backyard Composting. See the graphic for the other topics. 

Know Waste Webinar

Know Waste: To rinse or not to rinse?

Know Waste Rinse

When recycling food containers, people often wonder if they should rinse or even wash them first. Metro’s local recycling facility, where all the recycling is sorted and processed, only requires items to be empty. Peanut butter and mayonnaise jars are difficult to clean. If you’ve scraped out as much food as possible, the container is good to go. If the container and lid are both made of plastic, replace the lid before recycling. Glass jars and metal lids should be recycled separately.

During the heat of the summer, though, you may want to give some items a rinse to prevent pests and odors while you wait for collection. Rinsing items also helps keep your collection container clean. (Please don’t bag your recyclables!) Interested in more Know Waste Trivia? Take the  quiz at KnowWasteLouisville.org! Follow @KnowWasteLou on Facebook or Twitter for the weekly Know Waste Wednesday trivia.


ABC Notification – 3900 Shelbyville Road

ABC Notifications

An Alcoholic Beverage License memo and Courier Journal Legal announcement for an NQ4 Retail Malt Beverage by the Drink, Quota Retail Liquor by the Drink, and 4 a.m. Extended Hours license(s) being applied for, located at 3900 Shelbyville Road, Never Say Die.  The ad ran in The Courier Journal Friday, July 24, 2020.

Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license by writing the Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 1003 Twilight Trail, Frankfort, KY 40601-8400, within 30 days of the date of this legal publication.


Help Support St. Joseph Children’s Home

This year the St. Joseph Children’s Home celebrates it’s 171st St. Joe’s Picnic but, for the first time, it will be hosted virtually. You can support St. Joe’s kids this year by registering yourself or your group as a #SJPicnic fundraiser.

From now to Picnic weekend on August 7th & 8th, #SJPicnic fundraisers are encouraged to share funny or inspiring Picnic stories, spread the word to friends and family of why they support St. Joe’s, as well as invite people to make a gift via their personal fundraising page. To register click here.

You can also support St. Joe’s by trying your luck at the online raffle contest! From experiences like a private distillery tour to old favorites like handmade quilts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Raffle winners will be announced on August 8 at 9:00 p.m. via live stream on St. Joe’s Facebook page, and winners will be contacted directly by a St. Joe’s representative.

You can purchase raffle tickets in two ways:

  1. In-person on Picnic Day, August 8th, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at 2823 Frankfort Avenue. Please enter through the Frankfort Avenue entrance. Drive through only. For your safety and the safety of volunteers, please wear your face mask upon entering the St. Joe’s campus!
  2. Online by clicking here.

On August 8 from Noon – 5:00 p.m. participate in a cash/coin drop off by dropping off your dimes, quarters and cash donations. This is a drive through only event at St. Joe’s, 2823 Frankfort Avenue. Please wear face masks during the event.

For more information visit http://sjkids.org/

St. Joe's Picnic

Karaoke LIVE! Contest – August 7

On Friday, August 7, St. Joseph Children's Home will host a Karaoke LIVE! Contest with NoraeBar at 7:00 p.m. Vote for your favorite singers at $1 per vote. All proceeds to benefit St. Joe's and the Fund for the Arts. Live stream the event at facebook.com/stjosephchildrenshome.

karoke live

Metro Parks Volunteer Opportunities

volunteer at Metro Parks

Individual Volunteer Service

While volunteers are not able to serve together at this time, individual service can have a HUGE impact on our parks and public spaces!

For your safety and the safety of all park users, volunteers are required to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing while volunteering in the parks.

Here are some ways you can help:

Gather Limbs and Fallen Sticks -

Summer storms and wind mean there are a lot of small limbs and sticks throughout the parks. These quickly become tripping hazards and can make grass cutting difficult. 

  • Gather sticks and limbs in piles near parking areas and roads
  • Email LMPRvolunteer@louisvilleky.gov and share where you have gathered sticks so the crew can pick them up

Weeding Tree Rings and Landscape Beds - 

  • Pull weeds around young, mulched trees or landscaped beds; pull/cut vines growing up trees (be cautious of poison ivy)
  • Debris can be gathered in old grocery bags or trash bags and disposed of in any park trashcan

Complete a Park Assessment - 

Help us see what you are seeing in your neighborhood park! Complete a Park Assessment. This simple online form will help us identify future projects, areas for improvement.

Clean Up Litter -

At this time Parks is unable to provide gloves or bags for volunteers. If you are able to safely help collect litter, your efforts are greatly appreciated! Litter can be disposed of in any park trash can.

Make Your Service Count!

Please report your volunteer time through your My Impact Page account (here) or email LMPRvolunteer@louisvilleky.gov.

Your time, commitment, and service to the parks helps Metro Parks apply for grants and funding to continue to improve our great public spaces. 


Metro Parks Virtual Trivia Night - TONIGHT

Metro Parks Trivia  

Tonight, Thursday, July 30, Metro Parks will host a virtual trivia night at 6:00 p.m. Trivia categories are: Sounds of Summer, Ants Go Marching, Louisville Band or Makeup Brand?, and Louisville Parks. The first comment with the correct answer during the LIVE trivia will be submitted into a drawing for a prize at the end! The trivia will be on the Metro Parks Facebook page, here.


Message from MSD About Reporting Smells

MSD

Warmer weather often means unpleasant odors may become more prevalent and being at home often makes them more noticeable. As soon as residents begin smelling suspicious odors, that’s the right time to call MSD and let it know so it can begin work on solving the problem. Help spread the message of “smell something, say something,” so Louisville and Jefferson County can enjoy a wonderful and less fragrant summer! To report, call MSD at 540-6000 or email CustomerRelations@LouisvilleMSD.org.


Climate Change Frustrations - and Hope

Forest Clevenger

Forest Clevenger on left

Last fall, I had the pleasure of working with Forest Clevenger, a student at the University of Louisville.  Forest was an intern in our office and some of you met him at events in the district. He was especially helpful as we worked on and eventually passed an ordinance strengthening the laws that govern the preservation and planting of trees in Louisville developments.

I was so impressed by a recent op-ed he wrote for the Courier-Journal, expressing his frustrations at the lack of effort to address climate change but also his hope for the future.    

Forest is 19.  He’ll be around a long time after I, and most of you, are gone.  He’s right to be frustrated.  And he’s right to be urging action.  

“Individual action is essential, but systemic change is at least as important. So, use your voice. Demand environmental protections and sustainable investment from elected officials.”

You can read the entire op-ed here.

Thanks to Forest for writing it!


District 9 Calendar Events

Below are some Ninth District calendar events!  To view a full listing of events, please visit the District 9 Blog at http://district9news.wordpress.com/.  If you would like to submit events to be considered for the blog calendar please email Kyle Ethridge or call 574-1109.

Thursday, July 30: Crescent Hill Farmers Market at Frankfort Avenue and S. Peterson Avenue. Find fresh produce, local items, coffee booth, dessert booth, soap vendor, food trucks and entertainment. Stop by and support local farmers and businesses. The farmers market is open from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. every Thursday through November 12. Questions, please contact Francis Tucker at 333-5839.

Saturday, August 1 - Saturday, August 8: Do you like surprises? Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Avenue, will be offering Jewelry Mystery Boxes. Surprise yourself with a unique piece, handmade by artisan partners in India, Guatemala, Kenya, Haiti, and Ecuador. $5, $10, and $15 boxes available, with guaranteed value at least double the purchase price. One week only - August 1-8 (or while supplies last). Questions, please call the store at 897-7319.

Saturday, August 1: St. Matthews Farmers Market, 4100 Shelbyville Road. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. More information, including new social distancing rules, is here.

Tuesday, August 4: Butchertown Neighborhood Association monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. More information available on the Facebook page.

Thursday, August 6: Metro Solid Waste Management will host an educational series, Know Waste Webinar Series. Join on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. to learn about how trash, recycling, and compost works in Jefferson County. Register for the sessions online at https://www.louisvillewastedistrict.org/webinars. On August 6 learn how to dispose of items. 

Thursday, August 6: Crescent Hill Community Council board meeting at 7:00 p.m. More information will be available on the Crescent Hill Facebook Page.

Friday, August 7: Early morning yoga at Waterfront Botanical Gardens from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the Graeser Family Education Center, 1435 Frankfort Avenue. Cost is $15/$10 for WBG members. Please bring your own mat and follow social distancing protocol. To register, please click here.

Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8: 171st Annual St. Joseph Children's Home Picnic will be held virtually this year.  Please consider making a direct donation to help support St. Joseph Children's Home, which supports vulnerable children in need of safety and love, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or ability. To donate, please visit http://sjkids.org/picnic/.


You are receiving this email because you have signed up for the e-News or have contacted my office for assistance.  If you would like to be removed from this communication please email Kyle Ethridge with “REMOVE” in the subject line. 


 If you are having trouble viewing this email please click on the link at the bottom of this email to view a Microsoft Word version of eNews.  PLEASE feel free to copy any of this information for use at your meetings or in your newsletters!