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Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Have you ever been sued? I had not been sued until two weeks ago, and since then I've been sued twice. There's nothing quite as vexing as opening mail (e-mail, in this case) and receiving notice that you've been sued. The news can be quite devastating, and could cause your blood pressure to rise and your stomach to churn.
Granted, I am not being sued personally. I, along with my 25 Metro Council colleagues, am being sued by the Courier-Journal and the Mayor's Office. Of course, being sued doesn't mean that the accusations actually have merit. People file frivolous lawsuits all the time, and these, in the opinion of some, may be categorized as such.
'What had happened was...'
The Courier-Journal lawsuit alleges that the Metro Council violated the Open Meetings Act when we accepted invitations from the Mayor to participate in telephone calls to hear his updates on a variety of topics, including the pandemic and the city's civil unrest. According to the judge who granted the Courier-Journal's motion for an injunction, the public interest would be harmed if the meetings continued without being made public. She ruled that Metro Council and Mayor Fischer must halt the teleconferences. The injunction doesn't prevent the Metro Council from having informal discussions with Mayor Fischer about the pandemic and protests as long as all future discussions comply with the Open Meetings Act.
In my (our) defense, the phone calls with the mayor were innocent fact gathering calls and an opportunity for us Council members to get answers to questions that you, our constituents, were asking. The pandemic and civil unrest topics may be public business, but we did not make decisions, strategize or cast votes during the calls. Council members often used the time on the phone to share with the mayor what our constituents were asking us, and we anticipated answers that only the mayor could answer. Councilmembers did not initiate the calls, but were grateful for the opportunity to hear from the mayor and get clarity on things that you wanted us to address with you.
The County Attorney's Office represents the Metro Council, and I will keep you posted on the outcome --- or, you may read about it before I do --- in the Courier-Journal.
The Mayor's lawsuit against the Metro Council is a head-scratcher. As you may have heard, the Louisville Metro Council's Government Accountability Committee invited Acting Police Chief Schroeder and Public Safety Chief, Amy Hess, to speak before the Committee and answer questions relating to the Breonna Taylor and David McAtee shootings, and Mayor Fischer's handling of protests in the city. During the meeting, attorneys for the Fischer Administration informed Councilmembers that a civil rights lawsuit had been filed which covered the same topics and they did not want their clients, Schroeder and Hess, to testify openly in Council Chambers. They proposed to speak behind closed doors. Because they refused to answer questions openly before the Government Accountability Committee, they picked up their marbles and went home --- I meant to say, they collected their belongings and walked out of Council Chambers. One could say that their walk out was a cop out (no pun intended).
Closed session testimonies of Schroeder and Hess defeat the purpose of the investigation. Metro Council was eager for the community to hear the answers to questions we've all been asking one another --- When did you first hear about the death of Breonna, who ordered the National Guard to 26th and Broadway that resulted in the shooting death of McAtee, did Mayor Fischer or someone else issue stand down orders to LMPD during the first days of the protest, and why were media personalities fired upon. There is a laundry list of questions to be asked and answered.
Last week, because of the walkout, Metro Council voted to authorize the issuance of subpoenas to Chief Hess and Chief Schroeder. It's anybody's guess whether the subpoenas will get them to talk publicly or not.
According to Mayor Fischer's lawsuit against the Council, "Chief Hess and Chief Schroeder have nothing to hide and remain willing to testify in executive session, or in an open session at a future date when doing so will not adversely impact (the federal lawsuit)."
Listed below in the "Just 4 Fun" section of this e-Newsletter are some of the most frivolous suits filed in U.S. courts. It's hilarious how people have nothing better to do than go to court and complain about the silliest things. I'm still shaking my head --- at the frivolous lawsuits, and and the two recent lawsuits that list, as one of the defendants, Paula McCraney, in her official capacity as Councilwoman for Metro Council District 7.
Note: Plenty of lawsuits are filed every year over legitimate claims that deserve to be taken seriously, even if they sound ridiculous. And while it may appear that I am making light of the two lawsuits against the Metro Council, I should express that I am taking them seriously.)
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Louisville Metro Council is now livestreaming all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
If you would like to see the agenda for any of the Metro Council’s Committee meetings click here.
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Gov. Beshear, Secretary of State Adams Finalize Plan for Safe General Election
Gov. Beshear and Secretary of State Michael Adams announced a bipartisan agreement to allow Kentuckians to exercise their right to vote in the November General Election while protecting their health during the ongoing global pandemic.
On Friday, Secretary Adams sent Gov. Beshear a formal letter of recommendation, and the Governor issued an Executive Order that outlines procedures for the state’s General Election, to be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.
“Secretary Adams and I were able to put partisanship aside and develop a plan for the General Election that puts the health and safety of Kentuckians first,” Gov. Beshear said. “This plan provides more time and options to vote in this General Election than ever before.”
“Gov. Beshear and I worked together across the partisan divide to fashion election rules that are fair to every voter regardless of party,” Secretary Adams said. “We kept the best of what worked in the June primary, especially giving voters options to safely cast their votes, and we built on that record with improvements – more in-person voting locations and faster election results.”
Click here to read formal letter of recommendation
Click here to read Executive Order
Register to vote or make sure you are registered at GoVoteKY.com. The deadline to register online to vote in the 2020 General Election is October 5.
Consider signing up to be an election officer: The Jefferson County Clerk is seeking both Democrats and Republicans to fill positions on November 3, in order to have more polling locations open for people who will vote in person. More information is here
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is advancing two projects to reduce congestion along 9 miles of I-71. Each project adds a third travel lane in each direction along I-71 with potential improvements at the Zorn Avenue and I-264 interchanges.
Public input is an essential part of the project development process to meet needs of roadway users on a local and regional level. As part of this effort, KYTC wants to know what you think. Please take a moment to complete this survey to make your opinions heard.
Interchange Garden Cleanup
Because the usual Brightside Workers have been unable to do maintenance work on the interchange gardens at Westport Road and 264 because of Covid restrictions, a team of volunteers from our Windy Hills Community Caring group met at the interchange recently to cut back some vegetation and pull some weeds in the gardens sponsored by four neighboring cities. Thanks to Betsy Bowling, Joyce Brown, Carla McMillan, Emily Pruett, Jodi Smiley, and Suzanne Spencer for this effort! (Jodi Smiley pictured above.)
We would welcome more volunteers for about an hour to tidy the other 3 gardens. If you can help, please call Suzanne Spencer, 502-821-8740, or e-mail Suzanne at: suzanne.spencer@cityofwindyhills.com
Families can request a device or an Internet hotspot starting Monday by visiting the JCPS website and filling out a request form. Families will need to put in their email address or phone number that matches district records, and answer a few questions. Also starting Monday, families without Internet access and the ability to submit an online request form can contact their child’s school or the JCPS call center at 313-HELP (4357).
Individual schools will notify families within a couple of weeks if their Chromebook or Wi-Fi hotspot request is approved and handle distribution of the devices.
Up-to-date email addresses and phone numbers will be important for families who need to request a Chromebook and/or hotspot for the upcoming school year. Communication from a student’s school and teachers also requires a valid email or phone number.
To make sure you receive text messages, You MUST opt in to School Messenger by texting Y to 67587. Even if JCPS has your correct phone number on file, you won’t receive text messages if you haven’t opted in to School Messenger.
To receive emails from the district and your child’s school, you must have your current email address in our JCPS system. Information can be updated in the Parent Portal. If you do not have a Parent Portal login, you can set up an account here.
JCPS’ first day is scheduled for August 25th.
Beginning Monday, August 17th the Main Library will be open for computer access by appointment. The 3 regional libraries will be open for the same services starting Tuesday, August 18th. Reservations can be made by phone and will be for 90 minutes. Those who arrive without an appointment will be accommodated if space is available, or an appointment can be made for the next available time. Patrons will also have access to free printing limited to 25 pages per day. We will begin immediately to get additional branches ready to open for the same services, but there are not dates yet for when those branches will open. Additional details will be contained in the press release announcing the opening, and are also available on the Library website at www.lfpl.org/Appointment.
Lee Burchfield, Director
Louisville Free Public Library
 Camp NTI
Start the school year with Camp NTI (Non-traditional Instruction) at Kentucky Science Center! With JCPS and surrounding school districts going virtual for the start of the school year we’d like to support your K-6th grade student with their virtual learning. Camp NTI will offer your camper a sense of normalcy by providing structure and socialization all within small group pods and following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Our highly trained staff will support your child’s virtual learning assignments during dedicated NTI timeframes each day. Camp NTI will provide an exciting and engaging experience with virtual learning support, enriching activities, demonstrations, and safe exhibit exploration – everything they love about visiting the Science Center!
Camp NTI Students must bring a snack, water bottle, lunch, mask, digital learning device, headphones and applicable login/password information.
Questions? Check out our FAQs or COVID-19 guidelines for more information.
 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The Frazier Museum, The League of Women Voters, and The Louisville Metro Office for Women are working with more than 100 community partner organizations to coordinate Louisville’s celebration.
Next week, there are two virtual celebrations of Women’s Equality Day.
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Friday, August 21, 2020 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the Right to Vote will be interviewed by journalist Pam Platt. Cassidy writes about women and culture. She is also the author of Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born; and Jackie After O: One Remarkable Year When Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Defied Expectations and Rediscovered Her Dreams. This is a virtual event in collaboration with Carmichael’s Book Store.
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Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM The main Louisville celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment includes presentations and inspiring speakers. Poet and artist Hannah Drake will present an original work and Tina Cassidy, author of Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson and the Fight for the Right to Vote will offer the keynote address.
More information and a place to sign up for both events here.
Churchill Downs confirmed Wednesday there will be spectators in the stands for the 146th Kentucky Derby. A 62-page guide has been prepared for fans detailing restrictions and reductions in crowd size to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The world is in a different place, so we’re all dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re dealing with issues of a quality and injustice,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “And so we want to make the Derby something that we can come together. A unifying event as we move forward. But it will be different, we know that. We think it’s important we come together as a community and look to the future.” The announcement comes 24 days before the Derby and just a week after the Indy 500 decided to race with no spectators later this month. After drawing a record crowd of more than 170,000 in 2015, this Derby will be much more exclusive. A maximum of only 23,000 people will be allowed.
https://www.wave3.com/2020/08/12/smaller-crowd-tighter-rules-await-spectators-kentucky-derby/
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Olmsted Park Conservancy in partnership with Louisville Parks and Recreation, conducted a trail study last fall with help from Alta Planning and Design to learn how to better control soil erosion and improve the existing natural trail system in Cherokee Park, Iroquois Park, and Seneca Park. Combining feedback from the 770 responses received from the Trail Usage Survey with the insight received at the public meetings last fall, a new conceptual natural surface trail plan has been developed.
This natural surface trail plan provides a conceptual 25-year guide for three of Louisville’s Olmsted-designed parks. While Cherokee, Seneca, and Iroquois Parks are well-loved community assets, their trail systems have a history of challenging issues including overwhelming use, rogue trails, conflict between trail users, and environmental degradation. Many of these issues were noted in the 1994 Master Plan for Louisville’s Olmsted Parks and Parkways and still persist today.
The conceptual natural surface trail plan provides recommendations for enhancing the existing trail systems including identifying renovation projects, establishing new trails, implementing trail closures, and recommendations for ongoing management.
To create the conceptual plan, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation:
- Listened to numerous park visitors on their needs for the trail system and incorporated their ideas to develop a connected network of trails that provides equitable access to users while balancing user needs and demand.
- Studied the environmental impacts of the current trail system and looked for ways to develop a sustainable trail system that limits erosion, the spread of invasive species, and other impacts to the landscapes of the parks.
- Considered the long-term maintenance and financial needs of the trail system.
- Maintained the historic integrity of the original design by following Frederick Law Olmsted’s design philosophy in the development of the trail system.
Two interactive maps have been developed by Alta Trail Design—one for Cherokee and Seneca Park, and one for Iroquois Park. The interactive maps will be used to collect feedback from park visitors on the conceptual plan and can be accessed by visiting http://olmstedparks.org/trailplan. No additional public meetings will be held to review the plan due to the pandemic.
Feedback received by August 31, 2020 will be taken into consideration and incorporated into the natural trail study / conceptual plan. Implementation of the final natural trail surface plan is dependent upon raising the necessary funds for the project.
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“Wearing a facial covering is absolutely critical to what we want to be able to do in the commonwealth moving forward,” said Gov. Beshear. “Protect lives, protect people’s health, protect the economy and ultimately get our kids back to in-person classes.”
Case Information As of 4 p.m. Aug. 13, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 37,686 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 785 of which were newly reported Thursday. Twenty-five of the newly reported cases were from children ages 5 and younger.
“We know that we have a lot of work to do to create the type of safe environments that we need to,” said Gov. Beshear. “Wearing a facial covering is working. Other steps are working. But we need you to stick with it. We cannot make decisions that are going to cause a significant spread.”
Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported six new deaths Thursday, raising the total to 796 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
As of Thursday, there have been at least 730,362 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate currently stands at 5.67%. At least 8,965 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
“We had more than 100,000 kids test positive nationwide just in the last couple weeks of July. We are seeing an explosion of positive tests among our young people,” said Gov. Beshear. “We cannot experiment with the health of our children.”
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, click here. To see all recent daily reports, click here.
Today, Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, stated, “When some states barreled forward, in Kentucky, we had a very measured and phased approach,” said Dr. Stack. “I think what we see is that the mask mandate is what impacted and hopefully flattened our curve.”
Dr. Stack also discussed how starting the K-12 school year virtually will give districts more time to prepare for a safe reopening later in the fall, as public health officials continue to learn more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms, cafeterias, school buses and other spaces.
“Some schools have had to quarantine many students within days of kicking off the school year. I very much support the decision that the Governor made. I respect it’s a very difficult decision, but our disease burden for COVID-19 is at its all-time high,” said Dr. Stack. “We need to get kids back to school but we need to get kids back to school safely.”
Finally, Dr. Stack reminded Kentuckians that while the world is still waiting for a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, each of us can already protect ourselves, our families and our communities from another illness by getting our annual flu vaccine. Dr. Stack has also previously urged parents to keep children on their regular schedule for all other required and recommended vaccines.
“Get your flu shot. We need everyone to do this. We have to keep influenza as suppressed as we possibly can,” said Dr. Stack. “In a bad year with influenza, our hospitals are strained just keeping up with flu patients.”
Did you just sell an item online and need a place to meet to complete the transaction? Marketplace, Craig's List, and all other online sellers, if you are looking for a public place to exchange your items, look no further than in the parking lot of a police station. Do you share custody of a child and are looking for somewhere to exchange custody? Again, a great place to consider is at a MetroSWAP Zone.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing MetroSWAP Zones around the city. These areas are located outside of some of our Divisions. There is 24 hour video surveillance.
Tips for using MetroSWAP:
- Agree to meet the person ONLY at a MetroSWAP station.
- Meet only during daylight hours.
- Tell someone you trust where you are meeting and at what time.
- Meet in the parking lot. There will be two (2) designated parking spots at each location for use.
- Make this interaction brief and to the point.
To Apply
Call 502-977-6636 Or visit EvictionPrevention.itfrontdesk.com
LIHEAP Summer Cooling Subsidy & Crisis
To Apply
Call 502-977-6636 Or visit EvictionPrevention.itfrontdesk.com
For Small Business Owners
Small Business Resources COVID-19 (updated frequently)
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources-covid-19
Financial Assistance to MSD Customers
Low-income households may qualify for a 10-percent sewer bill discount under a new Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) offered by MSD. Aimed at providing relief for households struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic, the EWRAP discount is effective August 1, 2020. It will run through July 31, 2021.
For eligibility information or to apply online, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/ewrap. Residents may also call 502.540.6000 or email CustomerRelations@LouisvilleMSD.org to request a paper application in the mail.
Community Response to COVID-19
Many businesses and local organizations are taking steps to help during this crisis. These include stores opening only for seniors and those most vulnerable at certain times of the day, free digital access for certain households, and waiving delivery fees for orders from independently owned restaurants. This site is updated regularly. COVID-19 Response.
What You Need to Know about Coronavirus
These sites are continuously updated. For the latest up to date information on COVID-19 please visit the following:
Louisville Metro - What You Need to Know about Coronavirus
and kycovid19.ky.gov
Crime Maps - Updated Daily
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Always Remember to Lock Your Car and Remove All Valuables, it's the Easiest Way to Prevent Crime
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Click Here to view LMPD's interactive crime mapping tool.
If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle.
Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips.
Anyone can sue anybody with or without cause by simply completing a few forms and paying court filing fees for most matters in most US states.
Frivolous lawsuits - lawsuits that are without merit due to a lack of supporting legal argument or factual basis. Listed below are some "unique" lawsuits filed in the US. You can be the "Judge" as to whether they are valid or frivolous...
1. A kidnapper sued his victims for failing to help him escape the authorities.
2. Two women took PepsiCo to court, arguing that using the word "diet" in Diet Pepsi's name made them believe the beverage was a weight-loss aid.
3. An inmate in Michigan sued the State of Michigan stating that the food in prison was causing his flatulence problem.
4. A 19-year old sued Los Angeles, CA and was awarded $74,000 (plus medical expenses) when his neighbor accidently ran over his hand with his car when he was trying to steal the hubcaps off his neighbor's car. He claimed that he was unaware there was someone behind the wheel of the car.
5. A woman in Austin, TX was awarded $80,000 after she broke her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store she was shopping in. The store owners were very surprised by the verdict because the toddler running in the store was the woman's son.
6. A Tennessee man sued fast food chain Popeyes Louisiana Chicken for $5,000 for running out of its famous chicken sandwich because, he claimed, the restaurant wasted his time trying to fill his order. The trial is pending.
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 here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
OR access prior or current meetings here:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.
TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE
Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:
http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
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