Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 09/18/2020 02:31 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant (502) 574-2787 Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
Newburg Library
***September Meeting Cancelled Due to COVID-19 pandemic***
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PMwhen we meet with LMPD, and 6:30PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
The following information outlines Kentucky's current plan on voting procedures for the 2020 election:
Absentee Ballot By Mall
Kentuckians concerned with contracting or spreading COVID-19 can request a ballot by mail.
An online portal will launch within the week to allow Kentuckians to request a ballot by mail. Ballots can be requested through the portal through October 9, and through traditional means after.
Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, and received by November 6.
Drop boxes will be available for Kentuckians to return their mail ballots if they are concerned about postal delays. County clerks will determine these locations.
Early Voting
Beginning October 13, three weeks before the election, every work day between October 13 and Election Day, and every Saturday for at least four hours, every county clerk will provide a location for safe in-person voting.
Early voting is not absentee voting - anyone can vote early for any reason.
Election Day Voting
County election officials will decide election sites on Election Day. The State Board of Elections, Secretary of State and Governor will approve each plan.
Every county will have at least one voting super-center, where everyone from the county can go to vote, regardless of his or her precinct.
Voter Identification
Kentuckians who were unable to get a driver’s licenses or photo ID due to the pandemic because their clerk’s office was closed, or because they were afraid of exposing themselves to COVID-19, can sign a document explaining this concern and cast their ballot.
Additionally, 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.
Official Team Kentucky sources for information concerning COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as we are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline. Guidance is being added as it becomes available.
Click here for to visit the official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19 (updated daily).
For general inquires, email KYcovid19@ky.gov. Please be patient as we handle a high volume of emails.
COVID-19: Louisville Information
Louisville Metro has a website with updated information about COVID-19, including information from Mayor Greg Fischer’s briefings about City services. You can access it here.
*PCR is test for COVID, Serology is antibodies test
** Based on a 7-day rolling average. Timing of reporting overall lab results versus positives, repeat testing of individuals, duplicate entries and lack of reporting by some labs, make the data imprecise and more appropriate or useful for trending. Note: Data includes cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH.
Since the first case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Kentucky, Governor Beshear taken the following actions:
9/15/2020: Gov. Beshear announced restaurants and bars now will be allowed to have last call at 11 p.m. and close at midnight, both an hour later than under previous guidance.
9/14/2020: Gov. Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, filed an emergency regulation addressing K-12 COVID-19 reporting requirements pursuant to existing statutes. Under the new regulation, no later than Monday, Sept. 28, all parents and guardians are required to report to the child’s school within 24 hours if their child tests positive for COVID-19; and, all schools must report via a secure website, Monday through Friday, every day school is in session, data related to the coronavirus.
Gov. Beshear and Dr. Stack announced new guidance for local school reopening plans. The guidance is in effect as long as the state's positivity rate is less than 6% and the health care system has enough resources. A color-coded map showing incidence rates will provide districts with corresponding guidance. It will be updated every Thursday evening to guide schools for the following week.
Schools in green and yellow areas essentially follow KDE Healthy at Schools guidance. Schools in an orange zone should take enhanced measures, including more aggressive crowd limits, and should consider a variety of factors to determine what mode of instruction they should use.
If a county reaches red, then both in person instruction should be suspended the following week and only remote learning should occur; schools may still use small groups per KDE guidance for special circumstances.
In addition, Dr. Stack said the Kentucky High School Athletic Association has published and continues to update its guidance on COVID-19.
9/8/2020: Announced the launch of the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund website, teamkyhherf.ky.gov, where Kentuckians now can visit and apply for assistance. To read the full press release, click here.
Kentuckians can visit the site to seek information on how to obtain a portion of $15 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money the Governor pledged to support the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. Details include:
Eligible landlords can be reimbursed for missed rent payments and receive some advance rent payments to keep tenants in their homes;
For eligible tenants, the program pays up to 90 percent of past-due rent and may also cover up to two months of future rent; and
For approved applications, payments will be made directly to eligible landlords.
Gov. Beshear Announces Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund Website
FRANKFORT, KY. (Sept. 8, 2020) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the launch of the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund website, teamkyhherf.ky.gov, where Kentuckians now can visit and apply for assistance.
“As we continue to wage this battle against COVID-19, we must make sure renters have a home so they can be Healthy at Home, while also safeguarding landlords against undue financial hardship,” the Governor said. “When we come out of this global health crisis, we don’t want Kentuckians facing such insurmountable debt from their housing situation that they are unable to recover. This program will provide some much-needed relief to eligible tenants and property owners during these unprecedented times.”
Kentuckians can visit the site to seek information on how to obtain a portion of $15 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money the Governor pledged to support the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. Details of the application of the funds include:
Eligible landlords can be reimbursed for missed rent payments and receive some advance rent payments to keep tenants in their homes;
For eligible tenants, the program pays up to 90 percent of past-due rent and may also cover up to two months of future rent;
For approved applications, payments will be made directly to eligible landlords; and
Kentuckians may submit applications beginning today, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020.
On Friday, Gov. Beshear, who has taken repeated steps to keep people from being evicted at the height of the pandemic, updated the state’s executive order on evictions to reflect the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s moratorium on residential evictions through Dec. 31.
Under the CDC order, a tenant who signs and submits a declaration to his or her landlord about the inability to timely pay rent cannot be evicted. However, the declaration is required in order to prevent an eviction. Like the Governor’s prior executive orders on evictions, the CDC order does not relieve anyone of the obligation to pay rent or comply with any other obligation under a tenancy, lease or similar contract. The CDC order allows landlords to charge and collect fees, penalties and interest for failure to timely pay rent, but prohibits evictions for nonpayment or late payment of such fees, penalties or interest.
The Kentucky Supreme Court has issued the following orders (2020-59 and 2020-64) establishing the Jefferson County Eviction Diversion Pilot Project and the procedure for eviction proceedings in courts. Until the Court issues a new order, these are controlling.
Lawyers who want to volunteer to provide direct legal assistance to Kentuckians in need during the pandemic can visit Together Lawyers Can.
On March 25, Gov. Beshear initially suspended evictions as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.
More Information More information about eligibility and how to apply is available at teamkyhherf.ky.gov.
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 summaries of the Governor’s news conferences at teamkentuckytranslations.com.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
Mayor Fischer announces settlement in civil lawsuit filed by Breonna Taylor’s estate
Settlement includes several LMPD policy changes and reforms
LOUISVILLE, KY (September 15, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Louisville Metro Government (LMG) has settled a civil lawsuit with the estate of Breonna Taylor, including a $12 million payment and an agreement on several policy changes and reforms, including new drug testing rules for LMPD officers, an incentive for officers to live in specific neighborhoods and a new level of scrutiny over search warrants.
“I cannot begin to imagine Ms. Palmer’s pain," Mayor Fischer said. “And I am deeply, deeply sorry for Breonna’s death.”
Taylor was fatally shot on March 13, as Louisville Metro Police were executing a search warrant at her apartment as part of a larger drug investigation.
“Her death has ignited a movement in Louisville and the nation for racial justice, sending thousands into our streets and in cities all across the country and the world – all crying for justice for Breonna” and triggering a renewed commitment to addressing structural and systemic racism in our city and our country, the Mayor said.
Though the settlement does not change the past, he continued, “I hope it brings some measure of peace” for Taylor’s family, friends and the community.
Breonna’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said, “Justice for Breonna means that we will continue to save lives in her honor. No amount of money accomplishes that, but the police reform measures that we were able to get passed as a part of this settlement mean so much more to my family, our community, and to Breonna’s legacy. We know that there is much work still to be done and we look forward to continuing to work with community leaders, the Mayor’s Office, and other elected leaders to implement long-term sustainable change to fight systemic racism that is plaguing our communities.”
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell, who represented LMG in the settlement discussions, said it reflects a commitment by his office and the Mayor’s office to “work toward meaningful changes in our city. … Everyone around the table was dedicated to advancing those reforms for the whole community. Much time and effort went into this, and I offer my appreciation to all involved. (But) today alone is not enough. My hope is this agreement is the next step in building a more just Louisville. A more just Louisville is the medicine we need to heal.”
Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the Taylor family, agreed.
“Nothing will ever fill the bottomless void left by the death of Breonna Taylor. This settlement, with the significant reform, ensures that her death has meaning and long-term impact – hopefully preventing the deaths of other Black lives. In my representation of George Floyd, Jacob Blake, Jr., Pamela Turner, and other cases where I have represented individuals impacted by police brutality, there has not been the responsive systematic reform as what has occurred in Louisville, KY in the name of Breonna Taylor. It’s not just the historic $12 million dollar settlement for the death of Breonna Taylor, which is one of the highest settlement amounts ever paid in America for the wrongful death of a Black woman by police BUT it is the comprehensive reform by the Mayor and his team that was equally important.”
As part of the settlement, Louisville Metro Government agreed to these reforms:
Community Related Police Programs
Housing Credit Program: Metro will establish a housing credit program to incentivize officers to live within a Qualified Census Tract as their primary residence. Metro will review programs established in Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, and DC as models for one in Louisville. The initiative will provide officers with a pathway to home ownership and improve community connections.
Retain Social Workers: Metro commits to retaining social workers at LMPD for officer support and assistance on dispatched runs warranting a social worker’s presence. Metro is researching best practices and social worker qualifications to create an effective program. Metro plans to initially fund this new program through forfeiture funds by contracting for the services of social workers.
CommunityVolunteering: Metro will encourage LMPD officers to volunteer 2 hours a pay period, during their regular work shift, at an organization in the community they serve.
Search Warrant Reforms
LMPD has amended its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 8.1 on search warrants to require a commanding officer to review and approve all search warrants, affidavits in support of search warrants, and risk matrixes before an officer seeks judicial approval for a search warrant. SOP 8.1 has been updated concerning the simultaneous execution of search warrants at multiple locations. The commanding officer of the unit initiating the warrants will act as the overall Incident Commander with a separate on-scene Commanding Officer at each warrant location who will serve as the Deputy Incident Commander for that location. SOP 8.1 has been updated to require the presence of EMS units and/or paramedics for forced entry search warrants.
Police Accountability Reforms
Currency Seizures: LMPD has modified SOP 11.3 with additional protocols for money seized as evidence. The additional policy expressly states that officers must have their body cameras activated for the entire seizure process, which includes counting, placing and sealing the currency into the currency evidence bag before its transport to the property room.
IAPro: Metro will implement the early warning system of IAPro that tracks all use of force incidents, citizen complaints, investigations, and other key factors. Metro is committed to identifying any police officer in need of additional assistance or training. The reactivation of this system will require additional personnel to monitor and administer the program. As part of its top-to-bottom review, Hillard Heintze will evaluate criteria of the early warning system and recommend any needed improvements. Metro plans for the early warning system to be also monitored through the Office of Inspector General once this office is established.
Drug testing: All officers are subject to random testing. Metro agrees to include in 2021 negotiations with the FOP an expansion of the random drug testing to ensure all officers are randomly tested at least once a year.
Personnel files: Metro will negotiate with the FOP in 2021 to expand on the records it may maintain in police officers’ personnel files.
PSU Investigations: Metro has updated its PSU investigation process regarding cases when a police officer separates from LMPD before the completion of his or her investigation. The police officer’s personnel file will include a PSU closing letter that states the Chief’s findings based on the evidence that exists in the file at the time of the separation from LMPD, if sufficient evidence exists in the record to make such a determination or that insufficient evidence exists to make a finding. If the nature of the complaint is significant enough to have reasonably resulted in the suspension of a police officer, the PSU investigation will continue gathering evidence to evaluate if additional officers or problems exist that require the PSU investigation continue.
“These are significant policy changes, on top of many others that we have already made, including those that are part of Breonna’s Law, as well as changes to policies on use of force and tear gas usage,” the Mayor said, while also thanking “the hard work of my team and that of County Attorney Mike O’Connell and his team, and the cooperation and thoughtfulness with which the Taylor family and her attorneys worked with us.”
Free financial navigator services help residents deal with financial impact of COVID-19
Bank On Louisville teams up with LHOME to offer guidance by phone
LOUISVILLE, KY (September 1, 2020) - The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE) has awarded Bank On Louisville/Louisville Metro Government, in partnership with LHOME, a local Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI), with an $80,000 grant to support the creation of a Financial Navigator program. The program is designed to help residents deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, by receiving free, remote assistance in navigating critical financial issues and referrals to other social services and financial resources.
“Helping residents who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 is a critical part of the city’s frontline response and recovery efforts,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “The city is proud to partner with LHOME providing this free public service for all of our residents.”
Bank On Louisville - a city-led collaborative that strives to connect residents to safe and affordable financial services - applied for the grant with LHOME, which promotes wealth building by providing financial education and affordable, accessible loans primarily to low-income residents. Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Citi Foundation, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase support the CFE Fund’s Financial Navigator efforts.
Trained Financial Navigators will provide structured guidance over the phone that will help community members maintain incomes, reduce expenses, and stay securely housed. Financial Navigators will help residents triage financial issues, identify immediate action steps, and receive service referrals. Navigators are not long-term counselors, nor can they provide direct cash assistance.
Financial Navigation services will be delivered over the phone with session lengths ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the clients’ needs. During the session, Navigators will help clients address their financial concerns with a variety of tactics including:
Managing expenses/prioritizing payments and when to make them, including:
Guiding negotiations with creditors, including credit card companies, student loan servicers, and personal and business lenders to pause payments without accruing interest;
Determining if utilities payments can be paused without disruption of service; and
Considering options to leverage unemployment insurance and/or short-term disability.
Maximizing income:
Ensuring receipt of potential future federal payments such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act;
Providing guidance on enrollment of unemployment insurance, food security benefits, and other available resources; and
Connecting to Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites to file taxes and receive tax refunds.
During the session, the Navigator and client will identify next steps to resolve the client’s financial issues; clients will receive a document via email outlining those next steps. If a resident has additional questions, they may call the program again.
”Louisville has terrific financial resources but they are often very difficult for community members to access and put to good use,” said Amy Shir, LHOME’s President and CEO. “We highlighted these local resources in our grant application while acknowledging a tremendous need for Financial Navigators to connect them holistically to Louisvillians struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
More about Bank On Louisville - Launched in 2010, Bank On Louisville is a collaborative partnership between local government, financial institutions and community organizations that work to improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked residents in our Louisville community. To date, Bank On Louisville has helped connect more than 47,000 residents to safe and affordable bank accounts and connected more than 26,500 residents to quality financial education. In 2020, Bank On Louisville is proud to celebrate 10 years of connecting residents to Louisville’s safest accounts. Visit www.bankonlouisville.orgfor more information.
More about LHOME - LHOME stands for The Louisville Housing Opportunities and Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund, Inc. and is an intentionally inclusive CDFI focused on serving community members and small business owners in Louisville’s low-moderate income neighborhoods. LHOME is committed to combating historic redlining and institutional racism by promoting ownership through accessible, affordable loan products and financial coaching services to its clients, most of whom are people of color living and/or working in West and South Louisville neighborhoods. Visit https://www.lhomeky.org/ or email info@lhomeky.org for more information.
More about the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) - The CFE Fund’s mission is to improve the financial stability of households with low and moderate incomes by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local government infrastructure. The CFE Fund is a national nonprofit organization that supports over 80 cities and counties across the country.
In addition to the Financial Navigators initiative, the CFE Fund also helps mayoral administrations in cities across the country with other programs, including: kickstarting municipal financial empowerment efforts through its structured CityStart engagement process; supporting cities in launching Financial Empowerment Centers which offer one-on-one financial counseling as a free public service; expanding the availability of safe, affordable bank and credit union accounts through Bank On; and working with local governments to build out and implement local consumer financial protection offices.
Louisville Metro Council News
- A resolution expressing no confidence in Mayor Greg Fischer but outlining steps he can take to regain the city’s trust passed Louisville Metro Council by a 22-4 vote Thursday.
The resolution was amended by a 14-11 vote to remove language calling for Fischer’s resignation, which council Republicans originally proposed in the initial measure. The amended resolution instead calls on the mayor to follow through on a lengthy corrective action plan that council members believe can help him restore confidence among community members. "We can choose to divide and play off of each other, or we can choose to work together to try to find a path forward that advances the needs of the city," said Councilman Markus Winkler, D-17, who co-sponsored the amended resolution. "This is about change for me," said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey, D-3, "and changing the system doesn't mean anything if we keep changing the people and places and we don't change the actual space and procedures and policies." According to the resolution, the council will take further action if Fischer fails to comply with the corrective action plan, but some members expressed doubts about how the mayor would be held accountable.
- Louisville Metro Council made "conversion therapy" against minors illegal in Louisville on Thursday night. The ordinance passed committee unanimously last week and passed Metro Council 24 to 1. Louisville is now the second Kentucky city to have banned "conversion therapy." Covington passed a similar ordinance earlier in the year. In comments to the Council, State Rep. Lisa Willner said "It is impossible to imagine any other practice associated with such high rates of suicide and other dangers that would still be allowed."
Plenty of COVID-19 testing available with faster results
LOUISVILLE, KY. (September 14, 2020) – Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Chief Health Strategist, says Louisville has greatly increased testing capacity for COVID-19 and results from tests are being delivered within 12 to 72 hours.
“COVID-19 testing capacity has greatly expanded in the past several weeks,” Dr. Moyer said. “There are more than 21 sites in Louisville open to the general public. Several of them are telling us they can test up to 300 people a day but only a small number are showing up to be tested. We are also seeing test results being delivered anywhere from 12 to 72 hours. Fast turn around times help us with getting important information to those who test positive through our care advocates and contact tracers. All of that works together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
According to Dr. Moyer, here’s who should get tested for COVID-19:
Anyone with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, sore throat, congestion or runny nose). Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact their healthcare providerwho can also arrange testing.
Anyone who doesn’t have symptoms but has had recent or suspected exposure to someone who tested positive
Anyone who has attended gatherings of more than 10 people where social distancing and mask wearing was not being practiced such as Labor Day weekend activities, parties, and sporting activities.
“We are updating testing opportunities on our website weekly,” Dr. Moyer said. “Please check it frequently and get tested. Some of the testing locations require you to call or schedule online ahead of time. Some are drive thru and require no appointment. That information is on the website. If you don’t have access to the website, call us at 574-6520 and we can help you find a testing location.”
COVID-19 testing in the Buechel neighborhood continues
The Office for Globalization has partnered with the Public Health Department, the YMCA and Bluewater Labs to offer a new COVID-19 drive-thru/walk-up testing site for the public at the Southeast YMCA location in the Buechel neighborhood.
There is no need to pre-register or make an appointment, and all insurance is welcome. No one will be turned away, just bring a photo ID. Services are available in multiple languages. Free cloth facemasks and hand sanitizer will be available, and Census2020 will be on site to assist with completing your household census.
Starting September 14, regular testing will be available:
Every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Every Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional testing opportunities:
September 19, 9am - 3pm - Bates Memorial Baptist Church, 620 Lampton St. No appointment necessary. Sponsored by WellCare Health and BlueWater Labs.
September 20, 10am - 3pm - Okolona Elementary School – 7606 Preston Hwy, pop up testing, no appointment needed. Sponsored by Family Health Centers, Bluewater Labs, La Casita Center, Poder, Al Dia, and Louisville Metro Office for Globalization.
Louisville Metro's Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods offers resources to residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
As cities across the country anticipate an unprecedented wave of evictions, we want to be sure to share some important resources available to Louisville renters, small-business owners and everyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the establishment of vital resources for Louisville residents, we are pleased to see the groundwork for innovative solutions such as the establishment of a Community Land Trust as well as review of the Land Development Code. These measures will help ensure equitable housing solutions moving forward. Finally, we want to ensure citizens are aware of the resources available to them, so be sure to share the below resources with friends, family, and neighbors in need.
Funds are available to households making up to 80% of Area Median Income limits. Please see the above chart for qualifications. Anyone with a pending court eviction or a past due notice from their landlord is encouraged to apply.
In an effort to preserve the countless unique small businesses across Louisville Metro, the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants Program is available. Eligible businesses who can demonstrate need can qualify for up to $50,000 in assistance.
Up to $1,000 in funds are available for households, with a demonstrated need, that have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications and supplemental documentation can be completed online. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling funds are available until October 31, or until funds are depleted. Applicants must be Jefferson County residents whose household makes 60% or less of the Kentucky State Median Income. Click the above link or call 502.991.8391 to begin.
Eligible applicants can receive a 10% reduction on MSD charges through July 31, 2021. Discount applies to MSD wastewater service charges, wastewater volume charges and consent decree surcharges. Total household income must be at or below 150% of the poverty line and with supporting documentation
The Louisville water company has not suspended water service for late payments since the onset of the pandemic. However, with over 12,000 late accounts, Louisville water Company has implemented Drops of Kindness, a catered payment solution that takes into account customer hardships as well as pairs them with community resources that can provide assistance. To learn more, click on the above link. Call 502.583.6610 to get started with a customer care representative.
Visit the Kentuckiana Job Board, which is updated weekly, to find a wide range of opportunities.
The Center for Health Equity wants to hear from you about what it’s like to get food and groceries in Louisville
The 2017 Louisville Health Equity Report recommended that Louisville make healthy foods more accessible. The report suggested that it would take a lot of different solutions at many different levels. That includes government policy, organizations, and businesses helping to make it easy for people to have a chance to get healthy foods.
Please share your ideas! The Center for Health Equity will report your recommendations to the Metro Council, and use them to help determine how the Council’s $3.5 million bond allocation will be spent to provide a community grocery.
The Louisville Census Complete Count Committee and community leaders are urging residents to complete the Census before Sept. 30, and notes that Census Takers are visiting every household that has not already responded. In certain areas, the Census Bureau is also calling households, reminding them to respond. Census Takers will have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo. Learn more at https://louisvilleky.gov/census.
When is the deadline?
September 30, 2020
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the new system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
Anything submitted in the old reporting system (prior to June 19, 2019) will not show in the new system. It is still being processed however. Please call Metro311 for status.
To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue with Metro 311 by following this link.
Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311.
Waste Reduction Center is Open
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Pop-Up Drop-Offs are free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County. These events will pop up around the county once per month, from September through November, starting September 26. Use the Recycle Coach app to receive notifications about future events or view them on the app calendar. Or check the Pop-Up Drop-Off website for updates.
Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sun Valley Park, 10401 Lower River Road
ACCEPTED ITEMS
Electronics (up to 3 items) - recycled
Metal & appliances (no refrigerators or any items containing coolant) - recycled
Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens.
Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.
These events are made possible through a partnership between the Louisville/Jefferson County Waste Management District, the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Management division, and Metro Council.
Help your Community and Report Potholes
One of the things we missed this Spring was the annual Pothole Blitz. But Louisville Metro fills potholes in streets and alleys every day and we need your help to report them.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
LMPD News
Mayor names Yvette Gentry as new interim Chief of LMPD
Schroeder to retire; moving on to prioritize family, health, education
LOUISVILLE, KY. (September 7, 2020) – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that interim LMPD Chief Rob Schroeder is retiring from the department, and former LMPD Deputy Chief Yvette Gentry has agreed to serve in the interim role until a new permanent Chief is installed.
Gentry retired from LMPD in 2014 after serving more than 20 years in investigations, strategic planning, budgeting and patrol; she became deputy chief in 2011. A year later, Mayor Fischer named her as the city’s Chief of Community Building, a role she held until 2017. Gentry is taking a leave of absence from her current roles in philanthropy at the Rajon Rondo Foundation and Metro United Way to serve until a permanent LMPD Chief is in place.
Gentry, who will be the first female to ever lead the LMPD in its 200-plus year history, did not apply for the permanent chief position and said she has no interest in serving longer than it takes to give a new chief a successful transition period.
“I am taking a pause from positions that have provided me time to heal and enjoy my family,” Gentry said. “I am returning to the high-stress law-enforcement field in large part to help lead a call to action for those willing to do the work it takes to heal our city – and provide truth so we can have reconciliation, and create a system of justice rooted in equity.”
The Mayor noted that Chief Schroeder had agreed to take the interim role for four months, and is moving on to prioritize his family and his health, and complete his doctorate.
“Many, many thanks to Chief Schroeder for stepping in during a tumultuous time for our city,” Mayor Fischer said. “Rob came into this role as a reformer and innovator, having led the implementation of police body cameras and the creation of the Real Time Crime Center, and continued that path of reform as interim Chief – helping implement Breonna’s Law, new rules on duty to intervene, restrictions on use of force and tear gas, and moving to more quickly clear a backlog of internal investigations.
“I greatly appreciate Rob’s commitment to our city,” the Mayor added, “and I know some city will be very lucky to have him as police chief when he is ready to pursue that role on a permanent basis.”
Chief Schroeder said: “I am grateful to have had this opportunity to serve the city and the police department that I love. I am deeply proud of the men and women of LMPD, and how committed they are to keeping our city and our residents safe.”
The Mayor said he’s also deeply appreciative of Gentry’s willingness to take on this interim role.
“Yvette brings the unparalleled experience and strong community relationships needed to lead LMPD until a permanent Chief is in place,” the Mayor said, “and she is passionate about working to help her city address systemic racism and reimagine public safety. She has never been shy about offering her advice, and I look forward to having her on the team as we move forward in selecting a permanent Chief.”
Gentry will report on Sept. 14th and will work with Chief Schroeder to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement begins on Oct. 1 and she becomes interim Chief.
The Mayor noted today that more than 20 people applied by the Aug. 31 application deadline for the permanent Chief role, and “we continue to follow the process that we laid out earlier this summer for selecting a new chief, which began with community engagement.”
The search is being conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a non-profit Washington, D.C.-based police research organization acclaimed for guiding cities across the country on 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. For 30 years, PERF has identified the most skilled professionals in the field and assisted cities in recruiting and selecting well-qualified candidates.
Before posting the job description and soliciting applications, the city and PERF received input from more than 10,000 people who responded to an online survey about qualities a new chief should have, as well as input that came through nearly two dozen listening sessions with focus groups throughout the community. These meetings, held both in person and virtually, included a variety of constituencies: Metro Council and other elected officials, the business community, faith leaders, the international community, activist groups, LMPD, and others.
Next steps in the hiring process include working with PERF to review, vet and sort the applicants, based on how their qualifications line up with those that the community helped create. A small group will then convene to review the list, narrow it, conduct interviews, and identify top candidates who appear best suited to lead the LMPD. That process will also involve the community and LMPD by incorporating the input previously collected, as well as an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. Anyone interested in suggesting interview questions can email them to:LouisvilleChiefQuestions@policeforum.org.
Mayor Fischer is expected to name the new permanent Chief by the end of the year.
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property!
A reminder to lock your vehicle, and never leave valuables in plain sight. This includes any and all keys, key fobs and firearms.
Police report that some drivers are making it easy for thieves by leaving their vehicle running. Please secure your property.
LMPD suggests making a 9 p.m. routine, as seen below.
Remove valuables from your vehicle.
Lock your car.
Secure your weapons.
Close your garage.
Lock your doors and windows.
Remember to report any suspicious behavior to LMPD’s non-emergency line at 574-7111. To speak to a call taker, press 5.
Metro Emergency Repair Program
Eligibility criteria:
Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
Not available on rental property.
Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
May receive assistance once in a five year period.
Louisville-Jefferson County only.
Types of repairs:
Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
Electrical repairs/upgrades.
Water line repairs/replacement.
Sewer line repairs/replacement.
Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).
With one in three Kentuckians out of work because of the coronavirus, many in our community face anxieties around paying bills and affording basic necessities.
Louisville Water understands the stress this may cause and is launching Drops of Kindness, a new customer assistance program for an unpaid water and wastewater bill.
Drops of Kindness offers a customized approach to help customers resolve unpaid bills. CLICK HERE for more information.
Louisville Water program can help customers remove privately owned lead service lines
Louisville Water has a program in place to assist in the removal of privately owned lead service lines. Under the program, Louisville Water will pay 50 percent of the removal cost up to $1,500. If a customer meets certain income criteria they may be eligible for a Louisville Water Foundation grant to cover the remaining cost. Additionally, Louisville Water offers free water quality testing for any customer who has a concern.
Louisville Water reports that there are 814 properties with privately owned lead service lines in Louisville Metro.
To make customers aware of the program Louisville Water is mailing each of those 814 customers a letter outlining the program. If they don’t hear back from those customers LWC will follow up with a postcard and phone call.
Food Pantry open in District 2
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
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Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
***Beginning in August, the food pantry began holding a second give-a-way day! Through December 2020, the pantry will be open for guests on both the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 10am - 12pm. Please visit us if you are in need!***
Upcoming Events at Newburg Library!
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We are pleased to announce that starting today, the Newburg, St. Matthews, and Shawnee libraries are now open for in-person public computer use by appointment. These three locations join the Main Library and Northeast, South Central, and Southwest regionals in offering in-person computer use and limited free printing and faxing services by appointment. Computer access islimited to one 90 minute session per day. To make an appointment, patrons should call their preferred participating location at the numbers listed below.
Main: (502) 574-1616
Newburg: (502) 479-6160
Northeast: (502) 574-1751
St. Matthews: (502) 574-1772
Shawnee: (502) 574-1722
Southwest: (502) 933-0029
South Central: (502) 964-3515
In order to reopen safely to in-person visits, library spaces and computer stations have been reconfigured to ensure safe physical distancing can be maintained. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and masks and temperature checks are required to enter library facilities. The Library will have masks available for patrons who arrive without them. The browsing of books and other materials is also not permitted at this time.
More information on computers by appointment can be found at LFPL.org/appointment.
New interactive map makes legal Short Term Rentals easy to find
Short term rental enforcement continues in large part to be complaint-driven, based on public reporting of alleged violations to administrators.
Now, there is a new tool available to help. This interactive map contains all of the registered short term rentals in Louisville having an active permit to rent their property out to paying customers on STR websites like Airbnb.
In the map sample at upper left, light blue represents properties with active registrations. Green indicates properties with active registrations and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is required to rent the property if it is not the owner's primary residence.
If you believe someone is using a property as a short term rental but it does not show up on this registry, or if the registry indicates a non-owner occupied property does not have a CUP, then please report the issue here (select “Zoning and Business Concerns,” “Zoning Concern,” “Short Term Rental,” complete the form and submit). Or contact our office.
Report a Litterer!
Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles, or any type of litter out of their car window.
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
