District 17 eNewsletter

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 09/18/2020 03:24 PM EDT

View as a webpage / share
markus winkler - louisville metro council - district 17

September 18, 2020

Friday Thoughts

At last night’s meeting, the Metro Council voted 22-4 to approve a resolution expressing concern with and a lack of confidence in Mayor Fischer’s leadership. The overwhelming support of the amended resolution (which I introduced) sent a clear message that the Council shares the frustrations many in the public have voiced with the current state of affairs in Louisville.

I believe the version supported by so many of my colleagues last night was an improvement over the original version for a couple of reasons. First, we listed specific action items that will help restore trust between Louisville citizens and their government. These steps include a focus on various forms of inequality, the rising rates of homicide, transparency in government, attracting and retaining the best police officers, and reviewing all leadership appointments. The Metro Council is a co-equal branch of local government and as such has a responsibility not just to question decisions made by the administration (which we did) but offer solutions as well.  

Second, the original resolution seemed to originate from a place of partisanship that didn't sit well with many council members. It likely would have been decided, one way or the other, by one or two votes. It would have been neither a scathing indictment nor a glowing endorsement. It would be reasonable to assume the mayor would simply ignore a resolution with that result. That might be a way to earn political points for some, but it is no way to get results. What I said on the floor last night when I introduced the amendment - and what I stand behind today - is that the Council speaks loudest when it speaks with one voice. By finding common ground on a resolution that an overwhelming majority could support, we sent an unmistakable message to the administration that change must be forthcoming.

I know the list of actions in the amended resolution we approved is just a starting point and won’t solve all our problems. I know everyone won’t agree with each one (I don’t either). But, I am confident that working together we can implement these and other changes for the betterment of our residents, businesses, non-profits, and employees. 

Contact the District 17 Office

Markus Winkler
17th District Councilman

502.574.1117
markus.winkler@louisvilleky.gov

 

Kip Eatherly
Legislative Aide

502.574.3462
kip.eatherly@louisvilleky.gov

Important Numbers

Animal Services   473-7387
Codes & Regulations   574-2508
EACM   426-2824
Health & Wellness   574-6520
Jefferson Co. Clerk   574-5700
KY Science Center   561-6100
LG&E   589-1444
LMPD (8th Division)   574-2258
Louisville Water   583-6610
Louisville Zoo   459-2181
Mayor's Office   574-2003
MSD   540-6000
NE Regional Library   394-0379
Parks   574-7275
Planning   574-6230
Public Works   574-5810
TARC   585-1234

September 17 Metro Council Meeting

A summary of some of the other items discussed at the meeting last night is below:

Conversion Therapy - The Council approved an ordinance prohibiting mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts commonly known as conversion therapy. 

Boards/Commissions  - The Council approved appointments to the Waste Management District 109 Board, the Downtown Development Overlay District Board, the Housing Authority Board, and the PRP Fire Protection District Board. There are a wide variety of boards and commissions on which Louisville residents can serve. If you are interested in applying, please click here.

Land Use - Changes in zoning were approved for properties along South Hurstbourne Parkway (Districts 2 and 24), Breckenridge Lane (District 26), and East Breckinridge Street (District 4).

In-person Voting Update

The Jefferson County Clerk's Office announced earlier this week several locations for early and Election Day voting. Beginning Tuesday, October 13, residents have the option of voting early at four locations: the Kentucky Exposition Center, the KFC Yum! Center, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, and a location in the eastern part of Jefferson County yet to be finalized. Early in-person voting can be done Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 

On Election Day, there will be four additional polling locations available: Ballard High School, Shawnee High School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Valley High School. All eight locations on Election Day will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. TARC will be providing free rides that day.

As a reminder, the last day to register or update your voter registration is October 5. The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 9.
      

Conditional Use Permits - 3921 Altawood Court and 804 Evergreen Road

planning


In addition to the above request, an application has also been filed for a conditional use permit at 804 Evergreen Road. The proposed use is a bed and breakfast. Click here and scroll down to "Planning Weekly Activity Report" for more information.

Free Trees

trees


TreesLouisville is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide 700 free trees to Louisville residents. Trees should arrive in late October or early November, just in time for the planting season. In addition to looking great in your yard, these trees will help with energy savings, carbon sequestration, and improving the quality of our air and water. Visit the Arbor Day website for more information.
 

You are receiving this message because you have had contact with our office in the past. If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please follow the "Unsubscribe" instructions below.