Metro Council is now considering a new short-term contract for LMPD police officers and sergeants. The contract was negotiated by the administration and the River City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #614 and presented to Metro Council for approval this week. A Metro Council resolution approving it will have first reading tonight and be assigned to the Council’s Labor & Economic Development Committee, where it is expected to be heard at a meeting on October 13 at 3:00 pm. It could come before the full Metro Council as early as October 22.
While I fully support the pay increases in the contract, to fairly compensate officers, help recruitment efforts and stem losses of experienced officers, I am very disappointed that the contract makes few significant efforts at police reforms. As WFPL reported in June (https://wfpl.org/with-police-union-contract-under-negotiation-fischer-could-push-for-changes/), Louisville is one of the few cities in the country in which the police union contract includes provisions in six categories which police reform activists find problematic (https://www.checkthepolice.org/#review). Those provisions remain in the agreement now before Metro Council.
The failure to negotiate changes in this short-term agreement is blamed on state law, which in some cases includes the same provisions that would remain in place even if eliminated from the contract, and on tentative agreements reached before the renewed focus on police reform. The goal is to begin negotiation of a new agreement including police reforms no later than January 31, 2021, to conclude before June 30, 2021, when the short-term agreement expires and after the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly has had an opportunity to change the state law provisions. The Metro Council resolution and the proposed contract can be found here.
Unfortunately, I think there is a significant risk that this short-term agreement will be effective for an extended period of time and that we will have missed an opportunity for significant reform, at a time the community is demanding it.
|
Louisville continues to see steady increases in COVID-19 cases and is currently at alert level “orange” but is inching closer to level “red”. Cases remain in every zip code with higher numbers in west and south Louisville.
For the latest information on the city's response to COVID-19, including information on testing, click here.
On Tuesday, September 29, the Jefferson County Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Martin Pollio’s proposal to extend NTI, with the possibility of gradually reopening classrooms later in October if COVID-19 case numbers improve. Dr. Pollio said a decision on resuming in-person instruction depends on whether the community reaches alert level yellow or green.
Dr. Lori Caloia, Medical Director for the Department of Public Health and Wellness, said "In order to reach the yellow zone, we would have to cut our number of cases in half from where we currently are." Louisville's COVID-19 incidence rate has increased for two consecutive weeks. "It's up to each of us to make personal choices about the activities we participate in to limit exposure and stop the spread of the virus," she said. The best advice is to limit your time away from home, stay six feet apart from people not in your household, cover your face and wash your hands.
Contact tracing after positive tests continues in the city. The COVID-19 contact tracing team calls over 1,500 cases and contacts every day.
Louisville’s contact tracers and care advocates want to make sure you get the care you need, have what you need to safely isolate and quarantine, and answer any questions you have. Please provide correct contact information when getting tested for COVID-19 and please answer the call from LOU HEALTH when you see it on your caller ID.
The LOU HEALTH HELPLINE is a great resource to call if:
- you've recently tested positive and aren't sure what to do
- you're experiencing symptoms and want to know what to do
- you think you've been exposed to COVID-19
- you have questions about how to safely isolate or quarantine
Don't hesitate to call the helpline at (502) 912-8598.
To subscribe to email updates from the Department of Public Health and Wellness, please click here.
It’s almost time to clean house and get ready for another junk collection if you live in the 9th District Urban Services District (USD). You may begin setting out your large items on Friday, October 16 in the afternoon. All items must be set out by Monday, October 19 at 6:00 a.m. Some items (hazardous materials, construction debris, etc.) are not collected and THESE RULES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. For collection guidelines, please click here.
To sign up for junk set out and other SWMS reminders please, click here. Then select “View Schedule”, enter your address and then select "finish." A calendar will then pop up and you can click on “Set Reminders” at the bottom of the calendar.
|
October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. It’s a time to celebrate survivors, honor those who have died, raise awareness, and confirm the commitment to preventing intimate partner violence in our community.
To honor local victims of domestic violence in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, The Center for Women and Families (The Center) and Louisville Metro Office for Women (OFW) are partnering with local businesses and well-known landmarks in the area to help show “Love in a New Light”. Workplaces, residences, and other spaces are invited to display purple lights and hang purple hearts on doors and windows during October.
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. And according to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes.
Locally, LMPD's Victim Services Unit has provided support and advocacy services to 2,623 victims of domestic violence since its inception in 2016. The VSU supports crime victims and witnesses by helping them navigate the criminal justice system and by responding to their emotional, physical, and financial needs.
If you or someone you know is involved in a violent situation, please call 911 or the Louisville Metro Police Department anonymous tip line at 574-LMPD (5673). Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can also seek help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through a toll-free crisis line: 1-844-BESAFE1 (237-2331). This number is staffed with certified domestic violence counselors trained to offer crisis counseling, support, referrals and other information about domestic violence.
Other ways to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month include following and sharing social media events posted by The Center (Facebook, and Twitter @TheCenterOnline) and OFW (Facebook @OFWLouisville), and by participating in the Everyday Advocate Virtual Luncheon on Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. by registering here. For more information, visit https://www.thecenteronline.org/ or https://louisvilleky.gov/government/office-women.
|
Building a sidewalk along Frankfort Avenue from River Road to Story Avenue has long been a priority for me. Several years ago, I was pleased to see money allocated for a sidewalk plan. I’m even happier to report that construction is about to begin.
The sidewalk will run along the northeast side of Frankfort Avenue to provide safe pedestrian access along this very busy road.
The project is a partnership between Louisville Metro Government and Waterfront Botanical Gardens, with the Gardens paying for the sidewalk portion in front of its property and Louisville Metro paying for all the other sidewalk sections.
Frankfort Avenue between River Road and Story Avenue will be closed to all through traffic during construction. Traffic signage will be posted prior to the work beginning.
|
The IRS has determined that there are thousands of individuals in Jefferson County who are eligible for the IRS Economic Impact Payment (stimulus payment) but who have not yet received this payment. That includes 620 tax “non-filers” in 40206 and 553 in 40207. The deadline for tax “non-filers” to apply for the payment is Saturday, November 21. More information can be found here.
For questions, please contact the Legal Aid Society at (502) 584-1254 or online at www.yourlegalaid.org.
|
TreesLouisville is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide 700 free trees to Louisville residents. This is the fourth round of a partnership that has delivered 2,975 trees at no cost to residents. These trees will have a significant impact on energy savings, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality for decades to come. Trees should arrive in late October or early November, just in time for the tree planting season. The following species are available: Tulip Poplar, Willow, Blackgum, Sycamore, American Beech, Sugar Maple and Redbud.
This “Community Canopy” program is one of the ways TreesLouisville confronts the estimated yearly loss of 54,000 trees in our city, mostly on residential properties. The organization advocates for Louisvillians to plant trees as a proven strategy to combat the urban heat island effect and clean our water and air. Visit www.arborday.org/treeslouisville to reserve your tree today!
|
For basic details for all of below case/s, please visit https://aca-louisville.accela.com/LJCMG/Welcome.aspx?. Click on the “Planning” tab. Then enter either the case number in the “record number” box or the address.
You can also click on the notice below to go to the application page.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager. If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
  
On Tuesday, December 8, the 9th District office, in partnership with U of L Hospital and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, will offer mammograms at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Avenue. To make an appointment, please contact my office at 574-3908. Mammograms are for women age 40 and over. There is no cost to eligible women without insurance. Women with insurance will need to bring their card so a claim may be filed.
|
Metro Louisville ordinances say that all household garbage and recycling must be set out in appropriate containers. No bags containing garbage or recycling can be set on the ground outside of the containers.
- The city provides a black 95-gallon wheeled garbage cart to households within the Urban Services District. You may request a smaller 65-gallon garbage cart instead.
- An orange 18-gallon recycling bin is also provided. You may purchase a 65 or 95-gallon wheeled recycling cart instead.
-
Yard waste can be collected in bundles, in paper yard waste bags, or store-bought containers.
In some situations, you can use store-bought containers for garbage or recycling as well, but for all types of waste, the containers must be less than 40-gallon capacity, have handles for lifting, and marked to indicate what is in them. The D9 office has a limited number of yard waste and recycling identification stickers available, so we are limiting them to one per household while supplies last. If you are interested in obtaining one, please contact Kyle Ethridge and include the type of sticker you are requesting.
To request your first garbage cart or recycling bin, or to have a cart repaired, contact Metro311 at www.louisvilleky.gov/tell311 or by calling 311 or 574-5000.
To purchase an additional garbage cart, an additional recycling bin, or a wheeled recycling cart click here.
Please ensure you are following SWMS’s collection guidelines for recycling and yard waste. Click here for the yard waste collection guidelines and here for the recycling guidelines.
|
Calling all creative Crescent Hill kids to enter the 2020 Crescent Hill Community Council’s Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest! Please join in this family-friendly event, but parents please let your children do the creating!
OFFICIAL RULES
- Only one entry per person
- Original Work – Parents let your kids be the creators!
- Entries may be carved or painted/decorated
- Photo Release – Entrants agree their photos may be used in Social Media
- Pumpkin may not be larger than 2’ x 2’ x 2’ or heavier than 35 lbs. Size will not be a factor in judging so small pumpkins welcomed!
- The carved pumpkins must be able to stand without any support or back drop needed.
- All entries must be real. No artificial pumpkins will be accepted.
- If you want your carved pumpkin judged lit you must provide a battery-operated LED light
- Crescent Hill Community Council (CHCC) is not responsible for the security of your entry and is not liable for any loss or damage to the entry.
- Pumpkin must be appropriate and child friendly. CHCC reserves the right to reject the entry.
How to Enter
- Entry Form – Completely fill out the official Entry Form to accompany your pumpkin for a valid entry
- Delivery – Deliver your pumpkin to the Peterson-Dumesnil House front porch Wednesday, October 28 from 9 am – 6 pm and on Thursday, October 29 from 9 am – 4 pm.
- Crescent Hill Community Council (CHCC) volunteers will be masked and on the porch to assist entries. All entrants must wear masks when delivering their pumpkins. Please practice physical distancing.
- Placement – Place your pumpkin on the appropriate Category Table (Group 1 = Ages 3-6, Group 2 = Ages7-9 and Group 3 = 10-12) with your Entry Form folded in half (writing side inward) and placed underneath your pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pickup
All pumpkin entries must be picked up on Friday, October 29 from 9 am – 6 pm. You must wear your mask when picking up your pumpkin. Photos of entrants and their pumpkins may be taken at this time. After 6 pm on Friday, October 29, remaining pumpkins will be discarded.
Judging & Prizes
A panel of “Celebrity” Judges will pick winners in each Group Category during a Facebook Live event on Thursday October 29 at 7 pm. Two winners will be chosen and Awards presented in each Group Category for:
- Most Creative
- Most Silliest – Funniest – Scariest
|
The Frankfort Avenue Business Association (FABA) would like to compile a business archive of all current and past businesses along Frankfort Avenue for as many locations as possible along the Frankfort Avenue corridor - and they need your help!
They want to know more about the history of businesses along Frankfort Avenue and how the Avenue has evolved over the last century. Please send FABA the name of your establishment, address, years in which you were on the Avenue, a picture of the facade at the time, and/or any history you may be able to share regarding businesses and their lives on Frankfort Avenue.
Please email information to Laurie.ONeil@AssuredPartners.com.
|
The annual Louisville Earth Walk is going city-wide this year out of respect for everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 crisis. So, while local environmentalists won’t gather together in one place at one time on Saturday, October 24, everyone is invited to participate - from all across our city. You can join from wherever you are in support of a vision where every neighborhood has safe and clean water, air, and soil.
This year there are two exciting registration options: The 5K Walk option invites participants to get in their walk anytime on October 24 on their own favorite paths and routes or wherever. The Free Form invites participants to celebrate however they like from wherever they are. You can register for either option or learn more online at bit.ly/LEWReg2020.
|
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 March through November. Use the Recycle Coach app to receive notifications about future events or view them on the app calendar. (Download the app in the Apple Store or Google Play.) Or check the Pop-Up Drop-Off website for updates.
Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Metro Fleet Services, 3515 Newburg Road
ACCEPTED ITEMS
- Electronics (up to 3 items) - recycled
- Metal & appliances (no refrigerators or any items containing coolant) - recycled
- Passenger tires (up to 4) - recycled
- Household recyclables (follow curbside rules) - recycled
- Yard waste (follow curbside rules) - composted
- Large household items - landfill
- Paper shredding - recycled
- Prescription medication - disposed properly
NOT ACCEPTED
- Garbage, loose debris
- Concrete, bricks, rocks
- Construction materials
- Refrigerators or items containing coolant
- Paint
- Batteries
- Tree trunks
- Light bulbs
- Boats
- Hot tubs
- Household hazardous waste
- Items from businesses
- Items on trailers greater than 10 feet in length
COVID-19 POLICIES
- 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.
|
It’s always great to see constituents recognize the people who serve them every day, especially during the pandemic. At the Clifton Kroger on Brownsboro Road, the Clifton Community Council – at the suggestion and with the support of residents Virginia Forest and Patria Fielding - posted signs this spring thanking the essential workers there.
|
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of joining residents on Top Hill Road as they honored Vincent Wilson, a beloved United States Postal Service employee. Vincent has been delivering mail for 36 years, serving the Cochran Hill area for most of those years. He’s retiring later in 2020.
Take time to thank the essential workers in our community!
|
Lace up your running shoes, tune up your bike, charge your fitness watch, and try to remember your Strava password...because this Sunday the Olmsted Parks October Challenge begins!
The Olmsted Parks October Challenge, presented by Olmsted Parks Conservancy and BB&T/Trust, is a virtual challenge taking place from October 11 - 25 in your favorite Olmsted Parks.
For every running, walking, hiking, or biking challenge you complete in the Olmsted Parks on Strava, between 10/11-10/25, you'll be automatically entered to win up to $1,300 in special prizes, which range from free local gift cards ($100 value) to getting your very own tree planted in an Olmsted Park ($750 value).
Registration ($25) is required and comes with a FREE performance t-shirt. Existing Olmsted Parks Conservancy members get 30% off registration. It's the Conservancy's way of saying "thanks for being awesome."
All funds raised for this event will go toward signage enhancements in the Olmsted Parks to improve your park experience and help you better navigate our trail system.
Click here to register!
How to Register and/or Redeem a Member Discount
- Visit the event page on olmstedparks.org and click "Register."
- If you are not a member, select "Standard Registration." If you are a current member, select "Member Registration" to get 30% off the $25 registration fee.
- Select your t-shirt size under "Add-Ons," fill out the contact form, add your Strava "athlete name" and accept the terms as set out in the limited liability waiver.
|
It is the time of year when Louisville Girls Leadership (LGL) is working to recruit the next cohort of students! For those unfamiliar, LGL is a nonprofit organization striving to help equip young people with tools that will help navigate their journey of self-development through education, advocacy, and action, enhancing their potential as leaders. The experience leaves them with critical life and leadership skills that will instill the necessary confidence to tap into their vast potential and, in turn, become a source of empowerment to make positive change in their schools and community.
Key aspects of the program:
- LGL 20-21 will be entirely VIRTUAL. Students will need to have access to wireless internet (Wifi), and a laptop, tablet, or phone. However, if these tools are not accessible, staff will provide any necessary resources to participants. Lack of access will not hinder a student's acceptance.
- At minimum, LGL sessions will take place bi-weekly on Sunday's via Zoom, in addition to hosting webinars and opportunities to bond with your fellow LGL peers.
- Program Topics Include: Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression, Women's Empowerment & Intersectional Feminism, Mental Health & Self-Care, College & Career Readiness, Environmental Justice and more!
All 10th grade students interested must apply through an online application process. LGL will accept a cohort of 40 sophomores to the program, with at least one sophomore represented from each public and private high school in the county. They strive for a recruitment plan that encourages an equitable selection process, allowing to fill the roster with students who represent the diversity found throughout Louisville, who are able to take on the LGL time commitment, and who have an enthusiastic connection to the LGL mission.
Here are links to important documents:
STUDENT APPLICATION (submission by the student required)
SCHOOL + COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATION
All applications and recommendations are due by Friday, October 23rd. To learn more about the organization and this year's application process, please visit www.LouisvilleGirlsLeadership.org.
The Louisville Parks Foundation's Jack O' Lantern Spectacular will run now until November 1. This year the event will be a drive-thru event, but that won't change the pumpkin magic. Don't miss out on over 5000+ carved pumpkins and help support the parks! To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.jackolanternlouisville.com/.
|
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, October 8: Carmichael's Bookstore will host a free virtual event with Robert Fieseler and Sheri L. Wright at 7:00 p.m. Register for the event ahead of time here.
Sunday, October 11: Waterfront Botanical Gardens (WBG) will host Second Sundays: Happy Harvest from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the Graeser Family Education Center. Cost is $15 or $10 per child WBG members (use code WBGMEMBER at checkout to receive discount). Parents FREE with an accompanying child. Children ages 5-12 and their grown-ups are invited to the Graeser Family Education Center on the second Sunday of each month for an afternoon program that includes stories, nature-based learning stations, a craft, and lots of fun. Pre-registration required. Learn how crops are grown, harvested, and preserved for the cold season. Click here to register.
Monday, October 12: The League of Women Voters of Louisville will host a Virtual Town Hall Meeting from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. entitled “JCPS and Your Taxes: Where Does This Money Come From? And Where Does It Go?” Panelists will include: Dr. Marty Pollio, Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS); Cordelia Hardin, JCPS Chief Financial Officer and Diane Porter, Chair, JCPS Board of Education. This event is an alternate version of the League’s “Dinner and Democracy” format, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Stephon Dingle with WLKY TV will be the moderator. Please note this town hall is open to the public; therefore, it is recommended that you register early by emailing the League at LWVLouisville@gmail.com You may also submit questions for our panelists using this email address.
Tuesday, October 13: Waterfront Botanical Gardens (WBG) will host a workshop on cover crops and winter soil care with Marlena Wolf at 7:00 p.m. This is a virtual event and the cost is $18 per person and $13 for members. For more information and to register, please visit https://waterfrontgardens.org/event/cover-crops-and-winter-soil-care/.
Friday, October 16 - Sunday, October 18: Most of the 9th District Urban Services District (USD) will have junk collection set-out, You may begin setting out your junk Friday afternoon prior to your junk pick-up week and must have it all out by Monday at 6:00 AM. For collection guidelines, which are STRICTLY FOLLOWED, please click here.
Saturday, October 17: Waterfront Botanical Gardens (WBG) will host a warm season yoga at the Avish Estate at WBG at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. For more information and to register, please visit https://waterfrontgardens.org/event/warm-season-yoga-at-the-avish-5/.
Sunday, October 18: Just Creations will host a Fair Trade Chocolate Bake-Along at 4:00 p.m. Login from your kitchen and connect with the world! To participate, purchase one baking bundle per household. The Baking Bundle includes assorted chocolate ingredients: One Bag of Fair Trade Chocolate Chips, One can of Fair Trade Cocoa, One bar of Fair Trade Chocolate (assorted flavors), One Fair Trade hot mat and recipes and ingredient list. Registration information for the bake-along. Baking Bundles are available in-store and online. Limited quantity available.
Monday, October 19 - Saturday, October 31: Just Creations, 2722 Frankfort Avenue, will host Choctoberfest, a celebration of all things chocolate. Stop by the store or visit https://justcreations.org/ for more information.
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!
|
