District 17 eNewsletter

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markus winkler - louisville metro council - district 17

October 16, 2020


Friday Thoughts

I hope you are well on this beautiful fall Friday. This week, I want to dive into the FOP contract and then focus again on the election and COVID-19.

At the Labor & Economic Development Committee this week, we were presented with the collective bargaining agreement between Louisville Metro and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). It is important to note that while Metro Council does have approval authority over such agreements, it does not get to negotiate terms. It will be a straight up or down vote. The agreement ended up being tabled as there were many questions from those who attended the meeting. (This is not unusual for important legislation such as this. The goal is to hear testimony at the committee level - not the full Council - so sometimes issues spill over into a subsequent committee meeting.) We extended the meeting an hour but still ran out of time and decided unanimously to take the issue up again in a couple of weeks.

The contract itself would solve several critical issues. Most notably, it addresses police pay which is currently significantly below neighboring municipalities. If we want to attract the best officers, we need to pay appropriately. Additionally, the agreement includes housing incentives to encourage officers to live in the communities they serve - another key addition. A concern some councilmembers have is that while this deal is short-term, previous attempts to negotiate have lasted years. So, any perceived short-term deal could be in place for an extended period of time. Some also fear that there will be insufficient motivation to enact needed reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and restore public trust. I am confident these issues will be worked through prior to the next committee meeting and the contract will pass with significant support. This agreement would not solve all of our challenges, nor would it represent fundamental police reform. We have much more to do (locally and at the state level) in that regard. But, this would be an important step and one I wholeheartedly support.      

As a reminder, early voting has begun across Jefferson County. You can now vote at any of the four sites listed below. On Tuesday, I voted at the Louisville Marriott East location. While extremely busy, the process was incredibly efficient (I was in and out in under five minutes). I would encourage anyone who is able to take advantage and avoid potentially long lines on Election Day.

Finally, please continue to practice the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I know it is difficult to maintain these practices, but our schools and businesses are counting on all of us. I recently saw a CDC report that said the biggest cause of spread today is smaller gatherings - where people let their guard down in smaller groups. Please remember that even in these smaller settings, masking and social distancing are best practices.  Thank you for your support in these initiatives.


Coffee With Your Councilman

The next "Coffee With Your Councilman" will be Friday, October 23 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center located at 2201 Lakeland Road. I'll share the latest Metro Council news and address any concerns or suggestions you have regarding the district or the city. There is no formal agenda, so you are welcome to stop by anytime between 8:30 and 9:30.

WHEN: Friday, October 23 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Sawyer Hayes Community Center, 2201 Lakeland Road

Chairs will be stationed six feet apart for those in attendance. Masks are required and guests will need to submit to a temperature check prior to entry. If you have any questions before the meeting, please let me know.  


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

Voting Reminders

Early in-person voting began Tuesday. The sites below were chosen due to their location, adequate parking, and square footage. Those who take advantage of the opportunity to vote early at these sites will be required to wear masks. There may be additional requirements depending on the facility. For example, voters will need to submit to a temperature check at the KFC Yum! Center. These locations will be open for early voting through November 2. 

early voting


Some of you may have secured a mail-in absentee ballot for the November 3 election. If so, and you choose not to use USPS mail boxes, you may utilize absentee ballot drop boxes at the locations below. Note: some of you may have seen the St. Matthews Community Center listed as one of these locations. That is not the case. For most District 17 residents, the Louisville Marriott East will be the closest site.  
 

absentee

Ramp Closure

ramp


The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has announced a short-term ramp closure due to work associated with the I-Move Kentucky project. The ramp from I-265 northbound to I-71 southbound will close tomorrow at 8 p.m. and reopen Sunday at 6:00 a.m. This will allow crews to add a new lane to the existing roadway.

Another current I-Move Kentucky project to be mindful of involves I-71 southbound between the Brownsboro Road bridge and the I-265 bridge. Work is ongoing in preparation for widening this corridor and constructing a new Brownsboro Road (KY 1694) bridge over I-71. No traffic impacts are expected this week, however.
  


Zoning Change Pre-Application - 3133 Bushmill Park

A pre-application has been filed with Metro Planning & Design Services regarding a change in zoning from R-6 (Residential Multi-Family District) to UN (Urban Neighborhood District) for property located at 3133 Bushmill Park. The proposal involves the construction of three townhouse units on .22 acres. For more information, contact the case manager at joel.dock@louisvilleky.gov.


Boarding/Group Housing Virtual Meeting

housing

Know Waste Webinar Series

waste


Curious about the best ways to handle yard waste? Interested in learning how to reuse or repurpose household items? If so, you might consider attending one of the Waste Management District's virtual webinars listed above. They will be held every Thursday at 3 p.m. for the next five weeks. Click here for more information.


Movie Night at E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park

movie night


Looking for a fun, Halloween-related event for the family? Stop by E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park on Friday, October 23 to watch "Hocus Pocus." Gates open at 6:30 with the movie starting an hour later. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink. You can sit in your car or next to it on chairs or blankets. Proceeds benefit the Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation. Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.
 


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