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Last week, the Metro Council voted on an ordinance that codified several LMPD policies into law. The policies basically centered around use of force and requiring de-escalation techniques when feasible. Shooting at moving cars when eminent risk to life is at stake was also addressed in that legislation, as well as a requirement for police officers to notify their command when they point a gun at a citizen. The enactment of this ordinance did very little to effectuate substantial change within LMPD, as most of the policies are already established in the playbook of the police department.
I've often said that any organization, particularly LMPD, is as good as its leadership. Poor leadership leads to poor employee retention and demotivates the remaining employees, causing them to be much less productive than they would be otherwise. For these reasons, I voted for codifying these policies because regardless of who sits in the driver's seat of LMPD, citizens can rest assured that de-escalation and shootings are arranged into law.
This week, Metro Council approved the collective bargaining agreement (police union contract), negotiated by representatives for the mayor's office and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The vote was 16 to 10.
Officer discipline and investigations were at the forefront of the debate, and opponents shed light on the contract's lack of accountability and transparency. The 16 Democrats and Republicans who voted in favor of the contract said they did so because recruitment of quality police officers is a problem due to the low starting pay scale. Under the short-term contract, the starting salary for an officer is $45,489.60 — an increase from the current $35,484.80 starting salary. That is still less than first-year officers' salary in some neighboring jurisdictions.
The three-year contract is retroactive to July 1, 2018, which is the expiration date on the last negotiated contract, and is in effect through June 30, 2021. Officer pay is retroactive to July 1, 2020.
LMPD Chief Yvette Gentry said that there is an immediate need to attract and retain a diverse pool of LMPD candidates who are smart, caring people with high integrity. “And every law enforcement agency in the country is looking for the same things,” she said. “So, we need a benefits package that allows us to successfully compete for talented and skilled professionals who care about people."
As you may know, I voted against the contract. I did so because most of it contained conditions and language that were not best practices in law enforcement. I also was advocating a larger starting salary for police officers. The truth is, the need to attract and retain a diverse pool of police candidates has always been an issue. That didn't just start. The million dollar question for me is, why would the FOP allow the police contract to lapse for over two years without a renegotiation? Why wouldn't they force the hand of the Mayor to sit down and agree on a new deal? As it stands with this contract, officers must use some of the small $10,000 raise to purchase their uniforms. As you read in the previous paragraphs, the proposed pay increase is less than what officers make in neighboring jurisdictions. This is woefully embarrassing!
The Mayor's Office and the FOP should be ashamed of themselves for having officers go without a contract for over two years. They should be equally ashamed for negotiating a contract that, on its face, will not attract the caliber of officers that Chief Gentry speaks of, and that our community deserves. Yes, I voted "No." This contract should have been sent back to be renegotiated. And those who sit around the table should not be let out of the room until they create a contract that all of us ----- the Chief (recruitment of quality officers), the officers (competitive pay) and the community (police reforms), can live with.
My pleas to my colleagues for better pay and accountability fell on death ears. I don't quite get why all 26 Council members wouldn't vote to send the contract back to the negotiation table to get a better deal for our officers and the community they serve. Most of them argued that the pay must be increased now! Well, where have they been for two years while police officers have gone without a new contract? I argued that if officers have gone without a contract for two years, they deserve to wait a couple more weeks while we send the contract back and insist on a better one. The FOP president stated in our Labor Committee meeting that he would be willing to get back to the table for a renegotiation. But, my colleagues didn't see it the way I do.
My hope is that my colleagues and I can agree that we should stay on top of the next round of police union contract negotiations, scheduled to begin in mid-January. While Metro Council is not invited to the table, we can at least attempt to be on the menu. We must demand that the next contract includes reform clauses that hold officers accountable for their misconduct, so that competitive pay raises become even more justifiable.
Just today, we heard about the officer who confiscated drugs from community residents and gave them to his girlfriend. Who does that? I don't know, but I can tell you who shouldn't --- a police officer hired to protect and serve, that's who. Fighting for police officers is hard when it's clear that sweeping changes must take place within LMPD to rid the department of bad officers who insist on doing wrong.
So, if anyone is unhappy with my "No" vote, please understand that when I profess to be a law and order elected official, I mean that for everyone --- citizens and police officers. I want lawless people in our society to be held accountable for misconduct unbecoming of a citizen of these United States. Laws are created for the sole purpose of ensuring safety and order. Therefore, I believe the police union contract should have strict accountability language in it, and I think the leadership of LMPD should have authority to discipline and weed out the bad cops who insist on breaking the law or engaging in behavior that causes unnecessary loss of life to others and embarrassment to the police force. There you have it, my reasons for voting "No."
To review the old and new police contracts, click here.
Next week, I will attend the Public Safety Committee meeting to finalize my presentation of the ordinance that creates a Civilian Review and Accountability Board and an Office of Inspector General. This is well-written legislation, and I hope you'll join me by embracing the need for a review board. I have updated elements of the ordinance, and you can read/review it by clicking here:
https://louisville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4681277&GUID=E8D67AF4-4F4D-40B2-B2D8-BC09EA8FD830
“Creating this new layer of review is a critical step in strengthening the relationship of trust and legitimacy between public safety officers and the people they serve and protect,” the Mayor said.
Council President James said: “I am glad to see the creation of a civilian review board. This creates additional layers of oversight for LMPD, which is desperately needed to restore community trust and to ensure the police are not simply investigating themselves. I’m looking forward to the work of the work group as they examine different models of Civilian Oversight including but not limited to Civilian Review Boards and an Office of Inspector General.”
If the ordinance passes out of the Public Safety Committee next Wednesday, it will go before the full Council for a vote on November 19th.
This project was introduced to the Metro Council by Councilman Brandon Coan, who was inspired by a similar project in Indianapolis when the minor league ballpark Bush Stadium was demolished. Metro Council partnered with the University of Louisville's Urban Design Studio to reuse 120 stadium seats salvaged from the demolition of the old Cardinal Stadium to build these new TARC stops in 18 council districts all over the city.
Of course, I had to get District 7 in on the fun. So, with District 7 Neighborhood Development Funds, we are now the proud owners of a 3-seat bench set. Below are pictures of our bench. Can you guess where it's installed? I will give you a hint - Westport Road. Please travel Westport Rd (in District 7) and see if you can spot it. I will reveal the exact location in next week's e-Newsletter.
Please click here to read the most fascinating article about the benches, and to view additional cool pictures:
https://medium.com/urban-design-studio/stadium-seat-bus-stops-c8b0421bfef1
Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville yesterday announced the seventh annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Coinciding with Veterans Day, the 2020 Week of Valor will feature 17 educational, patriotic, community and civic events now through Nov. 12.
This year’s events, including the annual Veterans Day Parade, have been reimagined to keep people safe amid COVID-19. Many events are virtual, drive-through or limited in attendance so guests can spread out.
“Veterans Day celebrations this year will be unlike any we’ve ever known, but it’s just as important that we honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, particularly in a time when our country faces numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all of us to adapt,” Mayor Fischer said. “At Metro Government, we’ve worked with community partners to participate in our Week of Valor and annual Veterans Day Parade, so we can pay tribute to our veterans safely.”
The 10th annual Veterans Day Parade in Reverse will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Southeast Christian Church campus at 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. A Parade in Reverse means that the parade units will be stationary, and instead of gathering in person, the crowd will drive through the staging area, honking horns and waving flags in celebration.
Other events include a virtual Veteran’s Club Family Night on Nov. 9, a virtual Push-Up Challenge now through Nov. 11; and the NABVETS (National Association for Black Veterans, Inc.) Freedom Cruise on Nov. 11.
The 2020 Week of Valor also gives a special salute to senior veterans who have been isolated due to COVID-19.
See the full of Week of Valor calendar of events at https://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.
The Mayor’s Week of Valor is supported by the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville (VCAL). VCAL is an initiative launched in 2014 by a group of young professionals participating in the Leadership Louisville Ignite program in conjunction with Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Seven Counties Services. Now operating with an advisory board comprised of more than two dozen individuals representing corporate, non-profit, government and civic organizations, VCAL’s mission is to create an integrated network of support for veterans and their families by coordinating services, resources and initiatives to increase communication across organizational lines, enhance quality and delivery of service and promote veteran-friendly community relations in Louisville.
To learn more about Mayor’s Week of Valor events and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville, visit www.vcalouisville.org.
MetroTV recently highlighted a few of the Louisville Landbank’s buyers in a 10-minute video. The video showcases different methods of purchasing houses from the Landbank with the goal of showing future Landbank buyers real-world project examples. The Office of Community Development’s website link is included below, which includes current Landbank properties (lots and houses) for sale.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtkEuOm1Xg
Office of Community Development Website: www.louisvilleky.gov/vacant
Landbank general phone number: 574-4200
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Homeowners are charged a service charge on every bill for use of their irrigation meter. Unless the homeowner calls Louisville Water and asks us to turn off the irrigation meter when it's off for the season, the meter is considered active and the customer will be billed a service charge. Find out how you can get that meter turned off.
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More: See how meter readers read your meter.
Louisville MSD is taking steps to assist our customers who may be facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are temporarily waiving new late fees for customers who are having difficulty paying their billing charges incurred during this time. Additionally, during this crisis, Louisville Water will not turn-off water service to customers who fall behind in their payments. These are temporary measures and customers are still responsible for paying their Louisville Water and MSD bill. It is important to contact Louisville Water at 502.583.6610 or MSD at 502.540.6000 if you are having trouble paying your bill.
Drops of Kindness Bill Assistance
Louisville MSD participates in the Louisville Water Foundation’s Drops of Kindness program that helps customers who have trouble paying their water and sewer bill. Our Customer Service team will work with you to design a payment option that fits your circumstances.
Learn more about Drops of Kindness.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) launched a planning study in fall 2019 to identify improvements to reduce congestion and improve safety at the I-65/I-264 (Watterson Expressway) interchange in Jefferson County. The interchange has the highest number of crashes in the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) region.
Goals of the project are to increase safety for all users, manage and reduce roadway congestion, ensure timely and efficient movement of freight, and reduce and/or mitigate negative environmental impacts.
For more information, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's I-65/I-264 Interchange Planning Study. All materials including fact sheets and a link to the questionnaire with improvement strategy videos are available to the public on the KYTC website for this important project.
Responses to the questionnaire will be accepted through November 22. Those unable to access the online documents may request print copies by contacting Amanda Desmond at amanda.desmond@ky.gov or 502-210-5400.
Dr. Sarah Moyer, Director, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health
Alarmed by the continued rise in local cases of COVID-19 — and the potential for local hospitals to be overwhelmed — Louisville officials on Tuesday renewed their plea for people to take more precautions. "If you leave your house, you are at risk of getting COVID," said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. Moyer and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer appealed to the public to limit activities, saying the growing cases could soon inundate the health care system if the spread of the coronavirus is not slowed. "We are in the red zone for new cases," Moyer said. "That means everyone is at risk for getting and spreading COVID."
Related Courier Journal Article:
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2020/11/03/covid-cases-keep-rising-louisville-area-officials-say/6141552002/
 
 Click Here to Register to View:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8PGkag7nTZyL4QdVVnfXjw
All U.S. veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal, all day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants. Guests are asked to bring a military ID to enjoy their free meal, up to $10, at participating locations. This tribute to Veterans is available at Frisch’s dine-in, drive-thru and carryout.
View all Veterans Day Discounts
If you missed this year's Jack O'Lantern Spectacular, you missed a real treat. Actually, I've been missing the treat, as this was my first year attending, Based on my experience and the sights and sounds that were presented, I don't plan on missing other Spectacular events. It was a fun and safe way to spend time with family, and a great way to support the Metro Parks Department. I was like a kid in a candy story, and enjoyed every moment of my experience.
Check out my pics:
On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear said communities in red zone counties must work together to defeat an alarming spike in COVID-19. Today, the Governor reported Kentucky’s highest COVID-19 test positivity rate since June 1 and its third highest number of new daily cases.
“These numbers are truly frightening. I know we’ve been in this fight for so long that it’s easy to get numb to the scary headlines and high case numbers,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s normal. It’s human nature. But you have to understand this is the most dangerous COVID-19 has ever been in the commonwealth and it is leading to more of our fellow Kentuckians becoming sick, being hospitalized and dying. We can only get back to normal if we address it head on and that is why I am urging all of you, especially those in red counties, to follow recommendations for reducing the spread in your community.”
Gov. Beshear reminded community leaders, schools, businesses and residents in the state’s hardest hit areas to follow the Red Zone Reduction Recommendations. Thursday’s 80 red zone counties should follow the recommendations Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 15.
Today’s red zone counties are listed here, alphabetically and by incidence rate.
In August 2016 Louisville Metro Emergency Services teamed up with Bullitt County, Oldham County, and Washington County to create a regional emergency notification system – Louisville Emergency Notification System (LENSAlert). Its enhanced capabilities include using all communications modes to send alerts – mobile phones, landlines, email, text, social media, IPAWS-OPEN. Take another step in being prepared for disasters and sign up for LENSAlert today.
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In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information. Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.
Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Smart911
Are you looking for a public place to exchange items you've sold online? Do you share custody of a child and are looking for somewhere to exchange custody?
The Louisville Metro Police Department is providing MetroSWAP Zones outside of some Division offices.
There is 24 hour video surveillance. LMPD recommends:
- 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 at two designate areas of each location.
- Make the interaction brief and to the point.
MetroSWAP Zones are at:
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Visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroPolice/Patrol+Divisions/ to sign up to receive the LMPD’s new crime alert update for your neighborhood. Simply select your LMPD division number and click "Subscribe to Crime Alerts by Beat" to begin receiving the update.
- Division 5, please call dispatch at 502-574-7111
- Division 8, please call dispatch at 502-574-2111
Fifth Division - This division covers the area including the Highlands, Clifton and Cherokee and Seneca Parks.
Eighth Division - This division covers the area including Middletown, Lyndon, Oxmoor and the Ford Truck Plant.
Interactive Crime Mapping
You can now map crime in Louisville using the interactive mapping tool.
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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