District 6 Dispatch

District 6 Reports

Click hyperlink to view report:  October CARES Eviction Prevention Report

What's Happening in District 6 ...

Councilwoman Purvis and President James move forward with new plan to remove abandoned cars in West Louisville

Effort underway because of agreement to get damaged cars off the streets

Louisville - To get abandoned cars off the streets of West Louisville, Councilwoman Donna Purvis (D-5) and President David James (D-6) have announced towing of those cars is underway thanks to a new agreement in place with the private sector.

The action comes following numerous calls from constituents about the impact these cars are having on neighborhoods.

“I want to assure everyone; we are now back to cleaning up our streets and neighborhoods. The target is to get abandoned and inoperable vehicles parked out on city streets.,” said President James. “We are NOT towing vehicles because of expired tags. West Louisville is plagued with over 3000 abandoned or inoperable cars, which affects the quality of life in our community. We’ve heard you loud and clear and together we can restore our community.”

The President and Councilwoman have worked to finalize a plan with a private tow company and LMPD to do something about the growing problem.

Purvis and James are aware how COVID-19 has impacted the financial resources of many residents in the city. This goal is to get wrecked or abandoned cars off our city streets in many neighborhoods.

“We understand that many are without employment and car registration may not be a priority, however our goal and target are vehicles that have plagued our community for months and become a haven for critters and criminal activity and are an eye-sore in our neighborhoods,” said Purvis.

The effort to remove these cars is now underway.

News Around the City and Beyond: Stay Informed

Appointments now being accepted for LIHEAP, and new Healthy at Home Utility Assistance Program

TARC Routes Return to Regular Downtown

TARC Routes Return to Regular Downtown Service LOUISVILLE, KY. (November 18, 2020) — Effective Thursday, November 19, 2020, all TARC routes affected by the Downtown Detour (4th -7th Streets and Ali to Market Streets) will return to regular routing. ALL STOPS which were closed as a result of the daily detour in downtown Louisville will be reopened; all associated route detours will be lifted, and downtown service will return to regular scheduled service. It is important to note, TARC rides are still limited to essential trips only, and face coverings are required to ride. Click here for press release.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Mayor proposes $10 million initiative to help those behind on utility bills as a result of COVID-19

New effort would fund partnership with Louisville Water, MSD, LG&E

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 16, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer has proposed an ordinance to provide the Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) with an additional $10 million in the current fiscal year to help thousands of Louisville customers struggling to pay their utility bills because of a COVID-19 related financial hardship.

Citing the negative impact that COVID-19 has had on employment, here and across the country, the Mayor noted that the Louisville MSA has lost more than 36,000 jobs since last year, including nearly 8,000 in the Leisure and Hospitality industry alone.

“As a result, thousands of our neighbors are in a financial crisis, many for the first time. They want to pay their bills but simply cannot keep up, and every month, they become increasingly behind in paying for these vital services,” Mayor Fischer said. “Our goal here is to help them steady the ship.”

The effort represents a new partnership with Louisville Water Co., MSD, LG&E, and the utilities’ foundations, working together to help people get back on track in paying their utility bills. Click here to read more.

Scam Alert

We’ve been made aware of another wave of LG&E scams circulating. Avoid utility scams and be vigilant by following these simple tips: https://lge-ku.com/safety/scams.

Community Grocery

Louisville one of 88 global cities named as climate leader on CDP 2020 A List

Work continues to reduce Louisville’s contributions to climate change, increase resilience Louisville, KY (November 16, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville earned a coveted spot on CDP’s annual A List, which recognizes major progress in climate action and transparency. Louisville is one of 88 cities across the globe that continue to lead on environmental action despite the pressures of tackling COVID-19, according to CDP, a global nonprofit that drives companies, cities and governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests. Louisville has been recognized for its actions to develop robust climate change strategies, track and act to limit and reduce emissions, assess and mitigate climate risks, and transparently report this information. “We are honored to receive this recognition for the first-time from CDP,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Since the early days of my administration, our staff has worked tirelessly with community partners to craft plans and take actions that reduce our city’s contributions to climate change and mitigate its impacts.” Click here to read more.

Help shape the future for Middle Fork Beargrass Creek

Help shape the future for Middle Fork Beargrass Creek We need your input for how you live, work and play within the Middle Fork Beargrass Creek watershed. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help support the development of this plan. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDLDGLT

City announces 2020 Light Up Louisville plans designed to keep people safe, avoid spread of COVID-19

Louisville, KY (November 17, 2020) – Citing dangers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisville Metro Government today announced adjusted plans for the city’s annual Light Up Louisville kickoff to the holidays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, “large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area” pose the highest COVID-19 risk to attendees and staff. And with Louisville maintaining a red alert status for COVID-19, the traditional gathering in downtown Louisville is not appropriate, city leaders said.

“In a normal year, bringing thousands of people to celebrate this annual kickoff of the holiday season is a wonderful thing,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “But this is not a normal year, and at a time when we see the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths rising steadily, our usual celebration is simply not safe. I am pleased, though, to announce alternative plans that spread the festivities around our community.” Click here to read more.

Keep Out The Fog

Ohio River Reopened to Navigational Traffic at Brent Spence Bridge; Transportation Secretary Jim Gray Updates Repair Work

Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Bridge on Ohio River heavily damaged in commercial truck crash, fire

COVINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2020) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials and the U.S. Coast Guard today reopened the Ohio River to navigational traffic around the fire-damaged Brent Spence Bridge.

KYTC Secretary Jim Gray also gave a public update on the progress of an emergency project to repair and reopen the bridge, which carries Interstates 71 and 75 across the river between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky.

On Friday afternoon, engineers who had visually inspected a fire-damaged vertical steel component critical to support the bridge sent steel samples to a metallurgical laboratory in Louisville for microscopic analysis to ensure the metal was not compromised at a chemical level. The river was closed Friday night as a safety precaution until the metallurgical test was completed.

The lab testing, together with testing of the metal’s hardness that specialists conducted on site today, confirmed the components maintained their integrity, and therefore KYTC officials recommended to the Coast Guard that the river be reopened.

The bridge has been closed to motor vehicle traffic since a crash and intense fire involving two commercial motor vehicles early Wednesday morning. A team of some 20 inspectors and engineers began work Thursday to carefully examine and conduct testing on damaged elements of the bridge – both its steel superstructure and its concrete decking.

A video update from Secretary Gray, who has been on site, can be found here.

Key points of the emergency recovery project:

• The project is moving on multiple tracks at once: While inspectors examine the damage and collect samples for materials testing, engineers are designing specific repairs in real time.
• KYTC began work right away to secure the vendors, supplies and contractors that would be needed regardless of specific details of the eventual repair project.

Additional information is available here http://transportation.ky.gov/

Rain Barrels For Residents

Save on your garden irrigation costs and reduce flooding in your neighborhood by installing a rain barrel on your downspout! If you would like to order a rain barrel kit and barrel, visit THIS LINK and order by November 20th. The kit and barrel are $30 and limited to one per household. The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a socially distanced pickup day outside on Saturday December 5th from 1-4 p.m. Place your order today and we will send you more details about pickup! you can find instructions on how to install the barrel on our YouTube channel.

Happy Thanksgiving !

The Governor is encouraging everyone to celebrate Thanksgiving with lower risk activities, and he has published some great ideas for having a fun, safe holiday that includes spending remote time with the people we care most about. The link also explains the dangers of attending gatherings of any size in the age of COVID-19 and encourages everyone to celebrate in-person with the members of their household only.

Important: Student Assignment Proposal

Message from Abby Piper:

"I have an exciting and important link for you this morning from last evening’s public forum on the student assignment proposal. We have spent months collecting feedback from our community, having honest conversations about what the current assignment system does and does not do for our students, and doing soul searching on what it will take to make this school district one of the best in the country.

At its core, this proposal is about student equity, student engagement, and student outcomes. You’ll notice that over the years and even now we are using the phraseology of “school choice.” That phrase has been distorted over the years in public policy conversations to mean private school scholarship tax credits, charter schools, and voucher systems that usurp public dollars in lieu of funding public schools, so I want to be clear that the concept of school choice is alive and well in your public school system here in JCPS, and this proposal would only expand that choice. This proposal would expand our ability to engage students in learning by reaching them where their interests are through expansion of magnet programs. Further, this proposal is serious about funding all schools adequately, with specific focus on traditionally under resourced schools in west Louisville.

You’ll hear the public ask us tough questions in this video as well, and those of you who have worked with Dr. Pollio and I for the last three years know that we embrace those tough questions. We believe that we can only progress into a bold new future by facing the challenges head on, and making sincere and devoted strides toward improving the outcomes.

If you do nothing else this week, I implore you to watch this video of the forum and reach out to me with any further feedback you may have on the proposed changes to student assignment. You can view the forum here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl6NHhl6VHs

Together for kids, we lift as we climb."

I-65 Corridor Study (Item 5-569) - Local Officials / Stakeholder Meeting - Dec. 1, 2020

The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate potential strategies to improve the safety and congestion along I-65 between I-264 and downtown Louisville.

Click here to review a fact sheet regarding this study for your reference.

OSHN’s One Love Louisville Networking Nights resume virtually

OSHN’s One Love Louisville Networking Nights resume virtually THRIVE fellow to detail his success during Tuesday’s event  LOUISVILLE, KY (November 16, 2020) – Louisville Metro Government’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) is resuming its One Love Louisville Networking Nights virtually to provide a safe environment for residents to discuss ways to reduce violence in the city. The virtual discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and will highlight Louisvillian Doriyan Woodard’s success in the THRIVE Civic Engagement Fellowship, a two-year restorative justice pilot program for young Black men. He and other members of the first cohort of the THRIVE Fellowship recently completed the program, learning to use their advocacy, leadership, and sociopolitical awareness to create positive change in their communities by dismantling existing barriers to lifelong success for other young people. “It’s important to have these kinds of insightful conversations to lead to healing in our communities,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I’m happy that our fellows are continuing to make a positive impact and inspire residents in our city. These men are among our best ambassadors to connect with others who need a helping hand, and we hope they will continue on a career path in public service.” Woodard will detail how his life has changed after participating in the fellowship. One of his favorite takeaways was working with HEAT (Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy), which addressed issues such as family support, substance use and justice involvement. “The experience after the fellowship has been great. I’m financially and emotionally stable, and I have a promising career,” he said. “Through the fellowship, I was able to travel for the first time, visiting places such as Washington, D.C., Virginia and California.” Other THRIVE fellows’ accomplishments include college coursework; lobbying in Washington, D.C., through #cut50, a national effort to reduce the prison population while making communities safer; and full-time employment. OSHN Director Monique Williams says the virtual Networking event will focus on the need to implement violence prevention strategies that include healing, restoration, and capacity building for young people impacted by trauma and systemic inequities. “We understand the importance of supporting those within our communities who have been impacted by limited access and opportunities to thrive, especially our young people who still have so much to contribute,” she said. “Recognizing that limited access to opportunities and exposure to high rates of violence and crime are risk factors for justice involvement, we wanted to provide an opportunity for success to interject in a cycle that could lead to further negative involvement in the justice system.” Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, OSHN’s Networking Nights delved into issues such as microaggressions, race-based stress and trauma as well as criminal and juvenile justice. To register for the One Love Louisville Networking Night virtual discussion, go to  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/124300593421. To learn more about THRIVE and OSHN, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/safe-neighborhoods.

The Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaways

Waste Collection Delays and Closings

There will be no residential garbage, recycling or yard waste collection within the Louisville Metro Urban Services District (former Louisville city limits) on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2020. Residents who normally have garbage/recycling collection on Thursday will have service instead on Friday, November 27. The regular Friday collection will be delayed until Saturday, November 28. (As previously announced, Thursday and Friday yard waste will be collected on Saturday, November 28.)  To view your collection schedule and stay informed about changes, download the Recycle Coach app or use the app on the Public Works website. Residents outside the Urban Service District who rely on private haulers for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection should consult those haulers about their holiday collection schedule.  Staffed recycling centers, the Waste Reduction Center, and the household hazardous waste facility, Haz Bin, will be closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. Leaf drop-off will also not be available those days. All four services will resume on Saturday, November 28.

Leaf Drop-Off

Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year! Never blow leaves into the street! Sign up for street sweeping reminders to make sure your car doesn't keep your street from being swept. Go to www.louisvilleky.gov and click Services Near Me. Of course, residents with yard waste collection can also set leaves out in containers or paper bags. And all Louisville Metro residents will have the option to dispose of them for free at one of three drop-off sites beginning Tuesday, November 10. The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites will be open Tuesday-Saturdays, November 10 through December 12. Drop-off will not be available on November 26 and 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Only loose leaves will be accepted. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents. Leaf drop off sites: Public Works Yard 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane) Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Public Works East District Operations Center 595 North Hubbards Lane Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waste Reduction Center 636 Meriwether Avenue Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Know Waste Webinar: Food Waste Reduction

Our last webinar for the year is this Thursday at 3 p.m. Register here. View past recordings at KnowWasteLouisville.org/webinars.

The last Pop-Up Drop-Off event of 2020 will be at the University of Louisville's Shelby Campus, 440 N Whittington Parkway on Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

These waste and recycling drop-off events happen around the county giving Louisville residents a chance to dispose of old furniture, mattresses, yard waste, tires, documents, prescription medication, and more! Check our website for more information www.louisvilleky.gov/PopUps. 

No Large Item Pick-Up scheduled for the week of November 23

There's no Large Item Pick-Up scheduled for the week of November 23. Continue to stay informed, check the Collection Guidelines. To receive automatic reminders of Large Items set out dates, download our Recycle Coach, waste information and calendar app at the App Store or on Google Play.

Alley Action clean-up continues in Alley area L during the week of November 23

This initiative follows the same rotational format as the Large Item Pick-Up events (A,B,C, etc.), but due to its more involved nature, Alley Action, may be taking place in different areas as Large Item Pick-Up on a given week. Once a given Alley area has been completed, a new area will be announced in the Works Week.

Click HERE to see this week's map. 

Pets of the Week

Cat of the Week: Reese has spent 100 days in the shelter! The 6-year-old black beauty has watched kitten after kitten get adopted, and she’s patiently waiting for someone to give a mature kitty like her a forever home. Reese is a friendly cat who was obviously well-cared for by her previous owner, who could not be located. She weighs 14lbs. So, while Reese waits for a forever home, she’s working on her figure to become her best self. Reese’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Reese is already spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. To meet Reese, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily. Walk-ins Welcome. For more info about Reese, call 502-473-PETS.

Dog of the Week: Mack’s got all the makings of the best dog, ever! The one-year-old is well-behaved, house broken, crate trained, dog friendly, and doesn’t mind sharing. Mack also has a great personality, he’s happy-go-lucky, friendly, and very sweet.  An approved adopter can adopt Mack for free, thanks to the Pay It Forward program. Neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations are included. Mack weighs 82lbs.  Mack does well with other large breed dogs; testing is available by request. For families with children, a meet and greet is mandatory.  No appointment is necessary to meet Mack. Visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road) from 12-6pm daily. For more information about Mack, contact LMAS at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

Police Reports This Week

Crime Mapping

First Division

Major Jim Cirillo James Cirillo started in law enforcement with the Louisville Metro Police Department in January 2001 as a patrol officer.  He then moved up to patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, Technology Services Lieutenant and Special Response Team Commander. He is currently assigned as Commander of the 1st Division.  He has a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University, an associate degree in Fire Technology and Administration from Capitol Community College as well as a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course.   He is a seven-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Second Division

Major Ryan Bates Bates began his law enforcement career in August 1997 with the Louisville Division of Police. He served in the former Second, Fourth, and Sixth Districts. He was also a member of the Street Crimes Unit and the Gang Squad. After merger, Bates served as a patrol officer in the First Division. He was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. He served as a sergeant in the Second Division where he supervised the mid-watch platoon, FLEX Unit, and Detectives Unit. In 2012, Bates was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the late-watch platoon in the Fourth Division. He also served in the Second Division, where he supervised the mid-watch platoon and Division Resource Officers (DROs).   After being promoted to the rank of major, Bates commanded the Fourth Division. Major Bates served on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 14 years. He served on the SWAT Team as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was appointed as the Assistant Commander in 2012 and Commander in 2015. Bates has also served on two (2) task forces which were created to address violent crime in the community. Major Bates is a graduate of Xavier University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officers Course.

Fourth Division

Major Shannon Lauder Major Shannon Lauder joined the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2008. She served as a patrol officer in the 4th Division, primarily in the Old Louisville neighborhood. She also spent 6 years as a hostage negotiator and team leader for LMPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team. She was a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) investigating physical, sexual and internet crimes against children across Louisville Metro. She was then promoted to sergeant in 2015, where she served in the 6th Division before becoming a Professional Standards Unit investigator. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2018 and served as a patrol lieutenant in the 4th Division. Most recently she was assigned as the Commander of the Special Victims Unit. The SVU consists of the Sex Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Crimes Against Seniors Unit. In 2020 Major Lauder was promoted to the rank of Major and serves as the Commander of the 4th Division. Major Lauder holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. She is a graduate of the 143rd Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville.

Job Announcement

Join a Board or Commission

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards and Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

To learn more about applications, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/interested-serving-board-or-commission '

Please find below a list of boards and commissions for an opportunity to serve:

BOARD VACANCIES

• Metropolitan Business Development Corporation
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
• Bardstown Road Overlay District
• Building Code Board of Appeals
• Cemetery Board
• Civil Service Board
• Code Enforcement Board
• Community Action Partnership
• Jefferson County Public Law Library
• Deputy Sheriff Merit Board
• Downtown Development Review Overlay Board
• Downtown Management District
• Ethics Commission
• Fire Protection Districts (Fairdale, Harrods Creek, Highview, Lake Dreamland, Lyndon, Middletown, Okolona, St. Matthews & Worthington)
• Hazard Materials Ordinance Appeals & Overseers Board
• Housing Authority Board
• Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board
• Human Relations Commission Enforcement Board
• Kentuckiana Works
• Landmarks
• Library Advisory Commission
• Louisville Arena Authority, Inc.
• Louisville Public Media
• Merit Board
• Medical Center Commission of Jefferson County
• PARC Board of Commissioners
• Police Merit Board
• Redevelopment Authority
• Science Center
• Urban Renewal Commission
• Vacant Property Review Commission
• Waterworks
• Zoo Foundation Board

REMINDERS

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.

Visit http://mapit.louisvilleky.gov/  and type in your address to find out when your junk pick-up date is as well as street cleanings and additional information.

Visit at https://lge-ku.com/outages/report/streetlight to report a street light outage in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light outage, be sure to have the pole number, which can be found on a metal plate on the pole.

If you would like to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter (though we don't know why you ever would) please email shalanna.taylor@louisvilleky.gov with the subject "REMOVE". We won't be hurt (much).

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