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A summary of the December 10 Metro Council meeting is below:
Outgoing Council Members - The Council recognized District 4 Councilwoman Barbara Sexton-Smith and District 8 Councilman Brandon Coan, both of whom decided to move on from the Metro Council. You would be hard-pressed to find two people more dedicated to their district and their vision for this city. I know whatever they decide to do next will be met with success.
Police Reform - A resolution passed asking the General Assembly to evaluate potential amendments to state law in the area of police reform. These would include making more information available for incidents involving police use of force, granting subpoena power to the Office of Inspector General, giving Metro Government officials the ability to make public statements concerning alleged violations, and allowing the police chief or his/her designee the ability to participate in disciplinary hearings.
Utility Assistance Grants - $10 million was appropriated to the Office of Resilience & Community Services for utility assistance grants. About 60% of these funds will be used to help residents with LG&E bills while the other 40% or so will be directed to help with water bills. An announcement explaining the application process will be made soon.
Middletown Library - $700,000 was allocated to help pay for improvements to the new Middletown Library. This ordinance also requires a status report to the Council no later than March 31.
Swimming and Bathing Facilities - In an effort to increase access to pools in underserved parts of Louisville, changes were made to the city ordinance dealing with swimming facility requirements. Public swimming and bathing facilities with pools having less than 2,000 square feet of water surface area and fewer than five feet of depth will be, with certain stipulations, exempt from water safety personnel requirements.
King Louis Statue - The Council approved a resolution asking the mayor to repair, restore, and reinstall the King Louis statue to its original location at the corner of 6th and Jefferson. The resolution asks the mayor to pursue philanthropic, federal, and third-party funds towards this project and provide to the Metro Council an estimate of any metro funds to be used.
Boards/Commissions - Appointments were made to 12 different boards/commissions, including the Planning Commission, the Library Advisory Commission, the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Committee, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board. Obviously, Metro Louisville has a wide variety of boards and commissions from which to choose for those interested in serving. For more information or to begin the application process, click here.
Land Use - The Council approved zoning changes for property in District 6 along South Fourth Street, District 24 at the intersection of Blue Lick and South Park Roads, and District 17 in the Blossom Lane/Weissinger Road area.
To view the meeting in its entirety, click here.
I know many of you are experiencing some level of pandemic fatigue. We've all been reminded countless times to limit non-essential outings, wash our hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. But, these actions have made a difference and their importance is worth repeating as more holidays approach. The Department of Public Health & Wellness has created the Stay Strong Louisville campaign to encourage us in this endeavor and provide various COVID-19 resources and information. I know this has not been easy, but I hope you will stay strong and continue fighting this virus for the benefit of us all.
A neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for a proposed change in zoning at 3133 Bushmill Park. The new zoning would allow a 3-unit townhouse with private garage. The virtual meeting will be held Monday, December 28 beginning at 6 p.m. Please email Clarisa de Luna-Villaflor at clarisa.deluna@gmail.com to have the meeting link sent to you. You can also dial in to the meeting by calling 1 (575) 629-0372 (PIN: 482883494#).
This meeting is an opportunity for the applicants and neighbors to discuss and develop an understanding of the proposal prior to a public hearing. At the conclusion of this neighborhood meeting, the applicant has 90 days to file a formal application with Metro Planning & Design Services (PDS). Please call PDS at 574-6230 with any questions, referencing case number 20-ZONEPA-0098.
Interested in hosting a Brightside Neighborhood Cleanup? Registering is easy and available year-round. Any group hosting a cleanup will be provided gloves, trash bags, reusable face masks, and a limited quantity of brooms, rakes, and shovels at no cost. Once the cleanup is registered, you will set an appointment to pick up your requested supplies at the Shelby Park Community Center prior to your event. My office can help deliver those items if necessary. After your event, Brightside works with Solid Waste Management Services to collect the trash bags. If you have any questions or would like to register an event over the phone, please call 574-2613.
Funds are still available for the Goodwill Voucher Program. Those eligible can receive up to five $50 vouchers. The remaining funds for this program must be allocated by December 31, so call the Neighborhood Place closest to you as soon as possible if you are eligible and interested.
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