District 17 eNewsletter

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/09/2021 01:13 PM EDT

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markus winkler - louisville metro council - district 17

April 9, 2021

Friday Thoughts

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone is well and enjoying this beautiful spring day.

Things have been relatively quiet with the Metro Council for the past two weeks due to Spring Break, but that won't last much longer. We will resume committee meetings next week and host the mayor for his annual budget address on April 22. The Budget Committee will then begin its schedule of hearings which will include several opportunities for public input. I will also host several coffee meetings throughout this period and look to incorporate your feedback in the process. The good news is that due to the resilience of our economy and CARES Act funding, our budget process looks much better this year. If you recall, last year at this time we were predicting a $100 million shortfall and had fears of a potential depression. Fortunately, that did not come to fruition. We enter this year’s budget cycle on much stronger footing and with much more clarity.

In terms of my priorities, I am focused on public safety, workforce development, general clean up, and infrastructure investments. Do you have areas of particular interest or a need on which you think we should be focusing? If so, please let me know via email, phone call, or by attending one of my upcoming coffee meetings.

We will also soon begin discussions on the American Rescue Plan funding which brought more than $435 million to Louisville Metro. While the limitations have not been fully disclosed, we expect to have some latitude in how this money is used. We will again seek to have robust conversations and get public input on this process. My primary hope with this money is that we use it in a way that the benefits are seen for years to come. For example, a report by the Brookings Institution this week indicated that we are lacking in our tech and AI talent pipeline. These are key industries of the future. Falling behind in these areas is not good for us long term. We could make significant investments in workforce development, cultivating the type of talent employers desire. 

On another note, we have several things coming up in our area over the next couple of weeks. First, we are moving tomorrow’s planned cleanup of Springhurst Boulevard to Monday. The forecast for tomorrow suggests rain all morning, so we think that’s the best call. Also, mark your calendars for April 25 at 6:30 when Kentucky Shakespeare visits Hounz Lane Park to perform Romeo and Juliet. I hope the weather cooperates and many of you are able to join us.

Speaking of Hounz Lane Park, we have begun having preliminary discussions on future improvements in the park. Some of our equipment is near the end of its useful life and we want to ensure the park continues to be a place our residents love and enjoy. As we move forward with planning, we'll be seeking lots of input from you on what sorts of improvements we should pursue.

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

In-Person Unemployment Appointments

Those seeking assistance with unemployment insurance can now schedule in-person appointments at one of 13 regional locations. Current appointments are being taken for the period from April 15 through April 30. Beginning April 19, appointments for May 3 will become available with additional times opening each day thereafter. In Louisville, the appointments will take place at the Kentucky Career Center located at 600 W. Cedar Street. Visit the Kentucky Career Center website to schedule your appointment.

Tomorrow's Cleanup Rescheduled for Monday, April 12

Due to some wet weather in the forecast, tomorrow's cleanup along Springhurst Boulevard and surrounding areas has been rescheduled. We will now meet Monday, April 12 at 9 a.m. at the Springhurst Clubhouse, 4200 Springhurst Boulevard. Brightside has provided bags, gloves, masks, and even t-shirts. There will be grabbers available as well for volunteers who are more comfortable using those. I hope you will be able to join us!

WHEN: Monday, April 12 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Gather at the Springhurst Clubhouse, 4200 Springhurst Boulevard
 

Snow Route Discussion

snow

Roads in blue are those currently treated/cleared by the Metro Snow Team.


The extreme weather that came through in early February placed a great burden on our Metro Snow Team. It also led to some questions from district residents regarding how streets are chosen for treatment/clearing. The chairwoman of the Metro Council's Public Works Committee has been gracious enough to invite Vanessa Burns, Director of Metro Public Works, to appear before the committee on Tuesday to address these sorts of concerns. For those interested in watching, the meeting will begin at 4 p.m. and can be accessed via the Clerk's website.     

Shakespeare In The Park - April 25

Shakespeare

The performance will take place near the shelter beside the back parking lot.


Shakespeare in the Park is returning to live, in-person outdoor theatre with its 2021 performance of Romeo and Juliet. This year's tour brings them to Hounz Lane Park on Sunday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. This 80-minute show is free and family-friendly. Those in the audience are invited to bring their own chairs, blankets, food, etc. Please visit the Kentucky Shakespeare website for more information. I hope to see you on the 25th! 

Proposed Boarding and Group Housing Amendments

boarding


A public hearing will be held next week regarding proposed amendments to the Land Development Code concerning boarding and group housing regulations. You can click here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding these sorts of uses. Once the Planning Commission acts, the amendments will proceed to the Metro Council (and other cities with zoning authority) for review. For more information on the process and specific recommendations, click here. 

Louisvilleky.gov User Survey

If you've visited the city's website recently, you know there are many things you can do there. You can register a business, license your pet, research an ordinance or resolution passed by the Metro Council, report a pothole, and more. Hopefully, your experiences with Louisvilleky.gov have been pleasant. Either way, your feedback is important as there is always room for improvement. The Metro Office of Civic Innovation and Technology has developed a short survey that will help us understand how you interact with the site and how we can make it better. The survey will close April 23. 
 

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