From the desk of 

Councilman Mark Fox

District 13

The final Metro Council vote on the entire budget will come on June 24. Any changes to the recommended budget would need to take place between now and June 24.

Please submit comments about the 2021-2022 budget, join public hearings, or watch any of the council hearings by clicking here

The last opportunity for three-minute public comments about the budget, via WebEx.are:

• May 27, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.  (A link on the Metro Council Clerk website will be active on May 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to sign up to speak on May 27)

    MARK

The Jefferson County PVA has mailed out reassessment notices, and many property owners have seen an increase. In addition to the mailed post cards, individual property valuations and other information are also available at the PVA website, www.JeffersonPVA.ky.gov.

If you choose to appeal your property’s assessed valuation, you have until May 17 to begin the process. That is a strict deadline. Appeal conferences will take place virtually or over the phone, due to COVID-19 restrictions

KY 1865 (New Cut Road): Overnight lane closures possible for milling and paving work starting on Tuesday, May 11. Work will take place between Brown Austin Road (mile marker 0) and north of Gene Snyder ramps (mile marker 0.9). Lane closures are possible each day between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next morning.

"Blue Lick Road Widening Project

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists of the beginning of a project to widen a portion Blue Lick Road (KY 1450) in Jefferson County. Work is scheduled to start during the week of March 15. As part of the project, the road will be widened from Gene Snyder North (mile marker 1.9) to Preston Highway (mile marker 3.5). The new configuration will have one lane of traffic in each direction with a continuous center turning lane. New sidewalks and drainage will also be added as part of the project.  

 Pothole Blitz 2021    Here's how you can report a pothole:

Louisville Metro Public Works crews announce the official launch of the city’s annual Pothole Blitz. Last year, Public Works crews filled 40,000 potholes. The Mayor asks people to assist their efforts by reporting potholes they encounter through 311, online, or on Twitter using #502pothole.

• On Twitter use the hashtag #502pothole. Just include the address or intersection where the pothole is located along with the hashtag in a tweet
• Report a pothole online, click here, select “pothole” and continue with the required information
• Contact Metro311 in one of these ways:
• Call them at 311 or 574-5000
• Download the “Louisville Metro 311” app on your smartphone and use it to report a pothole
• Email them at metro.311@louisvilleky.gov

University of Louisville research that uses wastewater to monitor the rates of COVID-19 infection was first to identify a variant in Louisville, alerting officials ahead of other testing methods and giving them valuable time to work to contain it

UofL researchers began testing wastewater last year as part of the Co-Immunity Project, a groundbreaking partnership to track COVID-19 in Louisville Metro.

The Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District has sent weekly samples from 12 sites representing multiple neighborhoods and five wastewater treatment facilities that aggregate the entire county.

This could “revolutionize the way we track and contain pandemics, and not just COVID-19.”

Rather than rely solely on direct testing, such as with nasal swabs, wastewater testing can give health departments another tool to gauge the severity of community infection and to identify areas where the infection is prevalent. The tool also is faster, more efficient and less invasive.

The Co-Immunity Project needs 2,000 residents to undergo random testing for COVID-19 infection and antibodies the week of May 17-23 as part of this ongoing research.

To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/uoflcovid, call 833-313-0502 or email covidsupport@louisville.edu.

The best way to access vaccines is at the website https://www.vaccines.gov/. Enter your zip code and vaccine sites near you will appear. You’ll find links to click and numbers to call. You can also search for vaccine type, which is important for children ages 12-15, who are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

• Norton Healthcare: Register Online, Call 502-861-4499 for assistance
• U of L Health: Register Online, 502-681-1435  (includes Cardinal Stadium & Brook Street)
• Baptist Health: Register Online  
• Walgreens: Register Online 800-Walgreens (1-800–925–4733)   
• Kroger: Register Online 
• CVS: Register Online 800-746-7287 
• Costco
• Meijer
• St. Matthews Pharmacy
• Veterans
• Walmart

District 13 Additional Vaccination Sites:

• Kroger 5533 New Cut Rd
• Walmart 175 Outer Loop
• Kroger 5001 Mud Ln
• Walmart 11901 Standiford Plaza Dr
• Walgreens 11930 Standiford Plaza Dr
• Colectivo Latinx  8219 Minor Ln
• KOCH Filter 8401 Air Commerce Dr
• Fairdale Christian Church 9000 Brown Austin Rd

Fully Vaccinated ?  See Your New Guidelines

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living and Louisville Metro Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens (OADC) are seeking monetary donations to help purchase box fans to be distributed to those in need as the weather gets warmer.  Starting in mid-June as part of the annual Fan Fair program, fans will be distributed to qualified individuals within the KIPDA region.

Qualifications to receive a free fan include:

• Person 60 years or older
• OR documentation verified by a physician of a physical disability
• Must be a resident of Jefferson, Oldham, Henry, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble or Bullitt Counties
• Proof of address and age will we required
• One fan per household
• Household must not have functioning central air units

Those wishing to make a monetary donation to purchase fans can mail checks made payable to KIPDA, Attn:  Fan Fair to 11520 Commonwealth Drive, Louisville, Ky 40299, postmarked by June 5.  If you would like to make special arrangements for a donation or need further information, please contact Alli Woosley, Coordinator for Louisville Metro OADC at (502) 574-5092; or Jennifer Craig, Aging and Disability Resource Center Coordinator for KIPDA at (502) 266-5571.

The Court Eviction Diversion Program is made possible because of a partnership with the Legal Aid Society.

Those facing possible eviction are encouraged to visit StopMyEviction.org to connect to assistance, or call (502) 308-3344 or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace to schedule an appointment at a Neighborhood Place location. Renters with a pending court case should call 502-574-1707. The Legal Aid Society can be reached at (502) 584-1254 and www.yourlegalaid.org

LG&E is ready to help our customers and, as previously communicated, we are notifying customers with past due balances prior to disconnects resuming and doing the following: 

• Reminding customers of resources and assistance programs that may be available in their community. More information is available on our website.
• Helping customers manage their bill by providing options that allow customers to choose a payment plan for their past due balance that best meets their needs - extend their payment a few days or spread the amount evenly over 6 or 12 months.

Customers are encouraged to use our convenient self-service options which includes our new mobile app, online My Account, automated phone system.  For those customers who need further assistance, they can contact a customer representative.

In addition, our business offices are open to assist customers and are following CDC, state and federal COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. 

• Customers will need to ensure they pay their current bill amount, and any installment amounts by the due date each month to avoid disconnection of service.
• Customers can refer to their disconnection notices for information on options to avoid disconnection

Metro COVID-19 Relief funds are available now for Jefferson County residents with a past due Louisville Water/MSD account. Customers can apply for the credit at the Metro Relief Portal on our website or call 502.583.6610. The one-time credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply now -- don't delay!

To qualify for a credit up to $500, customers must meet the following criteria: 

• Live in Jefferson County and have a Louisville Water/MSD residential account 
• Have an unpaid balance on their water/wastewater bill that occurred between March 16 and December 31, 2020 
• Identify a COVID-19 based financial hardship that resulted in the past-due balance 

Customers can apply for the credit at LouisvilleWater.com/MetroReliefPortal or call 502.583.6610.

With an increase of illegal activity from vandalism, vehicle thefts and items stolen from vehicles to gun shots reported. LMPD has several tips that may seem simple but very effective!

1. Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report! IT DOES HELP IN GETTING ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS IN OUR DISTRICT!

Registration opened this week for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Summer Learning opportunities. The options include nearly 100 interactive, student-centered activities that will keep learning happening throughout the summer months.

Families can visit the JCPS website to view available programs and register.

“We’re excited to provide our students at all grade levels with opportunities to continue learning over the summer, and have fun doing it,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio.  “These programs offer engaging, personalized programs that appeal to a variety of student interests, or encourage them to discover a new interest or talent.”

Summer learning options will include three main areas:

• Backpack League, offering students in first through 12th grade an in-person experience.
• Summer League, where students learn virtually and earn points to make it onto a leaderboard.
• Specialized Camps, such as the district’s popular “Lit &” camps, which fit the unique interests and needs of students. Some camps are aimed at students who are learning English while others will help students prepare for college, careers and gifted and talented programs.

Summer options are also open to the district’s youngest learners. New this year is Camp Jumpstart, which will focus on social-emotional development and adaptive skills for 3-year-old students who are currently in the district’s early childhood program.

And JCPS will bring back the successful Camp Ready for K to help prepare up to 1,600 students who are scheduled to start kindergarten in the fall.

School Meals - Schedule Thru May 22

• Beginning Saturday, April 10 , curbside meal service will move to Saturdays from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at the following sites, and continuing through May 22, with the exception of Derby Day, on May 1. In lieu of that, sites will be open Oaks Day, Friday, April 30. 
• Finally, while this is NOT a JCPS program, the American Rescue Plan Act has extended P-EBT payments for free/reduced price meal eligible families to purchase meals they would have otherwise receive at school. That federal program will be administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• For students attending classes in school buildings, meals will also look different. Click here for more details, and click here to watch our Nutrition Services video!

The scholarship, which launched Oct. 1, allows eligible students in the Class of 2021 to begin postsecondary studies tuition-free at any Kentucky Community and Technical College school, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky to pursue an associate degree or career credential, or take 60 hours of credit. The Evolve502 scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, meaning Evolve502 will fund the difference between federal and state financial aid and college tuition.

The application takes about five minutes to complete online at evolve502.org/scholarship. Once applications are submitted and reviewed, applicants will receive a follow-up email with next steps including completing the federal financial aid form and applying to eligible colleges.

Almost 100 employers in Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail, Business Services, Tech, and other sectors are hiring now in the Louisville area.

You can see which companies are hiring and how you can apply at our online COVID-19 Job Board, run in partnership with Greater Louisville Inc. and WorkOne Southern Indiana.

CLICK HERE  To view job Listing   

• Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services: COVID-19 Updates
• Louisville Metro Government: Daily Updates on COVID-19
• Kentucky Unemployment Insurance website
• COVID-19 Pandemic Response Loans for Individuals and Small Businesses
• More resources for Small Businesses

the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle Monday, May 31 as the annual event returns for its 17th consecutive Memorial Day at Waterfront Park. All portions of the event have been reworked to ensure participants will be socially distanced. Learn more.

T-shirts will be available for the first 2,000 participants.

The event also provides an opportunity for participants to get vaccinated. LouVax’s Mobile Missions has played a key role in vaccinating tens of thousands of individuals across the Metro area and will be on hand to reach even more residents, said Dr. SarahBeth Hartlage, Associate Medical Director for the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness.

Spring has definitely sprung and your grass is growing. Why not take advantage of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program and save up to $100 on a new, air-friendly, electric-powered mower?

You can get rebates on electric string trimmers, electric blowers, and reel mowers too. Now is a great time to recycle that old, polluting equipment and save some cash on new gear that will make breathing a little easier for you and your community.

You can also get larger rebates on more powerful equipment with our Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Professional program. Please see our website or call (502)574-6000 if you have any questions

To participate, purchase and plant an eligible shade tree on your residential property and apply to receive $30 back on up to three trees. This program is open to residents of Jefferson County, KY on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds have been claimed. For full eligibility requirements or to apply, visit treeslouisville.org/rebate or find a brochure at your local garden center.

Dog of the Week - LUDO

Ludo is a fun, fearless companion and a huge giver of hugs and kisses. The 3-year-old Pit Bull mix loves going on adventures, especially if the destination is the park where he can see his favorite things – anything that rolls, including bikes, scooters and strollers. Ludo is an active dog so he’d be a good running or cycling buddy. He likes treats but prefers his rewards to be paid in head and belly rubs. Ludo's adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Ludo weighs 64lbs. He's already neutered, microchipped & vaccinated. Child, dog and cat testing are available by request.

Send questions about Ludo to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov. Meet Ludo at Animal House Adoption Center (3528 Newburg Road), open 12-6pm daily, walk-ins welcomed.

Want to help? Donations Welcome

KHS welcomes pet food donations – especially cat food – for the COVID-19 Pet Food Bank through Amazon or from local pet supply stores. View our overall Wish List and our Amazon wish list at http://tinyurl.com/wishlistkhs (items are not in order on Amazon, so please scroll to find dry cat and dog food options). Deliveries are accepted at 241 Steedly Drive, Louisville KY 40214.

Become a Foster for Animals 

People who are interested in fostering will need to fill out the Foster Application(PDF) and either email, fax to 502-473-2634, or bring the completed application to the LMAS Animal Care Center, located at 3705 Manslick Rd.

For more information on our foster care program, please contact Stephanie Jackson at stephanie.jackson@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 574-6978

Louisville Metro Police Department

Sign up for crime alerts from LMPD by clicking HERE

Sign up for Emergency Alerts by clicking HERE

Metro Police:

(Non Emergency)574-7111 or 574-2111

3rd Division: 574-2135

Anonymous Tipline:

574-LMPD (5673)

Metro Safe: 572-3460 or 574-7111

The Louisville Metro Council is now livestreaming all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.

The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99.  Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.

• To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
• If you would like to see the agenda for any of the Metro Council’s Committee meetings click here

In Louisville Metro, it is the responsibility of the person living in a home to keep the front and rear of the property clean. This area extends from the middle of the street out front to the middle of any alleyways to the rear or side of the property. This applies to litter as well as plants and trees that could impede the alleyway or street. Inspections, Permits and Licenses (IPL) could cite and possibly impose a fine if you've got a lot of debris and plant overgrowth. Thank you for adhering to the local property maintenance codes and keeping a clean neighborhood. 

Report:

• where it happened
• describe the vehicle(s) involved
• include license plate number(s) if available
• upload pictures if available

For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form visit our illegal dumping webpage.

Dare to Care Food Bank

First Baptist Church Fairdale 413 Fairdale Road 
Wednesdays - 3:30 to 6:00 pm
Phone:  368-9053
Website: https://daretocare.org/contact-us/