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Hello Neighbors,
It is yet another fiscal year gone by. It seemed only yesterday that I was sitting in this very seat reflecting on the prior year. I treasure this time of the year because it gives me a rare opportunity to conduct an inventory of my motivations and values. It is also a time to assess how we did as a community and identify areas of improvement. More than anything, I cherish these moments of reflection because it is when I gather my thoughts and data to compose a year-end review of my Metro Council voting record and District 7 accomplishments.
Because I realize that my memory alone is but an elusive resource, I was careful to keep a journal during the pandemic. In reviewing some of my entries I discovered just how resilient you are as a community, despite the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19. I was also reminded of the many things that occurred last year that had the most impact on me. The takeaway is, I, too, am resilient. I bounced back from being infected with the Coronavirus and I managed to dig my heels into several key pieces of legislation that will have a profound effect on residents of District 7 and others throughout the Derby city.
Below you will find a chart of the issues I voted for and against, and another chart that details how I spent District 7 neighborhood development funds and capital infrastructure funds. Fiscal year 20-21 was challenging and a lot of adjustments had to be made. Since the city was basically shut down, infrastructure spending was low and support for several communitywide events that were canceled was not required.
Lastly, our bus tour throughout the city last Saturday to visit four of our beautiful regional and branch libraries was well attended, informative and fun. I have provided a summary and pictures below to show you just how beautiful our libraries are, and how much fun we had. Enjoy the review and record a mental note to make it a priority to join us for the next tour around the city. Oh, and until the next tour is announced, I hope you will join me for “Muffins with McCraney” on Saturday, August 7th. Details are listed below.
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We spent the day last Saturday aboard a charter bus and road all over Louisville learning about four of our public libraries. We toured the Northeast Regional Library, the Southwest Regional Library, the South Central Regional Library (pictured above), and the St. Matthews Branch Library, and learned of the incredible programming and resources available to the public. Between our speakers, expert guides, and the good company of one another, it was a day of learning, community and fun.
Thank you to all who participated in the library tour, and to the speakers (State Representative Josie Raymond; Lee Burchfield, Director, Louisville Free Public Library; Bill Dunbar, Library Foundation Board Chairman; and Chandra Gordon, Executive Director, Library Foundation). Much appreciation and gratitude to the library staff and our amazing tour guides (Rachel S., Emily, Rachel R., and Jane). Two-thumbs up to Mayor Richard Tonini, City of St. Matthews, for greeting (and reading to) us at St. Matthews Eline Library, and Friends of the St. Matthews Eline Library for the delicious chocolate and water. Kudos and 5-stars to my Legislative Assistant, Logan, for embracing my vision, accepting all of my assignments and doing the leg work to help make the tour a huge success.
I could not have pulled this off without each of you!
Testimonials from tour attendees:
"The library tour was one of the most informative and rewarding mornings I've spent in a long time. Apparently Councilwoman McCraney plans more tours covering other aspects of our community. I expect to be in the front of the line!!" - Lee Cochran
"The regional libraries are phenomenal! It looks like you thought of everything for everyone no matter the age level. I'm so glad I support the foundation, and today I was able to see how my money is being used! Thanks!!" -Lauraetta Starks
"Great stuff is happening in our city. Wonderful event, I'm glad I came! If you want to help your library, Participate. Advocate. Donate." -Kent Hall
"The Library System tools already exist. I need to get on board and promote advocacy." -Janice Baldon-Gutter
"What a great library tour we had. I was amazed by what I saw and so glad I attended. Bravo!" -Suzy Gessner
"I am grateful for having been a part of today's tour of the new libraries! It was an opportunity to get to meet a lot of wonderful people -- representatives, LFPL Foundation members and others in the community. Thank you, Councilwoman McCraney and LFPL Foundation, for an enriching and invaluable experience!" Tahiti Castillo
"I expected to be bored. It was one of the best field trips/tours I've taken since before the pandemic. The information was important and meeting new people while sharing views was useful. I even renewed my library card." -Bernadette Hamilton
"Unique learning experience should be required for all high school and college students." -Pat Stewart
"Signed up on a lark, but it was very enjoyable and informative!" -Susan Boyer
"My wife drug me along, but I had a wonderful time." -Dale Bartels
"I signed up to learn more about the services of the library. What I learned was what gems our regional libraries are. I will be an advocate thanks to Councilwoman McCraney." -Marilyn Markwell
"Excellent! Working on behalf of the future is a solid social cause." -Reenita Dues
"I love to read, so I loved it. I liked going to 4 libraries." -Pippy
"This is exactly what I want my councilperson and others to do - expose us to the charms of our entire city and remind us how interconnected we are." - State Representative Josie Raymond
"Today's field trip to visit Louisville's regional libraries was informative, inspirational and a wonderful opportunity to get to spend time with Councilwoman McCraney and members of the Library Foundation. I look forward to future opportunities to learn more about our community." -Anonymous
1. Codes & Regulations (Property Maintenance), 2. Planning and Design (Land Development Reform, including update on Accessory Dwelling Units), 3. Public Works (D7 Streets and Roads Projects), 4. Public Works (D7 Sidewalk Projects), 5. Louisville Metro Police Department (Safety Tips | District 7 Crime Rate)
At the end of each year, I post in the eNewsletter highlights of how I voted on legislation. Fiscal year 2020-2021 ended on June 30, 2021. Below you'll find my voting record on ordinances and resolutions. While this list is not exhaustive, it details major legislation I sponsored and/or voted on.
For an in-depth look at legislation and my voting record, follow these steps:
- Go to louisville.legistar.com
- At the top of the page, click on “Legislation”
- Make sure the tab next to the search bar is on “All Years”
- Search the file number of the legislation provided (ex.: O-340-19)
- Click the file number of the legislation
- Under “Attachments” the final legislation will be #1
Ordinance vs Resolution
An Ordinance: "An official action of a city legislative body, which is a regulation of a general and permanent nature and enforceable as a local law or is an appropriation of money."
A Resolution: "A less formal legislative expression and often used by Metro Council to express an opinion, policy, or approval of a matter." Resolutions are typically not enforceable by law. Metro Council often approves contracts and appropriations by resolution, and occasionally uses a resolution to express the will of the body on a particular policy issue.
Sponsored Legislation
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Legislation
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Pass / Fail
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Signed Into Law
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Civilian Review & Accountability Board
Ordinance (O-481-20)
This ordinance allows for a board, comprised of civilians, to review complaints against LMPD officers and investigate those complaints. The board also has the power to review LMPD policies and procedures.
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Passed
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12/2/2020
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Breonna’s Law
Ordinance (O-213-20)
This law bans no-knock search warrants. It also regulates the execution of search warrants and the use of body camera equipment during the implementation of all search warrants.
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Passed
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6/12/2020
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Herr Lane / Westport Road Turn Lane Project
Ordinance (O-594-20)
An ordinance sponsored by Councilwoman McCraney to install an additional turn lane on Herr Lane in order to improve traffic flow in District 7. NOTE: This project is scheduled to begin in late fall 2021. Funding is still being solicited.
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Passed
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2/18/2021
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Crown Act
Ordinance (O-260-21)
An ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances to add a definition of national origin which includes natural hair. This ordinance is designed to bring an end to hair discrimination in Louisville.
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Passed
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7/15/2021
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Resolution to the Kentucky General Assembly
Resolution (R-161-20)
A resolution urging the Kentucky General Assembly to amend sections of the Kentucky Revised Statutes in order to enable police reforms.
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Adopted
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N/A
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Legislative Votes
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Legislation
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Vote
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Pass/Fail
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Signed
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Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating Budget
Ordinance (O-238-21)
This was a vote on the operating budget for the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government including appropriations & authorizations for operation, maintenance, support, & functioning of the government & its various officers, departments, commissions, institutions, agencies, & other Metro-supported activities.
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No
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Passed
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6/30/2021
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Fiscal Year 2021-22 Capital Budget
Ordinance (O-239-21)
This was a vote on the capital budget for the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government including appropriations and authorizations of funds for general construction, maintenance, repair & improvement of the facilities & assets of the government of Louisville/Jefferson County and other Metro-supported activities.
American Rescue Plan Funding
Ordinance (O-272-21)
An ordinance approving the American Rescue Plan local fiscal funding to various Louisville Metro Government departments for the first 100 days to address the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state, and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
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No
No
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Passed
Passed
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6/30/2021
6/30/2021
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Use of Force Ordinance
Ordinance (O-378-20)
This ordinance requires the incorporation of certain limitations on police use of force into LMPD policies. This ordinance requires, among other things, when reasonable under the totality of the circumstances, members of LMPD to utilize de-escalation techniques to decrease the likelihood of resorting to physical force. It also requires, when reasonable under the totality of circumstances, department members to exhaust all alternative uses of force prior to using firearms.
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Yes
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Passed
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11/5/2020
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Healthcare Facility Safety Zone Ordinance
Ordinance (O-179-21)
An ordinance allowing healthcare facilities to establish buffer zones outside entrances to ensure unobstructed entry for patients.
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Yes
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Passed
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6/2/2021
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District 7 Zoning
Ordinance (O-477-20)
A “yes” vote kept two residential lots in District 7 from being rezoned as commercial lots. This rezoning would have placed undue burden on residents living nearby and would not have been what Councilwoman McCraney calls “Smart Development”. Through its passage, this ordinance maintained two District 7 lots as R-5 Single Family Residential lots.
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Yes
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Passed
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11/23/2020
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Paid Family Leave
Ordinance (O-593-20)
An ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances requiring the implementation of paid family leave to Metro employees.
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Yes
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Passed
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4/2/2021
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Fairer Access to Rental Housing
Ordinance (O-395-19)
An ordinance amending the Metro Discrimination Ordinance, providing for more fair access to rental housing.
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Yes
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Passed
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12/9/2020
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Smoking Retail Store Land Development Code
Ordinance (O-405-20)
An ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Land Development Code and creating additional regulations as to where smoking retail stores can be located, ensuring they will not be within 1,000 feet of places like schools, parks and day care centers.
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Yes
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Passed
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11/13/2020
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Legal Representation for Evicted Persons & Appropriation of $400,000 to Office of Resilience & Community Services for FY 2020-2021
Ordinance (O-132-21)
This ordinance provided limited legal representation to those facing eviction in Eviction Court, and appropriated $400,000 to the Office of Resilience & Community Services to fund eviction prevention services.
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Yes
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Passed
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4/28/2021
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RESOLUTIONS:
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Collective Bargaining Agreement between Metro Government & Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #614
Resolution (R-125-20)
A resolution approving a collective bargaining agreement between Metro Government and FOP Lodge #614 Police Officers and Sergeants.
NOTE: My "No" vote was a protest against the limited amount of budgeted dollars allotted to police officers. I voiced my concern because the pay increase was too low. Additionally, the agreement did not include specific reforms that were promised for the fiscal year agreement. If the measure had failed (majority vote by Council members), it was my belief that we (Council) could have applied pressure on the negotiators and insisted on better pay and reforms.
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No
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Passed
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11/11/2020
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Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Coordinator
Resolution (R-115-20)
This resolution provided a coordinator for the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program of LMPD.
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Yes
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Passed
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9/24/2020
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Resolution Encouraging Increased Partnership with Mayor Fischer
Resolution (R-110-20)
A resolution expressing concerns in the leadership of Mayor Greg Fischer & urging improved partnership with Metro Council to address the issues affecting the city of Louisville.
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Yes
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Passed
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N/A
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Capital Infrastructure Fund Spending
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CIF Number
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Date Approved
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Project Description
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CIF Funds Spent
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CIF090920PW07
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9/9/2020
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New LaGrange Road New Sidewalk Project. Cost split 50/50 with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
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$6,500
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CIF101420MP05
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10/14/2020
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Expansion of the basketball court in Lannan Park. Cost sharing with Metro Parks. This was in collaboration with Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, & 26.
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$1,733
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CIF120220PW07
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12/2/2020
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Paving of sections of Millgate Rd. & Wickham Way.
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$15,000
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Neighborhood Development Fund Spending
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Date Passed
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Description
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Amount Spent
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7/1/2020
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Evolve502 Scholarship Support to assist Jefferson County Public School graduates in their pursuit of a college education or workforce certificate.
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$10,000
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8/12/2020
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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Inc. for Shakespeare in the Park’s 2020 Hamlet Tour.
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$1,500
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Click here to view notice
MEETING DATE: August 2, 2021
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - CLICK BELOW:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Zachary Schwager, at Zachary.Schwager@louisvilleky.gov.
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Zachary Schwager, at Zachary.Schwager@louisvilleky.gov.
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
Click here to view notice.
MEETING DATE: August 2, 2021
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - CLICK BELOW:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Zachary Schwager, at Zachary.Schwager@louisvilleky.gov.
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
Wednesday August 11, 7:00PM
This is donation-based program funded by the non-profit Friends of Metro Animal Services which raises money in support of LMAS; and public donations. The PIF program makes it possible for LMAS to waive adoption fees for certain shelter pets and never expires. It's always free to adopt adult cats and adult dogs, 40 lbs. or more for approved adopters.
The required minimum donation is $150 to adopt a dog weighing less than 40 lbs., small breeds and puppies; and a $100 minimum donation for kittens under 6 months. For more info about the Pay It Forward Free Adoption Program, click here.
Louisville Parks and Recreation's Athletics Division provides a variety of youth sports programming and competitive adult leagues to create a structured environment that promotes sportsmanship, guides development, emphasizes teamwork and participation, and strengthens fitness within the community. Whether you are looking for a youth league for a child, or are trying to find an adult softball or kickball league, registration for fall leagues has started!
Click here for more information.
Louisville Metro Government (LMG) leaders provided updates on plans to help transition residents who are unsheltered from the streets and into stable housing, potentially by leveraging American Rescue Plan funds.
Sessions with advocates for residents who are unsheltered and business leaders, led by LMG Chief of Community Building Vincent James and facilitated by the Office for Performance Improvement, focused on the city’s development of a four-phase plan to address chronic street homelessness through immediate, intermediate, and long-term solutions:
- A pilot initiative to establish and manage an area that would provide a Safe Outdoor Space, including supportive wrap-around services designed to help people experiencing homelessness to find more sustainable housing.
- A transitional housing effort, potentially in a hotel/motel setting, offering a quick transition to indoor housing within a safe, supportive, and client-centered environment.
- More permanent supportive housing options, developed in partnership with service providers.
- Increased funding for affordable housing.
Click here for the full article.
Join us for the 12th Annual Kentuckiana Big Green EGGFest on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, 2021.
The location is the same as always: Outside Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, 4858 Brownsboro Road, Louisville.
Proceeds will go to local food-related charities.
Thanks to the generosity of previous attendees, nearly $200,000 has been donated to local food-related charities. Your participation this year can help raise that total even higher.
"It's a fun event that you need to come hungry to," said Jim Lehrer, the owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint. "The money goes to two local food charities, and over the past seven years we've raised over $200,000."
Friday, August 6, 2021
6pm - 9pm
- Meet and Greet
- People's Choice Competition
- "Chopped" Competition
- Lots of tasty food to sample
- Music provided by Brownsboro Hardware & Paint
$30 per person. A limited number of tickets will be sold for Friday night, so please reserve your tickets early!
Kids 12 and under FREE!
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
(Please note: Since this is a charity event, these tickets are NONREFUNDABLE)
Saturday, August 7, 2021
9am - 3pm
- Best Beef or Pork Contest
- Tons of incredible food to sample and savor, cooked to perfection by competing chefs
- Big Green Egg Classes -- 9am, 11am, & 1pm
$20 per person. A limited number of tickets will be sold for Saturday, so please reserve your tickets early!
Cooks + ONE guest get in FREE! Kids 12 and under FREE!
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
(Please note: Since this is a charity event, these tickets are NONREFUNDABLE)
For more information on this event click here.
Sunday, August 1, 11AM-6PM
Mellwood Art Center monthly event, WALK THE MAC: music, art, antiques and collectible cars. The resident artists of MAC, along with the Mellwood Antiques and Interiors welcome all with live music, performance art, a community art collaboration, classic cars, and truly unique guest artists. MAC guarantees plenty of food and drinks on the 40-acre campus boasting the largest collection of antiques and collectibles in the region.
Saturday, August 14, 12-5 PM
The Buy Local Fair is back! The Buy Local Fair features all local businesses, including food & drink vendors, artists and craftspeople, farmers and more! Thanks to our sponsors for making it all possible.
Find out all the details at our website: https://www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/BuyLocalFair
Louisville Water Tower Park (3005 River Road)
Free Admission!
Parking: $6 in advance (purchase here), $8 at the gate, bicycles free.
Parking is one of the ways we raise funds to continue our Buy Local/Keep Louisville Weird campaigns.
Sorry, no animals (besides service animals) allowed.
If you're a LIBA Member, you can register for a booth.
(And if not, you can join LIBA, then get a booth!)
Want to be a Weird Volunteer? Sign up here.
Presented by the Louisville Water Company
July 30-August 2, 6PM
Join us for the opening night celebration! At 6pm enjoy a performance from the Midwest Repertory Ballet. Then at 8pm, experience the magic of the movie LIVE on stage. We’re off to see the Wizard with ACT Louisville’s inaugural production at Iroquois Amphitheater.
Click here for more information.
The region's largest Home, Garden & Remodeling Show is locally produced by Building Industry Association of Greater Louisville.
Saturday, July 31
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 1
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Kentucky Exposition Center
PARKING
Parking is $10
Discount parking is available if purchased through park mobile at the following link:
https://kec.parkmobile.io/venue/kentucky-exposition-center/events/107856
Effective July 29th, visitors 6 years and older (regardless of vaccination status) will be required to wear face coverings while inside Executive Branch buildings/offices which includes the Kentucky Exposition Center. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Click here for more information on this event.
The LMPD 5th and 8th Divisions are hosting family-friendly events to promote neighborhood safety and unity; crime, drug, and violence prevention; and police-community partnerships. Please join Councilwoman McCraney and Louisville's finest at this annual event. Bring the family for the fun!
Fifth Division neighborhood list available here.
Eighth Division neighborhood list available here.
See answer at bottom of this eNewsletter...
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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