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Hello Neighbors and Friends,
The Los Angeles Rams may become the second straight team in NFL history to win the Lombardi Trophy in their home stadium if Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have anything to say about it. But, if Joe Burrow has his way, the Cincinnati Bengals will win its franchise's first Super Bowl title. Which team will shine this Sunday on the game's biggest stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California? Only time will tell.
In honor of the Rams and the Bengals and all football fans around the country, I yield my message space to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for a public service announcement.
Football fans across the country are gearing up for America’s most-watched sporting event, Super Bowl LVI, on Sunday, February 13. While celebrations may look different this year, the dangers of drunken driving remain the same.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety is teaming with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” reminder urging football fans to drive unimpaired and avoid a major fumble.
According to KYTC, preliminary numbers indicate 116 people in Kentucky were killed in crashes that involved a drunken driver in 2021.
To prevent impaired driving-related crashes, the KOHS recommends the following:
- Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home at the end of the night safely;
- If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation;
- If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911;
- If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely; and
- Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it’s the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
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Have fun, stay safe, and best wishes to Rams and Bengals fans!
(By the way, my maiden name is Stafford...I'm just sayin' - However, I do tend to root for an underdog.) Go Rams! Go Bengals!
Committee on Equity & Inclusion
An ordinance to create a permanent Juneteenth Jubilee Commission in Louisville passed out of Committee on Thursday. Last year, Juneteenth became an official holiday in Louisville, and city-wide events were held to honor the day. This ordinance will allow Commission members, appointed by they Mayor, more time to plan events, find sponsors, and ensure broader community input to commemorate the holiday. The ordinance, which I sponsored, passed committee and will head to full Council next Thursday.
Watch the meeting here.
Public Safety Committee
A resolution passed expressing no confidence in the leadership of the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections Director Dwayne Clark. I spoke to this item and said, "Let us work together so that no more lives will be lost because of incompetence...." This resolution, while only symbolic, comes on the heels of six in-custody deaths at the downtown jail since late November. The resolution is a symbolic gesture from Metro Council because only the Mayor can fire the director. I am hopeful the resolution serves as a wake-up call for Director Clark, his immediate supervisor, and ultimately the Mayor. As I stated during the Committee meeting Wednesday, "Enough is enough!"
Click here for more information.
An ordinance passed that would limit the amount of time a proposed tow lot in Shively can be set up. Although the property is Metro-owned, the city of Shively protested a permanent use of the property for a tow lot. This ordinance will ensure that the property is used for the temporary purpose it was proposed, which is an auction lot to ease the burden of storage for the plethora of wrecked and abandoned cars throughout Louisville Metro.
Watch the meeting here.
Labor & Economic Development
A resolution passed approving a contract for Emily Brandon to provide management and oversight of partnership activities to the Office of Globalization COVID-19 Multicultural Community Campaign. The contract is covered by federal funding.
A resolution passed approving an LMPD contract for legal instructor Shawn Marie Herron.
Watch the meeting here.
Government Oversight & Audit
An ordinance passed that will add MSD to the existing list of county officials and county governmental bodies that are notified when an annexation is approved by a suburban city.
An ordinance was discussed that would require Metro Officers to report sources of income greater than $5,000 during the preceding calendar year. It would also require them to report ownership of $10,000 or 5% by any immediate family members. Metro Officers would also be required to disclose debts or credits of more than $10,000, with two major exceptions: debt from their primary residence, or debt incurred through consumer goods (credit cards). This ordinance would also require candidates seeking to become a Metro Officer to file the form no later than 30 days after candidacy, or, with the current 2022 candidates, April 30, 2022. Due to Committee time constraints, the ordinance was tabled to be discussed in two weeks during the next Committee meeting.
There was a discussion with members of AFSCME trade union regarding grievances with Metro Parks that union members say have gone unaddressed. After a robust discussion, it was agreed a process needs to be established to look into the grievances, and this will continue to be a topic of discussion.
Watch the meeting here.
Community Affairs, Housing, Health, & Education
An ordinance passed that would make it unlawful for a hotel to charge an hourly rate for a room or rent for less than 12 hours. Fines would be deposited into a Youth Housing Fund that OMB would administer and distribute exclusively for the public purpose of providing housing to homeless young adults, ages 18 to 24.
A resolution passed accepting $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, for stabilization and rehabilitation of the Bourgard College of Music and Art project.
Watch the meeting here.
This week I sponsored an appropriation to complete the unfinished sidewalk along Ormsby Lane. This sidewalk has been built in segments through the years, and once finalized, it will run from Westport Road to LaGrange Road. The city of Lyndon partnered with me in a 50/50 split in funding, and we are excited to finish this worthwhile project.
The appropriation was approved in Committee and heads to full Council next week. As always, there are more projects I am working on to make District 7 safer and healthier! Stay tuned for updates!
Click here to access the notice as a file.
Click here for Planning & Design's Upcoming Public Meetings.
Click here for the Planning & Design Website.
Contact Metro Planning & Design:
If you wish to submit comments on this case, please submit comments (in writing) to the case manager by 5:00 PM Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Dante St. Germain / dante.st.germain@louisvilleky.gov
An Interview with Mayor Judy Crowe
We're excited Rolling Hills is now in District 7. Tell us about your lovely city.
Rolling Hills is a home rule city in the northeastern portion of Jefferson County off Westport Road just 11 miles from downtown Louisville. The City operates under the statutes of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is guided by an elected Mayor and City Commission.
The city was founded in 1965. It was farmland, turned into a subdivision. In 2015, we celebrated our 50th anniversary of being an incorporated city. We have 389 households and about 12 to 15 hundred total residents, including the apartments in the city. Our small shopping center features 12 businesses, and two new ones coming.
What inspired you to run for Mayor of Rolling Hills?
I have lived in Rolling Hills since 1984. In 2013, I was asked to be the Clerk-Treasurer for the city. In the 2020 election, I was elected as mayor.
I decided to run for mayor because of my experience as city Clerk-Treasurer. Running a small city isn't complicated, but you can't just stand up one day and say, "I want to change our garbage collection day." That doesn't work; you have to collaborate with everyone in the city on major changes. A lot of people don't know what it takes to govern a small city. You need to have contracts for your garbage and contracts for plowing the snow. Some people may think you can just come in and do what you want to do because you're the mayor, but it doesn't work that way. You have to really work together and vote collectively.
What message do you want to share with residents of District 7?
I would like to invite residents of District 7 to visit our shopping center, located at 9216 Westport Road. The shopping center is home to an AutoZone, Harbor Freight, and Tuesday Morning, which are big companies. It also has a locally owned McDonald's and a Cox's liquor store, whose owner has three other locations in Louisville. The barbershop and laundromat, two shopping center staples, suffered quite a bit due to COVID. Our local stores need our support.
The Westport Plaza that houses Kroger, White Castle, and Dominos Pizza, need our support, too. Every small business and large business needs our help. Spread your money around if you're going to spend it because businesses are suffering. Even if it's a dollar that you spend, they need that dollar.*
Click here to visit the Rolling Hills website.
 *The interview was edited & condensed.
Click here to access this notice as a file.
Email
These notices are sent out weekly by the VA. If you would like to directly receive these notices, email LOUVAMCconstruction@usace.army.mil saying, "I would like to subscribe for weekly updates." You can also email this same address with general construction questions.
Website
https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center/
Presentation
Click here to access the presentation from the VA Forum in December.
Louisville COVID cases are continuing to drop, down from over 200 cases per 100,000 residents last week to 116 per 100,000. This is a positive trend, but make sure to test if you're feeling sick, and know what to do if you're positive or exposed.
Click here for Louisville COVID resources.
Click here for Kentucky COVID information.
In partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), Gov. Andy Beshear launched the Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund, a program that can help homeowners impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure.
The program is funded through $85.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that the commonwealth received to protect homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Qualifying homeowners can visit TeamKYHAF.ky.gov to apply for up to $35,000 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees and utility costs. If approved, the funds will be paid as a grant directly to mortgage servicers, utility companies, county property tax administrators, insurance agencies or homeowners associations.
Click here for more information.
Winter weather increases the number of potholes on our streets as precipitation and frigid temperatures combine. Water seeps into cracks in the roadway, and then expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws. This causes the pavement to deteriorate and a pothole can form as cars drive over these cracks in the pavement.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has advised motorists that highway crews are taking advantage of the break in winter weather to patch potholes across the district. In Jefferson County, crews will be focused on the interstates. To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the KYTC website here. You will then choose the "Report a Hazard" option under the contact dropdown.
To report a pothole on any other road in Jefferson County, call 574-5000 or click here.
Jefferson County PVA Colleen Younger announced that her office launched a new tool for motor vehicle owners to appeal online. When filling out the appeal, motor vehicle owners will be required to provide their name, phone number, mailing address, license plate number, VIN, vehicle year, vehicle make and vehicle model. It is up to the owner to substantiate high mileage, damage or mechanical defect. The appeal tool will allow vehicle owners to upload documents online or bring supporting documentation to their office.
State law allows for appeals to the PVA within 60 days of receiving the notice of renewal. Such notices are typically sent the month before renewal is due, which is the owner’s birth month.
Click here to access the above notice as a file.
Ways to contact the Motor Vehicle Department:
Phone: 502-574-6450.
Email: motorvehicle@jeffersonpva.ky.gov
The Online Chat feature is available daily from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM here. Scroll down and it is under "Support."
The Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC) opened the 2021-22 grant cycle for the Louisville Sustainability Fund in November 2021. This fund offers grants to support innovative, entrepreneurial projects and programs to plan for the impacts of climate change on our most vulnerable citizens, while supporting community equity and resilience. Recipients will receive between $500 and $5,000 toward their project and will have access to LSC events, programs, mentors and the opportunity to partner their work with LSC initiatives. Apply for the 2021-22 Louisville Sustainability Fund by February 28.
As part of their continuing digital inclusion efforts, AT&T has announced “Access From AT&T 2.0,” a major overhaul of their low-cost Internet program for qualifying families.
They now have a free Internet option for those who qualify by combining the Access program with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. There’s also an Access option supporting up to 100 meg speed.
Click here for more information.
The Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) is providing FREE tax preparation services again this year. There are in-person and drop-off appointments available. The service is FREE if you earned $66,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or less in 2021.
To make an appointment at United Crescent Hill Ministries (UCHM), please call (502) 574-5687 to see if you qualify and make your appointment. Drop-off-only appointments are available every Friday through the end of tax season between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 S. State Street, in Clifton.
Other locations throughout Louisville offer appointments too. To make an appointment please call (502) 305-0005 or click here for an online appointment. Click here to view the brochure of other locations.
To access free self-file assistance, please visit www.labcservices.org and click on the “Free Tax Help” option.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance
Tax preparation assistance is also available through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, which provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Assistance will be available by appointment only at Lyndon Baptist Church, 8025 New LaGrange Road, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2822 Frankfort Avenue.
Appointments are available every Wednesday from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM from February 2 through April 13, 2022. For an appointment call 502-208-6731 or visit the web scheduler.
Click here for more information and a full AARP schedule.
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E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is now accepting applications for seasonal work! Positions include grounds and facilities maintenance, cashier, lifeguards and lifeguard supervisors, and recreational assistants. Applications are done online. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. For more information, please email the park manager at nick.price@ky.gov. Positions include paid leave time, paid holidays, flexible scheduling, and free park programs.
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GLI’s Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator Powered by Interise is designed for minority, small business owners who want to take their business to the next level within the region. The program connects minority-owned suppliers with companies in need of their services. This hands-on, cohort-style program provides minority-business owners with the knowledge, resources, and networks necessary for businesses to scale. GLI Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator Powered by Interise will begin April 2022 and will ultimately contribute to the economic vitality of the Greater Louisville region.
Click here to read more about this initiative.
Northeast Regional Library, 15 Bellevoir Circle
Louisville Free Public Library & Carmichael's Bookstore are proud to present Lee Cole, author of Groundskeeping, in conversation with Director Dr. Ian Stansel of UofL's Creative Writing Program. The event will be March 2 at 7 PM.
Click here for tickets.
Explore the stuff that makes up our earth at Family Nature Play: Rock & Roll Edition. On Saturday, February 12th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, you can look for and examine rocks, and learn about the different types of rocks that make up our world at the Northeast Regional Library. This program offers opportunities for nature exploration and creative play with a variety of activities. Families welcome. Dress for the weather rain or shine. Ages 8 mos.- 80.
Click here for more information.
St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue
On Tuesday, February 15, the St. Matthews Library will host a movie discussion group at 2:00 PM. Plan to discuss the movie Best in Show.
Click here for more information.
On Thursday, February 17, head to the St. Matthews Library for a family movie night with a movie and a craft. The movie Soul will be screened at 6:30 PM. Pajamas and fuzzy blankets are encouraged!
Click here for more information.
On February 21st at 7:00 PM, head to the Northeast Regional Library for a discussion of 24: What Can Happen in a Day by Michael Ford Jr.
Click here for more information.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
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.
8th Division Crime Map
No crime reported!
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
The cold weather has greatly increased auto thefts. Please make note of the below tips to help make sure it doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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OR access prior or current meetings here:
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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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