Ordinance would limit how long LMPD's proposed temporary auction lot can operate

Discussions continue about the future of a proposed Louisville Metro Police auction lot in Shively.

At a town hall meeting Tuesday evening, Metro Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey, D-3, updated residents on the status of the lot.

Many neighbors had concerns about traffic, environmental hazards, and the impact the lot would have on property values.

The city said the lot is meant to be a temporary solution to Louisville's backlog of abandoned cars. Dorsey has filed an ordinance to limit how long the lot can operate.

"It caught us off guard," Dorsey said. "There wasn't much we were able to do looking at the legal parameters of it to keep it from coming, but what we definitely could do was (to) limit the stint in which it was there."

Under the ordinance, the auction lot would shut down in six months, and then be cleared out within three months after that.

(Article Source:WDRB)

Metro Council president frustrated following 'reorganization' of LMPD Mobile Homeless Unit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Council President David James said he and other council members are disappointed with the decision to reassign the Louisville Metro Police Department Mobile Homeless Unit.

The unit consisted of two sworn officers tasked with working directly with homeless people to provide support and resources around camps in the city.

"It's going to have a horrible impact on our community," James said.

The two LMPD officers who worked the unit would often help homeless get medication, supplies, assist with transportation to various places and provide needed help. James said the team prevented crime because of a trust that was established between the officers and homeless.

"They could use their law enforcement ability if they needed to, but because they were there, they never had to because they had that relationship," he said. "And that is going to be missing." READ MORE

(Article source: WDRB)

Special Election Next Week

It’s time for Jefferson County voters to choose longtime state Rep. Reginald Meeks' successor for the Kentucky House of Representatives' District 42 seat. Meeks resigned in December from his job in the state legislature and voting for this month's special election to fill that vacancy begins today and continues through Tuesday.

The only people who can cast ballots in this special election are registered voters who live within House District 42's boundaries - the old boundaries before recent redistricting. Clifton, Irish Hill, and part of Crescent Hill are in the district.  

If you aren't sure if you live in Louisville's House District 42, you can check if you're eligible to vote in the special election on the County Clerk's Election Center website.  Click on the button that says, “Where Do I Vote?” Enter your address in the field. If you are eligible, you will see a message that reads: “The next scheduled election is the State Rep 42^nd District Special.” You will also be given your Election Day (Tuesday, February 22) polling location, which will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Any eligible voter can now vote in In-person Absentee (Early). Early voting starts today (February 17) and continues on Friday (February 18) and Saturday (February 19):

• In-person Absentee (Early) Voting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:
• Jefferson County Clerk's Office Election Center
• 1000 E. Liberty Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40204
• Stephen Church Family Life Center
• 1508 W. Kentucky Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40210

More information is here. Go Vote, District 42!

Algonquin, Park DuValle, & Hallmark (APH) Neighborhood Plan: Public Workshop Tuesday, February 22nd (6 - 7:30p)

Hello - You’re invited to a community meeting to share ideas and knowledge about the Algonquin, Park DuValle, and Hallmark (APH) neighborhoods. Please join us so that your voices are heard, and your input is reflected in the final plan.

What

The APH Neighborhood Plan will contain a set of recommendations and priorities for action to help achieve community goals for the study area. The Plan will establish a vision for the community, identify projects and policies, and serve as a framework for decision-making and action, including specific strategies for the future of Algonquin, Park DuValle, and Hallmark.

When & Where

Tuesday, February 22nd (6:00 - 7:30p)

Living Faith Christian Ministry

2330 Algonquin Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40210

Additionally, we ask that you take a moment to participate in a brief community survey APH SURVEY.  If you are unable the meeting, please visit www.aphplan.com for more information about the project.

Click here to view full list of Councilman David James sponsored legislation for FY21-22

Pending Legislation:

R-173-21 A resolution pursuant to the capital and operating budget ordinances, approving the appropriation to fund the following noncompetitively negotiated professional service contract for louisville metro public health and wellness (“lmphw”) concerning alcohol and drug counseling support and supervision services - (heidi solarz-kutz - $60,000.00).

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R-010-22 A resolution pursuant to the capital and operating budget ordinances, approving the appropriation to fund the following noncompetitively negotiated amendment to professional service contract for Louisville metro public health and wellness (“lmphw”) concerning assistance for lmphw’s covid-19 multicultural community campaign - (honing llc - $15,500.00 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $45,500.00).

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R-012-22  A resolution pursuant to the capital and operating budget ordinances, approving the appropriation to fund the following noncompetitively negotiated amendment to professional service contract for the Louisville metro police department (“lmpd”) concerning service as a legal instructor for lmpd personnel - (shawn marie herron - $15,000.00 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $45,000.00).  

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O-004-22 An ordinance amending chapter 135 of the Louisville metro code of ordinances (“lmco”) relating to the discharge of firearms within Louisville metro.

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O-008-22 an ordinance creating a new section to Louisville/Jefferson County metro government code of ordinances (“lmco”) chapter 42 to regulate the use of metro-owned properties as a tow lot.

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R-018-22 A resolution of the legislative council of the Louisville/Jefferson County metro government expresses no confidence in the leadership of Louisville metro department of corrections director Dwayne Clark and his executive staff.

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O-035-22 An ordinance amending chapter 156 of the Louisville metro code of ordinances relating to the creation of managed natural landscapes.

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R-008-22 A resolution pursuant to the capital and operating budget ordinances approving the appropriation to fund the following noncompetitively negotiated amendment to professional service contract for louisville metro public health and wellness (“lmphw”) for advising services for louisville metro’s covid-19 response - (william altman - $52,500.00 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $90,000.00).

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R-021-22  A resolution ratifying and approving a collective bargaining agreement (january 31, 2022 to june 30, 2024) relating to wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment between louisville/jefferson county metro government and the international brotherhood of electrical workers, afl cio-clc, ibew local 369, concerning certain employees of the department of public works and assets

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O-064-22  An ordinance of the louisville/jefferson county metro government, kentucky, authorizing the issuance of its hospital revenue bonds (uofl health project) in one or more series or subseries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $415,000,000 for the purposes of (a) paying all or a portion of the costs of (1) a new seven-floor medical tower at university hospital, (2) a new 60-bed hospital on the campus of uofl health medical center south, and (3) necessary capital expenditures across uofl health’s facilities, and (b) paying costs of issuance of the bonds; authorizing the execution and delivery of trust indentures, loan agreements, bond purchase agreements, and tax exemption certificate and agreements; authorizing and approving certain other matters, including the execution of related documents, in connection with the sale and issuance of the bonds.

View This week's Metro Council Agenda

Department of Public Works Pothole Repair Information

Since 2011, Metro Public Works’ Roads & Operations division has repaired over 541,000  potholes, that is 4, 000 potholes per month, each year!

Currently, both day and evening shift crews from all three districts, have been working to repair potholes since Monday. Weather permitting, they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future to ensure Metro’s roadways are in safe driving condition.  

To report a pothole visit:  https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works, or call Metro311 – 502.574.5000.

Desde el 2011, la división de Carreteras y Operaciones del Departamento de Obras Públicas de Metro ha reparado más de 541, 000 baches, es decir, 4, 000 baches por mes, ¡cada año!

Actualmente, los equipos de turno de día y de noche de nuestros tres distritos han estado trabajando, reparando baches desde el lunes. Si el clima lo permite, continuarán haciéndolo durante las próximas semanas para tratar que las carreteras de Metro se mantengan en seguras condiciones.

Para reportar baches, visite: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/public-works, o llame Metro  502-574-5000, o Metro 311

Manufacturing Training for English Language Learners 

In this free, 2-week training you will practice English skills, gain valuable manufacturing skills and credentials, and learn more about working for a top manufacturing company. Students must be eligible to work in the United States. (En español)

We know dragons love tacos, but you know what else dragons love? They love a good party! Preschool-age children and their families are invited to celebrate all things dragons and tacos at this special Saturday morning party at the Main Library (301 York Street) on February 26, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Popular children’s entertainer Jim Gill will bring his banjo to play live music at 11:30 a.m. and kids can enjoy photo-ops with the dragon from Dragons Love Tacos and the Princesses of Louisville. Other fun activities will be located throughout the library, including a scavenger hunt, storytime, taco crafts, and spicy salsa games. Plus, each child that attends will receive a free book courtesy of the Jefferson County Community Early Childhood Council. 

At this time, for the health and safety of library patrons and staff, masks are required at all times while inside the library. For more information on the Dragons Love Preschool Parties event, please visit LFPL.org/Kids or call (502) 574-1620.

Free Tax Preparation Service for Eligible Louisville Residents

VITA and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services online or at select drop-off sites. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2021. AARP Tax-Aide’s mission is to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. 

January 24 is the first official day for filing tax returns this season. This year, due to the COVID pandemic, several of the VITA sites will prepare in-person free tax filing by appointments only, and most of the sites will provide free tax filing through drop-off services. Individuals can visit getyourrefund.org to have their taxes prepared online.

To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 502-305-0005 or visit louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com.

The VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:

• Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Drive
• Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
• Oldham County LaGrange Library, 308 Yager, LaGrange
• Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
• Salt and Light CDC/NABA, Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Highway.
• Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
• United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
• Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.

Also, visit the website for information about a free service for others interested in filing their taxes online. Volunteers may visit MyFreeTaxes.com to access free software programs offered in partnership by United Way Worldwide and TaxSlayer. LABC is proud to be a member of the Tax Time Allies and has received funding from the Intuit Freedom Foundation to increase access to VITA and free software programs.For more details, including days and hours of drop off services and VITA locations, visit https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/qMTKCERX14Io8OOksPh76f?domain=labcservices.org

AARP Tax Aide opens the first week of February, operating at nine sites by drop-off appointments only. For future updates including online filing options, visit https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/a1KrCJ6Kz5sLWllgsOEgTx?domain=aarp-tax-aide-lou.org.

To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring: 

• Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
• Copy of 2020 tax return with all attachments and schedules
• W-2s and 1099s from your employers
• Other 1099s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income
• Form 1099-G for any unemployment compensation received during the year
• 1095-A for health insurance
• 1098 for education credit, plus a detailed financial statement from the school
• Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit as well as savings account number (if applicable)
• If you do not have a bank account, we can help you open a Bank On certified account.
• Childcare information, including Provider ID and actual amounts paid
• Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self-employed
• Additional tax information that may be required

Masks are required at all VITA sites.

Cats of the Week

Salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly - some things just go together, just like Lewis and Fizz. Together since birth, the farthest apart this brother and sister have ever been is separate rooms in the same house. It can be hard to make heads or tails of major life changes, like finding yourself in the animal shelter - so it's a good thing this bonded pair has each other. Adopt Lewis and Fizz so they can be together furever. Their adoption fees are waived thanks to the Pay It Forward Program.  Lewis and Fizz are four years old. Both are already neutered and spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated. The pair loves cat trees and they're used to regularly having their nails trimmed. To meet or adopt Lewis and Fizz, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road from 12 to 6pm daily. For more info about Lewis and Fizz, call 502-473-PETS.

Dog of the Week

Don’t miss this sweet adoption deal! All adult dog adoptions are free for approved adopters and include a free dog crate through Feb. 14^th. All of pets are spayed-neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Mahican has handled 100-plus days in the shelter like a champ and during a recent field trip, he proved he’s an awesome dog. He enjoyed a scenic walk through Cherokee Park, after he got out all of his excited energy at the thought of an adventure. Then, it was too Great Flood Brewing where he showed off the crowd and enjoyed a mimosa. Mahican is a very well-behaved dog who loves to be the center of attention. Mahican’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Mahican is approximately two years old and weighs 58lbs. He gets along great with other dogs, so he would love to have a sibling. For more info about Mahican, email LMAS at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov. To meet or adopt Mahican, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3528 Newburg Road) from 12-6pm daily.

Major Shannon Lauder

Major Shannon Lauder joined the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2008. She served as a patrol officer in the 4^th Division, primarily in the Old Louisville neighborhood. She also spent 6 years as a hostage negotiator and team leader for LMPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team. She was a detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) investigating physical, sexual and internet crimes against children across Louisville Metro.

She was then promoted to sergeant in 2015, where she served in the 6^th Division before becoming a Professional Standards Unit investigator. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2018 and served as a patrol lieutenant in the 4^th Division. Most recently she was assigned as the Commander of the Special Victims Unit. The SVU consists of the Sex Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Crimes Against Seniors Unit. In 2020 Major Lauder was promoted to the rank of Major and serves as the Commander of the 4^th Division.

Major Lauder holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. She is a graduate of the 143rd Session of the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Administrative Officer’s Course at the University of Louisville.