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Below is a summary of some of the items considered at last night's Metro Council meeting. Click here to see the full agenda or to watch the meeting. If you have questions about any piece of legislation, please let me know.
Year-End Operating Budget - The Council approved an ordinance appropriating year-end surplus funds, available due to better than expected tax revenues and unexpended funds from metro agencies. These funds were directed to a U of L Health - Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Birthing Center, efforts at reversing redlining, and various Metro Parks projects. In addition, more than $12 million was left unallocated for future use.
American Rescue Plan Funding - An ordinance was approved related to the sixth round of ARP funding. These funds were directed to the Healthcare Workforce Innovation Coalition, reversing redlining, housing for veterans in partnership with Volunteers of America, foreclosing on vacant and abandoned properties, additional funding for library projects approved in ARP Round 4, and increased prenatal/postpartum services for those at risk of increased maternal and infant mortality.
Lead Hazards - An ordinance was passed requiring property owners to remedy lead hazards in all rental housing units in Louisville Metro. A lead-hazard evaluation and a lead-hazard control report must be completed for all rental housing units built before 1978, though the required time frame varies depending on when the unit was built. In addition, any rental housing unit where a child tenant has been found to have an elevated lead blood level shall have an initial evaluation and control report completed within 60 days of such finding regardless of the age of the unit.
Contracts - The Council approved a federally funded contract helping immigrant business owners recover from COVID-19, a contract to help with rebranding the Department of Corrections for the purposes of hiring/retention, and contracts with the University of Louisville related to researching the health/economic impacts of current polices and assisting the Board of Public Health in becoming an academic health department.
Land Use - The Council approved changes in zoning for properties located in Districts 7, 8, and 25.
Boards/Commissions - Appointments were made to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Extension Board, the Human Relations Advocacy Board, and the Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission. If you are interested in serving on one of the many metro boards and commissions, click here for a complete list or to fill out an application.
Outdoor Dining - Legislation was passed by the Metro Council in 2020 that gave businesses the ability to temporarily use parking lots, open areas, and sidewalks for outdoor dining in response to limitations placed on them due to COVID-19. These allowances are set to expire on January 30, 2023. Metro Planning and Design Services was tasked with reviewing the temporary provisions and determining which ones might be adopted permanently. Those proposed amendments to the Land Development Code were approved unanimously.
Waste Management Board - An ordinance was approved expanding the membership of the Waste Management District Board from five to seven members. The two additional members would be submitted by the association representing the largest number of waste management entities and the organization representing the largest number of cities within Jefferson County.
 Above is the latest weekly flu report provided by the Department of Public Health & Wellness.
In Jefferson County, the group with the most individuals currently testing positive for flu is children ages nine and under. Annual flu vaccination offers the best protection against the flu and its potentially serious complications. Click here to find a location near you that provides the vaccine. You can also call the Department of Public Health & Wellness (DPHW) at 574-6530 for an appointment.
DPHW provides weekly flu reports like what is shown above for those interested in a snapshot of reported cases in Jefferson County. You can also get a look at the status of the flu nationwide here.
The Metro Offices of Planning & Design Services and Advanced Planning & Sustainability will host a meeting next week to review draft standards for one of two new form districts proposed as part of the Land Development Code reform process. The virtual meeting will be held Thursday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m.
The Urban Center Neighborhood Form District would serve as a transition between the downtown area and the surrounding neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The working group involved with this proposal envisions a form district consisting of higher density mixed-use buildings, a tight network of streets, and a focus on pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, among other things. Click here to learn more about this new form district and what work has been done to this point.
Did you know homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage? MSD wants you to know that anyone in Louisville Metro can purchase flood insurance. Lenders require it for those inside the mapped floodplain, yet those who live outside of those areas can still be at risk for flooding. In fact, more than 20% of all National Flood Insurance Program flood insurance claims are from areas outside the mapped high-risk areas. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Protect yourself and your home by calling your insurance agent to learn more or by clicking here.
The Center for Neighborhoods is now accepting applications for the Spring 2023 Neighborhood Institute. This 12-week program, which begins on January 26, is designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to initiate positive change in their neighborhood, homeowner, or condominium association. Classes meet from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at 1126 Berry Boulevard, Suite 300. There is no cost to attend and dinner is provided each week, though advanced registration is required. I'd love to have someone from District 17 attend. Click here to register or learn more.
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