Happy New Year District 9!

Over the past few months, I have had many D9 residents comment on how much they enjoyed the quality and frequency of communication from former Councilman Bill Hollander, specifically mentioning the District 9 eNewsletter. Everyone would then ask whether I was going to continue with that tradition.   Well now I can formalize my often repeated verbal response with a resounding YES!, on  the front page of said eNewsletter.  Anyone who has heard me discuss my priorities for Metro Council knows that a very high priority will be placed on constituent services and communication, and this newsletter will be a big part of that communications platform.

Longtime residents of the 9th district, which used to be the 1^st Ward before merged government, know that we have been blessed with excellent leadership for many decades; from Melissa Mershon to Tina Ward-Pugh to Bill Hollander.  One of the hallmarks of that leadership was that it was centered around consistent, respectful dialogue with residents.  As a result, expectations for any public servant representing the neighborhoods that make up district 9 are very high.  I respect and embrace those high expectations and encourage all of you to let me know when our efforts at communication and service are falling short.

If the transition from Councilman Hollander has gone according to plan, everyone who has been receiving the district 9 eNewsletter before, should also be receiving this communication from me.   Please reach out to let us know if you, or any of your neighbors, have somehow fallen out of the system.

Similarly to the elected representatives I mentioned above, Kyle Etheridge served the residents of this district with unrivaled distinction for many years, bridging the terms of Tina Ward-Pugh and Bill Hollander.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention her service and thank her for the amazing contribution she has made to our neighborhoods.  The good news for all of us is that Kyle continues to serve the people of Metro Louisville in her capacity as the Majority Caucus Communications & PR Manager.  I also want to mention my sincere gratitude to Bill Hollander and Betsy Foster for their guidance prior to and during the transition.  Betsy admirably helped hold down the fort when Kyle stepped into her new position on the Council last fall.

While Kyle cannot be replaced, already in our first few weeks in office, my initial confidence in Jasmine Presley’s ability to do the job of Legislative aid with grace, skill and compassion has been reinforced by her performance.  I can’t wait for all of you to meet Jasmine and to have the opportunity to work with her.   Look for a short biography on Jasmine in the next newsletter.

Finally, both Jasmine and I are new to government and will need some time to get used to our new surroundings and to understand how best to use the resources at our disposal to assist district 9 residents.  In that vein, we ask for your patience over the next few months as we get ourselves up to speed. 

I can’t tell you how excited we are to begin serving the 9^th district on Metro Council.  We are here to serve you and look forward to working with everyone to build on past achievements and move the 9^th district and Metro Louisville forward, in a positive direction.

Stay Connected with Councilman Owen
Email: Andrew.owen@louisvilleky.gov
Office: 502-574-1109
Facebook: https://facebook.com/councilmanandrewowen
Instagram: https://instagram.com/councilmanandrewowen

Legislative Aide: Jasmine Presley
Email: jasmine.presley@louisvilleky.gov
Office: 502-574-3908

There will be no waste collection on Monday, January 16 within the Urban Services District in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Collection will resume Tuesday, January 17 and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Residents serviced by private companies should check with those companies for the holiday schedule.

The following facilities will also be closed Saturday, January 14 in observance of the holiday:

• All staffed recycling locations
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue
• Haz Bin, the hazardous waste drop-off facility, 7501 Grade Lane

Large Item Pickup by appointment is being phased into the entire Urban Services District. Once appointments are available for your address, you will be able to quickly get rid of up to four large items, once per week, by simply making an appointment on the Metro311 app or website. This means more opportunities to dispose of large items, less "junk" sitting out for weeks, and improved neighborhood cleanliness!

All areas are phased in after their last "junk" set out weekend.  Find your final setout weekend at Louisvilleky.gov by clicking "Address Lookup." The majority of District 9 has a final setout period between February 24-26^th.  When your address is on the appointment system, you can make an appointment up to once per week for up to 4 large items to be picked up. Households and property owners will receive a letter and info card in the mail. 

Learn more at Louisvilleky.gov/LargeItems or by attending one of our educational events!

In-person presentations:

• Thursday, January 12, 6:30pm at the Shawnee Community Center, 607 S 37th St.
• Tuesday, January 24, 6:30pm at the Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Pl.

Virtual presentations: 

• Thursday, January 26, 5pm - join with this link

If you'd like a representative to attend a community meeting and share about this program or other waste-related topics, contact the Solid Waste Education Department. 

Christmas tree drop-off sites are available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off. 

HOURS & LOCATIONS

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays) through January 28.

All locations will be closed on Saturday, January 14 in observance of MLK, Jr. Day. 

• East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
• Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
• Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue 

Metro Public Works will also provide curbside pickup of Christmas trees within the Urban Services District after the holiday. Residents with City curbside yard waste pickup may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees may not be in plastic bags and all decorations must be removed. 

Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see whether and when tree pickup is available.

The Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods wants to support small, grassroots organizations working to prevent violence. Ten (10) Louisville-based service organizations will each be awarded a $20,000 grant to build their capacity as a powerful, dynamic agent for changing the local violence landscape. Recipients will receive optional training in:

• Grant writing
• Interview skills
• Budgeting
• Marketing
• And more ...

Applicant Requirements:

• Serve Jefferson County, KY, residents who are at risk of violence
• Carry liability insurance
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have an operating budget under $100,000/year

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 31^st.  Learn more here.

Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services will be accepting applications for LIHEAP Crisis beginning Jan. 9^th.  The program helps income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs from Jan. 9 to March 31, or until funds are gone. Applicants must have a household income at or below 130% of federal poverty guidelines, as well as receiving a "disconnect" notice from their utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Applicants can also apply if they have a current bill with a late or past due amount.  To schedule an appointment, call (502) 991-8391 or click here. 

Eligible residents, 65 or older with a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less, may also apply for the MSD Senior Citizen Discount Program to receive a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge.  Starting Jan. 6th, contact our automated scheduler at 502/991-8391 or louisvilleky.cascheduler.com for more details, eligibility information, and to make an appointment.