HEADLINES

Iroquois Park Scenic Overlook to open this weekend

Councilmembers Rick Blackwell (D-12), Jennifer Chappell (D-15) and Betsy Ruhe (D-21) have partnered with Louisville Parks and Recreation and Olmsted Parks Conservancy to open the Iroquois Park Scenic Overlook to vehicular traffic for one weekend in August.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to all the stakeholders and supporters who contributed to making this reopening possible. I hope residents from all over the community will take advantage of this opportunity and take in the beautiful sights on top of the hill,” said Councilman Blackwell (D-12).

This weekend marks the first weekend Uppill Road will be open to vehicular traffic. On Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, vehicles will be able to drive to the top of the park from 10:00am – 4:00pm daily. Parks and Recreation and Olmsted Parks Conservancy officials will evaluate this weekend's reopening and determine if additional dates will be announced in the future.

“I’m excited to announce the reopening of the Scenic Loop path to vehicular traffic. This is a step towards enhancing accessibility and reconnecting the community with the breathtaking natural beauty that the overlook offers,” said Councilwoman Chappell (D-15).

“I am so excited to announce the road to the top of Iroquois Hill will be open to cars this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00-4:00. Metro Parks, with support from Council Districts 21 and 15, have been working throughout the summer trying to find an agency able to manage opening and closing the road. We are very grateful to Shaw Secure Solutions, LLC. for stepping in to fill that need. If all goes as planned, we will look for additional opportunities to open the hill again between now and November. Enjoy the hill responsibly this weekend. It’s a hidden gem in South Louisville,” said Councilwoman Ruhe (D-21).

News from the Water Company

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in additional Jefferson County ZIP codes 

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) has found additional mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in surveillance traps in seven more ZIP codes: 40203, 40206, 40208, 40211, 40212, 40213 and 40217. To help prevent infection and reduce the mosquito population, mosquito fogging took place in the areas of Portland, Irish Hills, Audubon Park and Churchill Downs, Riverpark, Merriweather and Shelby Park communities. 

Fogging occurs in the early morning or early evening hours. The Department of Public Health and Wellness uses an ultra-low volume fogging machine that disperses an insecticide that is very low in toxicity and odor. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kentucky Department of Agriculture recognize the product as safe to use without posing unreasonable risks to human health.

Though West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes this year, so far, no human cases have been reported in Jefferson County.

Avoid mosquito bites

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions. More information about insect repellents can be found here.
• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours of early morning and dusk. Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Prevent mosquito breeding grounds

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and drain birdbaths on a regular basis.

After mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus, fogging occurs within the next 7 to 10 business days, weather permitting. To check if your area will be fogged visit the department’s website or call the mosquito hotline, 502-574-6641. To make a complaint about mosquitos in your neighborhood call Metro311 by dialing 311 or 502-574-5000.

Metro Council Committee Update

Last week Metro Council Committees adopted resolutions, ordinances, and hosted discussions with Louisville Public Housing officials, residents, and Code Enforcement administrators.  

The Planning and Zoning Committee approved two changes of zonings along Churchman Avenue and Dixie Highway, and upheld a denial recommendation from the Planning Commission along Preston Highway.  The committee also approved a road closure on Roosevelt Avenue, three resolutions accepting planning grants, and a temporary moratorium on developments within the Floyds Fork Special District. 

The Public Works Committee approved two appointments to the Complete Streets Coalition.  

The Public Safety Committee adopted a U of L contract to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations.  

The Community Affairs and Equity Committee heard testimony from residents from and around Riverport Landings, 2900 William Weathers, and the Park Duvalle Senior Housing complexes.  The committee also approved resolutions accepting grants for the Office of Philanthropy and Metro Public Health.  

The Government Oversight and Audit Committee approved appointments to the Downtown Development Overlay District, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Water Works, Anchorage Middletown Fire Protection District, TARC, and the Downtown Management District Board.  The committee adopted two annexation requests from Graymoor-Devondale and Jeffersontown, and an ordinance mandating adherence to Metro’s data governance policy.   

The Budget Committee adopted several council-funded appropriations and infrastructure projects.  The committee also approved the initial distribution of Opioid Settlement funds. 

Metro Council will meet again at 6:00pm on Thursday, August 10, 2023. 

Employers & Employees Now Eligible for the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership –(ECCAP)

Kentucky has launched an innovative new program to assist working families with the cost of childcare and help employers attract and retain talent. The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully contribute financial assistance directly to employee childcare costs by matching their contribution up to 100%, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit. For example, if an employer commits $100 per month to their employees' childcare expenses, the state may match that contribution up to another $100, giving employees a total of up to $200 in childcare assistance. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible childcare providers, who are included in this database. Various program restrictions apply. To learn more, view the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page here, visit Kentucky's ECCAP program page here, or send inquires to PartnershipChildCare@ky.gov 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city?  If the answer is yes, Public Health and Wellness invites you to be a part of a dedicated team. Please apply today.

For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov. 

Below please find MSD's recently posted positions. For position descriptions, pay information, and to apply please visit their website: http://www.louisvillemsd.org/Careers Environmental Compliance Inspector 23-134 Operations Quality Analyst 23-133 Emergency Preparedness Planner 23-137

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