District 14 eNews - November 30, 2023

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 11/30/2023 01:04 PM EST

District 14 Councilwoman

and

Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus

Contact Cindi Fowler


Legislative Assistant

Contact Cindy Thieneman


Staff Helper

Amy Stewart

Office Locations:

CityHall
601 West Jefferson St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 574-1114

 

Southwest Government Center
7219 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40258
(502) 574-7988


2023 Committees:

Chair of Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments

Parks & Sustainability

Budget & Appropriations

 

Visit Councilwoman Fowler's website 

 

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In This Edition...

Paint Your Own Ceramic Christmas Tree on Friday at Metro Arts Center on Dixie, Two Sessions

Metro Arts Community Center is providing the materials for you to paint your own light up ceramic Christmas tree! The cost is only $35. Register today by clicking here,

ceramic

Light Up Louisville this Saturday Dec. 2nd

Light Up Louisville is a free, annual event that will kick off the holiday season in the city! We look forward once again to welcoming Louisville citizens to Downtown to welcome the REAL Santa Claus!

The Lots of Lights Parade brings holiday cheer to Jefferson Street, aka Santa Claus Lane, with dozens of brightly lit groups singing and dancing in the street!

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Meet Your Beat Officer December 5th

3rd

Fall Leaf Drop-Off Ends December 9

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Fall Leaves

Mowing over leaves to mulch them back into your lawn is a great option for reducing waste. Mulching not only returns vital nutrients to the soil, but experts say that it can help your grass grow even better the following year!

Never blow leaves into the street! If you see Street Sweeping signs posted on your street, please make sure to move your vehicle so any leaves that fell naturally on the street can be properly cleaned. 

Leaf Drop-Off Sites

The Metro Public Works free leaf drop-off sites are open now through December 9. Only leaves will be accepted. Leaves can be loose, in paper/compostable bags, or reusable containers. Containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be taken back by residents.

Locations and hours:

  • Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • Public Works East District Operations Center, 595 N Hubbards Lane

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • Shawnee Park, 230 Southwestern Parkway (Athletic Complex)

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue

Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

 

Food Donations Being Collected at PRP Fire Department on Terry Rd.

food

Adopt a Family or Senior Citizen for the Holidays

For more information on how to send your monetary donation, please call Grace Engelman at 502-574-4516 or email: grace.engelman@louisvilleky.gov.

holiday

Louisville Zoo Announces a “Pawsome” New Winter Holiday Event

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Adventure through the Louisville Zoo as it launches a new winter holiday event — “Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday.” Areas of the Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland throughout the month of December, providing a unique opportunity to experience the holidays alongside the community’s beloved animal residents.

Families are invited to create memories and celebrate with polar bear Qannik and her animal companions as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities during the first three weekends of December (2 – 3, 9 – 10, and 16 – 17). Guests can stop by the Zoo’s Gift Shop, December 1 – 17, to write and send a letter to Santa at the North Pole.

The power couple of the season — Santa and Mrs. Claus — will visit with guests when they celebrate the season at the Zoo on December 16 – 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, holiday elves will have special sweet treats available for purchase this weekend,  including fresh roasted s’mores, hot chocolate and cookie decorating.

To add an extra layer of festive fun, guests can embark on a monthlong scavenger hunt that promises adventure for all ages. Participants who successfully complete at least half of the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for zoo-themed prizes. Guests can join the app-based game by scanning the QR code upon arrival to the Zoo.

For a detailed schedule of animal enrichment activities planned for our beloved animals and more, visit louisvillezoo.org/bearyhappy. Activities are subject to change without notice due to weather or the needs of the animals.

Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday is included with Louisville Zoo admission or membership. The Zoo is also celebrating Wild Winter Days presented by Kroger through Feb. 29, 2024. Wild Winter Days offers Zoo guests discounted Zoo admission and incorporates a food drive for Dare to Care Food Bank.

Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person may purchase discounted tickets at the Zoo ticket windows for $10 per adult and $7 per child/senior ticket. Twenty-five cents of every admission will also support conservation efforts of the Louisville Zoo.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours are 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

PRP Craft Fair, Saturday December 16

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PARC to Offer $3 Garage Parking to Downtown Louisville Visitors on Weekends Throughout December

Retailers aren’t the only ones delivering savings this holiday season. The Parking Authority of River City (PARC) is offering downtown visitors discounted parking rates at its garages during the holiday season. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, drivers can enjoy a special daily parking rate of $3 by prepaying for parking at parcdaypass.com.

The program covers the following PARC locations and destinations:

  • Jefferson Street garage – Whiskey Row
  • 8th/Main Street garage – Museum Row
  • Market Street garage – Derby City Gaming and the West Market Street corridor
  • Louisville Gardens garage – Jefferson Square
  • Seelbach garage – 4th Street Live/4th Street corridor

Free Kids Winter Camp, Sign Up Now

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JCPS Application Period Now Open

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Gun Violence Dashboard is Now Live

gun violence

The city’s new “Metro Gun Violence Dashboard” is now live on OSHN’s Louisvilleky.gov website.

The dashboard is a real-time, comprehensive reporting tool that will expand government transparency and will aim to create more collaborative work opportunities with and within the Louisville community.

The dashboard is a collaborative project between OSHN and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and was funded with a $100,000 competitive grant from the national Everytown for Safety Support Fund.

The dashboard will use data from Mark 43, LMPD’s record management system and will show a variety of reporting elements. For example, it will show maps and trends on where shots are fired, where homicides and non-fatal shootings happen, literal neighborhood and block reports, and historic, comparative, and detailed data starting from the year 2010.

It will give anonymized information on victims of gun violence, trend reports and provides an array of measurements, including, for example, what is shown as the likeliest or most common times and/or days for violence.

Visit the LIVE Dashboard Here!

kynect Enrollment Now Open for 2024 Health, Dental Benefits

kynect

Enrollment is open through Jan. 16, 2024. Kentuckians who sign up on or before Dec. 15, 2023 will have a coverage start date of Jan. 1, 2024. Those who sign up on Dec. 16 through the last day of enrollment will be eligible for coverage that starts on Feb. 1, 2024.

Four carriers will offer health plans: Anthem, CareSource, Passport by Molina Healthcare and WellCare of Kentucky. Passport by Molina Healthcare will expand by 22 counties, and WellCare will expand by 26 counties. Anthem and Best Life will offer dental plans. An expanded number of plans have been certified for 2024 and all counties have at least two carrier choices, with most having three choices and many now having four choices.

For kynect enrollment assistance, visit kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328. 

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy Enrollment Now Open

liheap

One-time home heating assistance available to low-income households

Kentucky households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fall Subsidy.  Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through December 15, 2023, or until designated funds have been expended.

LIHEAP Fall Subsidy provides households with a one-time benefit, ranging from $34 to $274, depending on housing category, fuel type used for heating, and income level. Benefits can be applied towards home heating costs for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil.

Benefits are paid directly to the household's fuel vendor. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

In Jefferson County, LIHEAP Fall Subsidy is available through the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. Appointments are required in advance to apply. Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Subsidy and MSD’s EWRAP with one single appointment. 

MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP)

Through our partnership with Louisville MSD, eligible residents will have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP).

EWRAP can provide eligible residents in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, with proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.

MSD clients who are 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program. For more details about the MSD Discount Programs, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill.

Please note residents who applied for LIHEAP Fall Subsidy in October during the early registration phase for elderly and disabled citizens, do not need to reapply during the regular LIHEAP Fall Subsidy phase.

How to Apply

Our toll-free automated appointment system is now available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.

Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com

Eligibility

  • Jefferson County households within 150% of 2023-24 federal poverty guidelines
  • Must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs if utilities are included as an undesignated portion of rent.
  • LIHEAP Subsidy is a one-time benefit. You do not need to have a past-due balance or disconnect notice to be eligible.

Documentation

  • Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, etc. or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the Resilience and Community Services office at 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Suite 201 as well as the seven LIHEAP locations listed here. 
  • Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
  • Most current heating bill; or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent; or statement from your utility company if you participate in a pre-pay electric program. Please bring the account number and name on the account for all heating fuel sources and electricity. 
  • For MSD’s EWRAP program, you will need proof of an active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by the customer as principal residence).

For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, please contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s Online Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.

Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies operate LIHEAP in partnership with Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies, please visit the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

Clean Collaborative Crew

The Clean Collaborative Crew removed 650 bags of litter, 36 tires, and 191 other items from 319.23 curb miles and completed 10 service requests November 6-22, 2023. Other items include everything from vehicle wreckage to illegally dumped bulky items. This included these areas in District 12. 

  • Gagel Ave from Dixie Hwy to Manslick- 4 Bags and 2 Other Items
  • Arnoldtown Rd from St Andrews Church Rd to 3rd St Rd- 7 Bags and 5 Other Items
  • 3rd St Rd from New Cut Rd to Valley Station Rd- 12 Bags, 2 Tires and 4 Other Items
  • St Andrews Church Rd from Palatka Rd to Dixie Hwy- 8 Bags and 2 Other Items
  • Manslick Rd from Hazelwood Ave to Palatka Rd- 4 Bags
  • Greenwood Rd from Greenbelt Hwy to Dixie Hwy- 9 Bags
  • Lower Hunters Trace from Greenbelt Hwy to Dixie Hwy- 12 Bags and 3 Other Items
  • Stonestreet Rd from Dixie Hwy to Ky 841 Overpass- 6 Bags and 2 Other Items
  • Valley Station Rd from Dixie Hwy to Valley Station Rd- 7 Bags and 4 Other Items
  • E Pages Ln from Dixie Hwy to 3rd St Rd- 6 Bags and 2 Other Items
  • Greenbelt Hwy from Lions Arms Dr to Greenwood Rd- 24 Bags, 4 Tires and 9 Other Items
  • Greenbelt Hwy from Lower River Rd to Greenwood Rd- 23 Bags, 6 Tires and 4 Other Items
  • Rockford Ln from Clarion Ct to Dixie Hwy- 7 Bags and 2 Other Items
  • Dixie Hwy from Lower Hunters to Pages Ln- 12 Bags and 5 Other Items
  • Dixie Hwy from Crums Ln to Lower Hunters- 14 Bags, 3 Tires and 1 Other Item
  • Dixie Hwy from Oak Park Dr to Johnsontown Rd- 6 Bags
  • Dixie Hwy from Johnsontown Rd to Citation- 5 Bags and 2 Other Items

Since January 2023, the Clean Collaborative Crew has completed 353 service requests and removed 14,041 bags of litter, 822 tires, and 4,851 other items from 5,035.07 curb miles.

Do your part to help keep our city clean!

SW Louisville Needs YOUR Representation. Get Involved - Apply to a Louisville Metro Government Board or Commission

boards

If you are interested in volunteering for one of Louisville Metro Government's Boards or Commissions, now is the time to start. By being a part of a board or commission, you will offer your time and your talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

There are approximately 100 boards and commissions with many areas of interest, including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, public health and public safety.

Visit the website to learn more and apply! 

We need individuals from Southwest Louisville.  It is important to have representation from all of Louisville Metro.  Please consider applying.

Meals on Wheels

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Reporting Potholes

Potholes

We need your help reporting potholes, use one of the methods below;

  1. Use an online form by clicking here.
  2. Use Twitter by sending the location of the hole to @LouMetro311 and include the hashtag #502pothole.
  3. Call Metro311 or 574-5000 to report potholes or any other issues.
  4. Call our office at 574-1114, and we'll turn it in on your behalf.

To report a pothole on an interstate in Jefferson County, go to the “contact us” dropdown menu and select “report a hazard” on KYTC’s website http://transportation.ky.gov or click here.

Report a Litterer!

Report a Litterer

Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles or any type of litter out their car window. 

Click here to report.

Click here for more information

How Can You Help with Illegal Dumping

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Illegally dumped trash is more than just an eyesore! It is expensive to clean up, it negatively impacts our quality of life and economic development, and the plastic debris may end up in our waterways and oceans. Individuals caught dumping illegally may have their vehicle impounded and face fines and fees totaling about $1,000. 

Residents are encouraged to fill out this online form if they witness illegal dumping. The form can also be used to share home security camera footage or images of illegal dumping occurring with our Solid Waste Enforcement Department. Go to Louisvilleky.gov/IllegalDumping to learn more about how you can help prevent illegal dumping. 

Did you know..? Many waste materials can be dropped off legally and for FREE. Up to three large household items, up to 4 passenger tires, and up to 3 electronics items can be dropped off for free at the at the Waste Reduction Center, located at 636 Meriwether Avenue. A pickup truckload of yard waste or construction debris can be disposed for only $60.00.

Residents can also utilize the free Pop-Up Drop-Off events that occur monthly, on a Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., March - November, in various parts of Jefferson County. Items must be separated into the various categories for easy off-loading. Know before you go! View the accepted items list here: Louisvilleky.gov/PopUps.

Southwest Community Ministries - Items Needed

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Southwest Community Ministries is currently overwhelmed with families who have never needed assistance before but are running out of household and hygiene products! They are asking for help from members of the community, youth groups, or anyone willing to donate.

If you would prefer to give food donations, items such as ravioli, ramen, fruit cups, canned meats, soups, and peanut butter crackers are always good options. Things like Ensure and pull top lids are good for seniors as well!

Needed Household Items:

  • Ramen Noodles
  • Ravioli
  • Fresh items from your garden

Items can be dropped off at the Ministry (8504 Terry Rd.) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information please call (502) 935-0310.

Donations can also be made by visiting SouthwestCommunityMinistries.org/donate.

Meriweather Waste Reduction Center

Meriweather Waste Reduction Center

At the Waste Reduction Center, Louisville/Jefferson County residents can dispose of tires, household bulky waste such as metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris, and furniture.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments available Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Up to three household bulky items per day may be dropped off at no charge. Bulky loads or drop-offs exceeding three items will be charged according  - CASH ONLY.  

Examples of single items

  • Up to 4 passenger tires*
  • One appliance
  • One large household item such as mattress, box spring, sofa or chair

*No more than 4 tires will be accepted for free drop-off at one time regardless of the number of other items