On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.

JOIN US IN-PERSON THIS MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)

Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us

Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community?  Contact 311!

Metro311 Service Request Information

• Submit a Service Request in the online system.
• Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the system.  If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
• To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue.
• Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
• The outlined or highlighted area on the map indicates the area which is serviced by Louisville Metro Government.
• If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311. 

News from Mayor Greenburg and the City of Louisville

Louisville Metro Council News

Metro Council meeting highlights for Thursday, November 30

Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 30, 2023) – The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting tonight. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting.

Old Business

• O-256-23: an ordinance amending Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances Chapter 119: Registration of Rental Housing Units.

Ceremonial Swearing in of Council Members

• Swearing in of Shameka Parrish-Wright (District 3), Phillip T. Baker (District 6), and Ben Reno-Weber (District 8).

Reading of Charges

• In the Matter of Charges Against District 19 Councilman Anthony Piagentini

Special Recognitions and Proclamations

• Councilwoman Chappell recognized the District 15 Page.
• President Winkler recognized University of Louisville interns.
• Councilwoman Chappell recognized the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Race to 150 Event.
• Councilman Hudson recognized Emergency Services Director Jody Meiman and PIO Jessica Wethington for their work on the Applegate Lane property.

Special Legislation

• R-154-23: an emergency resolution initiating a second review of the decision of the Planning Commission to approve a revised Detailed District Development Plan for the property located at 4516 Cane Run Road.

Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously.

• R-141-23 and R-142-23: resolutions accepting $175,000 from the Centers for Disease Control through John Hopkins for Mpox and STD/HIV.
• R-145-23: resolution accepting $8,000 from the Kentucky Department for Public Heath’s Office of Health Equity for the purchase of Xylazine Test Strips.
• R-144-23: resolution asking the Commonwealth to award a $2.25 million Economic Development grant to Stellar Snacks.
• R-143-23: resolution approving an interlocal cooperation agreement with Metro ABC and the City of Middletown relating to ABC enforcement.
• R-146-23: resolution approving a noncompetitively negotiated sole source contract for Metro Animal Services concerning a trap and neuter program with Alley Cat Advocates.

Held at Council

• Item 37 – O-126-23: imposing a temporary moratorium on development located within the Floyds Fork Special District

Tonight’s Council meeting and attachments may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.

The last regularly scheduled Council meeting of the year is on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Public Health and Wellness News

Residents urged to throw away applesauce pouches due to recall

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is closely following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) investigation of elevated blood lead levels in children who had reported exposure to certain brands of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.

The recalled applesauce pouches include:

• WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
• Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
• Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

There have been more than 50 reports, in multiple states, of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in people with reported exposure to the recalled products, according to the FDA. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of elevated BLLs linked to the recalled applesauce in Kentucky; however, health officials continue to alert families, caregivers and physicians of the ongoing situation.    

The FDA is asking consumers and retailers not to eat, sell or serve the recalled products and is urging people to properly discard them by carefully emptying the contents into the trash before throwing away the packaging, in an effort to prevent others from salvaging the recalled products.

“We are aware these are popular snacks children consume and we want everyone in our community who cares for our youngest population to understand the dangers of lead exposure and the signs and symptoms,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director at LMPHW and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s. “There are no safe levels of lead in blood. The way to protect kids is to stop the exposure.”

Lead is toxic to humans of any age but protecting children from exposure is especially important because they are more susceptible to the harms of lead. Lead can damage a child’s brain and nervous system and impact their growth, behavior and ability to learn.

Signs of exposure include, but are not limited to: 

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain/colic
• Muscle aches, burning, or weakness
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Irritability and difficulty concentrating
• Tremor

“It’s important to note that many children show no obvious or immediate signs of lead poisoning,” Dr. Bryant said. “If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead, contact your child’s primary care provider about getting a blood test.”

To learn more information about the FDA’s ongoing investigation, click here.

New monoclonal antibody protects newborns and infants from RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that spreads throughout our community each year. RSV season usually begins in the fall, peaks in the winter, and decreases during early spring. It typically causes mild illness in most people, but it can cause severe breathing problems leading to hospitalization in newborns and infants. However, a new monoclonal antibody shot that can be given to infants aged 0-8 months old entering or born during their first RSV season offers protection from severe illness from RSV.

Unlike a traditional vaccine, which prompts your immune system to produce its own antibodies against a disease, monoclonal antibodies are “pre-made” and provide passive immunity against the virus. These antibodies circulate in the blood and fight the virus when your child is exposed to it, and they disappear from the body over time. The RSV monoclonal antibody shot provides protection against RSV for at least 5 months, which is about how long the RSV season lasts.

We offer a limited number of the monoclonal antibody shots in our clinics. Call 502-574-5380 today to schedule an appointment for your baby.

World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma

Today is World AIDS Day and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died from an HIV-related illness. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day.

Over the past 35 years, there has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.

HIV can be prevented by:

• Getting tested regularly to know your status. Free, anonymous HIV testing is offered by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness through its Harm Reduction Outreach Services and Specialty Clinic.
• People can also ask their healthcare provider to test them during their annual physical. It is a good idea to get tested regularly, even if you think your risk is low.
• Never sharing needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment. 
• Healthcare providers conduct regular sexual history screenings with their patients.

For more information about free, confidential HIV testing as well as links to medical treatment, please visit our HIV Prevention website. The CDC also has a free, online HIV risk reduction tool anyone can use at https://hivrisk.cdc.gov/.

Office of Resilience and Community Services News

LIHEAP FALL SUBSIDY ENROLLMENT OPENS

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

LOUISVILLE, KY (November 6, 2023) --  Starting November 6, 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.

District 2 (and surrounding areas) Updates and News

Have you ever thought about buying a vacant or abandoned property in the city?

The city has many vacant or abandoned lots and buildings for sale at all times. If you’re a contractor or fixer-upper, you might consider buying an abandoned home to rehab. Once you fix it up, you could live in it or sell it for a profit. Or you may want to buy a vacant lot or a property in need of demolition, and build a new home. Other properties are suitable for starting a community garden or other agricultural project.

To manage the sale of vacant or abandoned properties, the city has a program called The Landbank Authority. The program’s goal is to put these properties back into productive use. The Landbank currently has about 500 properties available for sale and some are available for as little as $1. But in order to purchase properties, you must be able to prove to the Landbank that you can pay to refurbish or demolish the property, and you must complete the project within a set deadline. To see what’s available, visit the Landbank website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/purchase-vacant-property-landbank. You’ll see two links, one for Lots and one for Structures. Choose Lots to view empty lots for sale and an explanation of the types of programs, including “Adjacent Side Yard”; “Cut It, Keep It”; “New Construction”; and “Agricultural Projects”. Choose Structures to see a list of vacant houses and other buildings for sale. Landbank has two categories for the sale of structures: “Save the Structure” and “Demo for Deed”. To save a structure, you must prove you have funds to rehab it and you must complete renovations within six months for exterior and 18 months for interior renovations. To buy a "Demo for Deed," you must simply prove you have funds to demolish the property.

Both the Lots and Structures pages have links and instructions to apply for purchase when you’re ready. Speaking of funds, that’s where we come in. At LHOME, we can’t help you purchase a property but we can help you renovate one. Qualified property owners can borrow up to $30,000 for 12 months, paying only interest on the loan. After the year is up, you can sell your renovated property or refinance it.

To learn more, please visit lhomeky.org or give us a call at 502-882-8091. One last tip: The city has a great tool called Lojic (lojic.org). Lojic lets you search by address for a specific property you want to know more about. Just type the address in the search bar and you’ll get reports about the property owner, the assessed value, zoning, voting district and more. Happy hunting!

Transportation Improvement Projects Dashboard

The Transportation Improvement Projects Dashboard is a new tool to provide insight into projects that improve the transportation network throughout Louisville Metro.

This dashboard shows two different types of projects:

1. Current Projects that have received funding and are working towards construction.
2. Future Projects that are not yet funded but are serious contenders to apply for future funding opportunities.

Public Works built this database to increase transparency, track data, measure progress towards meeting goals, and aid future decision-making. This data will inform which transportation projects are submitted for future funding opportunities, including federal grants. As priorities change over time, projects will be added, removed, or modified. Public Works greatly values the opinions of Metro Council members and their constituents, so feedback is important to ensure that we are addressing their needs. Currently this dashboard only shows federally funded projects, but work continues to add more information on various funding sources, project types, and data analysis.

To provide feedback on the tool itself or to request a change to the projects listed, please contact Amanda Deatherage, Transportation Planner Supervisor, Amanda.Deatherage@LouisvilleKY.gov.

Interested in serving on a board or commission?

Are you interested in volunteering?  Louisville Metro Government has more than 70 boards and commissions-everything from the board of the Louisville Water Company to Metro Parks to the Louisville Planning Commission.  We are always in search of Citizens willing to serve on boards.  Most boards are voluntary-based and are not paid but the reward of serving pays big dividends to our community.

To complete an application, please visit:   https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-craig-greenberg/interested-serving-board-or-commission

OSHN's Reimagine Network - Join Your Neighborhood Anti-Violence Coalition!

Change Happens When People Get Involved

OSHN’s Reimagine Network is charged with ensuring that assistance and resources are available for concerned, engaged citizens involved in the fight against violence. The Reimagine Network is OSHN’s community mobilization division and is the city’s gateway for where civic-minded neighbors come together to share concerns, address problems, and then work TOGETHER as they take an active role against anything that brings violence to their neighborhood.

We need more citizens to get involved - NOW.

We encourage residents to join a coalition, especially those in the Shawnee, Parkhill, Smoketown, Russell, Newburg, and Portland neighborhoods.

Coalitions are small groups of people with powerful reaches because they address issues and inequity through grassroots tactics, networking and ideas.

Such involvement is a strong, collective way to hold leaders accountable for community-driven change.

reimagine@louisvilleky.gov

502-574-6949

Waste Management News

The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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Help Stop Illegal Dumping!

• To report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day, use Metro311 or 574-5000.
• If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegal dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.), please report it on our new online form.
• Keep an eye out for the vehicles our Enforcement Team is currently looking for! 
• Don't contribute to the problem!
  • If you hire someone to dispose waste for you,ask to see their Waste Hauler License and do not pay without a disposal receipt. Properly disposing of truck loads of materials costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump your items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees may apply for additional items.) 
  • Only set out junk or bulky items during your scheduled set out period. Residents in the Urban Services District can sign up for set out reminders using the Recycle Coach app. Residents outside of the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information. 
• Tips to Prevent Illegal Dumping on your Property
  • Keep your property well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs.
  • Monitor your property - the presence of illegally dumped materials or bulky items set out too early attracts additional dumping. 
  • Install security cameras - send your video or photos anonymously to us and enforcement officers can use identifying information to catch the perpetrator.

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Events Happening Around Town

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REAL Good News

Louisville’s on the move to reduce plastic pollution and increase renewable energy. You can find out how to keep that progress moving at a virtual forum December 6.

The event, titled “REAL Good News” will hold its 12th in a series of quarterly public Zoom meetings aimed at making sure Louisville implements its green energy goals.

In 2020 the Metro Council passed a resolution to move the city’s operations to 100% clean renewable electricity by 2030. That resolution also sets a goal of 100% clean energy for the entire Louisville community by 2040.

December’s event will focus on initiatives that are underway to reduce single-use plastics in Louisville. There will also be an update of progress being made toward using renewable energy as the city expands its sustainability programs.
Speakers will include Pam Raidt with Beyond Plastics Louisville; Sumedha Rao, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability; and Betsy Ruhe, District 21 Metro Council Representative.

Music by Louisville musician and activist John Gage will open and close the event. The event will also show how you can attend Metro Council meetings to speak in favor of implementing Louisville's clean energy resolution.

The REAL Good News event will run from 7 to 8:30 December 6. The three sponsoring organizations are 100%REAL, Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light, and the Christian Action group of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

The event is free but registration is required. Here’s the url for the Zoom link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcO-prz8jE9TXQPR-JQps3ZlManGgywRi

More information is available at the 100%REAL Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069674762729.

Report Street Light Outages to LG&E

If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.

LMPD News

Sign up for the LMPD 6th Division Newsletter!

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to communicate with our community partners about events and provide information you may find beneficial to have and share with your neighbors. Our monthly letter will provide you with an overview of crime trends within the division and highlight the work our talented women and men do each day serving our community. We will also provide any information that could impact our neighborhoods and travel such as construction and festivals. Please feel free and share this newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. Signing up will ensure they receive the newsletter as soon as it is published.

LMPD reminder:  Please secure your property and stay vigilant!

The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year.  Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!

Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS.  This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!

- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them!
- Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open.
- Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.

Please remember to not leave your vehicle running and unattended!

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Eligibility criteria:

•    Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
•    Not available on rental property.
•    Must meet income guidelines (see intake staff).
•    May receive assistance once in a five year period.
•    Louisville-Jefferson County only.

Types of repairs:

• Furnace repair or replacement (October-April only).
• A/C unit- repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, available May-Sept. only).
• Electrical repairs/upgrades.
• Water line repairs/replacement.
• Sewer line repairs/replacement.
• Water heater repair/replacement (gas or electric).   
• Gas line leaks.

For further information contact Office of Housing at 574-5850 or homerepair@louisvilleky.gov.

'Dare to Care' Food Pantries open in District 2

• Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)

Open every 2^nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm

• Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
  

                                     Open every 1^st Thursday of the month -- 4pm - 6pm

Information about both pantries:

• Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
• First Come, First Served Basis
• Picture ID & proof of residency required!

LouieConnect

Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more.  Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.

***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***

• Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
• Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
• Brightside: (502) 574-2613
• Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
• Congressman Morgan McGarvey: (502) 582-5129
• IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
• Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
• LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
• LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
• LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
• LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
• LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
• Louisville Forward/Economic Development: (502) 574-4140
• Master Commissioner Jefferson Circuit Court (Foreclosure Sales): (502) 753-4888
• Mayor Craig Greenburg: (502) 574-2003
• Metro311: 311 or (502) 574-5000
• Metro Parks: (502) 456-8100
• Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD): (502) 540-6000
• MetroSafe: (502) 572-3460 or (502) 574-7111
• PARC: (502) 569-6222
• Planning & Design Services: (502) 574-6230
• Property Valuation Administrator (PVA): (502) 574-6380
• Public Works: (502) 574-5810
• Solid Waste Management (SWMS): (502) 574-3571
• TARC: (502) 585-1234
• United States Senator Rand Paul: (270) 782-8303
  
• Vacant & Public Property Administration: (502) 574-4016
• Your State Representative or State Senator: http://www.lrc.ky.gov 

District 2 Archived Newsletter Page:  Click here

Don't know what to make for dinner?  Try our semimonthly recipe suggestion!

Today's recipe comes from allrecipes.com and can be found here.

Blackened Salmon Fillets

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Prep/Cook:  25 min.

Yield:  4 servings