In this Issue
Hello Neighbors and Friends,
Starting at 5 p.m. this evening, the Louisville Metro Council will convene the Council Court to determine whether my colleague, Councilman Anthony Piagentini, should be removed from office. How did we get here? Long story short, the Louisville Ethics Commission found Councilman Piagentini guilty of violating six ethics rules associated with his acceptance of a $240,000 per year job with an organization that he allegedly advocated to receive $40 million in government grant funding. The Ethics Commission also fined Piagentini $3,000 and strongly recommended that the Metro Council remove him from office. For context, the Ethics Commission administers the Code of Ethics governed by Ordinance 52, Series 2010, and Amendments for elected and appointed officials, specified employees, and family members where applicable.
For the Metro Council to consider the recommendation of the Ethics Committee to remove a councilperson from office, it must first form what is called a Charging Committee. That committee was formed in late October of 2023 to review the findings of the Ethics Commission and investigate the allegations. Members of the Charging Committee met on several occasions and ultimately brought forth eight ethics violations before the full Metro Council.
The Ethics Commission cannot remove council members from the Metro Council. The decision lies with the Metro Council members. Therefore, a Council Court, established by ordinance, was formed to hear the facts of the case and determine removal. The Council Court includes all the Metro Council members, excluding the defendant, Councilman Piagentini.
Evidence and arguments from the attorney representing the Charging Committee and the attorney representing Councilman Piagentini will be heard by the Council Court. A two-thirds vote of the council could remove Councilman Piagentini from office.
Let me be very clear. I support the concept and purpose of a government ethics commission, as should all public officials. Public accountability and accountability by an appointed independent body of citizens that provides external oversight and enforcement of ethics laws can ensure that elected officials and other public officials are transparent and answerable for the decisions they make on behalf of the public. Our public officials’ decisions should always be open to public scrutiny. Ethics laws enhance public trust, and I am all for that. I am not for unethical behavior in any shape, form, or fashion. I am also not happy about having to sit through Council Court as if it is a sport. I take the role of Charging Committee member and Council Court member seriously, and I plan to sit through the trial very attentively. Although I am a member of the Charging Committee by virtue of my leadership role as the Majority Caucus Chairwoman, I vow to hear both sides of the argument and base my decision about my colleague’s fate on the facts presented. I don’t like having to “try” my colleagues, but I believe it is crucial to hear the facts and hold each other accountable for upholding ethics laws and all other laws of this country. That responsibility comes with the territory.
The Council Court proceedings are open to the public, or may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and here on the Metro Council Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.
To read the trial motions and Piagentini’s motions to dismiss, click here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/re-removal-hearing-councilman-anthony-piagentini
What an incredible turnout at the Café LOUIE "Meet Your Legislators" event on Saturday morning! Let's keep the momentum going... See you next month on March 9th at the Northeast Regional Library.
Metro Council committees met and adopted several resolutions and ordinances as well as held discussions on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Metro’s 3-year paving plan. Click here for the archive of the week's meetings, agendas, and minutes.
Councilwoman McCraney spoke on several items that were approved in committee meetings, including:
-
Labor, Economics, and Appropriations Committee:
-
CIF022024PW07 - An appropriation of $106,000 from the Capital Infrastructure Fund (CIF) to Public Works & Assets for a new sidewalk on Girard Drive from Graymoor Road to Westport Road.
-
Budget Committee:
-
O-020-24 - An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 80, Series 2023 relating to the fiscal year 2023-2024 operating and capital budgets, respectively, by transferring $100,000 from the District 7 Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) to District 7 CIF.
-
O-027-24 - An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 79, Series 2023 relating to the fiscal year 2023-24 operating budget by transferring $20,000 from the District 7 NDF to the District 7 Louisville Metro Council General Operations.
Committee Summary
-
The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a change to zoning along Cane Run Road, closed two alleys, and approved an amendment to a previously adopted plan along Springdale Road.
-
The Labor, Economic Development & Appropriations Committee approved several council district appropriations and infrastructure ordinances.
-
The Public Works Committee held a special discussion on Metro’s 3-year paving plan and accepted state funding for resurfacing Arnoldtown Road.
-
The Government Oversight/Audit & Appointments Committee approved appointments to the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District Board, Board of Health, and the Bardstown Road Overlay District Board. They also approved an ordinance staggering appointment terms on the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Committee.
-
The Equity & Community Affairs Committee approved an ordinance expanding paid parental leave and held a discussion with Dr. Ricky Jones on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion efforts in Frankfort.
-
The Budget Committee adopted several ordinances transferring Council funds as well as approved an ordinance appropriating matching funds for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant projects.
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, February 29, at 6:00 p.m.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
These proceedings can also be viewed live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or UVERSE Channel 99, or streamed live from Swagit’s page at https://louisvilleky.new.swagit.com/views/506/ (only when live) and on Facebook on the Louisville Metro Council’s page at https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil (when live and after the meeting).
According to an email post by Senator Gerald Neal, one of last week's developments in the Kentucky State Senate was a deeply troubling measure that gained passage in the Senate. House Bill (HB) 18, which seeks to prevent local governments from requiring landlords to accept tenants who use federal housing assistance, has advanced further, inching closer to final passage. The vote was 25-11 in the Senate.
Senator Neal states that HB 18 not only weakens the authority of local communities to address their housing challenges but also includes provisions shielding landlords from fees related to emergency response calls. T
Supporters of the bill argue that federal housing programs burden landlords with regulations. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the broader societal implications. The issue of housing should remain within the purview of local governance, where communities can tailor solutions to their unique needs. By stripping away this authority, HB 18 exacerbates existing housing disparities.
Senator Neal argued on the floor that this measure disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, particularly those reliant on Section 8 vouchers. It is disheartening to witness legislation that perpetuates systemic inequality under the guise of property rights. Discrimination based on income source is unjust and goes against the values of fairness and equity. Furthermore, the implications of HB 18 for veterans and individuals with disabilities who rely on federal housing assistance cannot be ignored. Contrary to claims, participating in these programs doesn't equate to accepting lower rent payments. It's about ensuring access to safe and affordable housing for all, including those who have served our country.
Other bills that passed in the Senate include:
SB 107 prohibits the operation of semis and tractor-trailers in the far-left lane of any roadway with three lanes or more.
SB 126 prohibits the ability of the governor to grant pardons or commute sentences 30 days before a gubernatorial election and ending at that gubernatorial inauguration. (Due to the actions of our previous governor, Matt Bevin, who released a handful of violent criminals with no basis for their release, this action was prompted to provide more accountability and oversight over the executive branch.) It passed in the Senate 34-2-1.
SB 163 allows coroners to bury or cremate unclaimed bodies at the expense of the local government if the spouse or next of kin of the decedent cannot be identified. It passed in the Senate 27-9-1.
SB 91 establishes more regional offices to improve the accessibility and efficiency of obtaining government-issued identification. It also will establish a pilot project with the Kentucky State Police to offer skills tests for the intermediate permit twice a month in five counties that do not have regional offices. It moved through the Senate unanimously.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, we will mark the 60th anniversary of the Freedom March on Frankfort, a historic event where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, and thousands of Kentuckians join in a powerful demonstration for justice and equality. This reenactment, organized by Focus on Race Relations (FORR), will honor the legacy of those who marched in 1964 and celebrate the passage of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966.
The march will begin at 10:45 am at the Capital City Museum in Downtown Frankfort, where participants will gather for refreshments, sign-making, and an appearance by actor Darryl Van Leer, who portrays Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The march will then proceed up Capital Avenue to the steps of the Capitol, where all will hear from an inspiring panel of speakers, including Governor Andy Beshear, Senator Gerald Neal, Rev. Kevin Cosby, and activist Mattie Jones.
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice, and it reaffirms the commitment to continue their work. For more information and updates, please visit the Facebook event page for the 60th Anniversary of the Freedom March on Frankfort HERE.
Scan the QR code to view the Bull Run construction update from your phone.
You may have noticed utility work while driving on Hubbards Lane near Shelbyville Road. This week, the District 7 Office spoke with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Works and Assets (PWA) to inquire about what's going on. While this area is just outside of District 7, many of you frequent that stretch of Hubbards Lane, so we thought you'd want an update.
We were told that work has begun on a project that will ultimately lead to the widening of Hubbards Lane. At this time, LG&E crews are working to relocate gas lines in the neighborhood and temporarily remove a streetlight near Verizon Wireless. So, what comes next? Steve Arnold, an engineer from Public Works, shared the following:
"LG&E hopes to complete the gas relocation work later this spring. Metro PWA has just recently given our roadway consultant Notice to Proceed (NTP) to finish a drainage re-design on the north side of the CSX railroad tracks that should be completed for our review in 6-8 weeks. These plans will need to be reviewed and approved by CSX in order for Metro to finalize a construction agreement and for the purchase of a required easement for the drainage and roadway work with CSX. Completion of that process with CSX will allow for Right of Way Certification (required as part of the LPA process). I am hopeful that this can be accomplished by mid-summer. Afterwards, an environmental re-assessment will need to be completed by KYTC in order to request construction funds. It is hopeful that this section of Hubbards Lane can be let to construction by late 2024, or early 2025."
If you have questions about this project, please email Steve Arnold (Stephen.Arnold@louisvilleky.gov) or leave him a message at 502-724-3438. This is a Metro project being overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Subject Property: 1702 Ashmoor Lane
Case Number: 23-VARIANCE-0098
Case Manager: Jeremy Chesler (jeremy.chesler@louisvilleky.gov)
Meeting Type: Board of Zoning Adjustment
Meeting Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
Time: Meeting will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until all cases are heard
Location: 514 W Liberty Street, 40202 (OLD JAIL BUILDING)
You may also participate online, and view case material by visiting: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For meeting agenda and staff report, please visit:
https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
More information is available in person at:
Louisville Metro Office of Planning (Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
444 S. 5th Street, 3rd Floor, Louisville, KY 40202
The meeting will be held on March 4th at 6 p.m.
The neighborhood meeting is being held at 8005 New Lagrange Road, Lyndon KY 40222. The applicant, JFK, Real Estate LLC is seeking a Change in zoning and Form District for the property located on New Lagrange Rd. The applicant is proposing to change the zoning to OR‐1. We have a plan filed a plan for preapplication review with the division of planning and design services (DPDS) that has been assigned case number 23‐ZONEPA‐0056. The case manager is:
Jay Luckett
Metro Planning & Design Services
444 South 5th Street, Suite 300
Office: 502‐574‐5159
Jay.luckett@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Metro Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) is the backbone of the city’s effort to address the root causes of gun violence. This work requires the adoption of innovative strategies and approaches that extend beyond traditional law enforcement to shift social norms and that activates the community to help prevent shootings and violence. Through partnerships and collaboration, we intervene with those involved or impacted by gun violence and promote community and youth-led solutions to foster safer neighborhoods.
Click here to see more information and apply.
Pregnant people urged to get tested for syphilis as cases in newborns skyrocket in U.S. and Kentucky
In the last 10 years, newborn syphilis cases have surged in the U.S., increasing from 335 cases in 2012 to more than 3,700 cases in 2022 – a 10x increase, according to the CDC. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports cases in the Commonwealth have risen from two cases in 2012 to 35 cases in 2022. Congenital syphilis (CS) is a disease that occurs when a pregnant person passes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) on to their baby during pregnancy.
Is congenital syphilis serious?
Yes. If not treated, syphilis during pregnancy can cause tragic outcomes like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, lifelong medical issues and infant death. Adults and adolescents with syphilis can also develop serious health complications if the infection is left untreated.
Click here for more information about testing and treatment
Overdose Prevention
Overdose prevention apps and numbers give people the option to not use alone. For more information about overdose prevention, visit the Harm Reduction Outreach Services website or call 502-574-8800 to speak with someone from the Harm Reduction Services team.
Call 988
Kentuckians in crisis can now connect with suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse counselors using a nationwide, easier-to-dial phone number – 988. Phone service providers will now direct 988 calls to the existing national lifeline with its 13 Kentucky call centers. And connection to additional crisis services will be provided if necessary.
If you or someone you know is crisis, help is just a call or click away.
Suicide Prevention Workshop
Click the photo or scan the QR code to register.
Kentucky Performing Arts presents The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown.
Celebrating the long-awaited release of an extraordinary new book, The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown, by Ken Clay, Michael L. Jones, Wilma Westfield Clayborn, Keith Clements, Gary Falk, and Ron Lewis: A Tribute to Louisville's African American Musicians and Entertainers through live music, dance & theater.
When: Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 7:00PM
Where: The Kentucky Center - Bomhard Theater
Get tickets: https://bit.ly/SoulfulSoundsDerbytownLOU
For a full listing of upcoming events at the Louisville Free Public Library, please visit lfpl.org/events
Four accomplished Louisville writers will describe the thriving Louisville writing scene, share some of their triumphs, discuss navigating the challenges of publishing, and much more. Panelists include:
-
Ashleé Clark – Journalist, author, and manager of the American Journalism Project
-
Kelly Hill – novelist
-
Michelle Tyrene Johnson – Playwright and Louisville Public Media Senior Producer
-
Erin Keane – Critic, poet, memoirist, and Chief Content Officer at Salon.com
Presented in partnership with Spalding University’s Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing. Register at www.lfpl.org/onwriting
The 2024 FREE Shakespeare in the Libraries Tour kicks off next week at the Louisville Free Public Library! Save the date for one of the two-actor, hour-long Romeo & Juliet for young audiences & families, coming to a library near you!
KY Shakespeare will perform Romeo & Juliet at the Northeast Regional Library on Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 pm
For a full list of library branches that will feature this tour, please click here.
Being present in your body is a powerful way to reduce anxiety and connect with your emotions. This workshop will guide participants through somatic and mindfulness practices to cultivate a deeper connection with their physical selves. During this session, participants will:
- Explore somatic awareness techniques to ground themselves in the present moment.
- Practice mindfulness exercises that focus on bodily sensations and breath.
- Understand the role of body-based practices in reducing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation.
- Discuss ways to integrate these practices into daily life for ongoing well-being.
Check your answers at the end of the newsletter
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 Metro311 at 311.
For all the details you need regarding the new drivers license please click the link below:
To read about the most recent VA Medical Center construction events, go to: https://www.va.gov/louisville-health-care/programs/new-robley-rex-va-medical-center
To request weekly updates about the construction events, send an email requesting updates to: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
For ALL construction-related inquiries, please email: LOUVAMCCONSTRUCTION@USACE.ARMY.MIL
Check us out on social media:
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Message from the LMPD 8th Division
Please make note of the below tips to help make sure theft doesn't happen to you.
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices and even loose change.
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Always lock your vehicle doors.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles when parked outside.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle, this includes key-fobs.
- Do not leave the windows of your vehicle open, or partially open.
- Try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
- Immediately report any suspicious person, or vehicle to (502) 574-7111.
Click here to Subscribe to the 5th Division E-Newsletter
District Resource Officers (DRO's)
After more than 3 years the 5th Division is happy to announce we have 2 DRO's! DRO's are the "Jack of all Trades" for the community. They are our problem solvers, ambassadors, community representatives and anything else you can think of. Congratulations to Officers John Keeling and Brad Steller, your 5th Division DRO's.
They can be contacted at the links below.
Officer John Keeling
Officer Brad Steller
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Are you thinking of hurting yourself or ending your life? Text LOU to 741741
Community mental health resources:
Metro United Way's Community Resource Directory can connect you mental health and crisis intervention resources. Or call 211.
Need to dispose of unwanted bulk items? Click the link below for details regarding Pop-Up Drop-Off event dates around Louisville. Click HERE
Accepted Items:
- Up to 3 electronic items (recycled)
- Metal & appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
- Up to 4 passenger tires (recycled)
- Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
- Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
-
Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
|
Stay aware of new development in your area! Sign up for Gov Delivery notifications at:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYLOUISVILLE/subscriber/new
On January 1, 2019, a new Comprehensive Plan, called Plan 2040, went into effect. As a resident of District 7 (or any district in Louisville), it is important to review the Comprehensive Plan if you are interested in development that is proposed for the neighborhood. The Comprehensive Plan is the guidepost for all development, and the Planning Commission must use it as one of the guiding principles and tools for making decisions regarding the approval or denial of a neighborhood development project.
Read The Comprehensive Plan (Plan 2040)
The Comprehensive Plan is representative of over 6,000 voices, including Metro staff, an advisory committee, and resident volunteers. The Advisory Committee, made up of diverse representatives from neighborhood and community organizations as well as development and business interests, finalized its recommended goals, objectives, and policies on February 21, 2018.
On April 16, 2018, the Planning Commission recommended the Comprehensive Plan for approval. The document was then reviewed by the Metro Council as well as 12 local municipalities with zoning authority for formal adoption. Those 12 local municipalities are: Anchorage, Douglass Hills, Graymoor-Devondale, Hurstbourne, Indian Hills, Jeffersontown, Lyndon, Middletown, Prospect, Shively, St. Matthews, and St. Regis Park.
Plan 2040 Survey Findings
Plan 2040 Demographic and Economic Projections
Plan 2040 Core Graphics
Louisville Metro Council livestreams all of its regular meetings and committee meetings on Facebook Live.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here.
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc.
Click here for more info.
Click below to read the social media policy of the Louisville Metro Council:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/louisville-metro-council-social-media-public-comment-policy.
Just for Fun Answers
1. Forgive & Forget; 2. Level Up; 3. Space Invaders; 4. On Cloud Nine
|
