Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 10/25/2024 12:06 PM EDT
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
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 NEXT MONTH TO MEET WITH COUNCILWOMAN SHANKLIN'S OFFICE AT NEWBURG LIBRARY (4800 EXETER AVE.)
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Louisville Metro Council members, their staff, and members from the Mayor's office gather to celebrate the annual Metro Council picnic at Petersburg Park in D-2 on October 11, 2024.
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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.
News from Mayor Greenberg and the City of Louisville
Mayor announces multi-agency task force to address widespread copper wire theft
Task force announces $15,000 cash reward for information leading to conviction of copper wire thieves
LOUISVILLE, KY – (October 22, 2024) Joined by partners from across Metro Government, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, LG&E, AT&T, and others, Mayor Greenberg announced Tuesday the formation of Louisville’s first Critical Infrastructure Task Force, aimed at tracking copper wire thefts and prosecuting criminals who steal copper wire and cause damage to public infrastructure around the city.
The task force was formed after reports of copper wire and other precious metal thefts have significantly increased in Louisville. Through August, LMPD responded to 328 reports of metal theft in 2024, with many of the crimes involving copper wire, which has seen an increase in value on the secondary market.
“From street and highway light outages to telecommunications infrastructure damage, these copper wire thieves have created major disruptions to critical infrastructure that we rely on every day,” said Mayor Greenberg. “In addition to tracking the crimes we will be closely monitoring secondary recycling companies and communicating with prosecutors and courts to make sure anyone who is caught with stolen copper wire is held accountable.”
Members of the task force have been meeting regularly throughout 2024 and are currently working to create a dashboard for tracking, analyzing, and measuring progress on reducing the frequency of copper wire thefts. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be a key partner in those efforts, as they work to keep state road and highways lights across Louisville in operation.
“Our priority is to ensure Kentuckians are safe and that we responsibly steward taxpayer dollars,” said Executive Director of the KYTC Office of Inspector General Maryellen Mynear. “We continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to help identify those involved in this criminal activity. Our ongoing solar lighting pilot project in Jefferson County is a proactive step we’re taking to evaluate their effectiveness as a potential solution to deter future copper wire theft. “
KYTC estimates it has spent more than $1 million repairing lights damaged by wire thieves over the past two years. The Mayor and Mynear were also joined at Tuesday’s announcement by leaders of LG&E and AT&T, two additional task force partners who have seen significant impacts to their infrastructure as a result of the thefts.
“At LG&E and Kentucky Utilities, safety of the public and our workforce is absolutely our first priority,” said LG&E and KU Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Jessee. “We look forward to the ongoing discussions with this task force to keep the public, our employees and our customers safe and to work together toward solutions that will deter and prevent copper theft in our community.”
“Theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure are serious matters that disrupt essential services for our customers, public safety and the community at large,” said Carlos E. Sanchez, President of AT&T Kentucky. “We are thankful to Mayor Greenberg and his leadership team for the focus on this issue. AT&T is offering a reward for specific and detailed information that leads to arrest and conviction for copper cable thefts or the attempted sale or purchase of stolen copper cable from AT&T anywhere in Kentucky.”
Sanchez also joined task force members to announce a $15,000 cash reward for anyone providing information that leads to the conviction of copper wire thieves.
Louisville Metro Council News
Metro Council meeting highlights for Thursday, October 24
Below is a recap of the regularly scheduled Metro Council meeting
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) – The Louisville Metro Council held their regularly scheduled Council meeting tonight. Here are some of the highlights.
Old Business
Approved
O-214-24: an ordinance amending Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances (LMCO) Chapter 39 regulating publicly owned and accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
O-222-24: an ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Land Development Code (LDC) Sections 5.1.10, 5.4.1, and 7.3.30 regarding residential additions and private yard area.
Zoning of properties located at 1215-1221 Old Fern Valley Road, 12312 Taylorsville Road, 13300 Old Henry Road, 14700 Taylorsville Road and 3160 E. English Station Road.
Special Recognitions and Proclamations
Councilwoman Parrish-Wright recognized the District 3 Page, Dynasty El Morae.
Councilman Owen recognized Charisse LeMaster for her success as a business owner and cancer survivor.
Consent Calendar – all items passed unanimously
R-096-24: a resolution approving the budget and economic improvement plan for the Louisville Downtown Management District.
R-106-24: a resolution approving the granting of local incentives to Congo, LLC., and any subsequent assignees or approved affiliates.
R-107-24: a resolution approving a sole source contract for custom-built cages to house endangered black-footed ferrets at the Louisville Zoo.
R-113-24: a resolution accepting funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Fenceline Air Monitoring Inflation Reduction Act.
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting is on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
JCPS students explore Louisville government at City Hall
Students from Indian Trail Elementary School toured City Hall on Tuesday morning, gaining firsthand insights into the workings of their local government
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 22, 2024) — Students from Indian Trail Elementary School toured City Hall on Tuesday morning, gaining firsthand insights into the workings of their local government.
The tour included meeting council members and local officials, providing an experience of civic engagement.
The visit began with students exploring locations within City Hall, including the President's Room.
The highlight of the visit was an engaging conversation with Deputy Mayor David James. Students were introduced to the inner workings of local governance.
Barbra Shanklin, representing Metro Council District Two, explained that this was more than just a field trip, but a way to inspire the next generation to understand and participate in local government.
"One day, they're going to be in our place. They're going to grow up and be the council people. They're going to grow up and be the mayor and different ones in government and make laws for the city," Shanklin said.
Among the students was Aamiyah, a fifth grader, who was extremely passionate about the experience. "Some people don't get to do this and experience that. So, for us to be here right now and be able to, you know, see this and do all this, it's really fun and inspiring," Aamiyah said.
The students, including Aamiyah, have studied government in their classes, but witnessing it in action added a new layer to their understanding.
"They can see what's really going on. Once you see when you get older, because I really, I feel like that's what it's really about. Trying to prepare the kids for stuff you have to do when you get older," Aamiyah said.
The field trip was part of Indian Trail Elementary's government program, allowing 20 students to explore City Hall and gain insights into the functioning of their local government.
Louisville Metro Health and Wellness News
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week raises awareness about dangers of lead exposure
Lead poisoning and lead toxicity are terms that describe people’s exposures to lead that result in illness and require immediate medical attention. It is used to describe cases when there are severe health effects related to high blood lead levels. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
Lead poisoning is preventable! The key is preventing children from being exposed to lead.
Lead is toxic, especially to young children. When lead is breathed in or swallowed, it can cause delayed growth and development, lower IQ and learning issues, damage to the brain and nervous system, and result in hearing, speech, and behavior problems. Additional public health actions are needed for children with higher levels of lead in their blood.
Children younger than 6 years of age are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure. This is because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. Young children also tend to put their hands or other objects that may be contaminated with lead dust into their mouths.
About 3.3 million American households with children younger than 6 years old have lead exposure hazards from lead in deteriorated paint, dust, or soil—including around 2.1 million low-income households with children younger than 6 years old.
Lead can be found inside and outside the home. A common source of exposure is from cracked or chipped lead-based paint, which was used inside and outside many homes built before 1978 and in other buildings and steel structures, which may be nearby or adjacent to homes. Children can be exposed by swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by cracked or chipped paint, eating paint chips, and chewing on surfaces coated with lead dust or lead-based paint, such as windowsills.
Visit www.louhealthdata.com to see local data and maps for lead exposure. For more information about lead poisoning prevention, you can visit our website. You can also request a combat kit, which contain:
Swiffer Sweeper
Wet mop pads
Cleaning gloves
Hand soap
Painter’s tape
Wet wipes
Lead tester
The kits are available for anyone who is at risk of having lead hazards present in their home and have any children under 6 years old or pregnant individuals living there. If you have any questions about the Combat Kit, please email us or call 502-574-6644.
E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in multiple states
The CDC is currently examining 49 cases of illness across 10 states associated with McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you have consumed a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
Dispose of unneeded medications at a collection site on National Take Back Day
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is dedicated to offering a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused prescription medications. This initiative also strives to raise awareness among the public about the risks of medication abuse.
Frequently, leftover prescription drugs can end up in inappropriate hands, leading to dangerous and often tragic outcomes.
Housing & Mixed Use Development Study DRAFT Analysis Map & Recommendations Available for Review and Comment
In conjunction with the ongoing Land Development Code (LDC) Reform process, the Office of Planning was tasked by Metro Council to study the existing development patterns in Louisville Metro and identify areas where new housing opportunities can be unlocked. Working with the planning and urban design firm Opticos Design, the Office of Planning has developed the Housing & Mixed Use Development Study. The study analyzed existing conditions like land use, zoning, lot sizes, and infrastructure to identify areas that can support more housing, shown on the Analysis Map. After the Analysis Map was presented for public review in February 2024, the planning team worked to refine the map and develop a series of implementation strategies to help realize the identified potential for new housing. Drafts of the final materials for the study are now available for review and comment on the Office of Planning website, including a Story Map, the Analysis Map, and the draft Implementation Strategies Report.
The Office of Planning intends to adopt the Housing & Mixed Use Development Study and the Analysis Map as an amendment to Plan 2040, the comprehensive plan, after integrating public comment and feedback on the draft materials. The comment period will be open until at least November 1, 2024, with the option to extend if necessary.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Planning at (502) 574-8272 or ldcreform@louisvilleky.gov.
Metro Parks and Recreation News
Mayor Greenberg Announces New Metro Parks Ranger Program
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 15, 2024) – Mayor Craig Greenberg announced today that Louisville Parks and Recreation is officially launching its park ranger program devoted to enhancing accessibility and safety within Metro parks.
"From the first day I took office, my administration has committed to enhancing the safety and health of our parks. I believe this is a crucial step toward increasing positive activation of our public space and reducing incidents of misuse of our parks including acts of vandalism, illegal dumping, and unlawful activities," said Mayor Craig Greenberg. "By ensuring parks are accessible and safe, we’re also creating a safer, stronger and healthier city for all Louisvillians."
In 2023 Louisville Metro was one of ten global cities selected for the Bloomberg Harvard Cross Boundary Collaboration Program to enhance park safety through cross agency partnerships with LMPD, Metro Parks & Recreation, Olmsted, Parks Alliance, West Louisville Tennis Club and Wilderness Louisville. Through this partnership Metro piloted an intervention in Iroquois Park, where today’s announcement was held. The pilot’s evaluation demonstrated the benefits of focused enforcement of park hours, which are 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily.
Providing ranger service will add an important layer of safety to Metro Parks, said Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Police Chief, Paul Humphrey. “LMPD has been a partner on the project from the beginning and we’re excited to continue the collaboration with Metro Parks.”
In June 2024 Mayor Greenberg and Louisville Metro Council worked together to pass a budget that included $300,000 in funding for a park ranger program. Equipped with the funding and evaluation data from the Iroquois Park pilot, Metro Parks is now ready to hire its first park ranger.
Those wishing to apply for the position of senior park ranger will have three weeks to do so before the application process ends. The position is currently posted, and those wishing to apply can do so by visiting bestparksever.com.
Qualifications for the position include having a high school diploma or GED equivalent along with five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, including two years of management experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicants must also be KY POPS certified (Kentucky Police Officer Professional Standards).
The chosen candidate will manage the Park Ranger program, park security and enforcement of laws and ordinances relating to Parks and Recreation facilities and public spaces. This position will also be responsible for developing protocols, procedures, and policies for the work unit.
ABOUT LOUISVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
Louisville Parks and Recreation, a nationally accredited parks and recreation agency, manages more than 120 parks and six parkways on more than 13,000 acres of land and operates recreation programs for area residents of all ages and abilities through its 14 community centers. The department’s inventory also includes 10 golf courses; the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and four outdoor pools; the David Armstrong Extreme Park; two historic homes; the historic Iroquois Amphitheater performance venue; and the nation’s largest municipally owned urban forest, Jefferson Memorial Forest. More details on the department’s people and programs can be found at bestparksever.com.
Louisville Free Public Library News
Family S.T.E.A.M. Day returns to the South Central Regional Library
Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 18, 2024) -- The Louisville Free Public Library’s annual Family S.T.E.A.M. Day returns to the South Central Regional Library (7300 Jefferson Boulevard) on Saturday, November 2, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This FREE family-friendly event offers amazing presentations and hands-on activities to get kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Family S.T.E.A.M. Day brings educational institutions together for a wide variety of learning opportunities for the whole family. Activities include Southland Dairy’s mobile classroom (with a real cow), a look at how animals adapt with the Kentucky Science Center, student-led hands-on learning with STEMY, paleontology and geology activities with the Falls of the Ohio State Park, local wildlife with Louisville Nature Center, a water filtration demonstration from the Louisville Water Company, sun-gazing with the Louisville Astronomical Society’s solar telescopes, face-painting, the mobile gaming truck, and more from Brightside, American Printing House, KET, and the Frazier History Museum. S.T.E.A.M. Day concludes with a free bluegrass concert from Good River String Band (2-3 p.m.).
Family S.T.E.A.M. Day is made possible with support from the Library Foundation and Genentech. For more information, visit LFPL.org/Kids or call (502) 964-3515. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from the Target parking lot.
This dashboard shows two different types of projects:
Current Projects that have received funding and are working towards construction.
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.
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.
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.
Cover your loads! A lot of litter ends up on the highway because of waste not properly contained in trucks
Remove vehicle debris after an accident. When a wrecked vehicle is removed, the debris must be removed with it.
Report materials that have been illegally dumped or "junk" set out on the wrong day to Metro311 or call 311 or 574-5000.
If you WITNESSED A PERSON illegally dumping and have information (pictures, license plate #, etc.) report it on our online form.
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 truckloads of material costs at least $50 - if you're charged less than that, be suspicious. Perpetrators will often take your money and illegally dump items to avoid the disposal fee. Drop off up to three household items for free at the Waste Reduction Center. (Disposal fees apply for additional items.)
Only set out large 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 the Urban Services District should call their contracted waste hauler for information.
Dispose of large items like tires and furniture at Pop-Up Drop-Off events – free recycling and large item disposal events for residents of Jefferson County.
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.
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).
Peace Presbyterian Church (4210 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213)
Open every 2nd Monday of the month -- 10am - 12pm
Forest Baptist Church (4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, KY 40218)
Open every 1st 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
