 Illegal Dumping Ordinance
Metro Council voted unanimously to strengthen a section of the Metro Code of ordinances that deals with illegal dumping. Now, any vehicle used to illegally dump must be impounded for a period of either 6 or 12 months depending on the violation committed. If appealed, the code enforcement board will have the ultimate authority to reduce the length of a vehicle’s impoundment. In addition to video surveillance, photographs or the metro official’s personal observation, officers can now accept sworn testimony by eyewitnesses. These changes strengthen the Police Department’s ability to impound vehicles used in illegal dumping and make it clearer to officers what should occur when they come upon someone in the act of dumping illegally.
Amendment to Panhandling Ordinance
The council also unanimously approved several amendments to the city’s panhandling ordinance to clarify the distinction between aggressive and passive panhandling. The ordinance was amended to decriminalize passive panhandling by making it similar to receiving a traffic ticket. Additionally, because the court system has been unable to effectively collect fines associated with passive panhandling, the fine was reduced from $250 to $25. The changes to this ordinance also established additional locations where panhandling will be illegal:
- Within a crosswalk, street, road, or highway, unless doing so in accordance with LCMO Chapter 117.
- In a manner that impedes or blocks the flow of pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or public right-of-way.
- Within 20 feet of entry or exits of a public entertainment venue.
Rezoning Ruling Exposes Need for Improved Infrastructure
The Metro Council passed a zoning ordinance allowing a tract of land along Taylorsville Road to be rezoned for commercial development. Even though the developer is using this land for economic growth, it exposes a broader need for infrastructure to support developments like this one. Taylorsville Road lacks the ability to support the volume of traffic expected to flow to and from this site. This is a perfect illustration of flaws that exist within the state’s distribution of infrastructure dollars. The state’s outdated transportation revenue sharing formula redistributes about one-half ($300 million) of state gasoline taxes back to counties based primarily on their land mass, regardless of the amount of traffic or population. Needless to say since Jefferson County has mainly non-rural roads, we get short changed. I have been an outspoken proponent of the legislature changing this antiquated formula specifically to address issues similar to what has occurred along Taylorsville Road.
 New Technology Allows you to Track Government Performance
You now have the ability to search for various government services to monitor everything from snow removal to the number of potholes filled within 48 hours. LouieStat, short for Louisville Statistics, is designed to help City departments and agencies evaluate how well they are doing and supports managers in making more informed, data-driven decisions. You can now review statistics summarizing how well government is performing in different areas and analyze long-term trends.
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 New Options for Dropping off Bulk Trash
Starting August 20th you will be able to dropoff household junk items and loads of bulky waste that cannot be placed curbside. These are the two locations: Louisville Metro’s Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue and Waste Management’s Recycling and Disposal Facility at 2673 Outer Loop. Waste Management will accept large loads of bulky trash such as household construction debris, tree limbs and stumps for the same fees as SWMS currently charges. Only self-dumping vehicles or those able to utilize equipment to quickly “pull-off” loads will be allowed to dump large-size loads at the Waste Reduction Center. Citizens will, however, still be allowed to drop-off three free household waste items in any vehicle at the Waste Reduction Center only.
Click here for information on hours of operation, associated fees, and the CyberCycle electronic recycling program.
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Weekend I-71 Lane Closures
Starting today, August 24th, at 8 p.m. the left lane on Northbound I-71 between the Watterson Expressway and the Lime Kiln Lane underpass will be shut down. Crews are making improvements to the I-71/I-264 interchange. The lane will reopen before your work week begins on Monday, August 27th. Click here for more information on this project and others in our area.
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 WorldFest Offers Music, Food, Culture
WorldFest is one of the region’s largest international festivals and this year it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary with free admission all three days of Labor Day weekend. You can expect exciting world music from more than 35 bands and performers while more than 30 food vendors and nearly 150 booths provide a global sampling of cuisine and culture. New attractions this year include expanded activities for children and a Global Village that will showcase the culture and customs of more than 22 countries.
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Brew at the Zoo & Wine Too
The Louisville Zoo is hosting the 9th Annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too on August 25th from 4-9 p.m. You can enjoy live music, samplings from local and regional microbreweries and a selection of wines plus delicious tastings from area restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo.
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Mayor's Healthy Hometown
Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle
Monday, September 3, 2012
Bring the family for this free Healthy Hometown event! Please call (502) 574-5011 or contact us with any questions regarding the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle.
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