21st Century Parks has hired Pete McCartney as their Park Ranger who will be my special guest at the next “Java with Jerry” on Tuesday, January 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.at Java Brewing Company, 135 S English Station Road.

You are invited to attend so we can meet and welcome Pete in his new position.

“Java with Jerry” is an informal meeting with residents over a cup of coffee and is my continued commitment to being accessible to you.  Please click here to view the complete 2013 “Java with Jerry” schedule.

Monday night the Louisville Metro Council met for an organizational meeting where the council unanimously elected Councilman Jim King to serve a third term as Metro Council President.  The council also elected Stephen Ott (pictured on right side) to serve as Metro Council Clerk. Stephen previously held the positions of District 19’s Legislative Assistant and Deputy Clerk before transitioning to the clerk’s position that became vacant after Kathy Herron retired.  The newly elected council members representing even numbered districts were also sworn in office by Judge Irv Maze.

District 7 Councilman Ken Fleming was elected to serve another term as Chairman of the Minority Caucus.  I was elected by my Republican colleagues to serve as vice chairman. 

District 6 Councilman David James was elected to serve as Chairman of the Majority Caucus and District 13 Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch was elected to serve as vice chairwoman.

I have appointed as Chairman of the Government Accountability & Ethics Committee and Vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee.  I will also serve on the Budget Committee and the Ad-hoc Vacant Properties Committee.

In 2035, what will be our transportation needs for Kentucky? Will our focus be on maintaining and improving existing roadways, constructing new roads, or issues concerning other modes of transportation? Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials are asking these questions as they update the Kentucky Long Range Transportation Plan.

In determining the transportation needs for all areas of Kentucky over the next two decades, the updated plan will consider changes in communities, freight movement, financial resources, economic development, rural and urban transportation, the environment and other transportation issues that are impacting you.

The process of updating the Kentucky Long Range Transportation Plan has begun.  The new plan will be an overarching policy guide with goals, objectives and strategies to address the core transportation opportunities and challenges facing each of us.

“A strong transportation system is vital to a strong economy and key to maintaining a high quality of life for Kentucky residents and those who travel through the state,” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock said. “This long-range plan currently in the works is the perfect way to establish our transportation focus for the next two decades.”

As part of the planning process, The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has designed and will widely distribute a confidential public survey to gauge the transportation expectations of all those who travel the state.

The “Your Turn” survey will run from now until February 25. It consists of 19 questions concerning demographics, transportation needs and desires, and funding options. Your input will be used to plan for the future transportation system for you, your family and your community.

The survey will be available in electronic and hard copy form in English and Spanish. A link to the “Your Turn” survey and other transportation information can be found by visiting www.transportation.ky.gov and clicking on the “Your Turn” survey link.  You can also access “Your Turn” directly at the link yourturn.transportation.ky.gov. This direct link will also provide compiled survey results in late 2013 as well as other information throughout the update of this Long Range Plan.

Paper surveys are available at:

·         KYTC highway district offices

·         Area Development District offices

·         Metropolitan Planning Organization offices

·         Transportation Cabinet Office Building, 200 Mero St., Frankfort

Call (502) 564-3419 weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. eastern time for information or to request a survey.

Mayor Greg Fischer and more than 100 current and prospective college students and education advocates sent a loud-and-clear message that thousands of dollars in financial aid and scholarships are available to those who take action this month.

Fischer, students and 55,000 Degrees advocates created a giant human message with their bodies in the YUM Center lobby to encourage students to act before the end of January by filling out the online form, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Like a college marching band, the group formed the characters “55K,” the shorthand version of 55,000 Degrees, the public-private partnership committed to adding 55,000 more college graduates to Louisville by 2020.

“Too many people pass up the chance to go to college because they assume they can’t afford it,” Fischer said. “I’m here to tell you that hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial aid and scholarships are available to those who fill out a simple on-line form.”

Students can qualify for more than $7,400 a year in state and federal grants for public colleges ($10,400 for private colleges) by completing the FAFSA, said Mary Gwen Wheeler, executive director of 55,000 Degrees. The FAFSA is also commonly used in determining eligibility for scholarships.

“College is a smart investment in your future,” Wheeler said. “Take advantage of the support available to help you go to college and earn your degree.”

Grants, work-study funds and some loans are given based on need to lower-income households (i.e. families of 4 earning less than $33,000). But some funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; Kentucky’s funds will likely be committed for students at public colleges by early February and at private colleges by late February.

Help available to complete FAFSA forms

55,000 Degrees and its education partners are working to help students and parents complete the FAFSA this weekend as part of College Goal Sunday, a nationwide program that provides free information and assistance to families applying for college financial aid. College Goal Sunday mobilizes financial aid professionals from Kentucky and Indiana colleges and universities to help college-bound students and their families complete the FAFSA.

College Goal Sunday events will take place at 17 sites across Kentucky on Sunday, Jan. 13, including here in Louisville at the Gheens Academy / Male High School, 4425 Preston Highway, from 2 to 4 p.m. For information on other locations, go to www.kasfaa.com

(Indiana’s College Goal Sunday is set for Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at 2 p.m. and nearest location is Indiana University Southeast, 4201 Grant Line Road, University Center North-Hoosier Room.)

KentuckianaWorks College Access Center is also resource for students and parents seeking help in completing the FAFSA. For more information, call (502) 584-0475 or go to www.kentuckianacollegeaccess.org.

Filling out the FAFSA can help students get money from other sources beyond federal aid programs, such as universities and foundations, Fischer said. Filing a FAFSA is a requirement for many need-based scholarships. To complete the FAFSA, students need the following information for both themselves and their parents where applicable:

•    2011 income tax return
•    Estimate of 2012 income (or W-2s)
•    Final 2012 pay stub
•    Driver’s license (student only)
•    Social Security number

For more information about FAFSA and College Goal Sunday, go to www.55000degrees.org.

BBB is receiving reports of salespersons in the Elizabethtown area, going door-to-door, trying to get residents to sign contracts to replace their “damaged” windshields.

While some door-to-door glass repair companies are legitimate, beware of those who are trying to take advantage of you and your insurance company. Some will hang out around car washes, wander around parking lots, and like in this case, go door-to-door. They find a chip in your windshield (in some cases, they are accused of damaging windshields), then high-pressure a consumer to get it repaired. The salesperson tells you that your auto insurance will pay for everything.

There is big money in windshield fraud, due to “zero deductible” States insurance companies are required to pay the full cost of a windshield repair for drivers who have comprehensive coverage. Windshield scams increase everyone’s auto premiums in the long run, because it is fraud.

Here are the scenarios that can happen in a windshield scam:

1.Replacing undamaged windshields – A salesperson convinces the driver to replace an undamaged windshield, then lies to your insurance company that the windshield was seriously damaged.

2.Up the cost – The salesperson will replace an expensive windshield that only has a small crack or nick that could have been repaired at a small cost.

3.Fly-by-night – The salespersons are often fly-by-night scam artists who are poorly trained, work out of unmarked pickup trucks, do shoddy work, and disappear quickly. They can be very aggressive.

Be careful! The replacement windshield could be cheap, and put you and your passengers in harm’s way. The windshield could also be installed improperly. And, small repairs could end in bigger damages.

If you are approached by someone trying to replace your undamaged windshield, just say no, and alert the authorities. If you need your windshield repaired, contact your insurance company and find a reputable business at www.bbb.org.

1.    Be a Smart Consumer in 2013! Do your research on businesses and charities by going to www.bbb.org. Keep your computer safe by installing anti-virus software. Get everything in writing. Do not just take someone’s word for it. Never wire money to someone you do not know. Last, protect yourself from scam artists by limiting the information you share on social media pages.

2.    Joining a Health Club? Before you sign on the dotted line, check on cleanliness, adequacy of space, and other factors that are important to you. Also, consider your budget. Ask the club about enrollment fees and ongoing monthly costs. Find out if there is a contract, and what the fee is if you cancel it. Last, check out the business at www.bbb.org. 

3.    Purchasing Athletic Equipment? Do not believe all of the claims you see! Beware of the latest trend and avoid products that claim to focus on one certain area. Don’t be fooled by fit models in advertisements. Read the fine print. How much is “three easy payments?” Ask about cancellation fees. And, only buy what you will use!

4.    “Your Prescription Refill is ready for Pickup.”  Scammers are impersonating Walgreens pharmacy in an attempt to gather personal information like credit card or social security numbers from those using medications on a regular basis. If you receive a call like this, hang up! Call your pharmacy directly.

5.    Donald Trump Lottery Scam: A company working on Trump’s behalf calls themselves “American Money Corporation.” Employee, “John Washington,” is telling individuals they have won $2.5 million. To receive the winnings, $500 must be received payable by Green Dot MoneyPak. Once the money is received, the check will be delivered by FedEx. Of course, the check ends up fake. 

6.    Beware of Bogus Surveys. The lure is usually a free gift. When you click on the “free gift” image, which you may see on a friend’s social media post, you are told you cannot proceed until you repost the offer on your own page. After you do this, you can complete the survey, and then you are asked to provide address details and bank or credit card information so your gift can be sent.

7.    Car buyers, beware. The latest Craigslist Scam involves a scammer who arranges to meet you in a parking lot with a vehicle offered at a bargain price. After you test drive the car, the scammer asks for a $500 deposit and promises to return later to hand over the title and collect the balance. The scammer never shows up.

8.    Choose a Tax Preparer wisely! Before you hire a tax professional, find out what the service fees are before the return is prepared. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund. Only use a tax preparer that signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records. Avoid anyone who asks you to sign a blank tax form. You are ultimately responsible for your tax return! Find a tax preparer at www.bbb.org.

9.    Beware of Tax Refund Scams. Scam artists call tax payers, indicating the IRS made a mistake and the tax payer owes $2,100. The scammer asks for a bank account or credit card number. This is NOT the IRS.  Another IRS scam indicates you “must pay money upfront to receive your refund.” The IRS typically contacts tax payers by mail.

10.  Tired of unwanted calls? Sign up for the Do Not Call List in 2013! By registering, telemarketers have 31 days to comply and stop calling you. If they continue, they could be fined thousands of dollars. Calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors, and companies you have an established business relationship with are exempt. To register, call 1-888-382-1222 or go to www.donotcall.gov.

BBB Reveals Top Businesses with the Highest Number of Unanswered and Unresolved Complaints and Serious Complaints in 2012.

The Better Business Bureau, serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky has named its top area businesses for which it processed the most unanswered/unresolved complaints and serious complaints in 2012. Each company has an “F” rating with the BBB. This is a distinction no business should want. BBB President and CEO, Charlie Mattingly, says, “This list of businesses shows why it is wise to get a BBB Business Review before you do business. The BBB can help consumers locate reputable businesses…and stay away from the ones that don’t necessarily conduct their business in an ethical manner or answer their complaints. This year’s BBB list includes the following businesses (in order, with the most unanswered/unresolved complaints):

1.Professional Concepts, 333 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY (14 unanswered/unresolved complaints) - Consumers across the country complain to the BBB that the company contacts them, saying they have a buyer for their timeshare. The seller is asked to sign a contract and pay $1989 in advance for a title search, lien search, legal fees, etc. After the seller wires the money, they complain the company will not return their phone calls.

2.Warranty Logistics, 11201 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY (13 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – Consumers across the country complain to the BBB that the company sends their broken computers/electronics back unrepaired. Warranty issues are also a concern. Consumers say they send in a product that needs to be repaired, but the company sends the product back, stating they do not cover physical damage, liquid damage, or a prior unauthorized repair that is not covered under the provisions of the service plan. Consumers note no physical or liquid damage or unauthorized repairs occurred.

3.SolarTEK Energy, 1503 Evergreen Road, Louisville, KY (12 unanswered/unresolved complaints) - Consumers across the country complain to the BBB that they purchased energy savings systems and equipment from this company and that it either has not saved them the money promised, it takes the company months to show up to repair equipment, or the company does not show up at all. Consumers complain of poor customer service and no return phone calls.

4.A & M Services/M & S Contracting, 4404 Utica Sellersburg Road, Sellersburg, IN (9 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – This company’s BBB Accreditation was revoked on 2/23/12 due to violation of BBB Accreditation Standards. According to complaints to the BBB, the company does not fulfill contracts and the company has not responded to all complaints. A & M Services engages in multiple misuses of BBB’s name and logo on company shirts, vehicles, and its website. Consumers should be aware that the use of BBB logos and BBB name without authorization is a violation of US Federal Trademark statutes and is a misleading and

deceptive practice. BBB received several complaints against the company after the tornado in Henryville, IN. Tornado victims complain A & M worked with their insurance companies to repair damages, but never finished jobs they were contracted to do. When homeowners inquired as to when the work would be finished, they could never get anyone to return phone calls. The number BBB has on file for the company is now disconnected.

5.ELC Online Stores, 7601 Trade Port Drive, Louisville, KY (8 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – Consumers across the country complain to the BBB that they ordered merchandise from the online company and never received it, or only received one-half of their order. Consumers say the company is hard to contact to ask for a refund, and those who have been promised refunds have not received them. Some consumers also complain of receiving expired promotional products.

6.Johnson Directories Plus, Inc., P O Box 219, Hardin, KY (8 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – Business owners across the country complain to the BBB that they purchased an ad with this company for a listing in a business advertising directory. The company asks for a $290 - $500 upfront fee, with the understanding that a book would be received within 12 - 24 months. Business owners say they never received the book. When they try to contact the company, there is no answer.

7.Special Occasions Weddings, 5101 Arbor Oak Court, Louisville, KY (8 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – Business owners complain to the BBB they paid the company $300 - $395 to participate in two wedding shows. They say the first show was cancelled, with short notice, and rescheduled. Some business owners could not attend the new date, and asked for a refund, but never received one.

8.Box 5 Productions, 8813 Fernview Drive, Louisville, KY (7 unanswered/unresolved complaints) – Consumers across the country complain to the BBB that they bought DVD’s online from this company, and they never received them. One consumer complains he bought a DVD with his son’s state band championship on it, and when he watched the DVD it had no sound. Another consumer says his child’s school was not on the DVD. Consumers say, when they call for a refund, they get no response.

9.Smartwax Professional, 2623 Hedgepath Trail, Louisville, KY (7 unanswered/unresolved complaints)– Local consumers complain to the BBB that they bought a Groupon for a car detailing service from this company, and when they tried to retain the services, they could not get the company to return phone calls, or got full voicemail boxes. Consumers who were able to get in touch with the company say they scheduled appointments with the company, and no one showed up to do the work.

BBB Business Reviews provide key information about a business, including the business’s grade and the number and nature of complaints filed with the BBB. Mattingly says “any business can have a complaint, and in some cases, a customer can be unreasonable or impossible to satisfy.” A company is not legally obligated to respond to complaints filed with the BBB. However, most companies respond and take proper action to satisfy customer complaints. Get a BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org, or call 1-800-388-2222.