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On Thursday, Mayor Greg Fischer submitted his proposal for the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget to the Metro Council. The Budget contains expenditures of approximately $750 million, of which $63.7 million will be spent on capital projects. The Mayor’s proposal estimates Metro Government to have about 5,428 full time employees making up approximately 67% of the expenses of the budget. The proposal also expects growth in revenues due to an improving local economic outlook and not increases to taxes or fees. The amount received through Withholding Taxes is expected to be 4.5% higher, Net Profits at 10%, Insurance 2% and Property Taxes are expected to grow by 1.3%.
With the Mayor’s FY15 Budget delivered, the Metro Council now begins its duty of reviewing the details. This review will take place over the course of a month, as the Budget Committee holds hearings with various department directors in order to question their plans, results and ideas for delivering basic services. For a complete listing of our hearing schedule, please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil.gov.
Budget Highlights
New Franchise Fee for LG&E
The Mayor is proposing a new franchise fee for Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E). The fee would be applied at a rate of 3% on the use of gas, and will not affect the electric rates due to limitations established in Frankfort. This new fee would bring in approximately $4.8 million in new revenue for the City and would cost each Louisville household approximately $20 per year. Many of the details for this ordinance are still unknown, but will become more apparent as an ordinance to establish this new fee is discussed in the coming month.
Addressing Public Safety Needs
The proposed budget includes significant investments in public safety. A total of 24 additional police officers will be added to the force. 15 of those officers will be assigned with patrolling our downtown streets and 9 officers will be assigned as needed to those parts of the Metro where crime is most frequent. In addition to 24 new sworn officers the Louisville Metro Police Department will also hire 14 civilian positions to help analyze crime statistics, watch social media for pertinent information on crime, and monitor the Metro’s growing number of cameras deployed in high risk locations.
The Mayor has also included within his proposal more than $2.2 million for improvements at community centers which will include facility enhancements, additional staffing, additional hours and additional programs. The funding will also go towards hiring an additional prosecutor with a focus on narcotics in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, an additional position for Safe Neighborhoods and support for the Restorative Justice program.
Proposed Capital Expenses
The Mayor’s Capital Budget has 80 items listed at a total cost of $59,559,200. More than half of those items are for the purchase of police vehicles, road improvements and general improvements planned as prioritized by departments. In addition there are 31 specific projects listed within the budget. These projects are for improvements to parks, streetscapes and the construction of a new Regional Library in South/Central Louisville. Unfortunately, the Mayor’s budget doesn’t include a single project for any of the districts currently represented by a Republican on the Metro Council. Despite submitting a list to the Mayor’s office outlining the needs of our districts; the Mayor has proposed a budget that essentially dismisses the needs of the nearly 300,000 people served within these districts.
Members of this Council, from both parties, have worked hard to minimize partisanship in local government. We are hopeful that our Metro Council colleagues will continue to work in a bi-partisan way as we add our views and priorities to pass a budget fit for the entire community.
Proposed Projects
Outdoor Warning Sirens: 3 new warning sirens will be installed in underserved areas of Jefferson County. In addition, 10 replacement sirens will be installed to ensure their proper function in the case of an emergency. The location of these sirens has not yet been identified, but will be discussed during our hearing with MetroSafe on Thursday, June 12.
Belvedere: $1 million has been set aside by the Mayor for making signifigant structural improvements/fixes to the Belvedere.
Metro Hall (old County Courthouse): The Mayor is proposing spending approximately $2 million to address facility needs at Metro Hall and the building’s annex. These improvements will address the porous nature of the exterior walls that support the building and the replacing of windows and other structural needs identified by the Mayor’s administration.
Paving: Approximately $4 million has been set aside for paving streets. These funds plus the funds, that will be added by many of the members of the Metro Council, and funding available through State road aid will help bring the total amount invested in our roads to $6 million. While this amount is still below what is ideal, it does represent more funding than was allocated in many prior budgets.
South/Central Regional Library: The proposed budget calls for $400,000 towards the construction of a $14.3 million new regional library located in Okolona (near Jefferson Mall). This will mark the 2nd regional library under construction and approximately the 7th library capital project located in areas represented by Democrats with significantly lower and sometimes even negative population growth. While I support the continued investment in our libraries, I continue to point to the fact that nothing is being constructed in those areas where the population is growing fastest and where the most young children are located. If the Library only focuses on a portion of the community we will soon find an entire population growing up without care for funding libraries. More than a decade ago, the Metro Council gave their support for a Library Master Plan– since then the priorities of that plan seem to have been ignored.
Summary
The Mayor’s reliance on new fees, and his decision to essentially neglect an entire segment of the community’s needs, leaves me disappointed in this year’s budget proposal. While I do appreciate the Mayor’s willingness to listen to the Council’s calls for additional public safety personnel, I believe much change is needed.
I look forward to hearing from the Mayor’s Office as well as department heads as they explain their budget priorities. I also look forward to working with my council colleagues as we put together a budget that serves and reflects our entire community’s needs for the next year.
Every hearing on the budget is aired live on Metro TV and streamed live online from our website. Hearings will begin on Wednesday, May 28 and will conclude on June 12. For a complete listing of hearing topics, dates and times please visit: www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil
Thank you for your interest in Metro government. I appreciate your time and encourage you to contact my office at 574-1120 or stuart.benson@louisvilleky.gov should you have any questions regarding the proposed budget and the upcoming Metro Council hearings.
Sincerely,
Councilman Stuart Benson
District 20
Wee Explorers
Campers gather insects for an arthropod study
Little ones will use their five senses to discover the wonders of nature. Through hands-on explorations, crafts, games and stories, campers will develop an awareness and appreciations for the natural environment.
When - June 16-20, 23-27
> 9am - 11:30am <
Cost - $75 per week
Register - Call 502.266.9802
Grades - Pre K-K
Pioneers Then & Now
Campers discover Kentucky’s heritage through explorations of Blackacre’s 1790’s pioneer farm and natural areas including ponds, forests and fields.
Campers will engage in nature and pioneer in-vestigations, arts/crafts, games and use cameras to “hunt” butterflies, insects, and other crea-tures. Session Two camps include additional activities for those wanting to return and for newcomers as well.
When - Part 1: June 16-20, 23-27 &
July 14-18
Part 2: July 21-25 & 28 - Aug. 1
> 9am - 2pm <
Cost - $120 per week
Register - Call 502.266.9802
Grades - 1-3, 4-6
On Saturday June 14th, the entire Saratoga Woods subdivision will have a yard sale from 8AM to 2PM.
Saratoga Woods is located approx. 2 miles west of the Gene Snyder freeway on Taylorsville Road.
Yard sale visitors should be aware that new parking restrictions will be in place and enforced to improve traffic flow and safety this year. Please observe the posted parking restrictions.
June 7, 2014 (Saturday)
8:00A.M. Sign In (see times below)
Pope Lick Park*/former Floyds Fork Park*
**Breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided & Picnic Lunch **
- Some canoes provided free to use with life jackets and paddles by calling 267-6883 or emailing Teena Halbig teenahal@aol.com - make a reservation now since on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to say how many persons will be volunteering. Also notify us if necessary to cancel.
- Additional volunteers who have canoes & kayaks are encouraged to bring them; please let us know you are coming and how many persons – usually 2-3 persons per canoe. Walkers on foot are assigned cleanup areas .Birding expert available for those interested.
Sponsors
Floyds Fork Environmental Association
Councilman Stuart Benson
Councilman Robin Engel
Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government
Co-Sponsors
Canoe Kentucky
Division of Solid Waste Management
Jefferson Animal Hospital Fern Creek
Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District
Long Run Sportsmen Club
Louisville Stoneware
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
8:00 A.M. Registration and free light breakfast (come in building)
8:15 A.M. Officials, Event & Education(WaterStep)Announcements
8:30 A.M. Transport to canoe launch sites provided
Noon-1 or 2 P.M. You arrive at take out point. Volunteers are transported back to the John Floyd Fields Building for free lunch.
*Directions to Pope Lick Park/former Floyds Fork Park: Go behind Shell/Circle K Gas Station located at 14305 Taylorsville Road). If headed toward Fisherville on Taylorsville Road, turn RIGHT onto South Pope Lick Road off Taylorsville Road. Follow the signs, go over the bridge to the parking lot on the right and come to the building.
-Event sponsors are not responsible for any injury or damage incurred during the event-
www.floydsfork.net, facebook
RSVP teenahal@aol.com, 267-6883, Teena Halbig, President FFEA
Note: You are invited to bring used shoes to donate to WaterStep at the creek sweep!
14DEVPLAN1072 ellingsworth 11840 ELLINGSWORTH LN 40243 CD: 20 05/19/2014 06/04/2014 CHRISTOPHER BROWN
14MINORPLAT1050 Kendal 12508 TAYLORSVILLE RD 40299 CD: 20 05/15/2014 06/04/2014 MATTHEW DOYLE
Consolidate 4 tracts into 1 and dedicate additional ROW
14ZONE1026 Ellingsworth 11840 ELLINGSWORTH LN 40243 CD: 20 05/19/2014 06/04/2014 CHRISTOPHER BROWN
CIZ to R-6 to C-1 with CUP for outdoor alcohol sales and consumption
14MINORPLAT1041 Blankenbaker station I 12400 SYCAMORE STATION PL 40299 CD: 20 04/17/2014 05/07/2014 MATTHEW DOYLE
To create 4 tracts from 2 tracts
14DEVPLAN1063 Eurofins Headquarters 12701 PLANTSIDE DR 40299 CD: 20 5/5/2014 2:38:12PM 05/21/2014 CHRISTOPHER BROWN
proposed 32,942 SF office/lab
Beat 1
Beat 2
8014033729 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE SVAL 5/11/2014 0:00 1530 SU 5/11/2014 0:00 1836 SU 7401 SPRINGVALE DR Suspect arrested for this burglary.
8014034522 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE LVIL 5/14/2014 0:00 0800 WE 5/14/2014 0:00 1535 WE 9505 WHITEBLOSSOM EST. Unknown suspect attempted entry to rear of home.
8014035166 ROBBERY - 2ND DEGREE LVIL 5/16/2014 0:00 1800 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1813 FR 4101 TOWNE CENTER DR Suspect arrested for shoplifting gone bad.
8014035064 TBUT ALL OTHERS O / $500 NORT 5/16/2014 0:00 1502 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1502 FR 4902 BROWNSBORO RD Known suspects stole items from vehicle.
Beat 3
8014035093 TBUT FROM VEH U / $500 LVIL 5/16/2014 0:00 1430 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1500 FR 700 S ENGLISH STATION RD Suspect took vehicle without permission.
8014034931 TBUT ALL OTHERS O / $500 LVIL 5/16/2014 0:00 0225 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 0300 FR 2821 S ENGLISH STATION RD Unknown suspects stole scrap, building supplies.
8014034688 TBUT ALL OTHERS O / $10,000 LVIL 5/15/2014 0:00 0200 TH 5/15/2014 0:00 0915 TH 16223 SHELBYVILLE RD Unknown suspect stole trailer loaded with metal signs.
Beat 4
8014034626 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE BRM 5/14/2014 0:00 2330 WE 5/14/2014 0:00 2345 WE 10213 BLUE RIDGE CT Suspect arrested for this burgalry.
8014034471 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE DRHI 5/14/2014 0:00 0800 WE 5/14/2014 0:00 1400 WE 120 LAURIE VALLEE Unknown suspect forced entry stole TV, playstation.
8014034694 TBUT FROM VEH U / $500 BRM 5/14/2014 0:00 1200 WE 5/15/2014 0:00 0900 TH 252 MOSER RD Unknown suspect entered vehicle nothing taken.
8014035019 TBUT FROM VEH U / $500 MTW 5/16/2014 0:00 1115 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1130 FR 920 BLANKENBAKER PKY Unknown suspect entered unlocked vehicle stole credit cards.
8014035089 TBUT FROM VEH U / $500 BRM 5/14/2014 0:00 2200 WE 5/15/2014 0:00 0800 TH 10205 BLUE RIDGE CT Unknown suspect entered vehicle stole Nintendo DS.
Beat 5
8014035328 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE LVIL 5/16/2014 0:00 2300 FR 5/17/2014 0:00 1100 SA 9510 CHADBOURNE CT Unknown suspects forced entry nothing taken.
8014035176 BURGLARY - 2ND DEGREE HURS 5/16/2014 0:00 0800 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1500 FR 9120 HOGARTH CT Unknown suspect forced entry residence stole computer, camera.
8014035213 BURGLARY - 3RD DEGREE LYND 5/16/2014 0:00 1148 FR 5/16/2014 0:00 1158 FR 7902 NEW LA GRANGE RD Suspect entered office without authorization.
8014035378 TBUT FROM VEH U / $500 HURS 5/17/2014 0:00 1300 SA 5/17/2014 0:00 1407 SA 9400 BLAIRWOOD RD Suspect stole cell from vehicle.
8014034316 TBUT FROM VEH O / $500 5/13/2014 0:00 1930 TU 5/13/2014 0:00 2105 TU A B SAWYER PARK Unknown suspects forced entry stole IPAD.
3D Printing And Modeling – for all ages
Saturday, May 31, 2014 - Starts at 01:00 PM
See a 3D printer in action and learn the basics
of 3-D art using free programs found online.
Free Computer Classes
Computer Basics 1 and 2
Tuesday, June 3, 9:00AM.
Please call 231-4605 to register.
The Library – at the crossroads of knowledge and know-how. Visit www.LFPL.org to learn more.
Highview / Central
BURGLARY 7213 ROCKWOOD RD 5/13/14 1200 5/13/14 1500 EG by unk means, jewelry taken.
BURGLARY 8102 KELLERMAN RD 5/11/14 0000 5/11/14 0800 EG thru unlocked rear door, electronics, shoes and purse w/contents taken.
BURGLARY 6201 MOORHAVEN DR 5/11/14 0530 5/11/14 0900 EG thru back door by unk means, cell phone and $500 taken.
TBUT CONT F/VEH 5435 YE OLD POST RD 5/12/14 0900 5/13/14 2058 Unk took vic's phone from his vehicle
TBUT CONT F/VEH 6602 RENATE RD 5/11/14 1127 5/11/14 1127 Report not completed yet.
Fern Creek / East
BURGLARY 9601 HUDSON LN 5/12/14 1300 5/12/14 1305 Attempt Only to rear window, vict scared suspect away.
TBUT CONT F/VEH 4010 SARATOGA WOODS DR 5/12/14 1730 5/13/14 0800 Unlocked, wallet taken.
The Thoroughbred Chorus
Monday, June 2, 7:00 p.m.
The Jeffersontown Library, in collaboration with the Greater Jeffersontown Historical Society, is presenting an evening with The Thoroughbred Chorus. An award winning a cappella harmony music singing group, The Thoroughbred Chorus was established in 1946 as a member of what is now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. Come listen to the music and learn about the group's history.
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/BikeLouisville/biketoworkday.htm
Get started now by registering to participate, it's free!
Register Now! (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisville-bike-to-work-day-2014-tickets-11539447799)
Louisville's Bike to Work Day Celebration is taking place on Friday, May 30, 2014 rain or shine!
Here's what you need to know:
1. We're giving away a free bike from Parkside Bikes on Bardstown Road!
2. There are events going on all month long, sponsored by Bicycling for Louisville, our local bike advocacy organization.
3. Never biked to work before? Don't worry, Bicycling for Louisville will help you learn how.
4. We're meeting at 5 different locations around town to bike to work together on Friday, May 30th.
1. We're celebrating the bike at 4th Street Live at noon on Friday, May 30th.
Wondering how to keep your children learning
over the summer? Join us at Camp Wonderopolis. It’s FREE, it’s fun, and full of
ways to engage kids in summer learning. Pre-registration is open now at http://wonderopolis.org/camp-early-registration/.
Camp Wonderopolis will stoke your spirit
exploration and discovery as you chart your path through six different tracks
of scientific Wonder. Engage in Wonder lessons and test your learning to earn
Wonder Cards® (42 in all). Try out fun hands-on activities using everyday
objects. Check out what other Campers are doing and share your own experiences
on the Wonder Wall. Even enter weekly contests for a chance to win Camp prizes.
Created by Louisville’s own National Center
for Families Learning (NCFL), Camp Wonderopolis will build vocabulary,
background knowledge, and literacy skills along the way. Better yet, Camp is
created so programs, families, and individuals can customize their experience
to suit their own particular needs.
What makes you curious? What will make you
want to explore some more? Camp Wonderopolis officially starts June 16, but you
can pre-register now at http://wonderopolis.org/camp-early-registration/ to reserve
your spot.
The Dove Point Annual Yard Sale will be SATURDAY June 7th.
8 am to 2 pm. Rain or Shine!
Dove Point is located on Old HEADY Road off Taylorsville Road near the Gene Snyder Freeway
The Stone Lakes Annual Yard Sale will be SATURDAY June 7th.
8 am to 5 pm. Rain or Shine!
Stone Lakes is located on Taylorsville Road near the Gene Snyder Freeway
Case 16777, a proposed change in zoning, waivers, and amendments to existing binding elements for property located at 12400 Sycamore Station Place, to be heard before the Planning Commission on June 5, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Metro Development Center, 444 South Fifth Street, Room 101 (first floor conference room).
Case 13ZONE1030, a change in zoning, variances and a waiver for property located at 1005 & 11805 Ellingsworth Lane and 915 Blankenbaker Parkway, to be heard before the Planning Commission on June 5, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Metro Development Center, 444 South 5th Street, Room 101 (1st Floor Conference Room.)
The LMPD 7th Division has an aggressive community partnership strategy through a virtual team model which is built on the block watch program.
The virtual team approach recognizes that time and distance can be significant obstacles to overcome in efforts to have successful, unified effort to combat crime in your neighborhood.
The virtual team concept is a proven way to work together to achieve success even though there is limited face-to-face interaction. The LMPD 7th Division provides periodic training for team leaders and sends out weekly crime bulletins and alerts through the Internet (like below). We can work together to impact crime, but we need your help and here is how you can make a difference in your neighborhood.
1 – Find a location where you can have a meeting (church, firehouse, government center)
2 – Communicate the time and location to people in your neighborhood, we can help you distribute flyers or you can use an existing e-mail network (e.g., home owners’ association)
3 – Get your neighborhood team registered with LMPD.
4 – Start impacting crime in your community immediately. For example, almost 90% of thefts from cars in our division are the result of UNLOCKED car doors. Public awareness is the key to crime prevention and we need your voice and your ability to spread the word in your community.
5 – Contact Sgt Todd Brimm at todd.brimm@louisvilleky.gov and join our team today!
Burglaries down 25% from this time last year
Thefts from Automobiles down 10% from this time last year
LMPD 7th Division has the following numbers to reflect almost six months of serving the community:
1,681 arrests (from crimes and warrants)
4,268 citations issues (speeding and citation arrests)
1,111 traffic collisions reports
Ø 85% of collisions metro wide have been on surface streets (vs. Interstate).
Ø Our division has had 5 fatal collisions this year.
Ø Metro wide, 58% of people in collisions were not wearing a seatbelt and 40% involved alcohol or drugs. Remember, “Drive… Like Your Life Depends On It”
1,108 reports for criminal acts with 509 criminal cases cleared either through arrest or “by-exception” once the suspect was identified (e.g., victim does not want to prosecute)
In total, Year-to-Date, LMPD 7th division has had 10,428 contacts with citizens in the 7th Division which averages 87 contacts each day. This is all the more reason why we need to be working together in our community.
If you would like to partner with LMPD 7th Division as a community team leader in your neighborhood please contact Sgt Todd Brimm via e-mail at todd.brimm@louisvilleky.gov Thank you.
Play in our Golf Scramble "Fore" a Cause! Prizes for 3 teams, fun, food, drinks, live entertainment and themed live and silent auctions - plus a chance to win a million dollars or many other great prizes including a vacation to Hawaii!. Details below!
Brought to you with the gracious help of :
We get to play the EAST and WEST courses!
Register Now! → "Play" and Sponsor only packages available as follows: Prices increase after June 1 - So register now!!
Eagle Golfing Package $500.00
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$600.00 after 6/1 Includes: Team of 4 entry fee, Hole or Contest sponsorship, Dinner for 4, Exhibit table and Event Program feature.
Gold Sponsor (non Golfing) Package
$500.00
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$600.00
Includes: Dinner for 6, Hole or Contest sponsorship, Exhibit table and Event Program feature.
Birdie Golfing Package $400.00
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$500.00
Includes: Four Par Golfing packages put together (see below), 4 Play, 1 pays!
Silver Sponsor Package
$300.00
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$400.00
Includes: Dinner for 4, Hole or Contest sponsorship, Exhibit table and Event Program feature.
Par Golfing Package
$100.00 - $125.00 Individual Golf and Dinner with 2 beverage tickets
Par Sponsor Package $100.00 - $125.00 Hole or Contest sponsorship
Individual (Golf Only)
$50.00
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$75.00
You sure you don't want to eat with us?
CSP Supporter
$35.00
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$50.00
Dinner with 2 beverage tickets - You sure you don't want to play with us?
Early "Birdie" registration through June 1, 2014
Million Dollar Shootout and contest specifics and rules:Amateur Golfers who wish to participate in the million dollar challenge give a $20 "donation" - this gives entry into all 5 Hole in one contests. The 3 Players who are closest to the pin on the designated 165 yard par 3 get to shoot it out for the $1,000,000.00 hole in one (paid out over a 40 year period) following the completion of the Scramble. Sink a hole in one and win a million! It's that easy!!
There will also be 4 other "Hole in One" competitions at par 3's on the course - including:
8 days 7 nights (free airfare and hotel accomodations for two) to Oahu, Hawaii!
$500.00 Visa Gift card
Kindle Fire tablet computer
Set of Cleveland Irons
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