In this Issue
 Hello Neighbors and Friends,
The Metro Council is still in the new year organizational stage and committee assignments will soon be determined. The President of the Council establishes the committees and appoints Council members as Chair and Vice Chair of each committee. As the Majority Caucus Chairwoman, I will assign each of the Majority Caucus members to the committees. Each Council member must serve on up to three committees. The process used to determine the assignments is based on:
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Seniority (measured by number of years or time on Council)
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Party Affiliation Balance (A proportionate number of Democrats and Republicans must be maintained on each committee. The make-up of the Council includes 16 Democrats, 9 Republicans, and 1 Independent.)
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Gender and Race Balance (to the degree possible)
The following committees have been established for the 2024 calendar year:
Planning and Zoning - Tuesdays at 1 pm
Labor, Economic Development, and Appropriations - Tuesdays at 3 pm
Public Works - Tuesdays at 4 pm
Govt. Oversight and Accountability - Tuesdays at 5 pm
Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education - Wednesdays at 1:30 pm
Public Safety - Wednesdays at 4 pm
Parks and Sustainability - Thursdays at 3 pm
Budget - Thursdays at 4:30 pm
Committee meetings may begin January 23rd - January 25th.
On another note, the Louisville Metro Council Court will host its first meeting on Thursday, January 18, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Metro Council Chambers, Historic City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street.
The Council Court is convening to consider the formal removal charges filed against Councilman Anthony Piagentini (R-19). For a complete list of documents filed with the Metro Council Clerk on this matter, please visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/re-removal-hearing-councilman-anthony-piagentini.
The meeting is open to the public, or the meeting may be viewed online here: https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal, and here on the Metro Council Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleMetroCouncil/.
The Council Court Agenda is:
- Swearing-in of Council Court
- Designation of Council Court Chair Pro-Tem
- Establishment of Future Meeting Dates and Times
- Discussion of Other Matters Before the Council Court
- Adjournment
 The Louisville Metro Council's next meeting is Thursday, February 1, 2024. Council meetings begin promptly at 6 p.m. All meetings are held in Metro Council Chambers, at the Historic City Hall, 601 W. Jefferson Street.
Meetings are open to the public. The public may enter City Hall using the Sixth Street entrance. Anyone needing assistance may enter City Hall from the Jefferson Street entrance.
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.
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).
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Louisville Republicans File "Safer Kentucky Act"
A coalition of Republican legislators fed up with violence around Louisville have filed an omnibus bill aimed at stunting violent crime. House Bill 5, also known as the Safer Kentucky Act, was filed on Tuesday, the 6th Day of the legislative session, which coincided with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Sponsored by Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, the bill calls for increased penalties for violent crimes like murder. The bill also includes language that would create a three-strikes provision for persistent violent felony offenders, a defined carjacking crime, language aimed at reducing recidivism, and an attempt to regulate unlawful camping by mandating local governments not to adopt or enforce a policy that prohibits unlawful camping (sections 17 through 20 of the bill).
To read more about these bills and more, click here: Louisville GOP Lawmakers File “Safer Kentucky Act” — KLC City Limit
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If you've called our office recently, then you have likely connected with our district's Legislative Assistant, Kristian.
Kristian is a Louisville native and proud graduate of Louisville Male Traditional High School. She holds a B.A. in Digital & Mass Communication from the University of Kentucky, and is passionate about linking people to the information that they need to be empowered and make informed decisions. A fun fact is that despite going to UK, Kristian notoriously wore UofL gear on campus and around Lexington (Go Cards!).
Kristian's diverse professional background spans Healthcare, Digital Marketing, Non-Profits, and several major areas of the service industry. She credits her family and earliest jobs with inspiring her commitment to serving others. No matter where she's worked or the position she's held, passion has been her fuel to succeed. Her mantra is, "Treat everyone with respect. Show the cleaning staff the same respect that you would show the CEO."
A creator by nature, Kristian loves reading, writing, film, theater and music. She also enjoys a number of activities in her spare time, whether spending it with her family, friends, sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, or her cat, Remy. She's excited to be bringing her skillset and service to District 7!
Mayor, city leaders urging residents to be extremely cautious and prepare for incoming weather conditions
Gusty winds and rain, followed by frigid, dropping temperatures
Mayor Craig Greenberg and the National Weather Service (NWS) advise residents to use caution and prepare for the incoming active weather pattern expected to impact Louisville through early next week.
Bitterly cold temperatures will follow in the wake of the snow as an arctic cold front pushed into the region. Air temperatures will likely range from single digits to teens Monday through Wednesday, and wind chills will fall below zero at times.
“With dangerously cold temperatures and winter weather on the way, we’re taking the steps necessary to keep Louisville safe,” said the Mayor. “As the temperature plummets, we need everyone who can to stay indoors and avoid driving as much as possible. If you must be out, please use extreme caution.”
To view the full press release, including important safety information and community resources, CLICK HERE.
To track the Snow Team’s progress, click here: METRO SNOW MAP or here: https://www.lojic.org/snow-map, and follow them on Facebook and X @LouPubWorks.
Print or save a copy in case you need it later. Be safe!
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Assistance available for eligible households facing heating crisis
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs on a first-come, first-served basis, now through March 29, 2024, or until funds are depleted.
This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility.
Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis, not to exceed the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis until they reach their maximum benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the fuel vendor.
Full details about program eligibility, requirements, and application can be found by clicking the link above or here: https://louisvilleky.gov.
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"Louisville's Jewel" by Victoria Malone (2023) - Acrylic & Prisma color on canvas - 24x36 - NFS
Louisville Metro Council and Louisville Visual Art (LVA) are now accepting applications for artwork to display in City Hall as part of the sixth annual Art in City Hall exhibition.
The annual program, which will be administered by LVA, invites artists to submit original, two-dimensional works of art through an online application process by Monday, January 15, 2024. The submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of Metro Council and LVA representatives.
Up to five artists will be selected for the exhibition. The chosen artwork will be on display February 2024 through January 2025 in City Hall’s entrance lobby, hallways, and public spaces.
Each artist selected to participate in the exhibition will receive a $500 honorarium.
Specifications
- All artwork must be original and two-dimensional.
- Outside dimensions of artwork (including frames) must not be smaller than 24 x 24 in. and must not exceed 60 x 60 in.
- All artwork must be framed, stretched or mounted to durable material, and ready for hanging with D-ring hangers, wire, or equivalent.
- Artists are responsible for transportation and delivery of selected artworks to City Hall by designated date and for pick up by a designated date at the conclusion of the exhibition.
- Artworks submitted for consideration must be available throughout the duration of the exhibition, February 2024 through January 2025.
For more information on the process, please visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/art-city-hall-2024-2025 or apply online here: https://form.jotform.com/233044869578167.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Keith Waits at keith@louisvillevisualart.org or call (502) 584-8166.
Here are some tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes our crews see during waste collection in the Urban Services District.
Garbage
- Bring in your garbage cart after collection! This helps keep it from being stolen, damaged, and helps reduce litter, especially in alleys.
- Garbage should always be inside your cart with the lid closed. If your cart is damaged, request a free repair!
Recycling
- Styrofoam and plastic shopping bags are NOT accepted in Louisville's recycling programs. Review our list of accepted items or search any item on our Recycle Coach app.
- Keep your items loose and not bagged. Flatten cardboard and crush containers to conserve space in your cart. Flattened cardboard may also be placed on top of your recycling cart when set out for collection.
Yard Waste
Large Item Pickup
- Curbside collection is for LARGE household items only - with the exception of appliances with Freon and televisions. (Those can be dropped off for free at the Waste Reduction Center.)
- Schedule an appointment for up to 4 large household items to be collected.
- Small items, even if they are bagged or boxed, are NOT allowed. Donate items or place in the garbage instead.
We're here to help! If you have questions about what's acceptable, guidelines, or other waste-related information, contact our kNOw Waste Louisville Education Department.
Residents serviced by private companies should check with those companies for container requests and large item collection information.
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To join, scan the QR code or click here to fill out the form.
Community trainers will be empowered with free training curriculum, materials, and support through the digital literacy program. Our comprehensive curriculum zeroes in on essential digital skills, including Virtual Collaboration Tools (Microsoft Teams), Conversational Artificial Intelligence (Chat GPT), Forms Data Collection (Microsoft Forms), and Data Analytics (Microsoft Power BI) and training skills. These skills are not just about individual growth; they're the building blocks for creating a digitally proficient community.
Community trainers can apply here.
Information sessions are available:
To register for the program or an information session, or more information, please visit: https://express.adobe.com/page/REiG93Nv2sR0F/
Thank you for your commitment to digital literacy in our rapidly evolving community.
The application for the Capacity Building Fellowship can be found here.
January 15th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Monday. The Center will be showing Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the top of each hour.
In addition, the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) will host their annual, “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion at noon.
Visitors can shop at the Muhammad Ali Center Museum Store during this time, which will be offering a special promotion all day.
144 N. 6th St., Louisville, KY 40202
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LMPD's 8th Division issues a newsletter with timely information about their community meetings, crime statistics, and other topics of interest in and around our area. If you have not signed up to receive their newsletter, please do yourself a favor and click here to signup and stay informed.
5th Division Event
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Make it your business
to buy local.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
1pm-4pm, Mellwood Art Center
1860 Mellwood Ave.
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An all local and independent business showcase.
FREE ENTRY,
EVERYONE WELCOME!
#LIBABizExpo
RSVP and share the LinkedIn and Facebook events.
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Meet me at the St. Matthews and Northeast Regional
Libraries on February 24 and March 9, respectively!
Can you solve the visual word puzzles below? Make your best guess for each one, and then 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.
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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.
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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:
Safety Reminder:
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 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)
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Large household items (landfilled)
- Documents for shredding (recycled)
Prescription medication (disposed properly)
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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
Government & Politics Information
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.
State Government Website Information
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Kentucky General Assembly
 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
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