|
Happy Spring Break!
The Metro Council met Thursday for its second meeting of March. During the meeting, District 25 Councilman Khalil Batshon recognized the service of Nick Rodman Legacy Foundation Executive Director Ashley Rodman and announced the naming of Louisville’s newest park in honor of fallen LMPD Officer Nick Rodman. Additionally, Councilman Joseph recognized the achievements of Butler High School student Cesar Garcia, who was recently elected Secretary General at the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) Conference.
In addition to the above listed recognitions, the Metro Council took action on the following items:
Mask Ordinance Changes (O-264-24): By a vote of 9 -14, I and the majority of members of the Metro Council were able to stop efforts by a few members of the Metro Council to reduce the effectiveness and ability of LMPD to use the ordinance that prohibits the use of masks in public places for reasons other than religion or health. In reviewing this proposal, members of the Metro Council received testimony from members of LMPD as well as the Mayor’s Office against weakening the ordinance, as well as discussion on the origins of the ordinance in combatting demonstrations by groups that sought to use masks as a means for intimidation as well as a way to prevent people from knowing who is participating in such demonstrations.
Cigar Bar Exemption (O-071-25): I joined the majority of members of the Metro Council who voted 20-6 in favor of an amendment to the current Metro Smoking Ban to allow an exemption for those cigar bars. This ordinance helps to bring common sense to our current ordinance and will help address an identified need by groups associated within the hospitality and tourism industry. The ordinance only allows for smoking in businesses that obtain an annual license, generate at least 15 percent of its annual gross income from the sale of cigars or pipe tobacco and must have signage as well as designated smoke free areas to allow for the delivery of materials by outside vendors.
Nick Rodman Legacy Park (R-030-25): The Metro Council unanimously supported a resolution that will name a new park planned for Lamborne Boulevard in Southwest Jefferson County as the Nick Rodman Legacy Park. This park is expected to open this spring following a year of construction and nearly $2 million in investment.
At last night's Metro Council Meeting, Councilman Joseph recognized Cesar Garcia, a junior at Butler Traditional High School. Cesar was elected to the office of Secretary General (the highest position at the conference) by over 1200 of his peers at the KUNA Conference. He is the first Butler student to receive this honor. KUNA is an annual conference hosted by the KY YMCA that allows students to participate in a mock United Nations summit, with each school representing their own country.
|
 The Metro Council does not have meetings scheduled for the next two weeks. Our next regular committee week will start on April 14, 2025. The Metro Council’s next meeting will be the Mayor’s Budget Address, which will start at 4pm and will mark the start of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget process. https://louisvilleky.primegov.com/public/portal
On Thursday, April 10, from 5-7pm at the Southwest Government Center, Councilman Jonathan Joseph and his Legislative Assistant Bryson Sebastian will be hosting "District Discussion" office hours. Come get to know your new Councilman!
In addition to our District Discussion hours at the Southwest Government Center, we are excited to announce that our first "Talks on Twelve" event will be Saturday, April 19th at the Southwest Regional Library from 9am-12pm. We will be hosting these talks at various locations around District 12 in the coming months.
If there is a restaurant, business, or other venue that you think we should highlight, please reach out to us and let us know!
   
Starting Saturday, March 29, LFPL will offer more than 100 free programs and activities to help keep kids and teens engaged and entertained while school is out. LFPL offers hands-on learning programs for children to play, create, and explore together, including interactive storytimes, crafts, nature play, a puppet show, and STEAM activities at locations across Louisville. Families can also enjoy free presentations and performances at the Library from Kentucky Shakespeare, the Little Loomhouse, Brightside Louisville, Jefferson Memorial Forest, and the Louisville Orchestra.
Teenagers can also participate in a variety of projects at branches around town, or just hang out and meet other teens in a safe space. Planned activities include Adulting 101: Finance Basics (Tuesday, April 1, 6 p.m., Northeast Regional Library), tabletop Role Playing Games (Saturday, April 5, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Central Regional Library), and a Teen Movie Matinee (Thursday, April 3, 3 p.m., Highlands-Shelby Park).
Spring Break at the Library runs March 29 through April 6. For a complete list of programs and more, go to LFPL.org/SpringBreak.
|
