Revised dumping ordinance allows confiscation of vehicles

Louisville Metro Council is sending a strong message to anyone illegally dumping in Metro Louisville. If caught, you not only face a fine, but impoundment of your vehicle for up to twelve months.

The Council on Thursday unanimously approved the new section to the illegal dumping ordinance.

“I want to thank the Council for their strong show of support,” said Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15), the primary sponsor of the ordinance. “We now have another tool at our disposal to make it very costly for anyone who decides to use an alley, side street, vacant property or empty field as their own personal dumping ground.”

The legislation allows for LMPD Officers, Code Enforcement Officers and any other city officials authorized to enforce any provision of the Louisville Metro Code the ability to enforce the additional section of the Code. Prior to releasing any vehicle that has been impounded, all outstanding citations, towing, handling and storage charges shall be paid in full.

During the review of the new law, Council members saw how easily hidden cameras used by Metro Public Works in certain areas clearly show illegal dumping and the vehicles involved.

“We feel strongly that this new law will put a dent in the illegal dumping problem. At a minimum, it might make someone think twice before dumping debris,” says Butler.

The measure will take effect once it is signed by the Mayor.

Upcoming SW events, meetings for January 2012

- Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer hosts the next “Talk to Greg” meeting on Monday, January 9th at Fern Creek High School, 9115 Fern Creek Road, from 6:00-8:00pm. Fischer will be joined by city department directors, mayor’s office staff and Metro Councilmembers.

-  Don’t miss the next Southwest Women’s Roundtable event on January 11th. Registration begins at 8:30am at National College, 4205 Dixie Highway.

The program begins at 9:00am and will feature Ann Selerno, the COO of The Change Cycle and Director of Education and Training at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy.

Please RSVP to Erica@Schardein.com.

January is often a time for change –both personal and in business. “Dealing with organizational change – big or small – is about everyone getting through the emotion and commotion with minimal damage to their blood pressure, career, relationships, and confidence.” - Ann Salerno. Ann will discuss how to develop a playbook of positive plays for adjusting to and handling change. Equipped with fresh ideas and confidence, 2012 can be a successful year of embracing and making changes.

- Councilman Rick Blackwell of District 12 will be hosting the first District Dialogue of 2012, which will feature Justin Scally, Director of Metro Animal Services, as the Guest Speaker.

The District Dialogue will be held in the Southwest Government Center courtroom at 7219 Dixie
Highway on January 17, 2012 starting at 7 p.m. All Southwest Louisville residents are invited to attend.

The past few years have seen quite a public response in regards to the management of Metro Animal Services and in 2011 Mayor Fischer appointed Director Scally to take the lead in correcting those issues. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), Department of Inspections, Permits, and Licensing (IPL), and a representative from Congressman John Yarmuth’s office will also be on hand at the District Dialogue to answer questions and concerns.

SW news and events: Thanksgiving Edition

- TARC passengers can now use an online tool that makes planning a trip easier than ever. TARC has joined the Google Transit partnership program, a network that provides bus routing and stop data in more than 400 cities across the globe.

Through the program, anyone searching the popular Google Maps site for directions in Greater Louisville can plan a trip on TARC. By choosing the public transit option and entering desired travel times and locations, passengers are provided step-by-step directions on TARC for their specific trips.

Mobile users can use the free Google Maps for mobile application available from http://m.google.com/maps or by visiting http://maps.google.com in the phone's browser.

- The Pleasure Ridge Park & Valley Station Area Business Association joint Holiday Party will be held Thursday, December 8 at River City Distributing, 7301 Winstead Drive.

Registration and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the introductions and party begin at 6 p.m. This annual Holiday event combines philanthropy and networking by encouraging our members and attendees to donate a new gift that benefits the Southwest Community Area Ministries.

Suggested gifts include: a new toy, new gloves, mittens, socks, toboggan and or gas card for Meals on Wheels. The cost is $5 per person with a gift donation, or $10 (check or cash only). Call (502) 367-3880 to RSVP by Dec. 6.



- Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Spring Neighborhood Institute. All neighborhood and homeowner associations are welcome to apply. The Spring session runs every Tuesday night from February 7th – April 24th at Kosair Charities Community Room, 982 Eastern Parkway. Dinner is provided to all attendees. For more information or to apply, contact Lisa at 589-034 or lisad@centerforneighborhoods.org.

District 25 grows under redistricting

In late October, the Metro Council unanimously approved new boundaries for all 26 Metro Council Districts. Redistricting is required every 10 years after the census data is released to ensure every district is evenly represented.

District 25 now includes portions for Auburndale, Iroquois Park, Pleasure Ridge Park and Valley Station.

The new District boundaries can be viewed here and a list of affected precincts can be found here.

If you don’t know what precinct you live in, please visit "MapIt" and enter your address. Your voting precinct will show up under the Political Information tab.

Represent SW Louisville on a board or commission

For years, I have urged residents of Southwest Louisville to be involved in their community by serving on city boards and commissions. I'd like to ask you all again today to take a look at donating some of your time so that we can be fairly represented on metro boards and commissions.

There is an online form you can fill out to be considered. The link appears below. You can pick a category so you don't get stuck on a board you don't like or a commission on which you have no interest.

Please consider doing this today.

Thanks for reading.

Link to serve on metro board or commission.

Southwest Regional Redistricting meeting set for next Wednesday

Every ten years, following the Census, legislators are required to redraw their boundaries to ensure residents are evenly distributed through their districts. The Louisville Metro Council is nearing the end of this process. In an effort to continue the committee's effort to garner public input, a series of public input meetings will be held. The Southwest Regional Redistricting meeting will be held on Wednesday October 5th at 7pm at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway. Please plan to attend to offer your input on the new district maps.

Build the Southwest Bridge

SW District news: It's all good

- Councilman David Yates (D-25) is inviting district residents to the grand opening of the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. The new office will allow area residents better access to council services and access to their representatives in their own neighborhood rather than making the trip downtown. The office is a partnership of Council members Rick Blackwell (12), Bob Henderson (14), Vicki Welch (13) and Yates. It will be located in the Southwest Government Center at 7219 Dixie Highway. The office will offer extended office hours and will be staffed by various council staff.

Nicole Candler has been named the Southwest Regional Metro Council Office Coordinator. She can be reached at Nicole.Candler@louisvilleky.gov

- The spring schedule is set for the Metro Arts Center. The center, located at 8360 Dixie Highway, offers classes for children and adults in the fine and applied arts. If you’re looking to acquire or refine a particular artistic skill from guitar playing and cartooning to pottery and silversmithing - the Metro Arts Center has a fun, affordable class for you. Please visit www.louisvilleky.gov/metroparks/recreation/metroarts for a schedule of spring classes.

- Southwest Louisville residents are being encouraged to apply for positions on the city's various Boards and Commissions. Please visit www.louisvilleky.gov to apply for opportunities that interest you. Let's take a little ownership here and fill these boards and commissions with Southwest residents.

- REMINDER: The Southwest Women's Roundtable is Wednesday, April 13 and will be held at the Jewish Hospital Medical Center Southwest's Community Room, 9700 Stonestreet Road. Start time is 8:30 a.m. The meeting's focus will be health and wellness. For more information and to RSVP, email Erica Harper.

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Free Junk Drop-off Sunday, April 17th

Waste Management Landfill

2673 Outer loop

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Residents wanting to get rid of bulk waste or junk will have an opportunity to drop off items at the Waste Management Landfill on April17th. This is a free service provided by a partnership between the Louisville Metro Division of Solid Waste Management and Waste Management of Kentucky.

Items that would normally not be picked-up during regular garbage service, such as appliances, furniture, and mattresses will be accepted but, metal must be separated for recycling purposes.

Yard waste, hazardous materials, paint, tires and commercial trash will not be allowed for drop-off on the 17th.

Bulk waste and junk can also be disposed of for free throughout the year at the Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Ave. but, there is a limit of three items per drop-off.

Any residents wishing to get rid of paints, fertilizers, batteries, and household chemicals can do so at the Louisville Metro Household Materials Collection Center ( or HAZ BIN ) at 7501 Grade Ln.

There is no charge.

For more information, go to louisvilleky.gov or call MetroCall at 311 or 574-5000.

Upcoming events: Merger meeting and drug toss

- The Merger 2.0 Task Force, recently appointed by Mayor Fischer to look at changes needed over the next decade of merger, began a series of public meetings this week. Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on what they want to see in their government. The dates and locations are as follows -- all hearings start at 7 PM:

April 11th - Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway

April 13th - Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop

- Medications should never be flushed, burned, or thrown in the trash. They can get into drinking and ground water, kill helpful bacteria, cause drug resistant bacteria, pollute the air, or be scavenged for illegal use or sale. Louisville residents can safely get rid of unused and expired medications during the bi-annual drug toss Saturday, April 9, at three locations:

J.B. Atkinson Elementary, 2811 Duncan Street
First Gethsemane Baptist Church, 1159 Algonquin Pkwy
UofL Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, 2800 S. Floyd Street

Each drive-up drug toss is 10 am- 2pm (you need not leave your vehicle to drop off items.) Please black out all personal information on ALL medication containers, and place tablets and capsules into a zip-lock bag prior to drop-off. Vials, bottled liquids and tubes should be placed in separate bags.
No used or unused sharps, needles or lances. No cosmetics, personal care or hygiene items. No clinics, medical offices or pharmacies can participate. Reps from LMPD and Metro Solid Waste will make sure all products are safely collected and properly disposed of. The drug toss is sponsored by: 7th Street Corridor PAL Coalition, Building Resiliency in Campus and Community Coalition, First Gethsemane Baptist Church, LMPD, and Portland Now Prevention Partnership.

Next "District 12 Dialogue" to feature Code Enforcement chief

The agency responsible for enforcing building codes and proper licenses in Metro Louisville will be featured during March’s District 12 Dialogue. Jim Mims , Director of Code Enforcement, will be the guest of Councilman Rick Blackwell on Tuesday, March 15.

“The Metro Council in the last year has made a forced effort on property owners who do not take care of the properties they own or rent,” says Blackwell. “Mr. Mims will be able to provide updates on that effort as well.”

The councilman is one of many who help place an ad last September in the Courier Journal that highlighted properties owners and the fines they owe Metro Government for code violations. He is also in support of legislation in Frankfort which would help the city get back more of its money involved in foreclosed properties.

“This situation has gotten out of hand financially for some cities and its time to get it under control,” says Blackwell. “Mr. Mims is one of the key people in helping us make these needed changes.”

Joining Mims will be representatives of other Metro Government agencies including MSD, Licensing and Permits, Neighborhoods and Public Works and Louisville Metro Police. A representative of Congressman John Yarmuth’s office will also be on hand.

Greenwood Elementary is located at 5801 Greenwood Road.

For more information about the March District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.

Thursday Update - Cracker Barrel/First Quality Music news

- The Metro Planning Commission has approved a revised building plan that includes a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Valley Station to be located just north of the Dixie/Snyder interchange. It took nearly 8 years. Construction should begin this spring. The development also includes an El Nopal restaurant and other retail. [CJ]

- There's a good discussion going on over at Louisville History & Issues about Metro Government 2.0 and what it could mean to you. Do you want city services like trash pickup? Are you willing to pay a tax to receive it? Why or why not? [LouHI]

- Yes, the terrible madness at Metro Animal Services continues in Abramson's absence.[LEO Weekly]

- First Quality Music is facing hard times.  The SW Louisville instrument retailer and manufacturer is the subject of a NY Times blog entry that takes a detailed look at what is happening with the business. [Insider Louisville]

Metro News on The Valley Report

- Mayor Abramson, in what could be seen as his final "finger in the eye" to Louisville's police officers, has filed notice appealing a ruling that states officers cannot be charged for take-home cars. I have, quite frankly, lost count of the appeals.  Abramson took a similar stance concerning back payment of overtime for Louisville's professional firefighters. It is worthy to note the mayor's administration has lost each and every appeal, leading FOP President Dave Mutchler to label Jerry's action “a ploy to dump his violation of our contract into the hands of the next mayor so he doesn’t have to handle his business and he doesn’t have to do the right thing before he leaves.”  I think Mutchler's accusation has merit. Shameful.  [CJ]

-  Dr. Adewale Troutman is packing his stuff and leaving his job as Louisville's public health director  for the Sunshine State.  Dr. Troutman says the coming regime change in Metro Hall contributed to his decision to high-tail.  Troutman will be best remembered for Louisville's smoking ban, although that may be unfair to his legacy.  He is a extraordinarily smart man who is off to decidedly greener pastures. Accompanying him is his wife Denise, who is stepping down as president and CEO of the Center for Women and Families. Good luck, Doc. [CJ] [Metro News Release]

- My friends at The Local Weekly will be interviewing Mayoral Candidate Hal Heiner on September 15th and they want your questions. Click the link to participate. [The Local Weekly]

Budget Passes; Hawkins Again Refuses to Be Part of the Process

The vote was 24 "for" the budget and 1 "against". Guess who said no to the Center for Women & Families, Dare to Care, ElderServe, The Healing Place, The Salvation Army, Project Warm and many others? Guess who refuses to take part in the budget process? Guess who DOES NOTHING to advance the cause of the Southwest in Metro Hall? Guess who pays the price for his stubborn, irresponsible behavior?

By a vote of 24 to 1, the Louisville Metro Council has given approval to the FY 2011 Operating and Capital Budgets for Metro Government.

“This was a challenging budget and I want to thank the members of the Budget Committee for their hard work and the amazing effort to work in a bi-partisan way this year,” said Councilman Jim King (D-10) who chairs the Committee. “We have done a thorough review and have found needed revenue for programs while at the same time followed a responsible course to not spend all the additional revenue we have found.”

The Budget Committee identified almost $6 million in additional revenue in the Mayors proposed $489 million Operations budget. Those revenues include $2.9 million in a revised tax revenue forecast; money was also found in a rebate from the Louisville Arena Authority, the proposed sale of properties and additional increases in other revenue areas.

"The changes in the appropriations reflect the differing priorities of the Metro Council compared to the Mayor," says Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) who is Vice Chair of the Budget Committee.
The Budget also adds an additional $1 million to external agency programs such as the Center for Women and Families, Elderserve, Home of the Innocence and 37 other social service and arts groups. “I am proud the Council chose not to accept the proposed burglar alarm fee and still found ways to fund our priorities,” said Downard. “In addition, we believe the Mayor’s net profits tax projection is under estimated by approximately $3 million, but we did not allocate any projects to that funding. If the revenue materializes, we will determine how the excess revenue will be spent.”

King noted a realistic approach was followed this year in how Community Development Block Grant Funds are to be used in the coming budget. Some $4 million dollars was available in CDBG funding. “What we have done is applied those funds to needed programs rather than have the money idled in a holding account,” said King. “We have identified how the funds can be used and at the same time left a reserve for additional projects that may come in the budget year.”

The two budget ordinances will on the way to mayor Jerry Abramson for his signature.

Budget Committee Meets Today

The Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee will begin its review of the proposed FY 2010 budget today, June 1st at 3:30pm. Officials with the Abramson Administration and Dr. Paul Coomes, of the University of Louisville will present a report on projected revenues and be available to answer question about where Metro Government stands with regard to the economic recovery.

The Committee will break at 5:00pm to discuss two items that are on the regular Budget Committee Agenda.

A complete listing of the Budget Committee’s hearing schedule can be found on the Metro Council’s homepage at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrovcouncil . There will be live web streaming of the hearing that can also be accessed by the Metro Council Home Page and clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

All hearings will be broadcast live on Metro TV, Insight Cable Channel25.

Jerry's Boys Go Before Joint Meeting of Metro Council

Joint Meeting of Metro Council to hear from Administration concerning State Auditors report on Wednesday

Louisville – Officials from the Abramson Administration are set to appear before a joint meeting of the Metro Council’s Government Accountability and Oversight as well as Budget Committees on Wednesday, May 12th at 4:00pm.

“Two weeks ago, State Auditor Crit Luallen gave us her insights and justification for their “qualified” opinion for the recent state audit of FY 2009 Louisville Metro’s finances,” says Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9) who chairs the Government Accountability Committee. “Now we want to hear from the Administration how they plan to remedy the findings and repair the damage done to the public’s trust.”

“In two weeks, the Mayor will come before the Council to present his budget for the coming year,” says Councilman Jim King (D-10) who chairs the Budget Committee. “Members of the Council will be asking specific questions about any changes made keeping track of revenues and expenditures before the Mayor appears before us at the end of May. We will have an important and thorough budget review this year.”

Among those who will appear before the joint meeting are Jane C. Driskell, Director, Office of Management and Budget and representatives from the following departments: Corrections, Human Resources, Metro Animal Services, Louisville Fire and Rescue, Information technology, Kentuckiana Works, Metro Public Works and Assets, Housing and Family Services and the Emergency Management Agency.

The Joint Committee meets at 4:00pm in Council Chambers, Historic City Hall, 601 West Jefferson Street.

Following the joint meeting, a special meeting of the Budget Committee will be held to take up the matter of the firefighter’s settlement.

Both meetings will be broadcast live on Metro TV, Insight Cable Channel 25. It will also be web streamed live. Simply go to the Metro Council’s Home page at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil. Click on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

Auditor To Appear Before Joint Metro Committee Meeting

State Auditor Crit Luallen to appear before joint meeting of Metro Council Committees on Monday, April 26th

Louisville – State Auditor Crit Luallen will appear before a first ever joint meeting of Metro Council Committees to discuss her recent findings of Metro Louisville‘s 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

The Joint Committee Meeting of the Government Accountability and Oversight and the Budget will take place at 4:00pm on Monday, April 26th in Council Chambers.

“Committee members are ready to hear and learn the details of the findings of this report and understand the criteria used as the basis for it,” says Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9) who chairs the Government Accountability Committee. “Our job as overseer of taxpayer money is to understand the findings and be confident that steps are taken to correct the concerns which have been raised.”

“The Metro Council is a little more than a month away from reviewing next year’s operating and capital budgets,” says Councilman Jim King (D-10) who chairs the Budget Committee. “Our Committee wants to assure every taxpayer that money is being used wisely, so I know this report will be closely reviewed.”

The meeting will be carried live on Metro TV Insight Cable Channel 25. It will also be streamed live on the Metro Council’s Home Page. Go to www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

WFPL's "A Look At Merger"

89.3 WFPL's Gabe Bullard has a timely story on the successes and failures of our merged metro government. Bullard interviews Valley Station resident Tim Keith for his take on how merger has affected Southwest Louisville. Have a listen.

PART 1
PART 2

6 Local Biz's Get Gov't Loans - None in Southwest

From a metro government release:

Six businesses, including a new retail store in St. Matthews and downtown high-rise office tower, have received small-business loans this month from Louisville Metro Government.

The low-interest loans, totaling $392,500, will create new jobs and help expand the city’s economy, Mayor Jerry Abramson said.

The loans, approved this morning by the Louisville Metropolitan Business Development Corporation, are:

· $25,000 to Two Dazzle, a new retail store that will sell gifts, home accessories and seasonal decor. The shop, to open at 3819 Willis Avenue in St. Matthews, is owned by Ronda Simmons and Kimberly Marshall.

· $7,500 to Comfy Cow, an ice cream and desert store in Westport Village. The loan will help the shop, owned by Roy and Tim Koons-McGee purchase outdoor furniture that will double the store’s seating capacity.

· $100,000 to D & W Silks, a longtime Louisville company that will open a retail shop at 2306 Frankfort Avenue, in Crescent Hill. The loan will help the company purchase the building.

· $60,000 to Gilman’s Point, a commercial property being renovated at 220 Ridgeway Ave. The money will allow owners Theodore Mitzlaff and Stephen Smith to rehab the property, including adding accessible restrooms and improve the building’s facade.

· $100,000 to Atteberry Smith, a start-up cabinet and window business that will operate at Gilman’s Point, 220 Ridgeway Ave. The company is owned by Theodore Mitzlaff and Stephen Smith.

· $100,000 loan to Hertz Starks Building LLC, which owns the hi-rise office tower at 4th and Muhammad Ali Boulevard. The loan will assist in improving the building façade.

Of these six businesses, three are in St. Matthews. One is downtown.

Question: Are SW businesses simply not applying for these loans? Or are they being overlooked? If your SW business has applied for a METCO loan and been denied, I'd like to speak with you. Soon.

Applications For Louisville Firefighters - Open Window

You Can Apply To Become A Firefighter Beginning December 7th!

The position of Firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department will be open for application beginning Monday, December 7, 2009. To be considered for employment, all interested persons must submit an application for employment on or before Friday, January 8, 2010.

Beginning December 7th, applications may be submitted online at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/humanresources/IWantTo/iwantto_apply.htm