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SubscribeJefferson Circuit Court Judge Olu Stevens has been ordered by Kentucky’s Chief Justice to appear before the state’s Judicial Conduct Commission.
The order came after Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr received a request to have Stevens removed from all criminal cases. The request was denied, but Stevens was found to have violated an agreement with Attorney Tom Wine.
In November of 2014, Stevens dismissed a jury that was all-white in a trial of a black defendant. He agreed with the defense attorney that this would not be a fair trial. Prosecuting attorney, Tom Wine, asked the Kentucky Supreme Court for a legal opinion on a judge’s power to dismiss a jury based on race. Stevens took to social media to voice his disapproval of the move.
In December 2014, Stevens and Wine met in mediation and agreed not to discuss the issue on social media. Stevens failed to comply with the mediation agreement by again taking to social media with comments indirectly aimed at Wine and the pending case.
Jefferson County Public Schools announced that they are planning to increase the maximum number of students per class. They state that this change would allow approximately 280 teachers to be moved around the county to other schools or programs that are in need of support.
Superintendent Donna Hargens states that the proposal isn’t for saving money, but a proposal that allows the money already there to be used towards initiatives that have been identified as priorities, such as putting more teachers in low-performing school.
The budget in which this proposal is located will be available for approval on January 24.
Ordinance Will Take Effect June 1, 2016 After Signed By Mayor
By a vote of 20 to 6, The Louisville Metro Council has approved a new set of regulations to permit the growing online industry of short-term rentals within Metro Louisville. Hosting platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey are used by a growing number of homeowners seeking to rent out anything from an extra room to an entire house.
The short-term rental ordinance passed after the work of the Council’s Public Safety Committee. Members began to review the need for regulation after Metro Codes and Regulations cited residents for renting their homes. At the time, there were no regulations to enforce.
The new ordinance will regulate this growing internet industry and offer a level playing field and fairness to other businesses that are established rental facilities and hotels in the city.
“As Chair of the Public Safety Committee I am proud we took our time and due diligence to ensure transparency and consideration of both the public’s and businesses’ views on this issue. We have a good piece of legislation that seeks to balance both interests while promoting safety and ensuring accountability,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25).
Council Members Bill Hollander (D-9), Tom Owen (D-8), and David James (D-6) sponsored the Ordinance
“The ordinance allows this growing industry to operate in Louisville, levels the playing field with hotels and motels on transient occupancy taxes and protects neighborhoods by limiting the number of occupants and other provisions,” said Hollander,
The new ordinance will not take effect until June 1, 2016 to allow those who participate in short-term rentals to register with the city and educate themselves on the responsibilities of both hosts and transient users. Another ordinance currently being drafted by the Planning Commission will address which zoning districts Short Term Rentals will be permitted to operate.
Both ordinances are required to permit Short Term Rental operation. The Planning Commission will forward their drafted ordinance to the Metro Council’s Ad Hoc Land Development Code Committee to be further discussed. The Metro Council is seeking action on the companion ordinance before theJune 1, 2016 enactment date.
“This ordinance represents a good first step in the right direction. Short term rentals are an industry that will only continue to grow and we need to embrace it as a mechanism to show off some of our fantastic neighborhoods,” says Councilman James Peden (R-23), Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee..
“We’ve passed a reasonable regulation of a brand new industry which until now was not recognized as a full participant in the hospitality industry,” said Owen.
“It is important that we understand the trends in this new internet economy and at the same time we have to maintain protection of those industries that have been a productive part of our local economy. I believe this ordinance is a step in the right direction,” said James
Here are highlights of the ordinance:
- $25 Annual Registration Fee.
- Online Registration will be made available by June 1, 2016.
- Enforcement of Ordinance will occur 90 days following June 1, 2016.
- Registered host or host’s “manager” must be located within 25 miles of the Short Term Rental.
- Clearly marked evacuation plan on all premises.
- No more than one contract on a short-term rental at the same time.
- No more transient users than 2x the amount of bedrooms plus 4 can reside in the short-term rental at one time.
- Penalties:
- 1st Offense = Warning
- 2nd Offense = $100-$500
- 3rd Offense = $500-$1,000
- Further action can be taken for subsequent offenses including a civil complaint or injunctive relief in Jefferson County, Kentucky Circuit Court.
Councilman Yates thanked fellow Public Safety Committee members and stated, “I am very proud of the many important topics we discussed this year on the Public Safety Committee, including: the Public Nuisance Ordinance, LMPD body cameras, Pop-Up Party Ordinance, the Short Term Rental Ordinance and the creation of the Syringe Exchange. I am looking forward to another successful year in 2016.”
The ordinance is on its way to Mayor Greg Fischer for his signature.
Citing sound fiscal policies, experienced management and strict budget adherence, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Louisville Metro Government ended fiscal year 2015 with a surplus of $18.9 million.
Results largely from efficiencies in government
The surplus represents $6.3 million in increased revenue and $12.6 million in expense savings, which reflect efficiencies in government, the mayor said.
“This is a good government — and an improving economy —at work,” Fischer said. “Department directors held the line on their budgets, working to ensure that every one of those dollar was well-spent. It illustrates our ability to run a lean, efficient operation – and it took a team effort.”
Mindful that “taxpayers are entrusting us with their money,” Fischer said his administration is taking just as much care to ensure the $18.9 million surplus is spent responsibly.
Pending a vote by Metro Council this Thursday, the surplus will be spent this way:
- $6.1 million to pay off debt owed to the Louisville Water Co.
- $3.6 million for the city’s rainy day fund, bringing the balance to $66 million.
- $2.5 million for the city’s risk management fund.
- $2.2 million to cover funding that was expected but not received from grants and other sources.
- $1.6 million for replacement of computer/technology servers.
- $500,000 set aside by the Metro Council budget committee for potential projects that it identifies in the future.
The remaining – about $2.4 million — will be set aside for various government accounting-related expenses, including potential legal costs, said Chief Financial Officer Daniel Frockt.
The surplus announcement comes a month after the top three national credit rating services gave high marks to Louisville’s credit worthiness, and as Metro government was, for the third year in a row, awarded a national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for excellence in governmental budgeting.
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada made that award, saying it illustrates a commitment “to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.”
Frockt said the award recognizes the mayor’s charge for all departments to pursue continuous improvement in a transparent and inclusive process.
“It honors the city for producing a budget that serves as policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device,” he said.
Fischer said the award, the high bond ratings and the surplus together “reflect my administration’s commitment to being careful stewards of city tax dollars.”
Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21) has been reappointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2016 Transportation Infrastructure & Services committee.
This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning, funding, safety and security of public transit, streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports.
The appointment was announced by NLC President Melodee Colbert-Kean, councilmember, Joplin, Mo.
“For many of our cities across our country, especially here in Louisville, repair, and modernization of our nation’s infrastructure is a number one priority,” says Johnson. “As a member of this committee, I believe it is crucial that we keep Congress focused on our transportation needs. Investment in our infrastructure is an investment in our future and our economy.”
As a member of the committee, Councilman Johnson will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the Administration and at home.
He has served as a member of the committee since 2009 and his interests have included public transportation, bridges, Federal airport regulations, infrastructure building, and emphasizing local control in decision-making. On the Metro Council, Johnson has previously served as chair of the Public Works Committee and has been assigned to the committee six times during his tenure.
Councilman Johnson has long made infrastructure a priority in District 21 and looks forward to learning more about the latest trends in order to better serve his constituents. Councilman Johnson has also been an advocate for the possibility of a light rail system in Louisville and looks forward to working with his NLC colleagues to further explore the potential.
For more information on the NLC’s Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee, visit
The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
Ad Hoc Committee on the Land Development Code – Monday, December 14th 3:00pm
The Committee will continue its discussions of proposed revisions to the Land Development Code of Louisville Metro Government. The Committee has three Ordinances under review.
Committee on Committees – Monday, December 14th 4:00pm
The Committee will review Ordinances and Resolutions to the standing committees of the Louisville Metro Council. The Committee will also receive an update on renovations to the Council Chambers and Historic City Hall.
Appropriations NDF’s CIF’s – Tuesday, December 15th 5:00pm
The Committee will review grant requests for Neighborhood Development Funds and Capital Infrastructure Funds of the 26 districts of the Louisville Metro Council.
Health, Education & Housing – Wednesday, December 16th 2:30pm
The Committee has two Resolutions under review:
- Authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant of $150,000 from the Gheens Foundations to be administered by the Department of Public Health and Wellness’ Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
- Authorizing the Mayor to accept funding in the amount of $52,250 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Fair Housing Assistance program to be administered by the Metro Human Relations Commission.
Committee on Sustainability – Thursday, December 17th 3:00pm
The Committee will review two Resolutions for continuation of the Design Phase of the Louisville Loop Project in the Jefferson Memorial Forest at Medora and Dodge Gap.
Committee of the Whole – Thursday, December 17th 5:15pm
The Committee will review the Council agenda for the evening meeting. This Committee meeting is not televised and meets in the First Floor Conference Room.
The Committee agenda is pending.
Council meeting – Thursday, December 17th 6:00pm
This is the regular meeting of the Louisville Metro Council. It is also the last Metro Council meeting for 2015.
The agenda is pending.
Meeting times are subject to change. Agendas are followed at the discretion of the Chair of each Committee. While an item may be listed, it does not mean a vote will be taken by a committee.
To review all agendas of the committees of the Louisville Metro Council, go to the Metro Council Clerk’s web page at: http://louisvilleky.gov/
All meetings are aired live on Metro TV Insight cable Channel 25 and Channel 99 for UVERSE subscribers. Meetings are streamed live on the Metro Council’s website. Go tohttp://louisvilleky.gov/
For more information contact:
Tony Hyatt 574-4137 / 526-3622
Stephen Haag: 574-1204 / 645-1752
President Tandy to join Seven Counties Services for Grand Opening of “The Louisville Drop”
President David Tandy (D-4) will officially join Seven Counties Services for the grand opening of the “The Louisville Drop” on Thursday, December 10th.
“The Louisville Drop” is part of the TAYLRD (Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams) program that reaches out to young people ages 16 to 25. It features drop-in centers equipped with pool tables, video gaming, board games, books, and snacks.
They are supportive places, with a computer lab and laundry facilities to help with basic needs. The facility offers support services in one location.
The TAYLRD Program is part of a $5 million grant from the federal government. This is Seven Counties Services second location for a drop-in center.
The grand opening will get under way at 2:30pm. “The Louisville drop” is located at 1020 East Broadway.
