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SubscribeEarlier this year, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Olu Stevens dismissed the jury in Charles Evans’ trial. Evans’ Attorney, Sheila Sanders, argued that Evans’ would not receive a fair trial since the jury only had one black man. Judge Stevens agreed and dismissed the jury. This was not the first time that Judge Stevens dismissed a jury panel based on its racial make-up.
The case was put on hold again while the Kentucky Court of Appeals made the decision if dismissing a jury was within the rights of the Judge. The ruling comes almost a month later. The Court of Appeals ruled that the law requires the potential juror pool to represent a fair cross-section of the community; it does not require that the jury panel itself to be an accurate representation of the community.
As of now, 111 of 120 Kentucky counties will participate in the Republican Presidential Caucus. The Caucus will be held on March 5, 2016. The Caucus will take place before the state’s primary elections, which will allow Senator Rand Paul to run for President as well as re-election for this Senate seat.
The last time Kentucky held a caucus was in 1984 and for many voters, this will be a new way to vote. On election day, voters will arrive at a location (to be announced in January) within their county between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Voters will see a table for each candidate with information, maybe a representative, about the candidate. When a voter is ready to cast their secret ballot, they will move to a voting area that will resemble a traditional voting booth.
Only registered Republicans will be able to participate in the Caucus. However, if you are currently 17 years old, but you will be 18 by November 8, 2016, you are eligible to vote in the caucus as long as your are registered as Republican, by December 31, 2015. If you live in one of the 9 counties that will not be participating, you will still have the opportunity to vote. You will be assigned a location in a nearby county, or you may vote by absentee ballot. Starting January 7, 2016, voters will be able to apply for an absentee ballot. Instructions will be available on the website for the Republican Party of Kentucky. Applications must be received by February 19, 2016 and completed ballots must be received by March 4, 2016. If you request an absentee ballot, you will not be eligible to vote in person.
After the ballots are counted, the delegates of Kentucky will be allocated proportionally to each candidate that receives at least 5% of the total votes. Candidates have until January 7, 2016 to file the necessary paperwork to appear on the ballot. As of now, the following candidates have already filed:
- Jeb Bush
- Ben Carson
- Chris Christie
- Ted Cruz
- Carly Fiorina
- John Kasich
- Rand Paul
- Marco Rubio
- Donald Trump
Jefferson 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.
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.
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
Ad Hoc Committee on Annexation – Monday, December 7th 4:00pm
This is a special meeting of the Committee. There will be a discussion item concerning special service districts.
Planning & Zoning – Tuesday, December 8th 1:30pm
The Committee has the following ordinances under review:
- Street Name Change:
- A portion of Fairmont Road to its western terminus at Floyd Fork Creek to Broad Run parkway and Valley Vista (Case No. 15STREETS1011)
- A portion of Stout Road from Broad Run Road northwest to 8200 Stout Road to Turkey Run Parkway (Case No. 15STREETS1012)
- Changing all of a portion of names for the following Streets: Cedar lane, Elm Drive, Evergreen Avenue, Lake Louisville Drive, Walnut Avenue, Witlow Avenue, and Woodland Avenue (Case No. 15STREETS 1019)
- Street Closings
- A portion of Emery Road from Riedling Road to its southeast terminus (Case No. 15STREETS1007)
- Chamberlain Lane from Mint Spring Branch Road east to Brownsboro Road (Case No. 15STREETS1015)
- Alley Closings
- The 10’ wide alley on the north side of Iowa Avenue, 110 degrees west from the Westside of Fourth Street (Case No. 15STREETS1016)
- The 12’ wide alley bounded by North Liberty Street and Muhammad Ali Blvd and the 12’ wide alley bounded by South Third Street (Case No. 15STREETS1006)
While items may be on the agenda for this Committee, this does not mean all items will be acted upon or discussed. Please check with the Committee Chair prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Public Works, Bridges, and Transportation – Tuesday, December 8th 3:00pm
The Committee will receive an update on downtown sidewalks from Metro Public Works and Assets. The Committee also has the following items under review:
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the design phase of the Hill Street Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project.
- An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances dealing with yard waste
- A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a grant agreement to provide $7,500 to the Bridgegate Residents Association, Inc. for the removal of sediment from the Bridgegate Retention Basin
- A Resolution requesting MSD to create a flood plain buyout program.
- An Ordinance amending the code of ordinances regarding historical landmarks and preservation districts as it relates to the salvage and preservation of brick pavers removed from streets and alleys
Labor & Economic Development – Tuesday, December 8th 4:00pm
The Committee has the following items up for review:
- Two Resolutions to grant local inducements
- Firstgroup USA
- Keebler Company
- A Resolution approving the budget of the Louisville Downtown management District from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
- A Resolution involving two parcels of property at the intersection of Muhammad Ali Blvd., 30th Street and West Market Street
Appropriations NDF’s CIF’s – Tuesday, December 8th 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.
Public Safety – Wednesday, December 9th 3:30pm
This is the regular meeting of the Committee. The agenda is pending.
Committee on Contracts /Appointments – Thursday, December 10th 3:00pm
The Committee will review pending contracts and proposed appointments to the Boards and Commission of Metro Government.
Budget – Thursday, December 10th 5:00pm
The Committee has several items under review:
- An Ordinance making budget transfers from the Public Works Budget to the District 6 Capital Infrastructure Fund Budget. Also a transfer from the District 6 CIF Budget to the District 6 NDF Budget and the a transfer From the District 6 NDF Budget to the District 6 General Operations Budget
- An Ordinance making a budget transfer from the District 16 NDF Budget to the District 16 CIF Budget
- An Ordinance approving the Jefferson County Clerk’s 2016 Budget
- An Ordinance approving the Jefferson County Sheriff’s 2016 Budget
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 to:http://louisvilleky.gov/
For more information contact:
Tony Hyatt 574-4137 / 526-3622
Stephen Haag: 574-1204 / 645-1752
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there are no meetings of the Metro Council and its committees scheduled for next week. The Metro Council will resume its meeting schedule on Monday November 30th. Everyone has a safe and joyous holiday!
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 all items will be acted upon 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 also 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