Sunday December 7, 2025
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Councilwoman Marianne Butler is once again encouraging pet owners to take advantage of the next S.P.O.T. Clinic for residents of District 15 set for Saturday, May 20th.
“S.P.O.T. Clinics are an effective way to provide needed veterinarian services at a low cost for pet owners,” says Butler. “If you have not had time during the week to take care of your pet, this clinic is one way to renew a license and update vaccinations.”
Here is a list of services offered at the District 15 Spring S.P.O.T. Clinic:
- 1 year rabies vaccination: $10.00
- 3 year rabies vaccination: $15.00
- DAPP: FREE!
- 1 year altered license: $10.00
- 1 year altered senior license: $5.00
- 1 year unaltered license: $60.00
- 3 year altered license: $27.00
- 3 year senior license: $13.50
- Microchip: $25.00
The S.P.O.T Clinic (which stands for Stop Pet Overpopulation Today) will be located in the front parking lot at the Salvation Army building, 1010 Beecher Street. The hours of operation are from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
For more information about the S.P.O.T. Clinic, contact Councilwoman Butler’s office at 574-1115.
By a vote of 15 to 6, the Louisville Metro Council has amended the Louisville Metro Smoking ban ordinance to include concerns about the use of electronic smoking devices and hookah bars in public areas.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their support in making these changes,” said Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), who is the primary sponsor of the ordinance. “Everyone agrees the smoking ban has gone a long way in protecting public health and as new products come on line we need to make sure they are included to maintain the protections we are now providing the public.”
The amended ordinance now includes electronic smoking devices and hookah bars in the banning of nicotine based products being used in public areas. The smoking ban ordinance was passed in its current form by the Metro Council in 2008.
“The ordinance passed tonight represents the bi-partisan work of a number of people on the council,” said Councilwoman Marilyn Parker (R-18). “The ordinance and the amendments we passed tonight protects job creators, their employees and the health of the people we represent.”
The Council’s Community Affairs, Housing, Health and Education Committee reviewed the changes for more than six months. The final version was approved with bipartisan support and input from business and the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
“The Committee made sure that we listened to everyone who had an interest in this issue,” said Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin who chairs the Committee. “I want to thank Councilwoman Welch and Councilwoman Parker, who are both Registered Nurses, for working together to help us continue to protect the health of the people of Metro Louisville.”
This new version of the ordinance also modernizes and updates other parts of the original smoking ban with regard to language and related businesses, public areas and dwellings.
Highlights of the Amended Smoking Ban ordinance:
- Defines electronic smoking retail store as a business operation with at least 85% of sales dedicated to electronic smoking devices, and/or accessories or products; and defines electronic smoking device as any device containing or delivering nicotine that a person can use in any manner or form to inhale vapor or aerosol form of the product;
- Defines hookah as water pipe and associated products and devices used to produce fumes, smoke and/or vapor from burning or material including tobacco, herbal shisha; and defines hookah establishment as a business operation dedicated to the allowing on-site smoking through one or more hookah pipes, and must not allow minors in the building.
- There is an exemption for the consumption of any non-nicotine related products from an electronic smoking device at an electronic smoking retail store to allow tasting of various flavors.
- There is an exemption for any non-tobacco products through a hookah at a hookah lounge in operation as of March 1, 2017 shall not allow minors in the building, sell alcoholic beverages or be licensed as a food service establishment(LMCO Ch. 118)
- Smoking is not allowed 15 feet outside the entrance to any building, except for hookah establishments.
Councilman Rick Blackwell invites residents to the next District 12 Dialogue on Tuesday, May 16th to learn more about the Metro Council’s Budget Review for the coming fiscal year. MSD also will make a presentation about its 20-year Critical Repair and Reinvestment Plan.
“The Council is just beginning its review of the Mayor’s proposed 2017 -2018 Capital and Operating Budgets,” says Blackwell. “The budget review process is one of the most important responsibilities of the Metro Council and it also gives a thorough understanding of how all of the Metro agencies and departments work together.”
Representatives of MSD will also be on hand to give a presentation of their plan to repair and replace important infrastructure over the next two decades.
MSD’s 20-year Critical Repair and Reinvestment Plan covers critical risks in six areas:
- Ohio River flood protection system
- Stormwater drainage and inland flooding
- Viaducts
- Crumbling sewer infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Consent decree and support systems
The next District 12 Dialogue will be held at 6:00 pm at the Southwest Government Center Courtroom, 7219 Dixie Highway.
There will also be representatives from LMPD and Codes and Regulations to help constituents address specific concerns or problems.
For more information about the May District 12 Dialogue, contact Councilman Blackwell’s office at 574-1112.
Councilman Bill Hollander invites D9 constituents to participate in a discussion about the upcoming budget. The Metro Council has started the review of the 2017-2018 budget recommended by Mayor Greg Fischer. The proposed budget focuses heavily on public safety, including significant investments in LMPD, while continuing to fund affordable housing, paving and a new Northeast Regional Library.
The May District 9 Community Conversation is set for Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Peterson Dumesnil House, 301S. Peterson Avenue.
The $593 million general fund operating budget anticipates $23 million in new revenue, with the greatest chunk of that – $19 million, or 83 percent – earmarked for LMPD and the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, including additional police officers.
The budget proposal was presented one month earlier than usual under an ordinance Hollander sponsored last year. The ordinance was designed to give the public and Council members more time to evaluate and comment on the budget.
“As with all D9 Community Conversations, discussion of any other subjects is welcome and I will be available to talk with constituents about any questions, comments or concerns,” says Hollander. “So, mark your calendar and bring along a friend or neighbor to let me know what you think.”
For more information about May’s D9 Community Conversation, contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.
Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) announces the Metro Council’s Budget Public Hearings are scheduled on May 10th and May 16th offering the public two opportunities to comment on the proposed FY 2017- 2018 Capital and Operating Budgets.
“The Committee encourages the public to attend and participate in the budget process;” says Butler. “Over the next two months as we review the proposed budget it is very important to have input and dialogue with not only the departments but the public as well.”
The May 10th public hearing begins at 6:30pm.
The May 16th public hearing begins at 6:00pm.
Both hearings are held in the Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street, 3rd floor.
“Over the next two months the Metro Council plans to have nearly 30 hours of hearings with department directors,” says Kramer. “This is the opportunity for the community to engage with their elected representatives to convey which projects they support or ideas they have for making our budget work better for the people we serve.”
Signups for those wishing to address the Budget Committee begin one hour prior to the start of the hearings on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Speakers are called in order of signup and have up to three minutes to make comments. Written testimony can be turned in during the meeting and occasionally, speakers are asked questions by the Committee members.
The Committee is limiting one designated speaker for each non-profit group per signup. You do not have to be a member of a nonprofit group to speak. The Committee is interested in hearing from anyone in the community on budgetary issues or priorities for Metro Government in the coming Fiscal Year.
Speakers may use the Sixth Street entrance to Historic City Hall.
If you cannot attend but would like to comment on the budget, simply go to the Metro Council webpage at www.louisvilleky.gov and click on the link for the Metro Council Clerk, then click the Contact Us link.
To see the 2017 to 2018 Budget Hearing Schedule click here!
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Lucasfilms 2016 “Rogue One: a Star Wars Story” will help usher in the tenth year and new season of Free Summer Movies at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, May 13th.
“In 2007, many of us on the Metro Council worked together to bring free entertainment during the summer for families and the community at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “This year, we once again welcome everyone to come out and enjoy what has become a summer tradition in a great Metro Louisville Park.”
The movie follows the actions of the Rebel Alliance and its fight against the Empire, when they learn of a new and powerful weapon that threatens everyone in the galaxy: the Deathstar.
Rogue One stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.
“We’re grateful for the continued support from Metro Council for the free movie series. From movies to festivals and concerts, it’s been critical to have their backing as the number of events and visitors to the Amphitheater has continued to grow. It’s been a great ten years, and it’s going to be another great summer!” says Seve Ghose, Director, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation.
The attendance from last year’s Free Summer Movies was just at 9,000.
“The support we receive from Metro Council allows us to provide summer-long events which enrich the overall experience of Iroquois Park. The movies are a wonderful way to spend a summer night under the stars at beautiful Iroquois Amphitheatre,” says Michael Hallett, Director of the Iroquois Amphitheater.
Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors this year are Council Members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Dan Johnson (D-21) President David Yates (D-25), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Cindi Fowler (D- 14), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), Angela Leet (R-7), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Bill Hollander (D-9), Robin Engel (R-22), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Madonna Flood (D-24), and James Peden (R-23).
The 2017 lineup for “Movies Under the Stars” is as follows – all movies begin at 8:00pm.
- May 13 – Rouge One: A Star Wars Story
- June 17 – The Secret Lives of Pets
- July 15 – Zootopia
- August 12 – Sing
Here is the lineup of Free Monday Night Movies for 2017 – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
- June 5 – The Wizard of Oz
- June 19 – Madea’s Big Happy Family
- July 3 – 1776
- July – 10 School of Rock
- July 17 – The Jungle Book
- July 24 – Dial M for Murder
- July 31 – The Wild Life
- August 14 – The Legend of Tarzan
The Concession Stand is open for these events selling hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream and sodas.
To see all the great summer entertainment this year at the Iroquois Amphitheater, go to www.iroquoisamphitheater.com or call 502-368-5865.
Iroquois Amphitheater is located at1080 Amphitheater Road in Iroquois Park.
It’s an opportunity to clean out the garage, the attic, and the basement of those things that have been collecting dust over the years and get them to a place where someone else might be able to use them, or where they can be safely disposed.
Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) announces the Annual Responsible Recycling Event set for Saturday May 13th between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road.
“This is a great way to remove those things in your home that could find new life by being recycled,” says Hollander. “Any Louisville Metro resident can help the environment and a variety of non-profits by simply bringing to one location what you no longer want or use and dropping it off for free.”
The Free Responsible Recycling Event is open to all Louisville Metro residents. It is easy to participate. Just gather what you would like to recycle, then drive up and drop your items off at the appropriate vendor. Businesses will not be allowed to participate at this event. A multitude of items will be accepted for recycling or reuse, including paper for shredding. New this year all items collected at Haz Bin will be accepted, and LMPD officers will be on-site to collect old expired and unused medications.
The following items will also be accepted:
- BATTERIES (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) Please have them separated
- TELEVISIONS (must work and may not be older than 10 years); no console and projection TVs accepted.
- COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS (terminals, towers, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, VHS/DVD players, stereo, monitors)
- HANDHELD ELECTRONICS (cell phones, cell phone accessories, iPods, tablets, MP3 players)
- HAZARDOUS MATERIALS All items accepted at Haz Bin location – see attached flyer for complete list including oil based & latex paint, household chemicals – MUST have labels and no leaks, no containers larger than 5 gallons)
- HOUSEHOLD BUILDING SUPPLIES (cabinets, doors, flooring, windows, hardware, light/ceiling fans, lumber, roofing, siding, tools)
- HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE must be in good condition (NO mattresses, items with odors, water beds, baby cribs and accessories, entertainment centers, armoires for TVs/computers)
- HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (working appliances)
- MEDICAL SURPLUS ITEMS (walkers, wheelchairs, orthopedic items, diabetic supplies, ace bandages, gauze pads, canes)
- PERSONAL DOCUMENTS (shred on-site paper documents ONLY) Unable to take boxes or plastic bags and they must be taken away by participants.
- SHOES (new and gently used) Must be dry
For a complete list of accepted items, please visit louisvilleky.gov/district9. On the event page is a flyer with 7 attachments with detailed lists of accepted items from each organization.
If you have electronic items that are not accepted during this event, please review “electronics recycling” information on the flyer attachment. Residents may take electronics, including non-working older TVs, to the Louisville Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue. These will NOT be accepted at the May 13 event.
“We have made it easy to get rid of things people no longer use, with no cost to bring in these items that will benefit others,” says Hollander. “If you have tried to find a way to dispose of those things you have around the house, then I encourage you to take advantage of this event.”
Among the vendors on hand: All-Shred, Commonwealth e-Waste, Habitat for Humanity, Louisville Metro Public Works, Supplies Overseas, and WaterStep.
Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9 for more information, or contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.
