Tuesday October 14, 2025
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Law enforcement, firefighters, lawmakers, service men, and women along with veterans invited to help

Louisville – On December 5th, Councilman David Yates (D-25) and Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) will join a special group of people who will bring holiday cheer to local children in need when they participate in the Eighth Annual “Shop with a Hero” Program hosted by the Valley View Church.

Both Council members invite anyone who is in the field of public safety or the military to come and help this Saturday.

“I am honored to join police officers, firefighters, judges, doctors, nurses, sheriff’s deputies, military personnel, veterans, and others to help children during the holiday season.  I implore all public safety officials to volunteer an hour this Saturday to help make a child’s holiday season a little brighter,” says Yates.

This year “Shop with a Hero” will again take place at the Kohl’s Store on Preston Highway, 11811 Standiford Plaza Drive from 9:00am to12:00pm.

“Welcome heroes and shoppers to the Kohl’s in District 13 once again this year.  It is my pleasure to partner with Valley View Church and thank them for this annual event to assist those families in need at Christmas time.  It always melts my heart to hear the appreciation from kids & parents when they receive their gift cards and are able to shop together as a family,” says Welch.

“Shop with a Hero” was created by Valley View Church as a way to give needy children an opportunity to feel the joy of shopping for Christmas gifts – to give and receive.  With the donations raised for this program, children are able to buy presents for their siblings, parents, or themselves.

The Heroes in this program help children make their shopping selections.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Councilman David Yates’ office by phone at 574-1125 or by email atDavid.Yates@louisvilleky.gov

Bring The Family, Friends And Pets And For A Day Of Fun And Season’S Greetingsoldetyme

Louisville – It’s the time of year when Frankfort Avenue rings in the holidays with the 20th Annual Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday, December 5.

“Saturday is shaping up to be a beautiful day, for a sprint, a stroll, a walk with your dog or a visit with Santa,” says Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9).  “It’s a great way to support the important work of United Crescent Hill Ministries who help those in need at this time of year and our local businesses with this great celebration.”

The day begins with the annual Santa Sprint & Stroll, a merry 5k Run or 1-Mile Walk presented by the Frankfort Avenue Business Association, to benefit the United Crescent Hill Ministries.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at Barret Traditional Middle School, 2561 Grinstead Drive.

The run and walk starts at 9:00 a.m. and travels a flat course on South Peterson Avenue, South Galt Avenue and Frankfort Avenue before ending back at the school, where refreshments will be served.

The following streets will closed from 8:30 am – 10:30 am, with no parking from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.:

·       South Peterson Avenue from Frankfort Avenue to Grinstead Drive

·       Frankfort Avenue from Stilz Avenue to the railroad tracks

·       South Galt Avenue from Frankfort Avenue to Rowland Avenue

At Noon, dogs take over the Avenue with the annual Holiday Dog Walk.  Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. at 2005 Frankfort Avenue, in front of the new, locally owned Bankstown Road at Frankfur Avenue pet supply store.

Free trolleys run throughout the Avenue from Noon to 5:00 p.m. and horse carriage rides are from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Many shops and restaurants will have holiday specials.

In the early afternoon, the focus shifts to the Avenue in front of Margaret’s Consignments, 2700 Frankfort Avenue.  Santa will be there from Noon to 3:00 p.m.  Councilman Hollander will present the Frankfort Avenue Business Association’s Golden Antler and Good Neighbor Awards at 2:00 p.m., recognizing the Avenue’s best-decorated shops and some outstanding area neighbors.

“So come out and join the fun,” says Hollander.

Louisville – The Metro Council’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will receive an update on the syringe exchange program operated by the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness on Thursday December 3rd.

Members will hear from the Interim Director of the department, Dr. Sarah Moyer.  She will discuss how the program has operated since it began in June.

“As part of the approval for the syringe exchange, the Metro Council promised the community we would closely follow the effectiveness of the program.  As Chair of both Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs, I wish to ensure any legislation enacted by the Council is helping to build a stronger and safer community.  It is important we get accurate facts about how the program has been operating and further discuss with Dr. Moyer how to strengthen the exchange in the future,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25).

Louisville was the first city in Kentucky to move forward with a syringe exchange program after approval by the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly.

The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will meet at 3:00pm in Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street.

All Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Time Warner Cable Channel 25.  For UVERSE Subscribers, the meeting airs on Channel 99.  You can also watch the meetings online by going to the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk  and click the “Watch Meetings Online” button.

Louisville has received $1.5 million in federal funding for a project to improve conditions in downtown Louisville for pedestrians and people with disabilities, among others, Mayor Greg Fischer and Gov. Steve Beshear announced today.

When the work is completed, sidewalks in the project area – South Fourth Street between West Chestnut and Broadway – will be repaired or rebuilt to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Current conditions, including deteriorated pavers, have significantly limited ADA mobility.

“South Fourth Street is a valued asset to our downtown economic development,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Our goal is to attract people living, working, shopping and dining in downtown Louisville and this investment from the state helps to make that continual mission possible.”

The funding announced today will build upon the $1.5 million in Metro funds already spent on enhancements along South Fourth Street between Muhammad Ali Blvd and Chestnut St., as well as Gutherie St. and complement the $100 million in private sector investment currently being made in the area.

“Projects such as these enhance a community’s transportation choices and therefore enhance the quality of life for citizens of the community,” Gov. Beshear said. “This award furthers the City of Louisville’s larger plan for making it easier for pedestrians to get around downtown.”

The project area is near a number of non-profit agencies – the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, KentuckianaWorks and the Housing Partnership – that work with the disabled, veterans, the elderly, the poor and minorities.

Other work is to include enlarged tree wells, restriping of pavement on Fourth Street, and there will be parking on both sides of the street.

The funding is through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a reimbursement program administered by the Office of Local Programs in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.

TAP assists communities in funding transportation improvements such as safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification, and other investments. Projects may be a mix of elements and accessible to the general public or targeted to a broad segment of the general public.

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/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk

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/government/metro-council  and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon. 

For More Information Contact:

Tony Hyatt: 574-4137 / 526-3622

Stephen Haag: 574-1204 / 645-1752

MetroCouncil

Planning & Zoning – Tuesday, November 10th 1:30pm

This is the regular meeting of the Committee. The agenda is pending.

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, November 10th 3:00pm

The Committee will hear from Jeffrey Brown and Dan O’Dea from Metro Public Works and Assets on the progress for adopting a new road scoring system for paving.  The Committee also has on its agenda:

  • A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $44,535 of additional funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for continuation of the design and construction phase for the Portland Elementary Safe Routes to School Project
  • An Ordinance regarding parking for veterans who have been issued a Purple Heart license plate
  • An Ordinance amending the Metro Code of Ordinances relating to flood plain management
  • A Resolution requesting MSD to create a flood plain buyout program.
  • An Ordinance amending the Metro 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

Agenda

Labor & Economic Development – Tuesday, November 10th 4:00pm

The Committee has the following items under review

  • A Resolution encouraging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to pass legislation during the 2016 Legislative Session to increase the minimum wage for the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky consistent with the increases made in Louisville.
  • A Resolution involving two parcels of property at the intersection of Muhammad Ali Blvd., 30th Street and West Market Street

Agenda

Appropriations NDF’s CIF’s – Tuesday, November 10th 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.

Agenda

Community Affairs – Wednesday, November 11th 1:30pm

The Committee will hear from Jeana Dunlap for a discussion of vacant and abandoned properties and Metro Housing Issues

Agenda

Health, Education & Housing – Wednesday, November 11th 2:30pm

The Committee will review a resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant of $271,534 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to be administered by the Department of Public Health and Wellness Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.

Agenda

Public Safety – Wednesday, November 11th 3:30pm

The Committee will continue its review of an ordinance dealing with Short Term Rentals.  The agenda is pending.

Government Accountability & Ethics – Wednesday, November 11th 4:30pm

The Committee will hear from Debbie Fox of EMA and Metro Safe to discuss present and future plans and receive an update on projects and processes.

Agenda

Committee on Contracts/ Appointments – Thursday, November 12th 3:00pm

The Committee will review pending contracts and appointments to Boards and Commissions of Metro Government.

Agenda

Budget – Thursday, November 12th 5:00pm

The Committee has three ordinances for review dealing with budget amendments including:

  • Transfer of capital cumulative reserve funds to the project titled Zoo Beautification
  • Appropriating $260,000 Metro Parks Agency receipts to be received per a Memorandum of Agreement with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy towards the Boone Square Park Renovations Project
  • Appropriating $225,000 Metro Parks Agency receipts to be received per a Memorandum of Agreement with the Metropolitan Sewer District to mitigate the impacts of the sanitary sewer project on McNeely Lake Park

Agenda

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 committee will act upon all items.

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/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk

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 to:http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council  and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

Grant covers Dixie Highway improvements from downtown and beyond

DixieJamMetro Council President David Tandy (D-4) joined other Metro Council members, Congressman John Yarmuth, Governor Steve Beshear, Mayor Greg Fischer and members of Jefferson County’s Legislative Delegation on Monday to praise the announcement that Metro Louisville will receive a $16.9 million TIGER Grant for the Dixie Highway Master Plan.

“Dixie Highway is just as vital to Metro Louisville as any interstate when it comes to moving people to and from destinations and helping our economy and local businesses,” said Tandy. “We on the Metro Council continue support and advocate for improvements and the modernization of this vital highway.”

The TIGER Grant, along with $11 million in state funding, will improve Dixie Highway by constructing multipurpose lanes for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. There will also be state of the art traffic synchronization for better traffic flow. The funding will also provide TARC with more buses and develop modern rapid transit lanes.

The President said this grant is another enhancement of transportation for Metro Louisville’s urban core.

“It is easy to forget that Dixie Highway begins at 18th Street and Broadway. This grant will help correct traffic flow problems in our downtown and then move out to Algonquin Parkway, Shivery and the Watterson Expressway and then on to the Gene Snyder,” said Tandy.

The grant will also develop landscaping and center medians along the Dixie Highway corridor as a way of improving traffic flow in and out of business locations

“Improving Dixie Highway is just as significant to our infrastructure as the current Ohio River Bridges Project. Both projects will be another plus in Metro Louisville’s favor when it comes to business and travel and our economy.”

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