Public Meetings - Louisville, Kentucky

The Appropriations Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 3:02 PM in Council Chambers with virtual participation. Chair Jonathan Joseph (R-12) presided. Present were Vice Chair Marilyn Parker (R-18, virtual), Committee Members Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Ken Herndon (D-4), JP Lyninger (D-6), and Markus Winkler (D-17, virtual). Dan Seum Jr. (R-13) was excused. The committee considered eight funding requests totaling approximately $259,775 (original amounts, before amendments). The meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Justin Soforo, Legislative Assistant for Councilwoman Josie Raymond (D-10), presented the $22,000 sidewalk survey for District 10, explaining the survey would prioritize future repairs. - Charles Weathers, Legislative Assistant for Councilman Brent Ackerson (D-26), spoke on three items: the $30,000 traffic enforcement overtime ordinance, the $50,000 sidewalk connection project on Hurstbourne Lane, and the $150,000 driver feedback sign installation. - Caleb Howard, Legislative Assistant for Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2), described the $475 weed-eating and spraying project for a t-ball field behind the Boys & Girls Club at 5020 East Indian Trail. - Councilman Ken Herndon (D-4) presented the $6,000 (amended) ordinance for the Coalition for the Homeless Project Stand Down/Homeless Connect and the $1,000 appropriation to Families Who Conquer, Inc. for their Well-Being Legacy Lounge event. Discussion Items - Item 1 – CIF090226PW10 ($22,000 for District 10 sidewalk survey): Chairman Joseph clarified the funds cover only the survey, not repairs. Justin Soforo confirmed the survey is separate from Public Works’ normal operations. Lyninger asked about timeline; Soforo said they hope to start quickly. - Item 2 – O-238-26 ($30,000 from District 26 NDF for LMPD 6th Division overtime for traffic enforcement): Lyninger raised concerns about prior instances where LMPD canceled overtime funds and whether directing specific enforcement violates separation of powers. Charles Weathers noted the division had accepted the funds and previously provided results (arrests, speeding citations). The motion passed on a roll call: Yes – Joseph, Parker, Shanklin, Herndon, Winkler; Present – Lyninger; Excused – Seum. - Item 3 – CIF090226PW26 ($50,000 for Hurstbourne Lane sidewalk connection from Bardstown Road to Taylorsville Road): Lyninger expressed strong support, citing pedestrian safety needs and a personal connection to a past fatality. - Item 4 – CIF090226PW26a ($150,000 for 10 driver feedback signs in District 26 for traffic calming): No discussion; approved by voice vote. - Item 5 – NDF090226MP02 ($475 for weed-eating and spraying a t-ball field): Caleb Howard explained the overgrowth made the field unusable. Approved by voice vote. - Item 6 – O-237-26 (Originally $4,500 from D4, D15, D24, D10 for Coalition for the Homeless; amended to $6,000): Councilman Herndon moved to amend the ordinance to include $1,000 from District 9 (Councilman Owen) and $500 from District 13 (Councilman Seum), bringing the total to $6,000. The amendment passed by voice vote. Herndon noted they hope to raise at least $10,000–$15,000 and honored retiring director Natalie Harris. The amended ordinance passed on a roll call: Yes – Joseph, Parker, Shanklin, Herndon, Lyninger; Absent – Winkler; Excused – Seum. - Item 7 – NDF090226FWC04 ($1,000 from District 4 to Families Who Conquer, Inc. for a well-being event on November 1, 2026): Herndon highlighted the event’s focus on mental health services. Approved by voice vote. - Item 8 – CIF090226BS17 ($2,300 from District 17 to Brightside, Inc. for repairing the damaged leg on the Fleur de Lis horse statue at Hounz Lane Park): Councilman Winkler (sponsor) appeared virtually but had connectivity issues. No questions; approved by voice vote. Key Outcomes - All eight items were approved either by voice vote or recorded vote. - Item 2 (O-238-26) and Item 6 (O-237-26) were sent to Old Business for consideration by the full Metro Council on September 10, 2026. The remaining items were forwarded to the Consent Calendar. - Amendment: Item 6 was amended by voice vote to add $1,000 from District 9 and $500 from District 13, increasing the total appropriation to $6,000. - Vote tallies: - Item 2: 5 yes, 1 present, 1 excused. - Item 6 (as amended): 5 yes, 1 absent, 1 excused. - Action required by: February 27, 2027 for Items 2 and 6 (ordinances).

The meeting on September 2, 2026, consisted solely of a single promotional statement regarding community centers and libraries. No agenda, minutes, or other substantive discussion, public comments, or votes were recorded in the available transcript. Recorded Statement - The only content from the transcript was: "Experience what our community centers and libraries have to offer."

The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Louisville Metro Government met on 2026-09-01 at 1:03 p.m. (the agenda listed 1:00 p.m.) in Council Chambers and via video teleconference, pursuant to KRS 61.826 and Council Rule 5A. Chair Andrew Owen presided; Vice Chair Scott Reed and Committee Member Josie Raymond attended virtually, and the remaining five present members attended in Chambers. Committee Member Shameka Parrish-Wright was excused. The committee acted on two proposed street closures, held one ordinance, and left one item postponed. Postponed and Held Items - O-225-26, the Detailed District Development Plan for 8803, 8805, and 8807 Old Bardstown Road (approximately 7.02 acres; Case No. 26DDP0005), remained postponed in committee with no vote. - O-240-26, an ordinance amending the Louisville Metro Land Development Code regarding road width (Case No. 25-LDC-0003), was held in committee with no vote. Discussion Items - O-241-26 (Case No. 26STRCLOSURE0008): Julia Williams of the Office of Planning presented the proposed closure of approximately 190 feet of East Jacob Street between South Brook Street and South First Street, containing approximately 0.261 acres in Council District 4. The closure was requested for the I-65 Central Corridor Project to facilitate construction of improvements. Williams said the closure would be permanent, with the area to be filled as an embankment. The Development Review Committee met on June 17, 2026, and the Planning Commission recommended approval by an 8-0 vote on July 30, 2026. Committee Member Stuart Benson expressed concern about the closure and questioned whether it was driven by cost or safety; Williams responded that it was for safety due to the nearby Brook Street interchange. Chair Owen stated that he would be concerned if many such closures were made along the corridor, but this case appeared isolated. Chair Owen also reported that Council Member Ken Herndon, in whose district the street is located, supported the closure. - O-242-26 (Case No. 26STRCLOSURE0012): Julia Williams presented the proposed closure of approximately 9,000 square feet of East St. Catherine Street between Logan Street and Steve Magray Alley in Council District 6. The applicant intends to use the resulting property for outdoor dining, community markets, and outdoor family-friendly events. The Development Review Committee met on August 5, 2026, and the Planning Commission recommended approval by a 7-0 vote on August 6, 2026. Committee Member Josie Raymond asked whether a guardrail would prevent vehicle access from Steve Magray Alley; Williams said no such design details were presented. Raymond also asked whether former Council Member Steve Magray had been notified about the change affecting the alley named after him and offered to notify him. Key Outcomes - O-225-26: No action; item remained postponed. - O-240-26: No action; item was held in committee. - O-241-26: A motion by Committee Member Khalil Batshon, seconded by Committee Member Betsy Ruhe, to recommend approval passed 6-1. Voting yes: Owen, Reed, Raymond, Ruhe, Hudson, and Batshon. Voting no: Benson. Parrish-Wright was excused. The ordinance was sent to Old Business for the full Metro Council meeting on September 10, 2026. - O-242-26: A motion by Batshon, seconded by Jeff Hudson, to recommend approval passed 7-0. Voting yes: Owen, Reed, Raymond, Benson, Ruhe, Hudson, and Batshon. Parrish-Wright was excused. The ordinance was sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Metro Council meeting on September 10, 2026. The committee adjourned at 1:14 p.m.

The Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments Committee met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and via video teleconference. Chair Donna L. Purvis presided; all 10 committee members were present, with a quorum established. The committee held one ordinance, recommended an amended ordinance for approval, and acted on multiple board appointments and reappointments. Pending Legislation - O-009-26, the Safety and Accountability for Everyone (SAFE) Law amendment to LMCO Chapter 36, remained held in Committee with no vote taken. - O-161-26, amending LMCO Section 50.24 on the Debt Service Adjustment, was considered with an amendment by substitution. The amended version requires MSD to provide a written explanation for any rate increase, no matter how small, and allows Metro Council to require MSD’s executive director and a board member to appear before this committee to answer questions about an increase. Discussion Items - Councilman Reed, the sponsor, said he originally proposed capping MSD rate increases at CPI plus 1 percent, but after MSD made a compelling case linked to the federal consent decree and infrastructure needs, he shifted to an accountability and transparency approach rather than a fixed cap. - Assistant County Attorney Laura Ferguson clarified current rules: rate increases above 6.9 percent require Metro Council approval, and increases above 3.9 percent but less than 6.9 percent previously required a written explanation. The amendment would require a written explanation for all rate increases. - Chair Purvis, Councilman Owen, and Vice Chair Mulvey-Woolridge expressed support, calling the amendment reasonable and a good compromise. Councilman Piagentini supported it while saying he would have preferred direct council oversight of MSD but believed the federal consent decree made the original cap too risky. Councilman Bratcher said he would support it reluctantly, citing an ongoing state audit and his concerns about MSD management and repeated rate increases. - The motion to adopt the amendment carried by voice vote. The motion to recommend O-161-26 for approval passed unanimously on a roll-call vote, 10-0, and was sent to Old Business. Appointments and Reappointments - John Neace to the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District Board (term through May 1, 2029) was recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Neace was not present; Althea Jackson from the Mayor’s Office presented his qualifications. Councilman Kramer supported the appointment while urging the board to help Louisville offset tourism-related costs. - Meredith Benz to the Landmarks and Preservation District Board (term through November 30, 2028) was recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Benz answered questions as the architect candidate. - Elizabeth Piper to the Landmarks and Preservation District Board (term through November 30, 2028) was recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Councilman Bratcher asked to discuss a Fern Creek project with her. - Brunhilda Williams-Curington to the Landmarks and Preservation District Board (term through November 30, 2028) was recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to Old Business. Chair Purvis questioned her about the Westover neighborhood association, including reports that residents must pay dues to attend meetings. Purvis asked the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office to research whether that requirement is legal. Purvis’s motion to postpone the appointment failed for lack of a second. Councilman Piagentini and Councilman Kramer supported the appointee. Councilwoman McCraney abstained, stating Williams-Curington is a former employee of her office and she wanted to avoid any appearance of conflict. - The reappointments of Jeff Mosley, Lonnie Wright, and Christopher Burckle to the Metropolitan Sewer District Board (terms through July 31, 2029) were considered together, recommended for approval by voice vote, and sent to the Consent Calendar. Several committee members thanked the board members for their service and noted the earlier MSD presentation did not reflect dissatisfaction with the board’s work. - The reappointments of Amy Brooks, Vadim Kaplan, and Douglas Owen to the NuLu Review Overlay District Board (terms through February 26, 2029) were considered together, recommended for approval by voice vote, and sent to the Consent Calendar. Appointees and committee members discussed board roles, including the planning staff seat and the architect seat. Key Outcomes - O-009-26 remained held in Committee. - O-161-26 was amended by substitution and recommended for approval unanimously (10-0); it will be heard before the full Metro Council. - All board appointments and reappointments were recommended for approval, with most sent to the Consent Calendar and Williams-Curington’s appointment sent to Old Business. - The Jefferson County Attorney’s Office was asked to review the legality of the Westover neighborhood association’s dues requirement for meeting attendance. - Chair Purvis adjourned the meeting without objection at 6:14 p.m.

The Louisville Metro Council met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:04 p.m. in Council Chambers (virtual) with President Brent Ackerson presiding. The meeting included a pledge of allegiance, roll call (24 members present, 2 excused), introduction of a page, public addresses, approval of minutes, a consent calendar with 23 items, and action on several old business items. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved by a vote of 23 yes, 1 present, 2 excused. Included: - O-204-26: Appropriating $40,000 from District 16 NDF to the City of Prospect for a boardwalk around Putney Pond (Ordinance No. 152-2026). - O-211-26: Appropriating $10,000 from multiple districts to South Louisville Community Ministries for the Taste of South Louisville fundraiser (Ordinance No. 153-2026). - O-215-26: Appropriating $10,000 from District 6 NDF to Central Louisville Community Ministries for LG&E bill assistance (Ordinance No. 154-2026). - O-219-26 and O-220-26: NDF appropriations for landscaping maintenance via Brightside and Luv-It Landscaping (Ordinances No. 155-2026, 156-2026). - O-223-26: $7,410 from District 23 NDF for Highview Fall Festival and Holiday Fest (Ordinance No. 157-2026). - O-213-26, O-222-26, O-231-26, O-232-26, O-233-26, O-234-26: Budget amendments and transfers (Ordinances No. 158-2026 through 163-2026). - R-093-26: Honorary street naming for Deacon James Turner and M. Annette Mandley-Turner (Resolution No. 064-2026). - Board appointments and reappointments to the Deputy Sheriff Merit Board, Human Relations Advocacy Board, Kentuckiana Works, and Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau. - Noncompetitively negotiated professional service contracts: Louisville Zoo mentorship program ($140,000), Norton Children’s forensic medical services ($200,000), UofL wastewater monitoring ($150,000), and a grant request for the Riverport Authority ($1,178,295). - R-101-26: Declaring 3705 Stone Lakes Drive as surplus property (Resolution No. 069-2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Forsting spoke against the new massage ordinance, arguing it invades client privacy and damages trust between therapists and clients. He urged the council to target bad actors rather than all practitioners. - Donna Catlett (with sign language interpreters), a deafblind individual, complained about TARC removing a bus stop near her home, negatively impacting disabled and elderly residents in her area. - Jeff Cavalcante discussed the city budget and referenced socialism, noting that 8.3% of the current budget comes from a dividend from the city-owned water company. He criticized the use of the term "Marxist mob." - Abigail Bonam, representing the Alliance of Licensed Massage Therapists of Louisville, asked the council to adopt amendments to the massage facility ordinance. She noted that licensed therapists are often victims of illegal actors and requested that the council work with them to distinguish legal practitioners from human traffickers. - Lacanda Martin described problems with city housing repair programs (ECAP, Healthy Homes), alleging retaliation, shoddy work, and failure to address damage. She requested a city investigation. - Jane Kennedy advocated for a plant-based treaty, citing health benefits and noting that cardiovascular disease deaths in the U.S. in 2025 were high. She urged the council to make information about plant-based eating available. Discussion Items - O-227-26 (Package Liquor Stores): Ordinance amending the Land Development Code to restrict package liquor store locations within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, churches, parks, etc., with an exemption for grocery stores over 40,000 sq ft. Council Member Lyninger moved to remove the 40,000 sq ft exemption, arguing it favors large corporations over small businesses. The motion failed on a voice vote. After debate and addition of co-sponsors, the ordinance passed 21-0-3. - R-107-26 (KPFF Incentives): Resolution approving local incentives to KPFF, Inc. Council Member Owen abstained due to his employment with One Louisville, which had spoken on the item. Passed 21-1-2. - O-221-26 (Southwest Community Festival): Ordinance appropriating $2,000 from District 14 NDF (originally). Council Member Joseph and Bast spoke in support. An amendment added $2,000 from District 3, $1,500 from District 25, $1,000 each from Districts 1, 12, and 22, $500 each from Districts 13 and 21, and $250 from District 15, bringing the total to $9,750. The amendment passed by voice vote, and the ordinance passed 24-0. - O-224-26 (Boots, Badges, and Bids Event): Ordinance appropriating $13,500 from multiple districts for the Louisville Metro Police Foundation event. An amendment added $500 each from Districts 4, 16, and 25, increasing the total to $15,000. The amendment passed by voice vote, and the ordinance passed 21-0-3. - O-226-26 (Loan Fund Consolidation): Ordinance to transfer and consolidate funds between loan fund projects for more efficient administration. Council Member Kramer explained it allows reloaning of repaid grant money. Passed 24-0. - R-110-26 (Federal Funding Acceptance): Resolution authorizing the mayor to accept up to $13,470,000 from several federal appropriations acts. Council Member Kramer moved to amend by removing "Department of Economic Development" and adding "Facilities and Fleet" in the third Whereas clause. The amendment passed by voice vote, and the amended resolution was adopted by voice vote. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved (23-1-2). - O-227-26 passed 21-0-3 (Ordinance No. 164-2026). - R-107-26 adopted 21-1-2 (Resolution No. 070-2026). - O-221-26 passed 24-0 after amendment (Ordinance No. 165-2026). - O-224-26 passed 21-0-3 after amendment (Ordinance No. 166-2026). - O-226-26 passed 24-0 (Ordinance No. 167-2026). - R-110-26 adopted by voice vote after amendment (Resolution No. 071-2026). - New business (Items 48-57) received first reading and were assigned to committees.

The Louisville Metro Government Parks and Sustainability Committee met on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers and via video teleconference, with Chair Khalil Batshon (R-25) presiding pursuant to KRS 61.826 and Council Rule 5A. The only substantive agenda item was a special discussion (ID 26-1118) on the Louisville Loop, the planned 100-mile shared-use path network around Jefferson County. The two pending legislative items on the agenda—O-108-26 (permitting foraging of certain plant material in Metro Parks) and R-142-25 (urging implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan)—were held without discussion. Members present were Vice Chair Paula McCraney (I-7, virtual), Anthony Piagentini (R-19), Jennifer Chappell (D-15), Crystal Bast (R-14), Betsy Ruhe (D-21), and Chair Batshon. Discussion Items Louisville Loop Special Discussion (ID 26-1118) - Wes Sidnore, Executive Director of Public Works, and Jason Canwell, Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation, presented on behalf of a multi-department Loop team. (Note: the agenda listed Kristal Atkinson and Mike King of Public Works and Michelle King, Christie Batista Choate, and John Studer of Metro Parks as presenters; the transcript identifies the actual speakers as Sidnore and Canwell.) - The Loop is envisioned as a 100-mile, ADA-accessible, paved shared-use path encircling the county. Approximately 50 miles of the plan are complete, with roughly 50 miles remaining. - A public awareness and engagement survey launched the prior day had already drawn close to 80 responses in about 24 hours. - Projects under construction include the Middletown Eastwood Trail (MET), which will connect the Parklands to Old Shelbyville Road, and the River Road widening—a 30-plus-year project—which will complete a Loop segment along River Road. - The Jefferson Memorial Forest section is in design and split into four segments, running from Pendleton Road north across (in the transcript's words) "Mormon Hill" to Pond Creek. Most of the property is Metro-owned, though a handful of easements and right-of-way issues remain. - Maintenance: Metro Parks maintains 31 miles of the Loop with a three-person crew that also covers Jefferson Memorial Forest natural areas, while the Parklands maintains 19.5 miles with 10 staff. Metro sweeps its Loop mileage about once a month; the Parklands sweeps double or triple that often. - A Loop section between Portland Wharf and Shawnee golf course has been closed for years due to frequent flooding, washouts, and 3–4 feet of sediment buildup in places. - Staff cited renewed momentum since 2025: weekly cross-department subcommittees, a draft Loop charter, a planned community bike ride, an active survey, and a first-time collaboration in which Public Works crews helped Metro Parks with paving this week. Council Questions and Discussion - Chair Batshon asked about deferred maintenance. Staff said no total has been calculated, but most existing asphalt is 20–25 years old, and the section from the Big Four Bridge down to Farnsley-Moremen is nearing the point where repaving will be needed at significant cost. Asked how much land acquisition remains, staff said most of what is left is in the hardest sections to build, with no immediate number available; Batshon requested that cost and acquisition figures be provided to the committee. - Councilman Piagentini praised the Middletown connection in his former district and asked about crossing Floyd's Fork. John Swantowski, Senior Landscape Architect with the Louisville Department of Transportation, explained that the old US 60 bridge—a 1920s concrete arch with split Commonwealth/private ownership—has been deemed beyond repair. A new bridge will need to be built between the highway and the existing structure, with scope, fees, and funding now being negotiated. The Eastwood-to-Parklands connection is nearing the end of its right-of-way phase and may be the next segment to go to construction. Piagentini also said he is requesting estimates to close sidewalk gaps near Beckley and northern Shelbyville Road so neighborhoods can reach the Loop on foot. - Councilwoman Ruhe, who noted she has followed the Loop since 2005 (calling it the "Louis Loop"), asked about a spur at the University of Louisville, which staff confirmed is part of the parkway system. She flagged flooding, mud, and illegal dumping at Pond Creek and Mill Creek, and relayed that a Portland friend has gotten three flat tires at the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing by the river. Staff said they are working with Norfolk Southern to potentially rebuild the crossing, though railroad right-of-way work is difficult. - Councilwoman Bast voiced concern that Metro Parks is already stretched thin by deferred maintenance and suggested seeking local businesses to "adopt miles" of the Loop. She reported safety and maintenance problems in southwest Jefferson County: mowing crews knocking people off the trail, illegal ATV/dirt bike and motorcycle use (including a fatal ATV incident near the LG&E plant a few years ago), loose dogs, broken benches, non-working water fountains, and graffiti. Asked how the Loop will cross Dixie Highway, staff said the preferred option is an above-grade bridge (citing an Indianapolis example), with an at-grade crossing the least desirable. Bast noted the racetrack-area corridor has 100+ mph traffic and no lights, and that she has asked KYTC for infrastructure changes. Staff Recognition - The committee honored John Swantowski for more than 30 years of work on the Louisville Loop as he retires at the end of August 2026. Swantowski spoke of his 20-plus years at Metro Parks and 8 at Public Works, described the Loop as a "ring" or "crown" connecting the community for human-powered movement, and cited a Parks Alliance survey in which multi-use trails ranked as the top community priority in every demographic. Pending Legislation (Held) - O-108-26, an ordinance amending LMCO Section 42.31 to permit foraging of certain plant material in Metro Parks (sponsored by JP Lyninger, D-6), was held. - R-142-25, a resolution urging implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan (sponsored by Jennifer Chappell, D-15, with co-sponsors), was held. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the committee took no formal action on the Louisville Loop. - Staff agreed to provide the committee with estimated figures on remaining land acquisition and deferred maintenance/repaving costs. - Staff encouraged residents to report Loop maintenance issues such as potholes, graffiti, and damage through the 311 app. - The Loop team will continue subcommittee work, survey analysis, and outreach including a planned community bike ride, and will return for further conversations with the committee.

The Budget Committee of the Louisville Metro Council, chaired by Kevin Kramer (R-11), met on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:34 PM to 5:18 PM. The committee conducted a special discussion on the Joshua Community Connectors (JCC) contract and performance report, and voted on seven items of pending legislation, including budget transfers, capital project reallocations, and a resolution to accept federal funding. All nine present members voted unanimously on each item, with one member excused. Consent Calendar The following items were recommended for approval by unanimous roll call votes (9-0) and sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Metro Council meeting on August 27, 2026: - O-233-26: Transfer of $70,000 from District 9 Capital Infrastructure Fund to District 9 Neighborhood Development Fund (sponsored by Andrew Owen). - O-234-26: Transfer of $50,000 from District 9 Neighborhood Development Fund to Louisville Metro Council General Operations (District 9) (sponsored by Andrew Owen). - O-213-26: Transfer of $35,000 from District 3 Neighborhood Development Fund to Louisville Metro Council General Operations (District 3) (sponsored by Shameka Parrish-Wright). - O-222-26: Transfer of $136,336.49 from the Unallocated Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grants Project to Emergency Services for the USDA Streambank Stabilization Project (sponsored by Kevin Kramer and Scott Reed). - O-231-26: Transfer of $83,555.70 from two existing District 15 capital projects to establish two new District 15 projects (sponsored by Jennifer Chappell). - O-232-26: Renaming of three capital project titles in the FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget (sponsored by Kevin Kramer, with Markus Winkler added as co-sponsor). Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public testified. The special discussion featured a presentation and Q&A with James Tatum (Director, Office of Violence Prevention) and Kimberly Moore (CEO, Joshua Community Connectors), followed by questions from Council Members Tammy Hawkins, Marilyn Parker, Ken Herndon, Shameka Parrish-Wright, Donna Purvis, and Vice Chair Markus Winkler. Discussion Items - Special Discussion – ID 26-1126 (Joshua Community Connectors): The committee reviewed JCC’s FY 2025-2026 performance and the FY 2026-2027 contract. Key points included: - Metro’s $100,000 contribution represents 23% of JCC’s total $460,000 budget. - JCC reported housing 12 families, relocating 3 families locally, and supporting 3 individuals in college during the past year. - A case manager with a master’s degree carries a caseload of 25 people and is paid $27,000 annually (part-time). - Relocation costs vary widely (e.g., $3,000 for one person, $22,000 for a family of six); services can extend up to 20 months. - Unmet demand: JCC was unable to serve approximately 20 relocation requests last year, often due to safety concerns or the individual’s involvement in violence. - The new contract, now under the Office of Violence Prevention, includes defined KPIs, quarterly reporting, and fiscal compliance checks. Council members expressed support for the program while seeking clarity on referral processes, sustainability, and criteria for assistance. - O-226-26 (Loan Fund Consolidation): This ordinance consolidates multiple revolving loan fund accounts into four categories for easier administration. An amendment was added to clarify that the Office of Management and Budget has authority to transfer balances as of June 30, 2026. The amended ordinance was recommended for approval and sent to Old Business. - R-110-26 (Federal Funding Acceptance): A resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept up to $13,470,000 in federal earmarks from Senator McConnell and Congressman McGarvey for various projects (behavioral health, transportation, etc.). A technical amendment added “Facilities and Fleets” to the list of departments. The amended resolution was recommended for approval and sent to Old Business. Key Outcomes - All six items on the consent calendar were approved unanimously (9-0) and will be considered by the full Metro Council on August 27, 2026. - O-226-26 and R-110-26 were each amended (by voice vote) and then recommended for approval (9-0); they were sent to Old Business for further consideration. - Committee members expressed appreciation for the Joshua Community Connectors’ work and noted the need for continued tracking and reporting. - The meeting adjourned at 5:18 PM.

The Louisville Metro Council Appropriations Committee met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and via video teleconference. Chair Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.; a quorum was present. Members present: Joseph (R-12), Vice Chair Marilyn Parker (R-18), Ken Herndon (D-4), JP Lyninger (D-6), Dan Seum Jr. (R-13), and Markus Winkler (D-17). Barbara Shanklin (D-2) was excused. The committee considered 12 appropriations involving neighborhood development funds (NDF), council-originated NDFs, and capital infrastructure funds (CIF). All items were approved; six were sent to the full Council consent calendar and two were sent to old business for the August 27, 2026 Metro Council meeting. The meeting adjourned at 3:21 p.m. Funding Legislation Reviewed 1. CIF021826PW09 – Lexington Road/Wentworth Avenue flashing beacons Added $5,000 in District 9 capital infrastructure funds to an existing $19,501 appropriation for Public Works to assemble and install two rectangular rapid-flashing beacons near Sacred Heart Academy. Regina Garr, District 9 legislative assistant, said KYTC needed changes, prompting the additional request. Approved by voice vote. 2. O-221-26 – Southwest Community Festival The agenda version appropriated $2,000 from District 14 to the Southwest Community Festival & Parade Committee for the October 10, 2026 festival. Brad Bearden, District 14 legislative assistant, said the festival is a long-standing free community event, that organizers were seeking $15,000 in total support, and that he hoped other council members would contribute; Chair Joseph said he would contribute and moved the item to old business to seek more funding. As amended, the ordinance totaled $9,750 from multiple districts and was recommended for approval 6-0. Note: the final minutes show a revised total and additional contributing districts compared with the agenda version, and the transcript cites a $15,000 fundraising target that differs from both the original and amended appropriation. 3. O-220-26 – District 15 median landscaping Appropriated $6,580 from District 15 NDF through Brightside, Inc. to Luv-It Landscaping for maintenance and beautification of five medians. Amy Luckett, District 15 legislative assistant, spoke in support. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 4. CONDF081926FLSm – For Lady's Sake Dining for Dignity Appropriated $5,000 from NDFs ($2,500 from District 15; $1,000 each from Districts 3 and 21; $500 from District 8) for a Super Flow sponsorship at the Dining for Dignity fundraiser on October 18, 2026. Amy Luckett said all requested sponsorship funds were secured and that proceeds support period-product programs. Approved by voice vote. 5. O-204-26 – Putney Pond boardwalk Appropriated $40,000 from District 16 NDF to the City of Prospect for an ADA-compliant boardwalk around Putney Pond. Jared Townes, District 16 legislative assistant, said the allocation supports construction design. Clerk Sonya Harward noted the application was significantly updated, including its budget. Vice Chair Parker expressed support for the project while asking about NDF use in suburban cities; Assistant County Attorney Amanda Baker said council has funded special projects in suburban cities before. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 6. O-211-26 – Taste of South Louisville Appropriated $10,000 from NDFs ($3,000 each from Districts 3 and 21; $2,000 from District 15; $750 from District 4; $500 each from Districts 9 and 24; $250 from District 17) to South Louisville Community Ministries for sponsorship of the August 22, 2026 fundraiser. Ashkan Rezai, District 21 legislative assistant, said the event features 20 local restaurants and that the sponsorship is fully funded. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 7. CIF081926EDm – Wilder Park wayfinding signs Appropriated $5,000 from NDFs ($2,500 each from Districts 15 and 21) to Economic Development for wayfinding signs in the Wilder Park neighborhood in partnership with Louisville Tourism. Rezai said total project cost was $15,650, with $10,650 coming from a Louisville Tourism grant. Vice Chair Parker asked about the grant; Rezai said the office initiated the project and the grant was available through Louisville Tourism. Approved by voice vote. 8. O-223-26 – Highview Business Owners events Appropriated $7,410 from District 23 NDF to Highview Business Owners Association, Inc. for the October 10 Fall Festival and Parade, December 4 Holiday Fest, and website maintenance. John Torsky, District 23 legislative assistant, said the events have run 15–20 years and that costs decreased by roughly $1,000–$2,000 because of vendor changes. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 9. O-219-26 – Shepherdsville Road/Newburg Road landscaping Appropriated $5,440 from District 2 NDF through Brightside, Inc. to Luv-It Landscaping for maintenance and beautification of three rights-of-way at the Shepherdsville Road and Newburg Road intersection. Christina Scotland, council financial analyst, spoke on behalf of District 2 and requested support. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 10. O-215-26 – Low-income LG&E bill assistance Appropriated $10,000 from District 6 NDF to Central Louisville Community Ministries for its low-income LG&E bill assistance program. Councilman Lyninger said the appropriation was selected by his advisory council after CLCM presented on a skyrocketing need for utility and rent assistance. Approved 6-0; sent to the consent calendar. 11. NDF081926SJCAS06 – St. James Court Art Show security Appropriated $5,000 from District 6 NDF to St. James Court Art Show, Inc. for security costs at the October 2–4, 2026 art show. Lyninger expressed support and noted the office's longstanding relationship with the show. Approved by voice vote. 12. O-224-26 – Louisville Metro Police Foundation Boots, Badges, and Bids The agenda version appropriated $9,000 from multiple districts to the Louisville Metro Police Foundation for the August 15, 2026 event. Councilman Seum said the event supports law enforcement appreciation month; because the cost center could not be used this year, funds were routed through the foundation, and organizers were working toward a $15,000 sponsorship level. Seum's amendment added $1,500 each from Districts 12 and 22 and $500 each from Districts 17, 18, and 23; the motion to amend carried, with the minutes recording a new total of $13,500. The amended ordinance was then recommended for approval 5-0, with Lyninger present and Shanklin excused, and sent to old business. Note: the final minutes caption lists $15,000 as the total, which conflicts with the $13,500 stated in the amendment vote summary and with the original agenda amount. Key Outcomes - All 12 funding items were approved. - Sent to the full Council consent calendar for August 27, 2026: O-220-26, O-204-26, O-211-26, O-223-26, O-219-26, and O-215-26. - Sent to old business for additional sponsorship/full Council action: O-221-26 and O-224-26. - Approved directly by voice vote: CIF021826PW09, CONDF081926FLSm, CIF081926EDm, and NDF081926SJCAS06. - Chair Joseph adjourned the meeting without objection at 3:21 p.m.

The Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education Committee met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Council Chambers/virtually, with Chair Barbara Shanklin presiding. Roll call established a quorum with five members present: Chair Shanklin (D-2), Vice Chair Benson (R-20), Committee Members Lyninger (D-6), Seum Jr. (R-13), and Parker (R-18); Committee Member Hawkins (D-1) was excused. The meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. and adjourned at 1:35 p.m. Pending Legislation - R-093-26: A resolution honoring Deacon James Turner and M. Annette Mandley-Turner by naming the corner of 32nd Street and West Broadway as "Rev. Deacon James and M. Annette Turner Way" in their honor, sponsored by Councilman Ken Herndon (D-4). Taylore Bass, District 4 Legislative Assistant, presented the resolution, noting that the Turners provided opportunities for youth for over 40 years, beginning with construction of the property at 32nd and Broadway, and are published authors of educational and spiritual works. - Committee Member Lyninger asked whether there is a character limit on honorary street signs and said he would raise the topic at caucus; Vice Chair Benson responded that the sign would use a shorter version of the full name. Lyninger expressed support for the resolution. Key Outcomes - Committee Member Lyninger moved, and Committee Member Seum seconded, that R-093-26 be recommended for approval. - The motion carried by voice vote with no nays, and the resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Metro Council meeting on August 27, 2026.