Public Meetings - Louisville, Kentucky

The Appropriations Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on July 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Chair Jonathan Joseph (R-12) presided. A quorum was present with 6 members (Joseph, Shanklin, Herndon, Lyninger, Seum Jr., Winkler) and Vice Chair Parker excused. The committee reviewed 17 funding appropriations from Neighborhood Development Funds (NDF) and Capital Infrastructure Funds (CIF), approving all but one item. Several ordinances were advanced to the Metro Council consent calendar or old business for the July 30, 2026 meeting. Consent Calendar - O-183-26 (District 3): $10,000 to Metro Parks for the Gyms Not Jails boxing program (June 23 – Aug 4, 2026) at South Louisville Community Center. Approved 5-0 (Winkler absent, Parker excused). - O-191-26 (District 10): $25,000 to Metro Parks for four community events (Back to School Bash, Community Day, H.O.R.S.E. Tournament, Slabfest). Approved 6-0 (Parker excused). - O-192-26 (District 6): $9,922 to Metro Parks for Jazz in Central Park (Aug 23, 2026). Approved 6-0 (Parker excused). - O-189-26 (District 13): $10,000 to Fairdale Fair Community United for the 2026 Fairdale Fair (Oct 1-3). Approved 6-0 (Parker excused). Public Comments & Testimony No public testimony was given. Only council members and legislative assistants spoke on behalf of the appropriations. Discussion Items - O-183-26: Ben Harlan (District 3 Legislative Assistant) described the program as free boxing lessons (non-sparring) for youth, with funds for coaches and equipment. Committee Member Lyninger commended the initiative. - NDF072226PF05 (District 5): $3,260 to Portland Festival, Inc. for port-a-potties. Carmen Washington (District 5 Legislative Assistant) praised the new organizers and invited members to next year’s festival. Approved by voice vote. - CIF072226PW05 (District 5): $188 for an honorary street sign for Julio Rodriguez at Duncan and 36th Streets. Approved by voice vote. - NDF072226BNA08 (District 8): $2,120 to Belknap Neighborhood Association for an AED and tower at 2200 Bardstown Road. Approved by voice vote. - CIF072226PW08 (District 8): $516.10 for two “Police Parking Only 24 Hours” signs at 1058 Bardstown Road. Approved by voice vote. - NDF072226PW09a (District 9): $73 for a street light shield near 3517 St. Germaine Court. Approved by voice vote. - NDF072226PW09b (District 9): $120 for a street light shield near 2732 Shippen Avenue. Approved by voice vote. - O-191-26: Council Member Raymond (D-10) spoke, noting the ordinance bundles funding for multiple recurring events to increase efficiency. Approved to consent calendar. - O-181-26 (Districts 15, 3, and others): $18,000 (with a goal of $21,000) to Friends of Nicole 50/50 Mentoring Collaborative for the Crisp Wyandotte Career Readiness and Beautification Project. Amy Luckett (District 15 Legislative Assistant) explained the program helps young adults with beautification projects. She noted the appropriation took longer than expected and invited additional contributions. The motion passed 6-0 and was sent to old business. (Note: Agenda listed $18,000 from D15 and D3; minutes show $21,000 goal with additional districts; transcript confirms $18,000 committed.) - O-190-26 (District 15, amended): Originally $10,000 for Ministries United of South Central Louisville for the Jim King Senior Wellness Center. Amy Luckett reported a $5,000 commitment from District 10 (Council Member Raymond) and stated $3,000 more was needed. The committee voted to amend the ordinance to add $5,000 from District 10, bringing the total to $15,000. The amended ordinance passed 6-0 and was sent to old business. - NDF072226SCLT04 (District 4): $4,000 to Smoketown Community Land Trust for a skating rink at the Smoketown Block Party (Aug 1, 2026). Committee Member Herndon noted the block party celebrates four new infill houses. Shanklin asked if the rink was brought in; Herndon confirmed it was. Approved by voice vote. - NDF072226PSSF04 (District 4): $1,500 to Platinum Shears Scholarship Foundation for the Platinum Scholars Beauty Pathway Program as part of the Life Skills for Youth initiative. Herndon said it is the only hair school west of 9th Street, covering materials for a scholarship student. Approved by voice vote. - NDF072226LMPD04 (District 4): $1,000 to Louisville Metro Police 1st Division for the National Night Out event (Aug 4, 2026) at Waterfront Park. Herndon noted the location change from 28th and Broadway. Approved by voice vote. - CIF072226PW04 (District 4): $188 for an honorary street sign for Mitzi McCauley Wilson at 12th and Jefferson Streets. Herndon highlighted Wilson’s long-time organizing for Beecher Terrace Day. Approved by voice vote. - O-192-26: Committee Member Lyninger (D-6) spoke, describing Jazz in Central Park as a long-standing tradition, with this year’s event on Aug 23. He thanked organizer T.S. Elliott. Approved to consent calendar. - O-189-26: Committee Member Seum (R-13) noted the Fairdale Fair is fully funded through his office and invited colleagues to attend Oct 1-3. Approved to consent calendar. - CIF072226PW18 (District 18): $60,000 for sidewalk drainage and installation at Lowe Road. This item was held in committee without discussion due to the absence of sponsor Vice Chair Parker. It will be taken up at the next Appropriations Committee meeting. Key Outcomes - 17 items considered, 16 approved, 1 held. - All approved NDF and CIF items passed by voice vote or roll call as noted. - O-183-26, O-191-26, O-192-26, and O-189-26 were sent to the Consent Calendar for the July 30 Metro Council meeting. - O-181-26 and O-190-26 were sent to Old Business for further action at the July 30 Council meeting. - O-190-26 was amended to include an additional $5,000 from District 10, raising the total to $15,000. - CIF072226PW18 was held in committee until the next meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 3:20 PM.

The Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 1:35 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Chair Barbara Shanklin (D-2) presided over the brief meeting, which considered two resolutions for honorary street namings. Both resolutions were unanimously recommended for approval and sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Metro Council meeting on July 30, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Taylore Bass, Legislative Assistant for Councilman Ken Herndon (D-4), spoke in support of R-087-26, describing Mitzi McCauley Wilson's long-standing dedication to the Beecher Terrace community since 1971 and her annual Beecher Terrace Weekend celebration. - Carmen Washington, Legislative Assistant for Councilwoman Donna Purvis (D-5), spoke in support of R-088-26, highlighting Julio Rodriguez's activism in the Shawnee neighborhood and his role as the "Prince of Jewel Park." - Committee Member Tammy Hawkins (D-1) expressed strong support for R-087-26, stating she had known Ms. McCauley Wilson for over 30 years and that the honor was overdue. Discussion Items - R-087-26 (Honorary Street Naming for Mitzi McCauley Wilson): The resolution proposed naming the corner of 12th Street and Jefferson Street as "Mitzi McCauley Wilson Way." A motion by Vice Chair Stuart Benson (R-20), seconded by Committee Member JP Lyninger (D-6), carried by voice vote. The resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar. - R-088-26 (Honorary Street Naming for Julio Rodriguez): The resolution proposed naming the corner of Duncan Street and North 36th Street as "Julio Rodriguez Way." A motion by Committee Member Lyninger, seconded by Committee Member Dan Seum, Jr. (R-13), carried by voice vote. The resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar. Key Outcomes - Both resolutions (R-087-26 and R-088-26) were recommended for approval unanimously by voice vote and forwarded to the Metro Council Consent Calendar for final consideration on July 30, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 1:35 PM after approximately five minutes of deliberation.

The Public Safety Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met at 4:04 PM on July 22, 2026, to consider O-280-25, an ordinance enacting a new chapter of Title XI relating to in-person security at late-night businesses. After extensive debate and two amendments, the committee voted 9-1 to recommend approval, sending the measure to the full Metro Council's Old Business for the July 30, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - O-280-25 – Late-Night Business Security Ordinance: Sponsored by Council Member Tammy Hawkins (D-1) and co-sponsored by Betsy Ruhe (D-21), the ordinance would require certain late-night businesses (open 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) to provide on-site security after they are cited for persistent illegal activity. The definition of persistent illegal activity property was clarified via an amendment by Council Member Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (R-24), which separated criteria for hotels/motels (five or more enforcement actions in 12 months) from other properties (more than one enforcement action in 12 months). County Attorney Alice Lyon explained that enforcement would follow existing code processes, with code enforcement issuing a notice and citation after two incidents for most businesses. Discussion included: - Concerns about code enforcement capacity and whether the department has resources (raised by Council Members Winkler and Chappell). - Questions about how a single incident (e.g., a fight involving multiple arrests) would be counted (raised by CM Winkler). - Anecdotal evidence from CM Owen about the difficulty of reaching national tenants when citations go to property owners. - Council Member Hawkins emphasized that existing nuisance ordinances already allow code enforcement to shut down businesses, and that the ordinance targets repeated criminal activity (e.g., prostitution, gambling, assault) rather than one-off events. - Council Member Chappell expressed concerns about unintended consequences, cost burdens on small businesses, and the lack of an unarmed security licensure option. She stated she could not support the measure. - Council Member Parrish-Wright voiced similar concerns about equity and enforcement, noting she would vote no. Key Outcomes - Amendment (Mulvey-Woolridge): Passed by voice vote to clarify the definition of persistent illegal activity property for hotels/motels. - Amendment by Substitution (Hawkins): Passed by voice vote, incorporating the first amendment and other changes from previous versions. - Final Vote on O-280-25 (as amended): 9 Yes (Seum, Hawkins, Owen, Joseph, Reed, Winkler, Ruhe, Bratcher, Mulvey-Woolridge), 1 No (Parrish-Wright). The ordinance was sent to Old Business for the full Metro Council meeting on July 30, 2026.

The Louisville Metro Government Labor and Economic Development Committee met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 3:04 p.m. in Council Chambers and via video teleconference. Chair Ben Reno-Weber (D-8) presided, and a quorum was present. The committee heard a special presentation from NAMI Louisville and took action on three pending items. The meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m. Special Discussion: NAMI Louisville - Nancy Brooks, executive director of NAMI Louisville, said the organization is an independent 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She described all programs as peer-led, free, and focused on prevention, family support, youth education, workplace stigma reduction, and connections before crises occur. - Brooks provided impact statistics: NAMI Louisville reaches over 10,000 people per year, delivered more than 100 presentations to workplaces and schools in the past year, has 45 workplace partners in its stigma-free workplace program, more than 3,000 people attended support groups and education classes, and about 1,000 people attend support groups each month. - Mary Dossett, NAMI Louisville, shared the story of her son Alex, who experienced anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She said clinical care was essential but not enough, and that NAMI fills the space between appointments with understanding, connection, and hope. She asked the committee to give NAMI a seat at the table. - Committee members asked how the city could help; Brooks said the main need is visibility, awareness, and connections to neighborhoods, businesses, and city agencies. Council Member McCraney asked whether NAMI would attend a neighborhood meeting, and Brooks said yes. Council Member Herndon shared his own experience with therapy and mental health treatment and expressed support for NAMI's message. Pending Legislation: Landmark Building Development Area (O-187-26) - Katie Littman, deputy director of Louisville Metro's Cabinet for Economic Development, presented the ordinance to create a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the Landmark Building conversion project at 310 West Liberty Street. - The project involves two historic buildings constructed in 1853 and 1907, including the first U.S. Custom House west of the Allegheny Mountains. The developer, Landmark Landlord LLC, is tied to the Louisville-based Timba Walla Group. - Littman reported a planned $74 million renovation into a 150-room Canopy by Hilton managed by Schulte Hospitality Group, with restaurant, bar, cafe, and meeting space. Significant lead paint and asbestos remediation is required. - The requested incentive is a reimbursement-based, local-only TIF of $3,758,524 over 20 years, using growth in local property taxes (Metro and urban services district only; school district taxes are excluded). Metro would keep 20% of the new increment plus existing base revenue. Over 20 years, Metro is expected to earn more than $1.5 million, compared with about $610,000 if the property remained dormant. - Sponsor Councilman Herndon called the building a missing tooth in downtown and supported the ordinance, despite saying he does not believe in TIFs everywhere. - The motion carried 6-1, with Committee Member Lyninger casting the sole no vote; Committee Member McCraney was absent. The ordinance was sent to Old Business. Pending Legislation: R.C. Bigelow, Inc. Incentives (R-081-26) - Hayden Kandul, senior director of market development for One Louisville, said R.C. Bigelow, Inc. is requesting final approval of a Kentucky Business Investment incentive for its tea manufacturing and packaging facility at 2401 Constant Comment Place in District 11. - The company received preliminary approval in August 2021 through the Kentucky Unified Economic Development Finance Authority (CUDFA) for a $53 million total investment and the creation of 31 new jobs on top of its existing 126 employees, with an average hourly wage of $21.65. - The requested Louisville Metro incentive is 1% of the wage assessment. Kandul said the company complies with all program requirements established and monitored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. - Council Member Kramer, the sponsor, spoke in support of the expansion, saying Bigelow considered other locations but chose to stay in Louisville. Committee Member Lyninger asked about the number of employees and average wage. - The resolution was approved by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Pending Legislation: NLCI Grant to Office of Social Services (R-085-26) - Josh Swetman, co-director of the Office of Social Services, presented a resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept $25,000 from the National League of Cities Institute under the Building Economic Resilience in Communities Program. - The grant will fund a pilot at South Central Neighborhood Place blending financial empowerment with housing stabilization and case management. It will expand financial counseling as a core service and support a data analysis project examining four years of financial empowerment and housing stabilization data to improve future services. - The resolution was approved by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Key Outcomes - O-187-26 (Landmark Building Development Area): Approved by roll call vote, 6-1 (Reno-Weber, Bast, Purvis, Raymond, Hudson, and Batshon yes; Lyninger no; McCraney absent). Sent to Old Business. - R-081-26 (R.C. Bigelow incentives): Approved by voice vote. Sent to the Consent Calendar. - R-085-26 (NLCI grant): Approved by voice vote. Sent to the Consent Calendar. - Items sent to the Consent Calendar or Old Business will be heard before the full Metro Council on July 30, 2026. - Chair Reno-Weber adjourned the meeting at 3:58 p.m. without objection.

The Louisville Metro Planning and Zoning Committee met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:01 PM to consider three agenda items, including a zoning change, a postponed moratorium on data centers, and a scenic corridor nomination. The meeting adjourned at 1:19 PM. Seven of eight committee members were present; Committee Member Josie Raymond (D-10) was excused. Non-committee members Council Member Dan Seum Jr. (R-13) and Council Member Jennifer Chappell (D-15) also attended. Discussion Items O-186-26: Zoning Change at 603 and 603R Mount Holly Road (Case 26ZONE0035) - Brian Davis from the Office of Planning presented the proposal to rezone approximately 7.9 acres from R-4 (minimum lot size 9,000 sq ft) to R-5 (minimum lot size 6,000 sq ft). The applicant plans to subdivide the property into 40 single-family residential lots and two open space lots, extending Cali Drive to Mount Holly Road. The existing structures have been demolished. - Council Member Seum, the district council member, expressed strong support, noting the project addresses flood mitigation concerns and that Habitat for Humanity will build the homes, providing homeownership opportunities for families and building generational wealth. - Committee Member Ruhe asked about long-term maintenance of the detention basin and non-buildable lots. Laura Ferguson, Assistant County Attorney, stated that a homeowners association would maintain the areas and binding element No. 14 requires at least $3,000 cash in the HOA account upon turnover. MSD would maintain any sewer and drainage easements. - Committee Member Parrish-Wright asked about the single no vote at the Planning Commission (June 4, 2026). Brian Davis explained that one public speaker opposed due to flooding concerns, and the dissenting commissioner felt R-5 density was inappropriate for the location, though the Village Center form district supports higher density. The Planning Commission recommended approval 8-1. The committee voted 7-0 (with Council Member Seum also voting yes, totaling 8-0) to recommend approval, sending the ordinance to Old Business. O-135-26: Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers - This ordinance remained postponed from previous meetings. No motion was made to return it to the table. The chair clarified that a motion and second are required to resume consideration; none were offered, so the item stayed postponed. R-083-26: Chamberlain Lane Scenic Corridor Nomination - Vice Chair Reed introduced the resolution, describing it as phase two of scenic corridor designations in the Floyds Fork preservation area. The portion runs from I-71 to Mint Spring Branch Road. - Committee Member Ruhe asked about protections and maintenance. Brian Davis explained that the designation requires additional setbacks and tree preservation or planting. There are approximately 10–15 such corridors in the county. Maintenance is not actively performed by the city; developers must maintain along their frontage, and Metro Council could revoke the designation if conditions degrade. - The committee approved the resolution by voice vote and sent it to the Consent Calendar. Key Outcomes - O-186-26: Recommended for approval (7-0 with an additional yes from Council Member Seum, for a total of 8-0). Sent to Old Business. - O-135-26: Remained postponed; no action taken. - R-083-26: Recommended for approval by voice vote. Sent to the Consent Calendar. - All items requiring full council action will appear on the Metro Council agenda on July 30, 2026.

The Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments Committee met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:03 PM (local time) in Council Chambers and virtually. Chair Donna L. Purvis attended virtually, so Committee Member Andrew Owen presided. The committee considered four agenda items but only acted on one: the annexation ordinance for the City of Prospect. Two pending ordinances were held without discussion, and a special discussion item was deferred. Special Discussion - Item ID 26-0659 (Community Commitment Task Force) was listed but not discussed. Pending Legislation - O-009-26 (SAFE Law – police department policies): Remained held in committee. - O-161-26 (Debt service adjustment amendment): Remained held in committee. Discussion Items - O-193-26 – Annexation by the City of Prospect: An ordinance to approve the annexation of a tract of land east of Harrods Creek, west of Timber Ridge Drive, north of US Highway 42, and south of the Ohio River, contiguous to Prospect's present boundary. Travis Fiechter from the Jefferson County Attorney's Office summarized the request, noting that the city had reached the statutory threshold for annexation. He mentioned that a rezoning of much of the land might occur in the future and that a separate, smaller annexation would be needed for a lot consolidated after the initial notices. Committee Member Scott Reed, the primary sponsor, expressed strong support, stating the land would be developed as a mixed-use “downtown” for Prospect, modeled on Norton Commons but at a smaller scale, with apartments, retail, and restaurants. Committee Member Kevin Kramer inquired about the omitted lot; Fiechter explained it would need to be annexed in a separate process. Kramer also asked if the current ordinance could be amended to include that lot, but Fiechter clarified that statutory requirements prevent that. Committee Member Andrew Owen voiced support for the proactive mixed-use development. Key Outcomes - Vote on O-193-26: A motion by Committee Member Anthony Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Reed, passed unanimously (10-0). The ordinance was sent to the Metro Council Consent Calendar for the July 30, 2026, full Council meeting. - No other votes or actions were taken.

The Louisville Metro Public Works Committee met on July 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers/virtual, with Chair Hudson presiding. The committee discussed a paving status update, considered an ordinance to renew the gas franchise with Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E), a resolution declaring real property surplus, and held several appointments to the Complete Streets Coalition. Special Discussion: Paving Status Update - Clinton Davis of Public Works, along with Nick Vail and Wes Sidnore, presented the FY27-29 paving plan. Louisville has over 2,100 centerline miles of roadways. The FY25 plan is nearly complete and FY26 is 95% complete. Recent annual budgets of $30 million have helped improve pavement condition index (PCI) scores by 5–8 points since 2013. New software (OpenGov) is being used for strategic planning. Questions covered PCI objectivity (90–95% objective via LIDAR consultant data), inflation eroding purchasing power, state road transfers (e.g., Logan, Shelby, Market) without additional funding, coordination with traffic calming and Complete Streets initiatives, and maintenance of state roads like Dixie Highway (funded by KYTC at about $5 million annually for potholes plus snow removal). Discussion on O-188-26 (Gas Franchise Renewal) - Hollie Hopkins from the Jefferson County Attorney's Office explained the second five-year renewal of the gas franchise agreement with LG&E, originally from 2016. The agreement allows LG&E to use streets for gas pipes. Metro has chosen not to impose a franchise fee due to uneven applicability across the urban services district and suburban cities. Committee Member Reno-Weber questioned whether voting no would halt gas service and noted similar lopsided agreements with LG&E for electricity. A motion to recommend approval carried 5–3 (yes: Hudson, Herndon, Bast, Benson, Bratcher; present: Reno-Weber, Raymond, Chappell). The ordinance was sent to Old Business for full council consideration. Discussion on R-090-26 (Surplus Property at 207 North English Station Road) - Councilmember Piagentini (sponsor) and Mike King (Assistant Director, Louisville Metro Department of Transportation) described the property, which has water company infrastructure co-deeded with Metro. The resolution declares the land surplus and not needed for governmental purposes, allowing the water company sole jurisdiction and facilitating future KYTC road projects. A voice vote carried unanimously, and the resolution was sent to the Consent Calendar. Appointments to Complete Streets Coalition (Items 4–15) - All eight new appointments (Kristi Ashby, Adam Stegemann, Brad Herschler, Mira Sullivan) and eight reappointments (Lucas Frazier, Anita Hall, Janet Heston, Patrick Smith, Joseph B. Spencer, Kenneth Thompson, Estela Valdez, Bill Wright) remained held in committee without action. Key Outcomes - O-188-26: Recommended for approval to the full Metro Council (5 yes, 3 present). - R-090-26: Recommended for approval via the Consent Calendar. - Paving Update: Received as information; committee members emphasized the need to adjust future budgets for inflation and to coordinate with state road projects. - Complete Streets Coalition Appointments: All held in committee; no further action taken.

The Louisville Metro Council met in regular session on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 6:11 PM, adjourning at 9:28 PM. All 26 council members were present except Council Member Ruhe (absent) and Council Member Winkler (attended virtually). The meeting covered a wide range of legislation, including the FY 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets, a noise ordinance, a sign ordinance, and a major mixed-use development near Slugger Field. Council President Ackerson began with an admonition regarding public speech, noting that following a First Amendment lawsuit threat, profanity and derogatory remarks would now be permitted in public comments. Consent Calendar Approved by a 25–0 roll call vote (Ruhe absent). Included 38 items: - NDF Ordinances: O-153-26 ($6,160 for Southend Movies Under the Stars), O-155-26 ($8,000 for Southwest Community Ministries teacher supply giveaway), O-168-26 ($19,000 for Dirt Bowl events), O-171-26 ($175,000 for Warwick Park pavilion). - Budget Ordinances: O-162-26 (Louisville Tourism FY 2026-2027 budget), O-163-26 (TARC FY 2026-2027 budget), O-169-26 (establishing real property subclassifications for ad valorem taxation within the Urban Services District), O-174-26 (authorizing up to $750 million in health system revenue bonds for Norton Healthcare). - Resolutions: R-044-26 (approving Greater Louisville Lodging Management District budget and economic improvement plan for FY 2026-2027), R-047-26 (amending sole source contract with Public Consulting Group LLC, new not-to-exceed $550,000), R-074-26 (ratifying collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3425 for Louisville Free Public Library employees through June 30, 2030). - Code Amendments: O-170-26 (repealing, amending, and creating Title III chapters), O-140-26 (amending land development code for digital display off-premises signs), O-160-26 (requiring delinquent taxes/liens to be cleared before zoning map amendments or conditional use permits), O-173-26 (amending secondary metals recycling chapter to conform to state law). - Public Works: O-182-26 (dedicating Mermaid Lane as a public way), R-068-26, R-070-26, R-072-26, R-075-26 (authorizing condemnation actions for sidewalk projects on Gagel Avenue and Blanton Lane). - Appointments/Reappointments to multiple boards (Civilian Review and Accountability Board, Bardstown Road Overlay District, Fairdale Fire Protection District, Jeffersontown Fire Protection District, Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, Okolona Fire Protection District, Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District, Police Merit Board, St. Matthews Fire Protection District, Fern Creek Fire Protection District, KentuckianaWorks Workforce Development Board). - Resolution: R-066-26 (nominating Wolf Pen Branch Road as a scenic corridor). Public Comments & Testimony Nine speakers addressed the council: - River Wood (licensed massage therapist, 22 years): Opposed the new massage facility ordinance, arguing it treats licensed healthcare professionals as suspicious, undermines client trust, and could deter trauma survivors from seeking care. Requested the council work with professionals. - Bill Wells (District 23 resident): Discussed ethics in government, recounting a personal experience with bullying by an elected official and staff. Urged creating empowering resources for community learning. - Collette Wilson (licensed massage therapist, 20 years): Strongly urged exempting licensed massage therapists from the ordinance, citing mischaracterization of the profession, barriers to care, privacy/safety concerns, and duplication of existing state regulations. - Misha Tsozik (licensed massage therapist, owner of Embody Mindful Body Work): Supported anti-trafficking efforts but asked to amend the ordinance to exempt licensed therapists from requirements for unlocked doors, surveillance cameras, trafficking signage, and biannual inspections, which could harm trauma survivors. - Curtis Owens (supporter of homeownership): Urged funding the Metro Down Payment Assistance Program at a minimum of $3 million (not the proposed $1.125 million). Noted housing prices increased 71% in 10 years and that homeownership builds wealth and community investment. - Ann Ferree (District 8 resident, teacher, volunteer with Plant-Based Treaty): Introduced the Plant-Based Treaty, a global grassroots campaign complementing the Paris Agreement, focusing on food systems. Louisville chapter has 21 volunteers; she hopes to build a tailored resolution for unanimous vote by September 17. - Harry Kron (representing Citizens of Louisville Organized United Together, CL OUT, 26 congregations): Urged continued and increased funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, noting a shortage of 30,000 housing units and that removing the fund ignores economic benefits (citing North Carolina study: every 100 families moving to stable affordable housing adds $2 million annually to local economy). - Karen Frazier (District 14 resident, licensed massage therapist, 28 years, board member for state and national associations): Expressed emphatic support for including state-licensed massage therapists in the ordinance, stating exemptions would weaken its effectiveness. Cited statistics: illicit massage businesses outnumber McDonald's in the U.S., and about one-third of such businesses have at least one person with a valid state license. - Tina Burnell: Criticized Council President Ackerson's characterization of her First Amendment complaint. stated her legal fees exceeded $13,000. Accused the council of retaliatory and malicious action in filing a lawsuit against her the same day a $6 million settlement was reached with LDG. Thanked Council Members Hawkins, Joseph, Chappell, and Lyninger for not participating in the lawsuit. Discussion Items Operating Budget (O-175-26) – FY 2026-2027 - Council Member Kramer (Budget Chair) presented the amended budget, noting it was balanced with bipartisan support. - Council Member Owen announced he would abstain due to a potential job opportunity with One Louisville, which receives funding in the budget. - Council Member Piagentini thanked the mayor's administration, OMB (especially Angie Dunn and Aaron Jackson), budget staff Beth Stenberg and Christina Scotland, and caucus leaders. - Council Member McCraney expressed mixed feelings: supported public safety investments and rainy day fund, but criticized reductions in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (from $15 million to $40 million overall housing funding) and down payment assistance. Urged restoring $15 million for the trust fund and increasing down payment assistance by an additional $1 million. - Council Member Winkler clarified that down payment assistance increased by $250,000 (to $1.25 million total). - Council Member Hawkins defended the budget as a balance, noting that unmet needs could be addressed in the mid-year budget. - Council Member Lyninger opposed, citing structural imbalance favoring the administration, lack of transparency, cuts to housing and social services (e.g., Arthur Street Hotel closure, Memorial Auditorium funding), and insufficient community input. He argued police spending has grown 2.5 times since merger without making the city safer. - Council Member Mulvey-Woolridge supported the budget, acknowledging it wasn't perfect but represented compromise. - Council Member Parrish-Wright (D-3) voted no, stating the budget underdelivered on promises, the process was unclear, and it favored those aligned with the administration. She noted she communicated priorities but many were not funded. - Council Member Shanklin supported, excited about finally getting a community center in her district after years of advocacy. - Council Member Chappell voted no, citing lack of transparency: she asked for requests on June 9, received the amended budget only 20 minutes before the vote on Monday, and felt collective input was not adequately considered. - Council Member Winkler responded that the process is inherently representative; items get funded when multiple members advocate. He stressed that no one advocated for some of the mentioned cuts in committee. Capital Budget (O-176-26) – FY 2026-2027 - Similar debate as operating budget. Council Member Kramer thanked colleagues for using new forms to specify funding destinations. - Council Member Owen again abstained. - Council Member Lyninger noted disappointment that barriers were placed on funding for West Louisville Dream Team and NEA Center in the mid-year budget. - Council Member Parrish-Wright thanked for items in her district but advocated for Shively library expansion and NEA Center maintenance. - Council Member Hawkins reiterated the need to fight persistently for district priorities, citing her successful advocacy for Council Member Shanklin's community center. - Council Member Chappell noted that as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair, she was not included in leadership meetings or a private meeting reportedly held on Thursday (though Council Member Piagentini denied such a meeting existed). She stated she would not queue again. - Council Member Piagentini defended the process as representative government, emphasizing that members must call colleagues to build support. - Motion passed: 22 yes, 3 no (Parrish-Wright, Lyninger, Chappell), 1 abstain (Owen). Zoning at 524 Baxter Avenue (O-166-26) - Council Member Owen explained the change from M2 to C1 and C2 for a former industrial facility, intended for a brew pub and residential housing. Passed committee unanimously. - Council Member Herndon (district host) supported. - Unanimous 26-0 vote. Baseball New Development Area (O-180-26) - Council Member Herndon sponsored the ordinance to amend the Louisville Arena Zone and establish a new development area for a $275 million mixed-use project on the parking lot next to Slugger Field. Includes housing (10% affordable at JCPS bus driver income level), hotel, office, retail, and parking. - Council Member Reno-Weber noted the challenging floodplain location and exciting rooftop. - Council Member Batshon said the project signals Louisville is open for business. - Council Member Piagentini joked about other districts competing with his for residential growth. - Vote: 23 yes, 1 no (Lyninger), 1 present (Parrish-Wright), 1 absent (Winkler). Inducement Resolution for MGI Louisville (R-076-26) - Authorizes execution of a memorandum of agreement for up to 300 multifamily units, a hotel (134-180 rooms), office/retail, and a PARC-operated garage. Financed through industrial building revenue bonds. - Council Member Parrish-Wright asked about affordable housing; Reno-Weber confirmed 10% units affordable for the life of the TIF. - Council Member Batshon clarified that TIF revenue is performance-based, only on increased tax revenue from current parking lot. - Council Member Owen noted TIFs are entirely performance-based. - Vote: 22 yes, 2 no (Lyninger, Chappell), 1 present (Parrish-Wright), 1 absent (Winkler). Surplus Property Transfer for Baseball Project (R-077-26) - Declares several parcels surplus for transfer as part of the same Slugger Field development. - Council Member Lyninger voted no, citing concerns about giving away public land and insufficient affordable housing (10% of housing units, but hotel units dominate). He acknowledged this was less egregious than other TIFs. - Council Member Reno-Weber thanked Lyninger for consistently pushing housing questions. - Vote: 23 yes, 1 no (Lyninger), 1 present (Parrish-Wright), 1 absent (Winkler). Sign Ordinance (O-043-26) – Posting Handbills/Signs on Public Property - Council Member Reed (sponsor) thanked Rolling Fields Mayor Dan Taffle, County Attorney Laura Ferguson, Deputy Mayor Nicole George, and President Ackerson. Amendment includes a warning before first citation, fines effective December 1, and lower fines for nonprofit organizations ($10-$50). - Laura Ferguson (County Attorney) explained changes: removal of

This was the regular meeting of the Louisville Metro Council, called to order at 6:11 PM by Council President Brent Ackerson and adjourned at 9:28 PM. All 26 council members were present initially (Council Member Winkler attended virtually; Council Member Ruhe was absent for the consent calendar and later present; others absent for later votes). The meeting covered approval of multiple consent calendar items, public addresses, and a series of debated ordinances and resolutions, including the FY 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets, zoning changes, a baseball development area, and several neighborhood development fund (NDF) appropriations. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved by a vote of 25–0 (Council Member Ruhe absent). It included: - O-153-26: $6,160 in NDF funds for Southend Movies Under the Stars. - O-155-26: $8,000 in NDF funds for Southwest Community Ministries’ teacher supply giveaway. - O-168-26: $19,000 from District 5 NDF for the Dirt Bowl Derby Showcase and tournament. - O-171-26: $175,000 from District 7 NDF for a pavilion at Warwick Park in St. Matthews. - O-162-26 and O-163-26: FY 2026-2027 budgets for Louisville Tourism and TARC. - O-169-26: Amending Chapter 38 to establish ad valorem tax subclassifications in the Urban Services District. - O-174-26: Authorizing up to $750 million in health system revenue bonds for Norton Healthcare. - R-044-26: Approving the budget and economic improvement plan for the Greater Louisville Lodging Management District. - O-170-26: Repealing, amending, and creating chapters of Title III of the LMCO. - R-061-26: $20,000 contract for workplace investigation services. - Numerous board appointments and reappointments (Civilian Review and Accountability Board, Bardstown Road Overlay District Board, fire district boards, Police Merit Board, Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, KentuckianaWorks Workforce Development Board). - R-047-26: Amending a sole source contract with Public Consulting Group (new total $550,000). - R-074-26: Ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3425 for the Louisville Free Public Library (through June 30, 2030). - O-140-26: Amending the Land Development Code regarding digital display off-premises signs (billboards). - O-160-26: Requiring delinquent taxes or liens to be paid before processing zoning map amendments and conditional use permits. - R-066-26: Nominating Wolf Pen Branch Road as a scenic corridor. - O-173-26: Amending the secondary metals recycling ordinance to conform with state law. - O-182-26: Accepting dedication of Mermaid Lane as a public way. - R-068-26, R-070-26, R-072-26, R-075-26: Authorizing condemnation actions for sidewalk projects on Gagel Avenue and Blanton Lane. Public Comments & Testimony - Nine individuals addressed the council: River Wood, Bill Wells, Collette Wilson, Misha Tsozik, Curtis Owens, Ann Ferree, Harry Kron, Karen Frazier, and Tina Burnell. No details of their testimony are recorded in the minutes. Council President Ackerson made a statement before the addresses. Discussion Items - O-175-26 (FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget): Council Member Kramer presented. Council Member Owen abstained, citing a possible job opportunity with One Louisville, which received funds in the budget. Council Member Purvis noted she is a board member of One West. After debate, the ordinance passed 22–3 with 1 abstention. No voters: Parrish-Wright, Lyninger, Chappell. Abstain: Owen. - O-176-26 (FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget): Similar debate. Council Member Owen again abstained for the same reason. Passed 22–3 with 1 abstention. - O-166-26 (Zoning at 524 Baxter Avenue, 0.36 acres): Council Member Owen spoke; Council Member Herndon also spoke. Passed unanimously (26–0). - O-180-26 (Arena Zone amendment – Baseball Development Area): Council Members Reno-Weber, Herndon, Batshon, and Piagentini spoke. The ordinance removes the New Development Area and establishes a Baseball New Development Area, authorizing grant contracts. Passed 23–1 with 1 present and 1 absent. No: Lyninger. Present: Parrish-Wright. Absent: Winkler. - R-076-26 (Inducement resolution for MGI Louisville project – industrial revenue bonds for a mixed-use development): Included up to 300 multi-family units, a hotel, office/retail space, and parking. Council Members Parrish-Wright, Reno-Weber, Batshon, and Owen spoke. Passed 22–2 with 1 present and 1 absent. No: Lyninger, Chappell. Present: Parrish-Wright. Absent: Winkler. - R-077-26 (Declaring surplus properties and authorizing transfer for the baseball development): Council Members Lyninger and Reno-Weber spoke. Passed 23–1 with 1 present and 1 absent. No: Lyninger. Present: Parrish-Wright. Absent: Winkler. - O-043-26 (Amending LMCO Chapter 112 on posting handbills/signs on public property): Council Member Piagentini and Laura Ferguson (County Attorney’s Office) spoke. Passed 19–0 with 3 present and 4 absent. Present: Parrish-Wright, Lyninger, Chappell. Absent: Reno-Weber, Winkler, Mulvey-Woolridge, Ackerson. - O-133-26 (Amending LMCO Chapter 99 on noise regulation): Extensive debate. Council Members Hudson, Batshon, Reno-Weber, Lyninger, Hawkins, Parrish-Wright, Piagentini, Ackerson, Herndon, Chappell, Purvis, Bast, and Ruhe spoke. Passed 20–4 with 1 present and 1 absent. No: Parrish-Wright, Lyninger, Chappell, Ackerson. Present: Shanklin. Absent: Mulvey-Woolridge. - Multiple NDF ordinances (O-156-26 through O-178-26, CONDF061726GSm): Each was amended on the floor to add additional contributions from other districts, then approved. Votes ranged from 22–24 in favor, with absences. Details: - O-156-26 (St. Joe’s Annual Picnic): Amended to $3,250; passed 23–0 (3 absent). - O-157-26 (StageOne Children’s Theater): Amended to $5,750; passed 22–0 (4 absent). Council Member Lyninger abstained due to his daughter’s possible paid role; Council Member Winkler is an unpaid board member. - O-158-26 (St. Matthews Fire & Rescue Freedom Fest): Amended to $5,250; passed 22–0 (4 absent). - O-167-26 (Floyds Fork HVAC replacement): Amended to $21,680; passed 24–0 (2 absent). - O-172-26 (LIBA South Points Buy Local Fair): Initially amended to $5,750, then reconsidered and amended again to $6,250 (adding $500 from District 24); passed 24–0 (2 absent). - O-178-26 (Riverview Independence Festival): Amended to $25,000; passed 24–0 (2 absent). - CONDF061726GSm (Gathering Strength Adaptive Recreation Showcase): Amended to $3,250; passed 23–0 (3 absent). - O-177-26 (Amending LMCO Section 42.31 on park permitting): Council Members Batshon, Hawkins, and Hudson spoke. Passed 23–0 (3 absent). - O-193-26 (Annexation by City of Prospect): Added to New Business by motion. The motion to approve the ordinance failed (no further details in minutes). The ordinance was listed as passed later (Enactment No. 127-2026), but the minutes state the motion failed; this appears to be a discrepancy. The summary will note the conflict. - New Business Legislation Assigned to Committees (first reading only): Items 72–89 were read and assigned to various committees. No votes taken on these. Key Outcomes - FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget (O-175-26) and Capital Budget (O-176-26) were approved, each 22–3–1 (Owen abstaining). - Zoning at 524 Baxter Avenue passed unanimously (26–0). - Baseball Development Area (O-180-26) approved 23–1–1 (Lyninger opposed). - MGI Louisville inducement resolution (R-076-26) approved 22–2–1. - Surplus property transfer (R-077-26) approved 23–1–1. - Handbill/sign posting ordinance (O-043-26) and noise ordinance (O-133-26) both passed with divided votes (19–0–3 and 20–4–1 respectively). - Ten Neighborhood Development Fund ordinances were all amended and approved, allocating a total of over $100,000 to various community events and organizations. - O-193-26 (Prospect annexation): The minutes indicate the motion to approve failed, yet the ordinance carries an enactment number. This conflict is noted. - All remaining first-reading items were assigned to appropriate committees for further consideration. - Meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM after Council Member Parrish-Wright’s announcements.