Public Meetings - Louisville, Kentucky

The Louisville Metro Budget Committee held a special meeting on June 22, 2026, from 3:01 PM to 4:00 PM, chaired by Kevin Kramer (R-11). Nine of ten committee members were present (Mulvey-Woolridge excused). The committee considered four ordinances: a $750 million Norton Healthcare bond issuance, a property tax classification ordinance, the FY 2026-2027 operating budget, and the capital budget. All were recommended for approval with amendments where applicable. Consent Calendar - O-174-26: Authorized issuance of up to $750 million in Health System Revenue Bonds for Norton Healthcare. $600 million for refinancing, $150 million for new capital projects (Central Pharmacy, downtown campus renovations, Norton Women's and Children's, etc.). Conduit debt with no Metro liability. Recommended unanimously (9-0) and sent to the Consent Calendar. Discussion Items - O-169-26 (Property Tax Subclassifications): Establishes authority to create separate tax rates for land and improvements within the Urban Services District, intended to incentivize development. Sponsored by Piagentini and Owen. Committee vote 8-0-1 (Chappell present). Sent to Old Business. - O-175-26 (FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget): Amended to include administration-requested adjustments (e.g., corrections grant reduction of $1M, CDBG allocation changes, transfer of housing division staff with 22 positions) and council additions (e.g., $500,000 to rainy day fund, $500,000 for Housing Finance Agency startup, various community allocations for arts, violence prevention, social services). Amended version passed 8-1 (Chappell opposed). Sent to Old Business. - O-176-26 (FY 2026-2027 Capital Budget): Amended to include redistribution of $2.6M from Capital Infrastructure Fund, reduction of $5M for Belvedere project, addition of golf course agronomic improvements ($1.26M), and numerous district-specific infrastructure projects (parks, sidewalks, traffic calming, public art). Amended version passed 8-1 (Chappell opposed). Sent to Old Business. Key Outcomes - All four ordinances were recommended for approval by the Budget Committee. - Votes: O-174-26 (9-0); O-169-26 (8-0-1); O-175-26 (8-1); O-176-26 (8-1). - The recommended ordinances will be considered by the full Metro Council on June 25, 2026. - Notable: The operating budget includes a requirement for a review of the external agency panel process with potential elimination. The capital budget prioritizes library books and golf course improvements for mid-year funding.

The Louisville Metro Parks and Sustainability Committee met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 3:06 PM (per transcript) or 3:25 PM (per minutes) in Council Chambers/Virtual. Chair Khalil Batshon called the meeting to order, with a quorum established. Six committee members were present, and Council Member Tammy Hawkins (D-1) attended as a non-committee member. The committee considered three pending legislative items, taking action only on one ordinance. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the meeting. Discussion Items - O-108-26: An ordinance to permit foraging of certain plant material in Louisville Metro Parks, sponsored by JP Lyninger (D-6), was held in committee without discussion. - O-177-26 (Amended by Substitution): An ordinance amending LMCO Section 42.31 related to issuance of park permits, sponsored by Tammy Hawkins (D-1). Council Member Hawkins explained the intent: to prevent permits from being issued to persons, businesses, or event producers who are on the noncompliant list for Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) grants administered by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Committee Member Piagentini questioned the scope (only NDF, not other city grants) and the remediation process. Michelle King, Executive Director of Metro Parks, clarified that Parks would rely on a regularly updated list from OMB and check it during permit application review, similar to existing checks (e.g., approved vendors for inflatables). Council Member Chappell suggested adding the word "actively" to clarify ongoing noncompliance, but Assistant County Attorney Amanda Baker advised that such language could create ambiguity. The committee ultimately did not adopt that amendment. Council Member Hawkins affirmed that OMB already sends out the noncompliance list and urged council members to proactively check nonprofits they work with. - R-142-25: A resolution urging implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan strategies, sponsored by Jennifer Chappell and others, was held in committee pending additional documentation. Key Outcomes - O-108-26: Remained held in committee. - O-177-26: A motion to amend by substitution (as shown in O-177-26 V.2 CABS 061826 Park Permitting for Events and Compliance.pdf) was made by Committee Member Piagentini, seconded by Committee Member Bast, and carried by voice vote. The amended ordinance was then recommended for approval by a unanimous vote of 6-0 (Batshon, McCraney, Bast, Chappell, Piagentini, Ruhe). It was sent to Old Business for the June 25, 2026 Metro Council meeting. - R-142-25: Remained held in committee. - The meeting adjourned at 3:25 PM without objection.

The Appropriations Committee met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 3:02 PM in Council Chambers, chaired by Councilman Jonathan "JJ" Joseph (R-12). The committee considered 29 items—including capital infrastructure fund (CIF) appropriations, neighborhood development fund (NDF) appropriations, and ordinances—all of which were approved. Several items were amended to increase total funding by adding contributions from multiple council districts. The meeting adjourned at 3:41 PM. Consent Calendar - CIF061726PW01 (Item 1): $189,621.21 from District 1 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for the Lees Lane Sidewalk Project. Approved by voice vote. - CONDF061726SAM03 (Item 2): $1,200 from District 3 NDF to Shively Area Ministries for a Night Out for Your Neighbors fundraiser. Approved by voice vote. - O-168-26 (Item 3): $19,000 from District 5 NDF to Metro Parks for the Dirt Bowl Derby Showcase and 2026 Dirt Bowl Tournament. Approved 7–0 and sent to the Consent Calendar (Enactment No. 099-2026). - NDF061726MP05 (Item 4): $600 from District 5 NDF to Metro Parks for 40 picnic tables at the Portland Festival. Approved by voice vote. - O-171-26 (Item 5): $175,000 from District 7 NDF to the City of St. Matthews for a pavilion at Warwick Park. Approved 7–0 and sent to the Consent Calendar (Enactment No. 100-2026). - NDF061726GRCPNA10 (Item 9): $3,200 from District 10 NDF to George Rogers Clark Park Neighborhood Association for annual events. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726LMASm (Item 12): $1,400 from Districts 12 and 14 NDF to Louisville Metro Animal Services for two pet vaccine clinics. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726MP14 (Item 13): $1,066 from District 14 NDF to Metro Parks for additional staffing at Sun Valley Pool family fun nights. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726MP15 (Item 15): $400 from District 15 NDF to Metro Parks for a banner at Camp Taylor Pool. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726MP15a (Item 16): $300 from District 15 NDF to Metro Parks for trash cans and picnic tables at the Germantown/Schnitzelburg Blues Fest. Approved by voice vote. - CIF061726PW16 (Item 18): $11,513.89 from District 16 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for sidewalk repair at 9519 Norton Commons Boulevard. Approved by voice vote. - CIF061726PW16a (Item 19): $1,500 from District 16 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for sidewalk repair at 5720 Moser Farm Road. Approved by voice vote. - CIF061726PW21 (Item 21): $22,040 from District 21 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for five speed humps and signs on Kenoak Drive, Alger Avenue, and Fay Avenue. Approved by voice vote. - CIF061726PW21a (Item 22): $10,120 from District 21 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for two speed humps and signs on Cliff Avenue. Approved by voice vote. - CIF061726PW21b (Item 23): $13,120 from District 21 Capital Infrastructure Funds to Public Works for three speed humps and signs on Sunshine Drive. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726BS26 (Item 24): $2,491 from District 26 NDF through Brightside, Inc. for maintenance of a BrightSpot at Furman Boulevard and Taylorsville Road. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726PW12 (Item 26): $3,367.20 from District 12 NDF to Public Works for two streetlights on Gaymont Drive with a 5-year LG&E lease. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726PW12a (Item 27): $658.20 from District 12 NDF to Public Works for a streetlight on Dellrose Drive and Grandmeadow Lane with a 5-year LG&E lease. Approved by voice vote. - NDF061726LMPDm (Item 28): $750 (amended to $3,642.18) from Districts 12, 13, 14, 25, 1, and 21 NDF to LMPD Third Division for National Night Out. Amended by voice vote to adjust contributions; approved by voice vote. - NDF061726MP17 (Item 29): $2,185 from District 17 NDF to Metro Parks for portable restrooms, security, and inflatables for Berrytown Day. Approved by voice vote. Discussion Items - O-158-26 (Item 6): Ordinance appropriating $3,000 (amended to $5,250) from Districts 9, 7, 26, and 8 NDF to St. Matthews Fire and Rescue Benevolence Fund for the first annual Freedom Fest. Regina Garr (District 9 Administrative Assistant) spoke in support. Approved 7–0 and sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 118-2026). - O-156-26 (Item 7): Ordinance appropriating $1,000 (amended to $3,250) from Districts 9, 15, 18, 19, 20, and 13 NDF to Saint Joseph Catholic Orphan Society for the 177th annual Picnic for the Kids. Regina Garr spoke in support. Approved 7–0 and sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 116-2026). - O-157-26 (Item 8): Ordinance appropriating $1,000 (amended to $5,750) from Districts 8, 9, 10, 21, 24, 17, and 15 NDF to Stage One: The Louisville Children’s Theater for the 2026-2027 Play It Forward program. Regina Garr spoke in support. Committee Member Lyninger abstained (6–0–1) due to his daughter’s involvement with Stage One; Councilman Winkler disclosed being an unpaid board member. Sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 117-2026). - O-155-26 (Item 10): Ordinance appropriating $8,000 from Districts 25, 14, 12, and 13 NDF to Southwest Community Ministries for a teacher supply giveaway. Brad Bearden (District 14 Legislative Assistant) spoke in support. Approved 7–0 and sent to the Consent Calendar (Enactment No. 098-2026). - O-153-26 (Item 11): Ordinance appropriating $6,160 from Districts 14, 12, and 25 NDF to Metro Parks for 2026 Southend Movies Under the Stars. Brad Bearden spoke in support. Approved 7–0 and sent to the Consent Calendar (Enactment No. 097-2026). - O-172-26 (Item 14): Ordinance appropriating $1,000 (amended to $6,250) from Districts 12, 15, 21, 8, 9, 13, 14, 24, 25, 1, and 16 NDF to Louisville Independent Business Alliance for the South Points Buy Local Fair. Amy Luckett (District 15 Legislative Assistant) spoke in support. Approved 7–0 and sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 120-2026). - CONDF061726GSm (Item 17): Council-originated NDF appropriating $1,000 (amended to $3,200) from Districts 15, 24, 8, 9, 16, 21, 17, and 24 to Gathering Strength, Inc. for an Adaptive Recreation Showcase. Amy Luckett spoke in support. Amended by voice vote to add $500 from District 8; approved by voice vote. - O-167-26 (Item 20): Ordinance appropriating $16,680 (amended to $21,680) from Districts 20, 11, 19, and 22 NDF to 21st Century Parks, Inc. for a new geothermal HVAC unit at Floyds Fork. Councilman Stuart Benson (R-20) spoke in support; Clerk Sonya Harward noted she would follow up with Councilman Piagentini. Approved 7–0 and sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 119-2026). - O-178-26 (Item 25): Ordinance appropriating $8,000 (amended to $24,450) from District 12 and many other districts NDF to Metro Parks for the Riverview Independence Festival. Bryson Sebastian (District 12 Legislative Assistant) spoke in support. Amended by voice vote to add funds from 17 districts; approved 7–0 and sent to Old Business (Enactment No. 121-2026). Key Outcomes - All 29 items on the agenda were approved by the committee. - Four items (3, 5, 10, 11) were recommended for the full Council’s Consent Calendar. - Six items (6, 7, 8, 14, 20, 25) were sent to Old Business, meaning they will be debated by the full Council on June 25, 2026. - Several items were amended to increase total funding through contributions from additional council districts, with amended totals ranging from $3,200 to $24,450. - One abstention occurred: Committee Member Lyninger abstained from voting on Item 8 (Stage One) due to his daughter’s financial involvement with the organization. - The meeting lasted from 3:02 PM to 3:41 PM.

The Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health, and Education Committee met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers/virtually. Vice Chair Stuart Benson called the meeting to order at 1:36 p.m., and a quorum was established with six members present. All members attended in Chambers except Chair Barbara Shanklin, who participated virtually. The committee heard a special discussion on child abuse mandated reporting from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). The meeting adjourned without objection at 2:40 p.m. Special Discussion: Child Abuse Mandated Reporting (ID 26-0441) - Billy Jenkins and Hollie Almon of CHFS presented on Kentucky's child abuse reporting and response process. The agenda listed Shawnte West and Crystal Wilder as participants, while the minutes and transcript identify Jenkins and Almon as presenters, with Hunter Knapp of DCBS also speaking. - Jenkins explained that reports made to DCBS centralized intake are assigned an intake ID or web ID, allowing reporting sources to call back for follow-up information. Workers generally have three hours to process a report, and supervisors have three hours to review it before assignment to a team. - The general child abuse hotline number provided was 1-800-372-2973. Jenkins also mentioned CHFS listens and that DCBS staff can be reached through their @ky.gov email addresses. - Investigating social workers typically initiate contact face-to-face with the alleged victim, often at school, to obtain a more reliable account when the alleged perpetrator is not present. Workers also gather collateral information from people who may know the family. - On physical discipline, Jenkins said state law does not prohibit all physical discipline, but the use of objects such as belts, extension cords, shoes, or switches crosses a line when they leave marks, bruises, or welts. He advised concerned citizens to report suspected abuse using a reasonable, prudent person standard. - Jenkins addressed non-traditional placements, acknowledging that children have temporarily stayed in Louisville's LN building. He called the idea of children sleeping in the basement a myth, saying children were placed in converted conference rooms or visitation areas with cots, and later beds, televisions, dressers, and refrigerators. He described partnerships with the YMCA Safe Place and Home of the Innocents, noting placement length varies with each child's needs and can range from less than 24 hours to about 72 hours. - Data shared during the discussion indicated that the Jefferson region received 24,440 referrals or reports to centralized intake between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, excluding adult protective services. Member Questions & Positions - Councilman JP Lyninger raised the mandated reporter threshold and later spoke as a parent, stating that generations of study have found no positive outcomes from physical discipline. He urged the committee to focus on approaches that work for children rather than reactions driven by fear or anger. - Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins praised DCBS and Christy Traxel's childcare office for meeting people where they are. She expressed concern that the reporting system may make parents afraid to discipline their children, asked what level of injury triggers investigation, and raised past reports of children staying in the LN building. After Jenkins' explanation, she acknowledged a better understanding and offered to meet to help fill placement gaps. - Chair Barbara Shanklin voiced continued concern about young children being placed in an office building after removal from their families, suggesting alternatives such as Home of the Innocents or the children's hospital for temporary stays. She said she learned a lot but remains concerned about children's fear and isolation. - Councilwoman Marilyn Parker asked whether DCBS tries to place children with relatives first, and Jenkins confirmed that relative and fictive kin placements are considered before removal and before non-traditional placements. Parker also asked about reporting online solicitation of children; Jenkins said reports could go to DCBS if the person is in a caretaking role and to LMPD or Kentucky State Police in stranger-danger situations. - Vice Chair Benson reflected on children's vulnerability and the importance of supportive adults, and expressed appreciation for the presenters' work. He also mentioned community partner Southeast Christian in connection with foster care recruitment. - Hunter Knapp, a DCBS supervisor in recruitment and certification, said there is a major need for foster and adoptive homes and kinship care support. He provided information sheets on becoming a foster parent and offered to speak with council members in more detail. Key Outcomes - No formal motion or vote was taken; the item was presented for discussion and information only. - CHFS/DCBS offered tours of the non-traditional sleeping spaces in the LN building to interested council members or staff. - DCBS provided foster parent recruitment materials and contact information for follow-up. - The committee adjourned without objection at 2:40 p.m.

The Louisville Metro Public Safety Committee met on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:02 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Chair Dan Seum Jr. presided. The committee received an update on mid‑year crime trends and the Summer Task Force from LMPD, postponed a late‑night business security ordinance for further discussion, and unanimously advanced an ordinance aligning local secondary metals recycling rules with new state law. Special Discussion – Mid‑Year Crime Trends & Summer Task Force - Deputy Chief Ryan Bates reported that as of June 15, homicides and carjackings are down 30% citywide; calls for service are down 1%; self‑initiated officer runs are up 11%; citations are up 10%; arrests show no significant change. The Summer Task Force (operating May 3–October 17 in three periods, 6 PM–4 AM daily) has made 80 arrests, issued 127 citations, made 9 juvenile arrests/citations, issued 5 juvenile curfew violation citations, and towed/cited 66 vehicles in its first seven weeks. The task force focuses on downtown, waterfront, Nulu, the Highlands, and SFI areas, with rapid response to robberies, shootings, and missing children. - Deputy Chief Emily McKinley presented crisis response data: every LMPD officer receives 40‑hour CIT training. In 2025, 4,923 calls were deflected to crisis triage workers or mobile crisis response teams (non‑police). LMPD responded to 3,235 CIT calls; 99.6% were resolved without use of taser, less‑lethal tools, or deadly force. Injuries occurred in only 0.25% of encounters. January–May 2026 data shows similar trends. - Committee members asked about coordination with the sheriff’s department (assisting on Bardstown Road), whether numbers exclude suburban police districts (yes), the definition of “ambassador” policing (community engagement), social media monitoring (real‑time crime center), and repeat offender tracking (GVI, prohibited firearm possessor group, new Repeat Offender Initiative). - Vice Chair Hawkins raised concerns about juvenile crowds on Bardstown Road and the waterfront, overtime limits, and the need for extended task force hours. Deputy Chief Bates noted the task force can stay later when needed and collaborates with ABC, corrections (booking vans), and youth services for juvenile transport. Pending Legislation O‑280‑25 – Late‑Night Business Security (Sponsored by Hawkins & Ruhe) - Vice Chair Hawkins described the ordinance: it requires on‑site security only for businesses operating 2 AM–5 AM that have already been cited for persistent illegal activity. It defines qualified security (licensed personnel or prior law enforcement) and establishes tiered durations (12 months for serious violent, 6 months for violent, 90 days for repeated nuisance). She emphasized it is not a blanket requirement and provides consistency. - Committee Member Bratcher requested clarification on the version under consideration. Alice Lyon (County Attorney) explained that the “trigger” version is the amendment by substitution, while V.1 is the originally filed ordinance. Clerk Sonya Harward confirmed the motion before the committee refers to V.1. - Hawkins moved to postpone the ordinance to allow further review of suggested wording changes, seconded by Winkler. The motion carried by voice vote; the item is postponed to the next meeting. O‑173‑26 – Secondary Metals Recycling (Sponsored by Kramer & Mulvey‑Woolridge) - Committee Member Mulvey‑Woolridge introduced the ordinance: it amends LMCO Chapter 123 to conform with 2026 Kentucky Senate Bill 291. Three changes: (1) transaction registers must include seller’s home address (previously only phone number), (2) must include a photo of any motor vehicle used to transport metals (previously only license plate), and (3) retail purchases cannot occur outside 7 AM–7 PM (no hour limit previously). - Alice Lyon confirmed these updates are necessary to align with state law; statewide provisions broader than Louisville’s code apply automatically. - A motion by Hawkins, seconded by Joseph, to recommend approval passed unanimously (9‑0, with Owen absent). The ordinance was sent to the Consent Calendar for the June 25, 2026 Metro Council meeting. Key Outcomes - Summer Task Force briefing accepted; committee expressed support and requested continued updates. - O‑280‑25 (late‑night security) postponed by voice vote; will return at a future meeting. - O‑173‑26 (secondary metals recycling) recommended for approval unanimously (9‑0); forwarded to Consent Calendar. - Meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM. Next regular committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

The Labor and Economic Development Committee met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 3:02 PM to 3:50 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Chair Ben Reno-Weber presided. A quorum was present with 8 members: Chair Reno-Weber, Vice Chair Crystal Bast, Committee Members Donna Purvis, JP Lyninger, Paula McCraney, Josie Raymond, Jeff Hudson, and Khalil Batshon. Non-committee member Ken Herndon also attended. The committee considered five legislative items including a major mixed-use development on Slugger Field parking lots, a sole source contract amendment, a collective bargaining agreement for library employees, an industrial revenue bond inducement, and a surplus property transfer. Consent Calendar - R-047-26: Resolution approving a $190,000 amendment (new not-to-exceed amount $550,000) to a sole source contract with Public Consulting Group LLC for consulting services to assist analyzing and reporting costs under the state's ambulatory supplemental payment program. The Office of Management and Budget expects approximately $6 million in additional Medicaid reimbursements. The contract will be put out for bid in fall 2026. Approved by voice vote; sent to Consent Calendar. - R-074-26: Resolution ratifying a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3425 covering 281 positions in the Louisville Free Public Library. The five-year contract (FY2026-2030) includes average 18% wage increases in FY26 (retroactive to July 1, 2025) and 2% in each subsequent year, a shift differential increase from $0.25 to $0.50, and adjustments to step increases after the initial vote failed. Total cost is approximately $53.8 million with fringes. Unit vote was 80-17 in favor. Approved by voice vote; sent to Consent Calendar. Discussion Items - O-180-26 (Baseball New Development Area): Ordinance to amend the Louisville Arena Zone to carve out a new development area for the parking lots east of Slugger Field. Jeff O'Brien, Executive Director of Economic Development, presented the proposed $275 million mixed-use project including 242 residential units (10% affordable at 80% Area Median Income, $1,300-$1,500/month rent), a 150-room hotel, 50,000 sq ft of office, 15,000 sq ft of retail, a public parking garage (nearly 600 spaces owned by Parking Authority of River City), and a private residential garage (88 spaces). The project will generate 326 permanent jobs and 560 construction jobs. The site currently generates about $1,300 in annual occupational license fee; the ordinance caps local occupational license fee rebates at $30 million (approximately $1M/year) and property tax abatement through an industrial revenue bond at $91 million (approximately $2.2-$2.3M/year). JCPS will receive full payments in lieu of taxes. Council Member Ken Herndon (sponsor) expressed strong support. Committee Member Donna Purvis questioned the affordability of the 80% AMI rents and the city's financial exposure, noting that $1,300-$1,500 is not affordable in her opinion. Chair Reno-Weber noted this is typical workforce housing. Committee Member JP Lyninger noted only 24-30 affordable units out of up to 300 total and questioned the long-term structure of the IRB. An amendment corrected a street name and added an alley closure. The amendment passed by voice vote. The ordinance passed 7-1 (Lyninger opposed) and was sent to Old Business. - R-076-26 (MGI Louisville Inducement Resolution): Resolution authorizing an inducement for industrial building revenue bonds for MGI Louisville, LLC (affiliated with Diamond Baseball Holdings and Machete Group) to finance the same Slugger Field development. Jeff O'Brien explained it is conduit debt, not direct Metro obligation. The 40-year property tax abatement is capped at $91 million; once reached, the developer pays full property taxes. The Parking Authority will own the public garage. Assistant County Attorney Laura Ferguson noted the conveyance structure: parking lot goes to developer, then returns to Metro for the life of the bonds. No appraisal was conducted as the land is under long-term lease to the Louisville Bats. The resolution passed by voice vote and was sent to Old Business. - R-077-26 (Surplus Property and Transfer): Resolution declaring multiple parcels at 503 Franklin Street, Witherspoon Street, Jackson Street, Main Street, and Hancock Street as surplus and authorizing their transfer. Jeff O'Brien stated the conveyance will be for $1, subject to the existing lease with the Louisville Bats. An amendment matching the one in O-180-26 was adopted by voice vote. Committee Member Lyninger noted the one-dollar conveyance. The resolution passed by voice vote and was sent to Old Business. Key Outcomes - O-180-26: Amended and recommended for approval by a vote of 7-1 (Committee Member Lyninger dissenting). Sent to Old Business for full Council consideration on June 25, 2026. - R-047-26: Approved by voice vote; sent to Consent Calendar. - R-074-26: Approved by voice vote; sent to Consent Calendar. - R-076-26: Approved by voice vote; sent to Old Business. - R-077-26: Amended and approved by voice vote; sent to Old Business. - Items on the Consent Calendar and Old Business will be heard by the full Metro Council on June 25, 2026.

The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 1:04 p.m. to 2:26 p.m. in Council Chambers/Virtual. Chair Andrew Owen (D-9) presided. The committee addressed five pending legislative items and received a high-level presentation on recently published data center regulations. Consent Calendar - O-140-26 (Digital Display Off-Premises Signs): Recommended for approval by a vote of 7-0 and sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Council meeting on June 25, 2026. (Note: The agenda listed the primary sponsor as Andrew Owen, but the minutes and transcript indicate the original sponsors were Anthony Piagentini and Ken Herndon. Chair Owen acknowledged the discrepancy and stated he would investigate.) - R-066-26 (Wolf Pen Branch Road Scenic Corridor Nomination): Recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during the committee meeting. For item O-166-26 (524 Baxter Avenue), the planning staff noted that no one spoke in opposition at the public hearing, though some letters of concern were submitted to the Planning Commission. Discussion Items - Special Discussion – ID 26-0641 (Data Center Regulations): Joe Haberman of the Office of Planning presented an overview of recently published draft regulations for data centers. Key proposals include a 500,000-square-foot hard cap on total building square footage, a conditional use permit requirement for facilities between 250,000 and 500,000 square feet (limited to M3 zoning), and special standards for smaller data centers. The regulations are open for public comment until July 10, 2026. The committee discussed process and scope, with Vice Chair Reed confirming that any rezoning related to data centers would come before this committee. - O-166-26 (524 Baxter Avenue Rezoning): Proposed rezoning of approximately 0.36 acres at 524-532 Baxter Avenue from M2/C1 to C2, with a detailed district development plan. The Planning Commission had recommended approval by a vote of 7-2. Chair Owen noted that Council Member Herndon supports the change. The committee recommended approval by a vote of 7-0; the ordinance was sent to Old Business. - O-135-26 (Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers): Sponsor Council Member Jennifer Chappell argued that a formal moratorium is still needed until permanent regulations are adopted. Chair Owen and Vice Chair Reed advocated for keeping the moratorium in committee as an administrative safeguard, preferring a “scalpel” approach over a “sledgehammer.” Committee Member Batshon moved to table the ordinance. The motion to table (postpone) carried by a vote of 5-2 (Owen, Reed, Benson, Hudson, Batshon in favor; Raymond, Ruhe opposed). The ordinance remains tabled. - O-160-26 (Delinquent Taxes and Zoning Applications): Amends LMCO Chapter 153 to require checks for unpaid taxes or liens before conditional use permits can be processed, expanding an existing requirement for rezonings. The committee recommended approval by a vote of 7-0; sent to Old Business. Key Outcomes - O-166-26: Recommended for approval (7-0); sent to Old Business. - O-135-26: Motion to table carried (5-2); ordinance remains tabled. - O-140-26: Recommended for approval (7-0); sent to Consent Calendar. - O-160-26: Recommended for approval (7-0); sent to Old Business. - R-066-26: Recommended for approval (voice vote); sent to Consent Calendar. - The next regular Planning and Zoning Committee meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2026.

The Government Oversight/Audit and Appointments Committee of the Louisville Metro Council met on June 16, 2026, from 5:04 PM to 6:02 PM. Chair Donna L. Purvis (D-5) arrived after the meeting began; Committee Member Anthony Piagentini (R-19) facilitated the start. All 10 committee members were present (6 in chambers, 4 virtually). The committee considered two pending ordinances and a large slate of appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions. Pending Legislation - O-009-26 (SAFE Law): This ordinance, amending Louisville Metro Code Chapter 36 on police department policies, remained held in committee with no action taken. - O-161-26 (Debt Service Adjustment): After discussion, a motion to postpone this ordinance carried by voice vote. The legislation was not recommended for approval at this meeting. Appointments and Reappointments All appointments and reappointments listed below were recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to the Consent Calendar for the full Metro Council meeting on June 25, 2026. Items were often grouped for consideration. - Bardstown Road Overlay District Board: Appointment of Brian Goodwin (term expires April 30, 2029) – filling a business representative seat. Mr. Goodwin, a small business owner and developer, introduced himself. - Civilian Review and Accountability Board: Appointment of Ebert Haegele (term expires March 25, 2028) – nominated by the Louisville Bar Association. Mr. Haegele was not present; the committee received statements of support. - Fairdale Fire Protection District Board: Appointment of Jeffery Donohue (term expires June 30, 2029) – a mayoral appointment. Mr. Donohue, a former state representative, spoke. - Fern Creek Fire Protection District Board: Reappointment of G. Henry Ott (term expires June 30, 2029) – a fire service veteran with 46 years of experience. - Jeffersontown Fire Protection District Board: Reappointment of Kyle Rieber (term expires June 30, 2029) – assistant director of public safety at Bellarmine University. - KentuckianaWorks – Greater Louisville Workforce Development Board: Appointment of Trevor Pawl (term expires February 28, 2027) – an amendment to correct a previous term date. - Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission: Four reappointments (Lori Stahlgren, Kate Meador, Morgan Ward, Ashlyn Ackerman) and one new appointment (William Temple Beam), all with terms expiring November 30, 2028. Ms. Stahlgren is an archaeologist; Ms. Meador runs a historic property rehabilitation company; Mr. Ward serves as chair; Ms. Ackerman is an architect with Wayland Ventures; Mr. Beam is a retired state official. - Okolona Fire Protection District Board: Appointment of Michael Portman Jr. (term expires June 30, 2030) and reappointment of Yolanda Moore (term expires June 30, 2029). - Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Protection District Board: Reappointment of Patrick Sparks (term expires June 30, 2029) – senior manager at LG&E. - Police Merit Board: Appointment of Cadeja Hays (term expires June 1, 2027), appointment of Robert Penta (term expires June 1, 2030), and reappointment of Dr. Sherryl Anderson (term expires June 30, 2030). Dr. Anderson was absent. - St. Matthews Fire Protection District Board: Reappointment of Jim Seiler (term expires June 30, 2026) – a CPA and treasurer for St. Matthews. Key Outcomes - All 20 appointments/reappointments were recommended for approval and placed on the Consent Calendar for the June 25, 2026 Metro Council meeting. - Ordinance O-161-26 was postponed; no further action date was specified. - Ordinance O-009-26 remains held in committee. - The committee adjourned at 6:02 PM.

The Louisville Metro Public Works Committee met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 4:01 PM to 4:52 PM in Council Chambers with virtual participation. Chair Jeff Hudson (R-23) presided. All eight committee members were present, along with non-committee members Scott Reed (R-16) and Khalil Batshon (R-25). The committee voted on six pieces of pending legislation and held eleven appointment items. Consent Calendar - O-182-26 (Mermaid Lane dedication): Unanimously recommended for approval (8-0) and sent to the Consent Calendar. The ordinance declares Mermaid Lane as a dedicated public right-of-way to Louisville Metro, allowing future street closure and rezoning by Ford. - R-068-26 (Gagel Avenue sidewalk condemnation, Parcel 2): Recommended for approval by voice vote, sent to Consent Calendar. Requires 249 sq ft permanent easement for drainage; property owner non-responsive. - R-070-26, R-072-26, R-075-26 (Blanton Lane sidewalk condemnation, Parcels 17, 37, and 30): All three resolutions recommended for approval by voice vote and sent to Consent Calendar. Parcel 17: 2,134 sq ft fee simple + 2,306 sq ft temporary easement; owner refuses to cooperate. Parcel 37: 3,057 sq ft fee simple + 875 sq ft permanent easement + 591 sq ft temporary easement; owner asked unreasonable compensation. Parcel 30: 318 sq ft permanent easement + 277 sq ft temporary easement; owner unable to sign due to liens. Discussion Items - O-043-26 (Posting of handbills or signs on public property, as amended): Sponsored by Council Members Reed, Winkler, and Piagentini. After postponement and return to table, the committee adopted an amendment (motion by Raymond, second by Bast) that added: (1) removal of "for commercial purposes" language, (2) requirement of a notice of violation before a citation for a first offense, (3) delayed effective date of December 1 for sections two and three, and (4) a definition of nonprofit organization (501(c) or 527) with reduced fines ($10–50 instead of $250–500). The ordinance was recommended for approval by a vote of 6-0-1 (Hudson, Herndon, Raymond, Bast, Benson, Bratcher yes; Chappell present; Reno-Weber absent). - O-133-26 (Noise ordinance amendment): Sponsored by Council Members Reno-Weber and Batshon. The committee adopted an amendment by substitution (motion by Reno-Weber, second by Bast) that sets a decibel standard for noise violations, adds a warning requirement, and creates a framework for vehicle noise enforcement. Discussion included questions about enforcement equipment (decibel meters), cost, and which departments would enforce. A motion to request a financial impact statement (Chappell, second by Raymond) failed 2-6 (Raymond and Chappell yes; others no). The amended ordinance was recommended for approval by a vote of 7-1 (Chappell no). - Items 8–19 (Complete Streets Coalition appointments and reappointments): All eleven items remained held in committee and were not discussed. Key Outcomes - O-043-26 recommended for approval (6-0-1), sent to Old Business. - O-133-26 recommended for approval (7-1), sent to Old Business. - O-182-26 recommended for approval (8-0), sent to Consent Calendar. - R-068-26, R-070-26, R-072-26, R-075-26 recommended for approval by voice vote, sent to Consent Calendar. - Items 8–19 (Complete Streets Coalition appointments) held in committee. - The meeting adjourned at 4:52 PM.