Louisville Metro Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - March 2, 2023

Council President Markus Winkler called the meeting to order at 5:23 PM on March 2, 2023. The meeting was held pursuant to KRS 61.826 and Council Rule 5A, with 24 members present (one excused) and two members attending virtually. The session focused on reviewing the Metro Council agenda for the upcoming full council meeting, discussing several legislative items, and receiving presidential updates. The meeting adjourned at 5:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 19–24 were placed on the consent calendar with no objections or removals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were heard during this committee meeting.

Discussion Items

• Recognitions (from transcript): Council President Winkler noted that Councilman Baker would recognize the National Pan Hellenic Council, and later both would recognize Mr. LaRoy Ford, a public works equipment operator who helped a stranded father and daughter during a major snowstorm late last year.
• Old Business – Items 26–31:
  • Item 26 (O-0321-22): Councilmembers Mulvihill and Arthur spoke about the NDA legislation, which had been held earlier. Councilman Arthur confirmed it was ready for passage after amendments suggested by Greater Louisville Inc. were incorporated and loaded into the system.
  • Item 27 (R-010-23): Councilwoman McCraney highlighted the resolution updating the employee handbook to include a social media policy, noting it aligns with First Amendment protections and provides guidance for proper use of Metro Council social media accounts.
  • Items 28 (O-030-23) and 29 (O-028-23): Councilman Blackwell described the budget items—item 29 as regular appropriations due to an amendment for additional support, and item 28 as an amended Schedule A adjusting dates for previously approved expenditures. Councilman Arthur expressed concerns about pushing the items forward, referencing an announcement from the mayor regarding unspecified elements not detailed in the ordinance; he stated he would seek clarification from the administration and, if needed, move to hold or send the items back to committee.
  • Items 30 (O-019-23) and 31 (O-020-23): Councilwoman Flood reported that these planning and zoning items were companion pieces; she would abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest (board membership with Catholic Charities, which is related to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Louisville ownership). Councilman Reed noted both passed unanimously in the planning and zoning committee.
• New Business – Item 33 (O-041-23): Councilwoman Fowler introduced a lobbying ordinance amendment extending the timeline for the ethics commission to meet their deadline, as they had requested more time to gather information.
• Other Updates: Councilman Mulvihill addressed the labor and economic development item (NDA) as noted under old business.

Key Outcomes

• District 8 Vacancy: Applications closed March 3 at 5:00 PM (with postmark allowance). As of the meeting, 14 applicants had applied. The County Attorney will review eligibility; the list of eligible candidates will be sent to members. A special Committee of the Whole for interviews is scheduled for March 13 at 4:00 PM, with a vote to fill the vacancy at the March 16 regular council meeting at 6:00 PM. All candidates will be briefed together before interviews to streamline the process.
• Sexual Harassment Training: Employee training is due by March 20; council members and managerial staff must complete supervisory training by March 30. Council members must complete both trainings.
• Professional Photographs: A photographer will be available on April 13, 2023 for individual and group photos.
• Art in City Hall: The application deadline closed February 27. Councilwoman Chappell and Councilman Hudson are reviewing 40 artists' works; they will narrow to 10, then select 5 finalists who will each receive a $500 honorarium. Art is expected to be installed by the March 13 council meeting.
• Birthdays Recognized: Councilman Fowler (March 7), Amy Luckett (March 11), and Sophia White (March 15).
• Adjournment: Without objection, the meeting adjourned at 5:34 PM.

Note: The meeting transcript includes remarks on mental health, gun destruction, and lead testing, which appear to be from a separate event or presentation and are not part of the official committee proceedings.