★ ★ ★PUBLICRECORDJUN 17 2026

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Louisville Metro Appropriations Committee Meeting - June 17, 2026

Metro Council & Committees — Wednesday, June 17, 2026

BodyLouisville, Kentucky

SessionMetro Council & Committees

DateWednesday, June 17, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 46:56

Transcript — VerbatimClick a line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

JCPS has provided students with countless academic opportunities to establish themselves in fields outside of their respective schools.

0:08

This concept stays true to this day with the Atherton speech and debates team's recent trip to China to compete in the Chengdu Sister Cities International Debate Tournament.

0:18

So Best Speaker is a separate award, and throughout your competition, judges will keep track of how good they think the speakers were, how good the speeches were, how good they were able to speak in crossfire.

0:30

So like when opponents are like asking each other questions and how well you're able to quickly respond to that.

0:35

And so getting best speaker was a really big honor.

0:38

And they also did this really fun thing where when they called out Best Speaker for both the American team and the Chinese teams, they had us do like an impromptu speech.

0:48

So me and the girl from China both had to come up and give a little impromptu speech about you know how grateful we were like a little Oscars type deal.

0:58

And it was really cool because the girl that won Best Speaker for China was also a girl that I had become like kind of friends with throughout the competition, so it was really great that we got to stand on stage and do that together.

1:10

But China was really an incredible country.

1:12

It was so beautiful, it was so green.

1:15

Um everything there was really cheap and everyone was really really friendly.

1:19

So we went to two school visits.

1:20

We went to a private school and a public school.

1:23

We went to the giant giant panda research base, which is really cool.

1:29

Um we learned how to make mandu by hand and they got to eat them.

1:34

Thanks to this opportunity, Atherton students were able to solidify their spots on the international academic scale.

1:40

For our kids, I'm Atherton correspondent Catherine Armstrong.

1:44

Correspondent Boston Sissel introduces us to the teaching pathway at Ballard High School.

1:49

In the educational workforce, it's no secret that there's a shortage of teachers.

1:55

At Ballard High School, there is a pathway that allows students to prepare to become teachers.

2:01

All of the upperclassmen that are in the program take frequent visits to Wilder Elementary to teach their kindergarten buddies how to read and write.

2:54

One of the things I think one of the themes that ties throughout all four years of the pathway is that there is a intense focus on leadership, which translates well beyond careers or internships and education.

3:09

So they learn a lot about leadership, they learn a lot about organizational skills, they learn a lot about just human relations and how to relate to people, and those translate to lots of internships.

4:30

But if they fail their second routine inspection in a row, then they would have to post a B placard.

4:37

And that's um the facilities under review.

4:40

We are working with that facility so they can pass routine inspections.

4:45

The B is also given if that facility had to close, whether they had gotten A's with the previous inspections.

4:53

If that facility has to close because of the imminent health hazards, when that follow-up is conducted, they automatically get the B placard.

5:02

If you're curious about uh any restaurants' scores, there is a link on our website available to find that information.

5:26

Two years ago, an unprecedented investment in the city of Louisville started this ball forward and set a stake in the ground.

5:36

The leaders of Louisville delivered.

5:38

The leaders of Louisville did exactly what they said they were going to do and exactly what they were asked to do.

5:44

And so this year, it was easy to go back and say, let's do more.

5:50

And one billion dollars of additional investment in this community, it's not accidental.

5:54

It is intentional.

5:56

So it takes everybody to get this done.

5:58

Not just the givers of the money, not the people that just have the responsibility, but it takes those people who work in the trenches that deserve that support that are doing the work that deserves to be delivered to the people of the Commonwealth.

6:12

And that's what the General Assembly is about.

6:15

When we all work together, and when things are lined up, the cards are in the hands and they're played properly.

6:23

Great things can happen.

6:24

And I think this one billion dollars here is part of that particular piece.

6:28

The nonprofit community really is what helps those most vulnerable, and it really makes a community click.

6:35

And um, I just want to point out that this investment is so critical to so many organizations.

6:43

These are those organizations that create that incredible fabric that you feel in Louisville, Kentucky.

6:51

Looking to get away, want to go nonstop.

6:54

Louisville Mohammed Ali International Airport can take you to Philadelphia, Phoenix, Hoogorda, Raleigh Durham, San Francisco, St.

7:04

Petersburg, Tampa, Washington, D.C., and lots more.

7:09

Visit Fly Louisville.com for all the details.

7:15

My name is Curtis Jones Jr.

7:17

and I am a maintenance plumber.

7:19

Just responding to service calls from the customers in the building.

7:22

Leaks, clogs, maintenance.

7:24

Here we'll pull a garbage can in front of here.

7:27

Step on in.

7:28

You don't have to be hello, I'm Councilman Jonathan Joseph, Chair of Appropriations Committee.

8:05

This is a regular meeting of the appropriations committee on June 17th, 2026.

8:10

It is currently 3.02 p.m.

8:13

This meeting is being held pursuant to KRS 61.826 in Council Rule 5.a.

8:19

With me is my Vice Chair Marilyn Parker.

8:21

Joining us in chambers are committee members, Councilman Herndon, Councilman Leninger, Councilman Syme, and virtually by Councilman Winkler and Councilwoman Shanklin.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████59%

Parks and Recreation███████████████20%

Community Engagement█████7%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████7%

Youth Programs████5%

Public Health██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Louisville Metro Appropriations Committee Meeting - June 17, 2026

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.

Meeting Transcript

JCPS has provided students with countless academic opportunities to establish themselves in fields outside of their respective schools. This concept stays true to this day with the Atherton speech and debates team's recent trip to China to compete in the Chengdu Sister Cities International Debate Tournament. So Best Speaker is a separate award, and throughout your competition, judges will keep track of how good they think the speakers were, how good the speeches were, how good they were able to speak in crossfire. So like when opponents are like asking each other questions and how well you're able to quickly respond to that. And so getting best speaker was a really big honor. And they also did this really fun thing where when they called out Best Speaker for both the American team and the Chinese teams, they had us do like an impromptu speech. So me and the girl from China both had to come up and give a little impromptu speech about you know how grateful we were like a little Oscars type deal. And it was really cool because the girl that won Best Speaker for China was also a girl that I had become like kind of friends with throughout the competition, so it was really great that we got to stand on stage and do that together. But China was really an incredible country. It was so beautiful, it was so green. Um everything there was really cheap and everyone was really really friendly. So we went to two school visits. We went to a private school and a public school. We went to the giant giant panda research base, which is really cool. Um we learned how to make mandu by hand and they got to eat them. Thanks to this opportunity, Atherton students were able to solidify their spots on the international academic scale. For our kids, I'm Atherton correspondent Catherine Armstrong. Correspondent Boston Sissel introduces us to the teaching pathway at Ballard High School. In the educational workforce, it's no secret that there's a shortage of teachers. At Ballard High School, there is a pathway that allows students to prepare to become teachers. All of the upperclassmen that are in the program take frequent visits to Wilder Elementary to teach their kindergarten buddies how to read and write. One of the things I think one of the themes that ties throughout all four years of the pathway is that there is a intense focus on leadership, which translates well beyond careers or internships and education. So they learn a lot about leadership, they learn a lot about organizational skills, they learn a lot about just human relations and how to relate to people, and those translate to lots of internships. But if they fail their second routine inspection in a row, then they would have to post a B placard. And that's um the facilities under review. We are working with that facility so they can pass routine inspections. The B is also given if that facility had to close, whether they had gotten A's with the previous inspections. If that facility has to close because of the imminent health hazards, when that follow-up is conducted, they automatically get the B placard. If you're curious about uh any restaurants' scores, there is a link on our website available to find that information. Two years ago, an unprecedented investment in the city of Louisville started this ball forward and set a stake in the ground. The leaders of Louisville delivered. The leaders of Louisville did exactly what they said they were going to do and exactly what they were asked to do. And so this year, it was easy to go back and say, let's do more. And one billion dollars of additional investment in this community, it's not accidental. It is intentional. So it takes everybody to get this done. Not just the givers of the money, not the people that just have the responsibility, but it takes those people who work in the trenches that deserve that support that are doing the work that deserves to be delivered to the people of the Commonwealth. And that's what the General Assembly is about. When we all work together, and when things are lined up, the cards are in the hands and they're played properly. Great things can happen. And I think this one billion dollars here is part of that particular piece. The nonprofit community really is what helps those most vulnerable, and it really makes a community click. And um, I just want to point out that this investment is so critical to so many organizations. These are those organizations that create that incredible fabric that you feel in Louisville, Kentucky. Looking to get away, want to go nonstop. Louisville Mohammed Ali International Airport can take you to Philadelphia, Phoenix, Hoogorda, Raleigh Durham, San Francisco, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Washington, D.C., and lots more. Visit Fly Louisville.com for all the details. My name is Curtis Jones Jr. and I am a maintenance plumber.

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