Message From Councilman Kramer - The Future of the Libraries

Although election day has passed, the work to build better libraries is just beginning. With the 67% to 33% failure of the Library Tax, Metro Government must now look within itself to fund library improvements. To ensure we have the opportunity to move the Library Master Plan forward, two ordinances (O-278-11-07) and (O-279-11-07) were submitted for a first reading at the Thursday, November 8 2007 meeting of the Louisville Metro Council.

These two ordinances represent the first of many investments that Metro Government can make over the course of the next seven years to help improve our libraries by building new regional branches and eventually building and renovating neighborhood branches in Jefferson County. An explanation of the two ordinances:

O-278-11-07: This ordinance will move $750,000 in excess funds collected thus far this year and appropriate the money to our libraries for engineering studies and the hiring of additional library staff. This ordinance would be the first of seven annual increases to the library’s operations budget to assist with the expected growth that will come with the library’s expansion.

O-279-11-07: This ordinance will amend the FY2008 Budget to include $25 million in bonds for the construction of three regional libraries in Jefferson County. This bond would be the first in a series that would be made over the next seven years. It would use funds freed up from previous debt used for projects like Slugger Field to pay for new and expanded libraries.

The two ordinances outlined above have been sent to the Metro Council’s Budget Committee for review. Although many council members have signed up to sponsor these ordinances, we are still in need of more support to ensure these ordinances are passed.

Please contact me if you have questions regarding this initiative. I appreciate all the calls, emails, and input we have received on the library issue.

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Kramer

District 11 Office and Legal Aid Society will Sponsor Will Clinic on November 10

Legal Aid Society will conduct a Will Clinic on Saturday, November 10 from 9 am to 1 pm at Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church (3400 Summerfield Drive.) Eligible individuals can meet with an attorney, assisted by a paralegal or law student, and will review and sign these documents tailored to reflect their individual wishes. Clients walk away with documents in hand, usually within one hour. This service is provided at no cost to eligible individuals. If interested, please contact Andrea Robbins at Legal Aid Society at 614-3123 to determine whether you are eligible for this service and to reserve an appointment at the Will Clinic.

---

Extreme Makeover Comes to the Buechel Area

ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition has chosen a Buechel family to receive a significant home renovation.

The family of Patrick Henry Hughes, a blind trumpet player in University of Louisville's Marching and Pep Band, received the news this week when the show's crew arrived at their front door, according to information on the Web site of Louisville's Elite Homes, the builder for the project.

Patrick Henry, 19, was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, leaving him unable to walk. His father, Patrick John Hughes, works at night so that he can accompany his son to classes at U of L during the day, and guides Patrick Henry's wheelchair while the marching band performs.

Extreme Makeover will renovate the family's home, which is located in Buechel, to make it safer and more accessible for Patrick Henry. The renovation will be complete next Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Volunteers are needed to pick up trash, serve food and handle other tasks throughout the week, particularly overnight. If you would like to volunteer, you must register through the builders, Elite Built Homes. Visit their website at www.elitebuilthomes.com and follow the instructions noted by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

District 11 Funding will Assist ConnectKentucky Program

The Four Seasons Neighbor Association general meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15th at 7:00 PM. The association will be voting on new board members. It is not too late to nominate someone for a position on the board, please call David Lynch, Election Committee at 491-3538.

Four new street lights are up in the neighborhood. Four Seasons will be collecting next years member dues and welcome any neighbor to join the association.

Hikes Point Area Business Association to Sponsor Window Decorating Contest
(printed on behalf of the Hikes Point Area Business Association)



The Hikes Point Area Business Association is sponsoring a window decorating contest for area businesses. Entries must include a reference to or logo of the Hikes Point Area Business Association. Decorations must be up by November 17, judging will take place on that day. First place is $500, second place $200, and third place $100. For more information contact President Debbie Williams at 458-3001

Light Up Hikes Point will be held Saturday, December 1 in McMahan Plaza at 4:30 p.m. HPABA is providing you with an excellent opportunity to showcase your business at this exciting holiday event. If you would like to set up a booth to promote your business please contact Talbott Allen at Talbott.allen@insightbb.com.

---

Lead Safe Louisville Initative

The Lead Safe Louisville Initiative is a federally funded program of The Louisville Metro Housing and Community Development Department. The goal is to remove lead hazards from homes where a pregnant woman and/or a child under six years old resides (in the case of a child, they simply have to be in the home six or more hours per week, not permanent residents). In addition to removing dangerous lead hazards, the work performed with their funds may provide valuable home improvements and weatherization for home owners.

In the case of a homeowner/owner occupied unit, the family must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A child < six years of age lives in the home OR
• A child < six years of age spends at least six hours per week in the home OR
• A pregnant women lives in the home AND
• The home was built before 1978 AND
• The family is at or below 80% area median income (for example, a family of four may earn up to $58,875 per year).

Elizabeth Fick Koppen, a Community Outreach Specialist with the Department of Housing and Family Services would like an opportunity to speak to your organization if you feel your neighborhood might benefit from this program. If interested, please contact Ms. Fick Koppen at 574-3074 or electronically at elizabeth.fick@louisvilleky.gov.

---

Mayor Encourages Residents To Check Smoke Detectors

Mayor Abramson asked residents to change their batteries in their smoke detectors. “Having a working smoke detector in the home is a major part of surviving a fire in your house,” Abramson said. “We want our families to check those batteries every six months to make sure they have enough warning to escape in case of fire.”

Last year, firefighters fought nearly 2,000 structure fires in Louisville. Nine people died as a result of those fires. The National Fire Prevention Association reported that, in 2006, 80 percent of all fire deaths were caused by home fires. Nationally, roughly 2,600 people were killed by home fires last year and 12,500 were injured.

The mayor also encouraged families to use the time change as a reason to change a light bulb in the home – from a standard incandescent bulb to an energy-efficient fluorescent. As daylight hours shorten in the fall and winter, residents use more electricity to light their homes.

Fluorescent lights are widely available at discount and hardware stores. Used fluorescents may be recycled at the city’s Haz-Bin, located at 7501 Grade Lane.

---

Light Up Louisville is November 23

Light Up Louisville and Wendy’s Winter Wonderland Parade

3:00pm – 9:00pm
Jefferson Square Park

Kick off the holiday season by celebrating this Louisville tradition with Mayor Abramson, GE, LG&E and Geek Squad. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, children’s activities and the Winter Wonderland Parade. Don’t forget to stay for the lighting up of downtown!

www.louisvilleky.gov

---

Upcoming Events

November 10

Jeffersontown Bike/Walk Along Phase One of the Gaslight Recreational & Workplace Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail
10 am - 1:30 pm
2700 Watterson Trail


November 15

Bowl for Brightside PNC Bank Celebrity Showdown

Join us at Lucky Strike, Fourth Street Live! for an exciting, fun filled night of bowling. Mayor Abramson’s team will challenge others for some friendly competition. We anticipate a superb celebrity turnout from our hometown. The fun begins at 5:30pm, November 15. Stop by after work!

Admission: Donation to Brightside (donations are tax deductible).