RESOLUTION No. __________, Series 2018
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A RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES §131.02, URGING THE MAYOR TOWARD COMPASSION BY REFRAINING FROM DISPLACING HOMELESS CITIZENS IN PERIODS OF FRIGID TEMPERATURES THAT THREATEN THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY (AS AMENDED).
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SPONSORED BY: SPONSORSHIP WITHDRAWN
WHEREAS, Louisville/Jefferson County’s homeless citizens are among the most vulnerable residents in Louisville Metro, especially in extremely cold weather.
WHEREAS, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council saw fit to offer clearer guidelines for cleaning and displacement of living spaces occupied by homeless citizens in our community;
WHEREAS, reports indicate Louisville Metro is currently experiencing below average temperatures for this time of year and is expected to undergo a particularly harsh winter;
WHEREAS, despite the best efforts of Louisville Metro employees, faith groups, non-profit organizations, and citizen volunteers, there are significant unmet needs to shelter and provide services to the homeless communities of Louisville;
WHEREAS, eviction notices and physical displacements effectively force homeless citizens to break established habits they employ to stay warm and/or be close to the support groups and services offered in downtown Louisville, possibly at greater risk to their health and safety;
WHEREAS, the displacement of homeless citizens, in part due to the lack of adequate shelter space, merely forces homeless citizens to move from one encampment to another, without solving the homelessness problem in our city;
WHEREAS, experts have repeatedly stated that it is impossible to coax every homeless citizen to shelter even if resources allowed; and,
WHEREAS, Louisville Metro should do everything in its power to build trust and rapport with the homeless in the hope that compassion will lead them to seek help.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (THE COUNCIL) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Excepting in instances of Emergency, as used in LMCO §131.01 and 131.02, where there is a significant health risk, safety risk, or some other emergency as identified by the Administration, the Council calls upon Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Mayor Greg Fischer, the Public Works Department, and LMPD, as well as other parts of the Louisville Metro Government, to cease any and all operations to involuntarily, physically displace homeless encamped Louisville citizens, until such time as the Spring and consistent warmer weather conditions exist.
SECTION II: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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_______________________________ H. Stephen Ott Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David James President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor_____________________________ Approval Date |
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APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
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R-206-18 - Requesting the Administration Refrain from Displacing Homeless in Frigid Weather (12-10-18).docx