Good Citizen Award
Watterson Park has established a Good Citizen Award program as a means to recognize those
Watterson Park residents whose efforts have contributed to the success of our community. Many times these citizens go unnoticed and unrewarded. We would like to change that.
Nominees must reside in Watterson Park; elected officials do not qualify for this award. All applications will be reviewed by our City Council and recipients will be notified. Winners will be featured in our newsletter and on our website.
If you would like to nominate someone who has made a difference in your neighborhood, please send an email to wattersonparkinfo@att.net and let us know.
The City’s First Good Citizen Award
Mayor Linda Chesser presented Eric Kelso, a resident on Gardiner Lane, with the City’s first Good Citizen Award at our City Council legislative meeting on November 14. Mr. Kelso was nominated for the award by a neighbor who has observed him picking up trash from yards, gutters, and sidewalks on a regular basis. She wanted to let Mr. Kelso know that his efforts have not gone unappreciated.
The Watterson Park Council and Officers are grateful to Mr. Kelso for his efforts to keep our City clean and beautiful. This is a prime example of how one person really can make a difference. We hope that Mr. Kelso’s endeavors will inspire others to find their own way of contributing to the betterment ofour community.
Watterson Park established the Good Citizen Award as a means to recognize and reward good citizenship at the community level. If you would like to nominate a resident for this award, go to the Citizens' Corner page and follow the instructions under Good Citizen Award.
“This city is what it is because our citizens are what they are.” ~ Plato
Assistance Fund for Qualifying Homeowners
In partnership with Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), Governor Andy Beshear launched the Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund, a program that can help homeowners who have been impacted by the pandemic rebound and avoid foreclosure.
The program is funded through $85.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that the Commonwealth received to protect homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Qualifying homeowners can visit TeamKYHAF.ky.gov to apply for up to $35,000 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s and/or flood insurance, homeowners association fees, and utility costs. If approved, the funds will be paid as a grant directly to mortgage servicers, utility companies, county property tax administrators, insurance agencies, or homeowners associations.
Go to ProtectMyKYHome.org for eligibility requirements, required documentation, and a detailed description of the program.
[From Louisville Metro District 10 E-News. Used with permission.]
Property Maintenance
In Louisville Metro, it is the responsibility of the person living in a home to keep the front and rear of the property clean. This area extends from the middle of the street out front to the middle of any alleyways to the rear or side of the property. This applies to litter as well as plants and trees that could impede the alleyway or street. Inspections, Permits and Licenses (IPL) could cite and possibly impose a fine if you’ve got a lot of debris and plant overgrowth.
In addition, Watterson Park has a nuisance ordinance that limits the height of grass and weeds on your property.
Thank you for adhering to the local property maintenance codes and for keeping a clean neighborhood.
[From Louisville Metro District 10 E-News. Used with permission.]
Interview with Councilwoman Marlene Welsh
Marlene Welsh is currently our longest-serving member of the
Watterson Park City Council. She was elected to the Council in 2006 and has been re-elected to every term since. Marlene has always been very active in her community. Anyone who meets her can’t help but be impressed by her knowledge, energy, and candor — traits that help to balance our hard-working City Council.
For how long have you lived in Watterson Park?
I have lived on Larkmoor Lane since 1954. My parents were originals on this street. My husband and I became homeowners on Larkmoor Lane in 1961. Our only child, Joe, was born and raised here.
You are very active in your community.
Yes, I try to be a good neighbor and to set an example on the street. Most people here do a great job of maintaining their property and looking out for each other. I tell them that this is Mayberry and I’m Aunt Bea. If they have a problem, I will try to solve it.
Tell us how you first became involved with Watterson Park.
I became interested in Watterson Park and the Council when the City was first formed. My husband, Joe, was a Councilmember from the inception of the City and was part of the original planning of the rules and regulations. I went to the meetings with him and was happy to be a part of it. In 2006 I became a member of the Council and am still glad to be a part of it.
What do you like most about being a Councilwoman?
I like participating in the decision-making process and contributing to the progress of the City.
You are extremely active on the Watterson Park Council. In addition to your duties as a Councilwoman, you are Chair of the Events Committee and a member of both the Sanitation Committee and the Urban Forestry/Green Space Committee.
I have been a part of several committees, including Sanitation and Urban Forestry. But the most interesting is the Events Committee, where I get to plan the City trip. It is really involved and time-consuming, but it’s so much fun.
What has been your favorite trip so far?
We’ve had trips to gardens, zoos, and several other places. Everyone seemed to have fun, especially the children at the zoos. Last year because of COVID there wasn’t a trip, but we hope to be able to resume the tradition soon. Being an animal lover, if I had to pick a favorite, I think it would be the trips to the zoos.
You retired in 2006 after a long career in finance. What did you do, and for how long were you employed in that industry?
I worked for 50 years in the financial industry. I survived five mergers and continued to progress. I dealt with dealers and contracts and did a lot of traveling with my job, teaching three different computer systems and putting remote offices on those systems. I taught corporate “intranet” instead of internet. Perhaps this is why my internet is sometimes confusing! I retired after 50 years and have been retired for 15 years now. Do I miss it? Yes. I always enjoyed the travel — it was all very interesting. They asked me to work longer, but I thought 50 years was long enough!
Tell us about your volunteer work in the community.
I have volunteered with AARP doing taxes for the past five years and, in doing so, have met lots of nice people.
You were married to Joe Welsh, a former Councilman and one of our founding members. Tell us about him.
I was married for 57 years to Joe, a fantastic man who was extremely loving. And he was also very patient — a necessary trait to be married to a super energetic woman like me. Joe died in 2014 at the age of 82.
Tell us about your family.
My son, Joe, just recently retired and is still teaching EMTs. He has his own company and works harder now than ever before. He is an only child, as I am; but he has accomplished a lot more. He is now on a national register with his company. I have four grandchildren who are all grown and doing well. And I also have four great-grandchildren.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in my personal life is my son, Joe.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my spare time I don’t accomplish much — lunch and dinner with friends, and sometimes a movie.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
The most daring thing I have done is a hot air balloon ride on my 50th birthday, provided by my son. Although I flew a lot in my job, this was so much more exciting. It was a thrill to be flying high in something other than a plane.
Do you have a favorite family tradition?
Yes, getting together with family on holidays.
What is on your personal wish list for the next five years?
My personal wish for five years is to stay healthy and still be able to walk two miles every day!
Photo credits:
Left: Marlene and her late husband, Joe.
Right: Marlene, husband Joe, and their grandchildren, Christmas 2006.
Interview with Jerry Wild, City Treasurer
Jerry Wild is the Treasurer for the City of Watterson Park, a position he has held since the City’s inception. Jerry and his wife, Kathy, lived on Regina Lane for 47-plus years and loved the neighborhood and its central location. They moved two years ago to a patio home [with no steps] in Fern Creek. Fortunately, Jerry agreed to stay on as the City Treasurer, which is an appointed position.
How long have you worked as Treasurer for the City of Watterson Park?
Since March 1981, when the City was founded.
Tell us how you first got involved with Watterson Park.
I was invited by former Mayor Norman Liebert to help collect signatures from registered voters to form our own city. I believe we needed signatures from two-thirds of the voters to prevent annexation by the City of Louisville.
What does your job entail?
I collect and post tax payments, pay all invoices, payroll, taxes and returns, and financial statements. I attend City Council meetings, where I present the monthly treasurer’s report and answer any questions related to it. I work closely with our CPA to prepare our annual audit. I also collaborate with our Mayor and City Attorney to draft our annual budget.
What do you like most about being Treasurer? Least?
I like all the accounting functions as well as everyone associated with the City. I dislike that I now live so far away from the area.
You retired from Advance Ready Mix Concrete several years ago. What did you do and how long were you employed there?
I was Accounting Manager and retired in August 2016 after 25 years.
What is your proudest accomplishment — personal or professional?
Graduating from the University of Louisville after taking classes at night, while working full-time and being married with two small children.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Kathy, and I will be married 50 years in October. We have three children — Alan, Laura, and Kevin — and eight grandchildren, all living out of town.
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
I read a lot, mostly detective books. I play golf in a senior league. And Kathy and I spend many evenings talking and dining out with friends and neighbors.
You and Kathy love to travel. Tell us about some of the places you’ve visited. What has been your favorite place to visit so far?
Shortly after I retired, we traveled to Europe for a three-week bus tour that included all the highlights, followed by 10 days in Scotland and Ireland. We made lifelong friendships on that trip. We’ve also cruised around Cape Horn [the southern tip of South America] and we did a trans-continental cruise from England to New York. My favorite was the European bus trip.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I don’t do daring.
Do you have a favorite family tradition?
Probably celebrating Thanksgiving with extended family, but many have passed away so that tradition is dying out.
What is your favorite movie?
Schindler’s List.
Who is your favorite author, and what is your favorite book?
I enjoy Sue Grafton and Michael Connelly. Currently I would say my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird.
What college or professional sports do you watch? Is there a specific team that you follow?
I like college sports best, especially football. I mostly follow the University of Louisville.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’m not the person I want to be, but I’m better than the one I used to be. I’m always trying to make this version better.
What is on your personal wish list for the next five years?
To grow stronger in my faith is most important.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Photo credits:
Jerry briefly piloting the C Q Princess out of Captain’s Quarters at his retirement party.
Jerry and Kathy enjoying their European trip in the spring of 2017.
Jerry getting assistance from his grandson Colin while staying on top of Watterson Park business during a trip to Houston.
Mayor Chesser Pays Tribute to
Councilwoman Helen Arnold
As 2020 is about to come to an end, so does the role of Councilwoman Helen Arnold. After much thought, Helen made the decision to not run for office after serving our City with distinction for 24 years.
I want to express my sincerest thanks to Helen. She has always taken her role as a Councilwoman seriously, and she always does what she believes is in the best interest of our City. By doing so, Helen has made Watterson Park a better place in which to live.
I want to share a few of Helen's accomplishments over the years.
In the mid-1970s, our area was still considered the County. The homes were on septic systems, and there were some serious drainage issues. Helen successfully worked with MSD and the residents — which involved door-to-door petitioning, numerous phone calls, and many meetings — to have a sewer system installed.
In 1997, Helen took the lead on the installation of our Watterson Park signature entrance at the corner of Newburg Road and Bishop Lane. This project involved designing and installing the structure, the lighting, and the landscaping. In addition, since the sign would be located on property owned by JCPS, Helen secured the necessary approval from them for the project. While looking through a large packet of information that Helen gave me, one note caught my eye: Helen wrote, "All hurdles have been met to start our new signature entrance."
In 2003, following the development of our Master Tree Plan and the initial planting of trees throughout our City, the Council was looking for ways to make Gardiner Lane look more like a parkway rather than just another busy roadway. Helen spearheaded the effort to install acorn lights on Gardiner Lane.
Helen has been the liaison for the City with Terminix and the Demolay property for as long as I can remember.
And, finally, Helen is the person who suggested the name for our City — Watterson Park.
Helen and I have not only worked closely together for the City of Watterson Park, but she is a dear friend as well. I know I speak for the Watterson Park Council, Officers, and City Attorney when I say Helen will truly be missed.
~ Linda Chesser, Mayor
On behalf of Watterson Park, Mayor Chesser presented Mrs. Arnold with an engraved tray in recognition of her 24 years of leadership and public service to the City of Watterson Park.
Sanitation Carts
~ March 16, 2021
This is a reminder that the City of Watterson Park expects sanitation carts to be moved back to your home, away from the street, on the same day of pickup. This is a courtesy that we strive to extend to all of our neighbors, as carts left at the street can be stolen or damaged, can signify to potential burglars that no one is home, and are unsightly.
In the event that carts continue to be left at the street after pick-ups, the City Council may need to request our legal counsel to draft an ordinance that will mandate this type of action and will impose fines and/or cessation of trash pickup for violations. We prefer not to use this action since we have always been a collegial community.
Thanks for your cooperation and for being a good neighbor!
Linda Chesser, Mayor
Community Cats
~ June 15, 2020
Watterson Park has received a number of complaints regarding community cats. Several residents have replaced their mulch with decorative rock because the cats are using the mulch for their litter box. Residents are finding cat feces in their gardens, flower beds, and yards. They have also had to put their chair cushions away so they don’t get clawed or covered with cat hair.
Cats can easily scale a six-foot privacy fence, so fencing isn’t a solution. Metro Louisville has a law that requires you to pick up after your dog; unfortunately, this does not apply to community cats.
Sergeant McMichael with Metro Animal Services and I have discussed the over-population of community cats in Watterson Park. Some – but not all – of the cats have been spayed or neutered by Alley Cats. Providing food and shelter will attract other stray cats, and these stray cats may not have been spayed or neutered.
[The average mature cat can have 3 litters with a total of 12 kittens per year. Out of those litters of kittens, about 4.7 of them are females which, in turn, means they will most likely have litters of their own. These numbers are eye-openers when you think about the number of stray cats running around that are not spayed or neutered. A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years.] ~ Animal Rescue Professionals website
A possible solution for the cat feces is to purchase a kiddie pool, fill it withsand, and let it serve as a litter box. It would need tobe cleaned out regularly, justas you would do for an indoor cat. This may help keep the cats from doing their business in your neighbor’s landscaping. But it doesn’t take care of the cats reproducing.
If you have a cat that needs to be spayed or neutered, contact Metro Animal Services, 3516 Newburg Road, 502.473.7387, and discuss what options are available during this time.
~ Mayor Linda Chesser
Mary Ann Liebert
December 4, 1945 – March 23, 2020
We are sad to announce the loss of former Councilwoman Mary Ann Liebert, who passed away on March 23, 2020. Mary Ann lived in the City of Watterson Park from 1967 until her death. She was married to former Mayor Norman Liebert, who passed away in November of 2018.
Mary Ann served on the Watterson Park City Council from November 1996 until June 2016. She was born and raised in the Germantown area, attended St. Elizabeth of Hungary school, and graduated from Ursuline Academy.
Mary Ann was a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church, volunteering every year at fish fries, summer picnics, and bingo tournaments. She also taught religious education there for fourteen years.
Mary Ann had two daughters, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Norman Raphael Liebert
January 16, 1944 – November 20, 2018
Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing
save the limit of our sight.
~ Rossiter Worthington Raymond
It is with great sadness that the City of Watterson Park announces the loss of former Mayor Norman Liebert, who passed away on November 20, 2018.
Norm was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice; father, Raphael; and brother Donald. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; daughters Denise and Christina; grandchildren Nicholas, Lindsay, Amber, Tracy Jr., Christian, Tyler, Brayden, Delaney, and Hunter; great-grandchildren Andie and Tracy III; and brothers and sisters Roger, Judith, Jean, and Larry.
Along with former Council members as well as City Attorney John Treitz, Norm worked to incorporate the area now known as Watterson Park and was named its first Mayor—a position he held from 1981 to 2015. Under Norm’s leadership, Watterson Park residents enjoyed an increased level of services: one of the lowest property tax rates in the state, free sanitation services, improved street lights, road paving and repair, well-maintained rights-of-way, snow plowing, and an esteemed forestry program.
We will be forever grateful for Norm’s 34 years of dedication and service and for his many contributions to our community.
Real Property Tax Rate Reduction for FY 2019-2020
Watterson Park has once again reduced your real property tax rate. The reduction—from 8.2¢ to 7.1¢ per $100.00 of assessed valuation—should provide some much-needed financial relief to our businesses as well as to our residents.
With your taxes, Watterson Park provides trash, recycle, and yard waste pickup for residential properties; snow removal (except for Metro- or state-owned streets); street light installation and rental; maintaining rights-of-way; street and boundary signs; road and sidewalk paving and repairs; tree planting and maintenance; and off-duty police patrol, among other services.
The real property tax rate in Watterson Park is among the lowest in the entire state. For the 2018–2019 fiscal year, the average real property tax rate for cities in Kentucky was 22.59, with 404 districts reporting; the rate for Watterson Park was 8.2. In Jefferson County alone, Watterson Park was the third lowest of 90 cities reporting. You can view tax rates for all Kentucky cities via revenue.ky.gov. (Note: Tax rates for 2019–2020 have not yet been released by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Revenue.)
So when you receive your tax bill this fall, if it’s not being paid through your home mortgage escrow account, PLEASE mail your payment so we can continue to offer the services our residents and businesses deserve and to which they have become accustomed.
Trip to Louisville Zoo 2019
September 21, 2019
And another City-sponsored trip for Watterson Park residents has been completed. Watterson Park residents were treated to admission and lunch at the Louisville Zoological Gardens on Saturday, September 14.
According to everyone who participated, it was very enjoyable. This year we stayed locally at our own awesome Louisville Zoological Gardens. We had an hour before lunch to get acquainted, and then a hot buffet lunch with a lot of great food. After lunch, two volunteers brought in animals—a chinchilla and a hedge hog. There were stories and a lot of petting, which was supposed to be for the children but was also enjoyed by the adults (of which I was one). If you didn’t make it, I‘m sorry you missed it.
Our annual trip really is a wonderful way to get acquainted with your fellow residents while enjoying nature at its finest!
In the spring, watch for information on next year’s trip. We’re already making plans, and we know you won’t want to miss out.
~ submitted by Councilwoman Marlene Welsh;
photos courtesy of Councilwoman Tiffany Woodson.
Watterson Park Resident Lucas Fortwengler Recognized with
U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal
Watterson Park resident Lucas Fortwengler is Kentucky’s first youth with Down syndrome to receive the prestigious U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal. Lucas was presented this award by Congressman John Yarmuth in Washington, D.C., in June 20 of this year.
The Congressional Award Gold Medal is the highest honor a member of Congress may bestow upon a youth civilian. This prestigious award recognizes young people ages 14 to 24 who have devoted at least 800 hours towards voluntary public service, physical fitness, personal development, and expedition/exploration over the past two years.
Students recognized with this gold medal go above and beyond standard academics to engage with their community and develop personally.
Lucas has been in the Boy Scouts of America since age 7 and is currently an Eagle Scout. He lives in Watterson Park with his father, former Watterson Park Councilman Steve Fortwengler.
According to Lucas’s sister, Kaitlin, “This young man is astounding. I am overly proud to say I am his sister.… [Lucas] is moving mountains and he doesn’t even know it. He is fighting a battle he isn’t aware of; he is a beacon of hope for other people with disabilities. HE IS TRULY AMAZING.”
Attention, Residents!
Please keep your vehicles in your driveway on sanitation pick-up days. Vehicles parked on the street pose a maneuverability problem for the large sanitation trucks. If the truck driver hits a vehicle, he or she is liable and could be fired. If it happens multiple times, the provider could refuse to pick up trash at that location because of the hazard.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
If you have...
a newsworthy item that you would like to list on this page, please contact us. Examples of items that can be included are:
- Special award
- Milestone anniversary or birthday
- Yard sale
- Services offered
- Thank-you to a neighbor
- Lost or found animal
Tribute to Former Mayor Norman Liebert
Your City Council honored former Mayor Norman Liebert by naming the green space at the Lillian Wild Walking Path “The Norman Liebert Green.” We installed a plaque in recognition of his 34 years of leadership and service to our City.
Norm served as Mayor from 1981 to 2015. Under his guidance, Watterson Park residents and businesses enjoyed an increased level of services, including lower property tax rates, residential sanitation services, road paving and repair, snow plowing, improved street lights, and an excellent forestry program.
2018 Trip to Cincinnati Zoo
Our recent trip to Cincinnati Zoo was the third trip in a row for our City, and it was a fun time for all. We had 52 participants on board, including 12 children. The bus trip was pleasant,
and we arrived a little earlier than expected. Thanks to Councilwoman Tiffany Woodson and her boys, we watched movies going to the Zoo and coming home.
Again, like last year, there were plenty of animals to see, and the botanical gardens were very nice and housed some plants I had never seen. We had “Zoo Bucks” to spend for lunch, which gave us a large variety of food from which to select.
The weather was a little warm—no...it was a LOT warm—but no one seemed to mind. However, I believe everyone was grateful at 4:15 p.m. when it was time to board the air-conditioned bus.
We arrived back in Louisville a little after 6 p.m., just before the rain. All in all, it was a good trip. For those who missed it—we wish you could have been there.
~ Submitted by Councilwoman Marlene Welsh
Curb Appeal
I am an advocate of curb appeal, and we just had an example of its effect. A home in our City has been for sale for quite some time. The owner took it off the market, updated the landscaping, did some painting, cleaned up the yard, and relisted it. I spoke with the realtor and she indicated that since the updates, there has been a lot more interest in the property.
Keeping the outside of your home spruced up and painted, trimming shrubs and trees, cutting vines that are trailing up the brick (this also ruins the mortar), storing trash/recycle containers out of sight (if possible), and not parking in the yard (this is actually a Metro ordinance) are a few things that contribute to curb appeal. Your home is the largest investment you will make in your lifetime. Curb appeal will aid in growing your investment. The costs can be minimal. A lot of this just involves some labor. Take pride in your property.
With the possible turnover of some of our homes in the next several years, it is really important for Watterson Park to be seen as a desirable place to live. This is a great community. Let’s work together to keep it a great community.
Thank you!
Linda Chesser, Mayor
Zoning Enforcement Information
April Robbins, Supervisor of Zoning Enforcement, Louisville Planning and Design, was present at our August 13 legislative meeting and left some informational flyers for us to share with our residents and businesses. Click on the following for more information:
• Abandoned Vehicles and Illegal Parking Could Cost You
• Vehicles and Your Property
• Portable Signs
For more information, please call 502-574-6230 or check their website.
Neighborhood Parking Concerns
It has come to the City’s attention that many of our residents are parking their vehicles on the street even though they have adequate parking space on their driveways. PLEASE park your vehicle in your driveway so that our streets remain clear. If your driveway is full because you have guests and you need to “temporarily” park on the street, please park in front of your own house instead of your neighbor's...this is just good neighborhood etiquette.
Another problem with on-street parking is when two vehicles are parked on the street directly across from each other and school buses cannot get through. THIS HAS HAPPENED. If an emergency vehicle cannot gain access due to a parked vehicle, the police may be called to have the offending vehicle towed.
If you must park on the street, please be considerate and do not park anywhere that your vehicle might cause an obstruction, an inconvenience, or an eyesore.
Watterson Park Makes the Brightside News
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a term used to refer to crimes in which someone steals your personally identifying information – like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number – and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes. It’s a serious crime that can deplete your finances and destroy both your credit history and your reputation. Check out the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information site to discover the different types of identity theft, see what steps you should take if you are the victim of identity theft, and learn how to protect your identity. The site also provides sample letters and forms that you can use to limit damage caused by identity theft.
LMPD 6th Division: Crime Notifications Block Watch Report
To check crime reports for the 6th Division, go to their website.
You can subscribe to the 6th District newsletter/crime report as well as issue a concern or complaint by emailing them.
