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CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2018
 
The regular meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Rick Tonini. The meeting was held at St. Matthews City Hall, 3940 Grandview Avenue. The following people were present:
 
MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini
 
CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Bernie Bowling
Councilman Frank Flynn
Councilman Tim Holland – absent
Councilman Shaun McKiernan
Councilman Mary Jo Nay
Councilman Stuart Monohan
Councilman Tony Weiter
Councilman Pat Wissing
 
OTHER OFFICIALS
Susan Clark – City Clerk
John Singler – St. Matthews Attorney
Barry Wilkerson – St. Matthews Chief of Police
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning and Zoning Officer
Kenan Stratman – St. Matthews Public Works Director
 
OTHER ATTENDEES
Frank Tonini – Resident                                                                             Ann Richard – LD&D
Gary Majors – Resident                                                                              John Talbott – Attorney
Dwayne Fleck – Resident                                                                           Jon Baker – Attorney
Fred White – Resident                                                                                John Sullivan
Josh Suiter – Chamber of St. Matthews                                                  Matt Taylor
Kelly Brothers – Manager of the St. Matthews Eline Library               Brough Breeland
Nick Pregliasco – Attorney for Applicant at 115 Fairfax Avenue         Unnamed Visitors
Geoff Knight – Developer
Frank Mascagni – Attorney

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call vote of attendance.
 
MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilman Nay to approve the minutes from the March 27, 2018 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Weiter.
 
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public chose to address the council members at this time. 
 
PENDING BUSINESS
 
ORDINANCE 18-01           CHANGE IN ZONING AND RDDDP                    John Singler, Attorney
                                             107, 111R, and 113 FAIRFAX AVENUE
                                             2nd READING
Mr. Singler summarized Ordinance 18-01 which had a first reading on March 13, 2018. The applicant asked to delay the 2nd reading until additional details could be confirmed. Mayor Tonini expressed concern over the change in appearance to the block when the building currently at 107 Fairfax Avenue is demolished. He further asked what landscaping could be done to soften the appearance of the area. Ann Richard, Landscape Architect with Land Design & Development and representing St. Matthews Animal Clinic, relayed a green, grassy area between the sidewalk and road is being added. Additionally, a number of trees will be planted and a buffer of shrubbery will run along the property line between 107 and 111 Fairfax Avenue.  Deciduous trees add to the tree canopy of an area where as evergreens do not. Ms. Richard mentioned the owner is willing to plant trees up to 3 inches in diameter instead of ¾ inches in caliber when Councilman Nay expressed a preference for 3-inch diameter trees because they are more mature in appearance. Councilman Nay also questioned whether the dog run will be inside the kennel or partly outside the kennel. John Talbott, attorney for the owners of St. Matthews Animal Clinic, confirmed the dog run will be completely within the building.  Councilman Wissing questioned the angle of parking but it was learned the number of required parking spaces could only be obtained by the parking angles now included in the plans.  Councilman Monohan made a motion to accept this as 2nd reading of Ordinance 18-01 and adopt with changes adding the requirement for future final approval in landscaping requests, 3-inch diameter trees, and adding binding element 6.b., as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilman Nay.
 
Upon Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. 
 
ORDINANCE 18-02           CHANGE IN ZONING AND DDDP                        John Singler, Attorney
                                             115 FAIRFAX AVENUE – 2nd reading
Nick Pregliasco, attorney representing the developer of 115 Fairfax Avenue, indicated resurfacing of the parking lot in the rear of the building will not only improve the appearance of the property but assist in proper draining of the lot. The surface area is being reduced to 42 feet from 50, insinuating the water can be absorbed in the ground instead of standing. The building was received cosmetic improvements in order to be a high-end women’s boutique. Mayor Tonini inquired how the owner/developer feels about adding final approval for all landscaping come before the St. Matthews Council. Mr. Pregliasco relayed the owner/developer has no problem with that being added to the binding elements. Councilman Nay also mentioned she would prefer any and all business changes would be required to come before the council because while a women’s boutique is acceptable, something else in the future 20 years from now, may not be. Councilman Monohan made a motion to accept this as 2nd reading and adopt Ordinance 18-02 including 3 binding elements: 1) Requires St. Matthews City Council to have final approval of the landscaping plan; 2) Resurfacing in the rear of the building must be completed in a way that allows rain water to drain into the catch basin; and 3) all future zoning requests must go the thru the St. Matthews City Council to ensure community continuity. The motion was seconded by Councilman Nay.
 
Upon Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
 
NEW BUSINESS
 
ORDINANCE 18-03     PUBLIC DEDICATION OF BLENHEIM COURT           John Singler, Attorney
Mr. Singler noted that Blenheim Court was created as a private road by the original developer.  For several years residents of Blenheim Court have requested that it be dedicated as a public road but the developer could not be located in order to sign over the deed. Eventually he was found in Florida and agreed to sign over the road to the City of St. Matthews. This ordinance is part of the process of moving it officially to a public road. Councilman Nay made a motion to accept this as 1st reading of Ordinance 18-03. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bowling.
 
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried accepting this as 1st reading of Ordinance 18-03.
 
MUNICIPAL ORDER 18-09      CHANGE IN BINDING ELEMENTS                John Singler, Attorney
                                                     3929 SHELBYVILLE ROAD
The owners of Sullivan’s Tap House are requesting permission to erect a tent and host live music occasionally in the parking lot of their current location at 3929 Shelbyville Road.  Councilman Monohan stated that “occasional” needs to be defined. That could be only a few times a year or one Saturday a month. Councilman Nay inquired if the parking will be sufficient if the tent is covering required accessible parking spots for guests. Attorney for Sullivan’s Tap House Jon Baker said alternative parking would need to be obtained prior to these events.  Mayor Tonini said he would prefer to hear from residents on this issue. City Clerk Susan Clark interjected 2 residents from a subdivision to the north of Sullivan’s Tap House have contacted the office who are not in favor of adding more nighttime music/noise to their environment.  Councilman Weiter indicated the music should not be blaring and amplified speakers should be facing Shelbyville Road and away from the neighborhoods. Councilman Nay expressed a preference for Sullivan’s to communicate with the residents prior to each event. Discussion followed regarding a designated time that the live music must conclude. The suggested time was between 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.  The number of live-music events allowed per calendar year is 5. Councilman Monohan asked if Binding Element #8 was original or new working.  He was advised that it is new wording, and not an original binding element. Councilman Monohan made a motion to accept MO 18-09 with the changes discussed. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Weiter. 
 
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
 
EXPENDITURES
Councilman Bowling then made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total amount of $890,760.48. The motion was seconded by Councilman Weiter. The amount of expenditures this period included payments of $691,748.18 towards the construction of the new Eline/St. Matthews branch library and necessary improvements to City Hall.
 
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmen McKiernan, Weiter, Monohan, Bowling, Nay, Wissing, and Flynn. No Votes: None.
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Councilman McKiernan thanked the Public Works Department for filling a number of potholes around the city.
  • Councilman Weiter asked St. Matthews Sign Officer Jack Ruf on an update on the sign moratorium. Mr. Ruf asked the council members if they would like to meet at Brown Park one evening for a demonstration of light intensity’s. The council members agreed they would like to do this before voting on an ordinance. Mr. Ruf and Mr. Singler are working on several ideas and have an initial draft. Mr. Ruf will attempt to set up a demonstration sometime within the next 2 weeks.
  • Councilman Monohan will be meeting with representatives of Trinity High School soon to further discuss the possibility of the school using a baseball field at the Community Center Park. Brown Park will be receiving some updates soon as the playground will be revitalized and a formal bathroom will be built.
  • Councilman Bowling said the Police Department has received a grant for $4,000 and also purchased 2 new radar guns. There is “Click-It or Ticket” and a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled-Over” campaign that are being implemented. A speed enforcement program will be in effect.
  • Councilman Nay informed those present the newsletter is being compiled at this time.

 
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Planning Officer Jack Ruf relayed Tafel Motors has filed for RDDDP. No decisions have been made by Louisville Metro. At some point in time, the request will come back for approval or denial to the St. Matthews Council. Additionally, Masonic Homes has applied for a RDDDP and CUP modification for parking revisions. This action appears to indicate Masonic Homes is preparing to attempt to close an alley between Elmwood Avenue and St. Matthews.    
 
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Rick Tonini asked the following people for an update:

  • Kelly Brothers, Manager of Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the library said the summer reading program will start in June.
  • Josh Suiter, representing the Chamber of St. Matthews announced the Chamber will hold their annual Business Expo on April 18th at the Holiday Inn on Hurstbourne Lane. Also a golf scramble will be held at Oxmoor Country Club on July 12th. The St. Matthews Street Festival will be held August 4th.
  • Kenan Stratman said a bid was completed for the Massie Avenue Sidewalk project. Lawrence and Associates was the low bidder. Regarding a different topic, a street light will be erected on Blenheim Court when final approval has been made from the St. Matthews Council.
  • Mayor Tonini congratulated City Hall department heads for revamping the city’s Drug Policy. The new policy is much tighter than the previous one that has been in place since 2009.
  • The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Police Department are almost completed per Chief Wilkerson. The police should be able to move into their newly remodeled offices by early May.
  • We are in the process of submitting an application for a deserving WWII vet to enjoy being part of the Honor Flight Mission.
  • John Singler will be taking over the Washington Square road closure procedures.
  • The City of St. Matthews hosted our first Shakespeare in the Park event on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Due to inclement weather, the event was moved to the large gym at Waggener High School. About 50-60 people attended the performance. Should the city choose to host this event again in the future, we will likely look at a Saturday date in late May. The performance was terrific.

 
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Weiter made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Bowling.

Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,         
                                                                                                                                                           
Susan Clark – City Clerk
 
Richard Tonini – Mayor

APRIL 10, 2018      
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MAYOR DRAW WARRANTS on the City Treasury,
counter-signed by the City Clerk authorizing payment of the below listed invoices:
       
Aamco Center   Police – Vehicle Repair $3,353.00
AT&T    Comm. Center/City Hall – Phones $681.80
B & K Printing   Police/Admin. – Business Cards $50.00
Baptist Health Occupational Medicine   Works – Random Drug Testing $164.00
Baumann Paper Company   Works – Dog Bags for Parks/Can liners $2,932.22
Beck PC   Admin. – Computer Repair $225.00
Benovation   All – Health Insurance Addendum $1,978.10
Bob Hook Chevrolet   Police – Vehicle Repair $1,233.64
Bobcat Enterprises   Works – Stump Grinder Repair $1,988.58
Cincinnati Bell   Admin. – Telephone Maintenance $297.87
Clifford Distributing   Works – Supplies    $253.46
Cross Jeep   Police – Vehicle Repair $127.00
Delta Dental   All – Dental Insurance $4,981.44
Fesco   Works/Police – Fire Extinguishers $1,101.00
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 99   Police – Rental of Firing Range/Practice $800.00
Goodyear Auto   Police – Vehicle Repair $2,351.34
Guardian Insurance   All – Life/Short/Long Term Ins. $7,506.02
KEMI   All – Worker’s Comp Invoice $13,350.82
Leonard Brush and Chemical   Works – Supplies $407.17
Louisville Gas & Electric   Works – Utilities for City $31,161.74
Louisville Water Company   Works – Water   $374.10
Lowe’s   Works – Supplies and Materials $1,014.56
Lynn Imaging   Works – Massie Ave Sidewalks $381.93
Marlin’s Business Bank   Admin. – Copy Machine Rental $136.00
Mini Mix of Louisville, Inc.   Works – Concrete $336.52
Napa Auto Parts   Works – Supplies $646.93
Natural Products   Works – Fill Dirt/Rock $100.00
Office Depot   Admin. – Office Supplies $215.28
Oxmoor Ford   Works – Part $46.32
RCS Communications   Police – Radio’s and Radion Repairs $6,194.74
Rumpke   Works/Parks – Garage and Port-a-lets $91,546.51
Singler & Ritsert   Admin. – Legal Services $3,112.00
Spectrum   Admin/Work – Monitoring $179.98
St. Matthews Exterminating   City Hall – Pest Control $280.00
Total Office Products   Police – Office Supplies $265.93
Total Truck Parts   Works – Vehicle Repair $227.87
TransUnion   Police – Investigative Tool $315.50
TruGreen   Brown Park – Treatment $163.00
USPS   Admin. – Postage Refill for Machine $13,000.00
Valvoline   All – Vehicle Maintenance $390.72
Verizon Wireless   All – Cell Phone Service $1,045.36
Welders Supply   Works – Compressed Air $70.21
Willis Klein   Works – Supplies $116.10
Windstream Communications   City Hall – Phone Service $774.84
       
Library/City Hall      
Allied Technologies   Library – Construction Expense $6,135.00
Plumbers Supply   Library – Construction Expense $24,640.46
Studio Kremer   Library/City Hall – Design Work $19,305.00
Sullivan and Cozart   Library – Construction Expense $610,778.22
Thermal Equipment Sales, Inc.   Library – Construction Expense $20,000.00
Thoroughbred Engineering   Library – Inspections $6,362.50
Willis Klein Commercial   Library – Construction Expense $4,527.00
       
Reimbursements and Payments      
Bratcher, Joshua   Police – CID Clothing Allowance $750.00
Hackel, John   Police – Reimbursement (Forfeiture) $85.00
May, Jeff   Police – Reimbursement (Sandisk) $69.94
Mayer, Norman II   Police – CID Clothing Allowance $750.00
Parsons, Eddie   Police – Reimbursement for Manuals $116.70
Richardson, Mark   Police – CID Clothing Allowance $750.00
Tonini, Frank   Works – Reimbursement $612.06
      ——————–
TOTAL     $890,760.48

 

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