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CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2019

The regular meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Richard Tonini. The meeting was held at St. Matthews Community Center, 310 Ten Pin Lane. The following people were present:

MAYOR 
Richard J. Tonini

CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Bernie Bowling                                      Councilmember Stuart Monohan
Councilmember Cathi Clark                                            Councilmember Mary Jo Nay
Councilmember Frank Flynn - absent                              Councilmember Amy Olson
Councilmember Tim Holland                                          Councilmember Tony Weiter

OTHER OFFICIALS
Susan Clark – City Clerk
John Singler – St. Matthews Attorney
Chief Barry Wilkerson – St. Matthews Police Department
Kenan Stratman – St. Matthews Public Works Director
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning and Zoning Officer
Jim Birch – St. Matthews City Engineer
OTHER ATTENDEES 
Gary Major – Resident                                                  Cory Boston – St. Matthews Magazine
Kelly Brothers – St. Matthews/Eline Library Manager     Nick Pregliasco - Attorney
Mike Small                                                                   Ivy Clinton - Engineer
Sue Finley – Resident                                                   Ken O’Brien – Scout Master Troop #306
John Bollinger – Resident                                             Scouts from Troop #306 (St. MM)
Jason Sams                                                                 Jason Tasman - Resident
Tony Jolly - Resident                                                   
Josh Suiter – Chamber of St. Matthews

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call vote of attendance.

MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilmember Monohan to approve the minutes from the January 22, 2019 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Weiter and Nay.

Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mayor Tonini welcomed the members of Troop #306 from St. Margaret Mary to the council meeting.

Josh Suiter, Chamber of St. Matthews, relayed the Chamber is expected to move back to City Hall by early March. The recent annual dinner meeting of the Chamber was a huge success.

PENDING BUSINESS

DISCUSSION ON TRINITY HILLS SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE ISSUE

Kenan Stratman said revisions to options regarding improving drainage in the Trinity Hills Subdivision were received on Friday. The committee will meet, determine the best course of action and then make a recommendation to the full council in order to move forward. A berm added recently has kept yards and houses dry during the recent rains.

No discussion took place on Ordinance 19-01 regarding moving the location of the city Council meetings.

ORDINANCE 19-02            THOMPSON AVENUE ROAD CLOSURE         JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
                                        2nd Reading

A portion of the Thompson Avenue right-of-way between the houses at 3434 Grandview Avenue and 3600 Grandview Avenue is not paved. Since the 1950’s when the neighborhood was developed, it has served as a cut-thru for walkers and kids alike. Residents of the homes over the years have added gravel and it has also served as parking for family vehicles. City Public Works employees use this as an entrance/exit point to the alley. A request has been presented to the city council members by the adjacent property owners to release this as public land and divide evenly between the two current property owners. Several questions have arisen regarding this possible action. Upon inquiry, Kenan Stratman, St. Matthews Public Works Director said city workers would not have proper access to the alley if it became private land. Councilman Weiter asked if the city has any plans to improve this right-of-way and Mayor Tonini responded there are no plans at this time. Councilman Nay pondered if this action is approved what is the consequence. Jason Sams, representing property owner John Bollinger, said the property value would increase. Conversely, if the action is not improved, the property value could decrease. Mayor Tonini interjected that there are no plans to keep the residents from continuing to use the right-of-way to park their vehicles. It was also noted that should this move from right-of-way to private property, that anyone cutting thru the age-old path could be considered trespassing. Mr. Bollinger relayed he has spent 4 months and $5,000 to go thru the proper channels to get this approved. Councilman Monohan made a motion to defer voting on this matter until which time more details can be considered. The motion was seconded by Councilman Weiter.

Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion passed and the official yea/nay vote was tabled.

Yes for Tabling: Councilmembers Clark, Holland, Weiter, Monohan, Bowling, Nay and Olson.

No Votes for Tabling: None

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 19-03           REZONING 3930, 3934, 3936 MASSIE         JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
                                       AVENUE – 1st Reading

Attorney John Singler read by summary Ordinance 19-03 regarding the rezoning request moving 3930, 3934, and 3936 Massie Avenue from R-4 to R-6. Nick Pregliasco, attorney for Bardenwerper, Talbott, and Roberts representing the developer, began the presentation with an acknowledgement of needed attention to drainage. An underground detention basin is included in the plan which is expected to greatly improve the drainage for the area. Councilman Monohan stated it appears there will be a honeycomb drainage system installed underground. His observation was confirmed by Ivy Clinton, Project Manager with Carman Engineering. The developer would obtain a bond for 5 years protecting the residents and the City of St. Matthews. Future maintenance of the detention system would be paid by the condo association fees. Councilmember Bowling inquired about access points for equipment when repairs are needed. Ms. Clinton said that has been considered and an access easement down the center and sides of the property would most likely be created. Mr. Stratman said he has been in contact with MSD on the potential effects of this project. The city will hire a contractor to TV the 18” pipe to verify its condition which is integral to the success of the drainage. Attorney Tad Adams, representing nearby resident Jason Tasman believes the development would have a devasting effect on his property. Mr. Tasman currently has 2 sump pumps and a generator to ensure his home is protected during extreme natural weather events. He believes 12 units are excessive for this plot of land and that drainage is too uncertain. Discussion followed regarding if the system proposed meets the criteria for a 10 year event why can it not be improved to meet the criteria for a 25 year or 50 year event? Ivy Clinton responded is associated with the ability to capture water on this site only. The developer has no control over water on surrounding properties. Mr. Stratman asked Ms. Clinton to review how much water can be intercepted on the east side of the property. Ms. Clinton she would follow-up to that request. Councilmember Holland inquired what other supporting drainage systems will be included to ensure success. Ms. Clinton replied a piping system and underground detention is included along with a rock bed which can be creatively installed to capture and hold stormwater. All these items predict the developer can commit to detaining more water than the pre-existing conditions for this property. Councilmember Weiter made a motion to accept this as 1st reading of Ordinance 19-03. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Holland and Nay.

Upon voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.

ORDINANCE 19-04           UPDATING CHAPTER 115                            JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
                                       REGARDING INSURANCE TAX FEES
                                       1st Reading

Mayor Tonini started the discussion saying this is a direct result of Louisville Metro potentially acting on the percentage that they may charge on insurance policies. If Louisville Metro does approve the increase and the City of St. Matthews does nothing, the extra money will go to Louisville Metro and not the City of St. Matthews. This action is to keep the funds generated for the residents and business owners in the City of St. Matthews and not Louisville Metro. The media is indicating the action being discussed by Louisville Metro is due to the extra liability being imposed by the Kentucky Retirement System. Councilmember Nay reiterated if Ordinance 19-04 passes, it is only to protect the interests of St. Matthews residents and business owners. Should Louisville Metro pass the percentage rate, each individual will be charged regardless of what St. Matthews does. Passage of Ordinance 19-04 will ensure the revenue will come to St. Matthews where it can be used more directly to support the needs of this community. Councilmember Weiter made a motion to accept this as 1st reading of Ordinance 19-04. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowling.

Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried and this served as 1st reading of Ordinance 19-04.

EXPENDITURES

Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total of $366,756.68. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Weiter.

Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Clark, Holland, Weiter, Bowling, Nay, Monohan, and Olson. No Votes: None

COMMITTEE REPORTS

* Councilmember Weiter asked Mr. Singler to move to his priority list guidelines for garbage toters to be placed at driveways before and after collection.
* Councilmember Monohan mentioned the new baseball stadium in nearly complete. The scoreboard should be erected this  week and turf will be installed when the weather allows. Improvements to Brown Park are being mobilized. The fiberglass horse at Draut Park is now back in his paddock to the delight of young children. The Parks Committee will meet soon to prioritize projects for the 2019-2020 budget cycle.
* Councilmember Bowling said 6 new police officers have been hired and should start March 1st.
* Councilmember Nay relayed newsletters will be delivered this week. Senior Care Experts and BJ’s restaurant in Oxmoor Mall are joining together to host a fundraiser for local seniors.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Singler is working on the bid specifications for the garbage contract which expires June 30, 2019.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Tonini reported the Kentucky League of Cities is hosting City Nights on February 13 in Frankfort. He and some of the council members will be attending. Additionally, the library is asking for a grand opening date in May. Mayor Tonini expressed his wish that it be held sooner. David Nicholson will attend the February 26th council meeting to educate all on the new driver’s licenses that are coming out in March of 2019. Mayor Tonini asked the councilmembers to consider if they would like to officially become a “City of Ethics” as defined by the Kentucky League of Cities. No decision was made at the time. A silent auction fundraiser will be held to benefit the family of St. Matthews Detective Jeremy Meyer on March 22 in Shepherdsville.

Mayor Tonini asked that Elizabeth Austin attend the next council meeting and introduce herself as the new Communications Assistant for the City of St. Matthews. Mayor Tonini then asked Kelly Brothers, Manager of the St. Matthews /Eline Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library to assist him in forming a committee to name rooms in the new space that is opening soon. Lastly, Mayor Tonini asked Cory Boston to speak to the council about the new St. Matthews magazine that will begin in May of 2019. Mr. Boston spoke excitedly about the publication of a quality piece that will be mailed to residents of St. Matthews and the surrounding area. Councilmember Nay asked how articles are generated. Mr. Boston replied he accepts ideas from people in the community and welcomes ideas from City Hall as well. A financial commitment will be reviewed by the council members for future action.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Weiter made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Councilmember Monohan exited during the Mayor’s Report due to a family commitment.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Clark, City Clerk
Richard Tonini, Mayor
FEBRUARY 12, 2019      
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:
A & K Auto Detailing   Police – Window Tinting $100.00
American Legal Publishing   Admin. – Folio Pages $214.70
Anderson’s Sales & Service   Works – Supplies and Materials $15.65
AT&T   City Hall/Comm. Center – Phones $1,727.23
B& K Printing   Police – Forms and Business Cards $1,383.63
Baptist Health Occupational Medicine   Works/Police – Testing/Physicals $1,251.82
Bill Collins Ford   Police – Vehicle Repair $755.13
Bob Hook Chevrolet   Police – Vehicle Repair $1,300.56
Charles Guelda and Sons Plumbing   City Hall – Unstopped sewar line $288.75
Clifford Distributing   Works – Supplies $610.25
Coca Cola   Admin. – Coke for Vending Machine $97.50
Core & Main   Baseball Stadium – Supplies $119.00
Delta Dental   All – Dental Insurance $7,461.39
Environmental Concerns,Inc   Works – Air Monitoring $640.00
FleetPride   Works – Clutch $1,016.37
Flynn Construction   Admin. – Baseball Field (Final) $8,032.08
Forensic Mobile Tech   Police – Police Cars Set-Up $6,400.00
Galls   Police – Uniform Parts $942.32
Goodyear   Police – Vehicle Maintenance/Repair $897.85
Hall Contracting (MAPS)   Works – Asphalt Green/Cold Patch $302.70
HDS White Cap Supply   Works – Supplies and Materials $25.00
Home Depot Credit Services   Works – Supplies and Materials $74.11
J. Edinger and Sons   Works – Repair $4,346.81
KEMI   All – Workers Comp Invoice $11,101.68
Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services   Admin. – Add New Police Vehicles $2,800.00
Kenworth of Louisville   Works – Repairs $5,738.48
Ky Association of Chiefs of Police   Police – Membership Dues for Chief $95.00
Leonard Brush and Chemical   Comm. Center – Supplies $184.35
Lexis Nexis   Police – Investigative Tool $114.00
Louisville Gas & Electric   Works – Electric for City $35,505.93
Louisville Water Company   Works – Water $1,346.62
Lowe’s   Works – Supplies and Materials $1,032.32
Manning Equipment   Police – Add Spot Lights to Police Cars $2,200.00
Marlin Business Bank   Admin. – Copy Machine Rental $136.00
Miller Company   Police – Copier for Dispatch Office $3,075.00
Miller Company   Police/Admin. – Copy Machine Charge $276.47
Mirazon   Admin. – Computer Upgrades $19,852.67
Neill – Lavielle Supply Company   Works – Supplies $38.13
Nelbud   Comm. Center – Range Hood $495.00
Norse Tactical – Hidden Valley   Police – Shooting Range Fees 2019 $5,200.00
Northern Safety & Industrial   Works – Supplies and Materials $379.43
Office Depost   Admin. – Office Supplies $52.87
Pep Boys   Works – Supplies and Materials $178.54
PNC Bank   All – Credit Card $9,378.14
RCS Communications   Police – Radio Transmission/Graphics $450.00
Riverfarm Nursery   Works – Trees $20,460.00
Rumpke   Works – Garbage Collection $94,293.02
Sam’s Club   Admin. – Annual Membership Fee $45.00
Singler & Ritsert   Admin. – Attorney’s Fees $3,895.00
Sirchie Fingerprint Labs   Police – Evidence Envelopes $201.92
Spectrum   Police/Works – Monitoring $179.98
Staples   Admin. – Office Supplies $183.47
Stephens & Lawson, CPA’s   Admin. – Annual Audit Fee $16,487.50
Studio Kremer   Works – Library/City Hall Project $2,397.60
Tony’s Wrecker Service   Police – Towing $250.48
Total Office Products   Police – Office Supplies $198.92
Total Truck Parts   Works – Supplies $128.96
United Healthcare   All – Health insurance $75,957.93
Welders Supply   Works – Compressed Air $105.32
Wex Bank   All – Fuel for Vehicles $10,574.23
Wilson Equipment   Works – Repairs $2,195.27
Reimbursements and Payments      
Bowling, Kevin   Police – Polygraph Testing $250.00
Bratcher, Mark   Police – Polygraph Testing $250.00
Jost, Beth   Admin. – Newsletter $775.00
McCarley, Aaron   Works – Reimbursement $43.60
Stephen Glauber   Police – Polygraph Testing $250.00
       
TOTAL     $366,765.68
       

 

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