September 13, 2022

CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2022

A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Mayor Richard Tonini. 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                                         Councilmember Amy Olson
Councilmember Tim Holland                                        Councilmember Tony Weiter

OTHER OFFICIALS
John Singler – St. Matthews City Attorney
Barry Wilkerson – Chief- St. Matthews Police Department
Susan Clark – St. Matthews City Clerk/Treasurer

OTHER ATTENDEES
Gary Major – Resident                                                 Josh Suiter – Chamber of St. Matthews
Sarah Landes – Resident                                              Elizabeth Cleary – Chamber St. Matthews
Jason Johnson – Resident                                            Virginia Hart – Chamber of St. Matthews
Glen Essex – Resident                                                  Kate Leitner – Eline STM Branch Library
Nate Hernandez – Resident                                          Bill Lieshoff – League of Women Voters
Fred White – Resident

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the September 23, 2022 council meeting. Councilmember Weiter seconded the motion.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.

PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS

Bill Lieshoff, representative from the League of Women Voters, invited all interested to attend a Louisville Metro District 9 Candidates Form to be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The forum will be held at the League of Women Voters Office, Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Street.

St. Matthews resident Glen Essex expressed his interest in St. Matthews support of the Louisville Metro Land Development Code and Plan 2040. He believes dense housing allows for more residents to call St. Matthews home. This could be accomplished by allowing an additional structure in residential parcels. He also expressed support in reducing parking space minimums from 1 per every 200 to 1 per every 500 square feet in commercial areas. Additionally, he believes reducing parking spaces in residential dwellings from 1.5 per dwelling to 1. Councilmember Bowling mentioned that St. Matthews plants over 200 trees each year to protect the tree canopy. Mayor Tonini stated that every piece of Louisville Metro’s LDC and 2040 Plan do not necessarily best serve the residents of the St. Matthews area. Councilmember Weiter stated he supports the walkability of St. Matthews and pointed to the installation of many miles of sidewalks added over the last 10 years with more being planned along Shelbyville Road.

Resident Fred White relayed it has been 2 ½ months since the crime map has been available on-line. Chief Wilkerson interjected the problem lies with Louisville Metro who did not renew the contract with the servicing company. He is aware of the issue and has been working towards the St. Matthews Police Department creating their own crime map allowing independence from Louisville Metro. Crime thankfully has dropped and the Police Department continues to work towards more improvements. Councilmember Nay mentioned the city’s new website is scheduled to be available November 2022.

Kate Leitner, Manager of the St. Matthews/Eline Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library gave an update on activities scheduled for the library. The Northeast Regional Library currently has the highest circulation because it is a regional building but St. Matthews is 2nd out of 18 branches.

Josh Suiter, CEO of the Chamber of St. Matthews, introduced Virginia Hart, who recently accepted the position of Membership and Social Media Coordinator for the Chamber. Ms. Hart is the immediate past president of the Chamber and has been involved for the past 15 years. He further announced The Chamber of St. Matthews will hold its last outdoor Movie in the Brown Park series on Saturday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. He thanked the councilmembers for the use of the Community Center Park in order to hold the recent 2022 Potato Festival. Excitement is building and plans finalizing for the annual Halloween in Brown Park event and the use of the new walking paths. Work has begun on the annual Light-Up St. Matthews event to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Nate Hernandez, candidate for St. Matthews City Council introduced himself to those present.

PENDING BUSINESS

There was no pending business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 22-06                 2022-2023 AD VALOREM TAX              JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
                                             1st reading

Attorney Singler summarized Ordinance 22-06 which would continue the property tax rate of 20 cents per every $100 of assessed value as completed by the Office of the Jefferson Property Valuation Administration. Passage of this ordinance also allows for a 40% discount if the tax bill is paid between October 1, 2022, up to and including October 31, 2022. The bill moves to face value from November 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The penalty phase would commence January 1, 2023. This proposed ordinance would increase overall property revenue by 1.9% due to the increase of commercial property assessments. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Weiter made a motion for introduction and acceptance as 1st reading Ordinance 22-06. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Nay, Olson, and Flynn.

Upon voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.

DISCUSSION ON THE USE OF ARPA FUNDS

Mayor Tonini started the discussion giving an overview of the American Relief Fund Act (ARPA) funding. St. Matthews received $4,317,329,42. It has been placed in a separate account. Initially the parameters for use was quite restrictive. That has since been relaxed and can be used for general government expenses. In Jefferson County, 22 or 23 of the suburban cities did not accept ARPA money allocated for them because of the initial restrictions did not allow use for projects needed in their cities. At this time, St. Matthews has utilized $453,054.82 of the allotment for general government expenses.

Mayor Tonini then gave an overview of the organization of the Chapter 75 Fire Protection Districts. They were created in the 1940’s by the Kentucky General Assembly when volunteer fire departments were more prevalent. Currently, Jefferson County’s Chapter 75 Fire Districts have career-based fire fighters as well as EMS workers and paramedics. The Chapter 75 Fire Protection Districts were not included in the distribution of ARPA funds because of a believed oversight not realizing they are not necessarily funded by cities. Cities and counties were recipients of ARPA funds. Three of the fire protection districts in Jefferson County do not have a single suburban city, i.e., Fern Creek, Okolona, and Pleasure Ridge Park. Over the last several months, much discussion has taken place between representatives of suburban cities and Louisville Metro about how to equalize premium pay between the Chapter 75 Fire Protection District workers and Louisville Metro fire fighters. Mayor Tonini emphasized St. Matthews, nor any other suburban city, are mandated to share a portion of their ARPA funding with the Chapter 75 fire fighters and workers. However, as a non-voting member of the council, Mayor Tonini believes St. Matthews should help protect the people that protected members of our community during covid-19. Firefighters, paramedics and EMS workers were on the front lines starting day 1 of the covid-19 pandemic. Many of them became sick and heroically returned to work as soon as they were able. They also exposed their families to the virus at a time when much was unknown. Vaccines and treatments were not as readily available as they are currently. It was learned the members of the City of Jeffersontown council approved $200,000 in ARPA funds to go towards granting premium pay for Chapter 75 firefighters, paramedics and EMS. Representatives of Louisville Metro have agreed to make a meaningful contribution after the suburban cities have made contributions. An approximate combined amount of money needed is $1,800,000. Councilmember Weiter made a motion to approve $240,00 in ARPA funds in order to move forward with funding the Jefferson County Chapter 75 firefighters, paramedics and EMS workers. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Clark.

Upon Roll Call Vote: (6-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Clark, Holland, Weiter, Bowling, Nay, and Olson. No Votes: None. Abstaining from the vote were Councilmember Monohan and Flynn who are both Chapter 75 fire fighters.

EXPENDITURES

Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total of $462,017.85. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.

Upon Roll Call Vote: (8-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Clark, Holland, Weiter, Monohan, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Olson. No Votes: None.

Councilmember Flynn inquired if any retainage was held back from Marillia Contractors to ensure all items were satisfactory before the renovation is considered complete. Mayor Tonini confirmed retainage has been enacted.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

· Councilmember Holland mentioned progress has been made in regards to personnel for The Arterburn. Discussion has taken place with a tenant about a few requested improvements to a rental home. No agreements have been reached at this time.
· Councilmember Flynn stated that Trinity High School would like to add an open-air batting cage to the baseball field at their expense.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

· Mr. Singler had no further comments.

MAYOR’S REPORT

· Mayor Tonini mentioned a thank you note has been received from the city of Fleming-Neon for police protection the St. Matthews Police Department provided for 3 weeks immediately after the flood in eastern Kentucky. A St. Matthews resident donated a RV for the officers to use while on location. Additionally, the City of St. Matthews donated a truck and loaned a mini excavator to the City of Whitesburg for short term use.
· FYI: The St. Matthews Fire Protection District sent a quint truck and 7 firefighters to cover the runs in the Mayfield community immediately after the tornado in December of 2021.
· Though not officially notified, it was learned that Metro Council has approved the annexation of Twinbrook Subdivision into the City of St. Matthews. The next step per City Attorney John Singler is to complete a survey of the boundary lines.
· Mayor Tonini further stated the city is considering purchasing additional property in order to offer more community-use space such as social activities for seniors, yoga classes for any age and general community services. Any building or space acquired would need to be ADA accessible. Additionally, the city is considering adding a fountain where people can visit and maybe even have a chalk board that people can write their favorite memories, things they like about St. Matthews etc. Councilmember Olson suggested adding Angel Wings that people can take their picture of themselves with angel wings. All of this is being considered in order to offer more to the residents of St. Matthews.
· Mayor Tonini would like to add a fireworks show sometime during the year, but the night of the 2023 Potato Festival seems like a good time. Further discussion will take place on this as well.
· Additionally, adding a designated spot to honor veterans within the city limits will be explored including a large flag.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Weiter made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Monohan.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Clark, City Clerk
Mayor Richard Tonini

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
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	$350.00
A+ Paper Shredding		Police – Document Destruction	$75.00
All Aboutt You Heating and Air		Works – A/C fix at 201 Thierman Lane	$417.50
Alliance for Hope International (Forfeiture Acct)		Police – Conf. Registration L. Doyle	$1,500.00
Anderson’s Sale & Service		Works – Lawn Mower Maintenance	$1,516.44
AT&T		Works – Telephones	$3,362.52
Baumann Paper Company		Works – Can Liners	$1,624.50
CDW-Government		Admin. – Computer Maintenance	$662.42
Charles Guelda & Sons Plumbing		Warwick Park – Drinking Fountain Repair	$145.00
Charter Communications		Works – Monitoring	$101.54
Cintas		Works – Supplies and Materials	$967.25
Clifford Distributing		Works – Supplies and Materials	$228.16
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated		Admin. – Drinks for Machine	$235.19
Dell Marketing		IT – Computer Maintenance	$579.04
Delta Dental		All – Dental  Insurance	$5,491.94
Derby Fire & Safety		Police – Fire Extinguishers (3)	$321.00
First Financial Bank		IT – Computer Equipment	$2,655.59
Flynn Brothers		MAPS – Cold Patch	$132.00
Fossil Industries		Brown Park – Improvements Project	$2,360.00
Galls		Police – Uniform Components	$386.53
Great American Financial Services		Admin. – Copy Machine Rental	$149.36
Guardian Insurance Company		All – Life/Long/Short Term Insurance	$10,065.73
Hartlage Fence Company		Works – Fence Repair at PW Yard	$285.00
Home Depot		Works – Supplies and Materials	$1,000.11
Interstate All Battery Center		Police – Battery’s	$62.72
KEMI		All – Workers Comp Insurance	$19,878.31
Kentucky League of Cities		Admn. – 2022 KLC Conference (4)	$1,596.00
Kentucky State Treasurer/Notary Renewal		Police – Notary Renwals (2)	$20.00
Kieslers Police Supply, Inc.		Police – Ammunition	$1,762.50
Leonard Brush & Chemical Co.		Works – Supplies and Materials	$121.17
Lewis Automotive		Works – Repair	$198.82
Lexus Nexus		Police – Investigative Tool	$121.50
LG&E		Works – Street Lights/Electric	$37,072.15
Luis Ramos Asphalt LLC		MAPS – Asphalt Repair (Dayton Ave.)	$845.00
Metropolitan Sewer District		Works – MS4 Service	$18,146.92
Miller Company		Admin/Police – Copy Machine Charge	$134.74
Mini Mix of Louisville		Works – Concrete	$352.09
Napa Auto Parts		Works – Supplies and Materials	$536.22
Nugent Sand Company		Works – Sand	$91.00
PB Electronics		Police – Install Radar System	$50.00
PNC Bank		All – Credit Card Charges	$5,128.29
Print Tex USA		Police – Uniform Components	$75.00
Quadient		Admin. – Postage Machine Expenses	$316.28
RCS Communications		Police – Radio Service	$291.00
Rumpke		Works/Parks – Garbage & Portalets	$95,613.90
Security Systems, Inc.		Works – Monitoring	$38.00
Singler & Ritsert		Admin. – City Attorney Fees	$2,787.00
Site One		Works – Supplies and Materials	$838.11
Southern Tire Service, Inc.		Works – Tire (1)	$341.74
Stephens & Lawson, CPA		Admin. – CPA Consultant	$1,718.75
Tactical Medical Solutions		Police – Tourniquets	$1,904.77
Total Office Products		Police – Office Supplies	$814.29
Trans Union		Police – Investigative Tool	$441.00
TruGreen		Brown Park – Lawn Maintenance	$179.71
Valvoline		Police – Vehicle Maintenance	$862.11
Verizon		All – Cell phones and MDT’s	$2,810.59
Voiance		Police – Investigative Tool	$57.75
Welder’s Supply		Works – Compressed Air	$30.92
Wilson Equipment Co.		Works – Equipment Repair	$1,068.88
Community Center Renovation
ADI Global		Comm. Center – Renovation	$4,151.43
Air Mechanical		Comm. Center – Renovation	$31,645.00
Atlas Enterprise		Comm. Center – Renovation	$18,787.53
Best Blind and Shade		Comm. Center – Renovation	$3,612.10
C&T Design		Comm. Center – Renovation	$22,938.20
Dal-Tile		Comm. Center – Renovation	$10,639.48
Foundation Building Materials		Comm. Center – Renovation	$23,900.00
Louisville Winlectric		Comm. Center – Renovation	$27,295.61
Palumbo Lumber		Comm. Center – Renovation	$723.60
Schiller Hardware		Comm. Center – Renovation	$27,909.13
Spectrum Sight and Sound		Comm. Center – Renovation	$6,250.26
Superior Insealators		Comm. Center – Renovation	$7,222.00
Thermal Equipment		Comm. Center – Renovation	$41,000.00
Reimbursements and Payments
Austin, Elizabeth		Admin. – Communications Consultant	$450.00
Bratcher, Joshua		Police – Meals/Eastern KY trip	$85.34
Casey, Tim		Works – Work Boots	$150.00
Estep Book, Carolyn		Police – Social Services	$3,868.75
Ratliff, Scott		Police – Reimbursement  EKY travel	$98.76
Richardson, Mark		Police – Reimbursement  EKY travel	$164.14
Stewart, James		Works – Work Boots	$123.23
Wilkerson, Barry		Police – RV Fuel Eastern KY	$84.24
TOTAL			$462,017.85