CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2024
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Richard Tonini. The following people were present:
MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Bernie Bowling Councilmember Tim Holland
Councilmember Sarah Landes Councilmember Mary Jo Nay
Councilmember Frank Flynn Councilmember Amy Olson
Councilmember Nathan Hernandez Councilmember Jackie Vanetti
OTHER OFFICIALS
Major Tony Cobaugh – St. Matthews Police Department
Kenan Stratman – Public Works Director
Judi Kassebaum – St. Matthews City Clerk
Officer Matthew Brian – St. Matthews Police Department
Officer Ronald Long – St. Matthews Police Department
Officer Randy Roberts – St. Matthews Police Department
OTHER ATTENDEES
Gary Major – Resident
Josh Suiter – CEO, St. Matthews Chamber
Kate Leitner – Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Library
John Harris – Resident
Kevin Graham – Dean Dorton
Jim Tencza – Dean Dorton
Family Members of new Police Officers
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call vote of attendance.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the November 26, 2024, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0 -1 abstain) the motion carried. Councilmember Holland abstained.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library gave the following report:
· Stephen King Book Discussion Group: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Gwendy’s Button Box
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST: Blaze
· Afternoon Book Discussion Group: Thursday, December 12, 2024 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: No book selection, year in review
Thursday, January 9, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
· D&D at the Library: Thursday, December 12, 2024 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EST
· STM Friends of the Library Book Sale, Friday, December 13 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm,Saturday December 14 from 10:00-4:30, and Sunday December 15 from 1:00-4:00
· Home Club 2025: Monday, December 16, 2024 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST
· Night Owls Book Discussion: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST
· The Art of Alternative Movie Posters: Part V Friday, December 20, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025 – All day
· 2024 Home Cleaning & Organizing: Monday, January 6, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST
· Adult Crafty Night Out- Hobbit Door Wreath Ornament: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm· Author Visit: Susan Harris Howell: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· Adult Book Discussion: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST
· English Conversation Club: Every Week on Mondays, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
· WAGS – Read with a Dog: Saturday, December 14, 2024 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
· Sensory Storytime: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 10:15 am – 11:00 am EST· Family Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Thursday, December 19, 2024 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm
· Celebrate the Season: Monday, December 23, 2024 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST
· Reading with Mercy the Comfort Dog: Thursday, January 2, 2025 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
· Storytimes: Wednesdays 10:15 Baby & 11:15 Toddler; Thursdays 10:15 Preschool & 11:15 Family
· Books and Brews: LFPL’s Winter Reading Program for Adults runs through the end of February!
John Harris, a resident of Gilman, spoke to the council about the noise and air pollution from leaf blowers. Mr. Harris has lived in St. Matthews for 15 years and previously addressed the council with concerns regarding gas leaf blowers in April 2024. He referenced cities that have passed municipal orders regarding emissions of leaf blowers limiting the hours leaf blowers can be used. He would like the City to take reasonable actions to combat pollution. In response, the mayor said the City has purchased three electric cars. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about commercial blowers and the feasibility of them. Kenan Stratman pointed out the City has an electric leaf blower being used at City Hall. The leaf blowers have an upfront cost of $3,000, and the batteries are $250.00 each. Each battery lasts approximately 25 minutes and takes 45 minutes to recharge. Mr. Harris acknowledged there are challenges and pointed out that traditional blowers must stop to refill gas. Indicated that having all electric leaf blowers might not be right for the City. He suggests studying the issue and making a plan for St. Matthews to be on the forefront of this issue. Councilmember Nay said there is a “green” area in the newsletters and could put information regarding electric blowers and noise pollution created by them in the spring newsletter. Mr. Harris ended by giving the council statistics of what other cities have done and said he will be back at a future meeting.
Josh Suiter, CEO St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce gave the following report:
· The December 4 ribbon cutting for Belmont Village celebrated 25 years of a local business
· Light Up St. Matthews had decent weather and there was a steady crown, but it wasn’t the biggest Light Up crowd. Councilmember Nay indicated that Thanksgiving was late this year and might account for a smaller crowd. Josh said Metro Louisville moved their Light Up to the same weekend. The Mayor indicated it was not a competition and was happy with the crowd size. Councilmember Olson said people don’t go to all of the Light Ups. The crowd was a manageable size according to Councilmember Vanetti.
PENDING BUSINESS
There was no pending business to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS
Chief Wilkerson gave bios on the new police officers.
Municipal Order No. 24-18 Relating to the Appointment of a new Police Officer Larry Cushman, a retired rehired officer, was not present.
Municipal Order No. 24-19 Relating to the Appointment of a new Police Officer Matthew Brian was sworn in a new Police Officer by Judi Kassebaum.
Municipal Order No. 24-20 Relating to the Appointment of a new Police Officer Ronald Long III was sworn in a new Police Officer by Judi Kassebaum.
Municipal Order No. 24-21 Relating to the Appointment of a new Police Officer Randy Roberts was sworn in a new Police Officer by Judi Kassebaum.
A motion was made by Councilmember Flynn to approve Municipal Orders No. 24-18-21. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
Report on Financial Audit
Dean Dorton is the largest accounting firm in KY and works with many government agencies. Jim Tencza and Kevin Graham represented Dean Dorton and went over the audit. The audit went well with no significant deficiencies. The staff was helpful and David May, the previous auditor, helped and kept consistency despite recent changes in the position of City Clerk. There are a few housekeeping issues, but the City is given a clean opinion.
A motion was made by Councilmember Bowling to approve the audit. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $428,921.69. Councilmember Flynn wanted to know how much money has been spent on the Trinity Hills Project. The last of the four ditch improvements is about to begin. Kenan Stratman said he would get the total spent on the project.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Hernandez brought up public meetings being held regarding the Olivi property. It was discussed that the council cannot go to the public meetings or comment on it prior to the property owners submitting a letter of compliance to be considered by the council.
· Councilmember Olson announced the December Outstanding Neighbor of the Month was awarded to Ann Hubbs on Norbourne Ln.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
There was no City Attorney’s report.
MAYOR’S REPORT
There was no Mayor’s report.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holland made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
| DECEMBER 10, 2024 | |||
| 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: | |||
| American Mobile Glass | Works – Equipment Repairs | $705.00 | |
| AT&T | All – Telephone Service | $7,117.97 | |
| Best Equipment Co., Inc. | Works – Equipment Main. & Repairs | $6,575.31 | |
| CDW-Government | IT – Service Contracts/Tech Equipment | $9,492.59 | |
| Central Business Systems | Admin. – Office Supplies (Ink Cartridge) | $207.94 | |
| Charter Communications | IT – Service Contracts | $161.55 | |
| Chris Bradley | Park – Warwick Park Repairs | $175.00 | |
| Cloudpermit, Inc. | IT – Contracted Services | $7,500.00 | |
| DC Elevator | Works – Maintenance Agreement | $126.00 | |
| Entenmann-Rovin Co. | Police – Uniforms | $900.65 | |
| E-Z Construction Company | Works – Trinity Hills Project | $193,696.60 | |
| Great American Financial Services | Admin./Police – Service Contract | $313.01 | |
| Home Depot Credit Services | Works – Supplies & Materials | $1,268.13 | |
| IdentoGo | Police – Fingerprinting | $20.00 | |
| Illinois Tollway | Police – Training Travel | $22.50 | |
| Integrity Auto Repairs, LLC | Works -Vehicles Repair | $5,322.45 | |
| Interstate All Battery Center | Police – Vehicle Maintenance – Routine | $208.10 | |
| Ironsmith, Inc. | Parks – Warwick Park Project | $3,334.00 | |
| Jim’s Body Shop | Police – Repairs to Vehicle | $1,968.40 | |
| Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance | All – Workers Comp. Installment | $12,315.99 | |
| Kyana Packaging Solutions | Police – Training Equipment | $1,210.00 | |
| Labor Works | Works – Service Contract | $2,728.96 | |
| Law Enforcement Targets, Inc. | Police – Training Equipment | $914.67 | |
| Louisville Gas and Electric Company | Works – Electric/Gas | $3,242.84 | |
| Louisville/Jefferson Co. Metro Government | Police – Service Contracts – Software | $1,914.00 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $1,594.42 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contracts – Copies | $295.38 | |
| Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Police – Capital Exp. – Body Cams | $800.00 | |
| Napa Auto Parts | Works – Supplies & Materials | $202.80 | |
| Plehn’s Bakery | Admin. – Christmas Reception | $2,763.21 | |
| PNC Bank | All – Multiple | $3,136.06 | |
| Porta Kleen | Parks – Portalets (2 Months) | $1,520.00 | |
| Quadient, Inc. | Admin. – Service Contract-Postage Meter | $225.04 | |
| Rumpke | Works – Garbage Services | $130,595.58 | |
| Security Systems, Inc. | Works – Monitoring | $38.00 | |
| Setcan Corp | Police – Training Equipment | $899.00 | |
| Singler & Ritsert | Admin. – Contract Services | $2,945.00 | |
| Sparkle Brite Car Wash | Police – Vehicle Maintenance – Car Washes | $588.00 | |
| Stephens & Lawson, PSC | Admin. – Professional Fees | $2,870.00 | |
| St. Matthews Ace Hardware | Works – Supplies & Materials | $370.41 | |
| Studio Kremer Architects | Parks – Community Center Phase III | $175.00 | |
| Taylor Siefer Williams | Parks – Warwick Park Project | $6,000.00 | |
| Thomson Reuters | Police – Supplies & Materials | $360.00 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police – Vehicle Maintenance – Routine | $2,476.20 | |
| Total Office Products & Service | Police – Office Supplies | $216.93 | |
| Trugreen | Parks – Lawn Care | $199.04 | |
| Unified Technologies | IT – Switch WIFI Equipment Upgrade | $3,153.00 | |
| Valvoline | Police – Vehicle Main./Preventative | $435.27 | |
| Welders Supply Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $31.85 | |
| Wilson Equipment Company | Works – Equipment Repairs | $279.27 | |
| Xcitium | IT – IT Licensing | $1,638.04 | |
| Forfeited Funds | |||
| Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions | Contract Services | $3,000.00 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Austin, Elizabeth | Admin. – Contract Services | $360.00 | |
| Frisby, Chris | Police – Reim. – Uniforms | $121.92 | |
| Stratman, Kenan | Works – Reim. For Christmas Lights | $190.61 | |
| TOTAL | $428,921.69 | ||
