CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at The Arterburn. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor 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
John Singler – St. Matthews City Attorney
Judi Kassebaum – St. Matthews City Clerk
Major Tony Cobaugh – St. Matthews Police Department
Jim Birch – St. Matthews Engineer
Kenan Stratman – Director of Public Works
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning Officer
OTHER ATTENDEES
Kate Leitner – Manger, Eline Library
Approximately 150 citizens
Various media outlets
Derek Triplett – Land Design and Development
Steve Porter – Attorney for several residents
Kate Bartholomia – LDG
Cliff Ashburner – Dinsmore and Schohl LLP
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call of attendance. All councilmembers were present.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2026, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilmember Olson to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2026, caucus meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay. Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Library gave the following report:
· From Sandlots to Sluggers: Louisville’s Baseball History: Monday, May 4, 2026, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
· Legendary Shopping, Dining, and Theaters in St. Matthews: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm
· Adult Board Game Night: Thursday, May 7. 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
· Meet St Matthews City Council: Saturday, May 9 at 10:00
· Off the Beaten Path Book Discussion: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers.
· Puzzle and Board Game Swap and Play: Saturday, May 23, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
· English Conversation Club Every Monday at 6:00
· Computer Help by Appointment: Call 574-1771 to set up an appointment with a library staff member
· All LFPL Locations closed this Saturday May 2 for Derby Day
· Next St Matthews Friends of the Library Booksale: Friday, June 12, Sunday June 13, Sunday June 14
· Nonfiction Book Tasting: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm To make a reservation, please call 502-574-1771.
· WAGS: Read with a Dog! Saturday May 9, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Space limited, registration required. Call 502- 574 1771 to register.
· Family Movie Night: Moana 2: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm Join us for Family Movie Night with a movie and a craft. This month, we’re heading back to the sea with Moana, Maui, and their new friends in Moana 2. Fuzzy blankets and pajamas are encouraged.
· Pint Size Playdate: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Pint-Size Playdate is a chance to meet new families and enjoy social playtime. Coffee and toys provided! Ages 0-5
· Storytimes: Wednesdays 10:15 Baby & 11:15 Toddler; Thursdays 10:15 Preschool & 11:15 Family
· The Library’s Summer Reading Program starts May 30: Wild About Reading!
Dan Green talked about the contractor for the Chenoweth Rd project storing construction equipment at the Plant Kingdom. The Mayor said the contractor had contacted the owner of the property to get permission so the equipment would be kept out of the right-of-way. Mr. Green thought many code violations were being violated including heavy construction traffic on residential roads and unsecured gas. Mr. Ruf replied there is nothing the St. Matthews ordinances referring to heavy contraction traffic.
Richard Wunderlun wanted to know more about rumors of Trinity High School taking control of N Sherrin Ln. Mr. Ruf said that as of last week that proposal is at the planning commission on the interagency review list. Information has been sent to LG&E, Louisville Water Co., etc. for them to give advice to the planning commission for a preliminary review. Mr. Wunderlun thought this would lead to more traffic on Ridgeway. The Mayor said Trinity High School owns all the land on both sides of N Sherrin and asked that it become a private road. After the planning commission, the proposal will come to St. Matthews for approval.
John Fischer mentioned the cut through traffic on Primrose is particularly heavy in the morning during school hours. He was advised to call City Hall to talk with Chief Wilkerson.
The Mayor went on to say speed humps are not always the answer, but the City website has instructions to request speed humps.
PENDING BUSINESS
Municipal Order 26-13 Relating to the Approval of a Development Plan, Binding Elements and Letter of Compliance on Property Located at 4101 & 4163 Westport Road, 329, 331 and 333 Ridgeway Avenue. Being in the City of St. Matthews
Councilmember Nay made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting and go into executive session per KRS 61.810(1)(c) for discussion of proposed or pending litigation. Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion and the motion carried by voice vote (8-0).
The meeting was suspended at 7:15 p.m. with the council and staff leaving the room. At 8:04 p.m. the council and staff returned to the room and Councilmember Bowling made a motion to resume the regular council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay and the motion carried by voice vote (8-0).
The Mayor asked for a motion regarding Municipal Order 26-13. Councilmember Flynn made a motion to approve Municipal Order 26-13 saying although he missed the last council meeting, he has kept current with the plan, has read numerous emails, and spoken to many residents. He continued saying though he is personally against the development plan, he does not want to put the City at risk for a lawsuit and the associated costs, in addition to losing the opportunity to include the binding elements, and the improvements along Westport Rd.
The motion failed for lack of a second motion.
Mr. Singler said he would draft a detailed finding for denial and have it ready for the next council meeting. No motion was needed.
There was applause from the crowd. It was determined the vote on the finding for denial would be at the next council meeting at City Hall on May 12 at 7:00 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $80,045.52. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson. Upon Roll Call Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Hernadez would like to have a caucus meeting to discuss the budget.
· Councilmember Olson reminded the council of the Green Committee meeting on May 12 at City Hall at 6:00 p.m.
· Councilmember Flynn announced United Healthcare would work with SHARx but the decision to change insurances needs to be made by Thursday.
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 Flynn. Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
| April 28, 2026 | |||
| BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MAYOR DRAW WARRANTS on the City Treasury, | |||
| counter-signed by the City Clerk or Assistant City Clerk authorizing payment of the below listed invoices: | |||
| American Mobile Glass | Works-Equip. Main. & Repairs/Vehicle Repairs | $1,204.00 | |
| AT&T Telephone | All – Telephone Services | $1,510.01 | |
| Axon Enterprice | Police – Training/Equipment | $4,619.00 | |
| BMS, LLC | All – Insurance Addendum | $178.50 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies & Materials | $775.77 | |
| Clark & Riggs | Admin. – Newsletters | $3,205.00 | |
| Clifford Distributing Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $1,149.54 | |
| Cross Chrysler Jeep | Police-Vehicle Main. & Repairs – Mechanical | $693.20 | |
| Dine Company | Parks – Equipment Maintenance & Repairs | $210.00 | |
| First Financial | All – Multiple | $6,298.96 | |
| Galls | Police – Uniforms | $689.40 | |
| Gannett Indiana-Kentucky LocalIQ | Admin. – Advertising | $167.00 | |
| Louisville Gas & Electric Co. | Works – Gas Services | $39,262.00 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $2,920.89 | |
| Meineke Car Care Center | Police – Vehicle Maintenance-Mechanical | $2,740.77 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contracts – Copies | $103.24 | |
| Moreno Express | Admin. – Newsletters | $3,310.44 | |
| Nixon Power Service Company | Works -Equipment Maintenance & Repairs | $606.36 | |
| Occupational Medicine Physicians | Police – Contract Services -Medical | $1,320.00 | |
| ODP Business Solutions, LLC | Admin. – Office Supplies | $66.69 | |
| Premier Fleet Graphics | Police – Vehicle Maintenance – Body | $286.00 | |
| Quality Inn | Police – Training/Travel | $390.00 | |
| Security Systems, Inc. | Works – Equipment Maintenance & Repairs | $150.00 | |
| Sherwin Williams Company | Parks – Supplies & Materials | $64.95 | |
| Site One Landscape Supply | Works – Supplies & Materials | $1,033.59 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police – Vehicle Maintenance-Routine | $2,324.94 | |
| Total Office Products & Service | Police – Office Supplies | $347.53 | |
| Valvoline | Police/Works -Vehicle Main.-Preventative | $282.07 | |
| Verizon Wireless | All – Telephone Services | $3,083.92 | |
| MAPS | |||
| Flynn Brothers | Works – Street Repairs | $101.20 | |
| Opioid Account | |||
| First Financial Bank | Police – Training Expenses | $108.55 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Neely, Joshua | Police – Training Expense Reimbursement | $842.00 | |
| TOTAL | $80,045.52 | ||
