Minutes Caucus Meeting
St. Matthews City Council
August 19, 2025 5:00 p.m.
St. Matthews City Hall 3rd Floor
Present:
Rick Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
Bernie Bowling, Councilmember
Nate Hernandez, Councilmember
Tim Holland, Councilmember
Sarah Landes, Councilmember
Mary Jo Nay, Councilmember (via phone)
Amy Olson, Councilmember
Jackie Vannetti, Councilmember
Kenan Stratman, St. Matthews Public Works Director
John Singler, City Attorney
David May, City CPA
Amy Williams, TSW
Mayor Tonini called the caucus meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. This meeting was for discussion purposes only. No decisions were made.
There was a discussion of Warwick Park Phase II and Phase III. The council was presented with handouts of renditions of the park. Since initially being part of the budget three years ago, the costs have gone up. Many park features were “right sized” to reduce costs but not affect the quality of the renovation. A public meeting will be held at the Arterburn soon to show residents the renderings and receive input.
Several council members met with the Schrodt family earlier in the month to discuss the City’s possible acquisition of their mother’s paintings. The family is open to a lump sum payment or payments monthly. Discussion turned to the possibility of the paintings being donated, and the City would protect, show, and insure the paintings. Before anything could be done with the paintings, proof of ownership would be needed, and all owners would have to sign an agreement.
There was no new information on the status of donations to the Waggener tennis court project. They have secured $130,000 in donations. Several council members indicated they wanted to see a business plan and wanted to know where funds from future tennis tournaments would go, to the school or JCPS.
The council was provided with handouts listing the City’s bank accounts and balances, current CD rates, and investing information provided by Councilmember Hernandez. It was suggested that the City invest a portion of the money into CD accounts with higher interest rates than is currently being earned. The Clerk will ask Mr. Singler about the City’s investment policy.
Councilmember Landes had wanted to add a discussion of committees to the agenda, but it was too late. The Clerk will look for any ordinances pertaining to committees and a future caucus meeting will be held regarding this subject.
Adjournment
The discussion ended and the meeting concluded at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
