The regular meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was called to order by Mayor Bowling at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was held at St. Matthews City Hall, 3940 Grandview Avenue. The following people were present:
Mayor
Bernie Bowling
City Council
Councilman Art Draut
Councilman Martha Schade
Councilman Mary Jo Nay
Councilman Rick Tonini
Councilman Stuart Monohan
Councilman Pat Wissing
Councilman Frank Flynn
Councilman Tony Weiter
Other Officials
Foster Haunz – City Attorney
Chief Norman Mayer – Chief of Police
Jim Birch – City Engineer
Jack Ruf – Code Enforcement Officer
Susan Ragains – City Clerk
Other Attendees:
Keenan Stratman – HDR Engineering
Frank Tonini – Public Works
Ian Timothy & Parents
Martha Elson – Courier-Journal
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2012
PAGE TWO
Chad McCormick – MSD Consultant
Brian Bingham – MSD
Kevin Young – Landscape Architect
Mark Yates
Betty Kassulke – Resident
MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilman Tonini to approve the minutes from the March 27, 2012 council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Nay.
Upon vote: (8-0) the minutes were approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Ian Timothy asked the council to consider the importance of the beaver community at Draut Park. Councilman Tonini said the beavers have caused quite a bit of destruction over the years and periodically this subject comes up. When the beavers build a dam, it causes the water to back-up in a creek that is supposed to flow downstream. The park was designed to serve as a detention basin. City Engineer Jim Birch said there has been an attempt to relocate the beavers to state property. To date, we have not received permission from the state to exercise this option. There is a possibility of laying pipe in order to maintain water levels. Councilman Tonini emphasized that not a single beaver has been killed during the years that the beaver population at this park has caused problems. Councilman Flynn referenced e-mails received from as far away as New Zealand regarding this issue. There has to be a way to keep water flowing down the creek. Mr. Timothy informed the council that there are fences that bow outwards that beavers cannot penetrate. There is also paint that can be used on trees that deters beavers from chewing on wood. Councilman Tonini interjected that we are required to keep the water level at the park consistent and the dams built by beavers are causing the water level to rise. Councilman Nay summed up the situation by stating this area of land was designed and built to serve as a detention basis for the St. Matthews area. It was necessary to implement because of the frequent flooding of homes, businesses and streets. So the purpose of Draut Park has to serve the purpose for which it is designed. The primary focus
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APRIL 24, 2012
PAGE THREE
of the council is to look after the interests of residents and businesses in St. Matthews and that include reducing flooding. If we can identify an action that does not mess up the beavers then we will look into it. But we cannot put the interest of the beavers ahead of our residents and businesses. The intent of Draut Park was not to serve as a wetlands or a natural habitat. While wonderful projects, this piece of land is has been engineered and designed to help reduce flooding in this area and it has got to serve that purpose. That is why there is no playground equipment or picnic benches. It is designed to hold water during heavy rains and also engineered to allow the water to flow downstream in a controlled manner. The beavers are inhibiting the flow of water. Councilman Wissing said we are interested in preserving wildlife and beavers can be controlled just like any other group. Mayor Bowling asked that the issue be referred to the Parks Committee for further discussion. Councilman Monohan, Chairman of the Parks Committee, said they will work on the issue. He will arrange to meet with Mr. Timothy to listen to his suggestions.
NEW BUSINESS
Chad McCormick, engineer consultant for the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) informed the council of a regulatory service related to the EPA standards of water quality. While it has been on the books for a few years now, it is now receiving a bigger focus. It is clear the expectations of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have risen. It is likely to involve a charge to the City of St. Matthews. However, the residents will not be billed. Brian Bingham, also in attendance representing MSD, said the financial exposure will be approximately 1% or less. Monitoring water quality is going to be the biggest ticket item. Mr. Bingham said he and Mr. McCormick would be happy to meet with committees or sub groups of the council to discuss further. This was merely meant to be an introduction. He further stated green infrastructures dealing with rain water run-off are a topic of further discussion. Louisville is fortunate because of the sandy under-layer which naturally occurs near rivers. Councilman Monohan will meet with the City Engineer on this issue. They will keep the council updated as the project progresses.
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2012
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MUNICIPAL ORDER 12-06 Bluegrass Manor
Mr. Foster Haunz introduced Municipal Order 12-06 which relates to the updating of Bluegrass Manor Shopping Center, located at 4906 Shelbyville Road. Kevin Young, Landscape Architect, said the plan is to add another building in the parking area, possibly to lease as a yogurt shop. The lot is in need of updating including the replacement of pine trees which have died. Other trees need to be filled in adding evergreens to the binding elements. The land is owned by a family who holds a long-term lease to Mark Yates. Councilman Wissing said a parking waiver would not be necessary as it relates to State Highway specifications. Councilman Nay said a few additional handicap spots could be useful to those who need them. Mr. Young said he did not think that would be a problem. Councilman Weiter inquired about signage. The Code Enforcement Officer for St. Matthews, Jack Ruf, replied he has not received a sign permit application. Councilman Nay made an inquiry about the big billboard. Mr. Ruf said the bill board will remain as well as the shopping center sign. Councilman Tonini made a motion to approve Municipal Order 12-06. The motion was seconded by Councilman Weiter.
Upon voice vote: (8-0) Municipal Order 12-06 was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Councilman Monohan informed those in attendance that the Parks Committee would like to include new restrooms in next year’s budget. A plan to build Challenger Field is not likely to happen. Another location has developed Challenger Field so it is no longer necessary for this community. The Parks Committee will meet Monday at 10:00 a.m.
• Councilman Nay said the newsletter is printed and should be in homes the week of May 7th.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Councilman Nay would like to encourage home ownership in St. Matthews and believes owners who rent should only get a discount on the property in which they reside, not every home they own. Foster Haunz maintains that 3 constitutional provisions would be violated by changing the
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2012
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tax structure St. Matthews currently has in place. Councilman Wissing said he believes the Council cannot pick and choose who is to receive a tax discount. Councilman Nay asked that Mr. Haunz place his opinion in writing for the council to review.
EXPENDITURES
Councilman Tonini made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and that checks are drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $364,585.29. The motion was seconded by Councilman Monohan.
Upon vote: 8-0 the motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Tonini then made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was again seconded by Councilman Monohan.
Upon vote: the motion was approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:08 a.m.
_____________________________________________________
Bernie Bowling, Mayor
_______________________________________________________
Susan Ragains, City Clerk
April 24, 2012
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&M Towing $50.00
ADP $304.75
AFLAC $222.11
Allied Ready Mix $261.10
Anthem $51,379.99
Ashland $206.79
AT&T $573.22
Bachman Chevrolet $4,567.83
Bale Equipment Company $1,480.18
Baumann Paper Company $179.08
Beck PC $2,242.50
Blackburn – Davis Heating, Inc. $1,677.90
Bluegrass Uniforms $5.00
Bumper to Bumper $2.49
CARE Security Services $720.00
Central Office Supply, Inc. $716.30
Charles Guelda & Sons Plumbing $150.00
CMS Uniforms $742.35
Computer Projects Inc. $156.00
Davis Electronics $325.00
Delta Dental $3,557.35
Dot Trend $636.00
Downtown Ford $468.12
Earl B. Wise Mechanical Company $107.75
Earth First $2,592.00
Evans Small Engine Repair $70.50
Ferguson Waterworks $9,124.63
FESCO $317.00
FleetOne $20,712.82
Frost Brown Todd $40.00
Galls $24.10
Goins Automotive $632.42
Hasler, Inc. $85.00
HDR Engineering $13,309.20
Helm’s Seeding and Sodding $2,218.00
Human Development Company $200.00
Insight $139.95
Jani-King $969.00
Kentucky Association of Planners $80.00
Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance $9,505.20
Kentucky League of Cities $4,586.00
Leonard Brush & Chemical Company $590.94
Lewis Seed Company $100.32
LexisNexis $110.00
Louisville Free Public Library $7,750.00
Louisville Gas & Electric $22,494.20
Louisville Tractor $338.70
Louisville Water Company $41.14
Lowe’s $2,153.59
Lynn Imaging $96.65
Med East Physicians $168.00
Medley’s Auto Center $55.00
Mother Earth Recycling $2,117.00
MPC Uniform and Tactical Supply $76.80
Murphy’s Camera $5.08
Napa Auto Parts $83.88
New Albany F.O.P. $100.00
North American Salt $15,145.35
Nugent Sand Company $847.86
Nu-Way Rental $277.59
Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Mercury $199.69
Pep Express Parts $193.96
Peterson Truck Center $751.46
Pirelli Tires $197.50
PNC Bank $1,550.28
Precision Delta Corporation $2,010.00
Printworx $2,436.00
Raatz Fence Company $7,250.00
RCS Communications $19,989.90
Redwing Ecological Services $2,600.00
Rex Davis Asphalt Sealcoating and Patching $1,200.00
River City of Louisville $238.91
Riverfarm Nursery $900.00
Roby’s Door Service $495.00
Roederer, George $1,565.00
Roy Hunt Equipment Company $1,131.92
Rumpke $88,919.06
S & J Lighting $320.39
S&D Coffee, Inc. $208.41
Saf-Ti-Co $739.70
SealMaster $559.44
Senior Care East $7,750.00
Simplex Grinnell $301.00
Southern Water Treatment $200.00
St. Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce $18,500.00
St. Matthews Area Ministries $3,250.00
St. Matthews Carwash $217.00
St. Matthews Exterminating $85.00
Suburban Septic $1,280.00
Suburban Towing $55.00
Target Barn $118.00
Treez $3,075.00
Verizon $2,795.75
Visual Image – Systems $3,107.00
Waste Management $90.00
Welders Supply $31.00
Willis Klein $76.93
Windstream Communications $784.18
Reimbursements and Payments
Cleary, Elizabeth – newsletter $700.00
Hackel, John – Shelving for Garage $290.28
Ruf, Jack – Downtown Parking Reimbursement $8.75
Tonini, Frank – Leaf Collection $524.05
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TOTAL $364,585.29
