Minutes Caucus Meeting
St. Matthews City Council
January 24, 2026 10:00 a.m.
St. Matthews City Hall
3rd Floor
Present:
Rick Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
Frank Flynn, Councilmember
Nate Hernandez, Councilmember
Tim Holland, Councilmember
Sarah Landes, Councilmember
Mary Jo Nay, Councilmember
Amy Olson, Councilmember
John Singler, City Attorney
John Grantz, Media Events
Mayor Tonini called the caucus meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. This meeting was for discussion purposes only. No decisions were made.
The discussion started with a quick review of music from the 75th celebration. The mayor and council members heard only positive feedback from those attending the event. There are a limited number of concert series in the area. Norton Commons discontinued their musical series, but Hi-view Park hosts one.
There was a discussion about the possibility of St. Matthews hosting a concert series in Brown Park. Mr. Grantz gave the council a proposal with costs to consider. It would be a turnkey event running $12,000-$25,000 per event. Suggested months for the concerts are June and September. The events would be marketed as a neighborhood concert series.
Two bands would be scheduled. One starting at 5:00 p.m. and the other at 7:00 p.m. with the evening concluding by 9:00 p.m. The bands available are bands that would play at local bars on the weekend. Securing the stage and PA would be more difficult than securing a band. The stage would be much smaller than the stage used at the 75th celebration. Some boulders would have to be moved. A pathway would be needed between the stage and creek.
The council asked about vendors (food trucks and alcohol sales). HB Productions would be enlisted to assist with food and alcohol sales. More police would be needed if alcohol sales were permitted.
It is customary for the performers to be paid 50% if there is a cancellation. If rebooked, the 50% does not go towards the rebooking fee.
A budget amendment is only necessary if the department goes over its total budget.
Mr. Grantz was asked what would be needed for a permanent stage. He suggested a stage similar to the one at Sun Valley Golf Course. He also stated 200-400 amps would be necessary. It is important to have a good ingress and egress for equipment to be moved. Flooding is also a concern in that area.
The Clerk will send Mr. Grantz dates that do not interfere with other local events, mostly church picnics.
The discussion turned to the drone show at Light Up Brown Park. The drone show had to be postponed from the 75th celebration due to weather. It was shown after Light Up and was well received. It was suggested that Light Up start later so there was no wait until the drone show. The Chamber is considering a Christmas market for Light Up. Mr. Singler will look into the ordinances to see if that is possible.
The council were given “wish lists” of high ticket items for the budget from the police and public works departments..
Adjournment
The discussion ended and the meeting concluded at 11:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
