CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2025
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 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
Chief Barry Wilkerson – St. Matthews Police Department
Judi Kassebaum – St. Matthews City Clerk
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning and Zoning and Code Enforcement
OTHER ATTENDEES
Josh Suiter – CEO, St. Matthews Chamber
Kate Leitner – Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Library
Trevor – HB Productions
Rhonda Niemi – Resident
Joanie Gillis – KY Derby Festival
Gary Majors – Resident
Several residents supporting Rhonda Niemi
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call vote of attendance. Council members Bowling and Olson were absent.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the January 14, 2025, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the January 25, 2025, caucus meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library gave the following report:
· Home Club Monday: February 3, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST
· Adult Crafty Night Out- Hobbit Door Wreath Ornament: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
· Adult Board Game Night: Thursday, February 6, 2025 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST
· Adult Book Discussion: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST
· English Conversation Club: Every Week on Mondays, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm English
· Family Movie Night- Elemental: Thursday, January 30, 2025 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm EST
· Reading with Mercy the Comfort Dog: Thursday, February 6, 2025 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST
· WAGS – Read with a Dog: Saturday, February 8, 2025 11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
· Once Upon an Orchestra: The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Saturday, February 8, 2025 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST
· Storytimes: Wednesdays 10:15 Baby & 11:15 Toddler; Thursdays 10:15 Preschool & 11:15 Family
Councilmember Nay inquired about participation of the English classes. Kate reported that there are more volunteers than participants. Currently there are five attendees, so five volunteers are helping.
May 17 will probably be the day for Meet the City of St. Matthews. This date is after the newsletter is next published.
Josh Suiter, CEO St. Matthews Chamber of Commerce gave the following report:
· The ribbon cutting on January 23 at Inn at Woodhaven celebrated the building being 172 years old. The ribbon cutting went very well. The owners have put a lot into the building, including changing the exterior color. It is not handicapped accessible though as Councilmember Nay pointed out.
· The Chamber annual dinner on February 20 at the Olmstead. The theme will be the 1950’s as the Chamber was founded in 1955. They will roll out a new brand and 501 3c status.
· The Chamber is hosting a table at an USA Cares event on February 3. If interested in attending, contact Josh. USA Care supports veterans and their families.
Joanie Gillis from the KY Derby Festival gave an update on the RoboRumble, a Derby Festival event the City sponsors. She gave the council a packet with event overviews. This year the one-day event will be held at Ballard High School on February 23 and Dr. Polio will present the awards. Part of the City’s partnership will fund the money the winner receives. Councilmember Hernandez asked if volunteers were needed. Joanie said they are, and she can pass volunteer information to the appropriate person. Councilmember Nay suggested putting a call out on social media for volunteers.
Rhonda Niemi, a resident, spoke on behalf of several residents frustrated with the development of two homes on Sherrin Ave. They feel the homes are out of character with the neighborhood. Although the buildings meet the zoning requirements, residents feel they are too big and may affect the value of their homes. Councilmember Holland is familiar with Twin Spires, the developer, and did not believe home values would be negatively affected. The Mayor said the previously undeveloped lot was split into three lots and if the homes were built according to the law, there was nothing that could be done. Residents asked if the City could bring a lawsuit regarding the homes. The Mayor said the City will look at the plans and go onsite to review the homes but suspects they will be within the regulations. The residents did speak at a BOZA meeting and were told the homes would blend into the neighborhood and it was not a protected historical area. Councilmember Holland suggested planting green giant arborvitaes to help obstruct the views and provide a sense of privacy. John Singler pointed out ordinances do not address three single family houses built on a single lot that meet development codes. Five units are allowed per acre per zoning regulations.
Gary Majors thanked the City for excellent snow removal on his street. The Works Department did a great job.
PENDING BUSINESS
Municipal Order 25-03 Confirmation of Nominees to the Code Enforcement Board
John Singler read Municipal Order 25-03. The nominees are Chris Mooser (1 yr term), Dan Heiskell (2 yr term), David Marchal (3 yr term), Tony Weiter (alternate), and Wes Geis (alternate). Councilmember Hernandez asked how it was decided who received which term. The Mayor responded that he took into consideration the recommendations from the council at the previous meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Holland to approve Municipal Order 25-03 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Municipal Order No. 25-02 Re-Appointment of Joe Buddell to the Ethics Board
John Singler read the order. The Mayor commented he was proud there have been no ethics complaints.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve Municipal Order 25-02 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
Municipal Order No. 25-04 Setting the Budget for the 75th Anniversary Celebration
Trevor Cravens from HB Productions discussed possible plans for the celebration. Each item was a budget line and any item can be left in or taken out depending on how much the City budgets for the celebration. Councilmember Nay asked if there were age appropriate items for all age groups, especially in the Kids Zone. Trevor listed activities for all age groups. Food trucks would be in the parking lot of Brown Park and an alcohol area could be fenced in from the parking lot to the creek where the bands would be onstage. There is a minor price difference in the ABC license for beer and malt vs. a license for spirits.
Charging food trucks to be a part of the celebration would result in a source of revenue to be put towards the celebration budget. Another source of revenue is 15-20% of bar revenues going back to the City. Councilmember Vanetti confirmed the schedule of Kids Zone closing at 8:00 p.m., the band stopping by 10:00 p.m., and the drone show starting around 10:00 p.m. Councilmember Nay inquired about the stage near the creek. It would be to the right of the bridge and be 20 ft x 30 ft and 20 ft tall. There would be banners on it. Just bands would be on the main stage and there would be 30 minutes between acts to switch out equipment. Councilmember Holland asked if HB Productions had any concerns regarding crowds with beer and malt beverages vs crowds with spirits. Based on their experience, Trevor had no concerns. Councilmember Nay asked about cancellation insurance or a rider to reschedule. Trevor said he could get a quote but could be very expensive. Councilmember Landes suggested to control costs, some line items could be cut. Councilmember Flynn said the City needed a big event and suggested not cutting anything.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve Municipal Order 25-04 saying the budget could not exceed $125,487.00 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Flynn. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
Trevor asked if there could be a point of contact who could make minor decisions. The Mayor preferred to have the council make all decisions. A caucus meeting was scheduled for March 18 for HB Productions to update the council on its progress.
Ordinance 25-01 Franchise Agreement with Lumos Fiber of Kentucky
John Singler explained Lumos Fiber was a fiber optic cable for internet. Lumos Fiber has a plan with Jefferson County. They will drill in the right of way and bury the lines. John went on the explain the encroachment permit within St. Matthews is specific – how, where and who will install the cables. They will have to have a bond. St. Matthews would get a franchise fee of 5%. T-Mobile will be acquiring Lumos in the near future.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve a first reading of Ordinance 25-01 and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Flynn. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $156,751.21. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Nay said the newsletters should arrive in homes February 1. She has also seen Warwick Park’s parking lot full and people playing pickleball and basketball.
· Councilmember Flynn had been asked by a resident about getting their refund for overpayment of property taxes.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
There was no City Attorney’s report.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Chief Wilkerson and the Mayor shared an email from commending the St. Matthews Police Officers attending President Trump’s Inauguration for their professionalism and dedication and representing the department with integrity.
The Mayor reported a resident was asking for a reprieve on paying penalty and interest on their property tax. The Mayor relayed how he once had to pay the face amount due to an error from his bookkeeper and that he would inform the resident he would have to pay the amount due without any discounts. The council agreed with the Mayor.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holland made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
| January 28, 2025 | |||
| 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: | |||
| 301 Interactive Marketing LLC | IT – Website Hosting/Design | $750.00 | |
| Air Hydro Power, Inc. | Works – Repairs & Maintenance | $178.11 | |
| AT&T | All – Telephone Service | $7,189.83 | |
| Best Stamp & Seal Co. | Admin. – Notary Seals-Bratcher & Kassebaum | $86.80 | |
| BMS, LLC | All – Insurance Addendum | $162.75 | |
| Charles Guelda & Sons Plumbing, Inc. | Works – Repairs & Maintenance | $353.30 | |
| Chris Bradley | Parks – Repairs | $563.04 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies & Materials | $1,213.22 | |
| Cross Chrysler Jeep | Police – Vehicle Repairs – Mechanical | $470.79 | |
| Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. | All – Dental Insurance | $6,537.70 | |
| Derby City Pressure Wash | Parks – Service Contract | $154.00 | |
| Enterprise Fleet Management | Police – Vehicle Leases | $13,817.16 | |
| Farley Printing | Admin. – Business Cards-Birch & Newby | $180.00 | |
| First Financial Bank | All – Multiple | $10,188.74 | |
| J. Edinger & Sons, Inc. | Works – Truck Repairs -Replace Scissor Hoist | $3,753.00 | |
| Jim’s Body Shop | Police – Vehicle Maintenance-Body | $6,639.44 | |
| Kentucky League of Cities Trust | All – Quarterly Unemployment | $838.91 | |
| Kiesler’s Police Supply, Inc. | Police – Uniforms/Equipment | $302.00 | |
| Labor Works | Works – Service Contract | $596.96 | |
| LG&E | Works – Electric/Gas | $3,407.46 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $64.91 | |
| Meineke Car Care Center | Police – Vehicle/Mechanical | $1,774.75 | |
| Metropolitan Sewer District | Works – FY 2025 MS4 Services | $18,672.44 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contract – Copies | $81.31 | |
| Norton Healthcare | Police/Works – Contract Services/Medical | $3,240.00 | |
| RCS Communications | Police – Repairs & Maintenance | $80.00 | |
| Security Pros, LLC | Works – Monitoring | $1,215.46 | |
| Sparkle Brite Car Wash | Police – Vehicle Maintenance-Car Wash | $648.00 | |
| Stephen C Glauber | Police – Contract Services – Hiring | $175.00 | |
| Taylor Siefer Williams | Works – Capital Improvements-Warwick Park | $30,000.00 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police – Vehicle Main. – Routine | $6,455.20 | |
| Total Office Products & Service | Police – Office Supplies | $1,057.21 | |
| Valvoline | Police/Works – Vehicle Main.-Preventative | $610.02 | |
| Verizon Wireless | All – Telephone Services | $3,352.19 | |
| VIQ Solutions, Inc. | Police – Contract Services/Investigative | $360.00 | |
| Voiance | Police – Contract Services/Investigative | $23.46 | |
| Wilson Equipment Co. | Works – Equipment Repairs | $6,849.58 | |
| MAPS | |||
| J. Edinger & Son, Inc. | Works – Equipment Purchase | $18,506.00 | |
| Flynn Brothers | Works – Cold Patch Mix | $129.95 | |
| Police Forfeiture Account | |||
| Norse Tactical | Police – Training | $5,117.52 | |
| Southern Police Institute | Police – Training | $925.00 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Frisby, Chris | Police – Reim. Gas | $10.00 | |
| Newby, Kylie | Admin. – Reim. Fingerprinting | $20.00 | |
| TOTAL | $156,751.21 | ||
