CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2025
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, June 10, 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
John Singler – St. Matthews City Attorney
Judi Kassebaum – St. Matthews City Clerk
Chief Barry Wilkerson – St. Matthews Police Department
Officer Billy Cundiff – St. Matthews Police Department
Officer Kevin Roy – St. Matthews Police Department
OTHER ATTENDEES
Kate Leitner – Eline Library
Robert Klein – Resident
Josh Suiter – CEO, The Chamber St. Matthews
Ray Barrows – Resident
William Mayer
John Harris – Resident
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call of attendance. All the council members were present.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the May 27, 2025, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson. Upon Voice Vote: (7-0-1 abstain) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Library gave the following report:
· Stephen King Book Discussion: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
· Afternoon Book Discussion: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· D&D at the Library: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
· How to Make Art for Video Games: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
· Night Owls Book Discussion: Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
· The Great Lego Race: Wednesday, June 28, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
· St. Matthews Friends of the Library Book Sale Friday, June 20, 2025, 1 pm – 4:30 pm; Saturday June 21, 2025, 10 am – 4:30 pm; Sunday June 22, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
· Pride Craft Night: Wednesday June 25, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
· Movie Discussion Group: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· Adult Crafty Night: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
· Adult Board Game Night: Thursday, July 3, 2025, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
· 2025 Home Cleaning & Organizing: Monday, July 7, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· Adult Book Discussion Group: Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· English Conversation Club: Every Week on Mondays, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
· Creative Doodling: Thursday, June 26, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
· Family Movie Night: Thursday, June 26, 2026, 6:16 pm – 8:00 pm
· Louisville Folk School: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
· Storytimes: Wednesdays 10:15 Baby & 11:15 Toddler; Thursdays 10:15 Preschool & 11:15 Family
· Summer Reading has started. Sign up at the library to participate
· Cultural passes are available through the cultural pass app.
William Mayer, a Shively resident, urged the council to sign-on to a coalition letter demanding better funding for TARC. He gave each councilmember information to sign-on to the website.
Josh Suiter, CEO The Chamber St. Matthews, told the council of the upcoming golf outing on July 18 and asked if anyone was interested in attending. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chamber Foundation. Louisville Business First magazine has listed Chamber St. Matthews as 2nd behind Louisville Inc. by less than 20 votes.
John Harris, a resident on Gilman Ave, reported that Louisville Metro has an “F” score on ozone pollution and a “D” on short-term particle pollution. He thanked the City for highlighting the issue of noise and particle pollution in the newsletter. Councilmember Nay said the next newsletter would include information about Louisville Metro’s Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Rebate Program. The program has been in place at least ten years. Mr. Harris would like to see the council form a committee to look at the situation in St. Matthews and use it as an opportunity to find what is right for the community. The committee would have members with different stakes in reduction of gas-powered lawn equipment. He suggested perhaps an ordinance to phase out gas powered lawn equipment. Councilmember Nay asked if he would like to spearhead this committee, but Mr. Harris wanted it to be council led. Councilmember Vanetti asked how other communities handled this topic. Mr. Harris responded that over 100 cities have passed ordinances. Councilmember Olson volunteered to be the Chair of the committee, and Councilmembers Vanetti and Landes said they would help.
Robert Klein, a resident on Marquette Ave, asked about the water being turned on for the restrooms at Warwick Park. He wrote to the Louisville Water Co. as a resident and park goer about the necessity of having water turned on for the restrooms. He also reached out to the Public Works Director and Mr. Stratman provided him with background information regarding the delay. Mr. Singler will contact Kenan regarding the situation.
PENDING BUSINESS
No pending business was discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Wrap-up of 75th Anniversary Celebration in Brown Park
The Mayor asked the council for feedback regarding the 75th Anniversary Celebration at Brown Park. The Mayor said there were great bands for the crowd to enjoy and lots of kid activities. He thought everyone had a good time and the rain held off for most of the day. Councilmember Nay saw people enjoying the day and dancing in the rain. The crowd turnout was very good despite several other events in the area. Councilmember Olson talked with people and received positive feedback. She also participated in the Goat Yoga that morning with about 50 other people as part of the celebration. Councilmember Vanetti thought the event was wonderful and had a good flow. Many people commented that this should be an annual event. Councilmembers Olson and Vanetti liked the idea of the community being able to come together for events. Although the whole day was expensive to do each year, they suggested that perhaps smaller versions could be hosted by the City – yoga throughout the summer, band nights, or a pickleball tournament were suggested. The Mayor said he was proud of the event and thanked the council for its work on the celebration. He mentioned the police did a wonderful job of keeping everyone safe and public works had the park in great condition. A thank you also went to the fire department for filling the barricades.
Ordinance 25-05 Adoption of Annual Budget 1st Reading
John Singler summarized the ordinance. Councilmember Nay made a motion for introduction of the ordinance and Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. The motion carried 8-0 by voice vote. Councilmember Bowling said the reserves were being used for capital projects. The discussion moved to grants. Councilmember Holland reported that Waggener High School was working on getting grants from other sources. The council wanted to wait on the grant request to Waggener until they secured more money, and to see when JCPS would put money towards the tennis court project. It was suggested that grants be given in the same amount as given in the current fiscal year. There was discussion about money not spent in the last budget being carried over to the new budget.
A conversation regarding the starting pay, step raises, and non-monetary benefits for the police in comparison to other agencies ensued. It was decided that the Mayor, Chief, and Councilmembers Flynn and Holland would meet to discuss. Councilmember Bowling asked the clerk to send new grant information and updated insurance rates to the accountant to update the budget.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $339,780.68. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Olson reported the Outstanding Neighbors for June are Jason & Brooke Bond. Four new nominations have been submitted.
· Councilmember Nay said the newsletter is in production.
· Councilmember Flynn received the property and casualty insurance for the next year and it is down slightly.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
There was no City Attorney report.
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 Olson. Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
| June 10, 2025 | |||
| 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: | |||
| A+ Paper Shredding, Inc. | Police – Service Contract-Shredding | $83.60 | |
| American Legal Publishing Corp | Admin. – Service Contract/Code Book | $2,233.10 | |
| Anderson’s Sales & Service | Works – Supplies & Materials | $100.04 | |
| Astro Jump of Louisville | Admin. – 75th Anniversary Celebration | $7,469.52 | |
| AT&T | All – Telephone Service | $13,775.05 | |
| Auto Zone | Works – Supplies & Materials | $169.44 | |
| Bill Hutchinson | Works – Repairs & Maintenance – Equipment | $427.00 | |
| CDW-Government | IT – Licensing | $4,648.32 | |
| Charter Communications | IT – Service Contract | $220.00 | |
| Chris Bradley Electric, LLC | Parks – Repairs & Maintenance | $2,208.95 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies & Materials | $988.58 | |
| Coca Cola Bottling Co., Consolidated | Admin. – Supplies & Materials | $353.09 | |
| Corporate Warehouse Supply | Admin. – Office Supplies | $1,799.60 | |
| DC Elevator | Works – Maintenance Agreement | $138.60 | |
| Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. | All – Dental Insurance | $6,634.58 | |
| Earth First of Kentuckiana | Works – Supplies & Materials | $942.00 | |
| Enterprise Fleet Management | Police – Vehicle Leases | $14,052.86 | |
| Galls | Police – Uniforms | $535.86 | |
| Great American Financial Services | Admin. – Service Contract/Copies | $140.91 | |
| HDR Engineering, Inc. | Works – Trinity Hills Ditch Project | $1,485.00 | |
| Home Depot Credit Services | Works – Supplies & Materials | $524.09 | |
| Integrity Auto Repairs, LLC | Works – Repairs & Maintenance-Vehicles | $385.00 | |
| Interstate All Battery Center | Police – Supplies & Materials | $94.60 | |
| Jazz It Up Décor/Glowscript Marquees | Admin. – 75th Anniversary Celebration | $935.00 | |
| Jefferson Co. League of Cities | Admin. – City Night @ Louisville Bats | $180.00 | |
| Kentucky Employees’ Mutual Ins. | All – Workers Compensation-1st Installment | $35,118.27 | |
| Kiesler’s Police Supply, Inc. | Police – Training/Equipment | $342.00 | |
| Leonard Brush & Chemical Co. | Works – Supplies & Materials | $149.60 | |
| Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions Fl, Inc, | Police – Service Contract – Software | $540.80 | |
| LG&E | Works – Electric/Gas | $6,448.53 | |
| Louisville Mulch & Stone | Works – Supplies & Materials | $689.73 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $2,393.10 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contract – Copies | $215.88 | |
| Nixon Power Service Company | Works -Equipment Repairs/Maintenance | $625.00 | |
| Norse Tactical | Police -Training/Range | $250.00 | |
| Norton Healthcare | Police/Works – Contract Services-Medical | $3,185.00 | |
| Plumbers Supply Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $164.04 | |
| PNC Bank | All – Multiple | $488.74 | |
| Porta Kleen | Parks – Portalets | $1,235.00 | |
| Premier Fleet Graphics | Police – CI-Vehicles/Graphics | $625.00 | |
| Quadient, Inc. | Admin. – Service Contract-Postage Machine | $225.04 | |
| ROCIC | Police – Dues | $300.00 | |
| Rumpke | Works – Garbage Contract | $130,595.58 | |
| Security Systems, Inc. | Works – Monitoring | $38.00 | |
| Singler & Ritsert | Admin. – May Attorney Fees | $2,646.00 | |
| Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories | Police – Supplies & Materials | $232.40 | |
| Site One Landscape Supply | Works – Supplies & Materials | $82.93 | |
| Sparkle Brite Car Wash | Police – Vehicle Main. – Car Washes | $408.00 | |
| Stephens & Lawson PSC | Admin. – May Services | $3,465.00 | |
| Sterling G. Thompson Co. | Admin. – Insurance Bonds | $182.22 | |
| St. Matthews Ace Hardware | Works – Supplies & Materials | $143.12 | |
| St. Matthews Exterminating | Parks – Pest Control | $163.00 | |
| Studio Kremer Architects | Parks-Capital Improvements-C. Center Park | $1,006.25 | |
| Sweep All, Inc. | Works – Sweeping Streets | $2,745.00 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police – Vehicle Main. – Mechanical/Routine | $5,486.78 | |
| Tony’s Wrecker Service | Police – Towing | $625.00 | |
| Total Office Products & Service | Police – Office Supplies | $370.45 | |
| Towne Post Network, Inc. | Admin. – Advertising – 75th Anniversary | $1,175.00 | |
| Trace3, LLC | IT – Capital Improvements – CH Antenna | $2,018.25 | |
| Trans Union | Pollice – Contract Services/Investigative | $409.65 | |
| Triumph Landscaping Contractors | Parks – Warwick Park Project | $68,462.87 | |
| Turners Circus | Admin. – Special Events – 75th Celebration | $3,800.00 | |
| Valvoline | Police/Admin. – Vehicle Main.-Preventative | $652.62 | |
| Voiance | Police – Contract Services – Investigative | $79.75 | |
| Welders Supply Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $33.71 | |
| Willis Klein | Works – Supplies & Materials | $54.35 | |
| MAPS | |||
| HDR Engineering, Inc. | Works-Capital Project -Massie-Gilman Alley | $619.86 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Austin, Elizabeth | Admin. – Contract Services | $160.00 | |
| Cheser, Matt | Police – Reimbursement Uniform Expenses | $279.37 | |
| Long, Ronnie | Police – Reimbursement Training Expenses | $325.00 | |
| TOTAL | $339,780.68 | ||
