CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
June 13, 2023
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tonini. The following people were present:
MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Bernie Bowling Councilmember Tim Holland
Councilmember Cathi Clark Councilmember Sarah Landes
Councilmember Frank Flynn Councilmember Mary Jo Nay
Councilmember Nathan Hernandez Councilmember Amy Olson – absent
OTHER OFFICIALS
John Singler – St. Matthews City Attorney
Barry Wilkerson – Chief, St. Matthews Police Department
Susan Clark – St. Matthews City Clerk
OTHER ATTENDEES
Gary Major – Resident
Kate Leitner – Eline/St. Matthews Library Branch
Officer George Jetter – St. Matthews Police Department
Officer Kevin Roy – St. Matthews Detective
Officer Billy Cundiff – St. Matthews Detective
Elizabeth Cleary – Director of Operations, Chamber of St. Matthews
Virginia Hart – Director of Membership Services, Chamber of St. Matthews
Paula McCraney – Louisville Metro Council District #7 Councilmember
Kent Hall – Guest
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call vote of attendance.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes from the May 23, 2023 council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Holland and Clark.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Ms. Kate Leitner, Manager of the St. Matthews/Eline Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library, reviewed a list of upcoming programs and events.
· Book Club meeting Wednesday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m.
· Book Sale, June 23-25 during the hour’s library is open.
· English Conversation Class each Monday at 6:00 p.m.
· Family yoga class is each Friday at 6:00 p.m.
· Little Tykes Story time remains each Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
· The library will be closed on June 19th in honor of Juneteenth.
· Library will be closed 4th of July in celebration of America’s Independence.
Louisville Metro Councilmember Paula McCraney invited all to attend Muffins with McCraney on Saturday, June 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Plantation City Hall. Topic of discussion are items to include in the upcoming Louisville Metro budget. Additionally, she has access to tickets if anyone is interested in attending the Juneteenth Gala to be held on Friday, June 16.
Virginia Hart, Membership Services Director for the Chamber of St. Matthews, announced there are currently 1,600 people and organizations that have joined. This represents a record number of memberships. Also, the annual Golf Scramble is scheduled for Friday, July 21 starting at 9:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Eagle Creek Golf Course.
Elizabeth Cleary, Director of Operations for the Chamber of St. Matthews, gave the following report: Planning continues for the upcoming 2nd annual Potato Festival to be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Community Park in St. Matthews. JD Shelbourne will perform from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a Hot Potato/Cornhole Tournament as well as potato sack races. Mayor Tonini interjected this years’ Potato Festival is the culmination of 5 days of activities at Community Park. The week kicks off with the annual Police National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1. Several of the activities are fundraisers for Officer Nick Wilt who was recently injured during a tragic event in downtown Louisville.
SUSPENSION OF REGULAR MEETING
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to suspend the regular meeting to convene into the Municipal Aid Program public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion passed, and the regular meeting was suspended at 7:12 p.m.
CONVENE INTO MUNICIPAL AID PROGRAM (MAPS) ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING
Councilmember Nay made a motion to convene into the annual public hearing for the Municipal Aid Program (MAPS). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowling.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried, and the meeting began at 7:12 p.m.
John Singler gave a summary of the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The overall amount expected to be disbursed is $1,120,000 with $767,000 originating from reserves and $352,400 in anticipated receivables. The fiscal year begins July 1, 2023 and runs through June 30, 2024.
Mayor Tonini invited anyone interested in commenting to take the floor at this time. No one from the public choose to address the council.
Councilmember Flynn inquired about the length of time it has taken to have street signs installed. Mayor Tonini responded that to save money, the Public Works Department has been installing the signs. Councilmember Flynn requested we obtain a quote to have an outside source complete the project so that all residential signs are uniform.
Councilmember Hernandez mentioned pole banners need refreshing. Mayor Tonini relayed Kenan Stratman is working on this project in conjunction with the Heart of St. Matthews beautification project.
There being no further questions or comments, Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the Municipal Aid Program (MAPS) budget and to adjourn the MAPS public hearing. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowling.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion passed, and MAPS budget was approved, and the public hearing adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to reconvene the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried, and the regular meeting commenced at 7:22 p.m.
PENDING BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 23-02 2023-2024 FISCAL JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
YEAR BUDGET – 2nd Reading
Mr. Singler gave a summary of Ordinance 23-02 regarding the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The estimated revenue and spending are projected at $22,070,826. Mayor Tonini then began a review of program funding requests by virtue of completed applications submitted.
Much discussion followed regarding raising the donation to the Chamber of St. Matthews from $74,000 annually to $100,000. The donation directly funds expenses associated with community events, i.e., Potato Festival, Halloween in Brown Park, and Light-Up St. Matthews. None of the donation is used for the Chamber’s operating expenses. In addition to funding these events, the city provides office space and utilities at no cost to the Chamber. This type of arrangement is similar to the overall relationship between the City of Jeffersontown and their Chamber. Mayor Tonini pointed out that while the city provides office space and utilities for no cost, the Chamber paid for their own renovations. Elizabeth Cleary, Operations Director for the Chamber, responded to all questions asked regarding the funding increase request. The last increase was approved in 2007. Councilmember Hernandez interjected that using a cost-of-living index, $74,000 in 2007 is now valued at $108,000. Ms. Cleary pointed out the cost of events has risen significantly in the last few years. The Chamber staff have over 60 years of event experience among them. Maintaining the current event budget would necessitate lowering items offered at events. Councilmember Flynn expressed a desire to have additional lights in trees and less displays for the Light-Up St. Matthews event. It was mentioned the purpose of the displays is for the enjoyment of children. Councilmember Flynn expressed interest in consulting with a professional event company for implantation of Light-Up St. Matthews. He would also like the Parks Committee to be more involved in the decision making of this event. Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the program support application in the amount of $100,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes. No Vote: None.
The next program support application considered was for the Kentucky Derby Festival in the amount of $8,200. Only $7,500 was tentatively budgeted, making for a $700 increase. The city has supported the KDF parade for several years because it benefits the entire community. Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the program support grant application in the amount of $8,200. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes. No Votes: None.
A program support grant application for the St. Matthews Area Ministries was next reviewed. The application requests an increase in funding from $17,500 per fiscal year to $25,000 per fiscal year. Councilmember Flynn mentioned how much St. Mam’s does to help those in need in our community and made a motion to approve the request. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes. No Votes: None
The last application considered was for the 2024 Shakespeare in the Park experience held each spring. The grant amount is $2,000. Providing this service creates an artistic, educational, and easily accessible entertainment option that all can benefit from the experience. Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the expenditure of Shakespeare in the Park for the spring of 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Clark.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Vote: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes.
Further discussion took place concerning the overall budget. With the approval of the $700 increase requested from the Kentucky Derby Festival, it moved the overall budget amount from $22,070,826 to $22,071,526. Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve Ordinance 23-02 with the change noted. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes. No Votes: None.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to discuss.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total of $288,523.95. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Nay and Holland.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Hernandez, Clark, Holland, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Landes. No Vote: None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Hernandez stated Warwick Park seems to have a plethora of dandelions at this time. Mayor Tonini relayed the Public Works Department is addressing this concern. Additionally, the question of alcohol sales at the Potato Festival was discussed at a recent Chamber Advisory Board meeting. No decision was made on this issue.
· Councilmember Clark attended a Parks Committee meeting recently.
· Councilmember Nay stated the last day to submit information for the August newsletter was Wednesday, June 14th. The city now has a Facebook page which will be utilized more in the upcoming weeks. The address is: City of St. Matthews, KY – Government.
· Councilmember Flynn mentioned the Property and Casualty quotes came in lower than the previous year mostly due to lower Workers Compensation claims.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Singler stated that Louisville Metro has a new street racing ordinance and suggests that St. Matthews mirror the intent. He was asked to move forward with an ordinance addressing this concern.
MAYOR’S REPORT
· The mayor informed those present do not place checks in blue USPS mailboxes due to theft of mail, and specifically checks. The checks can be stolen and whitewashed, then fraudulently deposited.
· It appears 3 people have filed to run for the unexpired term of former Councilmember Stuart Monohan who resigned in February. The unexpired term will run from November 2023 to December 2024.
· A few residents of Brookfield Avenue have complained about speeding and cars parked on the side of the road. A traffic study was completed with a sampling of over 2,000 vehicles. The average speed was 25.9 miles per hour. A neighborhood meeting will likely be scheduled to discuss parking only on one side of the residential street.
· Councilmember Bowling reminisced that a review of the 1985 financial audit showed a budget of $600,00 for the Police Department. It has greatly increased since that time.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holland made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Flynn.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Clark, City Clerk
Mayor Richard Tonini
| JUNE 13, 2023 | |||
| 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+ Paper Shredding | Admin/Police – Shredding | $146.00 | |
| Anderson’s Sales & Service | Works – Supplies | $1,122.85 | |
| Archive Social | Admin. – Social Media Archiving | $2,988.00 | |
| AT&T | All – Telephone Service | $5,735.57 | |
| Awards Center | Police – Placques | $123.90 | |
| CDW-Government | IT – Computer Maintenance | $3,105.36 | |
| Charles Guelda & Sons Plumbing, Inc. | Works – RPZ Valve Replacement | $453.75 | |
| Charter Communications | Works – Monitoring | $101.54 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies | $1,022.61 | |
| Clifford Distributing | Works – Cleaning Supplies | $1,251.14 | |
| Coca-Cola | Admin. – Drinks for Machine | $674.51 | |
| Cross Chrysler Jeep | Police – Vehicle Repairs/Maintenance | $961.68 | |
| DC Elevator | Works – Elevator Maintenance | $120.00 | |
| Delta Dental | All – Dental Insurance | $5,470.50 | |
| Earth First of Kentuckiana | Works – Top Soil and Mulch | $1,332.70 | |
| Galls | Police – Uniform Components | $1,430.95 | |
| Goodyear Auto Service Group | Police – Vehicle Repairs/Maintenance | $843.55 | |
| Great American Financial Services | Admin. – Copy Machine Rental | $149.36 | |
| Guardian Insurance Company | All – Long/Short/Life Insurance | $9,614.13 | |
| Helm’s Seeding & Sodding Co, LLC | Works – Fescue Sod | $190.00 | |
| Home Depot | Works – Supplies and Materials | $812.77 | |
| IdentoGo | Police – Dispatcher Fingerprinting | $20.00 | |
| KEMI | All – Workers Comp Insurance | $50,899.16 | |
| Kiesler’s Police Supply, Inc. | Police – Uniform Components | $467.95 | |
| Leads On Line | IT – PoliceSoftware | $3,995.00 | |
| Less Lethal, LLC | Police – Equipment | $930.80 | |
| Lexus Nexus | Police – Investigative Tool | $9.75 | |
| LG&E | Works – Street Lights/Electric | $35,976.08 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water | $1,152.72 | |
| Lowe’s | Works – Supplies and Materials | $1,098.35 | |
| Miller Company | Admin/Police – Copy Machine Charge | $25.83 | |
| Napa Auto Parts | Works – Supplies | $328.71 | |
| Nugent Sand Company | Works – Sand | $160.00 | |
| Plehn’s Bakery | Police – Event Expense | $135.00 | |
| PNC Bank | All – Supplies and Materials | $6,846.48 | |
| Quadient | Admin. – Copy Machine Rental | $225.04 | |
| RCS Communications | Police – Radio Dispatch/Repairs | $291.00 | |
| ROCIC | Police – Annual Dues | $300.00 | |
| Rumpke | Works/Parks – Garbage & Portalets | $98,611.90 | |
| S&J Lighting | Works – Bulbs | $203.75 | |
| Saunders Small Engines | Works – Repair | $26.49 | |
| Security Systems, Inc. | Works – Monitoring | $38.00 | |
| Singler & Ritsert | Admin. – City Attorney Fees | $5,792.00 | |
| Site One Landscaping | Works – Supplies | $2,280.90 | |
| Southern Tire Service | Works – Tire | $287.54 | |
| Sparkle Brite Car Wash | Police – Vehicle Wash | $520.00 | |
| St. Matthews Ace Hardware | Works – Supplies and Materials | $426.39 | |
| Stephens & Lawson, CPA | Admin. – Professional Services | $3,062.50 | |
| Tony’s Wrecker Service | Police – Towing | $140.00 | |
| Total Office Products | Police – Office Supplies | $264.69 | |
| United States Post Master | Admin. – PO Box Rental Fee | $354.00 | |
| Valvoline | Police – Vehicle Maintenance | $348.56 | |
| Verizon | All – Telephones and MDT’s | $3,979.11 | |
| Welders Supply | Works – Compressed Air | $31.85 | |
| Wex Bank | All – Fuel for Vehicles | $20,510.87 | |
| Willis Klein | Works – Keys | $53.02 | |
| Xcitium | IT – End Point Protection | $4,750.00 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Austin, Elizabeth | Comm. – Consultant Expense | $360.00 | |
| Cheser, Matt | Police – CID Reimbursement | $96.03 | |
| Estep Book, Carolyn | Police – Social Services Fee | $4,412.50 | |
| Fisher, Thomas | The Arterburn – Custodial Fee | $1,351.17 | |
| Ridgeway, Terry | Works – Reimbursement for Phone Exp. | $29.99 | |
| Wilkerson, Barry | Police – Reimburse for Shoes | $79.95 | |
| TOTAL | $288,523.95 | ||
