CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
May 26, 2026
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. EST by Mayor Tonini. The following people were present:
MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Bernie Bowling (absent) Councilmember Tim Holland (absent)
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
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning Officer
OTHER ATTENDEES
Kate Leitner – Manger, Eline Library
Steve Porter – Attorney
Allison Brotzge-Elder – Candidate for Metro Council District 9
Sharon Handy
Louis Straub – Independence Bank
Trevor Cravens – HB Productions
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was accomplished followed by the roll call of attendance. Councilmembers Bowling and Holland were absent.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2026, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilmember Nay to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2026, caucus meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Landes. Upon Voice Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the Eline/St. Matthews Branch of the Library gave the following report:
· Adult Board Game Night: Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm EST
· Off the Beaten Path Book Discussion: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST
· English Conversation Club Every Monday at 6:00 pm EST
· Computer Help by Appointment: Call 574-1771 to set up an appointment with a library staff member
· Next St Matthews Friends of the Library Booksale: Friday, June 12, Sunday June 13, Sunday June 14
· Pint Size Playdate: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EST
· Storytimes: Wednesdays 10:15 Baby & 11:15 EST Toddler; Thursdays 10:15 EST Preschool & 11:15 EST Family
· The Library’s Summer Reading Program starts May 30: Wild About Reading!
Allison Brotzge-Elder, Candidate for Metro Council District 9, will be moving along to the General Election in November. She wants to be involved with the cities in Metro District 9.
PENDING BUSINESS
Ordinance 26-03 Relating to the Approval of a Change in Zoning from R-4 residential to OR-1 office residential and approval of a detailed district development plan with associated waiver and binding elements on property located at 3947 Grandview Avenue, being in the City of St. Matthews (Case Number 25-Zone-0128)
The ordinance was summarized by Mr. Singler. Mr. Singler reviewed the changes from originally R-4 to OR-3 and then the change to OR-1 at the last meeting. He also said that any changes requiring a change to parking would come before the council in compliance with the comprehensive plan and would be a discretionary review. The Mayor asked Mr. Ruf to review the pull-off policy. Mr. Ruf agreed that paving the pull-off would require approval of the City Engineer and would be a hard surface.
Mr. Porter agreed to accept the OR-1 zoning, as the residents plan to rent the carriage house to a long-term tenant. Councilmember Nay read the occupancy possibilities from the zoning code. She suggested the more restrictive zoning of R-5-B, requiring any occupational use of the carriage house must be done by a tenant of the carriage house. The R-5-B would also allow two residential units and a home office. Councilmember Nay suggested the council would now have three options to choose from – approve to OR-1, deny, or approve to R-5-B. Mr. Porter agreed the R-5-B zone would accommodate everything the homeowners want.
Councilmember Flynn said he was not “for” or “against” the ordinance. He would like more time to determine the repercussions and options. He still has unanswered questions. The rezoning was approved March 19 by Louisville Metro, and the City has until June 18 to make a decision.
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to adopt Ordinance 26-03. There was not a second, and the motion died. No other motion was made. Mr. Singler asked the council if they wanted to approve at a lower zone classification or deny the ordinance.
Councilmember Olson made a motion to amend Ordinance 26-03 from R4 to R-5-B. Councilmember Hernandez seconded the motion. Mr. Porter said the residents would accept the change. Per a roll call vote 5 -0-1 (Councilmember Flynn abstained) the motion passed.
Councilmember Olson made a motion to accept the amended ordinance and adopt Ordinance 26-03 with the zoning classification of R-5-B. Councilmember Hernandez seconded the motion. Per roll call vote 4-1-1, the motion passed. Councilmembers Vanetti, Hernandez, Olson, and Landes voted yes. Councilmember Nay voted no, and Councilmember Flynn abstained.
NEW BUSINESS
Louis Straub, of Independence Bank, told the council about the Freedom Fest celebrating the 250-year anniversary of the founding of the United States happening on July 3. Westport Rd. will be closed between Chenoweth Ln. and St. Matthews Ave. There will be a band, beer garden activities for children, vendors, car show and touch a truck. The hours will be 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST. Local stores and restaurants have donated to the event and are planning to have specials that night. Money raised at the Freedom Fest will be donated to the St. Matthews Fire Department Benevolence Fund and St. Matthews Police Foundation 31. Mr. Straub hopes this is the first of many Freedom Fests and over time it continues to grow. Local businesses and Trinity High School will provide parking. Some handicap spaces may be made available closer to the event.
Trevor Cravens, of HB Productions, is submitting the appropriate permits.
Councilmember Nay said the website has been updated with information on the festival. She suggested Ms. Bailey, of Independence Bank, look at the website and provide more details. Facebook and Reach Alerts will be updated with information as the date approaches.
Sharon Hardy, Graphic Designer, has done several designs for the City over the years. The goals in developing a brand for The Arterburn included connected, elevated, and to honor the Arterburn family. As a premier event space in the City, she felt the structure should be included as part of the logo. Using a power a point presentation, she unveiled the logo and brand guide. The council gave positive feedback. One AI image showed a rock with a backlit design. The Mayor asked for the next steps. Ms. Hardy indicated creating a brochure and a webpage. AI could be used to show what the space could look like.
Diane Polsgrove, Arterburn Coordinator, introduced herself to the council. She has been in the special events industry for over 40 years and enjoys her position with the City.
Ordinance No. 25-04 An ordinance relating to the adoption of an annual budget for the City of St. Matthews for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, through June 20, 2027, estimating revenues and resources and appropriating funds for the operation of city government.
Mr. Singler summarized the ordinance. Councilmember Nay made a motion to accept the first reading of Ordinance 25-04, and the motion was seconded by Councilmember Flynn. Upon Roll Call Vote the motion carried 6-0.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the amount of $176,528.43. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson. Upon Roll Call Vote: (6-0) the motion carried.
Councilmember Flynn left the meeting at 8:05 p.m. EST.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
· Councilmember Vanetti reported the Green Committee meeting is being rescheduled.
· Councilmember Hernandez sent an email to the council about items added to the budget in relation to the strategic plan. He has not seen the latest detailed budget and would like a caucus meeting to discuss the budget. Friends School is looking for a new property and so is the Chamber St. Matthews. The Chamber would like to have space where people can come in and work. Councilmember Hernandez has partnered the Chamber and Friends School.
· Mr. Ruf was asked about the St. Matthews Care Center. He told the council they were doing renovations and were looking to reopen soon.
· Councilmember Olson announced Allison Strickland and Shawn Hensley from Winchester Rd were the Outstanding Neighbors for May.
· Councilmember Nay said information for the August newsletter is needed. All back copies of the newsletter are on the website. The Arterburn logo will be in the next newsletter. Councilmember Vanetti asked if residents could opt out of the newsletter, in an effort to become greener. Addresses can be removed from the mailing list, but if a new resident moves in, they will not receive the newsletter. Copies of the newsletter are in the library and administration office, in addition to being mailed. Each newsletter has 7,000 copies printed.
Mr. Ruf informed the council that Code Enforcement will not do high grass inspections until next week. This will give residents a chance to cut their grass as it has rained most of this week. He also announced Code Enforcement will be fully staffed next week. Councilmember Vanetti suggested using an intern to inspect at high grass complaints.
MAYOR’S REPORT
There was no Mayor’s report.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Olson made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay. Upon Voice Vote: (5-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. EST.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Tonini, Mayor
Judi Kassebaum, City Clerk
| May 26, 2026 | |||
| 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: | |||
| AT&T Telephone | Works – Telephone | $4,151.87 | |
| Batteries Plus Bulbs | Police – Supplies & Materials | $19.95 | |
| BMS, LLC | All – Insurance Addendum | $178.50 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies & Materials | $954.97 | |
| Delta Dental of Kentucky, Inc. | All – Dental Insurance | $6,792.29 | |
| Dell Marketing LP | IT – Repairs & Maintenance – Computer Replacements | $4,676.34 | |
| Derby Fire Services | Parks – Monitoring | $480.00 | |
| Earth First of Kentuckiana | Works – Supplies & Materials | $615.00 | |
| Enterprise Fleet Management | Police – Vehicle Leases | $13,810.94 | |
| First Financial Bank | All – Multiple | $4,899.63 | |
| Flock Safety | Police – Service Contract – Software | $15,000.00 | |
| Galls | Police -Uniforms | $206.19 | |
| Guardian Insurance Company | All – Long/Short/Life Insurance | $10,833.80 | |
| HDR Engineering, Inc. | Works – Walkability Study | $39,599.03 | |
| IIMC | Admin. – Dues – S. Doane | $135.00 | |
| Jefferson County Clerk | Police – Notary Fees – Mayer & A. Bratcher | $38.00 | |
| Kiesler’s Police Supply, Inc. | Police – Supplies & Materials | $682.15 | |
| Leonard Brush & Chemical Co. | Works – Supplies & Materials | $228.44 | |
| Lewis Seed Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $234.36 | |
| Liberty Mutual | Police – Bonds – Cobaugh, Mayer & A. Bratcher | $152.70 | |
| Louisville Mulch & Stone | Works – Mulch | $4,695.86 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $3,109.01 | |
| Meineke Car Care Center | Police – Vehicle Main. – Mechanical | $8,244.85 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contract – Copies | $421.67 | |
| Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Police – Capital Improvements – Equipment | $14,850.00 | |
| MPI Printing | Police – Printing | $459.00 | |
| Norton Healthcare | Police/Works-Contract Services-Medical/Drug Screens | $390.00 | |
| Noteworthy Creative Group | Police -Uniforms | $890.00 | |
| Occupational Medicine Phys. | Police – Contract Services – Medical | $1,015.00 | |
| Plumbers Supply Company | Works – Supplies & Materials | $192.01 | |
| RCS Communications | Police – Equipment Main. & Repairs | $3,652.11 | |
| RES Kentucky, LLC | Works – Draut Park Project | $7,375.00 | |
| Shelby County Clerk | Police – Notary Fees – Cobaugh | $19.00 | |
| Small Batch Concrete LLC | Works – Supplies & Materials | $506.90 | |
| St. Matthews Exterminating Co. | Parks – Pest Control – Brown Park | $68.00 | |
| Stephens & Lawson | Admin. – April, 2026 Services | $1,750.00 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police -Vehicle Main.-Routine/Mechanical | $1,286.74 | |
| United Tactical Systems, LLC | Police – Training – Course & Materials | $1,950.00 | |
| Valvoline | Police/Works-Vehicle Main.-Preventative/Repairs | $676.31 | |
| Verizon Wireless | All – Telephone | $3,073.23 | |
| We Embroider | Police – Uniforms | $100.00 | |
| Voll Field Account | |||
| Wagner Electric Co., Inc. | Ballfield – Repairs & Maintenance | $923.90 | |
| MAPS | |||
| Flynn Brothers | Works – Street Repairs – Cold Patch | $57.50 | |
| Saf-Ti-Co | Works – Street Signs | $16,089.86 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Cushman, Larry | Police – Reimbursement Uniforms | $106.99 | |
| Jones, Leon E. | Police – Reim. Hotel & Per Diem | $936.33 | |
| TOTAL | $176,528.43 | ||
