CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
May 28, 2024
A meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held in-person on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem Councilmember Bernie Bowling. The following people were present:
MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini – absent
CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember/Mayor Pro-Tem Bernie Bowling Councilmember Sarah Landes – absent
Councilmember Frank Flynn Councilmember Mary Jo Nay
Councilmember Nathan Hernandez Councilmember Amy Olson
Councilmember Tim Holland Councilmember Jackie Vanetti
OTHER OFFICIALS
John Singler – St. Matthews City Attorney
Chief Barry Wilkerson – St. Matthews Police Department
Susan Clark – St. Matthews City Clerk
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Director of Planning and Zoning
OTHER ATTENDEES
Kate Leitner – Manager, St. Matthews/Eline Library Branch
Josh Suiter – Chamber of St. Matthews
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 14, 2024 council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
PUBLIC MEETING COMMENTS
Kate Leitner, Manager of the St. Matthews/Eline Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library reviewed a list of upcoming events at the St. Matthews Branch.
· Family Movie Night “Moana”, May 30 @ 6:15 p.m.
· Louisville Miniature Club, May 31 @ 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
· Louisville Miniature Club, June 1 @ 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
· Louisville Miniature Club, June 2 @ 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
· Home Cleaning & Organizing, June 3 @2:00 p.m.
· Louisville History Series, Presidential Visits to Louisville, June 4 @ 3:00 p.m.
· Reading with Mercy the Comfort Dog, June 6 @ 3:00 p.m.
· Rhythm Science Sound: Making Music with Nature, June 8 @ 3:00 p.m.
· American Printing House for the Blind Dog Guides, June 10 @ 10:15 a.m.
· Adult Book Discussion “The Marriage Portrait”, June 11 @ 2:00 p.m.
· English Conversation every Monday evening @ 6:00 p.m.
· Summer Reading & Cultural Pass Kick-Off, June 1 @ 10:00 a.m. at Main Library
Chamber of St. Matthews Executive Director Josh Suiter updated the council on their recent engagement opportunities. In the last two months, five ribbon cuttings celebrating the opening of a St. Matthews business have been held. This is in addition to seven others outside of the city boundaries. Also, a digital magazine has begun that includes videos and pictures. The Chamber of St. Matthews will have their own Heart Radio AM ½ hour radio show that will be on the air each Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Lastly, the Business Expo will be held Wednesday, September 4 from 12-4 at the U of Louisville Shelby Campus.
PENDING BUSINESS
ORDINANCE 24-03 AMENDING REGULATION ON STM LETTER JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
OF COMPLIANCE and BUILDING DESIGN
RESTRICTIONS
By summary, Attorney Singler reviewed Ordinance 24-03 which is a revision of Chapter 152 regarding building regulations. It also matches and documents current practices to standards and processes. All larger projects must be reviewed by members of the city council and also updated the penalty section. Councilmember Nay made a motion to accept this as 2nd reading and for approval of this ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Holland.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Vanetti, Hernandez, Olson, Holland, Bowling, Nay, and Flynn. No Votes: None. Councilmember Nay asked Jack Ruf to review the city’s website to ensure the application process matches the requirements of this now approved ordinance.
NEW BUSINESS
PROPOSED STRATEGIC PLAN JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
FOR THE CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Tad Long, Economic and Community Development Manager for the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC), distributed copies of the proposed strategic plan developed by members of the council. This plan has been about 10 months in the making and has undergone a few revisions. The final product is strong in his opinion. Adjustments can be made during application. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about on-going support from KLC. Mr. Long explained it depends on the level of support requested as to whether there will be an additional financial commitment for KLC. Councilmember Nay made a motion to accept the proposed strategic plan developed by members of the council. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
MUNICIPAL ORDER 24-07 ACCEPTANCE OF HEALTH JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
INSURANCE CONTRACT 2024-2025
Councilmember Flynn, Chair of the Insurance Committee, relayed this insurance plan has saved the city about $450,000 in expenses during this current fiscal year contract. While this is to be noted, it also provides excellent coverage to employees. Councilmember Flynn made a motion to accept MO 24-07 for passage. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
ORDINANCE 24-04 ESTABLISHMENT OF A CODE JOHN SINGLER, ATTORNEY
ENFORCEMENT BOARD – 1st reading
By summary, Attorney Singler reviewed Ordinance 24-04 which allows for the establishment of a 3-person Code Enforcement Board. Citations issued by the St. Matthews Code Enforcement Officers could be appealed to this Board. Fines may be levied or dismissed by a decision of the Board. Escalation of any issues would be made to Jefferson District Court and not the council. The council would not have any involvement with the Code Enforcement Board. The Board members will be comprised of residents of St. Matthews for at least 1 year and cannot be serving on another St. Matthews Board. Councilmember Nay made a motion to accept this as 1st reading of Ordinance 24-04 and recommends it moves to 2nd reading at the next council meeting. The motion was 2nd by Councilmember Holland.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON THE 2024-2025 BUDGET COUNCILMEMBER and MAYOR PRO-TEM BERNIE BOWLING
Councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem Bernie Bowling started the discussion stating projected income for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is approximately $18.5 million. Discussion followed related to additional projects that need to be reviewed for funding. They are as follows: Walkability Study (projected at $25,000) EV Study (cost unknown), Senior Citizens Center (cost unknown), Small Area Study (estimated to be approximately $100,000), and the 75th Anniversary Celebration of St. Matthews becoming a city (estimated at $25,000). Councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem Bowling will confer with St. Matthews CPA and consultant David May on his availability in the coming weeks for a caucus meeting or special meeting.
No further action taken on this matter.
EXPENDITURES
Councilmember Nay made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total of $58,954.70. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Roll Call Vote: (7-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Vanetti, Hernandez, Olson, Holland, Bowling, Nay, and Flynn. No Vote: None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Councilmember Vanetti did not give a committee report but did make an inquiry about the allowance of compost pile in a residential front yard. Code Enforcement Officer Jack Ruf will make an assessment.
• Councilmember Hernandez reported all systems have aligned positively for the implementation of the Rain Stop Project at three TARC bus shelters in the City of St. Matthews. TARC will issue a press release on this matter. The project, spearheaded by Jena Walker and her son Ethan, a rising junior at Trinity High School, aims to provide shelter for TARC passengers caught in the rain
• Councilmember Olson encouraged residents to nominate their fellow neighbors for the “Outstanding St. Matthews Neighbor Award”. This is a good month considering all the thoughtful and generous actions taken by neighbors helping neighbors during the recent storm that affected residents in St. Matthews.
• Councilmember Holland said the city-owned rental home at 169 St. Matthews Avenue should be filled soon. Also, in reviewing details for a possible parade celebrating the 75th Anniversary of St. Matthews becoming a city, it appears the St. Matthews Police Department can coordinate the safety aspects of the event if the council decides to move forward.
• Councilmember Bowling asked Chief Wilkerson to give a report. Chief Wilkerson pointed out overall crime is down 23%. Violent crime is down 30% and property crime is down 16%.
· Councilmember Flynn mentioned the Kentucky League of Cities will release property and casualty insurance rates on June 1, 204.
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Singler relayed he had no additional comments.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Tonini was absent, so no report was given.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Holland made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Olson.
Upon Voice Vote: (7-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Clark, City Clerk
Mayor Richard Tonini
| MAY 28, 2024 | |||
| 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: | |||
| AT&T | All – Telephone Service | $7,093.57 | |
| Auto Zone | Police/Works-Vehicle Routine Main. | $277.65 | |
| BMS, LLC | All – Insurance Addendum | $131.25 | |
| Bobcat Enterprises, Inc. | Works – Supplies & Materials | $80.96 | |
| Cintas | Works – Supplies & Materials | $981.16 | |
| Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated | Admin. – Supplies & Materials | $437.69 | |
| Combined Systems, Inc. | Police – Training Course/Materials | $3,580.00 | |
| Cross Chrysler Jeep | Police – Vehicle Mechanical Repairs | $905.60 | |
| Enterprise Fleet Management | Police – Vehicle Leases | $13,911.58 | |
| Galls | Police – Uniforms | $275.96 | |
| Guardian Insurance Company | All – Long/Short/Life Insurance | $10,263.41 | |
| Integrity Auto Repairs, LLC | Works – Vehicles Repairs | $2,783.91 | |
| Jefferson County League of Cities | Admin. – Miscellaneous | $150.00 | |
| John Conti Coffee | Admin. – Coffee | $213.67 | |
| Kathy Williams Creative | Admin. – Newsletters | $1,500.00 | |
| Kentucky League of Cities | Admin. – Profession Fees | $2,000.00 | |
| LG&E | Works – Electric/Gas | $1,299.38 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Deposit for Potable Water | $1,000.00 | |
| Louisville Water Company | Works – Water Services | $737.31 | |
| Meineke Car Care Center | Police – Vehicle Main./Routine | $386.31 | |
| Miller Company | Police – Service Contract – Copies | $43.23 | |
| Murphy’s Customs, Inc. | Police – Vehicle Main./Mechanical | $590.00 | |
| Norton Healthcare | Police/Works-Contract Medical Services | $4,023.00 | |
| Quality Inn | Police – Training/Travel Expenses | $390.00 | |
| Sam’s Club | Admin. – Membership Renewal | $50.00 | |
| Security Pros, LLC | Works – Monitoring | $1,215.46 | |
| Site One Landscape Supply | Works – Supplies & Materials | $270.00 | |
| Southern Police Institute | Police – Training Course/Materials | $1,425.00 | |
| Tires Plus Total Car Care | Police – Vehicles/Routine Main. | $2,182.46 | |
| Tony’s Wrecker Service | Police – Towing | $75.00 | |
| Valvoline | Police – Vehicle Main.-Preventative | $285.48 | |
| MAPS | |||
| Flynn Brothers | Works – Cold Patch Mix | $172.70 | |
| Reimbursements and Payments | |||
| Cobaugh, Julie A.. | Police – Court Pay | $100.00 | |
| Olson, Amy | Admin. – Reim. Outstanding Neighbor | $25.00 | |
| Smith, Jonathan | Police – Reim. Expenses | $97.96 | |
| TOTAL | $58,954.70 | ||
