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CITY OF ST. MATTHEWS
Council Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2019

The regular meeting of the St. Matthews City Council was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was held at St. Matthews City Hall, 3940 Grandview Avenue. The following people were present:

MAYOR
Richard J. Tonini

CITY COUNCIL
Councilmember Bernie Bowling                                                  Councilmember Stuart Monohan
Councilmember Cathi Clark                                                        Councilmember Mary Jo Nay
Councilmember Frank Flynn                                                       Councilmember Amy Olson
Councilmember Tim Holland                                                      Councilmember Tony Weiter

OTHER OFFICIALS
Carrie Ritsert – St. Matthews Attorney
Barry Wilkerson – Chief of St. Matthews Police Department
Jack Ruf – St. Matthews Planning and Zoning Officer
Kenan Stratman – St. Matthews Public Works Director

OTHER ATTENDEES
Gary Major – Resident                                                                Kate Leitner – Manager of Eline Library
Patrick Chapman – Resident                                                       Jode Ballard – LC St. Matthews
Ray Barrow – Resident                                                               Tanner Nichols – Attorney for LC
Christine Larson – Resident                                                        Unidentified Persons
Brian Carroll – Resident

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 to the minutes from the October 8, 2019 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Clark and Weiter.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Kate Leitner, Manager of the St. Matthews Branch/Eline Library announced several programs that are being held at the library. The Kentucky Chamber Orchestra will hold a concert on Saturday, October 26th at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. an abbreviated, 2-person version of Hamlet will be presented to the public. A new theatre book club will begin on Tuesday, November 19th starting at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, November 20th a session regarding cemeteries in St. Matthews will be presented at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Tonini recognized members of Boy Scout Troop #319 from St. Leonard’s Catholic Church who are working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

Brian Carroll, resident of Kentucky Avenue, inquired about plans to improve a drainage problem in the rear of residential properties on Kentucky Avenue between Washburn Avenue. Mayor Tonini explained an action plan has been formulated between MSD, representing the interests of the City of Lyndon, and the City of St. Matthews, to install a wall to contain water so it will not impede on residential property. The City of St. Matthews is anticipating a Memorandum of Agreement from MSD in order to begin work. Mr. Carroll also inquired about use of St. Matthews City equipment for residents. Mayor Tonini said city equipment is used for projects in right-of-ways. On Kentucky Avenue, the right-of-way is 25 feet on each side from the center of the road. City workers did fill in a sanitary sewer depression recently on that street which the city does complete on an as-needed-basis for residents. The city also grounds stumps in right-of-ways for residents when trees are dead or diseased. The city removes some tree limbs and debris if the amount is not excessive. Any complaint will be investigated. Resident Gary Major interjected that Facebook groups and their content are independent and are not connected to the City of St. Matthews.

PENDING BUSINESS

DISCUSSION ON TRINITY HILLS SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE ISSUE – Tabled

No discussion took place due to the topic being tabled.

ORDINANCE 19-06                    MAINTENANCE STANDARDS and NUISANCE ORDINANCE – Tabled

No discussion took place due topic being tabled.

ORDINANCE 19-10                    GOLF CART ALLOWANCE – Tabled

No discussion took place due to topic being tabled other than in public comments.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCE 19-13                    PEDESTRIAN & TRAFFIC SAFETY           CARRIE RITSERT, ATTORNEY
                                                1st Reading

Attorney Ritsert summarized Ordinance 19-13 indicating it is similar to the ordinance recently passed by Louisville Metro regarding pedestrian and traffic safety. It would be adopting policy to limit pedestrian activity on heavily traveled roadways. Councilmember Nay pointed out a couple of typo’s that need correcting and asked that N. Hubbards Lane be added to the list. Councilmember Monohan suggested North and South be eliminated for Hubbards Lane therefore including all of Hubbards Lane. Councilmember Nay also asked Ms. Ritsert to add Theirman Lane, Washburn Avenue, and Massie Avenue to the list of heavily traveled roadways in St. Matthews. Councilmember Nay inquired about penalties and multiple offenses adding she wants to ensure the tools in the ordinance are sufficient to make the tool box workable for SMPD enforcement. Councilmember Nay made a motion to adopt this as first reading of Ordinance 19-13. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bowling.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried for the completion of 1st reading of Ordinance 19-13.

ORDINANCE 19-14                     RDDDP 400 & 1000 MALLARD               CARRIE RITSERT, ATTORNEY
                                                 CREEK ROAD – 1st reading

Ms. Ritsert gave a brief summary of Ordinance 19-14 and discussion began in earnest regarding the request to change the zoning to C-2 for 400 & 1000 Mallard Creek Road. Tanner Nichols with Frost, Brown, Todd representing LC St. Matthews Properties, said the applicant is asking for a zoning change in order to comply with the regulations of that zoning classification. The owner of the property would like to build 24 carriage house units and the ability to serve alcohol at a planned restaurant. The historic home would not be altered. However, the addition on the back of the historic home would be removed and a new structure would be erected to accommodate the restaurant and new exercise facility. As the apartment complex has grown in stages, different binding elements have been implemented. The owner of the property prefers to wipe the slate clean and begin with a new set of binding elements applicable to the entire property. Jack Ruf, St. Matthews Planning and Zoning Officer interjected that at surface level, there is some value to that concept, but the wholesale abandonment of 40 years of binding elements without digging in to the specifics is not advisable. There may be details that should not be overlooked. Most of the discussion centered around parking for the residents and guests. Mr. Nichols explained that the current plans call for 12 additional spaces than regulations require. There has been no agreement with a neighboring office complex to accommodate overflow parking that potentially could exist. LC resident Christine Larson expressed concerns about the proposed development due to availability of parking for residents. Additionally, she mentioned the presence of loud music into the evening as well as potential vandalism from having the general public on the property to enjoy the music and food. Councilmember Nay also inquired about the lighting for the new addition that is included in the plans, although no discussion took place on the subject. The question also arose concerning the hour in which music could be played. No further discussion took place. Jack Ruf interjected the council members may want to review the operational hours of the volleyball court and serving of alcohol. Jode Ballard, representing LC Communities, relayed the restaurant is not a sports bar and the parent company is planning to make a robust investment in order to keep it a top-tier community. Security for the complex is being addressed and will continue to be addressed and the company is incentivized to take care of their residents. Councilmember Bowling requested a list of the current binding elements to review. Jack Ruf stated the public hearing was held August 29th and the deadline for the members of the St. Matthews Council to approve or deny the application will be the 2nd meeting in November (November 26th). Councilmember Weiter made a motion to accept this as 1st reading. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried for accept this as 1st reading for Ordinance 19-14.

EXPENDITURES

Councilmember Bowling made a motion to approve the expenditures listed and have checks drawn on the city’s treasury in the total of $28,823. The motion was seconded by Councilmembers Nay and Clark.

Upon Roll Call Vote: (8-0) the motion carried. Yes Votes: Councilmembers Clark, Holland, Weiter, Monohan, Bowling, Nay, Flynn, and Olson.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

· Councilmember Holland relayed a renter has been potentially identified for a vacancy recently created.
· Councilmember Weiter reminded everyone that Halloween in Brown Park will be held Saturday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. rain or shine.
· Councilmember Bowling mentioned interviews have resulted in the hiring of 3 part-time officers.
· Councilmember Flynn inquired about placing a traffic counter at the corner of Thompson and Iola Avenues. Mayor Tonini relayed the Smart Trailer and radar should be tried first.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Ms. Ritsert had no additional comments at that time.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Tonini relayed a comprehensive review of decorating ideas are being considered for the west entrance of City Hall. Councilmember Olson is actively working on this project. The flooring at the east entrance is going to be replaced partially at the expense of the original contractor. A new monitor will be hung permanently in the Council Chambers.

Councilmember Nay asked the mayor and councilmembers to consider working towards placing a sidewalk between Bowling Blvd and Bluegrass Manor shopping Center in order to connect to existing sidewalks. Kenan Stratman, St. Matthews Public Works Director, stated Shelbyville Road is a state road and therefore the state is technically responsible for placing sidewalks.
However, he will contact someone in state government to start the process for the City of St. Matthews to pay for the sidewalk connectivity because the state will likely never place the project on the schedule to install.

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmember Weiter made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Nay.

Upon Voice Vote: (8-0) the motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Clark, City Clerk
Richard Tonini, Mayor

OCTOBER 22, 2019      
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   City Hall/Comm. Center – Phones $566.99
ATCO International   Works – Graffetti Removal Cleaner $162.85
Baptist Health Occupational Medicine   Police – Physicals/Random Drug Test $227.00
Baumann Paper Company   Works – Doggie Bags/Can Liners $2,381.50
BMS, LLC   All – Health Ins. Administrative Fee $504.75
Bob Hook Chevrolet   Police – Vehicle Repair $838.88
Bound Tree Medical   Police – Supplies $120.77
Charles Guelda & Sons Plumbing   Works/Parks – Test RPZ Valves $250.00
Clark & Riggs   Admin. – Printing of Newsletter $2,119.00
Earth First   Works – Midnight Mulch $822.00
Ernest Concrete   Works – Concrete $2,275.00
Frank Otte Nursery   Works – Mums $35.70
Galls   Police – Uniform/Parts $350.00
Kiesler’s Police Supply, Inc.   Police – Rifle Supplies (Forfeiture) $669.95
L. A. Promotions   Police – Special Event Materials $569.79
Lexis Nexis   Police – Investigative Tool $233.00
LG&E   Works – Street Lights $1,715.94
Miller Company   Admin/Police – Copy Machine Charge $126.07
Moreno Express   Admin. – Processing Newsletter $2,017.70
MPI Printing   Admin. – STM Stickers $1,129.01
Natural Products   Works – Fill Dirt $290.00
Nugent Sand Company   Works – Stone $1,517.88
Raatz Fence Company   Works – Chain Link Fencing $500.00
RCS Communications   Police – Radio Part $75.00
Security Systems   Police/Works – Monitoring $148.00
Sparkle Brite III   Police – Vehice Wash $312.00
Spectrum   Police/Works – Monitoring $451.52
St. Matthews Exterminating   Comm. Center – Pest Control $85.00
Stationers Inc.   Police – Notebooks $65.20
Stephen Printing   Admin. – Printing $332.50
Sweep All   Works – Street Cleaning $1,600.00
The Courier-Journal   Admin. – Legal Ad Publications $1,499.11
Tony’s Wrecker Service   Police – Towing $265.00
Total Office Products   Police – Office Supplies $101.97
Total Truck Parts   Works – Grease Cap Kit $7.94
Towne Post Network, Inc.   Admin. – STM Magazine Space $850.00
Trans Union Risk   Police – Investigative Tool $243.30
TruGreen   Brown Park – Lawn Maintenance $163.00
Valvoline   All – Vehicle Maintenance $437.78
Verizon   All – Cell Phones/MDT’s $2,707.16
Welder’s Supply   Works – Compressed Air $32.40
Willis Klein   Works – Supplies $22.56
Library City Hall      
Reimbursements and Payments      
TOTAL     $28,823.22

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