MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 24, 2025
CITY OF HURSTBOURNE
200 WHITTINGTON PARKWAY
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
ROLL CALL
C. C. A. O. Tyler Johnson conducted the roll call. A quorum of the Commission was present.
Present:
Ben Jackson, Mayor Pro-Tem
Bill Leavell, Commissioner
Chris Leahy, Commissioner
John May, Commissioner
Others Present:
John Singler, City Attorney
Mike Rhodes, City Treasurer
Chris Crumpton, City Engineer
PLEDGE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Pro-Tem Ben Jackson.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS
Ryan Miranda, a resident, presented a new plan of a proposed playground structure which exceeds the ordinance square footage allowance. The Commission discussed the ordinance’s square footage and concluded the current ordinance is unclear. Commissioner Leahy moved to approve Mr. Miranda’s permit with a waiver and that the current ordinance will be reviewed at a future date. Her motion was seconded by Pro-Tem Mayor Jackson. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Henry Frick, Board of Ethics member, addressed the Commission with a Citizen Request for Action Form proposing to purchase vacant lots surrounding the City to control construction and expansion that would have a negative impact. After much discussion, the Commission decided not to purchase any existing properties that are vacant at the present.
The Commission reviewed a request from a resident from Wessex Place, who supplied paint samples, requesting an approval to be applied on their home. Commissioner Leavell made a motion for approval and his motion was seconded by Commissioner May. Motion carried unanimously.
BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The June 10, 2025 Commission Meeting minutes were presented for approval. Commissioner May made a motion for approval of the minutes and his motion was and was seconded by Commissioner Leavell. Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENTAL ACH EXPENSES
Commissioner Leavell made a motion to approve the ACH expenses and Commissioner Leahy seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney John Singler held second reading Ordinance No. 25-06—AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CITY OF HURSTBOURNE AD VALOREM TAX ASSESSMENT AND THE LEVYING OF AD VALOREM TAX THEREON FOR CITY PURPOSES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026.
In section 2. An ad valorem tax for the fiscal year of the City ending June 30, 2026, is hereby levied and fixed at the rate of $.176 per $100.00 of all real estate assessed for taxation and subject to taxation by the said City under assessment date of January 1, 2025 as made by the Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator. Commissioner Jackson made a motion for approval of Ordinance 26-06. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Leahy.
Voice roll call was taken—Mayor Pro-Tem Jackson—yea, Commissioner Leavell—yea, Commissioner Leahy—yea, and Commissioner May–yea. Ordinance 25-06 was enacted 4-0.
C. C. A. O. Tyler Johnson—Management Report
C. C. A. O. Tyler Johnson reported that the City’s insurance had been renewed with the Kentucky League of Cities. The cost increase was 6.27% and will begin on July 1, 2025. The annual cost will be approximately $22,900.
Mr. Johnson reported that Jerry Blacketer came by City Hall with the deed restrictions on Hurstbourne Place One. Regarding the brick wall ownership question, Mr. Johnosn read from the deed restrictions on Page 5, Section 19— “Each lot owner shall, at the lot owner’s cost, maintain and keep in good repair the portion of any such walls, fences or landscaping material located on that owner’s lost”.
After a lengthy discussion, the Commission decided to mail a letter to any homeowner affected by the safety of the deteriorating wall and explain that it is a violation of the City’s ordinance. Commissioner Jackson requested that CAO Johnson take photos of the entrance walls and have them added to the city’s property insurance, since the city landscaping contractors maintain them.
C. C. A. O. Tyler Johnson stated that a final letter will be mailed to the resident’s regarding the upcoming ISCO golf tournament with road and shuttle information.
COMMISSION REPORTS
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Masick was absent; however, Mayor Pro-Tem Jackson stated that he, Mayor Masick, and C. C. C. A. O. Tyler Johnson met to discuss the upcoming 4th of July parade. He added that the parade is a Commission responsibility and not the work of one person. Mayor Masick will be unable to attend but Mayor Pro-Tem Jackson stated he will attend in her place and be the lead of the parade as a point of reference or responsibility. He added that he will be behind the firetrucks and not in front of the parade.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT – Commissioner Jackson
Mayor Pro-Tem Jackson reported that a tenant at City Hall may be soon vacate.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/SANITATION—Commissioner Leavell
Commissioner Leavell reported there was one citation for a downed mailbox for $50.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT – Commissioner Leahy
Commissioner Leahy reported there were 240 hours of police patrol for the month of May and 21 calls for the Blairwood area for various circumstances.
PUBLIC WORKS – Commissioner May
Commissioner May reported there had been calls regarding asphalt on Dennington. City Engineer Chris Crumpton stated that this project is scheduled for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Commissioner May added that there is a total of three dead trees that will be removed in the park. He met with a landscape consultant who will develop a plan for the space. He gave a guard shack update stating that lighting had been installed and the painting plus the roof will soon begin.
Commissioner May stated he is an advocate for a “No Construction Traffic” sign at the Oxmoor Woods/South Lyndon entrance for a year while the apartment construction project is ongoing.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney John Singler
City Attorney Singler stated he has copies of the Ethics Ordinance which highlights the not mandatory sections of the ordinance. It was agreed to table the presentation until Mayor Masick was in attendance.
CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT—Chris Crumpton
City Engineer Crumpton reported the speed humps that are being restored are painted and a new color needs to be selected. After some discussion, it was decided that the color decision will be made when Mayor Masick is in attendance.
TREASURER’S REPORT—Mike Rhodes
Mr. Rhodes reported that the city’s financial reports would be available to the Commission soon. In the meantime, he reviewed the P&L and reported that the city’s finances were favorable for the month of May.
OTHER NON-BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:28 p.m. Commissioner Leahy made a motion for adjournment. Her motion was seconded by Commissioner Leavell. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ben Jackson
Tyler Johnson, City Clerk