Public Meetings - Germantown, Tennessee

The Germantown Planning Commission held its regular meeting on January 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included the election of officers for 2025, approval of minutes, appointment of commission liaisons, annual adoption of the Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan, and required annual training led by the commission attorney. All nine members were present. Consent Calendar - Approval of December 3, 2024 Minutes: Unanimously approved (9-0, with one abstention by the chair who did not vote? Actually McCreary voted yes, so 9-0). The minutes from the December 3, 2024 meeting were approved by a unanimous roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comment period. Election of Officers - Chair: John McCreary was nominated by Alderman Salvaggio and seconded by outgoing Chair Bacon. McCreary abstained; all other members voted yes. Elected unanimously (8-0-1). - Vice Chair: Dyke Bacon was nominated and seconded. Bacon abstained; all others voted yes. Elected unanimously (8-0-1). - Secretary: Jennifer Sisson was nominated and seconded. All members voted yes, including Sisson. Elected unanimously (9-0). Commission Liaison Appointments - Members volunteered for liaison roles to other city boards/commissions without a formal vote: - Greg Jacobs: Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) - Dyke Bacon (assumed): Parks and Recreation Commission - Unnamed member: Tree Board - Mr. Clark: Transportation Commission - The assignments were accepted by consensus. Annual Adoption of Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan - Director of Economic and Community Development, Mr. Ross, presented the annual adoption of the strategic plan. He reviewed the vision statement, values, and how the plan guides commission and staff decisions. - Commissioner Jacobs asked about city-subsidized fiber optics; Mr. Ross deferred to the Technology Commission. Mayor Palazzolo and Alderman Salvaggio encouraged all commissioners to read the document and noted how it provides a roadmap for commission work. - A motion to adopt the plan was made by Commissioner Sisson, seconded by Vice Chair Bacon. Unanimously approved (9-0). Annual Training (Planning Commission Attorney Josh Whitehead) - Attorney Whitehead provided the required one-hour training covering: - Open Meetings Act: Avoid discussing pending cases outside meetings with two or more members; site visits are an exception. - Ex parte communications: Not prohibited but should be disclosed; avoid bias by being open to both sides. - Powers of the Planning Commission: Review of findings required for subdivisions, zoning amendments, planned developments, and site plans. - Code of Ethics and recusal: Members must recuse for direct or indirect personal financial interest; abstention can substitute to maintain a quorum. Over-recusal should be avoided; over-disclosure is recommended. - Conditions of approval must be proportional; vested rights after site plan approval are valid for three years. - Importance of the upcoming General Plan update; decisions must be consistent with the adopted general plan. - Commissioners asked questions on floodplain standards, erosion control, and reopening public hearings. Whitehead clarified that a simple majority vote is needed to reopen a public hearing. Key Outcomes - Elected Officers for 2025: John McCreary (Chair), Dyke Bacon (Vice Chair), Jennifer Sisson (Secretary). - Adopted Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan: Unanimous vote. - Liaison Assignments Approved: BZA (Jacobs), Parks and Rec (Bacon), Tree Board (unnamed), Transportation (Clark). - Training Completed: Satisfies state annual training requirement. - Deadline: Ethics and disclosure of interest forms must be filed by January 31, 2025. - Procedural Note: Chairman McCreary will add opening remarks at future meetings to explain commission procedures to the public.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated. The meeting was scheduled for 2024-12-24 at 11:45:00+00:00, but no record of proceedings is available.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, a beer board public hearing, consent agenda approval, a zoning ordinance on third reading, a development contract for Chick-fil-A, and a proclamation honoring retiring Alderman Jon McCreery. The agenda was modified by pulling Resolution 24R11 (TIF project) and moving consent item 9A to the regular agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 25, 2024 regular meeting were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda (Items 9B–9E): Approved unanimously. Items included: - Donation to the Living Legacy Tree Fund - Grant for the IRIS Collective - Purchase of vehicles - Sport Provider Agreement for Houston Lacrosse Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens came forward to speak during Citizens to Be Heard. Discussion Items - Special Recognition: - Teacher of the Month – December 2024: Kelsey Horn, a third-grade math and science teacher at Farmington Elementary, was recognized by the Germantown Education Commission. - Youth Excellence Award – December 2024: Emma Mungle, a senior at St. Agnes Academy, was recognized for her leadership and community involvement. - LEAD Graduation: The fall 2024 class of the Leaders of Excellence and Ambassador Development (LEAD) program graduated. The program was rebranded from Play Like a Champion and condensed to six months. Awards were given to the Green Team (team challenge), Leslie Bernard (Coin Chase), and Charlie Howmesser (leadership). - Beer Board – Public Hearing – Local Lime Saddle Creek LLC: The beer board approved a new on-premise beer permit for Local Lime at 7605 Farmington Boulevard, Suite 1, contingent upon the closing of the sale. The applicant, represented by attorney Mark Job, confirmed that management and staff would remain unchanged. The board voted unanimously in favor. - Ordinance 2024-14 – Amendment to Zoning Ordinance (Businesses in Residential Districts): Third and final reading. The amendment adds a new category (number 7) to Section 23-89B, prohibiting using residential property to host events for business purposes with an admission cost (including tickets, required donations, or door charges). Exceptions include political, religious, civic, school support organizations, private schools, special event committee-approved events, and new residential developments. The ordinance aligns with Forward 2035. It passed unanimously. - Development Contract No. 1252 – Chick-fil-A Re-routed Drive-Through: The project includes modifications to the drive-through (increased queue capacity, overhead canopy), sidewalk and entrance improvements, pervious pavers, and connection to the Germantown Greenway. The project received approvals from the Board of Zoning and Appeals (June 2023), Planning Commission (October 2023), and Design Review Commission (November 2023). Alderman Sanders expressed concerns about the setback and aesthetic impact on the northern gateway, but other aldermen noted the property owner’s long-standing community partnership and the thorough review by three commissions. The motion passed 4-1, with Alderman Sanders voting no. Key Outcomes - Beer permit approved for Local Lime (unanimous). - Ordinance 2024-14 approved on third reading (unanimous). - Development Contract 1252 approved (4-1) for Chick-fil-A improvements. - Consent Agenda approved (Items 9B–9E) unanimously. - Proclamation: December 9, 2024 was declared John McCreery Day in Germantown. Alderman McCreery, who served since 2020, was honored for his leadership and contributions. He will continue to serve on the Planning Commission.

The Germantown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers at 1930 S. Germantown Rd., following a 5:30 p.m. executive session. There was no consent agenda. The commission approved the November 5, 2024, meeting minutes, heard public testimony on two regular agenda items, approved a final plan for Forest Hill Heights Amended PD Ph 18D, and saw the Lana Sweet Abode preliminary plat application withdrawn by the applicant. Minutes Approval - The commission approved the November 5, 2024, meeting minutes by roll call vote. Voting yes: Mr. Clark, Mr. Levy, Mr. Jacobs, and Ms. Sisson. Abstaining: Mr. Salvaggio and Chairman Bacon. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the general citizen comments portion at the beginning of the meeting. - For Case 24-001, three neighboring residents spoke in opposition. Joe Lyle, a 50-year neighbor, said the existing house on the property has been unmaintained and questioned whether six new houses could work. Cody Gross of 2191 Misty Hollow expressed concern about stormwater impacts on existing homes below the site. Jack Ronald Tickle of 2275 Wickersham raised concerns about private lift-station maintenance, traffic safety, water accumulation, and density, suggesting only two or three houses might be appropriate. A letter of opposition was also included in the meeting packet. - For Case 24-006, no members of the public spoke for or against the application. Discussion Items Case 24-001 – Lana Sweet Abode Subdivision (Preliminary Plat Request) - The proposed 3.346-acre site at 2251 Kimbrough Rd. and 8140 Dogwood Grove Dr. sought preliminary plat approval for a 7-lot subdivision. City staff presented the plan, including two common open space areas: one for a consolidated mailbox with parking and one for a private sewer lift station. - Staff noted the plan would remove 192 trees, replant 35 trees, and satisfy the remainder through a payment-in-lieu fee. Staff certified the application as meeting the zoning ordinance, but not all subdivision regulations, due to unresolved Technical Advisory Committee comments. - Public Works Director Mills expressed concerns about the private lift station being located in front of a home and adjacent to Kimbrough Road, a major boulevard, citing overflow, maintenance, redundancy, and stormwater risks from the significant grade change on the site. - Applicant representative Tim McCaskill argued that rear-loaded garages were not feasible because of lot depth and grade, said the applicant would gladly connect to a gravity sewer if permitted, stated the cluster mailbox would be maintained by the HOA, and said the applicant wanted to build a public water line to city standards. - Commissioners raised concerns about unresolved engineering and public works comments, drainage and steep slopes, traffic access onto Kimbrough Road, long-term lift-station maintenance, HOA responsibilities, tree canopy loss, and whether the overall concept was developmentally sound. Commissioner Sisson noted there had been eight rounds of staff comments, three formal applications, and at least 22 unresolved engineering comments plus five public works comments. - A motion to approve the preliminary plat was made and seconded, but during discussion the applicant agreed to withdraw the application and submit a new application. No vote was taken on the preliminary plat. Case 24-006 – Forest Hill Heights Amended PD Ph 18D (The Square at Forest Hill Heights) - The applicant sought final plan approval for two parcels totaling 3.656 acres on the south side of Winchester Road, east of Forest Hill-Irene Road, in T5 Urban Center zoning. - Staff presented a plan with two buildings of approximately 13,000 square feet each sharing a common parking area. The request included five warrants, later renamed justified design alternatives, related to building frontage, excess parking, parking screening, parking in front of buildings, and third-layer parking. - Staff supported the design alternatives because the site is constrained by easements, a 60-foot setback in the Forest Hill Heights outline plan, and the surrounding development context. - Applicant Donny Singh of Singh Development said the tenant mix would be about 50% food and beverage, 25% boutique retail services, and 25% office retail, with no drive-throughs. He estimated roughly seven to eight tenants across the two buildings. - Commissioners praised the applicant for responding to sketch-plan feedback, combining both parcels, and proposing a higher-quality, cohesive development for the corridor. No public comments were received. Key Outcomes - Case 24-001: The Lana Sweet Abode Subdivision preliminary plat application was withdrawn by the applicant. The applicant indicated it would submit a new application, and no commission vote was taken. - Case 24-006: The commission unanimously approved the final plan for Forest Hill Heights Amended PD Ph 18D, subject to the conditions, general requirements, technical comments, plans and documents submitted, and the five requested warrants/justified design alternatives. - The meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks from the chairman recognizing the commission and staff for their work during the year.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting on November 25, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognition awards, a consent agenda with an added vacancy declaration, and a second reading and public hearing on an ordinance to regulate ticketed business events in residential districts. An update was provided on the Premier Sports Complex and on compliance progress at the 3G schools. Special Recognition - Teacher of the Month (November 2024): Miss Susan Eaton, a first-grade teacher at Farmington Elementary School, was recognized for creating a nurturing classroom environment, leading the Falcon Footlights Theater Program, and extensive community involvement. - Youth Excellence Award (November 2024): Grayson Auger, a Houston High School student, was recognized for academic excellence, leadership in community service clubs, and volunteer work including the Memphis Refugee Empowerment Program. The awards were presented by Alderman Hicks and Alderman McCreary. Consent Calendar - Agenda Modification: Item 8F (Declaration of Vacancy, Germantown School Board Position 2) was added to the consent agenda. The modified agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the November 11, 2024 regular meeting were approved with Alderman Sanders abstaining (4 yes, 1 abstention). - Consent Items Approved (All Unanimous): - 8A: Agreement – Memphis Shelby County Schools Facility Usage - 8B: Sports Provider Agreements – Germantown Baseball League, Germantown Legends, and 901 Rugby Club - 8C: Medical & Rx Stop Loss Insurance Policy - 8D: PEG Disbursement to GMSD – 1st Quarter - 8E: Renewal – Property & Casualty Insurance - 8F: Declaration of Vacancy – Germantown School Board of Education – Position 2 - Discussion on 8B (3G Schools Compliance): Before the consent vote, Vice Mayor Gibson requested an update. Assistant City Administrator Andy Sanders reported that since December 2022, the city has been working with MSCS to resolve over 200 safety and code compliance issues at the 3G schools. After two compliance letters (30-day on August 27, 2024, and 15-day on October 10, 2024), MSCS provided a spreadsheet with timelines and began addressing issues. City prosecutor advised that as long as consistent progress continues, court action was not immediately necessary. Alderman McCreary expressed willingness to consider non-renewal of facility use agreements in the future if compliance lapses. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizens to be Heard: No members of the public came forward to speak. - Public Hearing (Ordinance 2024-14): No members of the public offered testimony. Discussion Items - Vice Mayor Gibson – Premier Sports Complex Update: Vice Mayor Gibson reported that the city hosted officials from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on November 20-21, 2024. The group toured the 55-acre site and reviewed stormwater/wetland assessments and conceptual designs. TDEC professionals praised the city’s thorough preparation and partnership. The project is part of the Forward 2035 strategic plan and aims to create a $50 million indoor-outdoor multi-purpose sports complex. - Ordinance 2024-14 – Second Reading and Public Hearing: Director Ross presented the ordinance to amend Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4, Section 89 of the Municipal Code. The amendment adds subsection 7 to prohibit hosting ticketed events (requiring admission, donation, or door charge) for business purposes in residential zoning districts. Exceptions include political, religious, city civic, school support organizations, private school fundraising (as defined by TCA 49-2-6034AB), and events approved by the Special Events Committee or promoting newly built residential developments. The ordinance aligns with Forward 2035 goal of protecting residential property values. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: All items (8A through 8F) were approved unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance 2024-14 Approved on Second Reading: The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0) and moved to third and final reading. - Declaration of Vacancy Process: The formal vacancy was declared. Timeline: Applications released December 3, 2024, due December 20, 2024; interviews scheduled January 6-10, 2025; BMA vote on January 27, 2025. - Upcoming Events: Holiday Tree Lighting on November 29, 2024, at Municipal Park (festivities at 5 PM); boards and commissions application deadline November 30, 2024.

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 1930 S. Germantown Rd., following an executive session listed for 5:30 p.m. The commission established a quorum, approved the minutes from the October 22, 2024 meeting, approved a two-item consent agenda, and voted unanimously to approve the revised final site plan for Little Georgie's Daycare at St. George's Independent School. Consent Calendar - The chair moved two regular-agenda items to the consent agenda: (23-004) Courtyard by Marriott, 7750 Wolf River Blvd., a sign package by Williams Signs Co.; and (24-025) Germantown Presbyterian Church, 2363 South Germantown Rd., revised ground signs by Sign Matters. - One commissioner asked that their recusal on the Germantown Presbyterian Church item (5B) be noted. No commissioner or audience member requested removal of either item, and the consent agenda was approved by roll-call vote. Discussion Items - (24-015) Little Georgie's Daycare, 8235 Dogwood Rd. / St. George's Independent School: Staff presented a request to convert a school-owned single-family house, used as offices since the 1980s, into an infant daycare program. The daycare is an accessory use in a single-family residential zoning district; the expansion previously went to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission, and a traffic study found the impact not significant. - Applicant Kyle Slatery (155 Dill Place) said St. George's has operated since 1959 and is seeing demand from alumni families, including infants as young as six weeks old. No additional signage was part of this application. - The revised site plan keeps the building layout, adds a small parking-area expansion, uses an entrance-only access off Dogwood Road, and routes drop-off traffic through the campus toward exits on Poplar Avenue or Dogwood Road. Exterior changes include gray paint with green shutters and cream trim, added landscaping along Dogwood to soften views, and parking-lot lighting with photometric values zeroing out at property lines as required by the design review manual. - A commissioner asked about lighted gate arms on Poplar. Staff said the gatehouse and traffic arm went through administrative approval, but the lights were not part of that approval and have been turned off. - A commissioner observed that the plan appears to double infant care and increase overall staff and students by roughly 20%. Staff cited a trip-generation report, traffic analysis, and intersection signal analysis, noting that about half of students on campus are faculty children or siblings, so 40 additional children and 9 additional staff would not necessarily mean 50 additional vehicle trips. - In deliberation, one commissioner supported approval based on the completed checklist, landscaping, and screening; another noted the Board of Zoning Appeals had asked about operating hours, which should reduce traffic outside peak school times; a third expressed some disagreement with the "non-impact" traffic characterization but said the site has enough space to accommodate the increased load. Old Business & Staff Updates - Staff reported that the Germantown Village Square landscape refresh is still active; after a site meeting, plans are expected in January. - Along Poplar Avenue, MLG&W removed damaged street trees in front of Germantown Village Square and is planting Columnar Oaks, which are expected to perform better near overhead power lines. A commissioner confirmed the new trees are in. New Business - A short-term task force was proposed to create a streetscape landscaping template for major thoroughfares with overhead power lines, specifically beginning with the Poplar Corridor, with the goal of gaining MLG&W buy-in. The idea was credited to Commissioner Schweikoffer. Proposed members were Chairman Bruns, the originating commissioner, Commissioner Christopher Schmidt if agreeable, and Robert Sloan. The first meeting was penciled for December 10 at 4:30 p.m.; no formal vote was requested, only consensus. Commission Liaison Reports - Parks and Recreation Commissioner Brian Carney reported that youth sports provider fees were approved at the last Parks and Recreation meeting after public concerns about price increases, especially for families with two or three children in multiple sports. He also noted the city provides facilities but not concession equipment, citing a parent collection to buy an ice machine; the fee issue was sent back to a subcommittee. - Carney also reported wayfinding sign installation has started; signs marked with a white X are being replaced, and the new signs along the greenline look consistent. - Holiday event dates were shared: tree lighting on November 29 at Municipal Pond, with festivities at 5:00 p.m. and the tree lit at 5:30 p.m.; the holiday parade on December 14 at 2:00 p.m.; and Lights on the Farm on December 7 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., with sleigh rides, Santa's workshop, ornament decorating, animals, hot chocolate, and more. - Public Art Commission: Commissioner Schmidt was attending a Public Art Commission meeting, so no report was given. Other liaisons reported nothing. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. - Approved the consent agenda containing the Courtyard by Marriott sign package and Germantown Presbyterian Church revised ground signs, with one recusal noted on the church item. - Approved (24-015) Little Georgie's Daycare revised final site plan. All voting members present voted yes; Commissioner Schmidt was absent. - With site-plan approval, the applicant may submit construction drawings to the city engineer, the fire marshal, and the state fire marshal. - The commission recessed until January; members were reminded that board re-applications are due November 30.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals for November 12, 2024, was canceled. No agenda items were discussed, and no actions were taken.

On November 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a brief meeting, beginning with a Veterans Day recognition, an invocation led by Assistant City Administrator Andy Sanders, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gibson. The agenda was set unanimously, and the minutes from the October 28, 2024 regular meeting were approved by a 4-0 vote. No citizens spoke during the Citizens to be Heard portion. The meeting featured a special recognition of police and dispatch personnel for lifesaving actions, followed by approval of the consent agenda with no discussion. Consent Calendar - Amendment No. 1 – Professional Services Agreement – Land Inspection Services (for Veterans Park). - Approval – Competitive Sealed Proposal – Solid Waste Collection Services. - Change Order No. 1 – City Hall ADA Parking Improvements. - Contract – Fire Hydrant Service Program. - Donation – 911 Digital Voice Recorders (from the 911 agency). - Donation – Parks and Recreation. - Purchase – Annual Computer Upgrades. - Purchase – Annual Network Switch Replacements. - Purchase – Security Cameras. (Note: The transcript referred to this as item J, but the agenda lists it as item i; this appears to be a verbal error.) All consent items were approved unanimously by a roll call vote of 4-0. Special Recognition – Police Department Lifesaving Awards - Dispatch Lieutenant Amy Nebling received the Dispatch Lifesaving Award for her handling of a 911 call on July 6, 2024, on Park Creek Drive. She calmly provided CPR instructions to the caller until emergency services arrived. - Senior Patrol Officer Jenny Deal received the Lifesaving Award for arriving on scene within three minutes of the call and performing chest compressions until Germantown Fire arrived. The patient was transported and made a full recovery. Medical staff confirmed that the immediate aid rendered saved the patient's life. - Chief Fisher and Captain Ben Sharp presented the details. The board expressed gratitude for the teamwork between dispatch and police, and congratulated the awardees. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 28, 2024 regular meeting were approved by a 4-0 vote (Alderman Sanders absent). - Consent Agenda Approved: All nine items were approved without separate discussion. - Announcement: The deadline to apply for boards and commissions for calendar year 2025 is November 30, 2024. Applications are available at Germantown-Tn.gov. Current members are encouraged to reapply. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded shortly after consent agenda approval, with the mayor thanking police, fire, and veterans.