Public Meetings - Germantown, Tennessee

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen held its regular meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on zoning code amendments, updates to the city’s debt management policy, and recognition of the January Teacher of the Month. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, comprising 20 routine items: appointments to the Retirement Plan Administration Commission, Senior Advisory Commission, Shelby County Board of Equalization, Transportation Commission, and Germantown Athletic Club Advisory Commission; authorizations for landscaping/mowing/irrigation services, contracts for the Comprehensive Plan, Municipal Park Tennis Court Sidewalk, and Stormwater Pipe Rehabilitation; donations from the Germantown Education Foundation (2nd Quarter) and for Parks and Recreation; purchases for ammunition, annual phone system maintenance, Axon body cameras, chiller compressor replacement, CLEAR law enforcement license renewal, Clear-Com wireless intercom system (Phase 3), Michael’s tree and loader, and Riverdale Park wayfinding; and a professional services agreement for sanitary sewer flow meter design (Phase 1). - Alderman Hicks noted that item 8K (Parks and Recreation donation) included contributions from three organizations in memory of David Calvin, a longtime community volunteer. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Green (2900 Oakley Lane) expressed concern about the planned referendum for a full-time mayor. He stated that the city lacks a defined job description for the position, yet a $140,000 salary has been proposed. He argued this is “fundamentally backwards” and questioned whether the city administrator’s role (salary $230,000) would be restructured, warning of potential cost redundancy. - Teresa Holliman (2691 Scarlet Road) spoke against Resolution 25R09’s increase in the debt management policy, noting an “in 25% increase” (likely referring to the increase in debt capacity). She found it odd that the city is raising debt limits while also seeking a 25–45% property tax increase from residents, comparing it to Shelby County’s fiscal challenges. - During the public hearing on Ordinance 2026-5, Ms. Holliman commended staff for their work but raised concerns about fence height atop retaining walls (page 13 of the draft) and the increased discretion given to the director in the code. She requested clearer qualifiers in residential sections about neighborhood ordinances that may supersede city code. Special Recognition - Teacher of the Month – January 2026: Leanne Bailey, a 5th grade English Language Arts teacher at Riverdale School, was recognized by the Germantown Education Commission for her student engagement, leadership, and community involvement. She serves as a PLC leader, student council coordinator, and Biz Town Coordinator, and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction plus an educational specialist degree in reading. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-5 – Zoning Code Amendments (Second Reading & Public Hearing): Director Cameron Ross presented the amendments to Chapters 2, 6, 17, and 23, aimed at clarity, consistency, and efficiency. Key changes include: simplified use tables and bulk tables in Chapter 23; adding modern uses (e.g., electric vehicle charging stations); allowing conditional use permits (replacing “use on appeal” for institutional users like Madonna Learning Center); clarifying fence height measurement on retaining walls; and limiting accessory structure sizes to prevent them from exceeding the principal structure. The amendments align with Germantown Forward 2030 goals. The public hearing was held, and Ms. Holliman’s comments were noted. Alderman Salvaggio (liaison to the Planning Commission) confirmed that the BZA process remains available for extraordinary circumstances. The ordinance passed unanimously on second reading. - Ordinance 2026-6 – Occupational Safety and Health Program (First Reading): Director Chris Purdue explained the amendments to Division 2, updating the city’s safety program to comply with TOSHA standards. The city administrator may designate a safety director, and future plan revisions may be adopted by resolution. A public hearing was set for March 9, 2026. The ordinance was approved on first reading unanimously. - Resolution 25R09 – Debt Management Policy Update: Director Carolyn Royals presented the first major revision since 2015. Changes include: replacing net debt to governmental fund expenditures with debt service to general fund expenditures (not to exceed 12%); adding net debt service to general fund expenditures (not to exceed 15% including self-supporting debt); increasing net direct debt per capita from $2,000 to $2,500 (remains within AAA rating criteria); and removing debt per capita income as a metric. The estimated debt capacity for general fund-supported debt would rise from $82.6 million to approximately $100 million. The policy was developed with PFM, a subcommittee of the Financial Advisory Commission (including GMSD representation), and the full FAC unanimously recommended approval. Alderman Ulicky noted that the city’s current outstanding debt is about $50 million. Aldermen assured residents that the increase does not authorize new spending; any debt issuance requires a public hearing and board vote. The resolution passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-5 (zoning code amendments) adopted on second reading (5-0 vote). - Ordinance 2026-6 (occupational safety program) approved on first reading (5-0); public hearing set for March 9, 2026. - Resolution 25R09 (debt management policy) adopted (5-0). - The meeting adjourned following closing remarks from Vice Mayor Gibson, who thanked residents and first responders for their efforts during the recent severe ice storm that brought 4–6 inches of ice to the area.

The February 3, 2026 meeting of the Germantown Planning Commission was canceled. No agenda items were discussed, and no decisions were made. The meeting was originally scheduled for February 2, 2026, as per the agenda, but the cancellation notice indicates the meeting is canceled.

The regularly scheduled Design Review Commission meeting for January 27, 2026, at 11:45 AM was canceled. No agenda items were discussed, no public testimony was taken, and no decisions were made. The cancellation was noted in a revised agenda published on January 22, 2026.

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) of Germantown, Tennessee, held a public hearing on January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to consider a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) application from CRE Devco Germantown, LLC for the redevelopment of the former Carrefour Mall property into a mixed-use project called "The Standard." The board heard a presentation from city staff and the developer, followed by public comments from six citizens. No vote was taken; the board will decide on the application at a called meeting on January 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Public Hearing & Comments - Lillian Landrigan (1635 Holly Hill, Germantown; also owns dental office at 1920 Kirby Parkway) opposed the TIF, arguing the location is desirable and does not need public subsidy, that density (320 apartments) will cause traffic problems impacting her neighborhood (Poplar Estates) and business, and that additional costs for schools and services would outweigh benefits. - Patrick Green (2900 Oakley) opposed, stating this would be the first TIF in Germantown history and set a dangerous precedent. He argued the project does not meet the "but for" standard because the area is not blighted, the developer has already completed Phase I (Josephine & Estelle restaurant) with private capital, and the 75% diversion of new tax revenue ($10 million over 20 years) would deprive schools and police of funds, especially after a recent property tax increase. - Susan Burnett (223 Auduburn Lane) expressed concerns about the developer being well-financed and the site being prime real estate, questioned the lack of clawbacks or penalties for non-performance, and noted that 75% of new tax growth would be diverted for 20 years. - John Payton (1705 Old Mill Road) opposed because taxpayers recently faced a property tax increase and the city already provided $2 million for a sewer extension; he argued that homeowners must pay for their own improvements and that developers should not receive special treatment. - Teresa Holliman (2691 Scarlet Road) questioned how the developer could demolish the site without a funded plan, expressed distrust after recent property tax increases and unmet infrastructure needs in her neighborhood, and noted the demolition occurred without a clear funding path. - Mike Diodabo (2279 Eldersley Drive, 40-year resident) supported the development (to replace the current blighted look) but opposed the proposed 75% TIF share, arguing the risk-reward balance favors the developer too heavily and that the city should retain a larger portion (e.g., 25% is too low). He also noted the developer should have had funding lined up before demolition. Discussion Items - Staff Explanation (Cameron, IDB staff): Reviewed the IDB TIF policy (since 2017) and the application process. Key points: the project has a minimum $65 million capital improvement threshold and minimum $5 million in public infrastructure; the TIF period is up to 20 years; incremental property tax revenue is generated after each phase is completed and has a use-and-occupancy permit; the developer assumes all risk; the TIF only reimburses eligible public infrastructure costs (transportation, utilities, site work, parking). The applicant submitted an affidavit certifying the project cannot proceed without TIF ("but for" requirement). - Developer Presentation (Michael Fay, MJF Consulting representing CRE Devco): Emphasized the site (10 acres on the western gateway corner of Poplar and Kirby) is the most visible in Germantown and aligns with the Western Gateway Plan (2012) and Smart Code. Phase I (Josephine & Estelle restaurant) is complete ($7 million). Phase II (the Lofts) includes 320 residential units with ground-floor retail and a parking garage. All existing infrastructure (50-year-old sewer, drainage, utilities) must be replaced. Public parking will be included in garages. The TIF reimbursement only begins after each phase is fully built and open (2.5–3 years). Developer also clarified that the $2 million sewer extension will be paid pro rata by all users. - Economic Impact Analysis (Corey Van Blaircom, Younger Associates): Provided one-time construction impacts for Phases 1 and 2: $136 million investment leads to $242.5 million local economic impact, supporting 862 jobs with $62.5 million in wages and $2.6 million in local taxes. Annual impacts after completion: $62 million in local spending, 403 jobs, $16 million in wages, $2.2 million in local taxes. Property tax details: current base tax (2025 assessed value) is $108,000; during the 20-year TIF, city collects $193,000 annually (plus sales tax) while $22 million in increment goes to TIF; after TIF, the city collects $652,000 in property tax plus $330,000 in sales tax annually (total $982,000). The project generates $51 million in local taxes over 20 years vs. $22 million in TIF funds, producing a 2.32:1 cost-benefit ratio. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken at this meeting. The Industrial Development Board will consider approval or denial of the TIF application at a called meeting on January 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the same room. Public comments will be accepted again at that meeting. - The board will decide whether to forward the application to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final approval or reject it and end the process.

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held its first meeting of 2026 on January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting focused on reorganization, including election of officers, approval of previous minutes, adoption of the Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan, and annual training on ethics, variance standards, and new procedures. No public hearings on specific applications were held. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from December 9, 2025: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Mr. Town, seconded by Mr. Jacobs, and passed with all members voting yes. Election of Officers - Chairman: Mr. Town nominated Frank Yulhorn for another term as Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Jacobs and unanimously approved by roll call vote (7 yes). - Vice Chairman: Mr. Town nominated Ms. Meanwell for Vice Chairman, noting her excellent performance. The nomination was seconded and unanimously approved by roll call vote (7 yes). Discussion Items Annual Adoption of Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan - Cameron (staff) presented the strategic plan, explaining its role as a guide for the city's work and how the BZA directly contributes to key performance indicators such as property values, cost of living, and development practices. The plan includes strategic objectives like completing a comprehensive plan, encouraging investment in commercial areas, and promoting alternative housing models. The board discussed the importance of the plan's vision statement, particularly the phrase "responsibly shape Germantown's future." A motion to adopt the plan was made by Mr. Town, seconded, and unanimously approved. Several members expressed support for the plan's alignment with the board's work. Annual Training - City Attorney Joshua White provided training focused on ethics, the quasi-judicial role of the BZA, and updates to the zoning ordinance. Key topics included: - Open Meetings Law: Reminder that any discussion of cases between two or more members must be publicly noticed. - Ex Parte Communication: Not prohibited by law, but board members should avoid it to maintain impartiality; if it occurs, they should be open to hearing from the other side. - Variances: The board's primary function (95% of caseload). The standard for variances requires showing an extraordinary condition (e.g., exceptional narrowness, shape, topography) and that strict application would cause practical difficulty or undue hardship. Financial disadvantage alone is insufficient. - Special Exceptions (New Process): A new lower-bar process for accessory structure size requests, replacing the old "use on appeal" category. The threshold is that the request will not have substantial adverse effect on neighbors, will be compatible, and will be served by public facilities. This is a pilot program. - Ethics and Recusal: Board members should recuse themselves if they have a direct financial interest. For lesser conflicts, they may disclose and still vote if impartial. If recusal would break a quorum, they may abstain from voting but remain on the dais. - Conditions of Approval: Must be roughly proportional to the request. - Board members asked clarifying questions about the new special exception standard and accessory structure regulations. Administrative Items - Staff reminded members to submit signed ethics forms and noted that the training counted as one of four required continuing education hours. The 2026 meeting calendar was provided, and meetings may be canceled if no applications are pending. Staff introduced Ms. Tillman as a new point of contact for administrative support. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Frank Yulhorn elected Chairman, Ms. Meanwell elected Vice Chairman (both unanimous). - Adoption of Strategic Plan: Unanimous approval of Germantown Forward 2035 as the board's guiding work plan. - Annual Training: Completed; counts as one hour of the required four hours of continuing education for board members. - No further business: The meeting adjourned after administrative updates.

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 1930 S. Germantown Road. The board convened as the Germantown Beer Board for two temporary beer permit hearings, then approved the consent calendar, an alcoholic-beverages ordinance on third reading, and a city code amendments ordinance on first reading. All recorded votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - The mayor acknowledged three residents who spoke under Citizens to Be Heard. One speaker, identified as Miss Mosteller, described longstanding speeding and safety problems in her neighborhood bordering Memphis, citing a city traffic study placing the neighborhood in the 85th percentile for speeding and recent vehicle break-ins and police activity. She argued that a proposed three-to-five-year plan of painted traffic markings is not enough to prevent a child from being struck by a vehicle and asked that child safety in Germantown be treated seriously. - The mayor responded by encouraging residents to attend transportation open houses later in the month and referenced a safe-streets grant of about $1.6 million. The approved consent agenda later listed the USDOT Safe Streets for All contract at $1,518,000. Beer Board – Temporary Beer Permits - No public comments were received at either hearing. - Grand Krewe of Ramet Coronation: The board approved a temporary on-premises beer permit for Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Great Hall and Conference Center, 1900 S. Germantown Road. Approved unanimously on a motion by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Alderman Ulicky. - Grand Krewe of Ramet Clubroom: The board approved a temporary on-premises beer permit for Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 5 p.m. to midnight at the Carnival Memphis Clubroom at the Great Hall and Conference Center. Approved unanimously on a motion by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Alderman Salvaggio. - Alderman Sanders supported both applications, citing proof of 501(c)(3) status, state recognition as a nonprofit special-occasion licensee, licensed servers, and no prior issues with Krewe events in Germantown. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously on a motion by Vice Mayor Gibson, seconded by Alderman Hicks. It included: - Memphis Shelby County Schools facility usage agreement. - Bid rejection for Poplar Avenue Culvert Replacement Project Phase V (PIN 129992); the mayor stated the bid was approximately $700,000 over budget. - Change Order No. 4 for Riverdale Park Reinvestment Phase II, approximately $16,000 for ADA adjustments. - USDOT Safe Streets for All grant contract, $1,518,000 for traffic calming and safety. - Development Contract No. 1264 for Starbucks at Exeter Village. - Development Contract No. 1266 for Wildwood Farm and the UT Martin Education Building. - Parks and Recreation donations of approximately $26,000 from Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Inc., including a memorial in honor of Dr. Jimmy Davis. - PSA for sanitary sewer lift station generator design and easement agreement, approximately $61,000. - PSA Amendment No. 2 for the Stormwater Design Manual, $90,000. - PSA for Greenway Trail Improvements, approximately $51,000. - Vice Mayor Gibson and Alderman Hicks praised the Farm Park donation; Alderman Hicks also praised the safe-streets grant and the UT Martin and Starbucks projects. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-10 (third and final reading): Amendments to Chapter 3, Alcoholic Beverages, Articles III and IV. The city attorney said the changes would allow permit publications on the city website rather than in newspapers, make background checks less onerous, require lease copies for beer applications, add a hold-harmless provision for temporary permits, align liquor and wine sales hours with state law, require managers for licensed locations to be within 100 miles, and strike the U.S. citizenship one-year clause. Approved unanimously on a motion by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Vice Mayor Gibson. - Ordinance 2026-5 (first reading): Amendments to Chapters 2, 6, 17, and 23 of the Municipal Code. Director Ross presented a 134-page package focused on clarity, consistency, and efficiency. Highlights included a consolidated use and bulk table, a 10 percent administrative site-plan approval cap, conditional use permits, accessory structure limits tied to the principal structure, accessory dwelling unit provisions, removal of unused RE-10 and OT zoning districts, fence-height measurement graphics, residential electric vehicle charging rules, and smart-code updates including cottages and removal of liquor stores from the T5R district. Approved unanimously on a motion by Alderman Salvaggio, seconded by Alderman Hicks, with the public hearing set for February 9, 2026. Alderman Salvaggio requested a further staff conversation on accessory structures and accessory dwelling units; Vice Mayor Gibson requested discussion on porches. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous: two beer permits, the consent calendar, Ordinance 2025-10 on third reading, and Ordinance 2026-5 on first reading. - The public hearing for Ordinance 2026-5 is scheduled for February 9, 2026. - The beer permit events are scheduled for February 13, 2026, and May 31, 2026. - The mayor announced an Industrial Development Board public hearing on January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers regarding a TIF review on People Street. - Residents were encouraged to attend city transportation open houses later in January to discuss safe streets planning.

The Germantown Planning Commission held its annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the election of officers, approval of minutes from prior meetings, appointment of commission liaisons, adoption of the Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan, and the required annual training session conducted by City Attorney Josh Whitehead. The meeting concluded with administrative updates and a public hearing announcement for January 20. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 2, 2025 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously (8-0). The minutes from the December 18, 2025 Sketch Plan meeting were approved with Commissioners Jacobs and Sisson abstaining (they were not present at that meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - No citizen comments were offered. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: Three positions were filled by voice votes: John McCreary was nominated and elected Chairman (McCreary abstained from the vote), Dyke Bacon was elected Vice Chairman (Bacon abstained), and Jennifer Sisson (who arrived late) was elected Secretary (unanimous aye). All officers assumed their roles for 2026. - Commission Liaison Appointments: Commissioners agreed to serve as liaisons: Jim Jacobs to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Robert Sloan to the Parks and Recreation Commission, David Clark to the Transportation Commission, and Jennifer Sisson to the Tree Board. No formal vote was required. - Adoption of Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan: Planning Director Cameron Ross presented the annual update, emphasizing how the commission’s work aligns with the city’s strategic objectives, particularly in economic development, land use, and transportation. The comprehensive plan update was highlighted as a key action for 2026. The commission unanimously adopted the strategic plan. - Annual Training: Attorney Josh Whitehead conducted the training, covering open meetings law, ex parte communication, findings of fact for subdivisions, zoning amendments, site plans, plan developments, and conditional use permits (a new pending process). He stressed explaining votes to avoid challenges and the importance of impartiality. Commissioners asked questions about site visits, recusal standards, and the 10-year vested property rights timeline. Key Outcomes - Election Results: John McCreary (Chairman), Dyke Bacon (Vice Chairman), Jennifer Sisson (Secretary) elected for 2026. - Minutes Approved: December 2, 2025 regular meeting unanimously; December 18, 2025 sketch plan meeting with two abstentions. - Strategic Plan Adopted: Unanimous (8-0) adoption of the Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan. - Training Completed: One hour of state-required continuing education satisfied; additional requirements (4 total hours) to be met by year-end. - Upcoming Event: The Industrial Development Board will hold a public hearing on a standard tax increment financing (TIF) application on January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers; commissioners were encouraged to attend and speak.

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., the Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held its regular meeting at City Hall – Council Chambers, 1930 S. Germantown Rd. The board considered and unanimously approved two requests for variances to allow six‑foot‑high fences within the required front‑yard setback (which limits fences to 30 inches in height). Both requests were granted after presentations by staff, testimony from applicants, and public comments in support. Consent Calendar - Approval of September 9,2025 meeting minutes:Moved, seconded, and approved by roll call vote. One member (McDermott) abstained because he was not present at the September meeting; all other members present voted in favor. The minutes were adopted. Public Comments & Testimony Case 25‑023 (2529 Horsham Dr.) - Stephen Signaigo (property owner/applicant): Requested the variance so his family could install a straight fence line from the back of the house to the retaining wall, providing a safe play area for his son who has Down syndrome. Noted that the Make‑a‑Wish foundation raised funds for the fence. - Catherine Brown (preschool special education teacher at Dogwood Elementary): Expressed support, stating the Dogwood community raised about $10,000 for the fence and a playset for the child. No opposition was voiced. Case 25‑024 (2010 Newfields Rd.) - Robert Whitehead (property owner/applicant): Explained that the six‑foot variance along the driveway (the area proposed for a gate) was needed for access to the backyard for lawn equipment and trash. Mentioned he spoke with all surrounding neighbors who were agreeable. - Michelle Morgan (neighbor, 1974 Corbyn Rd.): Supported the fence, saying it would improve the appearance of the neighborhood, where many homes have fences. No opposition was voiced. Discussion Items Case 25‑023: Fence variance at 2529 Horsham Dr. (corner of Horsham Dr. and Rooksworth Cove) - Staff presented the request for a six‑foot fence in the front‑yard setback along Rooksworth Cove. The property has an exceptional shape due to the cul‑de‑sac and topography that required a retaining wall. The variance area is a narrow triangular sliver (about 7‑8 feet at its deepest point). - Board members asked about the fence’s termination at the retaining wall and the location relative to the house. Applicant clarified the fence would bolt directly into the retaining wall. - Board cited exceptional narrowness, shallowness, and topography as the basis for granting the variance. The motion to approve carried 7‑0. Case 25‑024: Fence variance at 2010 Newfields Rd. (corner of Newfields Rd. and Deanwood Cove) - Staff explained that the property was annexed from Shelby County and originally had a 30‑foot setback (vs. Germantown’s 40‑foot). The applicant had revised the design from an earlier request, pulling the fence back six feet to a 36‑foot setback from the curb line (26 feet from the property line along Deanwood Cove). The variance would allow a fence extending six feet beyond the building line along a portion of the Deanwood side. - Staff noted that forthcoming zoning code revisions will make this type of request easier for annexed properties. - Board members noted the fence would improve the streetscape and that the applicant had minimized the encroachment. The motion to approve carried 7‑0. Key Outcomes - Case 25‑023 (2529 Horsham Dr.): Variance APPROVED unanimously (7‑0). Decision based on exceptional shape and topography of the lot. - Case 25‑024 (2010 Newfields Rd.): Variance APPROVED unanimously (7‑0). Decision based on the unique situation of annexed property and minor practical difficulties. - The meeting concluded with the chairman thanking board members for their service and noting that reappointments for 2026 would be considered.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda included special recognitions, a consent agenda, two ordinances, and a resolution on debt management policy. The meeting featured public comments on the debt policy, approval of routine purchases, and deferral of the debt management policy to a future meeting. Consent Calendar - Item 8A – Agreement for telecommunication services with Comcast for approximately $135,000. - Item 8C – Purchase of mobile data terminals for public safety from Bright for $84,000. - Item 8D – Purchase of police vehicle equipment from Motorola for $137,000. - Item 8E – Resolution 25R10 to amend the cash balance pension discount rate from 5% to 6%. - Item 8B (purchase of ammunition) was deferred to a future meeting (on or before January 26, 2026) by the administration; the consent agenda was approved as modified without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - Heather Fisher (private citizen, Germantown Municipal School District administrator and Germantown Education Commission chair) spoke in support of Resolution 25R09 (Debt Management Policy), stating that additional funding is needed to support the Houston High School Master Plan and that passing the resolution is a needed step. - Susan Burnett (resident of 2223 Alderburn Lane) expressed concerns about the debt management policy changes. She noted that the proposed increase in direct debt per capita from $2,000 to $2,500 represents a 25% increase in potential need for higher tax rates. She argued that the policy had not been widely publicized and that voting after only a single reading bypasses public input. She requested the board table the vote, consider more moderate revisions, and hold a public comment period. Special Recognition - November 2025 Teacher of the Month: Latarsha Tate, AP African American history and economics teacher at Germantown High School, recognized for her dedication and community involvement. - December 2025 Teacher of the Month: Cassie Ring, learning specialist at Evangelical Christian School, recognized for innovative teaching and leadership. - December 2025 Youth Excellence Award: Jack Chow (James), Houston High School senior, recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and service. - LEAD Program Graduation: 25 employees from various city departments completed the six-month Leaders of Excellence and Ambassador Development (LEAD) program. Awards included the Coin Chaser Award (Peggy Davis) and the Team Challenge Award (Blue Team); Mitchell Cross (Fire Department) received the Leadership Award. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-9 (Construction Permit Fee) – Third and final reading. Director Allen presented an amendment to Chapter 19, Article III, Section 19-121 that eliminates the 1% construction cost-based fee in favor of a fee set by resolution to resolve a conflict in city code. The board approved the ordinance unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-10 (Alcoholic Beverages Amendments) – Second reading and public hearing. City Attorney Goodman outlined amendments to align city code with state law, including removal of newspaper publication requirement, background check adjustments for publicly traded companies, lease requirement for applicants, temporary beer permits on public property with indemnity, Sunday sale start time moved from noon to 10 a.m., and removal of a U.S. citizenship requirement (per Attorney General opinion). The public hearing had no speakers. Alderman Sanders moved to amend Section 3-81(4) to strike language and replace with 'reserved' on advice of the city attorney. The board approved the amended motion to move to third reading. - Resolution 25R09 (Debt Management Policy) – Finance Director Adrian Royals presented the proposed updates, which were developed over several months with PFM, the Financial Advisory Commission (FAC), and joint work sessions with the school board. Key changes include removing the net debt to governmental fund expenditures metric and replacing with debt service to general fund expenditures (kept at 12%), moving to net debt measures to accommodate self-sustaining debt, increasing direct debt per capita from $2,000 to $2,500, and removing outdated metrics. The estimated debt capacity would move from $82.6 million to $100 million. Alderman Ullicky (BMA liaison to FAC) proposed tabling the resolution until the January 26, 2026 meeting (or before) to allow additional review of technical redlines. The board agreed without objection. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved as modified (Item 8B deferred). - Ordinance 2025-9 approved on third and final reading (unanimous). - Ordinance 2025-10 approved on second reading with an amendment to Section 3-81(4) (unanimous); moved to third reading. - Resolution 25R09 (Debt Management Policy) deferred to January 26, 2026 meeting without objection; administration will accommodate a work session if needed. - Note: Minutes from November 24, 2025 meeting were approved with Alderman Sanders abstaining.