Public Meetings - Germantown, Tennessee

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.

The Germantown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The commission approved minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting, and considered four regular agenda items: a wireless transmission facility co-location, a shopping center subdivision and parking reduction, a new Hattie B's Hot Chicken restaurant, and annual municipal code amendments. The meeting included extended debate on the cell tower application regarding a proposed utility pole, resulting in an amended approval. All other items passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke for or against any agenda item. Discussion Items Case 25-021: MLGW Tower 1847 – Verizon Wireless Co-location - Staff presented a request for a new 130-foot monopole within an existing MLGW transmission tower on city-owned property near Houston High School, to replace an unsafe tower at Grace Evangelical Church. The need for a new power pole in a resident's backyard (on Dogwood Grove) prompted extensive discussion. Chairman McCreary proposed an amendment requiring the applicant to use existing power poles (or double-pole) rather than adding a new pole. After debate, the amendment passed 5-3-1 (Sloan, Levy, Jacobs, Salvaggio, McCreary in favor; Sisson, Bacon, Clark opposed; Mayor Palazzolo abstained). The final site plan, as amended, was then approved unanimously (9-0). Case 15-502: Germantown Village Square – Subdivision & Parking Reduction - The commission approved a two-lot subdivision of the shopping center to create a 0.37-acre outparcel, and a parking reduction from 914 to 877 spaces based on a conservative parking utilization study. Both motions passed unanimously. Case 25-011: Hattie B's Hot Chicken – Preliminary & Final Site Plan - A 2,975-square-foot restaurant with outdoor patio and five justifiable design alternatives (JDAs) was approved. The commission noted the applicant's proactive work during sketch plan review and the compatibility with the T5 Urban Center zoning. The motion passed unanimously. Case 25-017: Municipal Code Amendments (Annual Update) - Staff presented amendments to Chapters 6, 17, and 23 covering use tables, process changes (e.g., 10% administrative modifications, conditional use permits), and clarifications on nonconformities, accessory structures, and subdivision regulations. Council introduced five amendments during the meeting, including correcting a district reference and clarifying lot requirements in subdivision approvals. The amended package passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Case 25-021 (Verizon Tower): Approved with amendment requiring power to be drawn from existing poles, avoiding a new pole in a resident's backyard. Final vote: 9-0. - Case 15-502 (Village Square Subdivision): Approved. Vote: 9-0. - Case 15-502 (Parking Reduction): Approved. Vote: 9-0. - Case 25-011 (Hattie B's): Approved. Vote: 9-0. - Case 25-017 (Code Amendments): Approved with five amendments. Vote: 9-0. - Commission liaison reports were received from the Board of Zoning Appeals, Parks & Recreation Commission, Transportation Commission, Tree Board, Sketch Plan, and BMA. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 1930 S. Germantown Road. The board approved the agenda, the November 11, 2025 minutes, the consent agenda, and Ordinance 2025-9 on second reading, all by unanimous 4-0 votes. Alderman Sanders was absent. Consent Calendar - Approved the November 24, 2025 consent agenda as presented, including: - Authorization for competitive sealed proposal for water modeling. - Contract for pavement reclamation on Stout Road, approximately $700,000. - Contract for well and pump maintenance and repair services, approximately $450,000. - Development Contract No. 1262 – West Tennessee Bank. - Development Contract No. 1265 – Harvest Church Parking Lot Expansion. - Donations to the Education Commission totaling $3,400. - PEG first-quarter disbursement to GMSD totaling $21,600. - Drone replacement program for the Police Department, approximately $42,000. - Sports lighting and controls, approximately $150,000. - Group life and long-term disability policy totaling $300,000. - Tree mitigation funds for tree maintenance, approximately $65,000. - Renewal of medical and Rx stop loss insurance policy totaling $768,000. - Subdivision Development Contract No. 1263 – Olde Field Green Subdivision 1st Addition. Alderman Hicks recognized private donors behind Education Commission activities: Metro Builders sponsored the Youth Excellence Award, Education Commission Chair Heather Fisher sponsored the Exceptional Student Award, and Steve Chandler was the primary and only sponsor of Battle of the Brains. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens came forward during Citizens to Be Heard. - No residents spoke during the public hearing for Ordinance 2025-9. Special Recognitions - Euro Fest: The 41st annual Memphis Eurofest car show was held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at C.O. Franklin Park; more than 160 cars participated. Organizers Kevin Childers and Paul Burdett presented proceeds benefiting Madonna Learning Center. - Education Commission Exceptional Student Award: Presented to Germantown High School student Felipe Sevilla for kindness, leadership, dedication, internships, and community service. - Education Commission Youth Excellence Award: Presented to Lindsay Baker for academic excellence, leadership, service, athletics, and selection as a GMSD intern and Girls State representative. Discussion Items - Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 2025-9, amending Chapter 19, Article III, Section 19-121, the construction permit fee. Director Allen explained that the existing telecommunications ordinance sets a fiber-optic construction permit fee equal to 1% of estimated construction cost, while Resolution 23R01 (2023) uses a base fee plus a per-linear-foot amount. The proposed amendment removes the cost-based calculation and instead authorizes permit fees to be set through the city's comprehensive resolution on revenues. This is intended to resolve the conflict, improve clarity, allow periodic fee adjustments, and align with neighboring communities. Alderman Hicks expressed support and asked for continued discussions or a work session to ensure the city is supporting more internet options in the community. Key Outcomes - Approved the November 24, 2025 agenda, the November 11, 2025 minutes, and the consent agenda, each 4-0. - Approved Ordinance 2025-9 on second reading, 4-0; it advances to third and final reading. - Deadline to apply for boards and commissions is Sunday, November 30, 2025; current members must reapply online. - Mayor noted GMSD's exemplary status, with the district being one of only 14 in Tennessee to earn the distinction.

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting began with roll call, establishment of a quorum, and a motion to add two items to the agenda (approval of subcommittee minutes from October 9, 2025, and a proclamation to honor retiring counsel Robert A. McLean). The consent agenda contained four routine approvals, all passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with a brief discussion of the 2026 meeting schedule and adjournment. Consent Calendar - Case (17-705) – Lakeview at Germantown (formerly Avenida Watermarq): Approval of a refaced ground-mounted sign at 7900 Wolf River Blvd. Applicant: Custom Sign Factory; Property Owner: GVII – IREP AWG Owner, LP. - Case (17-743) – Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC) Trinity Center: Approval of a revised landscape and lighting plan for an outdoor amphitheater at 2305 McVay Rd. Applicant: UrbanARCH Associates; Property Owner: Germantown United Methodist Church. - Case (24-024) – Upland Subdivision: Approval of a landscape plan and subdivision entrance feature at 2385 Johnson Rd. Applicant/Developer: Upland Partners, LLC. - Case (25-020) – 2404 Arthur Rd. Development Plan (former Phoenix School): Approval of building modifications, revised final site plan, and revised landscape plan in Old Germantown (OG) at 2404 Arthur Rd. Applicant/Developer: DSD Investments, LLC; Property Owner: MOGG (PSO). All four consent items were approved unanimously by roll-call vote (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Proclamation to Honor Robert A. McLean, Esq.: The Commission presented a proclamation recognizing Mr. McLean’s 32 years of service as legal counsel to the Design Review Commission. The proclamation highlighted his academic background (Rhodes College, Princeton University MA/PhD, University of Memphis School of Law), his prior career as an assistant professor of Russian literature, his role as assistant city attorney from 1981 to 2025, and his professional honors (Best Lawyers in America 2013–2026, Super Lawyers 2014–2023). Mr. McLean expressed gratitude, and several commissioners offered personal thanks. Key Outcomes - Agenda Addition: Approved unanimously to add the October 9, 2025 subcommittee minutes and the proclamation to the agenda. - Minutes Approval: Approved unanimously the minutes of the DRC Subcommittee meeting of October 9, 2025, and the DRC Regular meeting of October 28, 2025. - Consent Agenda: All four items (A–D) approved unanimously. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after a brief discussion about scheduling the 2026 subcommittee meetings at 4:30 PM as a compromise between 4:00 and 5:00 preferences.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included citizen comments about a recurring internet cable issue, approval of a consent agenda with 13 items, a first amendment to a land use agreement with the school district, and third/final readings of two ordinances. The board also held a first reading of an alcoholic beverage ordinance and set a public hearing for December 8, 2025. Consent Calendar - Change Order No. 3 – Miller Farms Ditch Improvements: $194,400 - Change Order No. 3 – Riverdale Park Reinvestment Phase II: $129,459 - Contract Extension – Michael’s Tree and Loader – Tree Removal and Mitigation: No dollar amount specified - Donation – Parks and Recreation: $2,500 from Germantown Legends - Donation – Scholarship Funds: $757 from the Police Chiefs Association for Germantown Police Department - Donations – Germantown Neighborhood Preservation Commission: $4,350 from multiple sponsors - PSA – Somerset Area Detention Project: $90,305 - Purchase – Playground at C.O. Franklin Park: $350,000 - Purchase – GPAC Orchestra Lift Elevator Modification: $57,351 - Purchase – Jail & Dispatch HVAC Replacements: Approximately $160,000 - Purchase – Portable Dimmer Rack: $52,845 (stated as "almost $53,000") - Purchase – Sewer Combination Truck: $663,000 - Renewal – Property & Casualty Insurance: No dollar amount specified All items were approved unanimously on a single motion without separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - John Wetzel (2598 Overlook Drive) and Carrie Walsh (8247 Scruggs Drive) both spoke about an Xfinity cable line that was laid across Scruggs Road approximately 45 days ago. Mr. Wetzel stated that the cable is repeatedly run over, requiring replacement every 8–10 days, causing internet outages that disrupt his work-from-home and his children’s homeschool. He reported that Xfinity said they are waiting for city approval to bury the cable. Ms. Walsh added that the cable is covered by plastic speed bumps that come loose, creating a noise hazard ("thump thump thump") and a tripping hazard on sidewalks. She said she opened two city cases that were closed as completed but the issue remains. The Mayor apologized and stated that staff would follow up after the Veterans Day holiday (Wednesday, November 12). Discussion Items - First Amendment to Land Use Agreement (Item 8): City Administrator Jason Heisman presented the amendment, which revises the 2020 agreement between the City and Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD). The original agreement gave the city primary use of two southernmost softball fields behind Houston High School. GMSD plans to redevelop those fields into a multipurpose synthetic turf field with a track, stadium lighting, and seating. The amendment removes the city’s ongoing right to use those fields after construction begins, with 120 days’ notice required. The city will relocate programs to alternative sites, including Cameron Brown Park. The school board approved the amendment. The board voted unanimously to approve. - Ordinance 2025-7 – Germantown Education Commission (Third and Final Reading): Chief Communications Officer Ms. Crockett presented the update to the commission’s purpose statement, last revised in 2002. The new language broadens the focus to include all education sources in Germantown and aligns with the Germantown Forward 2035 strategic plan. The Education Commission and the board approved it on first and second readings. Alderman Hicks noted upcoming events: Battle of the Brains at Houston High School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to noon (50 teams competing), and American Education Week starting November 17. The board voted unanimously to approve. - Ordinance 2025-8 – Stormwater Advisory Commission (Third and Final Reading): Director of Engineering Jennifer Allen presented changes to the commission’s membership structure: replacing the Engineering Director as voting chair with a citizen appointee, making the Alderman liaison non-voting, and adding a non-voting liaison from the Technology Commission. The ordinance was approved on first and second readings without changes. The board voted unanimously to approve. - Ordinance 2025-10 – Alcoholic Beverages (First Reading and Set Public Hearing): City Attorney Goodman outlined changes to Chapter 3, Articles III and IV, including: removing newspaper publication requirement for beer permits, clarifying background checks for publicly traded companies, strengthening temporary beer permit requirements for city property, requiring liquor stores to provide a copy of any proposed lease and have a local manager within 100 miles, allowing liquor stores to be open on Sundays (consistent with state code change), and aligning retail food store (grocery) wine hours with liquor store hours. He noted that Section 3-81-B4 (one-year citizenship requirement for beer permit applicants) was not included in the ordinance but should be struck based on a Tennessee Attorney General opinion. The board voted unanimously to approve on first reading and set the public hearing for December 8, 2025. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - First Amendment to Land Use Agreement (Item 8): Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-7 (Education Commission): Approved on third and final reading unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-8 (Stormwater Advisory Commission): Approved on third and final reading unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-10 (Alcoholic Beverages): Approved on first reading and public hearing set for December 8, 2025, unanimously. City Attorney will add a strike of the unconstitutional citizenship requirement before the next reading. - Citizen Cable Issue: City staff (Alderman Sanders) will follow up on Wednesday, November 12, to address the Xfinity cable problem. Announcements - Deadline to apply for boards and commissions is November 30, 2025. Applications online at germantown-tn.gov. Appointments are made in late December for January start.

The City of Germantown Planning Commission met on November 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM (following a 5:30 PM executive session) in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon McCreery with a quorum present. The primary agenda item was Case (24-024) Upland Subdivision, a 17-lot subdivision on 26.79 acres at 2385 Johnson Road, requesting preliminary and final plat approval along with variances to the subdivision regulations. The commission also approved minutes from prior meetings and received liaison reports. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025, October 7, 2025, and October 23, 2025 meetings. (Roll call: 8 yes, 0 no) Public Comments & Testimony - Brian and Allison McBride (9310 Gwynhollow Cove) expressed concerns about tree removal on lots 6 and 7, which border their property. They noted that they purchased their home expecting the adjacent property to remain as two-acre lots and invested heavily in landscaping based on the existing tree screen. They requested the commission to seriously consider preserving the setback and screening trees. Discussion Items - Staff Report: Director Ross presented the Upland Subdivision request. The site is zoned RE-1 (Residential Estate one-acre lots) after a recent rezoning. The applicant sought four variances: 1. Reduction of the standard 50-foot street right-of-way to 31 feet (private street). 2. Dead-end street length of 1,455 feet, exceeding the maximum of 1,200 feet. 3. No sidewalk installation on both sides of collector and major streets (internal to the subdivision). 4. Private street to allow gating (not permitted by right in RE-1). - Staff recommended approval of the variances with conditions, including a tree mitigation fee of $112,000 (per city ordinance calculation) and a parkland dedication fee of $5,800. The applicant initially requested a reduction to $83,120 for tree mitigation, accounting for the lake area and trees in building footprints, but staff did not support that reduction. - Applicant Presentation: Michael Murphy (Upland Partners) and engineer Steve Hooper (ETI Corp.) presented. They emphasized their commitment to a high-quality development, preserving the lake and existing trees. They withdrew the request to waive the parkland dedication fee and agreed to install sidewalks on Johnson Road. They clarified that the private street would have no sidewalks, but sidewalks would be built along Johnson Road's frontage. - Fire Marshal Input: The fire marshal confirmed that the proposed street width and dead-end length meet fire code requirements, making the variances acceptable. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner Sisson raised concerns about the sidewalk variance, leading to an amendment clarifying that sidewalks are required on Johnson Road and that if the private streets are ever converted to public, sidewalks must be installed. The board also discussed the tree mitigation fee, with several members noting the difficulty of enforcing future tree preservation on individual lots. The applicant's request to reduce the fee to $83,120 was not included in the final motion. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed (8-0): The commission approved the preliminary and final plat for Upland Subdivision with the four variances as amended. Commissioner Clark recused himself from the vote. - Variances Granted: - Dead-end street length (1,455 ft) – approved. - Private street width (31 ft) – approved. - No sidewalks on internal private streets – approved, with the condition that sidewalks be installed on Johnson Road and that if the private streets become public, sidewalks must be added. - Private street for gating – approved. - Tree Mitigation Fee: Set at $112,000 (staff recommendation), not the $83,120 requested by the applicant. The applicant will also plant 33-inch caliper trees in common open space, which will be credited toward mitigation. - Parkland Dedication: The $5,800 fee is accepted (applicant withdrew waiver request). - Next Steps: The applicant will proceed with the design review application (DRC) for final landscape plans and detailed engineering.

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (following a 5:30 p.m. executive session) in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a consent agenda with three sign approvals, two regular agenda items (a sign relocation and municipal code amendments), and a farewell to long-serving City Attorney Mr. McLean. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda Items – Three items were approved as a single consent agenda: - Case 25-016: Covenant Presbyterian Church of Germantown – Ground sign (project identification) at 2385 Riverdale Rd. - Case 25-018: Elite Dental – Two wall signs (tenant identification) at 1941 S. Germantown Rd., Ste. 101. - Case 25-019: Apex Veterinary Surgery – Ground sign (tenant identification) at 2999 Centre Oak Way. The consent agenda was approved with one dissenting vote (Commissioner Nishwitz voted no). Regular Agenda A. Case 15-525: Starbucks – Pinnacle Financial Partners – Ground Sign Relocation - Request: Approval to relocate an existing ground sign at 1264 S. Germantown Rd. (southeast corner of South Germantown Rd. and Wolf Trail Cove) that was removed due to road widening. The applicant sought a waiver of the standard 30-foot setback requirement, proposing a 12-foot setback from Germantown Rd. and a 19-foot setback from Wolf Trail Cove. - Staff Presentation: Staff explained that the original sign (approved in 2015) was removed because the widening project took right-of-way, slope easements, and construction easements. The proposed new location places the sign within a private waterline easement (owner-owned), not in public utility easements. The city engineer reviewed the site and deemed this location the best available. - Applicant Statement: Harold Jackson (Visual Dynamics) confirmed the client desires to restore signage; the bank president and Starbucks management are supportive. - Commission Discussion: - Supporters noted that the road widening created the problem, that the sign would have remained compliant if the road hadn’t changed, and that placing it in a private easement means the owner assumes risk. - Opposing view (Commissioner Schweikoffer) cited safety risks: obstructed sight lines at a busy intersection (near Chick-fil-A), potential hazards for pedestrians, and that property owners received compensation for the taking. He noted Chick-fil-A’s sign is approximately 16 feet from the curb, but that sign was not removed and is grandfathered. - Vote: Motion to approve passed 6–1 (Commissioner Schweikoffer voted no). B. Case 25-017: Municipal Code Amendments (Annual Update) - Presentation: Director Ross (with assistance from Assistant Director Pounder) presented text amendments to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 4 and Chapter 6, Article VI, Section 6-102. Key provisions included: - Clarifying DRC site plan authority in the zoning code (new §23-93). - Allowing the Director of Economic and Community Development to approve minor modifications (≤10% changes in building size/pavement) to DRC-approved site plans, in consultation with the DRC chair. - Allowing administrative approval of a de minimis 10% increase in fence height. - Exempting decorative materials (caps, posts, finials, rounded gate capping rails ≤6 inches) from fence height calculations. - Permitting the DRC to approve fences over 6 feet in height for projects under its review (e.g., cell tower enclosures) regardless of zoning district, eliminating a separate BZA step. - Requiring fencing between the street and front facade (behind the required front setback) to be see-through and set back at least 50 feet. - Clarifying fence height measurement on retaining walls and requiring prior written approval for fences in drainage easements. - Discussion: Commissioners asked about definitions of minor modifications and decorative materials. Staff explained that minor modifications are judgment calls (e.g., changing landscape materials) and are reviewed with the DRC chair. Lattice is not considered a decorative material; the 6-inch limit on decorative additions addresses height concerns. Existing fences in easements are reviewed at permit issuance if 50% replacement. - Vote: Motion to approve the amendments as presented passed unanimously (7–0). Other Business - Commission Liaison Reports – Not discussed during the meeting. - Farewell to City Attorney McLean: Mr. McLean announced his departure in mid-November after serving since March 1992. Commissioners expressed gratitude for his long service and noted the low litigation record attributable to his guidance. They expressed hope he would attend one more meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous): Minutes from September 23, 2025. - Approved (6–1): Consent agenda items 25-016, 25-018, 25-019 (Commissioner Nishwitz dissented). - Approved (6–1): Starbucks/Pinnacle Financial Partners sign relocation with setback waiver (Commissioner Schweikoffer dissented). - Approved (unanimous): Municipal code amendments (annual update) as presented. - Next Steps: The code amendments will be forwarded to the Planning Commission (December meeting) and then to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final adoption.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Vice Mayor Marion Gibson was absent. The meeting included special recognitions, approval of the consent agenda, and action on three ordinances. Public hearings were held for two ordinances, with no public comment. The board also recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Consent Calendar - Change Order No. 1 – PIN 130005.00: Resurfacing of Wolf River Boulevard and Neshoba Road, approximately $16,000. - Contract – Department of Disability and Aging Senior Center Grant: $50,000 grant to the city. - Contract Extension No. 3 – Street Striping and Pavement Markings: Not to exceed $100,000. - Donation – Germantown Education Foundation – Friend of the Foundation – 1st Quarter: Approximately $3,000. - Donations – Germantown Community Library: Approximately $15,000 from Friends of the Library and Kiwanis Club (including 3D printer and Ozobot robot in memory of Sam Speed). - Donations – Parks and Recreation: Approximately $4,500 from Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital and Suburban Garden Club (seven trees donated in memory of members). - Grant – Leadership Germantown: $14,000. - Memorandum of Understanding – Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce: $50,000 grant. - Purchase – Asphalt Pavement Rejuvenation: Not to exceed $140,000. - Supplemental Amendment No. 2 – Cameron Brown Park and Bob Hailey Athletic Complex: Approximately $104,000. All consent items were approved unanimously. Special Recognitions - Beautification Commission Business Award – September 2025: Soul Fish Cafe (accepted by Commissioner David Mars; restaurant not present). - Beautification Commission Business Award – October 2025: Congregation Retail Center (presented to Jason Speed by Commissioner Tom Parsinger). - Germantown Education Commission Teacher of the Month – October 2025: McKenna Turnbow, elementary Spanish teacher at Evangelical Christian School. - Germantown Education Commission Youth Excellence Award – October 2025: Genevieve Remsen, senior at Briarcrest Christian School. - Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Read by Alderman Salvaggio; noted 60,606 incidents reported in Tennessee in 2024, 4,100 in Shelby County, with 82 intimate partner homicides statewide. Public Comments & Testimony No citizens spoke during the Citizens to be Heard segment or during the public hearings for Ordinance 2025-7 and Ordinance 2025-8. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-7 – Amendment to Chapter 2, Article V, Division 16, Section 2 – Germantown Education Commission (Second Reading): Updated the purpose statement to broaden focus to include all education sources and align with Germantown Forward 2035. The Education Commission unanimously approved the changes. The board approved the ordinance on second reading; it moves to third reading. - Ordinance 2025-8 – Amendment to Chapter 2, Division 9, Section 2-202 – Stormwater Advisory Commission Membership (Second Reading): Restructured the commission by replacing the Director of Engineering with a citizen appointee as chair, making the alderman liaison non-voting, and adding a non-voting liaison from the Technology Commission. Changes take effect with 2026 appointments. The board approved the ordinance on second reading; third reading set for November 10, 2025. - Ordinance 2025-9 – Amendment to Chapter 19, Article III, Section 19-121 – Construction Permit Fee (First Reading): Eliminated the 1% of estimated construction cost fee for telecommunications, instead authorizing fees by resolution (consistent with adopted Resolution 23R-01). This improves transparency and consistency. The board approved the ordinance on first reading and set a public hearing for November 24, 2025. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 22, 2025. - Approved consent agenda 8A–8J unanimously. - Approved Ordinance 2025-7 on second reading, moving to third reading. - Approved Ordinance 2025-8 on second reading, moving to third reading on November 10, 2025. - Approved Ordinance 2025-9 on first reading, with public hearing set for November 24, 2025. - Announced board and commission applications due November 30, 2025, via the city website.

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting followed a 5:30 p.m. executive session. Commissioners approved consent items, received liaison reports, and discussed upcoming community events. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - Case 15-547 – Village Shops of Forest Hill (Revised Sign Policy): This consent item was approved without discussion. - Case 24-025 – Germantown Presbyterian Church (Ground Sign – Building Identification): This consent item was approved without discussion. - Note: A third regular agenda item (Case 25-016 – Covenant Presbyterian Church of Germantown) was held and not discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Liaison Reports & Commission Updates - Historic Commission (Commissioner White): Announced a “Discovery of Germantown’s Past History” tour on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00–3:00 p.m., featuring four historic sites: Fort Germantown, the Historic Train Depot, the Germantown Regional History and Genealogical Center, and the Germantown Historic Church. Local historians will be on site. - Parks and Recreation Commission (Commissioner Carney): Reported that a discussion on e-bike dangers (led by Mr. Woodruff) was postponed; the committee will reassemble to develop codes. Facility fees for Harvest Moon Pavilion, Pickering Center, and Park Pavilions were approved as part of a multi-page operating policy, with no difference between resident and non-resident fees. The city will add 43 new Christmas decorations this year, and MLG W has agreed to provide necessary electrical infrastructure. - Public Art Commission (Commissioner Schmidt): Noted that a traveling mural formally unveiled at the Germantown Festival received very positive response, with approximately 1,000 pictures taken in front of it. The mural is temporarily installed on the front of the Genial building (under reconstruction) facing Poplar Pike; it will be moved to the upcoming Neighborhood Summit at the end of September. Creative crosswalks have degraded faster than expected; the vinyl sheet company is using a new chemical composition aimed at longer durability, and removal/reinstallation is scheduled as asphalt is replaced. A Public Art Fundraising Task Force was formed to explore fundraising ideas. - Board of Mayor and Aldermen (Alderman Hicks): Highlighted that the historic commission will decorate the train depot for October for free family photos. The Germantown Community Library added a digital New York Times subscription (free with library card). The BMA approved a rezoning on Johnson Road (17 lots instead of 9 under previous zoning) and approved the purchase of 20 new vehicles for about $1 million, mostly for public safety and animal services. The Grove will host fall concerts on Thursdays. - Chairman Bruns: Reported no updates from the Sketch Plan Committee or Tree Board. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items (5A and 5B) were approved unanimously by roll call vote. - No other motions or votes were taken. - The meeting adjourned following liaison reports.