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SHOWING 61–70 ENTRIES
61
SEP 9, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals met on September 9, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was a variance request (Case 25-015) to allow an additional driveway at 8904 Poplar Pike. The meeting began with the swearing-in of staff and board members, roll call establishing a quorum, and unanimous approval of the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Dick Like (property owner, West Land Partners, LLC) : He and his wife moved to the 2.1-acre corner lot (Poplar Pike and Ashmont Drive) from their previous 12.5-acre property. The property has two houses (approx. 750 sq ft and 1,700 sq ft) built in the 1920s-1930s, each with a two-car garage, currently sharing one driveway off Poplar Pike. Like stated that exiting onto Poplar Pike is dangerous due to traffic cresting a hill, reduced lane width, and vehicles coming from Aintree through C.D. Smith Road directly across from the current driveway. He requested a variance for a second driveway on Ashmont Drive to provide safer ingress and egress. He emphasized they do not intend to increase parking or remove the existing historic entrance. - Robert Warman (president of West Land Partners) : Clarified that keeping both driveways allows fire trucks to pull through the property. He noted substantial existing asphalt for parking and that the new driveway would connect to existing pavement. They have already cleared some vegetation near the proposed Ashmont access point. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation (by Ms. Tillman): Reviewed the property details (RE-1 zoning, 2.1 acres, corner lot), the existing driveway with two masonry columns, and the applicant's safety justification. The variance criteria were explained: the applicant must demonstrate exceptional narrowness, shape, topography, or other extraordinary conditions causing undue hardship (financial hardship alone insufficient). - Board Questions & Deliberation: - Members asked about the property's history (owned for 20 years, previously rented to daughters), whether the second driveway intended to increase parking (no), and whether the applicant considered closing the Poplar Pike entrance (Like wished to preserve the historic columns but acknowledged the idea). - Several members had visited the site and noted the dangerous intersection with C.D. Smith Road and the curve on Poplar Pike. They agreed the location created a peculiar, exceptional practical difficulty due to heavy traffic and sight-line issues. - Concerns were raised about vegetation near the Ashmont driveway; Warman confirmed trees had been removed and more clearing planned. Key Outcomes - Approval of Variance (unanimous): The board voted 6-0 to approve the variance for a second 12-foot-wide driveway off Ashmon Drive within the front yard setback, subject to proper clearing for safe visibility. Members cited extraordinary and exceptional circumstances due to traffic, road geometry, and safety concerns, resulting in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties. The approved location and conditions are as depicted in the application and discussion. - The board noted that October and November meetings are canceled (fall break and Veterans Day), but special meetings may be called if needed.

ZONING 65% · TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 22% · PROCEDURAL 10% · HISTORIC PRESERVATION 3%
62
SEP 8, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen Regular Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Monday, September 8, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Germantown Municipal Building, 1930 S. Germantown Road. After opening remarks, staff recognitions for the 52nd annual Germantown Festival, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance, the board set the agenda, approved minutes, heard one citizen, convened as the Beer Board for a temporary beer permit hearing, approved a three-item consent agenda, and took final action on one rezoning ordinance. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved by roll-call vote without separate discussion: Change Order No. 2 for Miller Farms Ditch Improvements ($30,870); Change Order No. 2 for Riverdale Park Reinvestment Phase II ($21,208); and the purchase of GAC and GPAC mechanical equipment replacements ($64,607). The three approved items total $116,685. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Anderson, 7379 Belleville Drive, a 40-plus-year Germantown resident and commercial real estate professional, expressed concern about what she described as a growing tenant/landlord problem in her neighborhood. She described recent incidents, including a SWAT/police standoff of two to three hours near her home, a separate police response involving drugs and a stolen car at a neighboring rental, and an incident in which dogs charged at her; the tenant said he paid extra rent to have a pet. She cited Germantown nuisance ordinance Sections 11.3 and 11.4, noted the property owner can be liable for nuisances regardless of who caused them, and mentioned Seattle's chronic nuisance ordinance as a possible model. - The Mayor responded that the city is aware of large equity firms buying rental properties, noted that Vice Mayor Gibson and Alderman Hicks have taken a state-level leadership role, and said the rental registry bill he and Vice Mayor Gibson worked on through the Tennessee Municipal League did not advance because of opposition from the real estate profession but may be brought back. He also said Germantown has strong nuisance ordinances, strengthened after residential properties were used for ticketed parties, and offered to meet with Anderson for further input. Beer Board Public Hearing – Temporary Beer Permit - The Beer Board held a public hearing on a temporary beer permit application from Kappa Alpha Order UT Martin Alumni Chapter for on-premise beer sales at its 50th anniversary convivium on September 20, 2025, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Great Hall and Conference Center. Clerk Betty confirmed the application, proof of not-for-profit status, and public hearing notice were in the packet. No public speakers came forward for or against the request. - Applicant Clint Cummins, 2562 Meadow Run, Germantown, said roughly three-fourths of attendees would be alumni and about 25 percent would be undergraduate students. Alderman Sanders supported the application, noting the state had issued a special occasion permit and that three state-licensed servers were identified; he asked for vigilance in serving. Vice Mayor Gibson and Alderman Hicks welcomed the event. The board approved the permit unanimously. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-6, third and final reading: rezoning 2385 Johnson Road from RE Residential Estate to RE-1 Residential Estate. Economic and Community Development Director Cameron Ross presented the request for the property, a single-family home developed in 1973 on just over 26 acres with a large pond, located south of Dogwood Road and north of Gwenhallow Cove, across from Spring Hollow. The change would apply to the entire frontage, reduce the lot minimum from two acres to one acre, and align with zoning north and south of the site. The concept plan shows roughly 17 lots and preserves the pond; the applicant plans to file with the Planning Commission after approval. - Ross stated the application meets the Forward 2035 land use and transportation objective related to positive trends in assessed value of residential areas. Alderman Salvaggio praised the applicants for working with staff, the Planning Commission, and neighbors, and noted preserving the lake is important to the property's history. Vice Mayor Gibson echoed praise for the applicant's proactive work with neighbors on traffic and lake concerns. Alderman Sanders cited adjacent one-acre zoning on three sides; Alderman Hicks cited significant population changes in the area; and Alderman Ulicky cited adjacent zoning. The motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Gibson, carried unanimously on third reading. Key Outcomes - Agenda for September 8, 2025, approved unanimously; minutes of the August 25, 2025 regular meeting approved unanimously. - Temporary beer permit approved for Kappa Alpha Order UT Martin Alumni Chapter. - Consent agenda items approved, totaling $116,685. - Ordinance 2025-6 approved on third and final reading, rezoning 2385 Johnson Road from RE to RE-1; next step is an application to the Planning Commission. - The meeting adjourned after completing the regular agenda.

PROCEDURAL 29% · CANNABIS REGULATION 19% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 16% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 15%
64
AUG 26, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Design Review Commission Meeting - August 26, 2025

The Design Review Commission of Germantown, Tennessee met on August 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of minutes, a consent agenda with three items, and a single regular agenda item for a new UT Martin classroom building at Wildwood Farm. All items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes from July 22, 2025: Approved unanimously. - (15-524) TraVure PD, Phase 4 (Revised Final Plan for office/retail building): Approved as part of consent agenda. - (24-007) Rio Lobo Cantina – Sign Package (1 wall sign, 1 ground sign): Approved as part of consent agenda. - (24-007) Rio Lobo Cantina – Building Modification (Paint): Approved as part of consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for the regular agenda item. Discussion Items - (21-024) Wildwood Farm (UT Martin Education Building) – Request for approval of a Preliminary and Final Site Plan for a new 7,700-square-foot classroom building for the University of Tennessee Martin Equine Education Program. The building will be located on the approximately 350-acre Wildwood Farm, zoned R-1 single-family residential, at 2737 S. Germantown Rd. A use-on-appeal had been granted in 2021, and the Planning Commission had previously approved the site plan on August 5, 2025. The building will accommodate about 30 day students and faculty, with no overnight stays. The design incorporates materials (white brick, simulated wood doors, metal roof) that complement existing farm structures without imitation. The entrance drive and parking layout emphasize the arrival experience and site context. Lighting levels (1.4 foot-candles) exceed the manual’s recommendation for R-1 zones, but staff noted the nearest residences are over 1,000 feet away. No existing buildings will be demolished. The applicant, architect Scott Van Ryot of LRK, presented the design. Commissioners praised the project for its sensitivity to the site and spatial experience. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Wildwood Farm site plan (as presented and discussed) by Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. The vote was unanimous (8-0) in favor: Ms. Meanwell (yes), Mr. White (yes), Mr. Schmidt (yes), Mr. Nischwitz (yes), Mr. Schweikoff (yes), Ms. Kimbrough (yes), Alderman Hicks (yes), Chairman Bruns (yes). Approval of the site plan allows the applicant to proceed to the city’s engineering department for construction plan review.

EDUCATION 75% · PROCEDURAL 25%
65
AUG 25, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting - August 25, 2025

Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gibson chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Palazzolo. All five aldermen were present. The meeting began at 6:00 P.M. and included a special recognition, three beer permit public hearings, approval of the consent agenda, and a rezoning ordinance on second reading. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Contract for Houston Levee Park Access Bridge Replacement; Contract for Tennessee Arts Commission Creative Placemaking Grant Award; Donations for Parks and Recreation; Memorandum of Understanding between Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) and Germantown Police Department for FY26; PEG Disbursement to GMSD for 4th Quarter; Purchase of Generator for Fire Station 2 (Dogwood); Purchase of Lake Fountain Controllers; Purchase of Picnic Tables and Benches; Purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Cylinders; Resolution 25R08 – Banking and Signature Cards. Public Comments & Testimony - Rezoning Public Hearing (Ordinance 2025-6): Eric Delgado (2550 Guilford Cove) spoke against the rezoning from RE (two-acre lots) to RE-1 (one-acre lots), citing concerns about increased traffic (estimating at least 30 additional vehicles from new homes plus service vehicles), existing water pressure fluctuations (he had to install a pressure regulating valve), electrical brownouts, and the need for sidewalk and bike lane improvements along Johnson Road. He requested consideration of retaining two-acre lots or requiring off-site improvements similar to Forest Hill Irene. Beer Board (Public Hearings & Actions) The Board recessed as the BMA and convened as the Germantown Beer Board for three hearings. All permits were approved unanimously after public hearings with no opposition. - Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC (2110 West Street): Manager James Bergen (a Germantown reserve police officer) passed background checks. Approved 5-0. - First Watch Restaurants, Inc. (7810 Poplar Avenue): Manager Michael Coshin addressed two minor background contact indications (a spam-related police call and a possible name mix-up). He stated 20 years of experience and training practices including carding all customers. Opening September 22, 2025. Approved 5-0. - Josephine Estelle, LLC (6685 Poplar Avenue at The Standard): Attorney Jack Hefflin and managers Michael Hudman and Andy Tyson presented. Background check indications for seven owners attributed to TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fingerprinting; no disqualifying convictions within 10 years. Approved 5-0. Discussion Items - Special Recognition: - Beautification Commission Business Award – August 2025: Presented to Grant Homes (9075 Forest Center Way) for outstanding landscaping. Accepted by Commission member Tammy Davis. - Proclamation – Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Vice Mayor Gibson proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The proclamation noted that approximately 12,000 lives are lost to suicide in Tennessee each year, with 25 attempted suicides per suicide death; suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Tennessee, the 3rd for ages 10-24, the 4th for ages 35-44, and the 8th for ages 45-54. Alexis Kelly from the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) accepted and thanked the board. - Ordinance 2025-6 – Rezoning of 2385 Johnson Road (RE to RE-1): Second reading and public hearing. Director Ross presented: 26-acre parcel with existing home and pond; proposed 17 one-acre lots (net increase of 9 homes over current RE zoning which allows about 8 lots); traffic study showed minimal impact; planning commission recommended approval July 1, 2025; first reading was July 28, 2025. Aldermen noted consistency with adjacent RE-1 zoning, preservation of the lake, and that the developer will make right-of-way improvements along Johnson Road. Alderperson Salvaggio emphasized the local developer team and pond preservation. Alderman Hicks noted the net increase of 9 houses and that the rezoning makes the property consistent with surroundings. Alderman Sanders pointed out that lot widths on the north end match those across the street. The public speaker's concerns about infrastructure were noted but not seen as disqualifying. Key Outcomes - Beer Permits Approved: All three on-premise beer permits (Chipotle, First Watch, Josephine Estelle) were approved unanimously (5-0) after public hearings with no opposition. - Consent Agenda Approved: All 10 consent items were approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-6 Approved on Second Reading: The rezoning of 2385 Johnson Road from RE to RE-1 was approved unanimously. Each alderman cited the changes in the surrounding neighborhood (e.g., existing RE-1 zoning adjacent, development trends) as justification. A third and final reading will occur at a future meeting. - Meeting Adjourned: After completing all agenda items, the meeting was adjourned.

PROCEDURAL 28% · CANNABIS REGULATION 25% · ZONING 24% · PUBLIC SAFETY 8%
66
AUG 12, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - August 12, 2025

The Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered one variance request for a fence height exceeding the six-foot limit in an R Low-Density Single-Family Residential district. The meeting included roll call, approval of minutes, public hearing, deliberation, and a unanimous vote to grant the variance. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Note: The agenda listed the minutes as from July 8, 2025, but the chair referred to them as “minutes from our May meeting.” The discrepancy was not addressed during the meeting. The motion passed 5–0–1 (Chairman Ulhorn abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant’s Representation: Attorney Mark Job (6,000 Poplar Ave, Suite 400, Memphis) represented property owners Jerry and Libby Hubbard. He stated that the fence was built in good faith after the applicant hired Big Dog Fence Company, which pulled a permit for a 6-foot fence but installed sections at 7 ft 8 in. The applicant only learned of the violation when a code inspector visited. Job noted that the HOA and all neighbors except one (who was out of town) supported the variance. He emphasized that only 6.84% of the total fence (26 ft out of 380 ft) exceeded the height limit. - Property Owner Testimony: Jerry Hubbard (7910 Birnam Wood Cove) explained that the fence extension was moved forward approximately 20 feet to address chronic drainage and erosion issues that caused the old gate to rot and require frequent repairs. He stated that he was recovering from major spine surgery during construction and was unaware of the height issue. He acknowledged that the fence company applied for a 6-foot permit but built the higher section without notifying him. - Neighbor Testimony: Jerry Sisson (7919 Birnam Wood Cove) expressed strong support for the variance. He stated that the new fence is an improvement over the old one, provides better privacy, and that the height variation is not noticeable due to the sloping topography. He described the drop from his driveway to the fence as about 1.5 feet and noted that the fence appears uniform from his perspective. - No Opposition: No one spoke against the variance. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Planning staff presented the request, showing aerial photos, zoning maps, and survey details. The property is pie-shaped with a slope leading to Birnam Wood Cove. Staff noted that the old fence had similar height variations due to topography and that the new fence follows the ground. The requested variance covers a 10-foot fence section and a 16-foot gate section, both up to 7 ft 8 in. The remaining perimeter fence is compliant. Staff recommended that if approved, the applicant apply to code compliance for a revised permit. - Board Questions and Deliberation: Board members asked whether the old fence was compliant (it was mostly 6 ft but had higher sections) and about the percentage of non-conforming fencing. They discussed the role of the fence company and the applicant’s responsibility. Several members noted that the height increase was gradual and aesthetically pleasing, and that the topography justified the variance. One member expressed concern that the fence company should be notified to avoid future violations, but others acknowledged the unique site conditions. Key Outcomes - Variance Approved (Unanimous): The board voted 6–0 to approve Case 25-014, allowing a portion of fence and gate to be up to 7 ft 8 in. high at 7910 Birnam Wood Cove. The motion was made and seconded, and each member cited exceptional topographical conditions as the reason for approval. The applicant agrees to submit a revised fence permit application to code compliance. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after no old or new business.

ZONING 78% · PROCEDURAL 16% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 6%
67
AUG 11, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting - August 11, 2025

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a regular meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing for a beer permit as the Beer Board, approval of the consent agenda, and announcements from the Mayor. Beer Board Public Hearing - A public hearing was held for a beer permit application (on-premise consumption) submitted by Wolf River Hospitality Group for Rio Lobo Cantina, located at 3165 Forest Hill Road (C1 zoning district). Clerk Betty confirmed that background checks were clear and the zoning permit is allowed. - Alderman Tony Salvaggio recused himself due to a contractual agreement with the applicant and stepped down from the vote. - Todd Peterson (5507 Wakefield Cove, Bartlett), Director of Operations for Wolf River Hospitality Group, confirmed that staff will undergo ABC training and use an ID-checking app to prevent serving minors. He also noted that the restaurant is applying for a state liquor permit and will require a certificate of occupancy. - The public hearing had no speakers for or against. The motion to approve was made by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Alderman Ulicky. The vote was 3-0 in favor (Aldermen Ulicky, Sanders, Hicks). Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included six items, all approved unanimously (4-0): - a. Agreement – Tyler Executime Annual Software as a Service (approximately $40,000) - b. Authorization Competitive Sealed Proposal – Well and Pump Maintenance Services - c. Contract Extension – Parks Wayfinding Sign Program - d. Emergency Purchase – Additional Panel Failure in Lateral F (approximately $70,000) - e. Lease Agreement – Germantown Charity Horse Show - f. Purchase – Bulk Crushed Aggregates (approximately $50,000) Key Outcomes - Beer permit approved: Wolf River Hospitality Group received approval to sell beer for on-premise consumption at Rio Lobo Cantina, subject to state licensing and certificate of occupancy. - Consent agenda adopted: All routine items (software, maintenance, sign program, emergency repair, horse show lease, aggregates) were approved without separate discussion. - Announcements: Mayor congratulated the Germantown Charity Horse Show on 72 years and the new lease. He also addressed community concerns about use of athletic fields at the Germantown Municipal School District, noting a joint board retreat on July 16, 2025, and that Administrator Heisman will report back at the August 27, 2025 meeting. The Mayor confirmed the city will not impede field use for track, cross-country, or practice facilities.

PROCEDURAL 65% · CANNABIS REGULATION 21% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 9% · EDUCATION 5%
68
AUG 5, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Germantown Planning Commission Meeting – August 5, 2025

The Germantown Planning Commission met on August 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a request for approval of a Preliminary and Final Site Plan for the Wildwood Farm (UT Martin Education Building) at 2737 S. Germantown Road. Commissioners unanimously approved the application subject to staff and technical review committee conditions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 1, 2025): Approved unanimously by roll call vote (7 yes votes). Public Comments & Testimony - Three citizens (Rick Shields, Cindy Wright, Jay Lamey and Julie Cochran) submitted cards to speak during the public hearing portion. When called, none chose to address the commission. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Wildwood Farm (UT Martin Education Building) – Case 21-024: The project proposes a 7,700 sq. ft. education building with 44 parking spaces to house an equine sciences program for up to 30 students and one faculty member. The site is a 350-acre horse farm zoned R Residential; a use-on-appeal had been granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2021. Staff, the applicant’s attorney (Marty Regan, representing the Melanie S. Taylor Marital Trust), and engineers (LRK, Davis) presented details. - Conservation Easement: The property is to be placed under a perpetual conservation easement administered by the Land Trust of Tennessee after Melanie Taylor’s lifetime, with ultimate transfer to UT Martin via the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. Commissioners questioned the long-term restrictiveness; Regan confirmed the trust documents and lease with UT Martin are designed to prevent future development beyond the approved building. - Traffic and Infrastructure: A left-turn lane on Germantown Road will be added (100 ft. stack, 115 ft. taper). Fire marshal Clint Storms noted a secondary waterline loop will be reviewed during construction plan review. - Future Expansion: The use-on-appeal and the easement restrict any additional buildings without returning to the BZA and the Planning Commission. Applicants stated the project scope is fixed with UT Martin’s approved budget and no master plan for further residential or commercial use. - Commissioner Questions: Members asked about the conservation easement’s enforceability, the possibility of future development, waterline improvements, and the long-term vision. Regan and Davis reaffirmed the restrictive documents and the applicant’s intent to preserve the property as a horse farm. Key Outcomes - Motion: Vice Chair Bacon moved to approve the Preliminary and Final Site Plan for Wildwood Farm (UT Martin Education Building) subject to conditions, general requirements, and TAC comments. - Second: Provided by Commissioner Sloan. - Vote (Roll Call): All seven commissioners present voted YES. (Bacon, Levy, Sloan, Jacobs, Alderman Salvaggio, Chairman McCreery, Mayor Palazzolo). - Result: The site plan is approved and will proceed to the Design Review Commission for detailed building material and landscaping review. - Next Steps for Public: The applicant aims to begin construction within two years, pending fundraising and state approval. - Liaison Reports: Chairman McCreery announced a Sketch Plan meeting on August 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. for an upcoming project.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION 29% · MISCELLANEOUS 18% · PROCEDURAL 18% · ZONING 15%
69
JUL 28, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Germantown BMA Meeting: July 28, 2025 – Rezoning, Beer Permit, Beautification Award, and Public Comments

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Germantown, Tennessee, met on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. All five aldermen were present. The meeting included a public hearing for a beer permit, approval of a consent agenda, recognition of the July Beautification Business Award, a first reading of a rezoning ordinance, and public comments from two residents. The meeting also recessed as the Beer Board to consider one application. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5–0): - Agreement for lobbying services with Phelps Dunbar (approximately $58,000). - Donation to Germantown Education Foundation – Friend of the Foundation – 4th Quarter (approximately $3,100). - Purchase of public safety uniforms (not to exceed $60,000). - Resolution 25R04 – Public Entity Partners Grant Program participation. Public Comments & Testimony - John Johnson (2196 Cornwall) introduced Ian Wright, a visitor from the United Kingdom. Johnson stated that Wright admires Germantown for feeling safe, the presence of police, and clean streets. - Ian Wright (speaking as a grandfather and former high school principal with 16 years’ experience and a school improvement partner role in the UK) expressed high praise for Riverdale School, where his grandson Finn (who has developmental delay and ADHD) receives an “outstanding” education. Wright described the school’s calm environment, respectful students, and the personalized support Finn received from his teacher, Mrs. Evans. He noted that during a sports day, Finn’s name was the only one heard being cheered, reflecting the school’s inclusive culture. Wright lauded the quality of education in Germantown and contrasted it with the $61,000 annual tuition for a private school in the UK. No other public comments were made. Discussion Items - Beer Board Public Hearing – Fast Gas (9423 Poplar Avenue) - The board recessed as the Beer Board. Clerk Betty presented the application by Nazar Alibhai (doing business as Fast Gas) for an off-premise beer permit. Zoning (SC1) permits such use. Background checks found no disqualifying issues. - Kirby Bogan (district manager designate) testified: She has managed the store for 15 years; the store will change ownership on July 31, 2025. She described a comprehensive responsible vendor program: weekly underage compliance checks (“BARS” program), mandatory computer-based training every 60 days, and a new-hire orientation pamphlet she created. One prior contact with law enforcement (a 2003 charge dropped in Mississippi, non-alcohol related) was disclosed. The board praised Bogan’s thorough explanation. - Motion to approve was made by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Alderman Hicks. Unanimously approved (5–0). - Ordinance 2025-6 – Rezoning of 2385 Johnson Road (RE to RE-1) - Director Ross presented: The 26-acre property (developed in 1973 as single-family home with a pond) is proposed to be rezoned from RE (minimum 2-acre lots) to RE-1 (smaller minimum lots). Adjacent properties to north and south are already RE-1. A concept plan shows 17 lots retaining the existing lake. The rezoning supports Germantown Forward 2035 land use goals. The planning commission approved recommendation on July 1, 2025. A neighborhood meeting was held. - Alderman Salvaggio noted the developer worked well with staff and planning commission, and that the lake will remain. - Alderman Hicks expressed support based on zoning consistency along Johnson Road and the value of retaining the lake and detention features. - Alderman Ulicky emphasized the importance of including stormwater detention in future site plans, noting the community’s need for above-minimum detention. - The motion to approve first reading and set the public hearing and second reading for August 25, 2025, passed unanimously (5–0), with Vice Mayor Gibson citing consistency with developments to the north and south, and Alderman Ulicky citing alignment with bordering zoning. Key Outcomes - Beer permit approved for Fast Gas (9423 Poplar Avenue) – off-premise sales, effective upon transfer of ownership (July 31, 2025). - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-6 approved on first reading; second reading and public hearing scheduled for August 25, 2025. - Beautification Business Award presented to Southern Social restaurant for the month of July 2025. - Minutes of July 14, 2025 meeting approved. - The meeting concluded at approximately 7:20 PM (duration about 1 hour 20 minutes).

PROCEDURAL 34% · EDUCATION 19% · CANNABIS REGULATION 15% · ZONING 14%
70
JUL 22, 2025 · GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE · BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN & CITY BOARDS
Germantown Design Review Commission Meeting - July 22, 2025

The Design Review Commission of Germantown, Tennessee, met on July 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered a consent agenda with two routine approvals, a public hearing and vote on a new bank building site plan, and liaison reports from city commissions. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Bronze, with all commissioners present. Consent Calendar - (25-005) First Watch – Approval of a sign package (2 wall signs) at 7820 Poplar Ave. (Germantown Collection). Approved unanimously. - (15-560) Harvest Church – Approval of a revised final site plan for church expansion at 3645 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Approved unanimously. (Commissioner Nishwitz recused himself on this item.) - (25-004) West Tennessee Bank – This item was originally on the consent agenda but was removed at the request of a citizen (Mr. Sklar) and considered separately as a regular agenda item (6A). See Discussion Items below. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Sklar (representing the pharmacy, plastic surgeon, and dentist on Cordova Cove) spoke in opposition to the West Tennessee Bank landscape plan. He requested additional screening – specifically, a row of Burford Holly and larger trees (crepe myrtles or willow oaks) – to hide employee parking from view, citing that all other buildings in the professional center have such screening. He argued the proposed perennials and junipers would not adequately shield car grills and radiators, and that the cost would be minimal. Discussion Items - West Tennessee Bank (25-004) – Proposed new bank building at 7707 Wolf River Circle (Wolf River Professional Center). The applicant (Mike Edwards, representing the bank) presented a 4,400-square-foot building on a one-acre site, with landscaping, lighting, and materials meeting city design guidelines. The site plan had been reviewed by the Wolf River Circle HOA, which approved it. Commission members discussed the adequacy of the landscape screening: staff noted that the gray owl juniper planted would reach 36 inches at maturity within 3–4 years, sufficient to cover most vehicle fronts. Concerns were raised about planting trees in the public easement, and the commission noted that the proposed plantings already comply with the Design Review Manual. The HOA of the adjacent Cordova Cove (represented by Mr. Sklar) was not part of the approval process. Chairman Bronze and Alderman Hicks acknowledged Mr. Sklar’s concerns but stated the proposed plan met standards and was consistent with the development. Key Outcomes - West Tennessee Bank – Motion to Approve: The commission voted unanimously (8–0) to approve the preliminary and final site plan as submitted, subject to staff comments and the documents on file. Commissioner White emphasized that the HOA had approved the plan, the plants meet city guidelines, and the maturity timeline is acceptable. Alderman Hicks added that planting at full height decreases survival rates. The motion passed with all commissioners voting yes. Commission Liaison Reports - Historic Commission (reported by Mr. White): Upcoming events: a parade of historic locations on September 26, 2025 (1–3 p.m.) featuring open houses at the train depot, John Gray House, chapel, Baptist Chapel, and Fort Germantown; and a Train Heritage Day on August 16, 2025 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), aligned with Carville’s Heritage Day. - Alderman Hicks reported on the Germantown Community Library (now offering the New York Times, Friends of the Library bookstore) and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen: the budget was approved, and discussions are underway with the Board of Education to fund high school renovations through traditional and creative methods (public-private partnerships, corporate funding, etc.). Adjournment The meeting adjourned after no further business.

ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 35% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 24% · PROCEDURAL 23% · TREE MANAGEMENT 9%
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