Public Meetings - Germantown, Tennessee

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Germantown, Tennessee, held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting agenda included a proclamation for Park and Recreation Month and a consent agenda with four items. No regular agenda items were discussed. The Mayor presided. Alderman Sanders was absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Donations – Neighborhood Preservation Commission: The board accepted donations from Robins Construction, Reed Realtors, Heritage Builders, Picker Pickle Iron Incorporated, Gurley Azalea Garden, Marissa Rogers, and Shirley Rogers. - PSA – On-Call Traffic Engineering Services: Approved a professional services agreement for on-call traffic engineering services at an estimated cost of $75,000. - Purchase – Vehicle and Equipment: Approved the purchase of vehicles and equipment for $531,000, allocated to Public Works and Parks and Recreation. - Development Contract No. 1261 – 9224 Poplar Pike: Approved the development contract for the property at 9224 Poplar Pike. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public submitted requests to speak; the Citizens to be Heard portion concluded with no comments. Discussion Items - Park and Recreation Month Proclamation: Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gibson read a proclamation recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month. The proclamation emphasized that parks promote health, wellness, time in nature, and physical activity, and highlighted the positive impact on mental health. Vice Mayor Gibson thanked the Parks and Recreation department for maintaining Germantown's 29 parks and greenway. - Mayor's Remarks: The Mayor thanked various departments for the successful July 4th fireworks celebration. He reported that the Germantown Police Department recorded zero crimes on July 4th and July 6th, and only one reported incident on July 5th, in a city of 41,333 residents. Key Outcomes - The agenda was adopted unanimously. - The minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting (with modifications) were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a roll call vote: Vice Mayor Gibson, Aldermen Hicks, Uliki, and Salvaggio voted in favor. Alderman Sanders was absent. - The meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM.

The Board of Zoning Appeals held its regular meeting on July 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered two variance requests involving encroachments into setback areas, both of which were approved unanimously. The meeting included the approval of prior meeting minutes and brief staff presentations. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the May 13, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously by the board members present (Jacobs, McDermott, Town, Vice Mayor Gibson, Vice Chair Meanwell). Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen comments were listed on the agenda but no public remarks were offered; the chair moved directly to the regular agenda items. Discussion Items - Case 25-012: 2749 Scarlet Rd – Variance to encroach into a platted setback for a principal structure and attached garage. Staff explained that the property, zoned RE Residential Estate, lies in Forest Hill Estates, a subdivision platted in 1962 with a 65-foot side yard setback (originally for wells/septic). The city's current zoning setback is 25 feet, which the proposed addition would meet. The applicant, Todd Roatan of CrewPros LLC, stated the homeowners are new to the community and that the encroachment would not extend beyond existing encroachments. A letter of support from a neighbor was included. Board members noted the plat restriction is obsolete and that other properties in the neighborhood adhere to the 25-foot setback. The board voted unanimously to approve, citing “other extraordinary and exceptional situation” (excessive side yard setback no longer needed). - Case 25-013: 9162 Foxridge Rd – Variance to encroach into the required setback area for an attached garage. Staff presented the corner lot at Fox Ridge and Duntreath Meadows, zoned R Low-Density Single-Family Residential, with two 40-foot front yard setbacks. The proposed garage would encroach 5 feet 2 inches into the Duntreath Meadows setback. The applicant, David Kelley Jr., explained that the lot’s angle and curvature of Duntreath Meadows limit the garage depth to 15 feet if fully setback, which cannot accommodate modern vehicles. He noted this is one of the few homes in the neighborhood without a garage and emphasized community involvement. Board members confirmed the encroachment is minimal and tied to the specific site plan. The motion to approve passed unanimously, with reasons including “exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or shape of the property” due to roadway curvature. Key Outcomes - Case 25-012 (2749 Scarlet Rd): Approved 5-0. Motion carried with reasoning based on “other extraordinary and exceptional situation” (outdated plat restriction). The applicant may proceed with a building permit through Shelby County. - Case 25-013 (9162 Foxridge Rd): Approved 5-0. Motion carried with reasoning based on exceptional property shape/road curvature. The variance is limited to the garage addition as shown on the submitted site plan. - Both approvals are subject to the board’s discussion, staff comments, and the specific site plans submitted. - Staff was asked to investigate potential text amendments to simplify future similar cases involving legacy plat restrictions; Director Ross committed to research.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Germantown Planning Commission met in City Hall Council Chambers (1930 S. Germantown Rd.) after a 5:30 p.m. executive session. Chairman Jon McCreery presided; Commissioners David Clark, Bacon, Jim Jacobs, Levy, Robert Sloan, Alderman Tony Salvaggio, and Mayor Mike Palazzolo were present. Commissioner Clark recused himself from the Upland Rezoning item because of his ownership interest. The commission unanimously approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes and, over the course of the evening, considered three regular agenda items: the TraVure PD Phase 4 revised final plan, the Fulmer Farms Phases 1 & 2 tree mitigation deferment, and the Upland rezoning. Chairman McCreery noted that the combined projects represented roughly $150–200 million in finished development value. Public Comments & Testimony - TraVure PD Phase 4: Greg Markham, 6800 Poplar Ave., representing neighboring Eaves Firm Engineers, spoke in support, saying the site had been a dirt mound for years, the proposed development was a higher and better use, and the underground detention would reduce muddy runoff crossing Poplar into their detention pond. No other public comments were submitted. - Fulmer Farms/Wolf River Medical Project: Robert Jurgens, 7295 Oakville Drive, a certified arborist and 43-year owner of Jones Brothers Tree Landscape Company, spoke on behalf of The Vineyards HOA. He expressed concerns about preserving 60–70 foot trees screening the HOA property, said the proposed 25-foot do not disturb zone was inadequate, requested a buffer extending at least to the east perimeter of the existing sewer easement (roughly 45–50 feet), asked that landscape buffers be planted at the top of the slope, and requested that the retention basin be moved 15 feet from a neighboring brick wall. Cindy Reaves, applicant representative, assured the board that the developers had met with The Vineyards HOA multiple times and would continue coordination during clearing and construction. - Upland Rezoning: A resident at 2410 Johnson Road, who said she had lived there 37 years and bought with the understanding that Johnson Road would remain two-acre estate lots, opposed the rezoning of the frontage into smaller lots, cited heavy traffic from schools, a church, soccer fields, and 18-wheelers, deteriorating road conditions, and drainage concerns. John Shikule, 2420 Johnson Road, said he was not opposed to development but asked the commission to maintain the two-acre lot integrity along Johnson Road and to consider traffic and bike lane mitigation. Discussion Items - TraVure PD Phase 4 (Case 15-524): Staff presented a request for approval of a revised final plan for the last phase of the TraVure development, a 2.05-acre T-5 Urban Center site at the southwest corner of TraVure Drive and Poplar Avenue. The proposal is a two-story retail/office building of approximately 34,271 square feet with 86 required parking spaces and 107 proposed spaces, including spaces in a nearby parking garage, plus 12 bicycle spaces. The building would be set back about 93 feet from Poplar, with stormwater detention in the front parking area. The applicant requested several justified design alternatives (JDAs) related to pedestrian circulation, parking location and landscape islands, and building placement and massing, explaining they were based on market conditions and the need for visible, front-door parking to attract retail tenants. Commissioner Jacobs asked why relief from the pedestrian-circulation requirement was needed; staff explained that building entrances face the interior road rather than Poplar. Commissioner Clark asked about the 3.5-foot retaining wall, and applicant Brown Gill stated it would screen parking and headlights. Commissioner Levy asked about the setback and signalization; Gill said the wall and landscaping would mitigate visibility, and the existing traffic signal at TraVure had been tuned and would not need changes for the incremental traffic. No public opponents spoke. Commissioners praised the developer for persevering through a roughly 10-year entitlement process and found the JDAs justified. The motion to approve the revised final plan and JDAs, subject to staff conditions and construction-plan-review comments, passed unanimously. - Fulmer Farms Phases 1 & 2 / Wolf River Medical Project (Case 19-921): Director Ross presented a request by Twin Bridges Investments LLC to defer payment-in-lieu tree mitigation until approval of a final site plan, in connection with a grading and tree removal permit to prepare the 19.36-acre site (Parcel 1 = 13.874 acres, Parcel 2 = 5.486 acres) for future medical office development. The calculated tree mitigation was $63,000 total ($47,000 for Parcel 1, $16,000 for Parcel 2). Staff recommended a letter of credit for $63,000, supported by the city arborist, with the fee held until a final site plan and development contract are approved or for 18 months. Commissioner Jacobs raised concerns about ensuring mitigation is recovered if the project is never built; staff explained that if no final site plan and development contract are approved, the letter of credit would be called, and additional controls exist through the Board of Mayor and Aldermen development contract process. Joe Jarratt, applicant principal, said the site is one of the last large sites in the Germantown Medical Quarter, that there are no medical office blocks over 5,000 square feet available in the corridor, and that specialty medical users justify ground-up construction. Commissioner Sloan proposed an amendment, seconded, requiring that 75% of any forfeited letter-of-credit funds be used for on-site mitigation rather than deposited in the citywide fund; the amendment passed unanimously. After further discussion of the 25-foot do not disturb zone and the HOA's concerns—which staff clarified were not part of this approval and would be addressed in the later site plan and grading process—the amended motion to approve the deferment passed unanimously. - Upland Rezoning (Case 24-024): Staff presented a request to rezone 26.79 acres at 2385 Johnson Road from RE Residential Estate (minimum two-acre lots) to RE-1 Residential Estate (minimum one-acre lots). The property is between Garner Woods and Gwynhollow Cove, both zoned or developed as RE-1, and is across Johnson Road from larger estate lots. A concept plan shows 17 lots meeting the one-acre standard, with large lots along Johnson Road and preservation of the existing pond. Applicant Steve Hooper of ETI Corp said local realtors report higher demand for one-acre than two-acre lots, and the developers wanted to design around the lake. Commissioner David Clark recused himself from the dais but later spoke as a developer, citing market trends, the lake asset, and continuity of RE-1 zoning to the north and south. Some commissioners expressed initial concern about the Johnson Road frontage transitioning from two-acre estate lots to one-acre lots, but ultimately found the RE-1 zoning compatible because the adjacent neighborhoods are RE-1 and the visual character and setbacks would be similar. The motion to approve the rezoning, subject to the staff report and submitted plans, passed unanimously with Commissioner Clark recused. Old Business - Chairman McCreary announced that the next sketch plan meeting on July 17, 2025 will include a review of the RV parking ordinance at the request of Mayor Palazzolo. Mayor Palazzolo said the review would revisit the zoning text amendments previously approved by the Planning Commission and ratified by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Key Outcomes - Approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. - Approved TraVure PD Phase 4 revised final plan and JDAs unanimously (8–0). - Approved Fulmer Farms Phases 1 & 2 tree mitigation deferment with a letter-of-credit condition and an amendment requiring 75% of any forfeited security to be used for on-site tree mitigation; passed unanimously (8–0). - Approved the Upland rezoning from RE to RE-1 unanimously (7–0), with Commissioner David Clark recused due to his ownership interest in the applicant entity. - Set a July 17, 2025 sketch plan meeting to review the RV parking ordinance.

The Germantown Design Review Commission convened on June 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting covered approval of consent agenda items, including a wall sign, a storage shed, and a revised site plan for a school campus expansion, along with liaison reports from various commissions. Key discussions addressed e-bike regulations, parks maintenance, the use of tree mitigation funds, the selection of a mobile mural artist, and the city budget. Consent Calendar - (25-009) Barbara’s Dance Wear: Approval of a wall sign at 2021 S. Germantown Rd., Ste. 1 (applicant Frank Balton Sign Company). - (25-010) Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church: Approval of a building modification (storage shed) at 8151 Poplar Ave. - (15-512) Madonna Learning Center, INC: Approval of a revised final site plan for a school campus expansion at 7007, 7035, and 7045 Poplar Ave. All three items were approved unanimously without discussion. Discussion Items Recognition of Guest - Easton Curry, a scout working on his citizenship badge, was recognized along with his father Chris Curry. Liaison Reports - Historic Commission: No report due to staffing changes; follow-up planned with the new staff member. - Parks and Recreation Commission: - E-bikes: A subcommittee with the Transportation Commission is studying e-bike regulations. Commissioners requested the subcommittee also address commercial scooters, but city staff clarified that commercial scooters are already prohibited by ordinance. - Parks Maintenance: A commissioner noted overgrowth in some parks. Staff will investigate landscaping contracts and report back at the next meeting. - Tree Mitigation: The commission’s earlier tree mitigation fee policy has generated a $160,000 fund. The fund has been used to remove hazardous trees, plant 300 trees, and maintain medians across the city. - Public Art Commission: - Mobile Mural: After 33 initial submissions and 1,900 online votes from residents, artist Sean Coffee was selected to create a mobile mural. The mural will be displayed at events such as the Germantown Festival and Houston High School football games. - Creative Crosswalk: The thermoplastic crosswalk at Farmington and Wolf River is showing wear; staff are investigating whether it is a product or installation issue. A second crosswalk is planned. - Tree Board and Sketch Plan Committee: Both meet the next day; reports deferred to the next commission meeting. - Board of Mayor & Aldermen (BMA): The city budget was approved on third reading with amendments that preserved all parks and recreation funding. Key Outcomes - Minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, authorizing the three development requests. - The mobile mural project advances with artist Sean Coffee; production and installation planning is underway. - City staff will follow up on parks maintenance concerns and the creative crosswalk issue. - The e-bike subcommittee will consider expanding its scope to include commercial scooters, though staff noted those are already prohibited.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Germantown, Tennessee held its regular meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 1930 S. Germantown Road. The meeting opened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring FedEx founder Fred Smith. Key actions included the adoption of the FY26 budget, a property tax rate increase, and approval of a six‑year Capital Improvements Program. All votes were unanimous. Special Recognition - Beautification Commission Business Award (June 2025): Presented to the Wolf River Professional Center, managed by EZR Management, for professional landscaping featuring azaleas. The award was presented by Commissioner Larry Cooley. - LEAD Program Graduation: 27 team members from the Spring 2025 LEAD (Leaders of Excellence and Ambassador Development) class completed the six‑month program. Individual awards were given: the Coin Chaser Award and Team Challenge Award (both to Billy Freeman of the Fire Department, who also received the Leadership Award). - Neighborhood Grant Program Recipients (FY25): Five neighborhoods received grants: Dogwood Grove (decorative signage), Green Leaf Condos (pond restoration), Grove Park (tree removal), Lansdown Place (landscaping), and Village of Wicklow (lighting upgrades). - Retirement of Tony Fischer, IT Director: Fischer was recognized for a 30+‑year career, including 13 years with the city. Key accomplishments include managing the city’s IT response during a cyberattack, launching the Germantown Alerts system (15,859 users as of the meeting), and serving as FEMA Communications Specialist with Tennessee Task Force One. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025‑1 – Year‑End Budget Adjustments (Third & Final Reading): Senior Budget Analyst Takisha Fonden presented six year‑end adjustments, including costs for the Wolf River–Germantown Road intersection project (100% reimbursed by Memphis MPO), public safety overtime, disposal of obsolete inventory, and a transfer to the CIP for cash flow on state‑funded projects. Alderman Ulickey noted that up to $500,000 would be added to the pension fund. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025‑2 – GMSD Year‑End Budget Adjustments (Third & Final Reading): Budget Manager Sherry Rowell presented one additional adjustment for a board contribution to the health insurance fund. The GMSD board had previously approved the adjustments. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025‑3 – FY26 Budget Adoption (Third & Final Reading): Director Royals summarized the budget process, noting it had been presented at eight public meetings. The budget includes a property tax increase after reappraisal: the certified tax rate was rolled back to $1.4987 per $100 assessed value, and a 29.13‑cent increase was added, resulting in a rate of $1.79. Alderman Salvaggio stated that his eight proposed amendments had failed but that he supported the budget because public safety and schools had what they needed. He proposed holding quarterly performance budget updates. Alderman Ulickey supported returning to separate capital and budget work sessions. Vice Mayor Gibson praised the partnership with GMSD. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025‑4 – Real and Personal Property Tax Rate (Third & Final Reading): Director Royals explained that property tax funds approximately 55% of general fund revenues. The adopted rate of $1.79 per $100 assessed value aligns with the five‑year financial plan. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 25R01 – Resolution on Revenues: Budget Manager Rowell presented the resolution, which sets fees, fines, and other revenue sources (excluding property tax and stormwater) for FY26. Changes were noted in a red‑line copy. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 25R06 – CIP Sunset Provision: CIP Manager Tiffany Howlett requested a waiver for four delayed projects: Dogwood and Duntriss drainage improvements, On the Hill Cove drainage, Somerset detention improvements, and McVay Road Bridge replacement. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 25R07 – Capital Improvements Program (FY26–31): Howlett presented a six‑year plan totaling $110,898,000, funded by reserves (39%), state/federal grants (44%), and bonds (16%). Top investment areas: parks (27% of CIP), major roads (25%), utilities (14%), and GMSD (9%). Approved unanimously. Consent Calendar The consent agenda, containing 19 items, was approved en bloc without discussion. Items included: - Agreement with Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER) - Agreement for Shelby County Milton Community Enhancement Grant - Appointments to Education Commission and Library Board - Contract for Riverdale Park Reinvestment Phase II - Contract for Water Treatment Plant Chemicals - Contract extensions (water tower maintenance, street sweeping, holiday decorations, library operations, public safety uniforms, street maintenance) - Declaration and disposal of obsolete warehouse inventory - Emergency purchases for storm repairs at city facilities - Payment for 3G Schools operating agreement - PSA for Southwest Water Main Design and Easement Agreement - Purchase of cement treated base mix, vehicle GPS monitoring services and dash cameras - Supplemental Amendment No. 1 for Cameron Brown Park and Bob Hailey Athletic Complex Key Outcomes - All ordinances and resolutions were approved unanimously by the five members present (Aldermen Sanders, Gibson, Hicks, Ulickey, Salvaggio). - The FY26 budget was adopted, increasing the property tax rate to $1.79 per $100 assessed value. - A joint work session with the Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education was scheduled for July 16, 2025, to discuss future phases of Houston High School projects. - Alderman Salvaggio’s proposal to hold quarterly performance budget update work sessions was noted for future consideration. - The city’s first responders were publicly thanked for their service, particularly during a recent storm response.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen met on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 1930 S. Germantown Road. The meeting included special recognition, approval of a consent agenda, public hearings, and extensive deliberation on the FY26 budget and property tax rate. The meeting recessed around 8:00 PM and continued until approximately 9:30 PM. Key outcomes included approval of the FY26 budget (as amended) and a certified property tax rate of $1.79 per $100 assessed value. Consent Calendar - Contract Change Order No. 1 – Asphalt Milling and Paving Program ($121,000) approved. - Contract – Renovation to Sand Filters at Southern Avenue Water Treatment Plant ($481,000) approved. - Development Contract No. 1255 – Olde Field Green Subdivision Privatization approved. - Development Contract No. 1258 – InSouth Bank (7878 Farmington Blvd) approved. - Development Contract No. 1259 – Little Georgie’s Day Care (8235 Dogwood Rd) approved. - Donations – Parks and Recreation (two gifts to the farm park) accepted. - PEG Disbursement to GMSD – 3rd Quarter approved. - PSA – Redbud Trail Drive Area Drainage Improvements ($235,000) approved. - Purchase – HVAC Repairs at Fire Station No. 4 ($79,000) approved. - Reimbursement – Overtime Police FY25 ($47,000) approved. All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Bo Adams (9345 Dogwood, Germantown) thanked the city for services and encouraged citizens to serve on boards and commissions. - Brad Les (6599 Ricks Road, Arlington, TN) introduced himself as a candidate for Shelby County Sheriff and asked for support. - Arleese Green (101 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA) presented the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for businesses affected by revenue reduction. - Frankie Stents (2611 Winding Way Cove) opposed the property tax increase, citing a large reappraisal and fixed retirement income. - Rocky Yonda (1761 Trune Cove) thanked staff for a sound budget and emphasized balancing city services and school funding. - Jones Warren (2489 Netherhall Drive) urged improved pavement markings for safety, noting inadequate visibility at night and in rain. - Jackie Ross Flum (3279 Kinderhill Lane) expressed concern over federal funding uncertainty and problems at the Germantown Athletic Center pool (mold, temperature). - John Chrisman (2611 Winding Way Cove) echoed pool maintenance issues, especially mold affecting swimmers. - Kenny Fields (2905 Richill Cove) requested increased police presence in Foster Ridge/Cross Village areas due to speeding and crime encroachment. - Nikki Mosseller (7875 Cross Village Drive) echoed safety concerns, urging more traffic enforcement and questioning the number of police officers per capita. - Betty Bolton (8436 Old Elm Cove) asked about revenue from new developments and regulations on rental properties. - David Phlom (3279 Kinderhill Lane) asked for more detail on past overspending and requested more granular expenditure information. - Kevin Young (3284 Duke Circle) urged not to reduce parks CIP funding, citing the need to advance the sports complex and other master plan items. - Ethan Stickles (8815 Poplar Pike, rising senior at Houston HS) spoke about inadequate facilities (flooding, plumbing, locker rooms) and asked for investment in Houston High School. - Terrence Ride Jr. (1691 Nishrova Oak Lane West, SGA president) urged prioritizing the Houston High Master Plan, noting the need for fine arts spaces. - Julianne Zimateo (9255 Forest Estates Cove) supported the students, warning that families may leave Germantown if schools are not improved. - Lila Jones (7691 McHenry Circle North, rising senior) highlighted cosmetic issues (broken desks, bathroom locks, lack of windows) and parking shortages at Houston HS. - Robert Sloan (1774 Plantation Road) supported parks funding and noted that small cuts cannot solve the large Houston High funding gap. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2025-1 – Year-End Budget Adjustments (Second Reading): Presenter Dakisha Fonden listed additions for police IT/body cameras, recreation classes, and LED lighting at the Great Hall (100% reimbursed by DOE). Public hearing held; no further speakers. Approved unanimously (5-0) and moved to third reading. - Ordinance 2025-2 – GMSD Year-End Budget Adjustments (Second Reading): Presenter Sherry Rowell noted adjustments approved by the GMSD board, including summer learning camps. Public hearing held; no speakers. Approved unanimously and moved to third reading. - Ordinance 2025-3 – FY26 Budget (Second Reading): City Administrator Heisman and Finance Director Adrian Royals presented the $211.3 million total budget ($78.7 million general fund). Key points: property tax rollback rate of $1.4987, proposed increase of 29.13 cents to $1.79; 55% revenue from property tax, 27% from sales tax; 42% of expenses go to public safety; inflation and market volatility noted. Public hearing had 14 speakers. - Vice Mayor Gibson’s Amendment: Increased GMSD Houston High School capital allocation from $8M to $10M in FY27, with debt service costs detailed. Approved 5-0. - Alderman Salvaggio’s Amendments (2A-2H): Proposed cuts to LED street lights, street aid fund transfer, sports complex, and signals; reallocations to schools, dispatchers, firefighters, and police feasibility study. Most failed; only administrative alignment amendment (2I) passed (unanimous). - Main motion to approve the budget as amended passed 5-0, moving to third reading. - Ordinance 2025-4 – Property Tax Rate (Second Reading): Director Royals presented the certified rate of $1.79 per $100 assessed value (rollback + 29.13 cent increase). Public hearing held; no speakers. Approved unanimously and moved to third reading. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-1 (Year-End Budget Adjustments) approved on second reading (5-0) – moves to third reading June 23. - Ordinance 2025-2 (GMSD Year-End Adjustments) approved on second reading (5-0) – moves to third reading June 23. - Ordinance 2025-3 (FY26 Budget) approved as amended (5-0) – moves to third reading June 23. Key amendment: GMSD capital increased from $8M to $10M in FY27. - Ordinance 2025-4 (Property Tax Rate) approved on second reading (5-0) – certified rate $1.79 per $100 assessed value – moves to third reading June 23. - All other proposed amendments (LED lights, street aid reduction, sports complex deferral, signalization cut, $1M annual school fund, three dispatchers, police feasibility study, three firefighters) failed. - The board committed to further collaboration with GMSD on long-term capital needs and to meet with residents of Germantown Park/Cross Village on safety concerns.

The Germantown Planning Commission met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, following a 5:30 p.m. executive session. The meeting addressed routine approvals, a consent agenda item, and a new bank site plan. All decisions were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (May 6, 2025): Approved with Commissioner Bacon abstaining. - Case (15-560) Harvest Church – Revised Final Site Plan (Church Expansion): Moved to consent agenda at the board's request during executive session. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Case (25-004) West TN Bank – Preliminary and Final Site Plan (New Bank Building): The applicant, Mike Edwards (1902 Clarington Drive, Germantown), proposed a 4,400-square-foot bank on a vacant 1.144‑acre lot at 7707 Wolf River Circle within the Wolf River Professional Center (Office zoning district). Staff confirmed the building meets all bulk regulations: 35‑foot height limit, 9% building coverage, 65% impervious coverage, 19 parking spaces (including a bicycle rack). The circulation plan uses existing platted cross‑access easements on the north side. Commissioners inquired about potential overflow parking with the adjacent light clinic; the applicant noted that most transactions are digital, parking demand is expected to be low, and they would consider a shared‑parking agreement with neighbors. No public comments were made during the hearing. Key Outcomes - West TN Bank Site Plan Approved: Motion by Vice Chair Bacon, seconded by Mayor Palazzolo. Roll call vote: 8‑0 in favor. Approval is subject to subsequent Design Review Commission review of landscape and elevation plans. - Adjournment: Meeting concluded after brief commission liaison reports: Commissioner Jacobs noted the Board of Zoning Appeals is “speeding along”; Commissioner Sisson reported the Tree Board is working on noxious weed control as a city project.

The Design Review Commission of Germantown, Tennessee met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, following a 5:30 PM executive session. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bruns with a quorum present. The primary actions were approval of the consent agenda and receipt of liaison reports, including updates on the city budget and the Tree Task Force. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the minutes of the March 25, 2025 meeting unanimously. - The consent agenda originally included Case (25-008) LeBonheur Pediatrics (sign package at 1255 S. Germantown Rd.) and was modified during executive session to also include Case (14-474) Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church (two revised ground signs at 1665 S. Germantown Rd.). Both items were approved as part of the consent agenda on a unanimous vote (6-0). Discussion Items - Budget Report (Alderman Hicks): Alderman Hicks reported that the city budget is in process. The first reading has occurred; the second reading and public hearing will be held on the second Monday in June, with the final third reading on the fourth Monday in June. He clarified that rising property appraisals do not automatically increase taxes because state law requires a tax rate rollback to keep revenue neutral. However, a proposed 29-cent tax increase is under consideration to fund pension costs (which have nearly doubled) and other priorities. He also announced the upcoming "Grooven and Grillin" free concert series at Municipal Park, featuring three bands and food from local vendors. - Tree Task Force Update (Commissioner Nischwitz): Commissioner Nischwitz reported that the Task Force has identified specific locations along the Poplar corridor near Germantown Road, targeting Truist, First Horizon, and Regions Bank. The goal is to create a standard tree palette, with ML&W removing undesirable trees at no cost, and financial incentives (via Cameron Ross) to encourage participation. This model aims to improve visibility and usability along key corridors. - Commissioner Reports: Other liaisons reported no new activity. Chairman Bruns noted that the First Watch restaurant has been painted with the debated color, receiving positive feedback. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: Both sign packages for LeBonheur Pediatrics and Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church were approved without further discussion. - Budget Timeline Set: The city budget’s second reading and public hearing will occur on the second Monday of June, with final adoption on the fourth Monday. - Tree Task Force Next Steps: Commissioners will develop a tree palette and present it to targeted retail locations, with ML&W and financial incentives to implement replacements along Poplar corridor.

On May 13, 2025, the Germantown Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing to consider a variance request for parking in the front yard setback area for the Madonna Learning Center expansion. The board unanimously approved the variance after discussion of topographical constraints and the site's long-standing non-conforming use. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting. (Vote: 6-0) Public Comments & Testimony - Greg Markham (Reeves Firm Engineers, representing Madonna Learning Center) spoke in favor of the variance. He explained that the existing parking lot has been in the same location for decades (originally part of an old church) and that the proposed expansion aligns with the existing circulation pattern. He noted that a turn lane on Poplar Avenue is desired but complicated by adjacent property owners and the need for state-led road widening. Discussion Items - Staff Report (Sarah): The property is zoned R-1 Low-Density Single-Family Residential. The variance is needed because the proposed parking extends into the 40-foot front yard setback. Staff noted that parking has existed in that setback since at least 1983, and the site has a 15-foot grade drop from front to middle, creating an exceptional topographical condition. The parking is entirely on the applicant's property, not in the right-of-way. The planning commission approved the site plan on the condition that the variance be obtained. - Board Questions: Members asked about the grade change, the possibility of future road expansion (Poplar Avenue improvements forecast for 2050), and the alignment of the parking. It was confirmed that the parking lot will be parallel to Poplar Avenue with some landscaping in the right-of-way buffer. - Board Discussion: Chairman Yulehorn noted the exceptional topography, the site's location on a busy state highway, and the 40-year history of parking in the same footprint as factors supporting the variance. Members praised Madonna Learning Center as an asset to the community. Key Outcomes - Motion: To approve a variance for parking in the front yard setback at 7007, 7035, and 7045 Poplar Avenue, subject to staff comments and the submitted site plan. - Vote: Unanimous 6-0 in favor. - Ms. Meanwell: Yes, due to exceptional topographic conditions resulting in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties. - Mr. McDermott: Yes, same reasons. - Mr. Town: Yes, same reasons plus the longevity of the site's use. - Mr. Bland: Yes, due to other extraordinary and exceptional situations resulting in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties. - Alderman Gibson: Yes, for reasons stated previously. - Chairman Yulehorn: Yes, based on safety and topographical concerns. - The approval allows the project to proceed to the Design Review Commission for next steps.