Board of Mayor and Aldermen Regular Meeting - November 25, 2024
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Board of Mayor and Aldermen Regular Meeting - November 25, 2024
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen held its regularly scheduled meeting on November 25, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognition awards, a consent agenda with an added vacancy declaration, and a second reading and public hearing on an ordinance to regulate ticketed business events in residential districts. An update was provided on the Premier Sports Complex and on compliance progress at the 3G schools.
Special Recognition
- Teacher of the Month (November 2024): Miss Susan Eaton, a first-grade teacher at Farmington Elementary School, was recognized for creating a nurturing classroom environment, leading the Falcon Footlights Theater Program, and extensive community involvement.
- Youth Excellence Award (November 2024): Grayson Auger, a Houston High School student, was recognized for academic excellence, leadership in community service clubs, and volunteer work including the Memphis Refugee Empowerment Program. The awards were presented by Alderman Hicks and Alderman McCreary.
Consent Calendar
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Agenda Modification: Item 8F (Declaration of Vacancy, Germantown School Board Position 2) was added to the consent agenda. The modified agenda was approved unanimously (5-0).
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Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the November 11, 2024 regular meeting were approved with Alderman Sanders abstaining (4 yes, 1 abstention).
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Consent Items Approved (All Unanimous):
- 8A: Agreement – Memphis Shelby County Schools Facility Usage
- 8B: Sports Provider Agreements – Germantown Baseball League, Germantown Legends, and 901 Rugby Club
- 8C: Medical & Rx Stop Loss Insurance Policy
- 8D: PEG Disbursement to GMSD – 1st Quarter
- 8E: Renewal – Property & Casualty Insurance
- 8F: Declaration of Vacancy – Germantown School Board of Education – Position 2
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Discussion on 8B (3G Schools Compliance): Before the consent vote, Vice Mayor Gibson requested an update. Assistant City Administrator Andy Sanders reported that since December 2022, the city has been working with MSCS to resolve over 200 safety and code compliance issues at the 3G schools. After two compliance letters (30-day on August 27, 2024, and 15-day on October 10, 2024), MSCS provided a spreadsheet with timelines and began addressing issues. City prosecutor advised that as long as consistent progress continues, court action was not immediately necessary. Alderman McCreary expressed willingness to consider non-renewal of facility use agreements in the future if compliance lapses.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Citizens to be Heard: No members of the public came forward to speak.
- Public Hearing (Ordinance 2024-14): No members of the public offered testimony.
Discussion Items
- Vice Mayor Gibson – Premier Sports Complex Update: Vice Mayor Gibson reported that the city hosted officials from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) on November 20-21, 2024. The group toured the 55-acre site and reviewed stormwater/wetland assessments and conceptual designs. TDEC professionals praised the city’s thorough preparation and partnership. The project is part of the Forward 2035 strategic plan and aims to create a $50 million indoor-outdoor multi-purpose sports complex.
- Ordinance 2024-14 – Second Reading and Public Hearing: Director Ross presented the ordinance to amend Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4, Section 89 of the Municipal Code. The amendment adds subsection 7 to prohibit hosting ticketed events (requiring admission, donation, or door charge) for business purposes in residential zoning districts. Exceptions include political, religious, city civic, school support organizations, private school fundraising (as defined by TCA 49-2-6034AB), and events approved by the Special Events Committee or promoting newly built residential developments. The ordinance aligns with Forward 2035 goal of protecting residential property values.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda Approved: All items (8A through 8F) were approved unanimously (5-0).
- Ordinance 2024-14 Approved on Second Reading: The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0) and moved to third and final reading.
- Declaration of Vacancy Process: The formal vacancy was declared. Timeline: Applications released December 3, 2024, due December 20, 2024; interviews scheduled January 6-10, 2025; BMA vote on January 27, 2025.
- Upcoming Events: Holiday Tree Lighting on November 29, 2024, at Municipal Park (festivities at 5 PM); boards and commissions application deadline November 30, 2024.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to the Board of Merit and Alderman meeting, the regularly scheduled meeting for Monday, November 25th. I will probably do this at the conclusion of our meeting, but I'm going to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, being Thanksgiving week and happy holidays as well. Welcome to all those that are in attendance this evening. Just a couple of quick meeting notes regarding tonight's agenda. Just a few highlights. We always have citizens to be heard. If you'd like to speak to your neighbor, the community, and to the board, you'll have an opportunity as item six, citizens to be heard. You fill out a sheet. Those are out in front of the double doors, and you get those sheets to one of the officers, and they'll get the uh citizens to be heard formed to Clerk Betty, and we'll recognize you as item six. This evening, or we have a couple of special recognition items uh to education awards, and we welcome those folks that are here this evening. We also have a public hearing this evening on our only item on the regular agenda, item nine, there'll be an opportunity for a public hearing. You do not have to fill out a sheet for that. I will call and open a hearing uh open to the public, and then anyone who'd like to come forward will have them do that at this time. Uh this evening, our Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Alderman Chair Hicks. We have the the pleasure and privilege this evening to have Germantown's appointed city chaplain here to lead us in an invocation. I welcome City Chaplain, Mr. Dave Phillips to the podium. Please rise. Our father, we thank you for all the blessings that we receive. Even as we've been reminded to be thankful, we begin by just thanking you for life itself. We're thankful for the many ways that we enjoy life here in Germantown, and we are very aware of our leaders. We pray for them. We pray for this board. We pray for leaders on volunteer committees, we pray for leaders in the neighborhood. We pray, as always, for our police force, our firefighters, our first responders. We pray that you'll not only bless them but protect them. We also pray for our educators, our parents, our civic leaders. Help us to build a strong community, help us to continue the legacy that has been passed down from generations. And we just pray that you'll bless us as we draw strength from those who are strong, older, those who inspire us and those who remind us. And we are mindful of those who are in our community who are needing help. We do think of the aged. We do think of those who are hurting. We pray that we'll always be compassionate. And we don't want to forget our children. We do pray for our educators. We pray for children who will not only learn to be very strong in their chosen fields, but also men and women of character. So, Father, we thank you today for everything. We praise you, and we pray that you'll be with these folks in this meeting tonight. In Jesus' name. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, inadvisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. Thank you, Alderman Hicks, and thank you very much, City Chaplain Phillips, for the invocation this evening. We are now at item number four on the agenda, setting the agenda. The agenda is presented to the community and to the board of Merit Alderman each Wednesday, traditionally around noon. Uh at this time, city administration would wish to have an add-on added to tonight's agenda item. Uh in a moment, uh, Deputy Administrator Piefer will go over the item specifically. As you're aware, board and community.
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