Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen Regular Meeting – January 27, 2025

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing of the Beer Board, approval of a consent agenda, and a key appointment to fill a vacant seat on the Germantown Board of Education. The board had met in closed legal session from approximately 5:00 PM to just before 6:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:
  • a. Agreement for pension investment consulting services with CBI Z Investment Advisory
  • b. Appointment to the Education Commission: Stacey Johnson
  • c. Appointment to the Senior Advisory Commission: Dr. R. A. Pilotzolo
  • d. Appointment to the Shelby County Ground Water Quality Control Board: Jet Riz Ryzen Hoover
  • e. Donation: Chairs for Police Communications Center from Shelby County 911 board
  • f. Donation: Germantown Education Foundation – Friend of the Foundation 2nd Quarter
  • g. Donations to Parks and Recreation: $1,000 from Germantown Legends, $4,000 from Bobby Lanier Farm Park Board
  • h. Purchase: Axon Vehicle Camera Program
  • i. Purchase: Chiller Control Panel Replacement
  • j. Purchase: Vehicle (heavy work truck)
• Alderman Ulicky thanked the group that reviewed pension advisory services, noting the extensive process and contributions of Chairman Jeff Lewis, Director Royals, Director Fisher, and Administrator Heisman.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ryan Strain (address: 8750 Pinpoint Cove, Germantown 38139) expressed thanks to all applicants for the school board position and to the board for their time. He encouraged any applicant not selected to contact him for other service opportunities. He also noted that the General Assembly was beginning a special session on school vouchers and encouraged citizens to contact legislators regarding the proposal. He referenced a joint resolution passed by the board and Board of Education last year opposing a similar program.

Discussion Items

Beer Board Public Hearing – Beer Permit for Asaderos Mexican Grill

• The board convened as the Beer Board for a public hearing on an on-premise beer permit application submitted by Abraham Venezuela for Asaderos Mexican Grill located at 3165 Forest Hill Road. The restaurant is in a C1 zoning district where on-premise beer consumption is permitted. The background check found nothing discrediting the applicant. No public speakers came forward. Alderman Sanders questioned the applicant about other restaurants with beer permits (Rancho Grande at Hacks Cross) and training procedures. The applicant stated employees will have licenses and checks for IDs. The beer permit was approved unanimously (5-0). Mayor Palazzolo noted the restaurant had just opened and sold liquor that day, and jokingly said they might have a third James Beard semifinalist.

Appointment to Germantown Board of Education Position 2

• Deputy City Administrator Lisa Hefer presented the process: following the resignation of Dr. Daniel Chatham, the city declared the position vacant on November 25, 2024. Applications were posted on December 3, 2024, with a deadline of December 20, 2024. Fourteen applications were received. The board held a special meeting on January 6, 2025, to publicly interview seven applicants. Names of the seven interviewed: Kyle Eaton, Scotty Hendrick, Dr. Seth Carroll, Dr. Mancheek Carr, Beth Robbins, Dr. John Sensel, and Joy Williams.
• Vice Mayor Gibson nominated Scotty Hendrick, citing his proven leadership and skill set needed for the district’s big projects. She noted the role of school board in overseeing decisions and moving big projects forward. The nomination was seconded by Alderman Hicks.
• Alderman Hicks seconded, saying Hendricks would help lead the district in achieving its goals. He also encouraged the other 13 applicants to continue serving, sharing his personal story of not being appointed to an alderman position in 2015 but later being elected to that same seat.
• Alderman Ulicky said this was one of the hardest decisions, thanking all applicants.
• Alderman Sanders supported the nomination, noting Hendricks can help garner community partnerships for the redesign at Houston High School.
• Alderman Salvaggio echoed support, stating Hendricks showed enthusiasm and willingness to do hard work.
• The vote was unanimous (5-0) to appoint Scotty Hendrick to the Board of Education Position 2. He will be sworn in by the Germantown Board of Education at a later date.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Beer permit for Asaderos Mexican Grill (on-premise) approved unanimously by the Beer Board.
• Scotty Hendrick appointed to the Germantown Board of Education Position 2 by a unanimous vote (5-0) to fill the unexpired term until the next general election in 2026.
• Mayor Palazzolo encouraged all applicants to remain involved in the community.