[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] All right, folks, welcome to the Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, the regular scheduled
[0:03] meeting for Monday, December the 8th. We welcome all those that are in attendance this evening.
[0:10] We have many people that are watching at home and on the internet as well. A few highlights
[0:15] about our meeting this evening. We do have the pleasure of having many of our employees
[0:21] here tonight. We do have the graduation of the lead class this evening, so we're
[0:27] looking forward to commencement ceremonies here in a little bit. Also we
[0:31] always have an item on the agenda it's item six known as citizens to be heard.
[0:36] If you'd like to speak to the community and to your neighbor to the board you
[0:40] can do so at that time. There are sheets out in People Street that's the area
[0:44] outside the council chambers or table is there. If you fill that sheet out
[0:49] and bring it to one of the officers they'll bring that forward and we'll
[0:53] recognize you as item six. We have two submissions to date but you have plenty of time and I'll
[0:59] make a final call when we get to item six on the agenda. We have several education awards
[1:06] this evening as well. Also on the agenda we do have a public hearing and at that time
[1:12] I'll declare a public hearing and anyone who would like to come forward and speak
[1:15] on the Muni Code changes for the alcoholic beverage ordinance can do so at that time
[1:21] and we have a short regular agenda as well.
[1:25] Tonight, we are very much honored to have the Scouts
[1:30] from Troop 368, representing the Farmington Presbyterian
[1:34] Church, they will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance
[1:37] and present the colors this evening.
[1:39] Before that though, our invocation will be led
[1:42] by Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gibson, please rise.
[1:50] Let's pray together.
[1:52] Gracious and loving God, we come before you tonight
[1:55] with full and grateful hearts.
[1:58] Thank you for the gift of community,
[2:00] for neighbors who care for one another,
[2:03] and for the men and women who serve Germantown
[2:05] with dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment
[2:09] to the well-being of all who call this place home.
[2:13] As we enter this joyful season,
[2:15] we lift up those who carry heavy burdens.
[2:18] For those who face illness, the loss of loved ones,
[2:22] anxiousness, or any silent struggle. Lord surround them with your comfort, strengthen
[2:29] their spirit, and grant them peace that eases their load. Your peace that passes
[2:35] all understanding. Father, grant us wisdom and discernment in our decisions
[2:40] tonight. Help us speak with clarity, listen with respect, and act with
[2:47] with integrity in all things, both here and beyond these walls.
[2:52] Thank you for your unending love and presence among us.
[2:56] We offer this prayer in your holy name, amen.
[3:48] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one
[3:56] nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[4:05] Please be seated.
[4:05] Very
[4:10] special thanks to Vice Mayor Mary Ann Gibson for leading us in invocation this evening,
[4:15] and thank you to the scouts of Troop 368, Farmington Presbyterian, for presenting the
[4:22] colors and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
[4:25] At this time we are now moving toward item four on the agenda, setting the agenda.
[4:32] The agenda is sent to the board and the community, generally on Wednesday ahead of
[4:36] a Monday Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. At this time, administration would respectfully
[4:41] ask the board that you would consider that we remove item 8B, that's for purchase for
[4:49] ammunition from the police department, if we could remove that from the consent agenda
[4:54] due to it needs to come back and be updated. So without objection, administration will
[5:02] will ask the Board to support amending the agenda to state that Consent Item 8B be deferred
[5:12] till a future date specific. And generally I'll go ahead and say that that needs to be
[5:19] on or before January 26th if that's possible, but we can readdress that at the appropriate
[5:24] time. Are there any other adjustments that need to be made to the agenda? Is there
[5:30] motion to adopt the agenda as modified move to approve as modified motion made
[5:37] by the vice mayor is there a second second second by Alderman Sanders any
[5:41] discussion on the matter clerk please call the roll Alderman Sanders yes
[5:46] vice mayor Gibson yes Alderman Hicks yes Alderman you lucky yes Alderman
[5:51] salvaggio yes the agenda has been set adopted and modified for this evening we
[5:58] We move to item five on the agenda, Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Scheduled Meeting
[6:01] held on November 24th of this year.
[6:04] To the Board, see any modifications or corrections, any changes or adjustments.
[6:09] So no one come forward.
[6:11] Is there a motion to approve the Minutes of the Board of Mayor Alderman, Regular Scheduled
[6:14] Meeting held on November 24th of 2025?
[6:16] Is there a motion?
[6:18] To approve.
[6:19] Motion by Alderman Ullicke.
[6:21] Is there a second?
[6:22] Second.
[6:23] Second by Vice Mayor Gibson.
[6:25] Any discussion on the matter?
[6:26] Clerk, please call the roll.
[6:28] Vice Mayor Gibson.
[6:30] Yes.
[6:30] Alderman Hicks.
[6:31] Yes.
[6:32] Alderman Ullackey.
[6:33] Yes.
[6:33] Alderman Solveggio.
[6:34] Yes.
[6:35] Alderman Sanders.
[6:36] Upstain.
[6:37] The minutes have been approved.
[6:39] We move now to item six.
[6:40] As mentioned earlier, that is known as Citizens to Be Heard.
[6:43] We have two submissions.
[6:45] I'll call on those folks here in a minute.
[6:47] Officers, are there any other submissions?
[6:49] Clerk, any since the meeting started, I will quickly read the guidelines for
[6:54] citizens to be heard into the record and that is contained on the sheets that
[6:59] each person signed before they come forward. Board of Mayor Alderman welcomes
[7:03] comments from citizens and offers the agenda item known as citizens to be
[7:08] heard at each and every meeting. Citizens to be heard is designed to gain input
[7:11] from the public and not for immediate responses by the Board of Mayor and
[7:15] Alderman. The intent of this agenda item is to provide the public a
[7:19] platform to be thoughtfully heard and not a form for dialogue, discussion,
[7:22] or verbal exchange with the board.
[7:25] While the board cannot assure each speaker
[7:27] of a specific or individualized future response,
[7:30] the board will consider the public comments
[7:32] in any supporting materials provided by the speaker.
[7:36] Public comments should be limited to three minutes,
[7:38] and we do ask that any comments are offered
[7:42] with objectively, and we do not permit
[7:45] any engaging in gossip.
[7:47] Here say, defamatory comments
[7:49] or use of abusive or vulgar language.
[7:51] please refrain from using the names of personnel
[7:55] or names of persons connected with the city,
[7:57] particularly when lodging a complaint for resolution.
[8:01] Presiding board chair shall have sole authority
[8:03] to terminate the remarks of any individual
[8:05] who is disruptive or does not adhere to board rules.
[8:08] And so with that said,
[8:10] I don't think I've ever had to ignore
[8:11] or had to exercise that.
[8:14] So are there any other people who would like to speak?
[8:17] I will allow you to go get a sheet real quickly,
[8:19] fill it out and then bring it forward and we'll have until I conclude citizens to be
[8:24] heard.
[8:24] Our first speaker this evening will be Heather Fisher who resides at 1701 Fiddler's Elbow
[8:31] and will be speaking on item 24R10.
[8:37] You're recognized.
[8:38] Make sure the microphone is to your height needed and then if you push the button
[8:43] to where it's green and not red and you'll have three minutes.
[8:47] Welcome.
[8:47] Welcome.
[8:47] Okay.
[8:47] Thank you very much.
[8:49] So thank you for the opportunity to speak.
[8:52] I do serve as a Germantown Municipal School District Administrator and I'm also currently
[8:58] serving as the Chairman of the Germantown Education Commission.
[9:03] This evening I'm speaking to you just as a private citizen.
[9:08] While having the opportunity to attend the joint BMA and GMSD school board sessions
[9:13] to discuss the capital funding needs related to our school district and the city of Germantown.
[9:21] I appreciate the careful review that you are doing in consideration of updating the current debt and management policy.
[9:29] We do need additional funding to support the Houston High School Master Plan,
[9:33] and what that ultimately looks like, I don't know.
[9:37] But it is crucial to consider and look for all means
[9:43] to add additional funding for the school district.
[9:46] We need modern, safe, and well-equipped facilities.
[9:50] This directly boosts student learning,
[9:53] engagement, and performance.
[9:55] The passing of this resolution is a much needed step.
[9:58] So thank you for your consideration.
[10:00] Thank you, Ms. Fisher for coming forward
[10:02] and speaking to your neighbors and the community and to the board.
[10:06] Thank you and happy holidays.
[10:08] Our next speaker is Ms. Susan Burnett who resides at 22, 23 Otterburn Lane here in Germantown
[10:17] and will be speaking on the resolution on debt management policy.
[10:22] Just make sure your button is green and you can adjust this to your liking and you'll
[10:26] have three minutes.
[10:27] Welcome to the meeting.
[10:29] Thank you.
[10:30] I'm the person who sent most of a lot of the aldermen an email this past week regarding
[10:36] the resolution that you're going to be voting on tonight after only a single reading based
[10:43] on the debt management policy.
[10:45] Did you need a copy of my email since I referred to it?
[10:50] You can leave it here and submit it for the record.
[10:53] That'll be fine.
[10:54] We'll gather it when you conclude it.
[10:55] Okay.
[10:57] There's a political maxim.
[11:00] Politicians' supporters come and go,
[11:02] but critics tend to accumulate over time.
[11:06] So with that said, I'm going to share my personal thoughts.
[11:10] When my bank increases my credit card limit,
[11:12] it doesn't mean that I will utilize the available increase,
[11:16] but it does make it easier for me to spend more money
[11:19] than I may be able to actually afford,
[11:21] which is further exacerbated by added interest fees.
[11:25] I fear the changes in language to the city's debt management policy
[11:29] will make it much easier for this and future boards to use debt
[11:33] financing up to a maximum debt level. The new
[11:37] changes are based primarily on figures from PMF's
[11:41] use of Moody's ratings assumptions. PMF, y'all
[11:45] are aware of that. PMF based new numbers on the
[11:49] limits that the city should be able to afford while supposedly keeping its Moody's triple
[11:55] A bond rating.
[11:57] The changes will remove criteria in the current policy that are considered by S&P's rating
[12:02] service.
[12:03] The S&P's criteria appear to be more conservative than that used by Moody's.
[12:08] As PFM reported, even under the city's current policy, S&P rates the city's comparable
[12:16] to a Moody's double A minus rating.
[12:18] I would prefer to see the maximum numbers being proposed adjusted downward and some removed
[12:24] items left in thereby keeping a more hybrid policy in place.
[12:28] I'm also concerned about the fact that this resolution is being voted on after only a
[12:33] single reading this evening.
[12:35] The policy change hasn't been widely reported on and I believe it would be worthwhile
[12:39] for citizens to know about and understand how this revised policy would affect their
[12:45] potential taxes as the new policy increases the direct debt per capital limit from less
[12:51] than or equal to $2,000 to less than or equal $2,500, a 25% increase in the potential need
[12:59] for higher tax rates.
[13:01] It is perplexing that the board decided to leave a decision regarding the relatively
[13:06] minimal cost increase for full-time mayoral position to a public vote, but it appears
[13:12] amenable to bypassing the public when changing a debt policy that could be extremely costly
[13:17] to its citizens. In summary, I hope that you'll consider the wording changes and deletions
[13:22] being presented in tonight's debt management policy revolution by possibly tabling tonight's
[13:28] vote, considering more moderate revisions, putting it into a multiple multi-reading
[13:33] vote and offering a public comment period. Thank you for your time, service, and appreciate
[13:40] it.
[13:40] Thank you for coming forward and speaking to the community. We appreciate that. Thank you. Happy holidays
[13:46] Is there anybody else who would like to speak during Citizens to be Heard?
[13:51] Anyone else? All right, that concludes Citizens to be Heard for this evening and again
[13:55] Thank you to both of the participants as well. We move now to section
[14:01] 7 or agenda item 7 special recognition
[14:03] We have three specific items that are educational related and then also the lead graduation
[14:10] The education liaison from the Board of Mayor Alderman is Alderman Sherry Hicks.
[14:16] Alderman Hicks, you're recognized for the following three items.
[14:19] Thank you, sir. And as Mayor said, we do have three recognitions tonight.
[14:23] So we have two teacher of the month and one student of excellence.
[14:26] We are catching up and we'll be recognizing our November teacher first and then we will go to our December teacher.
[14:32] If I could, I'd like to call forward members of the Education Commission that are here tonight,
[14:36] Chairman Fischer, I see Commission Member Manjeet Kaur, and also a recipient Miss Tate.
[14:50] As Miss Tate comes forward, you're going to hear that she is a teacher in the IB program at Germantown High.
[14:55] Our son graduated from the IB program at Germantown High.
[15:00] You're going to hear by her accolades that they run the students even harder than teachers
[15:07] I think some days, but he attributes his success to his time in the IB program at Germantown
[15:11] High. The Germantown Education Commission is pleased to present the November 2025 Teacher
[15:17] of the Month Award to LaTarcia Tate, an AP African-American history and economics teacher
[15:23] at Germantown High School. Mrs. Tate is a dedicated educator at Germantown High School
[15:28] whose teaching combines rigor, creativity, and genuine care for students.
[15:33] She teaches advanced courses, including dual credit economics, AP African American studies,
[15:40] and IV social and cultural anthropology, and theory of knowledge, using strategies like
[15:46] storytelling and cold calling with a lifeline to engage every student.
[15:51] Her curriculum emphasizes both academic excellence and real world skills, including financial
[15:56] literacy, career readiness, and senior capstone projects that prepare students for life beyond
[16:02] high school. Mrs. Tate is deeply involved in school leadership and extracurricular activities.
[16:08] She advises teens with prestige, the African Culture Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
[16:14] the debate team, and the Student Government Association, and coordinates the annual
[16:19] career and job fair connecting students with more than 50 employers, colleges, and
[16:24] community partners. She also serves as social studies department chair,
[16:28] mentoring teachers, and supporting instructional excellence across the department,
[16:33] and organizes college and cultural trips to broaden students'
[16:36] experiences and opportunities. Beyond the school day,
[16:40] Mrs. Tate impacts the community through her work as a published author
[16:44] and a founder of Gen X Career and Consulting, as well as a
[16:48] volunteer service with the National Civil Rights Museum,
[16:51] Memphis Union Mission, Beyond the Break Outreach Ministry, and Advanced Memphis.
[16:59] Mrs. Tate, please accept our appreciation for your commitment to Germantown students and excellence every day.
[17:21] And welcome to our Germantown High supporters of Ms. Tate. I know she has quite a fan club here tonight.
[17:28] I'd like to also call forward our December teacher of the month, Ms. Ring.
[17:32] The
[17:43] Dermatown Education Commission is pleased to present the December 2025 Teacher of the
[17:48] Month Award to Ms. Cassie Ring, a Learning Specialist at Evangeligial Christian School.
[17:53] Ms. Ring exemplifies dedication, innovation and care in her work as a Learning Specialist
[17:59] at ECS. She intentionally designs lessons and interventions to be multimodal, incorporating
[18:05] auditory, visual and tactile strategies to meet diverse learning needs. She consistently
[18:11] recognizes student success highlights what they do correctly even when the
[18:16] final answer may be incorrect and rotates manipulatives to keep lessons
[18:20] engaging. Parents and colleagues praise her ability to see each child's
[18:24] strengths while providing the support they need to succeed. Ms. Ring's
[18:29] leadership extends throughout the school. She serves as director of the
[18:33] Lower School Academic Support Program, manages accommodation plans for
[18:37] Students with Learning Differences provides direct feedback to teachers,
[18:42] conducts professional development for faculty, and analyzes assessment data
[18:46] to guide innervitchments and enrichment.
[18:49] She partners seamlessly with teachers and parents, ensuring each student
[18:53] is equipped to thrive and continually seeks professional development
[18:57] to refine her practice.
[18:59] Her colleagues describe her as generous, collaborative, and solution-focused,
[19:03] improving the school for everyone.
[19:05] Beyond the classroom, Ms. Ring models compassion, integrity, and perseverance.
[19:11] She sponsors the Key Club, coaches sports across lower, middle, and high school, volunteers
[19:17] with Harvest Church, supporting both the staff care team and middle school ministry.
[19:22] Mrs. Ring, please accept our appreciation for your commitment to Germantown students
[19:26] and excellence every day.
[19:38] I see she has a lovely fan club back there also.
[19:43] I call forward Mr. Jack Tate. I'm sorry, Jack Chow, please.
[19:53] The Germantown Education Commission
[19:54] is pleased to present the December 2025 Youth Excellent Award to Houston High School Senior
[20:00] James, also known as Jack Chow. Jack exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and service
[20:07] to his school and his community. He excels in rigorous courses, including AP Physics
[20:12] 1 and 2, and AP Calculus BC, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National
[20:21] Merit Semifinalist. He also attended the Tennessee Governor's School for Science and Engineering,
[20:27] a member of Beta Club, Latin Club, and Asian American Club. Jack demonstrates curiosity,
[20:33] discipline, and a commitment to growth. Jack's leadership spans academics, athletics,
[20:38] and extracurricular activities.
[20:41] He serves as Beta Club Vice President,
[20:44] Latin Club Officer, Asian American Club Treasurer,
[20:48] District Ambassador, and Varsity Soccer Team Captain.
[20:52] On the soccer field, he earned the Coach's Award
[20:55] and adapted successfully from striker to defender.
[20:58] In the classroom, he leads lab groups,
[21:00] helps peers respectfully with challenging assignments
[21:03] and organizes study groups.
[21:05] Teachers described him as humble, thoughtful,
[21:08] and dedicated to supporting those around him.
[21:11] Jack is also deeply committed to service.
[21:14] He volunteers locally with his family,
[21:16] raises funds for wildfire relief,
[21:19] and mentors peers during international mission trips.
[21:22] His pride in his Chinese American heritage
[21:25] is reflected in his contributions
[21:26] to cultural and community initiatives.
[21:29] Balancing academics, leadership and service,
[21:32] Jack models perseverance, humility,
[21:34] and a genuine commitment to positively impacting
[21:37] his school and his community.
[21:39] Jack, congratulations on being a remarkable role model,
[21:43] and please accept our appreciation
[21:44] for your commitment to excellence.
[21:56] That concludes our correct admissions.
[21:58] Thank you, Alderman Hicks and professors Tate and Ring
[22:03] and Scholar Chau.
[22:05] We are so proud of your efforts, your energy,
[22:08] and your service, and that's the one thing
[22:10] that I draw from all three of your dossiers
[22:14] was service to others.
[22:16] so we are greatly appreciative.
[22:18] We wish you the best and happiest of holidays.
[22:21] And at this time, if you'd like to take leave,
[22:23] this would be a good time to do so.
[22:25] Jessica Comas with the city's marketing communications team
[22:29] will be out in People Street
[22:30] and will take additional photos
[22:32] by the Christmas tree, I bet.
[22:34] And so we wish you happy holidays
[22:36] and if you'd like to exit at this time, it would be fine.
[22:39] Or you can stay with us all evening if you like.
[22:45] Congratulations again. Thank you.
[22:53] And now with more celebration, Mr. Heisman, I think we're
[22:56] going to have a leadership or a lead graduation this evening if you would like the floor
[23:00] at this time.
[23:00] Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Board. The city places a significant amount of emphasis
[23:06] on identifying and cultivating exceptional public servants for alignment with the
[23:12] Germantown way of excellence every day.
[23:16] The Leaders of Excellence in Ambassador Development Program, commonly known internally as LEAD,
[23:22] brings the city's mission, our vision, and our values to life while exposing all participating
[23:28] team members to all the services provided by the city.
[23:33] Through a dynamic blend of activity-based learning, team competitions, and mentorship
[23:38] from program alumni and members of the senior leadership team lead and powers
[23:44] participants to embody and elevate our organizational culture of excellence and
[23:49] service. This evening we are proud to recognize the 25 members of the fall
[23:54] class of 2025 who are completing the six-month program here this evening. To
[24:00] introduce this evening's graduates please welcome Jennifer Jenkins the
[24:04] City's lead board president and program coordinator.
[24:07] Jennifer?
[24:14] Good evening, everyone.
[24:16] Graduates, if you would, whenever you are called,
[24:20] will you please come forward and we're going to line up here
[24:23] and to receive your certificate and your challenge coin.
[24:33] Our first graduate is going to be Ron Campos
[24:36] with Fleet Services.
[24:45] Bryce Carden, Fire Department.
[24:54] Clayton Carter, Budget and Finance.
[25:01] Unable to be with us tonight is Justin Cole with Parks and Recreation.
[25:07] We have Mitchell Cross with the Fire Department.
[25:24] Christian Dalton, Human Resources.
[25:33] Anthony Daniels, Fire Department.
[25:43] Peggy Davis, Germantown Performing Arts Center.
[25:53] Unable to be with us tonight, Justin Finger, Fire Department.
[25:58] Riley Herndon, Fire Department.
[26:05] Leigh Honesa, Parks and Recreation.
[26:16] Tristan Carpicki, Police Department.
[26:34] Jacob Lawrence, Parks and Recreation.
[26:42] Rico Loftes, Facility Services.
[26:55] Michael Moore, Germantown Athletic Club.
[27:06] Justin Oberding, Police Department.
[27:18] Lauren Payton, City Court.
[27:29] Mark Province, Police Department.
[27:39] Preston Robertson, Fire Department.
[27:48] James Scott is unable to be with us tonight.
[27:50] He's with the fire department.
[27:53] Abby Vaughn, Parks and Recreation.
[28:01] Brad Filane, Administration.
[28:08] Chad White, Parks and Recreation.
[28:16] Carlos Williams, Parks and Recreation.
[28:21] And Landon Young, Animal Control.
[28:45] Before I present the leadership award,
[28:47] I would like to announce two awards
[28:50] that were presented earlier this evening.
[28:52] The Coin Chaser Award is the Individual Competition Award, where participants have been earning
[28:57] coins throughout the session for participation, completion of pre-classwork, and daily recap
[29:03] quizzes.
[29:04] The winner of the Fall 2025 Coin Chaser Award is Peggy Davis with the Germantown Performing
[29:11] Arts Center.
[29:18] Secondly, the Team Challenge Award is the Team Competition Award, where teams have
[29:23] been earning points through participation, engagement,
[29:26] and completion of hands-on activities.
[29:29] And today, teams participated in the ultimate team challenge.
[29:33] The day was infused with the reinforcement
[29:35] of the city's vision, mission, purpose, and value system
[29:39] and was composed of clues, riddles, activities, challenges,
[29:43] and most importantly, teamwork.
[29:45] The winner of the Fall 2025 Team Challenge Award
[29:49] was the blue team.
[29:50] The blue team could.
[29:51] Stand forward to raise your hands.
[30:01] Who I believe was in last place going into today, correct?
[30:04] They were, so you never give up.
[30:07] What a day.
[30:09] The graduating class was asked to submit nominees for the Leadership Award.
[30:14] This award honors a current class member who demonstrated the following attributes
[30:19] during the program. To have a positive attitude, accepting 100% responsibility,
[30:26] taking the initiative to learn and participating on all levels.
[30:31] This all-in attitude is vital to the growth and development of future leaders.
[30:37] Therefore, it is fitting that the award recipient should exemplify these traits.
[30:42] This class presented very thoughtful nominations of their fellow classmates,
[30:47] creating a tight race for the winner.
[30:50] We had eight participants that received nominations for this award.
[30:55] With two votes separating the top three and one point or one vote separating the top two.
[31:03] I am pleased to announce the leadership award winner for the fall lead class of 2025 is Mitchell Cross
[31:11] with the Germantown Fire Department.
[31:27] Congratulations, Mack.
[31:35] And that's all we have.
[31:36] Thank you very much.
[31:37] Thank you.
[31:38] Thank you.
[31:39] Director Jenkins, thank you for your leadership with the class.
[31:42] Class, congratulations.
[31:43] This is the first graduation I've been to where no one went whoop whoop when there was
[31:47] a name called.
[31:48] Everyone was in such great behavior or whatnot this evening.
[31:52] I know you had fun and you got to know each other better during this time and what
[31:58] a testament to this class that the leadership award was so closely contended.
[32:05] so we know this is an incredible group.
[32:07] Congratulations, and Mr. Isman,
[32:10] I don't think they have to stay for the whole meeting.
[32:12] Is that correct?
[32:12] I think they have officially graduated, Mayor.
[32:14] Okay, all right, so I think Jessica Comus
[32:17] would like to take some pictures
[32:19] out by the tree of the class real quick,
[32:21] so if you'd like to go out in People Street,
[32:23] that would be great.
[32:24] Congratulations again,
[32:25] and thank you so much for serving our community.
[32:34] That brings us to item eight on the agenda,
[32:37] the Consent Agenda.
[32:38] I will read the consent agenda into the record here in a moment.
[32:42] The consent agenda with the packet is presented to the board ahead of time.
[32:46] Any board member who would like to have an item pulled for a separate presentation can do so
[32:51] after I conclude reading it into the record.
[32:54] The consent agenda is not very long this evening.
[32:57] Only a few items, specifically item 8A, an agreement for purchase
[33:02] for telecommunication services with Comcast Business
[33:06] for approximately $135,000 as was mentioned earlier in setting and adopting the agenda.
[33:12] Item 8B has been deferred to the second meeting in January or thereafter
[33:16] and that was a purchase of ammunition for the police department.
[33:21] Item 8C has purchased for mobile data terminals with the company known as Bright for $84,000
[33:27] and that's for all the public safety first responders.
[33:30] Item 8D is Purchase for Police Vehicle Equipment of $137,000 with Motorola for GPD.
[33:38] And Item 8E is Resolution 25R10 Amendment to Cash Balance Pension Discount Rate,
[33:44] adjusting that rate from 5% to 6%.
[33:46] Are there any items that any Board Member would like to have pulled specifically for presentation this evening?
[33:52] Hearing no one come forward.
[33:54] Is there a motion to approve the December 8, 2025 Consent Agenda as Modified?
[34:00] The motion by Alderman Sanders, there's a second by Vice Mayor Gibson.
[34:06] Any discussion on the consent agenda?
[34:08] Clerk, please call the roll.
[34:10] Alderman Hicks.
[34:12] Yes.
[34:12] Alderman Ulicki.
[34:13] Yes.
[34:14] Alderman Solveggio.
[34:15] Yes.
[34:15] Alderman Sanders.
[34:17] Yes.
[34:17] Vice Mayor Gibson.
[34:18] Yes.
[34:19] The consent agenda has been adopted.
[34:21] Thank you, Board, for supporting these measures that the administration brought forward.
[34:25] board. Several of them are public safety related and it's very important for us to be able
[34:29] to make sure the community is safe and protected. We now move to the regular agenda this evening
[34:35] and before we move forward with that I would like to recognize school board member Scott
[34:39] Hendricks as in attendance this evening. Sorry I didn't recognize you earlier but glad
[34:43] to have you with us tonight. Thank you. Item 9 on the agenda is ordinance 2025-9
[34:48] And amendment to Chapter 19, Article 3, Section 19-121, Construction Permit Fee, Third and
[34:55] Final Reading.
[34:56] Director Allen, please come forward and make a presentation.
[35:01] Thank you, Mayor.
[35:02] And good evening, Board.
[35:04] The agenda item before you is to request the Board's approval of Ordinance 2025-9
[35:10] on Final Reading Amending Chapter 19, Article 3, Section 19-121.
[35:16] A review of the city's telecommunications ordinance revealed discrepancies in construction permit fee models for fiber optic installations between the city code and the adopted resolution on revenue.
[35:29] Specifically, ordinance section 19-121 establishes a permit fee equal to 1% of the estimated construction costs.
[35:38] while Resolution 23 R01 establishes a permit fee
[35:42] consisting of base fee plus an additional amount
[35:46] per linear foot.
[35:48] The proposed amendment eliminates the construction cost
[35:51] based fee calculation and instead authorizes
[35:54] the applicable permit fees to be set by resolution
[35:57] as a part of the city's comprehensive resolution
[36:00] on revenues.
[36:02] The revision fixes the conflict between the ordinance
[36:05] in the resolution on revenues makes the application of fees clearer and more consistent allows
[36:12] fees to be adjusted periodically by resolution when necessary. If approved, the construction
[36:18] permit fee for telecommunications installations will be determined by the current adopted
[36:24] resolution on revenues. This concludes my presentation this evening. I'd be happy
[36:28] to answer any questions you may have.
[36:30] Thank you, Director Allen, for your presentation this evening and your work on this item
[36:34] through all three readings. This time, I'll entertain a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-09
[36:41] on third and final reading revising Section 19-121 of Chapter 19 Article 3. Is there a
[36:47] motion?
[36:48] Move to approve.
[36:48] Motion by Alderman Salveggio. Is there a second?
[36:52] Second.
[36:52] Second by Alderman Ulicki. Any discussion on the item? Clerk, please call the roll.
[36:59] Alderman Ulicki.
[37:00] Yes.
[37:01] Alderman Salveggio.
[37:02] Yes.
[37:03] Alderman Sanders.
[37:03] Yes.
[37:04] Vice Mayor Gibson.
[37:06] Yes.
[37:06] Alderman Hicks.
[37:07] Yes.
[37:08] Ordnance has been changed and adopted and will go into effect.
[37:11] Thank you, Board.
[37:12] It takes us item 10 on the agenda this evening.
[37:16] Ordnance 2025-10, amendments to Chapter 3, alcoholic beverages, Article 3 and 4, second
[37:21] reading and public hearing.
[37:23] Clerk Betty, are you making the presentation this evening?
[37:26] Mayor, we're going to put Attorney Goodman to work this evening.
[37:29] Thank you.
[37:29] It's good to have you here.
[37:30] and we'll recognize that you're a scout leader as well.
[37:33] So as the scouts are here.
[37:35] Attorney Goodman, you're recognized.
[37:37] Thank you, Mayor.
[37:38] Mayor, these are amendments, mainly clarifications
[37:42] as well as making our beer and alcohol ordinances
[37:45] fully consistent with state law.
[37:48] These have come about with me working with Clerk Betty
[37:51] and also with Alderman Sanders,
[37:54] as well as just keeping abreast of state law
[37:57] on these matters.
[37:57] I'll run through very briefly what the gist
[38:00] of these involved. First is to remove from the beer ordinance the requirement that the
[38:08] applicants pay a sum for newspaper publication costs. Once upon a time there had been a
[38:15] thought that state law required newspaper publication, but recent cases over the last
[38:22] decade have indicated that's no longer necessarily required so long as publication is made
[38:28] on public bulletin boards as well as on websites,
[38:32] on a municipality's website.
[38:34] So that's what we'd be doing going forward.
[38:36] We've got another proposed change here
[38:38] with respect to background checks
[38:42] and sort of how far deep we would go
[38:45] with secondary owners of applicants.
[38:48] We've made a change here to make it
[38:50] so that with a publicly traded company,
[38:53] we would not be going real deep into all that ownership
[38:58] because frankly it would be an unbelievably onerous task with pretty much any publicly
[39:02] traded company.
[39:05] We have added that a beer applicant would have to provide a copy of their lease with
[39:13] any application just so that we would be sure, I think, you know, who all is involved
[39:19] and there's not some secondary owner that we're unaware of.
[39:23] Only a couple more.
[39:29] We have a proposed change for temporary beer permits that would allow the sale of beer
[39:36] on public property.
[39:38] This has a strengthening of the protections for the benefit of the city in terms of
[39:44] indemnity, insurance, et cetera.
[39:47] We, for beer, would be moving back on Sunday the time that beer can be sold from noon until
[39:57] 10 a.m., which is consistent with the hours, which I'll get into momentarily, that liquor
[40:05] stores can be open now.
[40:08] Formerly, they had to be closed on Sunday, but now, per state law, they can open at
[40:12] 10 a.m. on Sundays.
[40:16] And moving on to alcohol, we've made one change or two changes with respect to applications
[40:24] that applicants would have to disclose that they have a local manager with supervisory
[40:28] authority within 100 miles, and they would also have to provide a copy of a lease just
[40:33] like a beer applicant.
[40:36] Hours of sale, again, we've made those consistent entirely with state law, and we've
[40:42] We've also made it clear here that the hours of sale for liquor stores are identical to
[40:50] the hours of sale for wine in grocery stores, which is the gist of state law these days.
[40:55] And then there's one final point about this is contained in 3-81B4 of our current ordinance.
[41:04] It tracked what had been state law, which required by statute that applicants be citizens
[41:11] of the United States for no less than one year.
[41:17] The Attorney General opined in 2016 that that would violate the state and federal constitutions.
[41:24] So I would suggest that we remove that.
[41:28] But I think procedurally the appropriate mechanism would probably be a motion to approve this
[41:36] and move it to the third hearing subject to that one amendment.
[41:40] To conclude your presentation.
[41:42] Yes, sir.
[41:42] Thank you, Attorney Goodman, for your presentation this evening.
[41:45] We appreciate that.
[41:45] We appreciate all the work.
[41:47] I think there was a work session and I know Alderman Sanders and others have contributed
[41:51] to this work product as well, so thank you.
[41:54] This time I'll declare a public meeting now open.
[41:57] If there's anyone who'd like to come forward and speak on this particular item, please do so now.
[42:02] If there's anyone who'd like to speak either for or against this adjustment to the ordinances reflecting alcohol beverages,
[42:09] please come forward seeing no one come forward.
[42:11] That concludes the public hearing portion of this agenda item this evening.
[42:15] This time I will move to a motion to approve on second reading, ordinance 2025-10, amending
[42:24] chapter 3, alcoholic beverages, section 3-77, 3-81, 3-82 of article 3, and 3-113 and 3-119
[42:37] of article 4 of the municipal code.
[42:39] Is there a motion?
[42:40] Move to approve.
[42:42] It's a motion by Alderman Sanders.
[42:43] Is there a second?
[42:45] Second.
[42:45] second by Alderman Hicks any discussion on the matter you'd like to be
[42:50] recognized you're recognized thank you mayor as I said at first reading this is
[42:55] some well-needed changes that strengthens protections for the city and
[43:04] realigns or aligns parts of our ordinance with state law having said
[43:12] that I will make a formal motion to make an amendment on Section 381, Paragraph 4, and
[43:23] that motion would be to strike the current language in its entirety and replace it with
[43:30] the word reserved at the suggestion of the city attorney.
[43:35] It's been an amendment and I will say without objection, it is not objected to, the amendment
[43:43] is part of the motion now.
[43:46] For the discussion on the item, clerk, please call the roll on the motion as amended.
[43:55] Alderman Silvegio.
[43:57] Yes.
[43:58] Alderman Sanders.
[43:59] Yes.
[44:00] Vice Mayor Gibson.
[44:01] Yes.
[44:02] Alderman Hicks.
[44:03] Yes.
[44:03] Alderman Ulicki.
[44:04] Yes.
[44:05] Very well, the amended motion moves to third and final reading.
[44:10] We move now to Item 11 on the agenda, Resolution 25 R09, Debt Management Policy.
[44:18] Mr. Heisman, who will be making your presentation this evening?
[44:20] City's Finance Director, Adrienne Royals.
[44:22] Director, you're recognized.
[44:25] Thank you, Mayor.
[44:31] Thank you, Board.
[44:32] The purpose of this agenda item is to approve Resolution 25 R9, adopting an update
[44:39] state to the city's debt management policy. These updates align with the Tennessee Comptroller's
[44:44] requirements and reflect best practices in the industry. In accordance with the Tennessee
[44:50] State Funding Board guidelines, which were adopted in 2010, it requires all local governments
[44:57] in Tennessee to adopt and ma...
[45:00] I maintain a written debt management policy that provides a comprehensive framework to issuing
[45:06] and managing debt. The city of Germantown's policy was written and adopted in 2011 and
[45:12] amended in 2015. So as part as the city's commitment to financial stewardship and long-range strategic
[45:20] planning, the city began reviewing the debt management policy and updating the existing
[45:26] policy to current practices and compliance with state law and professional standards.
[45:33] The key updates that go along with this debt management are the debt metrics.
[45:40] I will talk about it a little bit more in a minute, but the policy centers around updating
[45:45] the debt metrics, which is basically the limitations that the city can borrow.
[45:50] staff work with PFM, which is the city's municipal advisor, to complete a comprehensive
[45:57] review of the debt management policy and to evaluate the city's financial positions against
[46:04] the updated rating agencies of Moody's and S&P and their criteria change since the
[46:11] city had last gone out for a bond issue in 21.
[46:14] It was paramount that this revision and update to the new rating agency methodologies would
[46:25] consider the city's AAA bond rating and not affect or hurt the possibility of losing
[46:31] the AAA bond rating.
[46:33] The city also looked at peer cities to make sure that we had a comparison of similar
[46:39] tax-structured cities that also had a AAA rating.
[46:42] And those proposed results or review and results that happen for the changes are on page 2
[46:51] of the agenda item and also on Roman numeral 7 of the actual debt management policy.
[46:58] I'm going to switch over.
[47:03] So the updates to the debt metrics, the first one is the net debt to governmental fund expenditures
[47:10] that was less than 12 percent, that proposed item is to be removed.
[47:16] It doesn't really address the practicality of the consideration of affordability.
[47:23] So governmental items are beyond just the general fund
[47:26] and also include special revenue funds and the CIP.
[47:31] So if I was to give an example of saying, and these are just example numbers,
[47:35] If the general fund's total expenditures were 100 million,
[47:40] we would also have to include the special revenue funds as well
[47:45] and say they were also 100 million, which includes GMSD's expenditures,
[47:50] State Street Aid, Pickering and Art Program.
[47:55] All of those expenditures would be included.
[47:57] And we'll say that's also 100 million.
[47:59] And then you would also have to include the expenditures of the CIP fund.
[48:03] And as just an example, say it was 50 million.
[48:07] So instead of the 12% being evaluated to what the general fund could afford,
[48:12] it would instead be 100 million, it would be a 250 million evaluation to the 12%.
[48:17] That doesn't really speak to the city's practices of affordability
[48:21] since it is the general fund that pays through taxing, property tax, the actual debt service.
[48:29] So we thought it was appropriate to remove that item and replace it with debt service to general fund expenditures.
[48:37] We kept that at the same 12%.
[48:39] We also got that from the evaluation of the peer cities that we looked at who also had a range of 10% to 12%.
[48:48] The next one down is the net debt service to general fund expenditures.
[48:54] If you'll notice that several of these items are moving from debt service to net debt, that actually speaks to having some consideration or an exception for self-sustaining debt.
[49:09] So for the sake of argument, if the utility fund or GAC, the athletic club wanted to do debt and they could support that debt, it would not count against the general fund.
[49:22] The general fund will never go over 12%.
[49:24] However, if there was self-supporting debt,
[49:28] then the general fund would go up to 15%,
[49:31] knowing that those revenues would pay that additional 3%.
[49:36] The next one is direct debt to appraise property values.
[49:41] We changed the name to net debt,
[49:43] but left it at the 1.5%.
[49:46] That is not a limiting metrics for us.
[49:48] The next one is direct debt per capita.
[49:52] We renamed that to also net debt, but this is one that we also moved up.
[49:57] Currently it is at $2,000 and moving it to $2,500.
[50:06] So when we did the review and looked at the criteria, S&P actually had this metric out.
[50:13] We had it in and now they have come back around to put it back into their evaluation process.
[50:19] When we, excuse me, when PFM did the evaluation, we actually score at a level three in this metric
[50:27] and the range is 1500 to 2500.
[50:31] We understood by moving from 2000 to 25, it would not change our score with S&P
[50:37] and would still remain in the level three.
[50:40] The final one is the per capita debt to per capita income.
[50:45] We went ahead and removed this.
[50:47] We know it's an outdated metric that is not used by either rating agency.
[50:53] So some of the other items that we also did was, again, just being clarifying a little bit,
[51:01] most of the measures moved from direct debt to net debt to accommodate for that self-supporting.
[51:07] Also, these updates would allow an estimated debt capacity of $82.6 million, where we currently
[51:15] are, and move to $100 million.
[51:18] This is mainly for the general fund and the general fund's capacity.
[51:23] Also, we made some technical updates in the red line that have to do with the debt
[51:28] coverage requirement for those enterprise that would be going out for debt.
[51:33] And we also made some state law changes and removed some outdated language.
[51:38] The process for this review began in July.
[51:41] We met with PFM to discuss what the changes to the rating agency criteria had happened.
[51:47] And then we also put some parameters around the review talking to PFM of we don't want
[51:53] to do anything that would jeopardize the AAA rating.
[51:56] We then pulled together a subcommittee of the FAC in July and PFM came and gave a presentation
[52:05] on the process and the review process that we would do and the methodology that we would
[52:10] follow.
[52:11] Then in September, we met with the subcommittee of the Financial Advisory Commission and
[52:19] gave them the updated metrics and the suggestions that we were making to the policy.
[52:24] At that time, they recommended that we move it along to the full review of the FAC.
[52:32] And at that point, I believe it was October 6th, it was a unanimous vote by the FAC to
[52:38] move this and recommend it for approval to the BMA.
[52:43] I do want to say on that subcommittee we had a school board member who was represented
[52:49] on that along with a parent.
[52:51] At the same time, the review process was going on with the FAC.
[52:56] We were also updating the joint board, the three work sessions that the board, the BMA,
[53:03] had along with the Board of Education.
[53:06] And finally, on that last meeting in November, PFM also gave a presentation of how we went
[53:13] through the review process, the methodology, and where we have ultimately ended up.
[53:18] But Mayor, I do want to say that this, while we are adjusting the metrics and the capacity
[53:24] limits, it does not change the process for actually incurring and issuing debt.
[53:30] We would still go through the three reading process related to the budget.
[53:34] And then we also have three resolutions around initial authorizing resolution and
[53:41] authorizing resolution and the award.
[53:44] Mayor, that's my presentation.
[53:46] I'm here, and Lauren Lowe from PFM is also here.
[53:49] Thank you, Director Royals, for your presentation this evening
[53:52] and all the work over the last six or so months.
[53:55] This time, I'll entertain a motion to approve Resolution 25R09,
[54:02] adopting updates to the city's debt management policy.
[54:05] Is there a motion?
[54:06] Move to approve.
[54:06] The motion by Alderman Ullicke.
[54:08] Is there a second?
[54:09] Second.
[54:10] The second by Alderman Salvaggio.
[54:12] Alderman Ullicke,
[54:12] would you like to be recognized sir? You're recognized. I want to start with
[54:16] saying thank you to the FAC, to our friends at the school board, and to our
[54:24] parent who was involved on this commission as well. A lot of work went
[54:28] into this and I'm very grateful for the efforts that have been done by that
[54:34] team and by this board through the multiple work sessions, the joint
[54:38] session with the school board, very thorough review. That said, it's been a very public
[54:44] process. There have been public notice to all of these meetings. But at the same time,
[54:51] I understand from conversations with staff that there are some additional questions
[54:55] from some of my colleagues related to not necessarily the policies and changes, but
[55:00] some of the red lines and the technical changes going on for some of the housekeeping
[55:05] in this. So with that in mind, I would like to table this until the January 26
[55:10] meeting or before if that works for staff, but at least till the January 26 to
[55:16] give that opportunity for my colleagues to finish their review and deal with any
[55:20] of the technical red linings that they might have right now. Thank you Alderman
[55:24] and just for the record for those in attendance, you are the Alderman
[55:27] Liaison to Financial Advisory Commission and all things that are related to
[55:31] budget as well. Administration has no objection to your proposal. Does anyone
[55:37] have objection to that? Come back to us 126. We can also schedule a work
[55:44] session if board members would like prior to the 126 meeting date and we
[55:50] can accommodate that as well. Hearing no objection, we'll let that stand as
[55:55] Pat. It does not take a formal vote, but we will in essence defer item 11. Let me make
[56:04] sure I got that part right. Item 11, Resolution 2425R09, adopting updates to the city's debt
[56:13] management policy will be deferred until 12626, and that was brought forward by Alderman
[56:21] Yuliki without objection so that does stand pat so thank you and we'll get
[56:28] that work done as well and whatever the board needs between now and the 26th
[56:33] we'll accommodate that as well and I was a look to our consultant as well so
[56:38] thank you we've reached the conclusion of our meeting this evening I would be
[56:42] remiss if I did not take a moment to brag about our friends of the farm
[56:47] Bobby Lanier Farm Park and the Parks and Recreation Commission, lights on the farm.
[56:52] There have been many activities during the holidays, but lights on the farm occurred
[56:56] over the weekend and was attended by close to a thousand people, many of those young
[57:02] families with children.
[57:04] And so, Vice Mayor, I'd just like to say thank you.
[57:06] You are the liaison to Parks and Rec and also have a lot to do with the friends
[57:11] of the Farm Park as well.
[57:13] They really, not to play a pun on the lights,
[57:17] but they really shined over the weekend.
[57:20] So thank you so much.
[57:21] I'd also like to thank our officers this evening
[57:25] for being here, our Boy Scout troop as well,
[57:28] our GMTV producer as well.
[57:32] And we have no more meetings.
[57:33] We have a special called meeting
[57:35] and the public is welcome to come to that.
[57:37] It's an appointment of boards and commission members,
[57:39] but we have no other regularly scheduled meeting
[57:41] through the end of this year. So, Germantown, we wish you the best holiday greetings. Happy
[57:48] holidays, Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year. We are adjourned until literally
[57:53] next year. Have a great week, Germantown.