Germantown aldermen approve first reading to repeal seasonal-decorations code; public hearing set for April 14

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen on March 10 voted on first reading to repeal municipal code section 11-33, the citys ordinance governing holiday, seasonal and special-event decorations, and set a public hearing and second reading for April 14, 2025.

City Attorney Goodman told the board he had reviewed the seasonal-decorations ordinance and recommended repeal because of legal concerns, saying, "After doing so, I do have some legal concerns about the seasonal declarations ordinance and based on those, I would recommend, that the ordinance as written be repealed." The move pauses enforcement of the existing provision while staff and the board consider a replacement.

The repeal motion, introduced by Vice Mayor Gibson and seconded by Alderman Hicks, passed on a 4-0 roll call vote with Alderman Tony Savaggio absent. Vice Mayor Gibson emphasized the city will continue to protect neighborhood character while reviewing a replacement, saying the repeal "is not going to remove the important framework that preserves the integrity of our neighborhood." The vice mayor said the Neighborhood Preservation Commission and city counsel will assist in drafting any new ordinance.

The board framed the action as an initial, legally driven step: Attorney Goodman said the repeal would allow staff and counsel to "look into potentially drafting a replacement ordinance" with the goal of producing a version "on more solid footing." The mayor and clerk announced the item will return for second reading and a public hearing on April 14, and residents were invited to comment at that meeting.

Also at the meeting the board approved a five-item consent agenda that passed unanimously by the four members present. Consent items the board read into the record included:

- A contract for West Greenway Trail erosion repair with Grinder Taper Grinder in the amount of $90,410; - Adoption of the fiscal year 2026 budget calendar (details not specified on the record); - A professional services agreement for natatorium renovation design with 4F Design in the amount of $451,950; - Annual court software subscription fees with Tyler Technologies in the amount of $62,679.11; and - Resolution 25-RO-5, an interlocal agreement to adjust municipal boundaries (details not specified on the record).

The board approved the meeting agenda and minutes from its Feb. 24 meeting earlier in the session. The "citizens to be heard" period produced no speakers. The mayor closed the short meeting with acknowledgements related to the recent Germantown Half Marathon and Mayor—s 5K and adjourned.

The ordinance repeal will return for second reading and public comment at the boards April 14, 2025 meeting; the public hearing is the next formal opportunity for residents to address the proposal.