Commissioners pressed for a clearer, documented process to handle vacant commercial properties after receiving an inventory and learning that Flamingo Marine had sought signage and moved into the industrial park without the commission's prior review.

David Baum, Trustee (first identified during the meeting), asked what the economic development commission's role is once a vacancy list is compiled: "We're not brokers," he said, and asked whether the commission should actively work to fill vacant spaces or simply provide information. Commission members sought square footage, lot availability, and tax-revenue figures for specific properties so they can develop targeted follow-up plans.

Village President Soderbergh, who said he compiled the inventory, told commissioners he had contacted commercial agents and the owner of Germantown Plaza, Tony Palermo, and that he would work with the village administrator to move efforts forward. "I put the list together because we've only been talking about it," he said, and urged that the commission receive staff support to translate ideas into action.

Several commissioners said some properties show no appetite for traditional retail and that filling vacancies will require creativity, coordination with the planning department, and possibly changes to staff assignments or outsourcing. Commissioner (Speaker 4) urged that the commission be informed when businesses are pursuing expansion into Germantown so commissioners can vet potential impacts and advise the plan commission and GGF as appropriate.

The group agreed to re-request missing data (square footage and tax-revenue details) and to clarify which department or staff member will be responsible for follow-up work; they also discussed publishing vacancy information online to improve visibility and potentially spur owner engagement.

The EDWC/Flamingo Marine presentation was postponed to February because presenters did not submit a complete packet; commissioners said they still expect financial details if any village incentives or funds are involved.