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Germantown EDC debates direction, municipal-code updates and a facilitator to unify the 2050 plan
Summary
Commissioners reviewed proposed Municode amendments to expand membership and clarify duties, described the commission’s past lack of prioritized work and discussed a short, structured workshop (possibly led by consultant Paul Robock) to combine the 2050 comprehensive plan, strategic platform and loan program into an actionable agenda.
Commissioners spent much of the March 10 meeting reviewing updates to the Germantown municipal code that govern the Economic Development Commission and debating how the commission should prioritize work.
Chair read changes to Municode Section 1.379 that would increase membership from seven to nine, describe appointment and term language and restate the commission’s duties to formulate and recommend economic development programs and an annual budget. The chair noted minutes and recommendations from the commission are to be submitted to the village board.
Discussion then turned to the commission’s strategic platform and the 2050 comprehensive plan. Jim characterized the group’s past performance bluntly: “I think the problem with this commission is for a long time is it's been a rudderless ship that we just don't know what we're supposed to be doing.” Multiple commissioners agreed the previous facilitation work stopped short of prioritization and urged a short, structured workshop to produce an actionable list of priorities.
Members proposed a split approach: finish immediate housekeeping tasks such as improving the website and making the loan program materials easier to find, while scheduling a facilitated workshop focused on prioritization, TID use and developer agreements. Several commissioners recommended Paul Robock, an extension facilitator who previously did similar work in the village, as an economical option if he is available to combine the 2050 plan, the strategic platform and related documents into one consolidated product.
Chair also reminded the commission that the village board has approved an ordinance change related to the commission and that the change must be published in the newspaper to take effect; staff confirmed it will be published tomorrow. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a workshop agenda and to bring examples of meeting formats and facilitation options to the next meeting.
The commission agreed to continue preparatory work before the membership increases in May and set its next regular meeting for April 14.
