Board advances ordinance to move telecom construction permit fees to resolution

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to advance Ordinance 2025-9 on its second reading, approving a change that would shift construction permit fees for telecommunications installations from a cost-based model to fees set by city resolution.

Engineer Allen, presenting the item, said a review found ‘‘discrepancies in construction permit fee models for fiber optic installations between the city code and the adopted resolution on revenues’’ and recommended removing the cost-based calculation. ‘‘The proposed amendment eliminates the cost based fee calculation and instead authorizes the applicable permit fees to be set by resolution as part of the city's comprehensive resolution on revenues,’’ Allen said, saying the revision would improve clarity and allow periodic fee adjustments.

Mayor opened a public hearing but took no public testimony after three calls for speakers. Alderman Salvaggio made the motion to approve the ordinance on second reading; Alderman Hicks seconded. Clerk Betty called the roll; Alderman Silveggio, Vice mayor Gibson, Alderman Hicks and Alderman Eulicki recorded yes votes and the mayor announced the ordinance will move to a third and final reading.

Alderman Hicks said she supported the ordinance and used the opportunity to urge further work on expanding internet options in Germantown, suggesting follow-up conversations with staff or discussion at a vision session. No amendments were introduced at the meeting and no members of the public spoke during the hearing. The ordinance text referenced chapter 19, article 3, section 19-121 of the city code and a 2023 revenue resolution (23 R01) in explaining the conflict to be resolved.