Town of Germantown

Town of Germantown

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

August 19, 2025

Present: Commission Chairperson Keith Korbein, Commissioners, Tamaya Loewe, Mick McCormick, Mike Edwards; Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Michaele Korbein

Absent:  Commissioner Gervase Thompson, Zoning Administrator Dick Martin

Also present were members of the public: Luke Bacher

–Call to Order

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Keith Korbein at the Germantown Town Hall at 5:32pm.

–Pledge of Allegiance

–Possible approval of meeting minutes

Mick McCormick made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Mike Edwards; motion passed 4/0.   

–Work Session continued on Short Term Rentals

Continued with discussion and adjustments on the revised STR ordinance copy. Thoughts were that having a property manager would be nice but not necessary or required; but that if an owner does use one, their contact information would be very helpful in case of emergencies and convenient for communications.  Will check with the State of Wisconsin on current list of properties with Rooming House licenses in Germantown to see how many are legally registered as a rental.  Changes discussed and noted to be made on the work in progress ordinance will be made and proofed before sending to the Town’s attorney for review.

–Work Session continued on Room Tax

No discussion took place on this.

–Work Session on Fireworks Ordinance

Members were provided with a copy of what Germantown currently has for their Fireworks Ordinance. Fireworks being sold within the town and in neighboring towns are big concerns and may strongly contribute to why so many shoot fireworks here. Shooting them without a permit is illegal.  If they go up and go bang, they are illegal.  Increasing fees and penalties may be a helpful deterrent in that.  Some would like to see an increase in the liability limits to at least a minimum of $10,000,000 as it would not take long to hit the current $5,000,000 minimum should property be damaged in this day and age of increased property values. Eliminating the sell aspect would also help.  Will check more with state on what we can do in this.

–September meeting

The date will be September  16, 2025, starting at 5:30pm.

–Adjourn

Mike Edwards made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Tamaya Loewe; motion passed 4/0. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michaele Korbein, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer