Town of Germantown

Town of Germantown

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

November 18, 2025

Present: Commission Chairperson Keith Korbein, Commissioners, Tamaya Loewe, Gervase Thompson, Mike Edwards, Joe Witmer; Zoning Administrator Dick Martin, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Michaele Korbein

Absent:  None

Also present were members of the public: Karl Johnson

–Call to Order

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Keith Korbein at the Germantown Town Hall at 5:30pm.

–Pledge of Allegiance

–Possible approval of meeting minutes

Joe Witmer made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Mike Edwards; motion passed 5/0.   

–Discussion re: the Johnson property at N7333 Winona Avenue

Dick Martin presented background/history on this property until the property owner Karl Johnson arrived for the meeting at 5:42pm. To date, three letters have been sent to the owner noting violations to remedy; the Town’s Attorney has been notified of them as well.  Fines and legal fees resulting from enforcement of this to date are approximately $800. A list of items for which Karl must come into compliance was reviewed and discussed and then presented to him.  The owner must also provide documentation to show progress update to the Zoning Administrator by December 15; otherwise, it will be turned over to the Town’s Attorney for further action.  Karl presented some supporting documents which were photocopied for the records.

–Work Sesson on Short Term Rental ordinance

Attorney Curran’s letter from October 23 on the work-in-progress STR ordinance was reviewed. Discussed having suggested changes incorporated into this ordinance.  Noted that renting is already a right as determined by the State, so a Conditional Use permit would not be needed.  Also, the Board should have the final say in the approval process, not the clerk.

–Work Session on Room Tax ordinance

Attorney Curran’s letter from November 18 on the work-in-progress Room Tax ordinance was reviewed. Discussed having suggested changes incorporated into this ordinance.  A tourist commission would decide who would do what work to collect a room tax.  70% of the tax collected could go to support that work. There are requirements as to who could be on that commission, including public and Town Board. 

–Work Session on Signs ordinance

An updated list of past permitted signs was presented.  In discussion, the general consensus was that the current ordinance is enforceable and to hold off on updating this ordinance. 

–December meeting

No December meeting; however, the next meeting date will be January 20, 2026, starting at 5:30pm. 

–Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michaele R. Korbein, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer