Town of Germantown
Official Website of the Town of Germantown, Juneau County, WITown of Germantown
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
March 18, 2025
Present: Commission Chairperson Keith Korbein, Commissioners Gervase Thompson,
Tamaya Loewe and Mike Edwards; Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Michaele Korbein
Absent: Mick McCormick, Zoning Administrator Dick Martin
Also Present: Ray/Jill Monroe and Jay/Katie Larson for Dirty Turtle, three other guests
–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
Mike Edwards made a motion to approve the minutes of both the February 12, 2025 Public Hearing and the February 12, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, seconded by Tamaya Loewe: motion passed 4/0.
–Work Session continued on Short Term Rentals
Concerns were raised about enforcement of any STR ordinance being a big concern and challenge. The Town Board continues to look at enforcement of the other ordinances. Reports can be printed from online places like VRBO for those doing renting to assist with knowing which properties are being rented. This does, however, require time to follow up and research them. Having steep fines can be a deterrent to someone who is not reporting and not getting permits to rent out their property. This may help keep most owners honest. But do not want to waste time developing an ordinance without having enforcement in place when it is approved, so maybe keeping an STR ordinance simple could help. Also, the question was asked about what liability the Town would have if they would enact a STR ordinance, as one would not want to end up in court. This question can be posed to the WTA attorney. Maybe keeping the WTA’s basic version of a STR ordinance would be better than modifying another municipalities’ ordinance that has other regulations that might not be enforced by town personnel or be enforceable by law.
Question if room taxes could be part of the STR regulations and incorporated within the STR ordinance, or if it would be a stand-alone ordinance. Room tax income has its own regulations on how it gets used: 70% to a tourism group to develop and promote the area and the balance of 30% stays with the municipality. But then the question of what the Town can use their share on. Like STRs, this also depends on owners properly being permitted for, and doing the associated reporting of, the renting.
–April meeting
Due to an already-scheduled meeting on next month’s meeting date, next month’s meeting will be held April 22, 2025 at 5:30pm.
–Adjourn
Gervase Thompson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mike Edwards; motion passed 5/0. Meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Michaele R. Korbein, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer