Notable actions
This recap is based on the approved minutes of the Germantown City Council’s regular session on Monday, August 3, 2026, which began at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the city building. All seven members were present: Mayor Terry Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, Bonnie Koogle, Michael Kuhn, Rick Reed, Robert Rettich IV and Brian Wafzig.
Council approved its consent agenda, a bundle of routine items voted on together, on a roll call of 6 yes and 1 abstention. Mr. Rettich made the motion, and Mr. Kuhn abstained. The minutes do not give a reason for the abstention. The package included Resolution No. 26-39, which authorizes the city manager to enter into a contract with Zimmer Tractor, 461 Breaden Drive, Monroe, OH 45050, to purchase a skid steer. A skid steer is a compact, maneuverable work vehicle used for digging, lifting and hauling. Service Director Jonathan Moore told Council it will help staff on many projects. The minutes do not list a price for the purchase.
The consent agenda also included Resolution No. 26-42, which authorizes the city manager to prepare and submit an application to the State of Ohio NatureWorks grant program and to sign any required contracts. Also on the consent agenda was the appointment of Tiffany Kuhn to the City Beautiful Committee, with a term that expires December 31, 2028.
Council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 26-30, which approves current replacement pages to the city’s codified ordinances. Codified ordinances are the city’s laws gathered into a single organized code. Mayor Johnson opened the hearing, and the minutes record that Mayor and Council were not addressed. After it closed, Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt the ordinance, and it passed 7-yes, 0-no.
Three ordinances were introduced, and the mayor said the public hearing on each will be held September 8, 2026. An ordinance is a city law. Ordinance No. 26-38 would enact a temporary 24-month moratorium, or pause, on the establishment of new data centers within the city. Ordinance No. 26-40 would amend Ordinance No. 25-15, the appropriations for current expenses and expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. Ordinance No. 26-43 would accept right of way for Weaver Road, also known as East Wetz Lane, from the State of Ohio and approve the prepared agreement. No votes on these three were recorded.
Public comment
Two residents spoke during the Citizens’ Forum. The first, the coach of the Valley View Tennis Team, gave a brief update on the proposed tennis court expansion project and the grant awarded toward it. He plans to attend the October Council Work Session to give more details.
The second resident asked Council for help in cleaning up a neighboring property on Prairie Place. He described items in the front and side yards, said the property has been an eyesore for the block for years, and said it is lowering the value of his home. City Manager Judy Gilleland responded that staff are working on the property almost daily. She said 8 Prairie and 21 Prairie are both problem properties and that the city is working with its city attorney in the court system and civilly.
Round-up of routine items
The consent agenda also covered minutes from June 1, 2026 meetings, acceptance of the Third Quarter Credit Card Report, which the minutes say is a requirement of the State Auditor under the city’s credit card policy, and two resolutions, No. 26-36 and No. 26-41, declaring surplus property and authorizing the city manager to sell it. The minutes do not describe the property.
The meeting opened with recognitions. Mr. Reed presented certificates and coloring sets to winners of the July 4/America 250 Coloring Contest. Mayor Johnson presented awards to the July 4 Parade winners and thanked the Park Board, staff, Grand Marshals, participants and residents, along with Abundant Life Tabernacle for hosting the July 4 event and fireworks at Kercher Park. He also recognized the Valley View High School Track Team and a Valley View baseball player, and presented Fire/EMS Chief Josh Forrer with the trophy for the First Annual Founders Day Tug of War Contest.
In her report, Ms. Gilleland congratulated the Park, Service and Fire departments for their efforts to obtain grant money this year. She said German Township has placed the renewal Senior Center levy on the November ballot.
Mayor Johnson thanked the Historical Society for the Founders Day event and the Saturday Night Out Committee, whose next event is August 15. He said he is working on a new event, Movie with the Mayor at the By-Jo, with details to come. He announced that the September Council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 8. The mayor also said the MMI Committee has finished its five-year plan, with many projects completed and the rest planned over time.
Council members reported on several items. Mr. Jones thanked the pool staff for the season. Mrs. Koogle said the Senior Center is getting two new rooftop HVAC units in the next few weeks. Mr. Kuhn said Uland Training Center is moving into the Hosler Building and a new yoga studio is coming to Center Street, and that the Historical Society received a $100,000 estate gift. Mr. Reed said the pool slide installation should be done in the next few weeks. Mr. Rettich announced that National Night Out is the next day, with Fire/EMS and Police at VMP. Mr. Wafzig said an MVCC group is working toward a plan on ebike and scooter issues, and Mayor Johnson asked parents to teach children using them to be aware of their surroundings.
Council voted 7-0 to go into executive session at 7:58 p.m. under Ohio Revised Code sections 121.22(G)(2), to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, and 121.22(G)(1), to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee or official. Council returned to regular session at 8:50 p.m. by voice vote, with all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. No action after the executive session was recorded.
Source: Germantown City Council minutes, Monday, August 3, 2026.
