Notable actions
This recap is based on the approved minutes of the Germantown City Council’s regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Council met at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the city building. Six members were present: Mayor Terry Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, Bonnie Koogle, Michael Kuhn, Rick Reed and Brian Wafzig. Robert Rettich IV was absent, and council voted 6-0 to excuse him. Every roll call vote recorded was 6-0.
Data center moratorium: Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-38, which enacts a temporary 24-month moratorium on the establishment of new data centers within the city. An ordinance is a city law, and a moratorium is a pause. Mr. Jones moved to adopt it. The minutes record that no one addressed council during the public hearing, though a Farmersville Pike resident later said he wanted to hear everything related to data centers in the area. In his council report, Mr. Jones said he had researched data center concerns in Ohio and was glad Germantown was passing legislation on the subject.
Budget amendment: Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-40, which amends Ordinance No. 25-15, the appropriations (spending authority) for the city’s current expenses for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The minutes do not list dollar amounts. Finance Director Pat Shivley reviewed the proposed legislation earlier in the meeting. No one spoke at the public hearing, and the vote was 6-0.
Weaver Road right of way: Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-43, which accepts right of way for Weaver Road, also known as East Wetz Lane, from the State of Ohio and approves the prepared agreement. No one spoke at the hearing, and the vote was 6-0.
Yearly assessments: Council adopted three emergency ordinances, each after a separate 6-0 vote to suspend the rules, a procedural step, and a public hearing at which no one addressed council. Emergency Ordinance No. 26-44 levies special assessments on lots in the city to pay for furnishing and maintaining the street lighting system for 2026. Emergency Ordinance No. 26-45 levies an assessment for cutting and removing weeds and plant growth on certain properties. Emergency Ordinance No. 26-46 levies an assessment for the 2026 collection of nuisance assessments on certain properties. Each was adopted 6-0. The minutes do not give dollar amounts.
64 Comstock: Council introduced two ordinances on property at 64 Comstock. Ordinance No. 26-51 would accept and authorize the city’s acquisition of the property and a new lease with the city as landlord. Ordinance No. 26-50 would authorize the sale or conveyance of the property to Germantown Christian School and the assignment of the related lease. Mayor Johnson said the public hearing on each will be October 5, 2026. Law Director Scott Davies reviewed both during his report. No vote on either was recorded.
Consent agenda: Council approved a group of routine items together on a motion by Mr. Wafzig, 6-0. These were the minutes of the August 3, 2026 regular and work sessions, plus four resolutions. A resolution is a formal decision of council that is not a city law. Resolutions 26-47 and 26-49 declare surplus property and authorize the city manager to sell it. Resolution 26-48 authorizes the employment agreement for the position of city manager. Resolution 26-52 declares a 2012 Toyne rescue truck surplus property and authorizes the city manager to sell it.
What residents raised
Property conditions on Prairie Place: Two residents of Prairie Place told council about conditions at 21 Prairie Place. They described yard and property maintenance problems they said had gone on for more than four years, trash and debris blowing into neighboring yards, and dogs roaming without leashes. One said the neighbors had hired an attorney and had video of incidents. Both asked council to help resolve the situation, and one asked council to use every tool available. One said the condition of the property keeps her from having friends and family over.
Response from city staff: City Manager Judy Gilleland said staff have worked on the property for several years and that it comes up almost daily. She called it the worst she has dealt with in her 44 years in local government. Law Director Scott Davies said the city is using every option it can to bring the property into compliance with code, and that charges have been filed in court.
Judicial candidate: Judge Nicholas Sylvain introduced himself as a candidate for the Juvenile Court judge seat in the upcoming election. He cited 23 years of experience and encouraged residents to vote.
Data centers: A resident of Farmersville Pike said he is interested in hearing everything related to data centers in the area.
Round-up of other business
Public records request: Mr. Davies acknowledged a public records request for footage from the Police Department’s Flock cameras in use on State Route 4. He said the city has complied and provided the information to those who asked.
Mayor’s report: Mayor Johnson plans to attend this month’s Mayors and Managers meeting in Miamisburg. He reported that the Park Board discussed the proposed 2027 budget with staff and plans to host Christmas in the Park on December 12, possibly with the horse parade again. The MMI Committee discussed completing its five-year plan and how MMI Park will fit into the park system. He will host a free Movie with the Mayor at the By-Jo, showing Elvis Presley in Concert, on September 23, and will read a proclamation declaring Dolly Day on September 25 at City Hall. He said he and an anonymous donor paid for the ribbons on City Hall’s columns honoring Dolly Parton’s passing, with no taxpayer money used. He also mentioned a 25th anniversary 911 Stair Climb at Miamisburg High School and said Rumpke trash pickup will run one day late because of the Labor Day holiday.
Public recognition: The mayor announced the winner of the Germantown Fire and EMS Association’s hog raffle and thanked participants in the night run/walk.
Council member reports: Mrs. Koogle reminded residents about the renewal 1-mill Senior Center levy on the upcoming ballot and urged attendance at the Pretzel Festival. She also asked residents to label cemetery decorations with a loved one’s name. Mr. Jones thanked pool staff for the season. Mr. Reed said the Pool Board discussed the 2026 season and the installation of the new water slide. Mr. Wafzig and Mayor Johnson thanked the Fire and Service departments for quickly clearing trees downed by the previous week’s storm. Mr. Jones, Mr. Kuhn and the mayor also noted the retirement of Roger of the Village Flower Shop. The shop will stay in Germantown under a new owner and in a new location.
Adjournment: Mr. Kuhn moved to adjourn, and the meeting ended at 7:48 p.m.
Source: Germantown City Council minutes, Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
