Thank you. Gaylor you ready.
Good evening. We've got some
seating up front, feel free to
come on in. And once we close,
the doors will get the meeting
started.
Okay. Missus,
Wilkinson. We please call
rule. Yes, Sir. Councilmember
Carter.
>> Here, Councilmember Cup
easy. Councilmember Edwards
care, Mayor pro tem spread
line here. Councilmember
Lebowski here, Councilmember
Ryan here in Maryland.
>> Here we have a quorum. And
before we start with tonight's
meeting. Just want to take a
moment of silence to recognize
CHAIRMAN Crowd sing. He was
our county judge. Friend of
mine for over 20 years a
dedicated public servant who
passed away unexpectedly over
the weekend. If you honor him
with a moment of silence, I'd
appreciate it.
Now invite
Councilmember Carter to lead
us in the invocation, followed
by the pledges.
>> We come before you seeking
peace, comfort and guidance.
We lift up the family and
loved ones of Judge Sherman
Krause e. His sudden passing
has deeply affected our
community. Police surround a
family, loved ones and friends
with your comfort and grant
them peace in the days ahead.
We thank you for first
responders who created it.
Courageously acted to protect
our children Canyon Middle
School. Watch over them and
their families and bless them
for their service. We ask your
blessing on the city of New
Braunfels, its leaders and its
people. Grant us wisdom, unity
and compassion as we serve
this community. In your name,
we pray.
>> Okay. We get to start the
meeting off with a little fun.
We have a couple
proclamations. And then we're
gonna we're gonna do a
retirement. So the first one
we're going to do is for
entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship Week. Would
anybody here for
entrepreneurship? We come up
and join me.
So whereas
entrepreneurship is a driving
force of innovation, economic
growth and community
prosperity. The entrepreneurs
play a vital role in creating
jobs, strengthening local
economies and enhancing the
quality of life for residents
in New Braunfels. And whereas
the city Braunfels is home to
a diverse and dynamic
entrepreneurial ecosystem,
including small businesses,
startups, family-owned
enterprises makers, innovators
and lifestyle brands that
contribute to the city's
unique character economic
resilience and long-term
growth. And whereas the
Greater New Braunfels Chamber
of Commerce plays a critical
role in supporting
entrepreneurship. Business
programming, mentoring
networking workforce
initiatives and economic
development strategies
designed to help entrepreneurs
start grow and sustain
successful businesses. And
whereas the chamber's economic
development efforts in
collaboration with public and
private partners help
strengthen the local business
climate by supporting business
attraction, retention
expansion and innovation while
fostering an environment where
entrepreneurs entrepreneurs
can thrive. And whereas
entrepreneurship, education
and career exploitation
exploration are central to
developing a strong future
workforce and local career and
technical education or cte
programs. School districts,
post-secondary institutions
and workforce partners help
inspire and prepare students
to pursue entrepreneurship,
innovation and business
ownership as a viable career
path. And whereas engaging
entrepreneurship through
education, workforce
development and community
partnerships, supports talent,
development, economic move.
Mobility and long-term
prosperity for New Braunfels.
And whereas National
Entrepreneurship Week provides
an opportunity to recognize
celebrate and support
entrepreneurs will
highlighting programs and
partnerships that cultivate
innovate, innovation and
inspire the next generation of
business leaders. Now,
therefore, be it resolved that
I deal in its mayor. The city
of Braunfels, Texas, hereby
proclaim FEBRUARY 14th through
21st 2026. As Entrepreneurship
Week. All right. Thank you,
Mike Crowley. And with the the
Bravo Chamber of Commerce. And
I'm joined here today. We have
folks from our spark Small
business Center. We have
Northeast Lakeview College and
they have their business
department. That's right here
in New Braunfels. One of our
business owners, I think most
of America, some of the world
knows about. And I could. The
plan is better because I did
not know that there's going to
be a fire department.
Retirement tonight in every
good fireman's. Got a side.
Hustle. So I imagine there's a
bunch of small business owners
right here and I look around
the room and there's there's
several I've seen I know
there's a mom here. The young
man who is trying to create
faith-based t-shirts that I've
seen on social media, theirs
is other businesses here,
folks that are trying to start
the thing about starting your
own business is this isn't a
big corporation. This is this
is when your neighbors. This
is somebody who decides that
they're going to make
something and bring it to
their community. And what what
better thing can we celebrate?
And so we're fortunate and
that to have what we have here
in our startup ecosystem. With
our spark small business
center. We have come isd.
Raise your hand if you're
coming. Isd. They have the e
que better program for the
high school students to go
through and go through shark
tank like Environment, New
Braunfels isd has a program.
And if you have any kids that
are middle school or high
school, Braunfels Youth
Collaborative is going to be
launching a venture lab. Small
business startup. For those
aged students. New Braunfels
we're all in as a community
and our business startups. And
I think the city for
recognizing it.
Okay. Next is
career and technical Education
month. So anybody here with
career and Technical Education
month.
>> Come on up. I see some
familiar faces.
So whereas
career and technical education
or cte, prepare students for
future success by equipping
them with the academic
knowledge, technical skills
and leadership. Competencies
needed to thrive in an
evolving workforce in a
rapidly changing economy while
also supporting the long-term
economic stability and quality
of life for the city, for the
Citizens of New Braunfels.
Whereas cte programs offered
by New Braunfels Independent
School District and come out
independent school district.
Provide students with
meaningful hands-on learning
experiences that connect
classroom instruction to
real-world careers,
post-secondary education and
lifelong learning
opportunities that benefit
both students and the broader
community. And whereas career
and technical education
fosters essential leadership
skills such as problem solving
teamwork, communication,
adaptability and innovation
preparing students to become
productive employees,
entrepreneurs and civic minded
leaders who contribute
positively to the community.
And whereas strong connections
between the education and
industry are critical to
workforce readiness and
collaborative partnerships
among the school districts,
higher education institutions,
employers and workforce
organizations help ensure that
local businesses have access
to skilled workforce while
providing residents with
pathways to stable
high-quality careers. Whereas
the Greater New Braunfels
Chamber of Commerce supports
career and technical education
through strategic partnerships
with local school districts by
connecting educators and
students to the business
community facilitating career
exploration and work. Based
learning opportunities,
mentorship and alignment
between education, pathways
and workforce needs all of
which strengthen the local
talent pipeline and support
the well-being of their
Braunfels. Residents. And
whereas these efforts enhance
economic opportunity, reduced
workforce gaps, support
business growth and help
ensure that New Braunfels
remains a vibrant, resilient
and prosperous community for
citizens. And whereas the
Career and Technical Education
Month provides an opportunity
to recognize the impacts of
cte. Educators,
administrators, students and
industry partners who are
cleverly to prepare students
for successful careers and
meaningful contributions that
benefit the entire community.
Now, therefore, be it resolved
that I knew Leonard's mayor
the city of New Braunfels,
Texas, do hereby proclaim the
month of FEBRUARY 2026. As
career and Technical Education
Month.
>> Really wasn't planning on
saying anything. This is a
this is a committee meets
every single month in more
frequently than that chamber
hall. My name scored a bunch
of and the chair and vice
chair and now Michael step
into that role and been in the
committee now. I think 6 or 7
years time search. Go by
quick. I'll tell you a quick
story to loop all this stuff.
Kind of back together and then
tour this young man I have
since he was a 6th grader at
one of our local schools when
I met him, he tried out for
the 7th grade soccer team with
Crocs on. And even if someone
at his house would have
supported him. But those
cleats. He didn't have enough,
you know, high enough to be
able to play on the team. And
so through communities in
schools, MR. Rickard, here's
the ceo. You know, he was able
to get connected with the
mentor. And we help kind of
give them some direction over
these last few years. And I
was a junior at one of our
local schools and he plays on
varsity soccer team. He has
his grades up and he just went
to Tstc. Well last week for
the chili cook off. And he's
going to, you know, be able to
connect with some local
employers and have a job where
he'll be able to, you know,
help take care of his own
family. And I just think it's
important pause for a second
and tell stories like that
because tstc and what they're
doing out there at that
campus. You know, the
initiative came straight from,
you know, the New Braunfels
edc. And, you know, this
council turned around and
support of that initiative.
And so now this kid has been
able to go full circle and get
get on the right path for a
successful future. And the
last thing I'll say it's kind
of funny is that this
committee 30 years ago started
communities in schools. And so
it's pretty unique to see
everything kind of come full
circle. And I think I've been
talking long longer than
proclamation by now. So I'm
gonna hang it up. Thank you,
Mayor. Thank you. Council
Mike. Real quick. I want to
make sure that we get our
other education partners
recognized again. We had
Northeast Lakeview, New
Braunfels up here. They've
been real strong supporter of
cte for both of our sons will
be on both of our school
districts.
>> But that's what we're here
today is from New Braunfels.
We tstc that they've done a
lot over the last 3 years and
creating this this talent
pipeline and engaging with our
students. We have our school
districts which really proud
to support. There's an event
that we've done the last 2
years. And I thought you
mention it. It's okay. Has
still love you. Where people
think we're crazy. But the
first year we did 500th
graders this last year. We did
1000 this next year. We're
doing 1500. Where we take from
the local middle schools or
bring a man and we expose him
to career opportunities that
are right here. So this last
year we had 50 employers show
up at the Civic Center and
show hands on what a career
looks like and what they do.
It's everything from advanced
manufacturing diesel
mechanics. Yeah, it
cybersecurity. You name it.
Our fire department was there.
We had our police department
there this year. They didn't
bring the guns last year. They
brought all the guns. But
we're very fortunate to have
this community that that
embraces our talent pipeline.
And making sure that the folks
that live here. Our kids. That
when they graduate school,
they have opportunities right
here because in the past that
wasn't a thing. In the past of
some of the graduate school
here they were leaving and
they're going somewhere else
to work in somewhere else to
live and somewhere else to
worship. We're helping create
this ecosystem here where we
get to have our families with
us. And so now I know that
when my kids graduate high
school, there's opportunity
for them right here. And
that's because of this. This
great city and its leadership.
So thank you very much.
Chief
was on. I think you're next.
>> introduce you to very
special guest behind me. Is
Bush. Which is given 31 years
of service. To the New
Braunfels Fire Department. So
31 years ago. Look a little
bit different. There was no
Facebook. There was no digital
cameras. There was no Google.
There was no wifi, no gps. I
mean, if if you had to get a
location, you put out a key
map. And you hope that you got
it right in half the time you
return, the came different
directions. But just our world
changed, Dani changed. Let's
talk about to see pictures of
them and some things never
change. But, you know, he
started as a firefighter
paramedic. And he was focused.
On the other. The patient. Or
the fire right in front of
them. But like anything, he
evolved. He bawled as a
leader. He started managing
fire crews. Large-scale
incidents, natural disasters.
But one thing that never
change was his desire to help.
And thing else is his focus on
people. Because Don t always
knew that. People matter most.
You Dani truly embody the
concept. Of a servant leader.
>> lot of firefighters,
unfortunately, where we can be
driven by ego. You got to put
the fire out. We got a win.
And that's the kind of
firefighter you want to show
up to your house on the on the
worst day of your life. You
want to fire fighter that
wants to win no matter what
the incident. But Don t always
took a little bit of a
different approach. He always
wanted to win. But you always
want is people safe? I think
back when I first got here, I
actually gave a letter of
Commendation. Dani, it was in
OCTOBER of 22. He had just
made a fire and it was at a
local business or restaurant.
We have firefighters committed
inside that had heavy fire,
heavy smoke. We have put
firefighters on the roof. To
cut a hole to ventilate the
products of combustion to able
to make the visibility better
and the environment more
tenable. So firefighters could
put the fire out. And like
most firefighters, the hole
goes. We've got to put the
fire out. We've got to put the
fire out. Dani was the
incident commander. So for
those not in the fire service,
he stands outside he make sure
that the entire incident is
managed in official way. And
in a safe way. Now
firefighters are going to be
focused on putting the fire
out and that's where the ego
comes in. Well, while he
realize there's no more people
inside. He evacuated the
structure. Got everybody off
the roof. Got everybody out of
this structure still burning.
Lot of firefighters weren't
happy with that. Firefighters
don't like to leave a
structure. When it's still
burning and go defensive. 2
minutes shortly after that,
the entire structure
collapsed. We last an entire
crew that day. But just like
Donny was always focused on
people. He put his ego aside.
And he made sure everybody
goes home. And that's what
happened that day. And i
remember giving them that that
presentation in front of U.S.
Troops. Also told if you cry
them use Now you leave a
legacy. You know, legacies are
important in the fire service.
Many can say your legacy is a
lives. You saved. You are a
firefighter. Paramedic. You
probably can't even remember
how many lives you touched
either in the back of an
ambulance or on a fire scene.
But your legacy stance. At the
very end here. All the men and
women, firefighters. That
serve. With courage. With
commitment. But also with your
example. So I want you to
remember that. Your legacy is
not the 31 years. Their legacy
is not the incidents you
commanded. It's the careers
that u shaped. It's the men
and women that will always
talk about you at a fire
station. Good and bad. And
more than thing else. Your
legacy is going to be your
family. Know your At the end
of the day that one of the
hardest things to do is not
being a firefighter. It's
being married to a firefighter
being the daughter, son of a
firefighter cause how many
times did you have to
celebrate Christmas the day
before the day after or
unfortunately an anniversary,
the day before the day after.
Your legacy stands. Not only
by the lives he's touched, but
those that supported you
throughout your career. So Don
t. On behalf of myself. More
times I found myself in your
office. As asking questions,
advice. Behalf of of very
grateful City. On behalf of
your family. The firefighters
here with us. Enjoy your
retirement. You will earn and
have earned every minute thank
you.
Okay. Now you can call me
a s#
#
because a fix to cry.
I don't want to say thank
thank you for the kind words,
>> Thank you for letting me
stay let's go with that. I've
been very blessed in my life
would have started here. It
was number 17 on shift. Now we
have 51 people and when it
started here. There were 4
fire stations and we had 4
person crews except for
downtown that had 5. It's been
a journey. And the people
would like to just too many
did godly an indoor to start.
So I'll just a 3 technically
4. But Anderson, at the back
there with the baby. Parker's,
the one that threw the ball.
It you sorry about that. But
under Hannah. And don't know
what to do without you. By
GOD. I love each and every one
of you. You know, the drill.
If you need me catch from a
mobile questions. Questions
questions, questions,
questions, questions. Thank
you.
>> We have a representative
from Donna Campbell's office.
So we have a representative
from Donna Campbell's office.
>> Ohtani when I saw I
thought. Was more worried
about how I was after the
party Known you for a long
time. So very proud of you.
And so variable blast of no
new and had you in our
community. Senator Donna
Campbell. Had this Texas flag
flown for you over the state
Capitol last week. So we have
a circuit certificate of
recognition for over 31 years.
And the New Braunfels Fire
Department Department
Battalion Chief wish and
gratitude for your dedicated
in your honorable service. It
was flown over the state
Capitol on the 6th day of
FEBRUARY. You
>> Okay, we have their family
come up for a picture.
People
are asking. At the council
center behind it.
>> All right. My brother,
sister firefighters with what
time to catch fish. The crack
of dawn. What time to go hunt
and the crack of dawn. Hey, if
you want to get a hold of
coming at the crack of noon.
>> Okay. Is is everybody going
to hang out for the rest of
the meeting?
Okay. Next up is
citizens communication. Before
we launch into that. I just
want to read a couple of
excerpts from our ordinance
just as a friendly reminder.
One of them, Israel in regards
to my duties here. It says as
the presiding officer, their
mayor shall have the primary
duty free. For ensuring that
the council's rules procedures
are followed in for
maintaining dignity and order
at all council meetings. And
then under the decorum
section. It says in all
discussions, disrespectful
language and personalities
shall be avoided. No personal
attacks shall be allowed by
any speaker. So I just wanted
to bring that up, which will
apply to both our citizens,
communication and any public
hearing items. We're going to
start with citizens
communication. This is a time
for citizens to address the
city Council on issues and
items of concern that are not
on this agenda. There will be
no city council action at this
time. If you'd like to address
counsel, please step up to the
podium state. Your name with
your resident non resident or
live in the etj.
>> Good evening. My name is
Bob King. I am a resident
taxpayer of the city Sense
2009, what we just witnessed
is wonderful. We should
celebrate our first
responders, every single
opportunity we have. Because
they're the absolute most
important thing. To this city.
But we have to do more than
just celebrate and we got to
pay him too. Esteem the mayor,
honorable councilmembers
fellow citizens. I'd like to
reframe to discussions this
body I think would like you to
believe are unrelated when in
fact they are related. When
residents ask, why are police
department is understaffed? Or
why officer pay remains stuck
at or below the median. The
response we often hear is that
paying police more would
require higher taxes. I think
that's simply not true. Taxes
do not need to go up. To
improve police pay priorities
need to change. The problem
isn't that the city lacks
revenue. The problem is that
the city has first chosen to
use some of its general fund
to subsidize real estate
development. And then only it
must cobble together from what
remains for public safety and
other things. So let's be
clear about how this works.
Hearst District routinely
direct 85% of new property tax
revenue away from the general
fund. And in the ring, fenced
development or improvement
projects. That's money that
could otherwise support police
fire and other core services.
Instead, it's locked up for
decades to reimburse
infrastructure parking site,
work. And other costs that
seem at least to this taxpayer
to principally benefit private
developers in preferred parts
of town. Lair on top of that.
Section 3.80, agreements which
rebate tax dollars back to
developers project by project.
And the result is the same.
Future. General fund revenue
is spoken for before it even
arrives. So when city leaders
claim that they cannot afford
to staff New Braunfels police
adequately or move first
responder compensation be on
the media. That isn't because
we lack money. It's because
city leaders have other
priorities. Keep in mind that
nbpd is substantially
understaffed versus state and
national averages. Some 113
sworn officers below the
median. According to one
mayoral candidate.
Furthermore, nbpd isn't
policing average residential
population. As we all know,
our officers are policing
river crowds. Festivals, live
music gatherings and bar
districts. They often spend
more time dealing with
visitors and residents. More
weekend. A nighttime
enforcement, more alcohol
related incidents, more strain
per officer. And yet we staff
nbpd as those as if those
realities do not exist.
Because I believe police
staffing does not produce
ribbon cuttings. Happy Chamber
of Commerce or compact
campaign contributions
subsidize real estate
projects. Do. That's the
uncomfortable truth. So when
residents are told that better
first responder compensation
requires raising taxes. I
believe that's a false choice.
The real choice is between
continuing to prioritize
developer subsidies or
prioritizing public safety. We
could choose to leave more of
our tax base and the general
fund if we wanted to, we could
choose to scale back subsidies
and a market that clearly
doesn't need them. We could
choose to treat police
staffing as a central, not
optional. Instead, this city
has chosen subsidized growth.
First and public safety.
Second. That's a policy
decision. That's their
priority. If we paid our first
responders better than our
peers instead of just
targeting the media, we would
have a superior force and
adequate numbers. The solution
is to change our priorities or
change our council members.
Thank you very much. Hello,
everyone. My name is Michael
French. I live in the city.
>> Mayor City Councilmembers
members. City manager, thank
you very much tonight for
allowing me to speak. I want
address you directly because
this decision comes down. To
leadership and timing. For
years on New Braunfels Police
Department has come to you
directly for help. They're
currently and too close to 140
police officers. Compared to
the national average of the
United States. They do not
have proper weapons training
facilities do not any more
police officers that they need
more vehicles. The new more
updated communications
equipment. Why do we as a
second fastest growing city in
the United States have to
continuously pay for other
officers from other counties
to work local events here in
New Braunfels. Our city
utilizes outside off-duty law
enforcement officers to help
manage security and traffic
for local events. Braunfels
Police Department staff are
unavailable. There are 2
options to do the right thing
and to support are wonderful
police department. You can
either either move forward
with the crime Control and
Prevention district. The ccpd
that's allowed by Texas law
and one quarter of a cent per
$0.08 of each sales tax. Or
you could propose something
maybe of a bond. A bond will
not work. The ccpd we'll work
and I will tell you why. We
are a city of roughly 125,000
residents. But in practice, we
police far more than that. We
have roughly 10 to 15,000
visitors each and every day we
have millions of visitors
every year. Seasonal surges,
alcohol related activities and
events, activities and events
traffic. The new Mayfair
community events that
dramatically increased calls
for police service and so much
more. Tonight. I want to be
very clear. A crime control
and prevention district to
ccpd does what no other option
can do. Officers should not
have to walk the streets for a
month collecting signatures
only for you to quickly look
at them and tell them that
they have failed. Many times.
They have asked for this
almost every year since 2022.
Why are you making a great
police officers this arduous
task? They have enough to do
already. And the bigger
question is why we supporting
them and their needs? Ccpd
provides ongoing, dedicated
voter approved funding for
crime control. This is funding
that could be used for hiring
officers funding over time,
improving retention and
staffing for peak tourism
seasons. It allows the city to
keep pace with growth instead
of reacting to it years too
late. This is not theoretical.
This is how cities across the
great state of Texas and the
race to the nation stabilizes
the price departments. Mayor
and City Council. This is also
the most fiscally responsible
option. Ccpd is a pay as you
go. No debt, no interest, no
burden pushed on to feed these
future city councils like you
or the taxpayers in New
Braunfels. Like unlike
property tax base, bonds as an
option, ccpd funded through
sales tax ensures that
visitors not just residents
help pay for police services
but more than finances. This
is about officer safety and
sustainability. Under staffing
does not announce itself. A
great headlines. It shows up
very quietly and single
officer responses and delayed
backup and mandatory overtime
and fatigue and burnout and
then and experienced officers
leaving the force. Those are
warning signs and once they
become visit, visit visible,
excuse me to the public. The
cost. The legal cause, the
financial cost and the human
cost will be much great. Your
roles as mayor and city
council and city manager not
just to maintain today's
budget, but it is its to set
the city and the sustainable
patch past for the future.
Ccpd create something very
important. A fully-staffed
supported protected police
force. For the safety of our
officers, the resilience of
our police department and the
long-term security of New
Braunfels. I urge you to
prioritize and crime control
and prevention district. Not
as an alternative someday, but
as a resolution that we need
now today. Thank you very
much, guys. Thank you. Good
evening, mayor and council. My
name my name is Justin
Meadows. I am a citizen and
this community and I wasn't
planning to speak tonight.
>> But this is a particular
the last 2 comments
particularly important to
because topic that I've been
following since 2016. And in
full disclosure, I'm sure that
we have a lot of things in
common. But one thing that
apparently we don't as facts.
And and just full disclosure,
I've had plenty of videos made
about me in the past. So
another one won't hurt my
feelings. It if you want to
write about me, go and read
about me. I could care But
here's the facts. The New
Braunfels Police Department,
these are just notes that I've
kept up with overtime and come
back them up with facts. The
New Braunfels Police
Department actually put out a
crime snap sheet issue,
JANUARY 14th, 2026 letting our
community know that community
crime against property is
actually down 7%. What are
communities crimes against
property there, burglaries,
thefts, motor vehicle, thefts,
vandalism. Crime against a
society. What are those drugs?
Narcotics, gambling offenses,
weapons laws, violations. Our
overall crime in this
community, even though we've
grown is down 6%. And if you
don't believe me, just going
ask your police force. They're
the ones that are issuing this
information. Officer increase.
Somebody said something about
officers increase not
happening. We're down 113. I
would love to see the
supporting documentation for
that. Because this over the
last 10 years is engaged in
many are many surveys with the
police department and opened
up the lines of communication
with them. Officers have
increased in his community
every year over the last 10
years with the exception of
2026, we had 2172 officers,
uniformed at the beginning of
2026. In your budget. You only
approved 172 outside of that.
We've increased our officer
uniforms. Officers put
positions by 53. I'm not
making this up its facts. If
you don't believe me, go ask
your police department. To
inform the decisions that
using. You employed a
consulting firm again, this
got 22 years of experience
doing 400 plus of these
studies across the country.
Now I'm no consultant and I
definitely don't have
credentials. But if you don't
believe me. Through an open
records request and asked for
the survey, you'll see it.
It's there. They'll tell you,
okay. They use input from the
staff to use input from the
employees. Some of the key
findings from that particular
one. That was the last when we
did stated that That we're
doing an extraordinary job in
response time. Apparently
we're not. We're not policing
a normal crowd. So we must not
be an extraordinary job. But
the professional sure think
that we are employees don't
feel that over time as
excessive. Okay. I've been
around long enough to know
that the river challenges have
been here for quite some time.
Our police chiefs have done a
great job of making that job a
little bit easier and well, lo
and behold, it staff doesn't
feel like over time as
excessive. Turnovers. Very low
in our police department.
Patrol staffing is adequate.
Interesting. I didn't make
that up. Doing open records
request. You can get the
survey. I'm just sick and
tired of all the lies. Go make
your video write a blog. I
could care less. Go get the
facts. This community deserves
better.
>> All right. Good evening,
Kodiak or a resident. Before
again, I want to acknowledge
the moment we're in as a
country, public trust in
government is fragile right
now from national failures of
transparency. Unanswered
questions and accountability
surrounding the Epstein files
people across the country are
losing faith that institutions
tell the truth or hold power
accountable. When it happens
to citizens disengage. They
stopped voting. They stop
participating in democracy.
Weekends because people don't
care but because they feel
shut out. That is why local
government matters more than
ever trust is rebuilt, closest
to home and participation is
essential. Voter turnout in
our last local election cycle
was alarmingly low. We cannot
allow that to become the norm.
Accountability only works when
people show up, stay engaged
and demand better peacefully
lawfully and persistently.
With that in mind, I live in
New Braunfels and I'm here
because I care deeply about
the integrity of the city, not
just how it looks on paper.
But how it operates in real
life for the people who live
here. That's not my first time
standing before you and that
matters because long before
federal court filings long
before public attention, long
before this became
uncomfortable. I came here
with one goal to prevent
exactly where we are now for
more than 2 years, I raised
concerns about whether our
municipal systems were
operating with constitutional
and statutory bounds. I asked
questions about basic
compliance questions. Any
well-functioning government
should be able to answer
clearly and confidently.
Instead of clarity, what
followed was delay instead of
correction avoidance instead
of transparency, silence that
silence did not resolve the
problem allowed it to grow.
Let me say this plainly, this
is not about personalities,
grudges or political theater.
It is about whether power in
the city's exercise lawfully
and what that means when
structural safeguards or treat
is optional. Rather than
essential. I'm not discuss the
details. Details my ongoing
federal civil litigation that
belongs in court. But I can
speak about the broader
governance failures that
brought us here legally
required. Documentation is
missing for years is missing
for years. That is not a
clerical oversight, but
evidence subject of
preservation obligations is no
longer available. That is not
a misunderstanding. When
warnings are repeatedly raise
and repeatedly ignored. That
is not an accident at that
point. The issue is no longer
individual air is
institutional breakdown and
that breakdown affects real
people. Every citation issued
every find collected every
punishment imposed by a system
operating with unresolved
authority defects. Kerry's
consequences, people paid
money. People face penalties,
people trusted that the city
had done its job correctly.
That trust was misplaced. The
harm does not disappear just
because time has passed since
last fall that this council to
take a simple, responsible
step conduct an internal
review of the municipal court
identify impacted cases and
correct improper financial
liberty related outcomes. That
request was not radical. It
was remedial and yet it was it
has gone unanswered.
Accountability does not end
with acknowledging a problem.
It begins with reporting with
repairing the damage. There's
another issue that a juror
deserve attention tonight. The
way that's the way this city
responds when authorities
question rather than
addressing compliance failures
directly in early, the city
has increasingly relied on
outside and legal defense
funded by taxpayers to manage
exposure instead of correcting
conduct. That approach MAY
delay consequences, but it
does not eliminate them.
That's all you're doing is
kicking the can down the road.
And it transfers the cost
inaction on to the public to
be clear legal counsel as a
vital role in a city act
lawfully. But when public
funds are repeatedly use to
defend issues that stem from
an resolve, compliance
failures, governance has
drifted from stewardship and
insulation that is not
leadership. That is Avoidance.
Braunfels is growing rapidly.
Growth brings opportunity but
also magnifies the
consequences of unchecked
authority. The larger we
become more critical. It is
that our systems operate
cleanly lawfully and
transparently. Which brings me
to why this moment matters.
The city's approaching an
election cycle. Leadership
will change. New voices will
enter this room and the
choices made now. Well,
confront problems honestly
already for them. Already for
them again, will shape the
culture of governance that
follows. To the residents of
New Braunfels watching this
local government matters. This
chamber determines how
interstate they did. A weather
authority is restrained are
assumed citizens to respect
respected are processed.
Democratic euro does not
announce itself loudly. It
happens quietly when oversight
is postponed responsibilities
deferred. I'm here tonight
because postponement is no
longer acceptable. Resolution
requires action, not rhetoric.
And courage, not going to be
whether the reform public
accountability or judicial
review. The truth has a way of
emerging. The question before
this council is not whether
that happens, but whether it
happens with integrity.
>> Okay. Seeing nobody Close
citizens communication. Next
item up as our consent agenda.
All items listed below are
considered to be routine and
non-controversial by the city
council will be approved by
one motion to be no separate
discussion of these items on
Councilmember citizen. So
request which case item will
be removed from the consent
agenda considered as part of
the normal order of business.
Citizens must be present to
pull an item. This is what
consent of any items been
pulled. Counselor there any
items you'd like to pull?
We'll be taking up our action
items along with resolutions
beginning with approval of a
resolution to consent to the
creation of the Gulf, our
Municipal utility district or
a mud within the city's extra
troops. Extraterritorial
jurisdiction Etj in Guadalupe
County consisting of
approximately 250 acres and
authorizing the city manager
to execute a development
agreement between the city of
Braunfels and Union One Road
llc. Approval of a resolution
authorizing the submission of
an application for funding
under the U.S. Department of
Justice Bureau of Justice
Assistance, Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance
Grants program as administered
by the Office of the Governor
Public Safety Office, Criminal
justice divisions, fiscal
year, 2027 Criminal Justice
program. Grant and authorizing
the city manager or their
designee to act on behalf of
the city of Braunfels and all
matters related to this grant.
Including execution of all
required documentation
associated with any resulting
a word and designating the
director of finance for or
their designee as the
financial officer for the
grant awarded. Approval of
resolution of the City Council
of the City of New Braunfels
authorizing the city manager
to act on behalf of the City
of Braunfels and then a
Brussels national airport in
all matters related to
application for funding
through the airport
infrastructure Grant program
for the Braunfels National
Airport Pavement,
rehabilitation, engineering
and Design project and
pledging that the city of
Braunfels will comply with the
grant requirements of the
Texas Department of
Transportation. Approval of a
resolution authorizing the
submission of an application funding provided by the
office of the Governor Public
Safety Office, Criminal
Justice Divisions, Rifle
Resistant Body Armor Grant
program for fiscal year 2027
and authorizing the city
manager or designee to act on
behalf of of the city of
Braunfels and all matters
related to this grant,
including the execution of all
required documentation
associated with any resulting
award and designating the
director finance or their
designee as the financial
officer for this grant, as it
has awarded. Approval of
resolution of the City Council
of the City of New Braunfels
authorizing the city manager
to act on behalf of the city
Braunfels. And Braunfels mean
it's full to New Braunfels
National Airport and all
matters regarding application
of the fiscal year 2026
Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act. I j Competitive
Federal Aviation
Administration. Faa contract
Tower Fct Grant program. And
pledging that the city of
Braunfels will comply with the
grant requirements of the
Texas Department of
Transportation. And Ordinances
beginning with the approval of
the first and final reading of
an ordinance or during a
regular election to be held in
the city of Braunfels on MAY.
Second 2026 for regular city
officers. And establishing a
early voting locations and
polling places for this
election and making making
provisions for the conduct of
the election. Approval of the
first reading of an ordinance
amending Park operating Hours
Section. 86 dash 3 rules and
regulations for Control of
Park and recreation areas.
Approval of the first reading
of an ordinance to amend the
city's code of ordinances
chapter. 66 historic
Preservation Section 66 dash.
57.1 incentives. Approval of a
second final reading of an
ordinance appointing the
initial board of directors to
the city of New Braunfels Tax
Increment Reinvestment Zone.
Number 2 for the river mill
naming the place designations
of point directors,
establishing term dates and
declaring an effective date.
Approval of a second final
reading of an ordinance
appointing the initial board
of directors to the city
Braunfels Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone. Number 4
present park naming the place
designations be appointed
directors, establishing term
dates and declaring an
effective date. Approval of
the second final reading of an
ordinance amending the
Braunfels Code of Ordinances.
Chapter 100 dash 20 changing
the membership composition of
the roadway. Impact Fee
Advisory Committee income
plants. S p 18. 83. And
approval of the second final
reading of an ordinance
requested by Vincent heaping
or Vincent Gerard and
Associates Inc to rezone
approximately 0.1 of an acre
of current school to
subdivision block one. A lot
to be from r One single-family
district to r one s up
single-family district with a
special use permit to allow
telecommunications Tower
currently addressed a 2 to one
to listen way. Motion to
approve. Mayor Pro tem moves
for approval. Councilmember
the Bosque seconds misses
Wilkinson. Will you please
call roll Councilmember
Carter.
>> Councilmember could pc. I
councilmember Edwards, I Mayor
Pro Tem Spradley. I
councilmember love asking I
councilmember I and I and
Mayor Leonard.
>> Motion carries. Next. We'll
take up for individual items.
First, one being a public
hearing and first reading of
an ordinance adopting the
youth program standards of
care for the Parks and
Recreation Department.
>> Good evening, Mayor City
Council. I'm Stephanie our
recreation manager for the
Parks and Recreation
Department. Tonight. I'm
presenting to you the youth
program. Standards of care as
a department. We update this
is a team yearly. These are
standards put in place that
monitor how hire staff, how we
train them. Staff ratios,
qualifications, our facility,
health and safety standards
and so forth. And so in order
to receive exempt status, we
do need to file and submit a
copy of the standards of care.
Notice of public hearing and a
copy of the ordinance adopting
the standards for 2026. We had
no updates this year. That's
all I have on this one. Any
questions. All right. Thank
you. Open the site the public
hearing. If anybody would like
to speak to this item, please
step up to the podium state.
Your name with your resident
non-resident live in the tj.
>> Seeing no one will close
public make a motion to
approve. And I'll second it.
Councilmember and MISTER
Approval councilmember about
ski seconds all in favor.
Raise your right hand. Motion
carries unanimously. Next item
is a public hearing. And first
reading of an ordinance
amending the city of Braunfels
Code of Ordinances. Section
one, 18 dash. 46 y traffic
impact analysis.
>> Good evening, mayor and
council tonight we're
presenting on some updates to
some requirements for the
traffic impact analysis. So
traffic impact analysis or a
tia? It's a very specialized
ensuring study prepared by a
traffic engineer. And what it
does is looks at a development
and evaluate what the impact
is to the transportation
system. It's required for new
development redevelopment. Any
change in land use that sent
us a pay to did generate new
traffic or change in traffic?
It's required for masterplan
plats permits zoning. And
basically the point is to
identify mitigation measures
for the development in order
to mitigate the impact that
they're having to adjacent
streets and intersections. And
some of those mitigations
could be traffic control
devices like stop signs or
signals that could be traffic
calming different intersection
improvements, new turn lanes,
additional travel lanes. There
are a lot of different design
elements. So are updating just
a few amendments. The first
one has to do with the roadway
planning level analysis. This
is different than the
intersection analysis. But
currently we're not following
what the code Code indicates
that all streets in the study
area have to be looked at,
which very excessive. It's not
very practical. The
development you're looking at
is not necessarily impact all
of the street. So what our
current practices, as we
determine these roadways at
scoping. So meeting with the
developer engineer with city
staff and the sighting which
roadways actually need to be
analyzed. And this is a much
more intuitive process. Then
just looking at every road.
The next one is a street
design analysis for
development and construction
traffic on perimeter and
approach streets. And this is
really targeting developments
that are coming on on rural
roads in the county where we
have less than 24 feet of
pavement and honestly, the
pavement condition isn't so
great to see Young suffered
road on. There is an example.
So when you have increase in
traffic on these roads, they
really get beat up. So we're
looking at roadway design and
pavement design on those. The
next one. And this has to do
with thoroughfare plan update.
So this is approved with us or
fair plan as a recommendation.
So what this does is they have
to consider in mitigate
adjacent residential areas,
depending on if they're having
to extend a thoroughfare
through residential area. The
next one is turn lane
requirements. So used to have
a city criteria that we used.
We moved to Texas criteria and
then with their latest roadway
design manual, they updated
theirs and they no longer
really align with an urban or
suburban area. There are a lot
more appropriate for rural
areas. So we're going to
revert back to our previous
city criteria. And the last
one is an expiration date. So
this was something that needed
some clarity in code. So
what's being proposed is your
t I worksheet will expire 2
years after the approval date.
The report will expire 3 years
from the approval date or
>> if 2 years have passed from
one of the phase bill about
years, what they're
recommending and that will
also cause it to be expired.
But the city engineer does
have the authority to extend
not by one year periods. It
could be multiple periods. It
really just depends on the
area and the reason for this
is our network and our
traffic, as you all know,
changes rapidly. And national
guidance generally recommends
that after one to 3 years.
Your studies are out of date.
So we do recommend approval.
We feel like it addresses our
current practice provides
clarity and then looks at that
development and construction
traffic on those rural county
roads, which has become a lot
bigger of an issue in the past
few years. We did take this to
planning Commission in JANUARY
and they unanimously
recommended approval. We do
have supported both county in
Guadalupe County engineers,
and we're looking at an
effective date of FEBRUARY.
23, which would be that
secondary. Taking questions.
Questions for MISS Farmer
>> My biggest concern about
that. He I as for small
business. Little businesses.
How is it going to affect
people that are moving into a
building that was already
operated as a business? I have
changed from a flower shop,
too. Pop in restaurant or
maybe. And items that was.
Retail center and it changes
Want to make sure that those
businesses are not highly
burden. I know they can do a
worksheet in some cases. But
in some cases of full-blown ti
eye for small business that
has minimal traffic as
additional Bernard and
paperwork as well as costs
factors. That's far. We have
to go to professional ones. So
could you address our Dillon
with availability and the un
burdening of small business?
Not big business. I'm in. I
understand subdivisions retail
centers and so on. So for me,
the in the small business in
particular.
>> So none of these amendments
really affects small
businesses in particular,
really and then versus anybody
else. I haven't really seen a
small business come in,
especially if it's a space
that was already occupied by
something that triggers a
full-blown tia report. So
sometimes we'll have something
that comes in on an area that
we know we have traffic issues
and safety concerns and we
might have them look at those
specific safety concerns, but
it might not trigger that
full-blown tr report. We're
looking at level of service at
intersections and delays in
adding lanes and adding
capacity and things like that.
But usually what comes up is
like queuing for drive-thrus.
And if we have a particularly
troubling corner, we want to
make sure we're not spilling
out into the right of way. So
it's a lot less of an effort
than a real, like a level one
report. As far as when folks
are coming in and they're just
going to repurpose a building.
I've had probably about 5 in
the last few months. Just come
in and we fill out the
worksheet together. So why
haven't sent been sending
people away? I welcome it. If
they're not going to be
engaging with an engineer, it
just makes a lot more sense
for us to just get it out of
the way. Pretty quickly. So I
don't have any issue handling
that. But if they're going to
have to engage an engineer
anyway, and they do have one
on staff and they need to go
ahead and use that resource.
>> That's great. And I just
want to make sure that some
cases it's not duplicate to,
you know, we it was approved a
year before the business went
under new business in there,
we do it again. And now as
some Boeing time, just how
many of them do have to do.
>> Most of the time, the
worksheet, even if it's
expired, unless we've shifted
to a new ite manual where the
trips have been updated
generally were able to just
issue that re approval pretty
quickly. And again, if it's
just to change interest rates,
that's a quick conversation.
People come up to the front
counter and we just ride it
out right then. And there.
>> I have one more quick
question. When it comes to I
mean, we've seen. People come
up to the Dias and express
their concerns about traffic
regards to some of our schools
within our 2 school districts
here in New Braunfels. How do
any of these modifications to
this? Effect? Our
relationships or with
qualifications for from, for
our school districts for
these. Possible new schools
changing of schools.
>> So a lot of the problematic
school areas were done while
ago. We're very aggressive
when schools come in, a lot of
them, they want to do double
stocking and they have to
prove to us that single stack
will be contained on their
site where they have to
provide a turn. Lane because a
lot of the times when I go
watch a school that was
designed as double stack,
they're not using double stack
of Merced safety concerns. And
so we've been very aggressive
on schools lately just to make
sure that that's being
addressed. I think one of the
probably the worst cases
Buck's farms, not one was
designed ago. And the queue
really extends out. And we
really are limited on what we
can do on site with the
school. And so now when they
come in, where really tough on
making sure that that address
and the traffic engineers that
are higher. They understand
that they're expecting that
when they come in, we have
charter schools that come in
and and they will meet in that
scoping meeting. We discussed
that up front. I have to see
single stack and they
acknowledge because they know
especially when buses get
restricted, that we start to
see issues. So even a didn't
have issues can start to have
issues spending on buses which
we saw. So the part of that is
building up our transportation
network for multi-modal as
well. I think on Goodwin,
we've seen some improvement on
that. That sidewalk isn't
which is very encouraging. So
these particular amendment's
answer your question, not
necessarily affect schools,
specifically, but I just want
to let you know that when we
do review schools, we are
looking at staffing pretty
heavily.
>> Any other questions?
Alright, open public hearing
anybody would like to speak to
this item, please step up to
the podium state. Your name
where you're resident non
resident living the t j.
Seeing nobody. Close public
hearing. Motion for approval.
All second. Mayor Pro tem
spread limos for approval.
Councilmember Ryan seconds on
favor. Raise your right hand.
Motion carries unanimously.
And the next item is discuss
and consider the first reading
of an ordinance amending
Appendix d of the New
Braunfels code of ordinances
to adopt new fees for traffic
Impact. Analysis Services.
>> mayor before Carly starter
presentation. I want to
provide just a really brief
history and why we're here
tonight with this item for the
last several years. We have
outsourced our traffic impact
analysis review. So we have
sent that out to 3rd party in
2023. Were revised the fees to
make sure that we were
covering the costs for so
whatever was built to the city
by that 3rd party reviewer, it
was the fee that the applicant
paid that has created some
issues. The fees are not clear
at the beginning of the
process. In addition as we
continue to modify and improve
our processes, we are trying
to bring more and more
in-house. Everything is under
one roof. And so that's what
we are doing tonight. And so
we would like to modify those
fees to make sure that we are
covering the cost of our staff
time. So I'll turn it over to
Carly now.
>> So as Jordan mentioned,
it's all pass through at the
moment. So any time that the
report comes in for review at
the scoping level, we send it
to the 3rd party and they
provide an estimate for that
review. And then we passed
that fee on to the developer
they pay. And then the report
goes 2 for review. When it
comes back in for a review,
it's the same you really don't
know what kind of fee you're
going to get when you apply
for a report. The other issue
is when staff has an in-house
review, there is no fee
currently. So we're not
accounting for staff review in
Stafford as well. So the fees
that you see here on the
table, I'll just run through
them very quickly. So the work
she currently is $100 and the
proposes to 40 for level one
report. Again, it's a
third-party cost. Those have
been up in the high thousands
as well. And we're proposing a
2400 for level 2 and 3, all
third-party costs. But for the
level to the proposal is 4,320
the level 3 would be 6,240. So
those do sound like high
levels, but they're pretty on
par with what we expect when
the party comes in. They're
based off of the review fees
that we see from 3rd parties
and what their rates are.
Again, a traffic impact.
Analysis is a very
specialized, a report that is
prepared. So it does take a
lot of a lot of knowledge and
a lot of review and a lot of
effort as well. And what this
does is allows us to conduct
our in-house review, but also
allows us to kick it out to a
3rd party is needed. I do want
point out the additional
review see is only $960 just
for reference. Usually when
the 3rd party does a second
review, it might be 1000 maybe
2000, less than the initial
cost. So although we are
having these what might look
like higher costs up front.
First. They are on par with
what 3rd party has been
billing. And then second, when
they come back in for that
review, it's a lot less. And
it just continues from there.
We don't charge for a comment
review meeting. So we changed
that from 2.50, to 0 and then
for re revision review. And
this is specifically, for
example, if a master plan they
had reviewed and approved
report and then they had to
adjust some lots. They have to
come back in with her master
plan and you re revision. And
so depending on the level we
have some fees for that. So
the level on nine's, 60 level,
too 1009, 20 level, 3, 2,880.
So really in the long run,
this provides consistency for
the development community and
also in the long run, it's
going to be cheaper than what
we're seeing them have to be
charged with with repeat
reviews. We are have been able
to increase staff time on
working on terror reports. And
so we've seen a lot less use
of the Tory party. But this
does allow us to continue to
use them for more difficult
cases are very large
developments as well. And just
as a reminder, the difference
between the different levels
have to do with the site
boundary. And the 3rd party
reviews are subject to the
Texas Professional Services
Procurement Act. And so it
doesn't go to the lowest
bidder. It goes to the highest
qualified and it has to be a
fair negotiated price. And
again, since it is a a
technical skill preparing
reports and reviewing tr
reports, you know, having that
qualification basis. Very
important. So that's where
these rates come from. And
they tend to vary depending on
the company that you're
looking at. The review fees
and requirements as
background. They vary widely
across comparable cities. Some
cities don't charge some
cities. Charge a lot. The city
of Kyle, I access $15,000. And
then others will. If you pay
me, I will write your chair
report for you. So there's a
lot of variation across
different cities in Texas. But
we do recommend approval of
this and the fees schedule as
presented. Again allows the
development to pay for their
part of of doing that here. I
and having it reviewed and
allow staff to flexibility to
review it in house or kick it
out to the party is needed. Is
we need a little more
capacity. So this would be
effective. MARCH 30th 2026. We
pushed in this light on and
any tia scoped after would
held to these fees. Any
questions? One of the issues.
Comes up most often. Whether
these small business, big
business in between whatever's
third-party review.
>> Since 30 40 review came in
the speed maneuverability
inside the city has been
deteriorated and the length of
time to get things done. And
every case was outside. It's
just exacerbated. And was
in-house and charging the fee.
Probably nobody has an issue
with that because you know,
off a sense tax dollars from
what people see. The last we
can deal with 3rd party, which
I'm seeing the results of it.
I remember 15 years ago when
everything was primarily in
House. I think everybody
coming in private citizens
looking for permitting and
business looking for
permitting and everything
going through those. It much
more growth change So where we
had to go outside because we
couldn't keep enough personnel
to be able to deal with. I
would rather pay. Local
government to money to get it
through. So I can talk
face-to-face with somebody on
it versus dealing with a 3rd
party reviewer from Tennessee.
Just my comment. Any
questions?
>> All right. We'll put this
to public hearing if anybody
would like to speak to this
item. Please step up to the
podium state. Your name where
you're resident non-resident
live in the etj. Seeing none.
Close public hearing any
discussion. Make a comment
just like Councilmember
Edwards said that my
constituents much prefer to
deal in House. Then with
third-party reviewers. And I
appreciate the fact that my
constituents also want to see
development pay for
development. So putting a
price tag on that were
recouping the time that
taxpayers are paying you to be
here and your staff. I
appreciate that. And I'll add
to that. It also. Knowing that
our staff in house is handling
this. I feel like can make
ensure that if there are red
flags, if there are issues.
>> y'all who work for our city
know it in and out and can be
able to understand the
ecosystem a little better than
an outside consultant. So
while I understand they are
necessary, I hope the
efficiencies that we put in
place, especially in this
department will ensure that
everybody is paying a fair
price and getting the business
done on time. Entertain a
motion.
>> Like a motion to approve.
Second. It. Councilmember Cup
easy move approval.
Councilmember about ski
seconds own favor. Raise your
right hand. Motion carries
unanimously. Next item is
discussing consider the first
reading of an ordinance to
amend Section one, 26 Dash
3.46 Of the code of ordinances
of the city to Braunfels to
restrict parking on
Willowbrook. Farmer again.
>> So if council remembers a
traffic calming plan was
approved in 2024 for
Willowbrook, which is a
subject or a street in the
AUGUST Field subdivision. And
this was due to traffic safety
speeding concerns with that
cut through traffic coming
between all this and 11, a
one. So this is Willowbrook
again in between 11. I want to
now this. It's the only
connection between those 2
roadways other than Barbaro,
7.46 This was the original
traffic calming plan that was
approved. It had a handful of
speed complications. It had a
proposed raise crosswalk for
the park and any traffic
circle. When the traffic
calming plan was approved.
Council did caviar that staff
should have the ability to
adjust as needed by working
with the community. So today,
4 out of 5 of those proposed
speed humps. They've been
installed. And we did look at
doing that raised crosswalk
and the Mini roundabout.
However, they were determined
to be infeasible during
design. A lot of that had to
do with costume drainage being
very prohibited. So what we
decided to do instead is draft
a plan for enhance
intersections. And so if you
look back at the map, these 2
intersections would be Shepard
path and Colonial Avenue there
by men park. Our site
conditions. We've got 30 feet
of pavement. Let's it's a
standard curve. We do have
some large curb and what's in
the area? It's mostly
residential homes in the 2.
Have Tim in Park. So we have 2
different design alternatives.
Option one is just standard
intersection improvements with
enhanced crosswalks and
painted bulb outs of both
intersections. It squeezes
your 2 through lanes down to
10 feet. And it doesn't
interfere much with the
current parking activity due
to the school. Option. 2,
however, also has those cross
walks and painted bulb outs.
But it does restrict parking
on one side and it allows for
to 10 foot lanes for through
traffic approaching. Between
the 2 intersections and then
also a dedicated buffered
parking area adjacent to the
park. So this is going to be
very reminiscent of the
Kentucky Boulevard layout that
we presented last year. So we
did meet with the members of
the H.O.A. Board for AUGUST
Fields and some feedback
from the residence. The second
option was the preferred
alternative. And this is
because we have high volume.
We have high speeds but also
high parking activity. And so
we had to find a way to
combine them all and make it
safer park crossing, which
also has access to that shared
use path as well through 2
Park. However, that parking
restriction doesn't require
ordinance. And so that's why
we're here tonight. So this is
the proposed layout of that
striping. Again, it's very
similar to Kentucky where you
shift the traffic over to one
side. You have your 10 foot
lanes to slow speeds and then
you have your buffered parking
area that aligns on the park.
You do have to cross walks. We
did work with the
neighborhood. They did request
additional marked crosswalk.
So we did add those in and the
sign plan is up there to see
where the parking signs would
go. But the red line indicates
really where the snow park he
would be. So the
recommendation is restrict
parking on the Southside of
Willowbrook. The installation
would be groups without
overall traffic calming plans.
So even when approve, we would
not actually be installing
those no parking signs until
the pavement markings are laid
out. The timing is going to be
dependent on funding
availability and then that
prioritization score in line
with our neighborhood traffic
calming plan. The
Transportation Traffic
Advisory board unanimously
recommended approval on
JANUARY. 8th 2026. This is a
public hearing and we did send
out notices to all of the
properties that are adjacent
to a parking zone. In general.
The intent was to try to not
restrict parking in front of
homes. There are one or 2
properties are affected by
that that the rest of them are
side access and have front
access on side streets. You
know, take any questions.
>> Any questions? All right.
Thank you. Open public hearing
funny, but I'd like to speak
to this item. Please step up
to the podium state. Your name
where you're resident
non-resident are live in the
etj.
Good evening. My name is
Karen Fraley. I'm a resident
of AUGUST fields. I'm also on
the traffic Committee.
>> In our community there. And
we appreciate. That. The tent
that the city has been
listening to our concerns. We
appreciate the traffic. Humps
bumps ever. You want to call
them? They are the largest
ones I've ever seen in the
city. I've haven't found any
is big. Is that? To the point
that we ended up getting a
different wheelchair and
because it was hitting the
hump every time. But we are
concerned that we have a lot
of parents waiting for
children and we need to slow
traffic down. And so we
appreciate that. You've come
up with a plan and we did meet
with the neighbors, not
everybody was in favor, but
I've never seen a plan that
makes everybody in favor
unless it's to have ice cream.
And then those who can't have
dairy are still disappointed.
So we appreciate it very much.
And we're also looking
forward. We know that Brooks
Avenue was designed to take
the traffic through our
neighborhood and over to Fry
road. There's nothing for it
to go through right now
because there is a farmer's
field there. And as a retired
farmer. Nobody likes to give
up farmland. So I don't know
what's going to happen with
that because having farming in
your neighborhood is
important, too. But want to
thank you very much. And
we've. You come up with the
idea based on what we were
presented with, that this
would at least slow things
down. And I appreciate your
time and effort. Hi, my name.
Is he still a crown and a
resident of AUGUST field part
of the H.O.A. Committee. And I
like to think Harley for
working with us because one of
my biggest concern was parking
on both sides. You have little
ones crossing from the park in
the running between the parked
cars into the other side of
the street to get to their
car. I've seen some close
encounters and it worries me a
lot. So Just you know, I'm
hoping that the council will,
at least, you know. Give us,
you know, a little bit more
protection children Park area.
Also. Thank you very much for
your time in. Thank you.
Calling for working with us a
lot. Thank you. Seeing no one
else will close public hearing
discussion.
>> Now motion for approval, I
have a question sink into
city. When might need to have
a discussion with the school
district says some point time
every elementary.
>> Puts a burden on our city
streets. The traffic that
they're seeing
>> amount that they back up a
half a mile so mild that there
are amended and around. I
think school district's going
to have to start making a
bigger parking lot for parent
pickup or they're going to
have to adopt. The program is
a limited where they have the
human bus going. We're 2
parents to us up a little bit
walk a series kids home to cut
it down. This is probably the
3rd or 4th case. If you just
take a look what's going on,
the high school one is doing
in my district. We're going to
have to address is somewhere
in our. Plan and traffic
impact analysis.
>> Ladies, if you could come
back up towards the podium,
please. I have a question. So.
You've been heavily involved
in this. And obviously you
live in that neighborhood. I
want you to tell me candidly
and honestly, because this is
a big redesign.
>> Does this answered the bell
as for you, our concern,
meaning does it answer the
call for safety? Is it going
as far as you need the city to
go? What? I don't want to
spend a bunch of money for it
not to be the right solution.
So I want honesty and candor,
please.
>> I live right next to the
park and I think it's a start.
We still have a lot of traffic
at the entrance. One thing
would have been are we able to
pull that picture of the
neighborhood back up again?
One. Idea that was floated,
but it was not. It did not
come to a consensus. Here is
there. There is a road.
Colonial Avenue right below
the circle. There.
>> And then. Willowbrook goes
from left to right. Putting a
3 way stop there. Would
certainly slow people down.
And as well as having some of
our police enforcement sitting
there for a while and making
people realize that stop signs
mean a lot. Was a thought we
came up with, but it was not
presented to us as something
that could be offered to us.
Other than that, I think at
some point we're going to have
to address. The fact that we
have school pick-up people
parked on both sides of the
entrance. Whether it says no
parking Good. The law park
right here in half and half
into this zone. One of the
neighbors did go through the
Freedom of Information Act and
found that. There really
aren't any citations written.
And I think people have the
idea that if they're sitting
in their car, maybe the know
tollway zone doesn't apply to
them. On the other hand, it's
the it's the worst from.
About. 2.30, to 4.20, and then
it all disappears as if there.
We didn't have to schools near
us. One of things that I
>> what I say. And I look
another school. Income. No
county and I the way they have
everything set up and it's
very organized. Theirs. You
know, I just it's amazing.
>> We don't have that in our
community. And so when I look
at this particular picture
here. What I'm thinking, is it
going to prevent children that
are in the park? To crossover
will vote. Kids. Look, they
just don't. That's right.
That's just nature of And so
they're not going to look. The
cross walks of them to help
because cars will have slow
down. I mean, that's part of.
The rules of traffic. We don't
have that. Don't slow down
near the park area I don't
know. Like that curve area in
thing like that. If a car
cannot park on.
>> Ma'am, can you move over in
front of the Mike? If? The
cars are not parked on the
side of Wilbur King on park
closer to the park.
>> The children will go into
their cars by park area with a
car czar. There will not. They
won't have. An opportunity to
cross the street without
looking. And I've seen it a
lot of times where cars are
racing through. And, you know,
thank goodness that, you know,
this child did not get hit,
but it's not only one child
that it happens. Daily basis
during school Okay. Yes. On
after the school's over there.
There's not that much going
on. But then on weekends, when
people come to visit the park
that are not from our
neighborhood, then they park
both sides. And then you have
the same. Not not as others
say the bat, but you you still
have that situation where a
child will cross the street to
the other side with the car's
part. About these children.
This park is not a part of the
school. This is a part of your
neighborhood.
>> car owned by the city of
New Braunfels, which I just
think is this is my first time
living in a neighborhood. And
I think it's fantastic. Our
>> H.O.A. Maintains the
mowing. You have provided the
park there. And so we get
people from all over New
Braunfels and even people who
are visiting the area. I got
to visit with a couple from
New Zealand. Found the park
and decided company lunch
there.
>> But that park is not
connected to the My point
could you tell us I happen to
know this neighborhood. I
don't live there, but I know
the neighborhood. This is the
worst school. Situation that
in my opinion. That I've seen
in the city. So I don't want
be understated it. You're not
my district or anything like
that. I don't want to
interrupt, but I'm just saying
from an independent
perspective, this is a
problem. How many cases is the
school from your neighborhood?
The pace is pace is I mean,
it's easy walk it, Evan, these
was that we have little kids.
But bad how far is it to the
first school? Because this is
2 schools it. The I'd like to
know how kids were directed to
your neighborhood to block it.
I'm just going to bring things
back on topic with this item
is for restricted parking on
Willowbrook The item on the
agenda is the restricted
parking will, Brooke, what it
could possibly bring up school
and other stuff at another
time.
>> But but there's a lot of
lane Reedus and there's a lot
of money that is going to be
used on
>> So to me, it is relevant
that if we're going to make a
change. It needs to be the
right change. And that's what
I'm trying to address. Those
questions. MAY I say something
short, the school, the
elementary school, which is
500 elementary.
>> Most of the children live
in the neighborhood. Very. I
see the people that are coming
from with the airport is I
don't know what area of town
that is. But middle school has
a lot of traffic coming in
from. The airport is so the
seller. Sour road and then
damper road that farmland all
back Those children go to that
school that middle school. All
right. Have a a whole
different. Not only and area
that, you know, people that
live in in the immediate area
of the school, you have a lot
of people coming in traveling
through Salo Road and also
from the dam, guy for a day
for neighborhood coming in. So
you have a lot of traffic.
From that side, too. From my
perspective and I say this to
council we need to look at the
and I agree with Councilmember
Edwards. Spending money to the
extent that we are. We need to
do these things right. And
what I see is back in. 24,
believe you said there was a
change. Now we're making
another change. Each time we
make a change its money.
>> That's all I'm saying.
That's why was asking series
of questions.
>> And just to clarify, we're
dealing with striping. We're
not building any new roads.
It's just striking.
>> Yes, right. I do my thing.
Yes, ma'am, it is. I also
think that. Because we are
trying to figure out what will
best serve the people in
AUGUST field and the children
back and forth. I I believe
this is a good step forward as
were the traffic humps
speedbumps, whatever silent
policeman and I think that
that's a helpful so and what I
meant earlier was we MAY need
to come back again. Sometimes.
It's just not clear, but I
think that this will give
people an idea of where they
should be driving and drive
carefully. And this is not a
road Raleigh. Let's see if I
can get over on the other
side.
>> So there are speed humps on
will Rick record? In 2024, the
council approves some traffic
calming measures and gave
staff some direction to
continue to work with the
neighborhood. And so this is
and additional measure of
traffic calming added on has
been going to work with the
neighborhood. Yeah. If you've
ever had an opportunity to go
back Alvarez and out Barber
Rossa, you start seeing around
3.34 o'clock the people coming
from. 46 who don't want to
have to wait. And I know
eventually something will come
in that will change things.
And I don't know I MAY be
alive and I MAY not be.
>> That's okay. I'm not
worried about But to watch all
these cars coming in through
those areas that really
weren't built for that kind of
traffic. And I know that's not
what we're talking about. But
it brings them through our
neighborhood. Us. We can stand
there with little. Counters
and say let me make sure live
here and not because of a
public hero, but we appreciate
Any in the same think what MR.
Murray took all those
>> points into consideration.
Did the traffic coming
measures? Correct?
>> Yes. So the difficulty with
this neighborhood is it's not
just that we have cut through
traffic. We see that on, you
know, would road and how are
we done those right? The
challenge with this one is
there's also such heavy
parking activity. And so you
have people that are very
impatient, trying to get
through and then you have cars
parked on both sides on 35th
Street and we've had reports
of people saying I get deep
into this q a between parked
cars. Now here comes somebody,
you know, I have to reverse a
8th of a mile back so that
they can pass mean it's it's
awkward. We cannot do this
through the entire
neighborhood because this is
the only section where we
don't have homes fronting. The
rest of the roadway has homes
fronting and so unless we get
a string of people to come
forward, willing to give up
parking for another house. And
that's a touchy subject. As we
all know, this is the only
area that we can really
accomplish this. We know that
there continues to be issues
at the front of the
neighborhood with enforcement.
It's about something that
we're working with a choice
separately on Henri looking at
that and what we can do. But
as far as addressing this hole
in the traffic calming plan,
this is what we're presenting
to look at. We have
high-volume high-speed and
high parking. What do we do so
that everybody has their spot?
>> And do you mind addressing
this stop sign? That's
something we can use thank
you, ladies. Don't have to
stay up here.
>> So we warrants at this
particular intersection. That
was something that came in.
The volumes are very low. Does
not want an always stop for
the Texas mean when you from
traffic control devices, stop
sign shall not be used for
speed control. When you put in
a stop sign that's not
warranted. People start to
disregard it. We see that a
lot in the city and then you
really increase your safety
issue with uncertainty of
people blowing through stop
signs.
>> I would also like to make a
point after twenty-twenty the
school districts could not
find enough bus drivers. So
they went from picking up
children from 2 mile radius or
one mile radius out to a 2
mile radius. So everybody
lives within that 2 mile
radius either walks or drives
back and forth to school.
Right? And so that's and the
school was built before that
happened. And before the
neighborhood. And so the
school wasn't even design for
that. For that radius to
expand like that. So it made a
lot of children within that
radius have to get to school
some other kind of way. So
that's why we're seeing that
see I would probably statewide
definitely see why.
>> Anymore discussion on the
restricted parking on
Willowbrook. Not entertain a
motion. I'll just say real
quick. I feel like again, I
really appreciate the moderate
approach that city staff.
>> Brings these issues too. So
we're not spending a ton of
money up front to address an
issue that neighbors and
people are going to unhappy
about that conflict with other
laws and regulations. Thank
you for doing your due
diligence and doing this piece
by piece to get us where we
need to be listening to our
citizens. I'd like to make a
motion to approve. And had I
had made the motion to earlier
a second so councilmember
about scheme is for approval.
Councilmember Ryan seconds all
in favor. Raise your right
hand.
>> Motion carries unanimously.
Next item is discussing
consider approval of a
resolution of the city of New
Braunfels, Texas authorizing
the use of eminent domain
proceedings for the
acquisition of roadway that is
necessary to advance and
achieve the public use of
improving Kohlenberg road to
meet the existing and future
needs of the city in the
event, negotiations are
unsuccessful. And this is for
property owned by Kay Wilford
at 1.0, 0, 3, 4 acre 4th.
45,040 square-foot tract of
land. In the am has now is a
survey number. 98 in Comal
County, Texas and being out of
the remainder of the called
92.4 9 acre tract recorded in
document number 2, 0, 0, 3, 0,
6, 0, 2, 5, 9, 5, 6, The
official public records of
Comal County, Texas, also
being county parcel number 7,
1, 7, 0, 5, And property owned
by k will for being a 0, 5, 8,
1, acre or 25,301 square-foot
temporary construction
easement in the am as mouser
surveyed number. 98 Comal
County, Texas and being out of
the remainder of the called
92.4 9 acre tract record and
document number 2, 0, 0, 3, 0,
6, 0, 2, 5, 9, 5, 6, the
official public records of
County, Texas in county parcel
number 7, 1, 7, 0, 5, And
property owned by Len k will
for being a 0, 5, 7, 6 acre or
25,077 square-foot tract of
land in the am as as or serve
a number. 98 of Comal County,
Texas and being out of the
remainder of the called 92.4 9
acre tract recorded in
document number 2, 0, 0, 3, 0,
6, 0, 2, 5, 9, 5, 6, of the
official public records of
County, Texas. Being county
parcel number 4, 2, 8, 4, 6,
8,
>> Good evening. Mayor and
council Matthew has been
assistant director of public
works. The Kohlenberg Road
Project one of the bond
projects that was approved. It
is a roadway widening and
realignment of Kohlenberg road
between ice. 35 and fm 11. 0,
1, provide traffic signal
updates at fm 11. 0, one
continuous shared use path on
both sides of the road
installation of underground
storm sewer and utility rilo
up upgrades in relocations.
This is a typical cross
section of the road going from
a 2 lane road. So road way
section as it is right now to
a four-lane divided roadway
section. As part of
acquisition of project, we do
have to acquire necessary
right of way from the property
owners parcel. Is owned by
Lynn Wolfe Heart the right of
way. Apologizes, type there as
1.0, 0, 3, 4, acres. And
there's about a 5.5, 8, 1,
acre, temporary construction
easement initial offer.
Letters were sent last year
and MARCH. We have not
received an official
counteroffer from the
property, but conversations
with the property owner, they
have indicated a value about 2
and a half times. The initial
offer letter. Final offer
letter was sent this past
month. The city has been
willing to reach an agreement
with this property owner about
50% higher than what the
appraised value was based off
of comparable offer on the
property. But they have not
accepted. Parcel. 3 is also
owned by Lynn Wolfe Again,
this is a 0.5, 7, 6 acre right
of way off the front edge of
the property. There. Initial
offer letter on this one again
was sent in MARCH of last year
and conversations with the
property owner. They've had no
objections to this offer on
the property. However, with
the other outstanding
negotiation we have yet to
reach an agreement and sign.
An agreement on this property.
So final offer letter on this
property again was sent out
last month. Again, just an
overview of the eminent domain
process in Texas. This is a a
process, the legal process
that is set up for the
negotiation of property. So by
no means the city is coming in
and taking anybody's property.
We do our good faith effort to
negotiate with the property
owner. We have tended praise
along the property to make an
initial offer letter. As you
can see, we've been
negotiating with this property
owner for almost a year at
this point trying to reach an
agreement. But in order to
keep the project on track in
order to keep the schedule for
construction on track. This is
our next method of going
through. So it involves a 3
point commissioners,
independent commissioners that
are appointed by the county
judge. They hear the evidence
from both are expert witness,
which is typically our
appraiser and the property
owners expert witness, which
is typically their praise or
and it's a method to being
able to determine the fair
market value on a property.
Once the commissioners make
their award of the fair market
value, the city does take
possession of the property.
And then it can continue to go
on. If there's an objection on
either side into a judicial
process. But at the time of
the commissioner's award, we
do take position of the
property in can begin working
on our project. So time line
So here tonight to seek city
council approval. Shortly
after will file are eminent
domain petitions hoping to
have commissioners hearing
sometime in MARCH or APRIL
with the Payment of award and
hopefully APRIL to be able to
keep the project timeline on
track. So with that, I'm happy
to answer any questions. Any
questions. All right. Thank
you, MR. Aikman Open the The
public hearing if anybody
would like to speak to this
item, please step up to the
podium.
>> State your name with your
resident non resident or etj.
Seeing none. We'll close
public hearing any discussion
motion to approve.
Councilmember Edwards must for
approval. Councilmember Cup
easy seconds. All in favor.
Raise your right hand. Motion
carries unanimously. And our
next item is discussing
consider approval of the
second and final reading of an
ordinance appointing the
initial board of directors to
the city of New Braunfels Tax
Increment Reinvestment Zone.
Number 5 for the West end
naming the place designations
of the appointed directors
establishing term dates and
declaring an effective date.
Goody's Wilkinson mayor and
council Gayle Wilkinson City
secretary's office.
>> When a asked municipality
brings the appointment of
don't think the mikes on. Can
you know, maybe I'm not close
enough. Okay. I'm sorry. I'll
start over when a municipality
brings the appointment of
directors for a Turner's, they
have to do so using an
ordinance JANUARY. 26 council
passed the first reading with
the 6, vote. And we're here
tonight for the second reading
and for a vote.
>> Any questions for Missus,
Wilkinson? Okay. Will open
this item to public hearing if
anybody would like to speak to
this item, please step up to
the podium state. Your name
where you're resident
non-resident or even the etj.
>> My name is Joe Wieland
Massaro summer resident and I
would like to say that I'm in
favor of Tony Carter's comment
from the last council meeting
in regards to this agenda
item. You all know very
clearly where I stand on this
matter. And Maryland. She made
it very clear at the beginning
of this meeting. You wouldn't
entertain anybody saying
anything.
>> Negative about this for
consideration of your
decision, which it's
surprising to me because I
think in and of itself that
speaks volumes about the fact
that if we can only say nice
things and we ordinance and we
can't break its
unconstitutional. It really
truly is like if we can't
discuss concerns, how can we
make of an accurate vote? And
if the citizens can't share
any feedback other than
positive. I just don't think
you're able to use this item
all in regards to this item. I
did not believe Andres
campuses, the right choice as
district one voted him out
overwhelmingly from 3 to 12%.
Voter turnout selecting MISS's
Carter to replace him and now
yeller, incest or asleep.
Bringing back your own friends
to represent district one when
the voters were clearly saying
no, thank you.
Hi, my name is
Ashley. All sent. I'm a
resident. I'm actually a
resident of district 3, but
just over the bounry line of
district funds, spend a lot of
time in the West end
>> so I just wanted to start
off by saying I'm excited
about the possibility of free
investment in that area. It
seems like a great opportunity
grow and and important
historical district in our
town. I want to speak
specifically to and what I
think would be a really bad
precedent to set that when
someone is voted out of public
service that they can no
longer come back in and serve
our community. Just that idea
the voter turnout just
speaking to the last comment
or believe. Councilmember
Carter received 419 votes and
and and purrs received 338
votes let all congratulations
to Councilmember Carter. It is
really hard to get people to
show up to vote. And and you
know, that's that's an
achievement. But that's a
difference of 81 votes between
the 2. That doesn't sound like
a mandate from voters that
Anders compost could never
serve our community again. I'd
also point out that 338 votes
is actually an increase of
votes from the last time and
risk on us was on the ballot.
So more voters actually turned
out from him in that election.
And again, that just doesn't
sound like a mandate from that
community that he couldn't
serve our community anymore. I
think it's we've already at
the last meeting that was.
It's available online for
people to watch. I think that
it was well articulated
ability to serve that he's
highly qualified, obviously
from the district. His family
has deep roots in the district
is business owners and at as
community builders. So the
only reason he would be
rejected was because he lost
the last election. And and as
representatives once you're
elected, you have a great
opportunity. To represent
everybody to bring us all
together. It you're not there
just to represent the people
who voted for you. You're
there to represent the entire
community voters, people who
never vote people who have
time to show up here to speak
at these meetings, people who
don't have time, you're there
to represent everybody and and
making the decision not to
appoint someone because they
just lost. The last election
is a huge missed opportunity
to bring district one better
voters together. It's a huge
missed opportunity just to set
an example that we are all
community members and we're
all in this together and to
give those 338 voters who
voted for Anders compost, the
chance to still be represented
in that community. Thanks very
much.
>> Hello, my name is Kayla
Wenzel. I live in district
one. I'll be honest. I don't
follow a whole lot all the
time. What's going on? But
this caught my eye on
Facebook. And so I've written
something Scurry back. I want
to speak tonight because it's
important that the record
reflect that not all district.
One residents oppose this
appointment. And that's
supporting it does not mean
ignoring concerns or
dismissing voters. I've heard
it said repeatedly at the last
election had the highest
turnout. That's a good thing.
High turnout strengthens the
legitimate legitimacy of the
election outcome. But it's
also important to be precise
about what that election
decided voters elected in
councilmember. They did not
vote on Ayers e. Board.
Appointments for future
pointed service. That election
was also a 3 Bay race. While
Councilmember Carter won MR.
Compost still received over
40% of the vote, demonstrating
that a substantial portion of
district. One supported him
even with multiple candidates
on the ballot. That context
matters when claims are made
about voter rejection. What I
continue to hear in opposition
to this appointment is
disagreement over past
comment, not allegations of
misconduct, conflict of
interest or lack of
qualification. There was also
no alternative. Nobody
presented that. I'm aware of.
I could be wrong. But MR.
Compost brings experience
directly relevant t I r
Seaboard prior to city Council
service of familiarity with
municipal budgeting and
redevelopment process is
private sector management
experience and deep ties to
the West Side. Those are
practical assets for
overseeing complex
redevelopment funds. This is
an appointed board, not an
elected office, losing an
election, even in a tough high
turnout race does not
disqualify someone from
appointed civic service. So I
asked council to evaluate this
appointment based on the
responsibilities of the board
in the long-term interest of
district. One, not on a
petition pressure or
implication. Thank you for
your time. Good evening
Council and mayor, thank you
for. Taking your comments
tonight. First, I want to say
I'm here. My name life in
district one. Resident. I
actually resigned just 2
blocks from.
>> This Turner's. I support
the appointment of Andres
compost to the tourist board.
And I briefly want to say that
my good neighbor and friend,
MISTER Fernando, you read
that, which I believe reached
out to you today. The email
also supports Fernando. Also
sports, Andre, is he MAY not
support the rest of my
comments. I wanted to get that
out of the way. Early because
I didn't share everything had
to say with them because I
wanted to get into some kind
of some bigger concerns as it
relates to this appointment.
The opposition to his
appointment, in my opinion,
doesn't have anything to do
with his ability to serve our
community. It has nothing to
do with ability and commitment
to the West side. Or
understanding. And
redevelopment. It is an
attempt to cancel someone from
public service over an
imperfect statement. I would
agree with that. And he
subsequently lost the election
probably because of that
statement. As you are all
aware, MR. Compost during his
term participated in a
long-range planning
discussion. And spoke about
planning for future
generations. The phrasing he
used was not the best. I'm not
sure if he's publicly said
that. I know he said to me he
could have framed it better.
And that really should have
been the end of it. Except it
wasn't. Because now the
argument is that. We should
never serve if somebody loses
an election. This should never
served in the community again
on any board were any
capacity. Take into account
that this man? Knows this city
as well as any of us. To me,
that's an extreme position and
it should alarm everyone in
this room. And let's be honest
about the precedent that's
being asked to be set. If
losing an election
disqualifies someone from
serving. Our great community.
The elections become lifetime
bans instead of democratic
process. For poorly worded
statement during policy
discussion. Becomes grounds
for permanent exclusion than
on conversation in this city
is over. People stop speaking
plainly. And only the loudest
and most performative voices
will remain. That is how local
government to grades. Here's
another fact. It is not talked
about. This turns district and
the surrounding neighborhoods
and community. Voted Mr.
Compost won a majority of
those residents. What does
that tell me in which to that
whole council? That tells me
and should tell council that
the people most affected by
this board trust, MR. Compass.
And if you dismiss that
reality because it's
politically inconvenient. At
best, it's cynical. Attorneys
exist to deal with long time
lines, recommendations to
council that won't fit neatly
into an outrage cycle. Does
your New Braunfels up until
recently has been immune to
the woke left. Cancel culture.
He's been prominent throughout
the nation. Unfortunately, it
has arrived and it's closed
and so-called Christian
conservatism. Same playbook is
that left just different
uniform. Manufacturing
offense. Stripping context and
demanding cancellation. That
kind of politics needs to stay
on social media. Mayor, you
and I agree the devil is
active. You don't have to like
MISTER Compost. The test is
whether this council reward.
Manufactured outrage. Or
support responsible
governance. And finally.
Quote. From Cs Lewis.
Tolerance is not an end in
itself. It is the discipline
that allows people who
genuinely disagree to live
together without coercion. If
this city abandons that
discipline. We won't get
better leaders. I fully
support. MISTER Kopp Thank
you. Hello, Chase Taylor
District 5. I'll be brief and
I want to take some pressure
off. You because we all know
you're gonna vote. We're not
here to really change your
mind. We're just here to be
put on the record.
>> The only thing that's been
asked of MR. Campuses that he
apologize and he hasn't done
that. And so anyone that can
make an excuse for that, I'd
love to hear it, but he's here
tonight. So he has an
opportunity to do that. I'd
like to offer them the
opportunity. Thank you. Mayor
Council. Thank you for. This.
I guess.
>> I think we all know your
name, but the man stayed of to
make that it's calm a resident
of district. One. I have
publicly apologized. The
comments that I made. Were
made in the context of a
planning session. A five-year
planning session. Where we
were talking about what the
future of New Braunfels going
to look like. I misspoke and I
said the city was not 4
residents over 65. And what I
meant was. The future of the
city. It's not for residents.
65 and older. The future of
the city is for our children,
not my parents. Not your
parents. I apologize for that.
I have apologized for that
before. What I will say is
that. As Carter, if you
recall, when you applied to
the library board? Well, you
are running as my opponent. I
voted to appoint you. Because
I believe that you're you have
the opportunity. To voice your
side. Of an issue that I care
deeply about and was
absolutely on the other side
of. And I gave me that
opportunity. I voted to
appoint you and all I'm asking
is for the same respect.
Good
Evening Council my name
Roberto I'm a resident
district. One and I own
property right smack in the
middle of this 2 years.
Brand-new cues number 5. And
I've also recommended in the
first reading. Also over 65.
From my perspective And this
is the will only way I kind of
know how to put I served in
the U.S. Army for 12 years.
And some thanks 60 year-old
guy. Thank you for your
service. Doesn't think.
Doesn't faze me at all and
doesn't mean a thing. So I
don't know what he said. What
contacts I didn't have to
dodge a bullet does not bother
me. I look forward to working
I I know him when he served
an.
>> As a COUNCILMAN, I reached
out to him once and he
listened to care of what I
needed to do. I do appreciate
what all of you usually. And
today I wasn't planning to
speak, but I feel invisible.
Yeah, I'm I'm recommended on
that tears. And I'm like,
well, you know, looks like on
days running the show. You
know, so, you know, I look
forward to working with not
only him but everyone else on
the on the on the
recommendation. I only know a
couple of the people in don't
don't know them very well. But
I hope to be able to work with
them and work with the
council. Me, my understanding.
And this is what confuses me
too. Whatever this tears
recommends is, is all it is.
It's a recommendation to the
City Council. So even we MAY
recommend something that
doesn't get through and I'm
just not sure what the
controversy. With serving on
the board agree with some of
that things just because you.
And I'm not sure that losing
the election is right to
rather say lost re-election.
>> I'm not sure what that
controversy is about. Again,
haven't paid much attention to
the comment I heard or just
don't understand what is
about. You know, I for me. I'm
here. I'm alive breathing. If
I can still participate and be
effective in in city
government where I where I
lived on the corner, there, I
really look forward to. It
just wish that we could move
forward without this kind of
seems like a personal. Attack
on individual. For something
that. Again, to me, he's like.
You go back to. Sticks and
stones, you MAY break my
bones, but it's all it was,
you know, I don't know. Like I
said. Few pretty and have to
duck, you know, so. Anyway,
look forward to it. Thank you
all for what you do. I hope we
can get past this and do some
good things for that district.
One, I want to mention real
quick, too, because we always
hear about, well, I've been
here since it isn't that my
family. I'm very proud of it.
My great grandfather rolled
San Antonio here to New
Braunfels back in 18. 97.
We've been here. I've been
here. Not that long, but my
family. I.
>> And that and that I moved
to, you in and out back live,
the New York, my wife's back.
You were.
>> Spend 20 something years in
New York as part of our
military service accent or so.
I look forward to it and thank
you for your time.
>> Casing nobody else. Close
public hearing. Any
discussion. Motion to approve.
I will second it.
Councilmember Edwards moves
for approval. Councilmember
the Bosque seconds.
>> Missus, I can do it. I can
do it. Councilmember could pc.
Councilmember Edwards. Mayor
Pro Tem Spradley. I
Councilmember Lebowski. I
Councilmember Ryan. I
councilmember Carter. On
behalf Strickland. And Mayor
Leonard's motion carries.
>> And just want there were
some misleading comments in
the public comment portion of
the meeting earlier. And so
anybody that once the facts on
the police were going to have
a police update on MARCH 23rd.
But anybody that's concerned
or interested in what's going
with the police department
come to the MARCH 23rd meeting
get an update from pd. With