Public Meetings - Fredericksburg, Texas

The Fredericksburg City Council held a special meeting on December 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the New City Hall to discuss the Convention & Visitor Bureau's (CVB) search for a new President/CEO and to review Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding priorities. The meeting brought together the City Council and the CVB board to improve communication, clarify funding structures, and align on strategic goals for tourism and community benefit. Discussion Items - Relationship and Communication Gaps: Mayor Hoover acknowledged that routine reporting from the CVB to the Council has been neglected, and both sides agreed to improve communication. Councilmember Kirchner emphasized the need to better educate residents on tourism's benefits, including property tax relief from the half-cent sales tax. - HOT Funding Allocation and Arts/Historic Preservation: Councilmember Kirchner raised concerns that 99% of HOT funds were spent on marketing, despite statutory allowances for 15% on historic preservation and 15% on arts. CVB representatives explained that marketing often promotes arts and history, and both sides agreed to clarify definitions and improve tracking. Mayor Hoover encouraged a shift toward programmatic support for heritage and arts organizations, with the CVB handling marketing. - Budget and DMO Tier Status: City Manager Bailey explained that the CVB’s budget was historically funded by five-sevenths of HOT collections, but as collections grew, a reserve of over $5 million accumulated. The Council then moved to a fixed annual budget, reducing the CVB’s operating budget from $5.3 million to $4.2 million. This drop below the $5 million threshold changed the CVB’s designation from a mid-size DMO to a small DMO, losing access to industry opportunities and making CEO recruitment harder (mid-tier candidates vs. senior leaders with 10+ years experience). - Multi-Year Funding Proposal: The CVB board requested a multi-year contract (three years discussed) to provide financial stability. City Manager Bailey and Councilmembers expressed openness to such an agreement. - Reserve Use and Cost Recovery: The City discussed using HOT funds to recover costs for emergency services related to tourism (estimated $200,000–$500,000 per year for special events, and about 17% of fire/EMS budget for out-of-county visitors). However, state law restrictions may require special legislation. Key Outcomes - The CVB will provide the City Council with: - A breakdown of HOT spending by category (arts, historic preservation, marketing). - The new CEO job description. - The City Council will consider: - A public update on the CVB’s progress (tentatively scheduled for January 2026). - A multi-year funding agreement with the CVB. - Possibly supplementing the current CVB budget from reserves to restore the $5 million threshold. - Weekly email updates from the CVB to the City Council will begin, using a template similar to other city departments. - The CVB will be invited to the City’s annual strategic planning workshop to align goals before the budget process. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a discussion aimed at building consensus and establishing next steps.

The Fredericksburg City Council held its regular meeting on December 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The meeting began with an invocation, pledges, and employee recognitions, followed by council comments, consent agenda approval, and consideration of several land-use and budget items. The council denied a conditional use permit for a townhome development, approved a zoning change on Highway Street, and adopted budget amendments and a grant resolution. An update on the Holman Lane development was also provided, and future agenda items were discussed. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting. - Approved a petition for release of property in the ETJ. - Approved an ordinance for fees for the use of market plots (final year of three-year approval). - Approved changes to the city's investment policy, adding new staff member Tyler Hooper. - Approved the 2026 calendar year city holiday schedule (same as 2025). Public Comments & Testimony - Marlene Pilot (Wincrest Townhomes and Patio Homes Association resident): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed 21-townhome project at 1032 South Mylam Street. She cited that the Planning and Zoning Commission had denied the request three times (twice unanimously), argued that the applicant cannot be trusted based on past behavior (including threats of apartments), and raised concerns about emergency vehicle access, buffer zones, and destruction of the green belt. She asked when “enough is enough.” Discussion Items - Z2513 – Reconsideration of Conditional Use Permit for Townhomes (1032 South Mylam Street): - Applicant (PV McMinn Jr., New Vista Development): Presented a simplified plan for 21 luxury townhomes on 4.87 acres, down from the original 14.5-acre proposal. He argued the project is consistent with the 2021 approval and that the only alternative would be a less desirable use permitted by right (e.g., apartments). He requested approval. - Development Services Director (Clifford Cross): Explained the background: The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial based on a cul-de-sac exceeding 500 linear feet (actual length 740 ft), though the design meets fire department requirements. He noted the applicant could build multifamily apartments by right, which would be denser. Staff recommended approval with conditions (e.g., 20-ft buffer, no short-term rentals, 180-day plat recording, sidewalks, etc.). - Council Questions: Discussed fire access, pedestrian safety, topography (approx. 40 ft elevation difference), and feasibility of a second access. Councilmember Klein noted the Wincrest neighborhood and PNZ had not been satisfied. - Motion to Approve: Councilmember Klein moved to approve the CUP with conditions including sidewalks and 180-day plat deadline. The motion failed (no second clarified; transcript says “So the motion fails”). The request was effectively denied; no further vote was taken to overturn the PNZ recommendation. - Z2521 – Land Use Change and Rezoning (304 East Highway Street): - Applicant (Edward Zye): Represented the Dorothy Zye Family Trust, requesting a change from Medium Density Residential to Commercial land use and rezoning from R2 to C2. - Staff Report: The current Comprehensive Plan already designates the property as Mixed Use Community Corridor, which permits C2 zoning. Staff recommended denying the land-use change (unnecessary) but approving the rezoning. The PNZ agreed. - Council Action: Voted 4-0 to deny the land-use change ordinance, then voted 4-0 to approve the rezoning from R2 to C2. - Budget Amendments for FY2025 (Ordinance 2025-46): - Finance Director (Krista Cross): Presented housekeeping amendments adding $2.8 million in contracts (mainly for new city hall) and $600,000 for Sanitation Fund cells. Actual revenues exceeded expectations, leaving reserves higher than projected ($15.3M in general fund vs. anticipated $13.5M). The electric department overran its power-purchase budget by $164,000, offset by higher revenues. Approved unanimously. - Grant Resolution 2530 – Bullet-Resistant Components for Police Vehicles: - Chief of Police: Requested approval to apply for a non-matching state grant of $199,200 (est.) to equip 20 patrol vehicles with armor. The grant is non-competitive but statewide ($5M total). Approved unanimously. - Holman Lane Development Update (Mr. Bailey): - Staff reported ongoing coordination with residents and the developer for Sonoma 1 and Sonoma 2 subdivisions. A meeting was scheduled for December 4 to discuss drainage, traffic impacts, and off-site improvements. The developer’s engineer claims the subdivision’s discharge rate will be less than pre-developed conditions, but volume remains a concern. Staff are working with the county on a countywide drainage master plan (estimated cost $250k–$600k, taking over a year). A formal annexation request for Sonoma 2 will be on the December 16 agenda. - Future Agenda Items: - December 9: Joint meeting with CBB (9 AM) and special meeting for strategic planning kickoff (10 AM). Council decided to keep the strategic planning session on December 9 after debate; Councilmembers stressed urgency after years of delay. - December 16: Regular meeting – health department ordinance amendments, board appointments, Holman Lane annexation, leaf/brush pickup fee ordinance, and food/wine festival funding request. - January 6: Consideration of horse-drawn carriage ordinance repeal, solicitor permit ordinance, and more control fees. - January 13: Special meeting for HOT funding applications. - January 20: Regular meeting for HOT funding awards. - Executive Session: Council went into executive session to discuss water supply purchase/lease (Texas Government Code) and the Gillespie Central Appraisal District (GCAD) board vote. Upon return, they approved Resolution 2531 casting the city’s votes for GCAD directors. Key Outcomes - Z2513 (Townhome CUP): Motion to approve failed; project effectively denied. The council did not overturn the PNZ’s recommendation for denial. - Z2521 (304 East Highway): Land-use change denied (4-0); rezoning from R2 to C2 approved (4-0). - Budget Amendments FY2025: Ordinance 2025-46 approved unanimously. - Bullet-Resistant Components Grant: Resolution 2530 approved unanimously. - GCAD Board Votes: Resolution 2531 approved after executive session; votes cast between Graham Pearson and Jelly (specific allocation not disclosed). - Strategic Planning: Council confirmed a special meeting on December 9, 2025 at 10 AM to kick off the strategic plan. - Holman Lane: Continued coordination; public meeting scheduled for December 4; formal action expected December 16.

The Fredericksburg City Council met in a special session on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Cardinal Room. Chaired by Mayor Jeryl Hoover, the meeting was a discussion-only work session with no formal action taken. Council reviewed a range of minor topics including proposed fees for brush and leaf pickup, an annual bulk trash program, the city's property appraisals, and a list of 22 potential zoning and code ordinance amendments. Consent Calendar No consent calendar was presented at this special meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - One individual, Mr. Clinzig, signed up for public comment but was not present at the meeting. The Mayor invited and received verbal comments from members of the audience throughout the council's discussion of specific agenda items, which are summarized in the relevant sections below. Discussion Items Brush Pickup, Leaf Pickup, and Bulk Trash Services - Director of Public Works Kris Kneese presented cost data for the current free services. The annual cost for brush chipping is $560,000 (approx. $8/month/customer) and leaf collection is $175,000 ($2.50/month/customer). A combined fee of $10/month per customer was proposed, with $530,000 in revenue budgeted starting January 1, 2026. - Council and Public Positions: - Mayor Hoover and Councilmember Watson felt $10 was too high for some residents, advocating for a $5 fee instead. - Councilmember Kirchner advocated for a holistic, bundled sanitation fee rather than a separate line item. - Councilmember Klein raised the difficulty of implementing an opt-out system for properties without trees. - Audience members expressed mixed opinions. Some felt the service was a core community benefit worth paying full cost for, while others noted the financial burden on young families and retirees. - Bulk Trash: A new annual spring bulky-item pickup was discussed, estimated at $120k annually. Council broadly supported directing staff to develop a plan, though it is not currently budgeted. GCAD City Appraisals (Scott Fair) - Chief Appraiser Scott Fair detailed the large commercial valuation increases on Main Street, driven by five recent sales that showed appraised values were only 40-60% of sale prices. He highlighted the state's 20% annual increase cap (\"circuit breaker\") that will phase in these changes. - He warned the council about the upcoming 2026 constitutional amendment raising the Business Personal Property exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, which will exempt most business equipment from taxation and significantly erode the local tax base. - Councilmember Watson inquired about inspection frequency; Mr. Fair stated annual market reviews are preferred but challenged by rapid growth and staffing shortages. Ordinance Amendments - Reapplication Timeframes (Cliff Cross): Consensus was reached to draft a 6-month waiting period for submitting similar applications after a denial by a city board or council. - Water Conservation: Council supported utility bill surcharges for watering violations (bypassing municipal court) and exploring a reduction in the number of drought stages. - Sidewalks: Staff was directed to update the 2013 Sidewalk Plan and draft an interim ordinance requiring sidewalks for new developments immediately, rather than waiting for the full Unified Development Code. - Standardized Business District (Item 10): Council was open to reviewing the boundaries of the district and allowing existing standardized businesses to relocate within the district via Conditional Use Permit. - Vehicles for Hire (Item 2): Direction given to draft a new ordinance for pedicabs and private drivers covering safety, insurance, and background checks. Uber and Lyft are exempt from the city permit. - Alcohol on Main Street (Item 11): Following a meeting with late-night bar owners, Mayor Hoover and Councilmember Watson concluded there were insufficient public safety issues to warrant restricting after-hours sales at this time. - Fuel Islands (Item 9): Council was open to reviewing the current city-wide limit of three fuel islands through the Conditional Use Permit process. - Parking RVs/Boats/Trailers (Items 20 & 21): Council directed staff to draft restrictions on long-term parking of these vehicles on public streets and private front yards. - General Code Updates: Staff to bring amendments for the Sound Ordinance (applying to commercial areas), Animal Control (microchipping instead of tags), and Peddler Ordinance (90-day permits). - Sign Ordinance: Council expressed interest in updating the sign code to better regulate A-frame signs on sidewalks, illuminated window films, and murals. Key Outcomes - No Formal Votes Cast: As stated by Mayor Hoover, this was a discussion-only work session; no binding votes were taken. - Fee Decision Deferred: The decision on the specific Brush/Leaf pickup fee amount ($0, $5, or $10) was deferred to the regular City Council meeting on December 2 or December 16, 2025, where a formal ordinance amendment will be voted on. - Bulk Trash Program Approved in Concept: Staff directed to develop an implementation plan for a spring 2026 curbside bulky-item pickup event. - Ordinance Drafting Instructions Issued: Staff will draft specific ordinances and amendments for future council consideration covering zoning reapplication timeframes, irrigation/watering surcharges, sidewalk requirements, vehicles for hire, and parking restrictions. - Tax Base Impact Noted: A significant reduction in the city's property tax base is expected in 2026 due to the expanded Business Personal Property exemption. City Manager to provide a detailed fiscal impact analysis.

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at New City Hall at East Campus, 2818 E. U.S. Hwy. 290, with Mayor Jeryl Hoover presiding. A quorum was present; Councilmember Tony Klein was absent on a scheduled vacation. The agenda included police department reaccreditation, consent items, a lease-purchase financing resolution, a Goehmann Lane ETJ development discussion, the city manager's Hollmig Lane report, future agenda items, and a posted executive session. Ceremonial Matters - The invocation was delivered by Rev. Karen Horan, followed by the Pledges of Allegiance. - Chief Brian Vorauer accepted a reaccreditation certificate from Steve Fedis, a police chief representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association. The Fredericksburg Police Department was first accredited in 2013 as the 75th Texas agency to achieve that status and was now reaccredited unanimously after demonstrating compliance with 173 standards. The association representative noted that only 224 of about 2,800 Texas law enforcement agencies hold the honor; Mayor Hoover added that of 788 municipal police departments in Texas, only 190 have achieved accreditation, less than 25 percent. Chief Vorauer credited Lieutenant Braxton Raymer with directing the accreditation program since 2012. Council Comments - Councilmember Todd Eidson reported Oktoberfest paid attendance of 23,000, up about 5 percent from last year, noted the CBB board is working with a search firm to replace its executive, and was leaving for Texas Association of Builders meetings. - Mayor Pro Tem Emily Kirchner reported on the Texas Municipal League conference in Fort Worth, where PIO Sean Dory presented on community engagement. - Councilmember Bobby Watson reported airport advisory board updates, including the hangar hotel sold out weekends through December, the Dec. 20 Santa fly-in, four planned 2026 events with about 200 aircraft, hangars 100 percent occupied with 48 on the waitlist, EAA Young Eagles flying 28 kids, five Texas Forest Service aircraft stationed in Fredericksburg, and the Oct. 21-26 Food and Wine Fest selling 3,339 tickets and exceeding last year's sales by $100,000. Consent Calendar - Council approved the consent agenda by voice vote with no discussion. It included approval of the Oct. 21 council minutes; purchase of FY26-budgeted police vehicles for approximately $433,250 but not to exceed $433,650; purchase of emergency lights, radars, equipment, graphics, and installation for seven marked police units from FarrWest Specialty Vehicles for approximately $181,383.26 but not to exceed $185,437.49; purchase of a Water Department hydro excavation trailer for $123,540; and confirmation of Brad Hardin and Jim Jarreau to the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission Board for terms beginning Dec. 31, 2025. Ordinances, Resolutions and Public Hearings - Finance Director Krista Wareham presented Resolution 2025-28 authorizing acquisition and lease-purchase financing of public equipment with Frost Bank. The RFP was issued Oct. 8, proposals were due Oct. 22, six proposals were received, and Frost Bank offered the lowest interest rate and amount. Council approved the resolution with one recusal/abstention. Public Comments & Testimony - On the Goehmann Lane ETJ discussion, a resident identified with the countryside neighborhood expressed concerns about traffic exiting onto Goehmann Lane, the Barons Creek bridge condition, residential property values, school safety, and lack of accessible information, and asked for assurance that an Olive connection would be completed before bridge work. - Michael Brayton submitted a written comment stating he owns property adjacent to the Waldorf development at 503 Goehmann Lane, that he and the developer purchased properties with a bypass right-of-way restriction, that he did not want a new extension on his property, and that the right-of-way should remain as is. - George Studer submitted a written comment asking why public safety is not a guiding principle of the comprehensive plan and requesting public safety requirements such as sidewalks and crosswalks for new development. Mayor Hoover noted on the record that battery storage facilities are prohibited inside the city limits. - A resident who owns Barons Creek Resort across from the Waldorf property asked whether the project would include hotel rooms, restaurants, and a spa or only residences, citing conflicting published descriptions. The developer responded that the plan includes 60 hotel rooms, 37 villas, about 45 estate lots, three restaurants, and a spa beginning at about 12,500 square feet, and said he has volunteered to fix the Barons Creek bridge and has completed a traffic impact analysis under city review. - On the Hollmig Lane report, Kyle Segner, identified as spokesperson for the property owner group, thanked the city manager for facilitating mediation, urged the city and county to conduct a mass drainage and downstream impact analysis with hydrogeologists, cautioned against interim fixes, and asked to delay annexation until the UDC and comprehensive plan work is complete. - A second Hollmig Lane resident supported delaying annexation and announced a Nov. 10, 10 a.m. meeting at the Sonoma Oaks sales office with Marisa Bruno of the Hill Country Alliance to examine drainage and green infrastructure opportunities. Discussion Items - Goehmann Lane ETJ development: Planning staff explained that the development plat was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission with a condition requiring removal or replacement of the Frederick Road extension shown on the city's thoroughfare plan before final plat approval. The applicant requested that the city study alternate routes, citing cost and bridge constraints; a 2019 Kimley-Horn study estimated the extension at $18 million pre-COVID and the applicant estimated it may be about $30 million now. Council members expressed openness to a new Kimley-Horn study but questioned the benefit and cost to the city, noted no thoroughfare projects have been constructed, and discussed county coordination and right-of-way. Staff said they would raise the alternate-route question at a Kimley-Horn scoping meeting the next day and return with schedule and cost information. The city manager asked whether the developer would consider immediate annexation; the developer said he would be open to discussing it if grading can start, with an opening target of 2027. - Hollmig Lane development: City Manager Bailey reported three mediation-style meetings since Oct. 21, including with about 20 landowners, developer Cory Keller, engineer Randy Genigis of SEH Engineering, and County Commissioner Chuck Yinski. Issues include stormwater runoff, erosion, traffic, pedestrian safety, lighting, and trash; drainage and traffic are the biggest. Staff is verifying whether constructed drainage meets the design standard of equal to or less than pre-developed flow rates. A structured meeting between developers and property owners is planned for the next day, with another council update scheduled for Nov. 18. Future Agenda Items - City Manager Bailey reviewed upcoming dates: a Nov. 18 special meeting on minor items including brush and leaf pickup, boards and commissions waiting-period rules, ordinance amendments, and the Hollmig Lane update, with the location changed to the John William Klein Room; a Dec. 2 regular meeting including Citizen University recognition, GCAD vote allocation, the 2026 holiday schedule, market fees, health board appointments, health fees, and the Keller Oaks conditional use permit; Jan. 6 ordinances on solicitors permits, animal control fees, and horse-drawn carriages, pedicabs, and vehicles for hire; Jan. 13 and Jan. 20 HOT funding review and awards; a Dec. 9 strategic plan kickoff; and a Nov. 19 coffee with the city manager. Key Outcomes - Council unanimously approved the consent calendar as presented. - Council adopted Resolution 2025-28 with one recusal/abstention. - Council took no formal action on the Goehmann Lane ETJ item; staff will include an alternate-route study in the next Kimley-Horn scoping meeting and report back. - Council took no formal action on Hollmig Lane; the city manager will continue facilitation and update the council Nov. 18. - The posted agenda included an executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding a Former Texas Rangers Foundation 380 agreement and ground lease, pending federal litigation Civil Action No. 1:24-CV-00701-D11, and a legal matters update. No open-session action on those items was described in the transcript.