Public Meetings - Kerrville, Texas

The City Council held a special-called meeting on May 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM at City Hall, 701 Main Street, Kerrville, Texas. The meeting was primarily ceremonial, featuring the farewell remarks of outgoing Councilmember Brenda Hughes, the swearing-in of newly elected and re-elected officials, and brief statements from the new council members and the mayor. One citizen spoke during public comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Kim Clarkson expressed gratitude and trust in the outgoing and returning council members, praising Brenda Hughes's positive focus on Kerrville's future. She offered flowers to both Hughes and incoming Councilmember Crystal Smith. Oaths of Office - Judge Patrick Maguire, Presiding Judge of the 198th District Court, administered the oaths of office to the following individuals: - Joe Herring Jr. – sworn in as Mayor of the Kerrville City Council (third time taking the oath as mayor). - Kent McKinney – sworn in as Councilmember for Place 3. - Crystal Smith – sworn in as Councilmember for Place 4. - William Totch – sworn in as City Attorney. Statements by Councilmembers - Outgoing Councilmember Brenda Hughes gave an emotional farewell, highlighting her six years of service, the community's response to the eclipse and the flood, and the City Council being recognized as the best in the state by the Texas Municipal League. She thanked city staff, past and present council members, her family, and the community. A commemorative plaque and a bench dedication (to be placed near the river or the public safety facility) were presented to her. - Councilmember Crystal Smith thanked her family and friends and expressed enthusiasm for serving alongside the council and staff. - Councilmember Kent McKinney thanked voters and noted the upcoming budget challenges, including state restrictions on local spending. - Mayor Joe Herring Jr. thanked his family, colleagues, city staff, and citizens. He pledged to do what he believes is right and to listen more than he speaks. - City Attorney William Totch declined to make a statement. Key Outcomes - The meeting concluded with the successful swearing-in of all elected and appointed officials. The outgoing councilmember received a resolution of commendation and a bench dedication. The mayor adjourned the meeting at 5:52 PM.

The Kerrville City Council met on April 28, 2026, at approximately 6:10 PM (following a workshop that adjourned at 6:10 PM) at City Hall, 701 Main Street. The meeting featured numerous recognitions and proclamations, a financial update for March 2026, approval of the consent agenda, a new agreement with the KROC Center to provide public pool access, acceptance of a Community Foundation grant for Louise Hays Park, a board appointment, and an executive session with no action taken. Announcements of Community Interest - Mother's Day (May 10): Free day use for mothers at Kerrville Shriner Park with purchase of child pass; free range tokens at Scott Shriner Golf Course. - Greenskeeper's Revenge golf tournament (May 23, 9 AM) – four-person scramble, $220 per team. - Skateboard competition at Singing Winds Park (May 23, registration 9:30 AM, competition 10 AM). - Suicide prevention training (May 2, 9-1 PM) at 250 Cully Street, hosted by Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, free lunch provided by Guadalupe Bank. - Smithsonian exhibit at Hill Country Arts and Cultural Center (May 16 – June 28). Recognitions and Proclamations - Blue Envelope Program: Police Chief McCall launched the program for individuals with communication challenges (e.g., autism). Envelopes serve as a visual cue for officers. Integrity Towing donated envelopes; Herring Printing printed them. First envelope presented to Riley Booth. Megan and Micah Booth advocated for the program. - Good Samaritan Award: Fire Chief Maloney presented to Ashton Bolton for performing CPR on a cardiac arrest victim (Mr. Ford) on March 6, 2026. Bolton also assisted in July 4th flood evacuations. Mr. Ford was present and thanked Bolton. - Hill Country Quilt Guild Spring Fling Exhibit: Recognized for citywide quilt display (27 quilts at City Hall, Doyle, The Croc, Nature Center, Arcadia Live). Guild has over 250 members. - National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 13-17): Dispatchers introduced, including supervisor Garrett (10 years) and manager Kat Larson (8 years). - Small Business Week (May 3-9): Chamber representatives spoke about supporting local businesses. Chamber represents over 800 members. - Texas City Secretary Week (May 4-8): Honored Shelley McElhannon (19 years of service). - National Prevention Week (May 10-16): Leah Westra (HCCADA) described prevention as community activities; Sarah (youth prevention coordinator) and others spoke. - Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month (May 2026): Advocate Deanna lost her brother in a 2024 crash; others shared experiences with left-turn and drunk driver accidents. Members from Combat Veterans and Booze Fighters spoke. Financial Update (Item 3A) Director of Finance J. Behrens presented the financial update for the month ended March 31, 2026 and a preliminary budget outlook. - General Fund: Performing well; property tax on track after $600,000 budget amendment for flood relief; sales tax better than year-to-date estimates; service revenues slightly behind but expected to recover. Expenses $700,000 under budget. Personnel costs constitute 71% ($39 million) of the general fund. - Sales Tax: Budgeted conservatively at 1% growth; rolling average is rising. Sales tax is 42% higher than 2019 levels. - Water Fund: On track; water sales and sewer revenues close to budget. Water model working well. - Enterprise Funds: Kerrville Shriner Park behind due to flood impact on rental revenue; golf course meeting budget. - Hotel Occupancy Tax: Expected flat due to flood recovery uncertainty. - Audit Compliance: Senate Bill 1851 requires cities to file audits within 180 days; Kerrville met the deadline (March 29) despite an AG public information request. - Flood Recovery Update: FEMA remains paused on new projects; $914,000 received so far for obligated projects; total flood-related expenses to date: $2.8 million. Remaining projects include water treatment facility, Kerrville Shriner Park, River Trail, Louise Hays Park. - Budget Challenges: Personnel cost increases, constraints on operating budgets, asset replacement needs (estimated $2.3 million needed for FY2027, with only $850,000 proposed transfer). Long-term forecast shows funding gaps mitigated by interest revenue but not sustainable. - Possible Solutions Discussed: Fee increases (KPUB franchise fee currently 3% vs 5% standard; water fund franchise fee 4%), new revenues (crime/fire control district requiring voter approval, stormwater fee, road fee, developer impact fees), greater grant focus, fire recovery fee (currently only for non-residents), and potential service reductions as last resort. - Councilmember McKinney requested metrics to measure efficiencies and benchmarks. Consent Agenda (Items 5A and 5B) Approved unanimously without discussion. - 5A: Resolution authorizing grant application to the Public Safety Office for body-worn cameras for KPD. - 5B: Approval of April 14, 2026 City Council meeting minutes. Discussion Items - 6A: KROC Center Agreement – Citizen Pool Use – City proposed $100,000 agreement for the KROC Center to open its pool to the public for $1 entry (matching prior city pool fee) during summer 2026. The KROC pool will be open 73 days (vs. city's 69 in 2024), 1-7 PM daily except July 4th. Capacity: 150 in pool, 100 on deck. Motion to authorize city manager to finalize and execute passed unanimously. - 6B: Community Foundation Grant for Louise Hays Park – $8.4 million grant offered to construct the upper park (Lehman Murray area) including splash pad, playground, dog parks, and parking. Estimated total park reimagination cost $13-15 million. Motion to authorize acceptance and execution passed unanimously. Board Appointments (Item 7A) - Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals: Timothy Davis appointed unanimously. Executive Session (Item 8B) - Council discussed the City Attorney employment agreement under Texas Government Code 551.074. No action taken. The sale of property at 429 Sidney Baker (former police station) was deferred and not discussed in executive session. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (body-worn camera grant application and April 14 minutes). - Authorized the KROC Center agreement for public pool access. - Accepted the $8.4 million Community Foundation grant for Louise Hays Park. - Appointed Timothy Davis to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals. - No action taken in executive session. - Council requested further research on metrics/benchmarking and potential revenue solutions; staff to bring back more information.

The Kerrville City Council held a workshop on April 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall. The workshop covered updates from the Kerr Together long-term recovery effort, a proposed stormwater drainage fee, revisions to Chapter 110 (Waterworks and Wastewater), and amendments to Chapter 60 (Zoning). No public comments were registered, though one citizen spoke during the stormwater discussion. The council also entered executive session to discuss the potential sale of the former police station property. Kerr Together and Flood Warning System Update - Tara Bushnoe, UGRA General Manager, reported on the flood warning system: the Guadalupe River Flood Warning System Working Group meets monthly; a state grant (SB3) funds sirens; Federal Signal sirens have been delivered and installation is underway in western Kerr County near youth camps, using private property easements for placement above the 500-year floodplain; a public data viewer will be released soon; a new USGS gauge is online at Lynx Haven Crossing; predictive modeling is in progress. The system will include multiple notification tools beyond sirens. Council members asked about siren triggers, sound levels (70 decibels at range), and public education. - William Whitson, Long-Term Recovery Consultant, provided a broader update: approximately 200 projects across all disaster recovery areas; estimated total recovery cost $102 million, with a $170 million shortfall; 50,000-tree river restoration initiative (800,000 seeds collected); dive teams (San Antonio Search and Support and Rampart Vigilance) have been contracted for 90 days with $150,000 funding from H-E-B to remove debris; one-year anniversary planning is underway with a public calendar of events. Council discussed balancing memorial observances with July 4th celebrations (250th anniversary) and noted the importance of safety and coordination. Stormwater Drainage Fee - D. Barrera presented a proposed tiered stormwater utility fee. The current flat fee ($1 residential, $2 multi-unit, $3 commercial) generates $156,600 annually but operating costs are $267,262, creating a deficit. The proposal uses an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of 4,876 sq ft based on rooftop area. Residential tiers: Tier 1 (≤2,350 sq ft) starts at $1.50/month in FY27, rising to $3.64 in FY31; Tier 2 (2,351–4,876 sq ft) starts at $2.00, rising to $4.85; Tier 3 (4,876 sq ft) also starts at $2.00, rising to $4.85. Multi-unit and commercial fees = (building sq ft ÷ 4,876) × rate. Example: a 40,000 sq ft shopping center would pay $16.40/month initially. Rates would increase annually to $4.85/ERU by FY31. Revenue would cover O&M and build a fund balance for capital projects. Implementation targeted for October 1, 2026, pending ordinance readings on May 12 and 26. Council requested estimates for large retailers (e.g., H-E-B, Lowe’s, Home Depot) and institutions (e.g., Schreiner University) and discussed potential rate caps. A visitor (Brinkman) questioned whether the fee applies to all impervious cover or just rooftops; Barrera clarified it is based on rooftop area only. Updating Chapter 110 (Waterworks and Wastewater System) - D. Barrera reviewed planned revisions: directing all fees to the annually adopted fee schedule; updating definitions; removing outdated or redundant sections; adding clarifications for water wells, reclaimed water, and year-round conservation measures. A major change is a simplified 5-stage drought contingency plan (Stage 1 = normal, mild, moderate, severe, emergency), with consistent watering times (starting at 7 p.m. as requested by council). Council discussed the definition of development costs and the use of “recommend” vs. “require” for best practices; staff will monitor effectiveness and consider enforcement if needed. Updating Chapter 60 (Zoning Code Amendments) - D. Paxton presented amendments regarding battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers. Staff recommends allowing them only as conditional use permits in industrial districts, with setbacks: 500 feet from 100-year floodplain, 1,000 feet from Nimitz Lake, 300 feet from residentially zoned areas, parks, schools, and hospitals, and 300 feet from major/minor arterials (with access requirement). Additionally, an 8-foot masonry screening wall and a water usage agreement/capacity analysis are required. Council members expressed strong concerns about fire safety and water use, with several favoring making the regulations so restrictive that such facilities would be infeasible within city limits to avoid state preemption. Council suggested increasing setbacks (e.g., to one mile) and requested staff to analyze whether the proposed regulations would effectively prohibit BESS and data centers. Staff will provide further analysis. - Also discussed: parking ratio revisions for multi-tenant retail. The current ratio is 1 space per 250 sq ft for public area only; staff proposed reducing to 1 per 300 sq ft for all multi-tenant retail over 2,000 sq ft. Alternatives included a three-tier system (1:200 for <10,000 sq ft, 1:250 for 10,000–30,000 sq ft, 1:300 for 30,000 sq ft). Council preferred the three-tier option but requested further data on peak times (weekends, evenings) and discussed whether restaurant parking should exclude back-of-house areas. No final action was taken. Preliminary FY2027 Budget Information - This item was deferred to a later workshop or regular council meeting at the request of City staff due to time constraints. Executive Session - Council unanimously voted to enter executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.072 to discuss the potential sale of real property at 429 Sidney Baker (former police station). Key Outcomes - Staff will provide a sample of stormwater fee impacts for large commercial properties and institutions prior to the May 12 reading. - The flood warning system and dive team contracts are moving forward; one-year anniversary planning will continue with a coordinated calendar. - The Chapter 110 revision will be presented for first and second readings in May. - For Chapter 60, staff will refine BESS/data center regulations to be more restrictive and analyze whether proposed setbacks effectively prohibit them within city limits. Parking ratio amendments will be further studied with additional data. - The executive session discussion on the former police station property did not result in public action.

The Kerrville City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting featured several presentations and recognitions, a detailed update on the parks system recovery from the flood, a public hearing on proposed zoning code amendments, and executive session discussions resulting in votes on city legal staff positions. Presentations & Recognitions - Firefighter of the Year: Fire Chief Maloney presented Matthew Wimkey with the 2025 Firefighter of the Year award. Wimkey was recognized for his growth since joining in 2021, his paramedic certification, service as a Field Training Officer, and earning a Citation of Valor for rescuing citizens on G Street on July 4th. - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: The Council honored outgoing members Lisa Nye Saladin and Russell Nempke for their years of dedicated service to the board. - International Dark Sky Week Proclamation: Mayor Herring read a proclamation declaring April 13-20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week. Members of the Kerr County Friends of the Night Sky spoke about the importance of preserving night skies for astronomy, ecology, and quality of life. - Parks System Recovery Update: Parks Director Jay Brimhall presented a comprehensive update on recovery and future projects. Key updates included: the Guadalupe Park project is roughly 50% complete with an NBA skills clinic delaying the ribbon cutting; a master plan for Louise Hays Park ($15 million) featuring a new playground, splash pad, and dog park; a bridge replacement at Kerrville-Schreiner Park currently out for bid; beach cleanup nearing completion; and the closure of the city pool for the season with alternative swimming programming being developed. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizens Forum: George Rudy (1616 Glenn Road) argued that the city's proposed water reuse program is not scalable and that the city should secure permits before proceeding with design. He stated the cost of growth from developments like Whiskey Canyon and Lenar is not being covered by current incentive structures and urged the council to stop giving away water resources and impact fees. - Public Hearing (Ordinance 2026-07): George Rudigan advocated for removing parking minimums entirely to let the market dictate land use. He suggested allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all residential zones to increase housing supply and lower costs, and recommended renaming 'farmers markets' to 'open air markets' in the code to reflect current operations. Discussion Items - Zoning Code Amendments (Ordinance 2026-07, First Reading): Planning Director Paxton presented a series of code updates, including new definitions for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and data centers, reduced setbacks for corner lots, reduced parking requirements for ADUs, and a new multi-tenant parking ratio. - Council Concerns: Several council members voiced strong concerns. Councilmember Hughes expressed opposition to adding BESS and data centers as permitted uses, citing fire risk and water usage. Multiple members questioned whether reducing multi-tenant and ADU parking requirements would shift the burden to surrounding neighborhoods and lower development standards. Councilmember Hughes explicitly stated, "I would like to not even have it offered" regarding BESS facilities. The council collectively agreed to tabling the item to hold a workshop for further deliberation before the second reading. Key Outcomes - Hiring of City Attorney (Item 6A): Following executive session, the Council voted 4-1 to hire William Tosh as the full-time City Attorney. - Assistant City Attorney Position (Item 6B): The Council voted 5-0 to rescind its previous action regarding the Assistant City Attorney position, with the Mayor stating the council lacked the charter authority to eliminate the position. - Consent Agenda: The Council unanimously approved the minutes from four previous meetings. - Future Agenda Items: A workshop will be scheduled to further discuss the proposed zoning code amendments.

The Kerrville City Council held its regular meeting on March 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 701 Main Street. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes, adjourning at 7:43 PM. Key actions included approval of consent agenda items, a conditional resolution for a federal wastewater grant, continuation of the Atmos Cities Steering Committee membership, design contracts for water infrastructure projects, additional funding for downtown exterior improvements, and board appointments. Public comments addressed birding events, city charter concerns, and the proposed reclaimed water project. Consent Calendar - Ordinance No. 2026-04 (second reading) – establishing speed limit on Olympic Drive. Unanimously approved on first reading March 10, 2026. - Ordinance No. 2026-05 (second reading) – establishing speed limit on State Farm to Market Road 1338 (Goat Creek Parkway). Unanimously approved on first reading March 10, 2026. - Resolution No. 17-2026 – authorizing submission of a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program application for the 2026 Downtown Revitalization Program. - City Council workshop minutes and meeting minutes from March 10, 2026. All consent items were approved by a single unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Katie Cappel (resident, 913 Red Bed Lane) – Announced an upcoming bird festival on April 11 at Riverside Nature Center (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), featuring bird experts and activities. Expressed appreciation for the city’s bird blind. - George Brudie (resident, 1616 Glenn Road) – Questioned the council’s authority to remove the deputy city attorney position, referencing a charter provision (Section 605). Argued the council's action may have been outside its authority and asked for public clarification. - David Williams (developer, Tybee Commons) – Expressed support for the EDA grant (6A), confirming his development group would provide a $600,000 letter of credit as part of the local match. Stated that even without the third developer, the two committed groups would cover the full $1.2 million match. - Kerry Wolf (resident, exterior jurisdiction) – Opposed the Elm Creek Reclaimed Water Line project (6C), arguing it represents a “backdoor” to indirect potable reuse. Raised concerns about chemicals in treated effluent (e.g., PFAS), questioned whether TCEQ/UGRA had approved the discharge, and called for a town hall before proceeding. Discussion Items - 2.A – Fire Department Awards: Chief Maloney presented the 2025 EMS Person of the Year (Bart Bartlett, EMS Supervisor) and Officer of the Year (Battalion Chief Jaron Floyd, recognized for leadership during the July 4 flood). Both were honored for their professionalism and service. - 2.B – Doyle Community Center: Executive Director Rae Cardenas provided a progress report. Key statistics: 243 households served monthly by the food pantry, 230 scheduled transportation appointments (202 trips), 35–40 attendees at senior lunch/bingo, and a new partnership with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid (35 appointments for a wills clinic). The center also offers ESL classes, after-school programs, and seasonal events. - 3.A – Audit Overview: Finance Director Julie Behrens and auditor Josh Finley (Forvis Mazars) presented the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The city received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, with no reportable findings on internal control or federal compliance. Unassigned general fund balance was $14.4 million (35% of actual expenditures, above policy). Net pension liability was $5.8 million (95% funded). The city has achieved the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for 40 consecutive years. Council voted unanimously to accept the report. - 6.A – EDA Grant for Wastewater Improvements: Asst. City Manager Mike Hornes presented Resolution No. 16-2026 for a grant to fund the Quinlan Creek Interceptor project (estimated total cost $6 million, 20% local match). Three development groups (Whiskey Springs, Tybee Commons, Structured Development) are negotiating participation agreements totaling $1.2 million. Council amended the motion to require securing the full $1.2 million in participation agreements before submission. The resolution passed unanimously. - 6.B – Atmos Cities Steering Committee: Interim City Attorney William Tatsch recommended continued membership for $997.20 per year (4 cents per capita). The committee represents 188 cities in rate negotiations and regulatory matters. Approved unanimously. - 6.C – Elm Creek Reclaimed Water Line Design: Director of Engineering Kyle Burrow presented a $373,490 professional services agreement with 6S Engineering for design of a 1.6-mile reclaimed water line from the sports complex pond to Elm Creek discharge. The project supports indirect potable reuse and is paired with a grant application for the Water Infrastructure program. Construction costs estimated at $3.1 million. Public comments included opposition and calls for public education. Council unanimously approved the design contract. - 6.D – Water Treatment Plant Filter Replacement Design: Burrow presented a $221,079 agreement with Freese & Nichols for design services to replace aging filter gallery components (original from 1979). Funded through 2023 Water/Sewer Bonds. Approved unanimously. - 6.E – Exterior Enhancement Grant Program: Mike Hornes presented a request to allocate an additional $50,000 from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 1 for the second round of the program. Statistics: 42 applications received, 24 eligible, 13–14 funded in the first round (leveraging approximately $2 million in private investment). Council added a condition that unserved eligible applicants from the first round receive priority before new applications. Approved unanimously. - 7.A – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: City Secretary Shelley McElhannon announced three vacancies. Council appointed Mark Armstrong, Jessica Kearns, and Laura Sutter unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5A–5E). - EDA Grant (6A): Resolution No. 16-2026 approved, contingent on securing $1.2 million in developer participation agreements. Vote: unanimous. - Atmos Cities Steering Committee (6B): Resolution No. 18-2026 approved. Vote: unanimous. - Elm Creek Reclaimed Water Line Design (6C): Professional Services Agreement with 6S Engineering approved. Vote: unanimous. - Water Treatment Plant Filter Replacement Design (6D): Professional Services Agreement with Freese & Nichols approved. Vote: unanimous. - Exterior Enhancement Grant (6E): Additional $50,000 allocation approved, with priority given to previously unfunded eligible applicants. Vote: unanimous. - Board Appointments (7A): Three members appointed to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Vote: unanimous. - Future Agenda Items: Council requested an update on the Louise Hayes Park project at the next meeting and a town hall/workshop on water issues and the proposed reclaimed water project.

The City Council held a workshop on March 24, 2026, at City Hall in Kerrville, Texas, to discuss proposed updates to Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances regarding waterworks and wastewater systems. The workshop focused on revising fee structures, water well regulations, reclaimed water use, and water conservation stages. No public comments were received, and no formal action was taken, but the council directed staff to prepare a redlined ordinance for further review at a future workshop. Discussion Items - Water Main Extension Charges (Section 11033): The proposed change eliminates recovery fees and places all expenses for water main extensions inside city limits on developers, as long as they adhere to subdivision specifications. - Extensions Outside City Limits (Sections 11034-11035): Fees will be removed and referenced to the fee schedule. A new policy for extensions outside city limits, including annexation requirements and exceptions, is being developed with the city attorney. - Water Wells (Section 11054): Clarifications will prohibit drilling new wells inside city limits except under specific exceptions (e.g., impractical to extend utility service). Requirements will align with existing ordinances to protect nearby wells. - Reclaimed Water Use (Sections 11057-11058): Minor language changes and fee removal are proposed, clarifying responsibilities for both the city and end users (e.g., maintaining ponds and irrigation systems). - Water Management Plan (Article 3): The plan, previously adopted by council, will be revised to enhance purpose, coordination, and monitoring. New language emphasizes water stewardship, compliance with local/regional/state plans, and collaboration with other providers (e.g., region J). - Year-Round Conservation Measures (Section 11093): Proposed measures include promoting drought-resistant landscaping (through AgriLife Extension and Riverside Nature Center), recommending low-impact irrigation systems, and defining essential (e.g., playgrounds) vs. non-essential (e.g., subdivision entrances) areas for watering during drought stages. - Prohibited Uses of Water (Section 11094): A list of year-round prohibitions includes water runoff exceeding 10 feet, failing to repair leaks, watering impermeable surfaces, and irrigating with damaged sprinklers. Councilmember asked how residents should report violations; staff directed them to call code compliance or public works.n- Water Conservation Stages (Section 11097): Staff recommended eliminating the current "year-round" stage (which allowed daily watering) and instead using stage one as the baseline. Council debated whether to rename stages to avoid public perception of always being in restrictions. Councilmember Kent suggested shifting stages so that stage one becomes the year-round baseline, while others argued the naming is secondary. It was agreed to defer naming and focus on the substance. Additionally, a winter conservation period (December-February) was proposed, allowing only handheld watering, with variances available for specific needs (e.g., lawn treatment watering). Councilmember questioned the necessity, noting minimal winter irrigation; staff said it would provide an enforcement mechanism for those who water unnecessarily. - Community Education and Coordination: Staff will coordinate with Headwaters (local water district) to post their drought stage on city notices when different from city stages. The city will continue to provide educational magnets summarizing the stages. - Overall Approach: Councilmember expressed concern that current steps may be insufficient given a five-year drought and depleted reservoirs (e.g., Medina Lake empty, Canyon Lake down 65%). Staff acknowledged more can be done but characterized the updates as progress. The water conservation plan is also required by state every five years. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: Staff will return to a future workshop (tentatively next month) with a redlined version of the ordinance. After that, the ordinance will be presented for first and second readings at a regular council meeting. - Consensus: Council broadly supported the proposed changes but requested further refinement on stage names and the winter period. No formal vote was taken.

On March 10, 2026, the Kerrville City Council convened at City Hall for a regular meeting that featured presentations from state and local organizations, approvals of routine consent items, public hearings on two speed limit ordinances, a variance denial, and a discussion on staffing reductions in the legal department. The meeting also included proclamations for Red Cross Month and March for Meals, commendations for the Resiliency Committee, and an update on the Rock Island Generation Project from Kerrville Public Utility Board. Presentations - Tourism Texas Friendly Certification (2A): Nate Gearin, representing Travel Texas, presented a formal designation recognizing Kerrville as a Tourism-Friendly Texas Certified Community. He noted the resilience of the community following the July 4th floods and praised the efforts of the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau. - Proclamation – American Red Cross Month (2B): Mayor Joe Herring read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as American Red Cross Month. The retiring Hill Country Chapter director was recognized for her service, particularly during the flood response. - Proclamation – March for Meals (2C): A proclamation declared March 2026 as "March for Meals" month to highlight the work of the Dietert Center Meals on Wheels program. The program served over 71,000 nutritious meals annually, with 24,066 volunteer hours. During the flood response, the program missed only one day of delivery. - Resiliency Committee Commendations (2D): Council presented certificates to members of the Resiliency Committee (Judy Eitner, Crystal Smith, Taddy Pratt, Louis Anistoi). Each member shared insights gained, including the challenges of balancing revenue and expenses. - Hill Country Crisis Council (2E): CEO Brent Ives provided a summary of services covering children's advocacy, family violence, and rape crisis programs. He reported 2025 statistics for Kerr County: 76 forensic interviews, 64 children receiving mental health services, 161 families receiving advocacy, 210 adults and 33 children receiving mental health services, 49 shelter residents, and 3,542 nights of safe shelter. - Dietert Center (2F): Executive Director Brenda Thompson outlined services including medical equipment lending (2,300 pieces loaned), 310 personal alert link units in service, dementia care programs, and 71,000 home-delivered meals plus 21,000 Friendship Cafe meals. She described the recovery from the flood, noting that the center reopened four months to the day after closing. The paint color used was "River's Edge." - KPUB Generation Plant Project Update (2G): General Manager Mike Wittler presented the status of the Rock Island Generation Project, a 50-acre site near Columbus, Texas. The project is financed with $70 million in tax-exempt bonds and a Texas Energy Fund loan (first in the state). Commercial operations date is now expected August 1, 2027 (a two-month slide). Tariffs could add $8–$28 million in costs. Clearing has begun, and a groundbreaking is scheduled for April 17, 2026. Wittler analogized the project to owning versus renting. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Parrish (Endeavors): Ms. Parrish introduced Endeavors, a nonprofit that opened an office at 1401 Sidney Baker, offering free mental health counseling, case management, a relaxation room, and disaster case management for flood recovery. She invited first responders to use the services and announced a community event on March 28 at Louise Hayes Park. Consent Calendar - Approval of City Council workshop minutes and meeting minutes from February 24, 2026 (Items 4A and 4B) were approved by unanimous consent. Public Hearings & Ordinances - Ordinance 2026-04 – Olympic Drive Speed Limit (5A): First reading of an ordinance establishing a 20 mph school zone limit on Olympic Drive near Tom Daniels Elementary and the new middle school, adopted unanimously. An amendment to correct distances will appear at second reading. - Ordinance 2026-05 – Goat Creek Parkway Speed Limit (5B): First reading of an ordinance lowering the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph on FM 1388 (Goat Creek Parkway) from Highway 27 to Lois Street, based on a TxDOT study. A typographical error in the ordinance number was noted but will not require amendment. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 15-2026 – Cigar Club Variance (6A): A request for a distance variance for a cigar club and lounge at 512 Yorktown Boulevard within 300 feet of school property (Tyvee Stadium). The applicant, Gabriel Ballis, stated he was in due diligence. The school district submitted a letter opposing the variance. Council members expressed support for the business concept but denied the variance due to the location and lack of school district support. The motion to deny passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Birkdale Lift Station Pump 4 Replacement (7A): Assistant Director Chris Clark requested approval to purchase a replacement pump from vendor Xylem Water Solutions USA at a cost not to exceed $190,790, funded from the asset replacement fund. The pump was 12 years old with significant damage. Approved unanimously. - Assistant City Attorney Position (7B): Councilmembers Kent McKinney and Delayne Sigerman proposed eliminating the unfilled Assistant City Attorney position, citing budget constraints and the opportunity to restructure the legal department after the departure of the previous city attorney. Some council members requested a cost analysis before deciding. The motion to eliminate the position passed 3-2. Executive Session & Board Appointment - Council convened an executive session under Texas Government Code §551.074 to discuss candidates for Kerrville Public Utility Board of Trustees position 3. After returning to open session, a motion was made and passed 5-0 to table the selection to a later meeting. Items for Future Agendas - Mayor Joe Herring requested that an update on the Louise Hayes Park planning process be placed on a future agenda, citing resident inquiries. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda items. - Passed first readings of speed limit ordinances for Olympic Drive and Goat Creek Parkway (unanimous). - Denied variance for cigar club near school (unanimous). - Authorized purchase of lift station pump (unanimous). - Eliminated Assistant City Attorney position (3-2 vote). - Tabled appointment of KPUB trustee (5-0). - Future agenda item: Louise Hayes Park update.

The City Council of Kerrville held a workshop on March 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM to discuss three major items: a proposed stormwater drainage fee structure, an update on the Olympic Pool construction delays, and the status of an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application for the Quinlan Creek Sewer Line project. No formal votes were taken; discussions focused on information sharing and preliminary direction. Public Comments No public comments were recorded during the workshop. One individual signed up to speak but the meeting proceeded directly to agenda items. Stormwater Drainage Fee Staff presented an analysis of the current flat-rate stormwater fee (residential $1, multi-unit $2, commercial $3) which generates approximately $156,600 annually but falls short of the $267,262 in operations and maintenance expenses, creating an annual deficit of about $110,000. The presentation reviewed the 2020 Stormwater Master Plan, which identified approximately $15 million in unfunded capital projects (e.g., Hill Country Drive Phase 2, Crock Center). Two fee structure options were offered: a tiered rate based on impervious surface area (using an Equivalent Residential Unit of 4,876 sq ft) and a flat rate. Under the tiered scenario (starting at $2 per ERU in FY27 and increasing to $4.85 by FY31), most residential customers would see a monthly fee ranging from $1.50 to $2.50, while commercial fees would be calculated by square footage. The flat rate would raise residential fees to $2.72 per month initially. Both options generate similar total revenue ($260,000 in FY27), but the tiered approach is considered more equitable. Staff and several council members expressed a preference for the tiered rate, citing fairness to both small homeowners and businesses. However, council members requested more time to review the master plan and the presentation before reaching a consensus. It was agreed to revisit the item at a future workshop with a decision expected during a regular meeting that same evening. No action was taken. Olympic Pool Update Assistant City Manager M. Hornes, along with representatives from JK Bernhard (contractor) and Marmon Mock (architect), provided an update on the Olympic Pool renovation. The project, awarded August 25, 2025, with a 335-day construction window, has encountered significant underground issues: large void areas under the pool, failing main drain pipes, and a retaining wall needed for the mechanical room. These problems were discovered in February 2026 and have added 10–25 days each but have not increased costs due to contingency funds. As a result, the pool will not open for the summer of 2026. Staff emphasized the necessity of these repairs to ensure the structure lasts another 50 years. The project scope has been reduced (bleachers, scoreboards postponed) but competition swimming capabilities remain. Council members expressed appreciation for the transparency and prioritized quality over speed. Staff is exploring alternative summer recreation options, such as bounce houses and water slides, and considering seeking assistance from the community foundation. No formal action was taken. EDA Grant Application Hornes updated the council on the Quinlan Creek Sewer Line project's EDA grant application. The original timeline for submitting participation agreements by late March was not feasible; comments from two of three developers have been received, and the third is expected soon. The item will be brought back at the second meeting in March (likely March 24) for council action, with EDA review anticipated in late April. No questions or additional discussion occurred. Key Outcomes - No formal motions or votes were taken during the workshop. - The stormwater drainage fee discussion will continue; a future workshop and subsequent regular meeting vote are anticipated. - The Olympic Pool is confirmed closed for summer 2026; alternative summer programming is under development. - The EDA grant application timeline is delayed, with council consideration rescheduled to later in March 2026.

The Kerrville City Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured proclamations recognizing community service, a financial update, public hearings on housing development, and routine consent agenda items. The Council unanimously approved resolutions for a conditional use permit, support for a housing tax credit application, and cancellation of the May general election due to unopposed candidates. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM. Consent Agenda The Council unanimously approved the following items: - Renewal of a three-year contract with Microsoft for software subscription licenses ($142,487.46 per year). - Renewal of a three-year contract for Recon Infosec Managed Detection and Response cybersecurity services ($184,400 total). - City Council workshop and regular meeting minutes from February 10, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - George Purdue criticized the city council's reduction of citizen engagement, citing early council meetings, \"daisy walking quorum\" meetings, consent agenda practices, the promotion of a local blogger, the struck-down peddler ordinance, unchecked city manager spending authority, and lobbying against stricter tax oversight. He argued that canceling the election leaves citizens without representation. - Michaela Taylor questioned whether the sole candidate's campaign finance filings were compliant with state law. She also inquired why Police Chief McCall failed to alert anyone after receiving a flash flood warning at 1:14 AM on July 4, 2025. - City Secretary Shelley McElhannon responded that campaign finance reports are hosted on the city website for public review. Discussion Items - Good Samaritan Awards: Police Chief Maloney presented awards to Amaziah Lopez and Jonah Nelson for rescuing two residents and their pet from a burning building on January 27, 2026. - Proclamations: - The Council recognized the Rotary Club of Kerrville's 100th anniversary. - March 2026 was proclaimed \"Big Texas Recovery Rally Month\" to reduce stigma around substance use and mental health. A celebration is planned for March 7 at Carver Park. - March 2026 was proclaimed \"Texas History Month\" by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. - Hill Country CASA Overview: Outreach Director Amy Harding reported that the organization has 62 active volunteers serving 69 children across four counties, highlighting their work advocating for children in foster care and providing an internet safety program. - Financial Report (January 31, 2026): Finance Director J. Behrens reported property tax collections at 76% (with February expected to reach 92%), sales tax $131,000 ahead of budget, and a $713,000 FEMA reimbursement received for disaster overtime and supplies. A federal government shutdown paused other FEMA obligations. Guadalupe Park is expected to reopen by mid-April. Public Hearings - Resolution 12-2026 (Conditional Use Permit): A public hearing was held for a CUP authorizing a multifamily housing development on Washington and Garden Streets by the Hill Country Crisis Council. (Note: The agenda lists the Garden Street addresses as 917, 919, and 921, while the Planning Director's presentation referred to 917, 918, and 921.) The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the permit 7-0. No public testimony was offered in opposition. - Resolution 13-2026 (Housing Tax Credit Support): A public hearing was held to support Roadrunner TXHP LP's application for 9% Housing Tax Credits to construct the 40-unit Roadrunner Lofts on Loop 534. Developer Sarah Andre stated that rents would be capped so families pay no more than 30% of income on rent and utilities. The state will ultimately select only one of the developer's two proposed sites. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 12-2026 (CUP): Adopted unanimously. The permit is limited to one story, has a six-year expiration tied to the site plan, and requires resubmission for any major deviations. - Resolution No. 13-2026 (Tax Credit Support): Adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 14-2026 (Election Cancellation): Adopted unanimously. The Council declared the candidates for Mayor, Place 3, and Place 4 unopposed, canceling the May 2, 2026 General Election and repealing Resolution 38-2025. - No Executive Session: The Council did not enter Executive Session. - Future Agendas: A Council member requested an update on the city's resiliency group.