Fredericksburg City Council Regular Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Fredericksburg City Council held a regular meeting on March 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM at New City Hall at East Campus. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a zoning change request that was denied, adoption of a fee schedule amendment, discussion on a proposed leaf and brush collection fee that was tabled, and action on a short-term rental permit appeal that was denied. Other routine approvals included a contract renewal and acceptance of a board resignation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 3, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoning Change Request (Z-2603): Mike Mahoney, a resident, opposed the R1 to CBD rezoning, calling it "patently ridiculous" and urged denial. Ron Woolhoff asked the council to deny the request, stating there must be a stop to encroachment on residential homes. He expressed concern that a change could lead to bars or late-night businesses.
• Leaf and Brush Collection Fee (Ordinance 2025-54): Multiple residents spoke against the proposed fee.
  • Randy Briley urged rejection, calling the fee a potential slippery slope.
  • Angela Brindley, a Stone Ridge resident, called the fee "unjust" and noted she never uses the service, bagging her own leaves and taking them to the dump.
  • Mike Mahoney argued the fee would be a tax increase, cause unintended consequences (e.g., people quitting trash service), and ultimately not reduce landfill costs.
  • Stefan (last name unclear), a resident who previously lived in Dallas and Chicago, expressed concern about fee inflation and lack of transparency.
  • A resident (likely the previous speaker, name unclear) pointed out that the service is not free—it is funded through the sanitation fund and utility bills. He noted the sanitation department had $620,000 in reserves beyond the emergency three-month reserve, and questioned the $731,000 projected cost for the fee versus a $380,000 deficit. He suggested postponing the decision until after the election.
  • Charlie Keeney, a former council member, expressed concern about the impact on residents living paycheck-to-paycheck.
• Sexually Oriented Businesses and Related Text Amendments (Z-2601): George Studer urged serious consideration of the amendments, stating they are important to the city's family-friendly character.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2026-11 – Atmos Mid Tex Rate Review Mechanism Tariff: Kris Kneese, Director of Public Works/Utilities, presented the ordinance. By joining the Atmos Steering Committee, Fredericksburg avoids interim rate adjustments and instead receives a decrease. The proposed increase would have been 43%; the actual decrease is $1.28 per month. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
• Request Z-2603 – Zoning Change from R1 to CBD for 408, 412 & 414 East Austin Street: The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended denial (9-0). Applicant Brad Ayler requested C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) instead of CBD, stating the area has transitioned to tourism uses. He cited short-term rentals, hotels, and traffic as reasons. Director Cliff Cross explained the council could consider C1 as an alternative but it would still require a supermajority due to the protest. Public comments opposed the change. After discussion, the council voted to deny the request from R1 to CBD (motion passed). It was noted that the applicant could reapply for C1 because of vesting.
• Ordinance 2026-13 – Amendment to Construction Permit and Application Fee Schedule: Cliff Cross presented a comprehensive fee adjustment for building permits, sign permits, electrical/mechanical/plumbing permits, and new engineering and public works development review fees. The fees were adjusted to be more consistent with neighboring communities. A new $2,500 development agreement fee plus $200 per acre and attorney fees was added. On a commercial example, the total fee would rise from about $5,894 to approximately $8,000, still below a consulting firm's $8,200 quote. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
• Ordinance 2025-54 – New Fees for Leaf and Brush Collection Services: Kris Kneese presented the item, which had been tabled from December. After public comments, council members debated the merits. Mayor Hoover and Councilmember Kirchner expressed support for exploring cost recovery but noted the need for comprehensive data and integration with the budget process. Councilmember Klein made a motion to deny, which lacked a second. Councilmember Kirchner then moved to table the item until the first budget discussion session (expected in June). The motion to table passed with one nay (Councilmember Watson).
• Items Z-2601 and Z-2604 (Text Amendments): These items were tabled at the Planning & Zoning Commission and will be re-noticed. No action was taken by the council.
• Appeal of STR-Unoccupied Permit Denial for 804 Henrietta Street (Acre Project LLC / Dane Leach): The applicant explained that ownership had been transferred into a trust without following proper transfer procedures, and he sought an appeal. During questioning, it was revealed the property was currently listed for sale. The council voted to deny the appeal (motion passed).
• Contract Renewal for JM Pipeline LLC: Kris Kneese presented the renewal for the fifth year at $500,000, a budgeted item. The contractor has replaced approximately 5,500 feet of 2-inch water mains and 2,500 feet of 4-inch mains over the past four years, improving fire protection. The council approved the renewal unanimously.
• Accept Historic Review Board Member Resignation from Cyd Donnell: The council accepted the resignation unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items: City Manager Bailey reviewed upcoming items for April, May, and June meetings, including a development plat, sidewalk ordinance update, FISD bond proposition update, quarterly reports, joint meeting with HRB, Native Plant Society beautification, audit presentation, election canvassing, orderly report, and strategic planning during budget kick-off.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Ordinance 2026-11 (Atmos tariff) unanimously.
• Denied: Request Z-2603 (R1 to CBD rezoning) unanimously (super-majority required due to P&Z denial).
• Approved: Ordinance 2026-13 (fee schedule) unanimously.
• Tabled: Ordinance 2025-54 (leaf and brush fees) until the first budget discussion session (motion passed 4-1).
• Denied: Appeal of STR-U unoccupied permit denial for 804 Henrietta Street (unanimous).
• Approved: Contract renewal with JM Pipeline LLC for $500,000 (unanimous).
• Approved: Acceptance of HRB member resignation (unanimous).