Fredericksburg City Council Regular Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Fredericksburg City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM at New City Hall at East Campus. The meeting lasted approximately four hours and covered a wide range of topics including zoning text amendments, conditional use permits, a development plat with a thoroughfare alignment study, a sidewalk ordinance update, and ceremonial recognitions.

Ceremonial Matters

• The Electric Department was recognized for achieving 40 years with no loss of time due to accidents, a record honored by Texas Electric Cooperatives. Kyle, the superintendent, credited a culture of discipline and training begun in 1985.
• Brian Roeder and Christian Castruita were recognized for designing and installing new frost-free dog park water fountains, saving the city over $12,000 and using local parts for easy repairs.
• Mayor Hoover proclaimed the week of April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the Gillespie County Communications Center.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council minutes for March 17, 2026.
• Approved the release of 0.09 acres of unimproved right-of-way within The Settlement on Town Creek Subdivision.
• Ratified the Convention & Visitors Board appointment of Nicole Whorton (Fischer & Wieser).
• All consent items were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Z-2601 (sexually oriented businesses, vape shops, etc.):
  • George Studer expressed support for the ordinance but urged continued monitoring of gambling and bookstore definitions.
  • John Willoughby questioned the 500-foot separation for vape shops, noting a lack of supporting studies, and suggested the industrial loop area might be inconsistent with the 2024 comprehensive plan.
  • Dan McCoy (CEO, Hill Country Chocolate) argued the amendment contradicts the comprehensive plan, stated that no federal statute mandates 10% land availability for sexually oriented businesses, and said adding the use to M2 expands allowed uses rather than restricting them. He recommended tabling the item.
  • A citizen expressed concern that the ordinance is too restrictive for future harmful substances (e.g., KAPA).
  • Georgia Patrick noted that 500 feet from schools is insufficient to deter students.
• On Z-2605 (Century 21 CUP):
  • Dwight (property owner) and Karen, along with Danielle (delegated supervisor), spoke in favor, emphasizing their local roots, the service-oriented nature of the business, and that the building would remain unchanged. They argued that Century 21 is a locally operated franchise, not a chain.
  • No speakers opposed the item.
• On Z-2606 (Frisky Kitty Cafe CUP):
  • No public comments were made.
• On P-2425 (development plat and Frederick Road alignment):
  • Michael Brayton (adjacent property owner) supported keeping the original alignment (Alternative 1), noting his property was purchased with knowledge of the thoroughfare plan.
  • Micah King (attorney for applicant) highlighted the developer's voluntary offer to annex, contribute to road improvements, and noted the project would advance comprehensive plan goals for tourism and workforce.
  • Jesse Barker spoke in favor of the Waldorf Astoria project, emphasizing economic benefits and low density.
  • Nikila Davis (business owner on Goehmann Lane) opposed a bypass on Goehmann Lane, citing impacts on the quiet character.
  • Commissioner Charles Olfers (Gillespie County) supported keeping Alternative 1 and opposed Alternative 3 due to impacts on homes near Main Street.
  • Charlie Keeney urged prioritizing community impact over money.
  • Keith Settling (property owner on Goehmann Lane) objected to potential road widening, stating he was not notified and that it would affect historic family properties.
  • Marvin (resident near the creek) noted that a bridge on Alternative 1 would cut off access to creek property and affect utility manholes.
  • Grant Peterson urged keeping the northeast bypass option for future traffic loads.
  • John Crinwell asked about plans for the existing bridge (none currently).

Discussion Items

Z-2601: Text Amendments – Sexually Oriented Businesses, Vape Shops, Game of Skill Parlors, Tattoo Studios

• Staff (Cliff Cross) explained the amendments add definitions, designate permitted zoning districts, and impose locational restrictions (e.g., 500 feet from schools for vape shops, 1,500 feet between vape shops). Sexually oriented businesses are only allowed in M-2 district via conditional use permit. Existing businesses are grandfathered as legal non-conforming.
• City Attorney Mick McKamie clarified that the city cannot ban sexually oriented businesses under the First Amendment; the ordinance is restrictive, not permissive, and based on studies of secondary effects. The 10% land availability guideline is a court-derived guide, not a statute.
• Council discussion addressed consistency with the comprehensive plan, protection of residential areas, and the need for clear definitions to avoid inconsistent enforcement.

Z-2604: Text Amendment – Multifamily in C-1 District

• Staff proposed requiring a conditional use permit for multifamily developments in C-1, aligning with requirements for condos and townhomes. No negative impact on existing projects was foreseen. Approved.

Z-2605: Conditional Use Permit – Century 21 at 408 W. Main St.

• The applicant requested a CUP to operate a standardized business (real estate office) in the Historic Shopping District Overlay. P&Z recommended denial, finding it meets the definition of a standardized business.
• Council heard arguments that the business is locally operated and the building unchanged. A supermajority (4 votes) is needed to overturn P&Z denial. The vote was 3-2 to approve (Councilmembers Hoover, Kirchner, and Watson in favor; Klein and Eidson opposed), so the motion failed. The CUP was denied.

Z-2606: Conditional Use Permit – Frisky Kitty Cafe at 1209 E. Main St.

• Applicant April Laird described a cat cafe with separate food and cat areas, partnering with local shelters, offering cat yoga, and meeting health standards. Staff recommended approval as a restaurant-limited use with accessory cat room. P&Z approved.
• Council approved with one abstention (Councilmember Eidson due to a business relationship).

Z-2607: Conditional Use Permit – Drive-Through at 720 S. Adams St.

• Applicant Kevin Spraggins requested an updated CUP after the previous one expired. All approvals (engineering, fire marshal, etc.) were in place. P&Z recommended approval. Council approved with one abstention (Councilmember Eidson).

Ordinance 2026-19: Amendment to Chapter 26 – Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Staff presented updates to operational and licensing regulations, aligning with the zoning amendments. Approved.

P-2425: Development Plat for 405 Goehmann Lane and Frederick Road Alignment Study

• This item involved a development plat for a proposed Waldorf Astoria resort (107 acres, low density) and consideration of the Frederick Road thoroughfare alignment. Three alternatives were evaluated by traffic consultant Kelly Rees (Kimley-Horn): Alternative 1 (original route via Friendship Lane), Alternative 2 (east along US 290), Alternative 3 (via Goehmann Lane). Alternative 1 scored highest in the study.
• The developer requested an alternative alignment to avoid bisecting the property, but did not propose a specific route. Extensive discussion covered annexation, ETJ control, economic benefits (estimated $5M property tax, $4.5M HOT, $3.5-4M sales tax in year three), and the long-term viability of the thoroughfare.
• Council tabled the item to the May 5, 2026 meeting, contingent on the developer applying for voluntary annexation within 90 days.

Ordinance 2026-20: Sidewalk Ordinance Amendment (Section 6.11)

• The amendment requires sidewalks in all commercially zoned developments and any development fronting a collector road, with wider sidewalks (6 feet) on trails and buffers. P&Z recommended unanimously. Approved.

Street Closure Request – Austin Street on May 6, 2026

• A request to close Austin Street from Washington to Lincoln (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) for a Restaurant Week block party (5-8 p.m.). Staff supported with a compliant traffic control plan. Approved.

FISD Bond Proposition Update

• FISD Board President Matt Seidenberger and Interim Superintendent Ann Dixon presented a $160 million bond proposal for a new high school and improvements to other campuses. They highlighted 133 exterior doors at the current high school, safety concerns, and that the tax rate has not increased in 17 years. The bond is on the ballot. Council took no action.

Key Outcomes

• Z-2601: Ordinance 2026-14 approved (vote: all ayes, no nays).
• Z-2604: Ordinance 2026-15 approved (vote: all ayes).
• Z-2605: Motion to approve CUP failed 3-2 (needed 4 votes); CUP denied.
• Z-2606: Ordinance 2026-17 approved (vote: 5-0, 1 abstention).
• Z-2607: Ordinance 2026-18 approved (vote: 5-0, 1 abstention).
• Ordinance 2026-19 (Chapter 26): Approved (vote: all ayes).
• P-2425: Tabled to May 5, 2026, pending developer's annexation application.
• Ordinance 2026-20 (Sidewalks): Approved (vote: all ayes).
• Street Closure (May 6): Approved (vote: all ayes).
• Executive Session: Held to discuss LCRA agreement and legal matters; no action reported upon return.
• Chamber Update: Postponed to the next regular meeting.