Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Fredericksburg City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM at New City Hall at East Campus, 2818 E. U.S. Hwy. 290, Fredericksburg, Texas. The meeting included ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected officials, a contested rezoning request, election of the Mayor Pro-Tem, the Chamber of Commerce quarterly update, a future-agenda review, and an executive session.
Ordinance 2026-22 was approved, accepting the canvass and declaring official results of the May 2, 2026 City General Election.
Z-2608 - Rezoning to C1 at 408, 412, 414 East Austin Street: The applicant, Anna Hudson, representing property owners Clayton Walvoord, Rebecca Rather, and Brad Oehler, requested Neighborhood Commercial (C1) zoning, describing it as a transition zone consistent with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and not spot zoning. Staff Director Cliff Cross reported the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended denial by an 8-0 vote, and explained a supermajority would be required to overturn that denial.
Public comment: Several protest letters were submitted by Kathleen O'Neill, Jay Braden, Amarella, and Umry Cassidy. One community member spoke in favor, stating the property is effectively in the business district and owners should be able to sell at commercial value. Graham Harrison opposed, arguing traffic density does not justify rezoning. Shelley Messer, owner of 413 East Schubert, opposed, citing spot zoning, lack of buffering, potential noise, odors, and dumpsters, and said seven of the surrounding properties are not short-term rentals; she estimated roughly 70% opposition among immediate neighbors. Another speaker opposed, calling it spot zoning and warning of a precedent.
Council discussion noted concern about a domino effect and loss of residential character. Council voted to deny Z-2608, upholding the P and Z recommendation.
How do we give us a hug So welcome to the second meeting of May. 2026 for the city of Fredericksburg and have you here. I say we've crowd on the occasion of swearing against the new members. Would you please stand for the indication and remain standing for the pledge? Jimmy can be here. Good. Welcome to me. Pastor of Bridge Church. And again, just want to recall that Dr. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest representative at the Constitutional Convention in June. Tension filled the airs and representatives met together. You'd like to call Twitter. George Washington was presiding over the meeting and gave the floor to Dr. Franklin. He stood and he said, I've lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I therefore beg leave to move to henceforth prayers employing the assistance of heaven and its blessings on our deliberations. Be held in this assembly every week morning before we proceed to business. Let's pray together. Father, it is a privilege and an honor to be here with our community on the precipice of a new season. We thank you for Mayor, Mayor Moore, Mayor Hoover and how he has literally uh served our community through the years. We bless him as he takes in step into the next season. And Father, we pray for Randy Briley as he has sworn in today. Again, marking a new beginning in a new season. And a new beginning in this building in this place, Father, so many new things. But Father, we want to honor you first and invite you and invoke your presence in this place to preside over this meeting, to preside over the deliberations, to preside over the swearing in, and the blessing and honoring of uh Mayor Hoover. Father, we honor you and welcome you into this place. We ask, Lord, that you would literally fill this place with your presence. Father, as we do our business as a community, we want to consecrate all this to you. We do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I want to leave this to the blood. And to the recovery, we can say, Yes. Somebody is going to have to take a net Bennett's place if she's not going to come back and be the Yeehaw after the honor of the Texas flag. We have ceremonial matters to begin the meeting today. First of all, is the uh recognition of service to the city of Fredericksburg. So I will come down front to make that possible. Bobby, if you'll trouble. I'm going to assume I can be heard in the room.