Kerrville City Council Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Kerrville City Council met on May 12, 2026, at City Hall, presiding over public hearings, first readings of zoning and utilities code updates, and several approvals. The meeting was notable for the failure of a resolution to allow alcohol sales during Schreiner University tailgating events, and the unanimous approval of the Airport Master Plan and other routine items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the April 28, 2026, workshop (Item 4A) and council meeting (Item 4B) were approved unanimously. This was noted as new Councilmember Crystal Smith's first vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chapter 60 Zoning (Item 6A): George Brudys suggested the city consider allowing farmers markets on vacant lots to reduce nuisance properties and advocated for less reliance on R-1 zoning to address affordable housing.
• Chapter 10 Alcohol Fee (Item 7B): George Brudys argued against deleting the local alcohol permit fee, suggesting instead that the city waive the health code fee for establishments with an alcohol license to retain higher revenue while complying with state law.
• Schreiner Tailgating Variance (Item 8B):
  • Mark Moran (property owner at 512 Yorktown) spoke in opposition, citing a previous council decision against a similar alcohol variance near a school and questioning the consistency of the policy.
  • Jay Stimson (resident of 412 Fitch Street) expressed concerns about public safety, the message sent to minors, and the potential for off-site drinking in the neighborhood.
  • Shelby Balzer (KISD Assistant Superintendent) spoke in support, explaining that Hill Country High School will be transitioning off the site for the 2026-27 school year and that no KISD students or activities would be present during the tailgating events.
  • Dr. Lucian Costley (Schreiner University VP) detailed the controlled nature of the "Fun Zone," including fencing, ticketing, security with Texas peace officers, and the pilot program aspect limited to the 2026 season.
• Lion Diesel CUP (Item 8A): Applicant Ross Dunigan answered council questions regarding hazardous materials, confirming no bulk fuel storage on site and above-ground containment structures.

Discussion Items

• 5A: Scott Schreiner Golf Course Management Strategy: Council provided feedback to staff on the long-term vision for the course. Members expressed support for exploring private management to enhance the facility's agronomy and hospitality, protect the public investment, and ensure the course remains self-sustaining. Staff was directed to bring back formal proposals.
• 5B: Guadalupe River Flood Warning System Update: Assistant City Manager Hornes reported that six warning sirens have been installed in the Hunt area as part of Senate Bill 3 implementation, with eight expected by month's end. The system includes a public dashboard from UGRA and triggers based on a combination of river velocity and height. Challenges discussed included hilly terrain affecting siren coverage (5,000-foot radius in ideal conditions) and the potential scope of required sirens across the basin. Dr. Bill Rector (UGRA) emphasized the team is working to meet a summer installation deadline.

Ordinances & First Readings

• 6A: Zoning Code (Chapter 60) Update: Approved. The ordinance adds definitions for new uses (BESS, data centers), reduces corner lot setbacks from 15 to 5 feet, reduces ADU parking from 2 to 1 space, and removes the concept plan requirement for mixed-use zone changes. New restrictions for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Data Centers were added by motion, including a 500-foot setback from residential areas, parks, schools, and churches, an 8-foot masonry screening wall, and a utility capacity analysis requirement. Staff noted the BESS/data center restrictions on screen were not in the original draft but were included via the motion.
• 7A: Utilities Code (Chapter 110) Update: Approved. Implements a tiered water conservation plan (Stages 1-5) with year-round measures, aligning with the 2050 Plan. Updates definitions, fee references, water well regulations, and reclaimed water responsibilities.
• 7B: Alcoholic Beverages Code (Chapter 10) Update: Approved. Removes the local alcohol permit fee for 87 businesses that pay a state fee, complying with Senate Bill 1008. The city will issue approximately $7,100 in refunds for fees already paid this year.

Resolutions

• 8A: Conditional Use Permit (Lion Diesel, 1809 Sidney Baker): Approved. Allows an automotive service and repair shop with conditions including a berm for outside oil storage and a prohibition on outdoor vehicle repairs.
• 8B: Alcohol Sales Variance (Schreiner University Tailgating): Motion died for lack of a second. The resolution would have allowed alcohol sales in a designated "Fun Zone" at Antler Stadium for five ticketed football games in 2026. After extensive public testimony and council debate, Mayor Herring announced he would vote no, citing a consistent policy against alcohol sales near schools. A motion to approve was made but received no second, causing the item to fail.

Consideration and Possible Action

• 9A: Tennis Court Lighting Repair (Musco Sports Lighting): Approved. The contract was authorized at no cost to the city, funded entirely by insurance proceeds (TML).
• 9B: Administrative Services Contract (City/EIC): Approved. Authorizes a separate economic development manager contract with the Economic Improvement Corporation at $105,000 annually (with a 4% escalator) through 2030, covering grant writing and business outreach.
• 9C: Airport Master Plan: Approved. The 299-page plan outlines the airport's vision and projects for the next 15-20 years. Approval was required to finalize reimbursement from TxDOT Aviation for a $3 million land acquisition.

Appointments

• Mayor Pro Tem: Councilmember Jeff Harris was unanimously appointed to serve in the mayor's absence.
• Kerrville-Kerr County Joint Airport Board: Barry Dowlin (replacing Mark Mosier) and B.B. Stanfield (replacing Steve Schmeerbeck) were appointed by unanimous vote.