Kerrville City Council Meeting – October 27, 2026

The Kerrville City Council met on October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 701 Main Street, Kerrville, Texas, under Mayor Joe Herring Jr. The meeting included presentations, a financial report, public comments, consent agenda approval, discussion of a federal watershed protection program, a second reading of an animal code ordinance, a first reading of a stormwater drainage utility ordinance, and two action items related to transferring park property to a nonprofit. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution No. 53-2026: Rescinded Resolution No. 40-2025 (eminent domain authority for two tracts for a memorial cemetery and park).
• Private LTE Service Addendum with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) approved.
• Council workshop and meeting minutes from October 13, 2026, approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Judy Eichner (604 Cardinal) thanked Councilwoman for organizing a community festival attended by nearly 4,000 people.
• Linda Bullard (Methodist Encampment) spoke during the second reading of the Animal Code ordinance. She described an abandoned 12-cat colony across from her home, criticized the ordinance’s development process as not including residents, and proposed specific language changes, including an affirmative defense for temporary emergency feeding and a requirement for timely response from animal control. She urged more public input.
• George Brute spoke on the park conveyance resolution. He questioned factual discrepancies in the resolution regarding the park’s naming date (January 2021 vs. 2022) and deed date, and asked whether voter approval is required under state law (Gov’t Code 25301B) when property has been dedicated as public parkland. He sought a legal explanation for the city’s authority.
• I. Lang Guru (307 Lakewood Drive) spoke in favor of the park conveyance, thanked staff and council for three years of work, and stated that the Upper Guadalupe River Center is ready to build the park and river center, and that a major donor has agreed to direct funds to fix existing city parks.

Discussion Items

• 6A – NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program (NRCS): Michael Hornes (Assistant City Manager) presented on behalf of Kyle Burow. The program offers 75% federal / 25% local cost-share for bank stabilization and property buyouts related to the 2025 flood. Two bank stabilization projects were highlighted: under the G Street Bridge and on Nimitz Lake. Property buyouts would pay 75% of pre-flood appraised value, with the city owning and maintaining the land as conservation space. The city is not obligated by entering a cooperative agreement. Staff recommended pursuing the program and bringing back formal agreements for workshop. Council expressed consensus to proceed.

• 7A – Ordinance 2026-23 (Second Reading – Animal Code Amendments): David Paxton (Development Director) presented. The ordinance updates definitions, enhances management of feral cats by limiting new colonies to 15 cats, requires feeding areas be 50 feet from commercial property (100 feet from restaurants with outdoor patios), increases insurance requirements for dangerous dogs, and addresses liability for removing animals from vehicles. The ordinance passed unanimously.

• 8A – Ordinance 2026-24 (First Reading – Stormwater Drainage Utility): David Barrera (Public Works Director) presented. The ordinance establishes a stormwater drainage utility system under state law (Texas Local Government Code Ch. 552 Subchapter C). Charges are based on impervious surface area (tiers for residential and commercial). The fund will be restricted to drainage projects. Collection will be via utility bills; unpaid fees can result in a lien and water service disconnection. Mandatory and discretionary exemptions were noted. Council discussed rate calculation fairness and legal authority to charge. The public hearing was opened and closed with no additional speakers. The ordinance was approved on first reading (unanimous), with two more readings required.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (4 items).
• Ordinance 2026-23 (Animal Code) passed second reading and became effective.
• Ordinance 2026-24 (Stormwater Drainage Utility) passed first reading; further readings scheduled.
• Resolution No. 43-2026 authorizing conveyance of approximately 1.5 acres at 1001 Mallard Way (Granger MacDonald Park) to the Upper Guadalupe River Center, Inc. approved unanimously.
• Services Agreement with the Upper Guadalupe River Center for park maintenance and operation approved unanimously. The agreement includes a reversion clause if the nonprofit dissolves or fails to maintain public park use, with a 180- to 360-day cure period.
• No executive session was held.
• Items for future agendas were suggested but not detailed.