New Braunfels City Council Special Meeting - September 15, 2025

The New Braunfels City Council met in a special session on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., convened by Mayor Neal Linnartz. The meeting addressed a consent agenda and featured four workshop presentations covering FY 2025 budget initiatives, bikeway improvements on Comal Avenue and East Faust Street, a proposed neighborhood speed limit pilot, and an update on the New Braunfels National Airport. The meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved six routine resolutions authorizing the Director of Finance to act on behalf of the City regarding federal and state grant programs (DHS Homeland Security, DOJ Byrne JAG, Cybersecurity grants).
• Approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing position counts for the Fire and Police Departments under Chapter 143.
• Motion by Councilmember Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Capizzi. Passed 6-0. Councilmember Carter abstained after arriving late.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wayne Peters (Resident): On Item 1A (Budget Initiatives), asked about missing restrooms at Haymarket Park. On Item 1B (Bikeway), supported any option and suggested making riverside parking permit year-round.
• Jonathan Allorta (District 4 Resident): On Item 1B (Bikeway), advocated strongly for Option 3 (separated bike lanes), citing safety, growing bike/e-bike usage, and the need for infrastructure serving all transportation modes.
• Cathy Sieczkowski (Resident): On Item 1C (Speed Limit), expressed frustration with the two-year timeline, urged immediate action such as speed limit road painting, and warned of a potential tragedy.
• Richard Kelsheimer (Resident): On Item 1C (Speed Limit), supported the 25 mph limit on Curlick and Mission, requested police enforcement. On Item 1D (Airport), urged careful fiscal consideration of expansion plans.
• Carol Scott (Resident): On Item 1C (Speed Limit), warned of potential city liability if a serious accident occurs before action is taken.

Discussion Items

• FY 2025 Budget Initiatives (Jordan Matney): Staff reviewed traffic calming (completed citywide), street improvements (Walnut Ave phases completed, San Antonio St pending), Landa Park Aquatic Complex renovation ($2.7 million), and Park Development Fund investments ($26.8 million total, $13 million encumbered). Council discussed the lack of fee collection from Guadalupe County ETJ.
• Comal Avenue / E Faust Street Bikeway Improvements (Carly Farmer): Staff recommended Option 1 (shared lanes with traffic calming) to retain all parking. Councilmember Capizzi questioned cyclist safety in shared lanes. Councilmember Edwards favored Option 3 (separated bike lanes), arguing it is safer for cyclists and better accommodates the growing e-bike trend.
• Mission Drive Neighborhood Speed Limits (Garry Ford): Staff proposed a neighborhood-wide 25 mph pilot (first for the city) for Mission Oaks/Laurent Heights, involving an engineering study, ordinance (Nov 2025), and signage (early 2026). Councilmember Spradley supported the area-wide approach. Councilmember Labowski noted high speeds on Curlick and Mission Hills. Previously approved traffic calming for Mission Drive remains in process.
• New Braunfels National Airport Update (Jeff Jewell): The airport projects 80,000 operations this FY, supports 127 jobs and $27 million in economic output. Displaced corporate aviation from San Antonio International is a growth opportunity. Master plan progress includes a new FAA-funded control tower design and a $6 million apron reconstruction. Councilmember Edwards discussed reliever airport status and future property needs.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Items A-F passed 6-0 (Carter abstained).
• Staff Direction Given: Council directed staff to proceed with the neighborhood speed limit pilot for Mission area and to implement Option 1 (shared lane) for the Comal/Faust bikeway.
• Future Actions: Speed limit ordinance to return for adoption in November 2025. Airport feasibility studies to continue. Budget initiative projects to proceed.
• No Final Votes: No formal votes were taken on the four workshop items, as they were presented for discussion and staff direction only.