New Braunfels City Council Regular Meeting – September 22, 2025

The New Braunfels City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., adjourning at 7:32 p.m. All seven council members were present. The meeting included proclamations, presentations, public comments, approval of consent agenda, public hearings on zoning and fees, and postponements of appraisal district nominations.

Proclamations

• Emergency Medical Services Day – Mayor Linnartz proclaimed September 30, 2025 as EMS Day. Chief Hayes and fire department members accepted, highlighting the department’s 55‑year history and pioneering pre‑hospital care.
• Living Legends of New Braunfels – Proclamations were presented to Wilfred Schlather, Carol Johnson, and Michael Meek for their community contributions.

Presentations

• Transit Service and Microtransit Contract (Item A) – Julie Sitton and representatives from Via Transportation (Thomas De Ridder and Sarish Kasat) presented the “Rio” microtransit service. The service will cover 47 square miles with eight vehicles (50% wheelchair accessible), operate seven days a week (6 a.m.–8 p.m., following ART holiday schedule), and offer $4 standard fare ($2 discounted fare). Council questions focused on hours (concerns about workforce shift timeliness), holiday schedules, data sharing with existing ART service, competition with ride‑share services, and transition of current ART riders. No action was taken; a contract is expected in October.
• Consent to Issuance of Bonds for Comal County Water Improvement District No. 3A (Item B) – Jeff Jewell, Nancy Carter, and David Smalling presented a resolution to consent to up to $5,000,000 in unlimited tax road bonds for the Mayfair development (within the city’s ETJ). The debt is solely borne by the district’s taxpayers. A 120‑day notice period was inadvertently missed; an administrative waiver was requested. Councilmember Spradley motioned to approve with the waiver; the motion passed unanimously (7‑0).

Citizens Communications

• Anna Nunez (Public Information Officer, U.S. Small Business Administration) – Provided information on disaster assistance loans available for the July 2025 storms. She requested the city share SBA information on its website and social media.
• Bob King – Argued for selling New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) to an investor‑owned utility, stating the sale could generate $1‑1.5 billion that could eliminate city debt. He claimed NBU rates are higher than deregulated fixed‑rate options and that the Public Utility Commission would better protect ratepayers.

Consent Agenda

• Approved unanimously (7‑0) without discussion. Items included:
  • Approval of meeting minutes (September 4, 8, 15)
  • Contract with Freese and Nichols for Dry Comal Creek floodplain mapping
  • Purchase of trash receptacles and barbecue grills
  • Contract with STV, Inc. for Solms Road final plans
  • Renewal of annual contracts (Bound Tree Medical, Siddons Martin, TML, AV Fuel, Bluebonnet Motors, United Rentals)
  • First reading of ordinance for solid waste commercial rate adjustments
  • Second and final reading of ordinance establishing Fire and Police Department position classifications

Individual Items for Consideration

• Item A – Tax Abatement Zone Correction – Public hearing held; ordinance amended to correct property description in Reinvestment Zone No. 2024‑01. Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Item B – Rezone 1160 Dunlap Drive – Request by Alba Henriquez (on behalf of Luciano Henriquez) to rezone 0.3 acres from C‑3 to C‑3 SUP for short‑term rental. Applicant stated long‑term tenants caused damage. Staff recommended conditions; two support letters, none opposed. Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Item C – Rezone 341 North Market Avenue – Request by June Orr to rezone 0.2 acres from C‑2 to C‑2 SUP for short‑term rental. Property is near the tube chute; 30 other STR SUPs within half mile. Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Item D – Fee Updates for Aquatic Center, Camp Minnehaha, Fischer Park, and Das Rec – Second and final reading. Changes: consolidated Landa Park Aquatic Center admission fees ($6 weekdays, $8 weekends with military discount retained); 10% annual increase for camps over three years; elimination of credit card convenience fee exemption at Das Rec (membership fees unchanged; implementation delayed to January 1, 2026). Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Item E – Guadalupe County Appraisal District Nominations – Discussion only; no nominations ready. Motion to postpone to October 13 meeting approved unanimously (7‑0).
• Item F – Comal County Appraisal District Nominations – Similar; two incumbents not seeking reappointment; no applications received. Postponed to October 13 meeting unanimously (7‑0).

Executive Session

• Council convened in closed session at 5:00 p.m. to discuss economic development negotiations regarding Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLC (Aumovio). No action was taken upon reconvening.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent to $5 million in road bonds for Comal County WID 3A (with administrative waiver of 120‑day notice).
• Approved three zoning changes (two short‑term rental SUPs, one tax abatement zone correction).
• Approved fee schedules for aquatic center, camps, and Das Rec credit card fees.
• Postponed nominations to Guadalupe and Comal County Appraisal District boards to October 13, 2025.
• No action taken on microtransit presentation; contract to be presented in October.