New Braunfels City Council Special Meeting - November 17, 2025

This special meeting of the New Braunfels City Council was called to order at 4:03 PM and adjourned at 7:16 PM. The council addressed a consent agenda, held a workshop interview for the New Braunfels Utilities Board of Trustees, and received presentations on early childhood education, capital projects, traffic impact analysis fees, impact fee advisory committee composition, floating vegetation management, and a proposed Tourism Public Improvement District. Public testimony was heard on the floating vegetation item.

Consent Calendar

• Items A–J (appointments to various boards and commissions) were approved unanimously, with one amendment: Item B was amended to remove Dylan Ott's name from the Community Development Advisory Committee appointments, leaving only Scott Morehouse and Serena Morris. (Motion by Councilmember Ryan, second by Councilmember Edwards; all 6 present voted yes; Mayor Pro Tem Spradley absent.)
• Item K (first reading of an ordinance amending downtown parking zone enforcement exceptions to allow free parking for handicap placards/license plates) was pulled for individual consideration by Councilmember Carter. After discussion with staff, the item passed unanimously. (Motion by Councilmember Capizzi, second by Councilmember Ryan; all 6 present voted yes.)

Public Comments & Testimony

Floating Vegetation Management

Multiple residents and stakeholders spoke during the public hearing on Item E, which addressed management of floating vegetation in Landa Lake and downstream impacts. Key positions included:

• Art Arnolds (VP, Preserve Lake Dunlap Association, city resident) expressed disappointment with the current management, stating that trash-infested vegetation mats are being cut loose and sent downstream, polluting Lake Dunlap. He requested removing trash at the source and noted that prior to the 1998 flood, the city had a conveyor belt that removed mats.
• David Marks (ETJ resident, board member of Preserve Lake Dunlap Association and Lake Dunlap WCID, watershed advisory committee member) urged the council to change the process of dumping litter and floating vegetation from Mill Pond into the Comal River. He described the current method as "facilitating migration" and akin to "blowing your leaves on someone else's yard."
• John Ivey (ETJ resident, President of Preserve Lake Dunlap Association) requested a partnership between the city and downstream communities to find a solution, noting the problem has persisted for 35 years.
• John Brooks (resident) described massive vegetation mats and garbage entering Lake Dunlap, making swimming unpleasant. He asked for removal at the "funnel" (Landa Lake) rather than downstream.
• Kathy Arnolds (Lake Dunlap resident) asked why the city's river management plan does not include city limits downstream of Faust Street Bridge, despite those residents paying taxes. She said they receive no trash management.
• Russell Hamley (ETJ resident) supported a collective effort to restore the lake's beauty, noting that the problem has worsened.
• Paul Leeland (ETJ resident) analogized the release of untreated water from Landa Lake to "flushing a toilet" into downstream backyards.
• Karen Kursh (Lake Dunlap resident, since 1997) noted that San Marcos, which also has endangered species, is able to clean its river two to three times a week.
• Mark Statler (ETJ resident, retired doctor) reported a steady increase in debris at his park, requiring daily cleanup.

Discussion Items

Interview and Appointment to New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) Board of Trustees

Council interviewed two applicants: Wayne Peters and David Speicher. Mr. Peters identified challenges including customer experience improvements, keeping power costs low, implementing the Integrated Resource Plan, risk management, communication, capital improvements, and moving to a new headquarters in 2027. He emphasized staying current via APPA and TPPA. Mr. Speicher identified water supply and rising costs as key challenges. In response to Councilmember Edwards' question about council's role in selecting NBU's independent auditor, Mr. Peters stated the city charter does not list that as a council responsibility; Mr. Speicher stated the council is the "ruling authority" and should have a say. After interviews, the council voted 5/1 to appoint Wayne Peters (with Councilmember Carter opposing).

Early Childhood Education Matters

Jonathan Packer (New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce), Mark Larson (Executive Director, Early Matters San Antonio), and Mike Crowley (VP of Workforce & Industry Relations, Chamber) presented findings from a 12-month study funded by a $100,000 investment from the Economic Development Foundation. Key points:

• Child care is an economic issue, affecting workforce participation, business hiring, and shift management.
• Average cost of child care is ~$10,000 per child per year; for a family with two children, that's 18% more than the average mortgage.
• 25% of child care centers report staffing shortages; low margins (2% or negative) and rising insurance costs strain providers.
• Texas Rising Star quality ratings are nearly absent in New Braunfels, limiting low-income families' access to subsidized care.
• Proposed solutions include a shared services alliance, a tri-share employer match program, and retention bonuses for educators.
• Funding secured: McKenna Foundation ($100,000/year for three years), Kronkasi Foundation ($25,000 initial). The Chamber seeks additional $25,000 from corporate donors, and proposes the city invest in an "Early Matters New Braunfels" director position.
• Councilmembers discussed potential quid pro quo for economic development incentives, partnerships with local ISDs, and the need for a child care ecosystem. No formal action was taken.

Capital Projects and Initiatives Update

Scott McClelland (Assistant Transportation & Construction Services Director) provided a quarterly update:

• Highlights: Goodwin Lane Bridge over Alligator Creek opened Oct 21 (closed 134 days); sod installed at Zip Family Sports Park (expecting June opening); Northwest Park Master Plan meeting held.
• Project count: 49 active projects; 41% funded by "other" sources (park development fees, habitat conservation funds, airport grants, ARPA).
• 2019 Bond: Zip Family Sports Park nearly complete (turnover Dec 1, opening June); Goodwin Lane/Conrads Lane project expected early 2027.
• 2023 Bond: Solms Road moved to design; San Antonio water lane project starting construction; citywide intersections project nearly complete; Mission Hill Park expected late March/early April.
• Southeast Library: Schematic design underway; design complete summer 2026, construction fall 2026; CMAR contract in January.
• EDC Projects: Landa Lake dam stability block (started Oct, done Jan); Castell Phase One and Coal Street drainage face utility coordination delays.
• Funding awards: $2.9M from TxDOT for Waterway Lane trail; $4M from MPO for pedestrian improvements; $7.5M additional for Barbarossa/Sour Lane; additional TxDOT funds for SH 725 and I-35/Solms Road overpass.
• Councilmember Edwards requested future reports include change order percentages, scope reductions, and budget status for construction projects.

Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Fees and Requirements

Garry Ford (Transportation & Construction Services Director) proposed amending the code to adopt fixed fees for TIA review (replacing pass-through third-party fees), adding street design analysis for construction traffic on perimeter roads, compliance with Thurfair plan, amending turn lane requirements, and adding expiration dates for TIA worksheets (1 year) and reports (2 years) unless extended. Staff prefers in-house review; a new staff member is being hired. Councilmembers discussed the burden on small landowners at zoning, the need for clarity, and the goal of shifting costs to developers. No immediate action was taken; the item will come back in early 2026 after planning commission review.

Impact Fee Advisory Committee Composition (SB 1883)

Nathan Brown (Senior Assistant City Attorney) presented proposed ordinance amendments to comply with Senate Bill 1883:

• Removes authority of Planning Commission to serve as impact fee advisory committees.
• Requires that at least 50% (up from 40%) of committee members be representatives of the real estate development or building industries, who cannot be government employees/officials.
• Staff recommends: For Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Advisory Committee, replace Planning Commission with five new members meeting criteria (total 9 members, including mayor, NBU CEO, NBU board president, ETJ rep). For Roadway Impact Fee Advisory Committee, replace Planning Commission with three new members (total 5 members, including city manager designee and city engineer designee). Appointments expected in January after first reading next week. Council asked about soliciting participation; city secretary will open applications immediately.

Floating Vegetation Management

Amy Niles (River and Watershed Manager) presented that floating vegetation in Landa Lake is a natural process from native plants and provides environmental benefits. Current management under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) only allows dislodging (pushing) vegetation from specific areas, not removal, because removal is not a covered activity under the incidental take permit (ITP). Removing vegetation would require amending the ITP through a lengthy adaptive management process involving science, stakeholder, and implementing committees (unanimous vote needed). Adding removal could delay the 2028 permit renewal for all stakeholders. A 2021 removal trial caused sediment disturbance and potential habitat damage. Infrastructure costs (boat ramp, staging area, equipment) estimated over $500,000. Low spring flows (under 120 cfs) have been common in recent summers, further limiting removal options. Texas Parks and Wildlife considers the vegetation natural and noted that fragments would eventually travel downstream naturally. Councilmembers expressed frustration with the focus on obstacles rather than solutions. Multiple council members directed staff to form an ad hoc committee to explore options, including modifying the permit for 2028, and to bring back a proposed committee composition in early 2026. Councilmember Edwards noted conflict in information from some entities. City Manager Camareno affirmed staff is open to solutions and that the presentation was factual, not intended to kill the issue. Public testimony (see above) strongly supported removal at the source.

Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID)

Jared Werner (Assistant City Manager) and Tanya Pence (Chief Marketing Officer/CVB President) presented a proposal to create a TPID, which would assess a 2% fee on hotel room rates (excluding short-term rentals and attractions-based properties) to generate ~$1.2 million annually for marketing and sales. Key points:

• Hospitality had a $1.3 billion economic impact in 2024, saved each homeowner ~$700 in property taxes.
• Current hotel occupancy tax is down 10% in FY25; additional marketing needed to compete for year-round tourism and group business.
• 85% of TPID funds would go to marketing/sales; administration by city (reimbursed).
• Requires petition signed by 60% of hotel appraisal value and 60% of properties (or lot size).
• Proposed 10-year term, renewable, cancelable by board.
• 10 other Texas cities have TPIDs; none have canceled.
• Timeline: City council to approve petition and service plan in November/December 2025; petition gathering by chamber through early 2026; public hearings in March/April 2026; possible July 1, 2026 implementation.
• Council expressed support, noting the fee is paid by visitors, not residents. Councilmember Edwards raised concerns about cumulative tax rate (now 15% with TPID, still below the 18% state cap) and competition with convention centers. Staff noted focus on smaller groups (150 or less) and unique meeting spaces.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items A–J, with amendment) approved unanimously.
• Ordinance K (downtown parking exceptions) approved unanimously on first reading.
• NBU Board of Trustees: Wayne Peters appointed to a term ending November 30, 2030, on a 5/1 vote (Councilmember Carter opposed).
• Early childhood education: Presentation received; no formal action taken.
• Capital projects: Update received; Councilmember Edwards requested future reports include change order and budget information.
• TIA fees/requirements: Presentation received; item to return in early 2026 after planning commission review.
• Impact fee advisory committees: Staff directed to bring proposed ordinance amendments for first reading at the next meeting (November 24, 2025) and appointments in January 2026.
• Floating vegetation: Council directed staff to form an ad hoc committee to address the issue and bring back the committee's composition as an action item in early 2026. Staff will also explore options for inclusion in the 2028 EAHCP permit.
• Tourism PIDs: Council received the presentation; the next step is agendizing approval of the petition and service plan for a future meeting.