New Braunfels City Council Regular Meeting - December 8, 2025\n\nThe New Braunfels City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:03 PM. Mayor Neal Linnartz presided over the meeting with all seven council members present. The agenda included a lengthy consent agenda, a proclamation, public comments, a major discussion on the 2025 Thoroughfare Plan Update, a resolution authorizing eminent domain for the Kohlenberg Road project, and an executive session for personnel and litigation. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.\n\n### Proclamations\n- David Schoenvogel was honored with a proclamation for his 40+ years of operating the miniature train concession in Landa Park. Chad Donegan also addressed the council and presented Mr. Schoenvogel with a commemorative street sign.\n\n### Citizens Communications & Testimony\n- Bob King, Jim Holster, Shawn Metz, Joey Lynn Mesaros, Dick Bogart, and Richard Kelshimer addressed the council.\n- Bob King criticized the council for a pattern of tone-deaf leadership and a lack of transparent debate, suggesting decisions appeared predetermined.\n- Jim Holster raised concerns about the New Braunfels Housing Authority, a proposed Public Facilities Corporation, and the council's reappointment of a board member he felt disrespected elderly residents.\n- Shawn Metz, a new ETJ resident, expressed concerns about elected officials profiting from growth and a lack of representation.\n- Joey Lynn Mesaros stated that residents feel unheard and that decisions feel predetermined. She played audio clips of the mayor indicating he would push aside "naysayers" to achieve the city's strategic plan.\n- Dick Bogart, a small developer, expressed frustration with city processes slowing development.\n- Richard Kelshimer encouraged citizens to participate in the city's Comprehensive Plan survey and open house.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- The 20-item consent agenda was approved unanimously. It included routine approvals such as the FY 2025 Q4 Investment Report, a mayoral appointment, a digital billboard development agreement, vehicle purchases, changes to Downtown Board Bylaws, a Professional Services Agreement for Alligator Creek Trail, an amendment to the SRO Interlocal Agreement with NBISD, an MOU with New Braunfels Utilities, first readings of annexations for the Mayfair-North Ransom and Veramendi subdivisions, and final readings for ordinances on speed limits, school zones, rezoning (265 School Avenue and a 72-acre tract near Kohlenberg Road), HB 24 alignment, animal quarantine, and Impact Fee Advisory Committee compliance with state law.\n\n### Discussion Items\n\nItem B: 2025 Thoroughfare Plan Update\n- Staff (Jordan Matney, Garry Ford, and Fire Chief Ruy Lozano) presented the plan as a development-led planning tool critical for managing growth, public safety, and emergency response times. Chief Lozano stated, "This thoroughfare plan is thoroughly a public safety plan."\n- An extended public hearing was held. Opponents, including State Representative Kari Isaac, criticized the public outreach process and requested the removal of specific connections (Seminole Drive, Old Mission Lane, Pleasant Lane, and Countryside Drive) to preserve neighborhood character and property rights. Proponents, including the Chamber of Commerce and Comal County officials, argued the plan was essential for safety, responsible growth, and leveraging state/federal transportation funding.\n- A motion to approve the plan with the exclusion of Seminole Drive failed (3-4). Councilmembers Carter, Labowski, and Mayor Pro Tem Spradley voted in favor; Councilmembers Capizzi, Edwards, Ryan, and Mayor Linnartz opposed.\n- A motion to approve the plan as recommended by staff passed (5-2). Councilmembers Carter and Labowski opposed.\n\nItem A: Authorization of Eminent Domain for Kohlenberg Road\n- Matt Eckmann presented a resolution to authorize eminent domain proceedings for a 2.309-acre tract owned by the Frueholz Estate necessary for the Kohlenberg Road widening project. Staff noted over 10 months of unsuccessful negotiations.\n- Joe Tays, representing the estate, spoke in opposition, arguing the city’s appraisal of $4.54/sq ft was far below the current market value of comparable properties (citing recent sales at over $11/sq ft) and urged the council to delay the vote for further good-faith negotiation.\n- The council passed the resolution unanimously. Councilmembers emphasized that the vote was on the necessity of the land and that negotiations could continue.\n\n### Executive Session & Personnel Action\n- Council convened in executive session at 9:10 PM to deliberate on the City Manager's evaluation and pending litigation.\n- Reconvening at 9:22 PM, Mayor Pro Tem Spradley motioned for a vote of confidence and a 3% salary increase for City Manager Robert Camareno, setting his annual salary at $322,680. The motion passed unanimously.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Approved (5-2): 2025 Thoroughfare Plan Update.\n- Approved (Unanimous): Resolution authorizing eminent domain proceedings for the Kohlenberg Road right-of-way acquisition.\n- Approved (Unanimous): 3% salary increase for City Manager Robert Camareno ($322,680).\n- Approved (Unanimous): 20-item Consent Agenda.