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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

New Braunfels City Council Regular Meeting - January 12, 2026

City Council & Boards — Monday, January 12, 2026
BodyNew Braunfels, Texas
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateMonday, January 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:39:11

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:02

Good evening.

Unassigned speaker

0:03

We're

Speaker 1

0:04

gonna call this Monday, January 12th, 2026 City Council meeting to order.

0:09

Mrs.

0:09

Wilkinson, will you please call rule?

Speaker 2

0:11

Councilmember Carter here.

0:12

Councilmember Capisi.

Speaker 1

0:14

Here.

Speaker 2

0:14

Councilmember Edwards.

0:16

Here.

0:16

Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley.

0:18

Here.

0:18

Councilmember Lebowski.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Ryan.

0:21

Here.

0:21

And Mayor Leonard.

Speaker 1

0:22

Here.

0:23

We have a quorum.

0:24

Councilmember Edwards is going to lead us in the invocation, followed by the pledges.

Speaker 3

0:33

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and your grace.

0:40

Grant wisdom to the city council that every decision may be shaped by truth, compassion, and a sincere desire to serve.

0:48

Help us listen with understanding, lead with integrity, and act with courage for the good of all the citizens of New Bromfels.

0:58

May your hand of care rest upon this community, its families, its workers, its leaders, and its future.

1:05

Teach us to walk in unity, to seek peace, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

1:11

As your words remind us, if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously to all who reproach.

1:19

We ask now for that wisdom, trusting in you.

1:22

We offer this prayer and gratitude and faith.

1:25

Amen.

Unassigned speaker

1:29

I

Speaker 4

1:30

claim allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:34

And to the Republic for which it stands.

1:37

One nation under God and invisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:51

One new

Unassigned speaker

1:52

school.

Speaker 1

2:00

Okay, the the first item of business is to have a little fun.

2:04

We get to recognize Dr.

2:07

Fred and Mrs.

2:08

Colleen Willard for their donation of the Willard Canyon Park.

2:13

So I think Ken and Jeff, come on

Unassigned speaker

2:18

up.

Speaker 1

2:25

I'm gonna come join you too.

Speaker 5

2:55

Thank you, Mayor.

Speaker 1

2:56

Council.

Speaker 5

2:57

On behalf of the employees of the City of New Bromfels and the residents, we would like to present a memo of appreciation to you, Dr.

3:08

Willard and Colleen, for all that you've contributed to the city for the creation of Willard Canyon.

3:16

Last year, the city was very fortunate to be able to open the newest park in the park system, a nice 10-acre natural area that's just a couple of blocks away from where we are here at City Hall.

3:28

And this park was made possible entirely because of Dr.

3:33

and Mrs.

3:34

Willard, who all but donated the property to the city so that we could create some natural uh hiking trails and uh scenic area uh for the residents of New Bromfels to enjoy.

3:48

So the ribbon cutting was a few months ago in August, and we would like to present to you this uh this shadow box, which includes a picture of the ribbon cutting and just a little uh way for you to remember that event and our appreciation.

4:05

So thank you very much.

Unassigned speaker

4:08

We appreciate that so much.

Speaker 1

4:09

And I I just want to add um this is such a pleasure, my friends and neighbors being able to uh work with you on this project.

4:19

And uh if you haven't been out, it's it's right here behind City Hall.

4:23

If you haven't been out and hike the trail, it's just a beautiful, beautiful piece of property.

4:29

So thank you so much for that contribution to the city.

4:33

We really appreciate

Unassigned speaker

4:34

it.

Unassigned speaker

4:36

Anything you want to add?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development████████████████████20%
Zoning Regulations███████████████████19%
Short-Term Rentals████████████12%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Community Engagement███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

New Braunfels City Council Regular Meeting - January 12, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Neal Linnartz presided. All council members were present. The agenda included a consent agenda, multiple zoning requests, and a discussion on economic development policy modifications.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously. Items included the approval of minutes, professional services agreements, interlocal agreements with ESD #7, various annual contract renewals, grant applications, and two limited-purpose annexations.
  • Mayor Linnartz noted the consent agenda contained a total of $7.7 million in projects funded entirely through external sources (ESD #7, federal grants, and state grants) at no direct cost to the city.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bob Moore (Resident): Expressed frustration over damage and debris left in the Veramendi neighborhood by Astound broadband drilling crews.
  • Alita Meyer (Resident): Thanked the council for their service but requested they facilitate greater transparency from what she perceived as an organized citizen group.
  • Joeylynn Mesaros (Resident): Responded that the group is a grassroots movement of concerned citizens using social media, not a formal entity, and defended their First Amendment rights to assemble and speak.

Presentations

  • Willard Canyon Park Recognition: Dr. Fred Willard was recognized by Ken Wilson and Jeff Bransford for his donation of the 10-acre park. Dr. Willard thanked the Parks Foundation and city staff for developing the hiking trails.

Discussion Items

TxDOT Rail Grade Separation Grant (Item 2A)

  • Presenter: Garry Ford, Director of Transportation Construction Services.
  • Description: Resolution to support the city's application for state funds to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad. The project connects the Waterway Lane Trail to the Goodwin Lane shared-use path. The program provides 90% state funding with a 10% local match.
  • Outcome: Motion to approve by Mayor Pro Tem Spradley, seconded by Councilmember Labowski. Passed unanimously.

Rezoning at 830, 832, and 870 Gruene Road (Item 2B)

  • Request: Rezone approx. 6 acres from C-1A Neighborhood Commercial and R-3 SUP Multifamily to C-4A Resort Commercial to build a 150-room boutique hotel and reopen the tavern. A 1-acre buffer adjacent to residential uses was proposed to remain R-3. The applicant stated the rezoning would prevent apartments on the site.
  • Public Testimony:
    • Edgar Miles (Neighbor): Supported, stating he prefers the hotel project over the currently permitted multifamily development.
    • Mike Blahnik (Resident): Opposed, highlighting the loss of historic structures (Fachwerk house, root cellar) and approximately 50 mature trees.
    • Joeylynn Mesaros (Resident): Opposed, citing historic low aquifer levels and arguing the council should scrutinize resource use more aggressively.
    • Melissa Nairn (Resident): Opposed, expressing concern that the 75-foot height limit under C-4A allows a building of 6-8 stories next to a single-family neighborhood.
    • Rob Mims (Developer/Potential Buyer): Supported, identifying as a local resident and pledging to preserve trees and repurpose historic buildings.
  • Outcome: Motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Spradley. Approved 6-1. Opposed: Councilmember Carter.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Rezoning - 160 E. Klingemann Street (Item 2C)

  • Request: Rezone from R-2 to C-O SUP for an STR in a residential neighborhood. Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial.
  • Public Testimony: Melvin Nolte and Jodi McCall opposed, citing the very narrow street (an original 20-foot alley) and severe parking limitations for up to 10 guests.
  • Outcome: Motion to deny by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Spradley. Passed unanimously.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Rezoning - 1092 State Highway 46 South (Item 2D)

  • Request: Add an STR SUP to a C-3 AH property. Staff recommended approval. Over 20% of adjacent property owners objected, requiring a supermajority vote.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Edwards voiced concern about future right-of-way needs if Highway 46 is expanded.
  • Outcome: Motion to approve with a condition requiring a forward-exit parking plan by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Capizzi. Failed 5-2 because the motion did not achieve the required supermajority. Opposed: Councilmembers Carter and Ryan.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Rezoning - 385 W. Faust Street (Item 2E)

  • Request: Add an STR SUP to a C-3 property. Staff recommended approval.
  • Outcome: Motion to deny by Councilmember Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Carter. Failed 2-5. Motion to approve by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Councilmember Labowski. Passed 5-2. Opposed: Councilmembers Carter and Ryan.

Modification to Chapter 380 Economic Development Policy

  • Presenter: Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director.
  • Purpose: Presentation and discussion on updating the city's policy for making grants and loans from the general fund for economic development. Key proposed changes include:
    • Lowering investment and tax revenue thresholds to include smaller businesses.
    • Adding a category for historic preservation projects.
    • Allowing agreements with nonprofit corporations (now permitted as the city's population exceeds 100,000).
    • Setting a maximum incentive payback period of 20 years.
    • Removing language requiring projects to directly generate new tax revenue.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmember Capizzi noted the changes give more flexibility. Mr. Jewell confirmed the updates were desirable because of pending agreements for the Faust Hotel and the Early Matters New Braunfels childcare initiative.
  • Public Testimony:
    • Bob King (Resident): Opposed, arguing the changes remove critical financial guardrails and enable crony capitalism by reducing thresholds and the "but for" requirement.
    • Richard Kelsheimer and Jim Holster (Residents): Opposed, stating the 20-year payback is too long and the policy shift diverts taxpayer funds to private ventures.
  • Outcome: No action taken. Discussion scheduled to continue on January 20, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously, securing $7.7M in externally funded projects.
  • Rail Bridge Grant: Approved resolution for state funding.
  • Gruene Road Rezoning (Hotel/Tavern): Approved 6-1.
  • STR at Klingemann Street: Denied unanimously.
  • STR at Highway 46 South: Failed 5-2 (lacked supermajority).
  • STR at Faust Street: Approved 5-2.
  • Chapter 380 Policy: Discussed; action postponed to January 20, 2026.
  • Executive Session: Held regarding economic development (Project Maiden) and litigation (Yantis Company). No action was taken in open session.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. We're gonna call this Monday, January 12th, 2026 City Council meeting to order. Mrs. Wilkinson, will you please call rule? Councilmember Carter here. Councilmember Capisi. Here. Councilmember Edwards. Here. Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley. Here. Councilmember Lebowski. Here. Councilmember Ryan. Here. And Mayor Leonard. Here. We have a quorum. Councilmember Edwards is going to lead us in the invocation, followed by the pledges. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and your grace. Grant wisdom to the city council that every decision may be shaped by truth, compassion, and a sincere desire to serve. Help us listen with understanding, lead with integrity, and act with courage for the good of all the citizens of New Bromfels. May your hand of care rest upon this community, its families, its workers, its leaders, and its future. Teach us to walk in unity, to seek peace, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As your words remind us, if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously to all who reproach. We ask now for that wisdom, trusting in you. We offer this prayer and gratitude and faith. Amen. I claim allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God and invisible with liberty and justice for all. One new school. Okay, the the first item of business is to have a little fun. We get to recognize Dr. Fred and Mrs. Colleen Willard for their donation of the Willard Canyon Park. So I think Ken and Jeff, come on up. I'm gonna come join you too. Thank you, Mayor. Council. On behalf of the employees of the City of New Bromfels and the residents, we would like to present a memo of appreciation to you, Dr. Willard and Colleen, for all that you've contributed to the city for the creation of Willard Canyon. Last year, the city was very fortunate to be able to open the newest park in the park system, a nice 10-acre natural area that's just a couple of blocks away from where we are here at City Hall. And this park was made possible entirely because of Dr. and Mrs. Willard, who all but donated the property to the city so that we could create some natural uh hiking trails and uh scenic area uh for the residents of New Bromfels to enjoy.

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