New Braunfels City Council Meeting – March 23, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council met on 2026-03-23 at 6:00 PM at City Hall (550 Landa Street) and adjourned at 9:46 PM. Mayor Neal Linnartz presided. Councilmember Lawrence Spradley (District 4) was absent, and Councilmember D. Lee Edwards (District 3) recused himself from the 38-acre rezoning vote (Item 2A). The meeting included a contested rezoning debate, the creation of a Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID), and the presentation of the Police Department’s 2025 annual report.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Arbor Day Proclamation: April 18, 2026 was proclaimed Arbor Day. The city partnered with Headwaters at the Comal, distributing 1,700 native tree seedlings.
• America 250 Commemoration Proclamation: Joan Sabol of the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the proclamation.
• Fire Lt. Arlon Hansmann Retirement: Recognized for his 36-year career with the department.
• Police Department 2025 Annual Report: Chief Osbaldo Flores presented the report. Key statistics included an overall 5% decrease in NIBERS crime, a 7% increase in crimes against persons (driven by aggravated assault and domestic violence), and a 23% decrease in crimes against society. Calls for service exceeded 70,000 (up 5%). DWI arrests increased 20% to 817, while fatal crashes decreased 38%. Officer proactive availability was 56%, with an average report writing time of 56 minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Items A through I were approved unanimously by a motion from Councilmember Capizzi, seconded by Councilmember Ryan. Approvals included SCBA equipment purchases, a Workday consulting contract amendment, the conveyance of 0.844 acres at 407 West Mill to the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, an NBEDC feasibility expenditure ($26,800), and first readings of ordinances relating to police position classifications, disabled parking enforcement in river zones, and the repeal of the Downtown Development Board.

Public Comments & Testimony (Citizens Communications)

• Randy Hensen (Resident): Critiqued the Mayor’s invocation, urging him to use the prayer to unite rather than divide the community.
• Jim Holster (Resident): Raised concerns regarding transparency and management of the New Braunfels Housing Authority and a proposed development on Loop 337, alleging a lack of public information.

Discussion Items

• Item 2A: 38-Acre Rezoning Request (Highway 46 West)

  • Proposal: KB Homes and Killen, Griffin & Farrimond requested a rezoning from R-1/APD to R-1A-6.6 to develop 131 single-family lots.
  • Public Position (Strong Opposition): Over a dozen residents from Mission Hills Ranch and Champions Village spoke against the project. They expressed opposition based on water scarcity, existing sewer overflows, traffic safety issues on Highway 46, loss of Hill Country tree canopy, and a saturated housing market.
  • Applicant Position: Ashley Fairmond and engineer Sean McFarland argued the zoning fits the area and detailed planned upgrades to the Mission Hills lift station and downstream sewer lines.
  • Staff Position: Planning Director Christopher Looney recommended approval, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan, and noted that denial could risk a less desirable future use for the property.
  • Outcome: A motion to postpone failed (3-2). A motion to approve the rezoning failed by a 3-2 vote, short of the required supermajority of four votes. A subsequent motion to deny failed for lack of a second. The rezoning did not pass.

• Item 2B: Short-Term Rental Rezoning (1329 Jackson Street)

  • Proposal: Rezone 0.2 acres from R-2 to C-O SUP to allow a short-term rental.
  • Staff Position: Recommended denial due to the residential mid-block location.
  • Outcome: A motion to approve failed (2-4). A motion to deny, made by Councilmember Ryan, passed (4-2).

• Item 2C: Light Industrial Rezoning (Saur Lane)

  • Proposal: Rezone 2.3 acres from APD AH to M-1A AH near the airport.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

• Items 2D & 2E: Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID)

  • Proposal: Create a citywide TPID funded by a 2% assessment on hotels (5+ rooms) to fund destination marketing and sales.
  • Proponent Position: Scott Joslove (Texas Hotel & Lodging Association) stated the district is industry-funded, does not affect city taxes, and has a proven track record in 10 other Texas cities. 85% of funds are allocated to marketing and sales.
  • Public Position (Mixed):
    • Support: Hoteliers Paul Wukasch, Helen McKinnon, Daniel Pinkerton, and representatives from the Brauntex Performing Arts Theater spoke in favor, citing the potential for year-round tourism and local economic benefits.
    • Oppose: Hotel owners Jay Patel, Tony Patel, and Sarah Shea opposed the fee, citing competitiveness concerns, impacts on smaller properties, and questioning the accuracy of the petition process.
  • Council Position: Councilmember Capizzi highlighted the ROI and governance structure where hoteliers control the funds.
  • Outcome: The resolution creating the district and the first reading of the assessment ordinance, including a $320,000 budget appropriation, were both approved unanimously.

• Item 2F: Right-of-Way Abandonment

  • Proposal: Abandon a 0.302-acre water lane right-of-way between West San Antonio Street and Loop 337.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

• Item 2G: FY 2025 Audit Acceptance

  • Proposal: Accept the audit performed by Crowe, LLP.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously. The city received an unmodified (clean) opinion. General fund revenues grew 6% versus a 5% increase in expenditures.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: The 38-acre Highway 46 West rezoning (Item 2A) failed due to a 3-2 vote, lacking the required supermajority. The 1329 Jackson Street short-term rental rezoning (Item 2B) was voted down 4-2.
• Approved (Unanimous): The 2.3-acre Saur Lane industrial rezoning (Item 2C). The Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID) creation and budget appropriation (Items 2D & 2E). The right-of-way abandonment (Item 2F). The FY 2025 Audit (Item 2G).