New Braunfels City Council Meeting - April 27, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation, citizens communications, a consent agenda, four public hearings and first readings of rezoning ordinances (including two short-term rental permits and a major mixed-use redevelopment), and a presentation on the second annual update of the city's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously, and most zoning items passed with majority votes.

Proclamation

• Mayor Neal Linnartz proclaimed May 5, 2025 as Children's Music and Art Instruction Day, recognizing the Gene and Sue McLean Community Arts Program. A representative accepted the proclamation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Holster (resident): Expressed concerns about a proposed public housing project (via Public Facilities Corporation) on Loop 337, noting it would block views, lacks provisions for elderly residents (no elevator), and questioned future of Laurel Plaza. Suggested council members spend a night at the housing authority to understand conditions.
• Edward Rivera (resident): Commented on traffic congestion when I-35 shuts down, suggesting alternative routes like FM 1101, FM 1102, and 1863, and urged better police direction of traffic. Also noted his veteran status and opposition to excessive outside development.
• Dr. Mary Sagert (resident, 257 E. Bridge St): Spoke in favor of the Dittlinger Mill redevelopment (Item 2B), but expressed concern about preserving historic houses on Market Street (former mill housing and a Sears house).
• Julie King (resident): Opposed the Dittlinger Mill project process, citing a potential conflict of interest on the Planning Commission (a named partner was present), lack of transparency about scope, and a request to defer first reading until after the election. She also asked about potential taxpayer incentives for the project.

Consent Agenda

All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously (7-0). Key items included:

• Approval of April 6 and April 13, 2026 meeting minutes
• FY 2026 First Quarter Investment Report
• Contract amendment with Emergicon for fire department billing cost recovery
• Renewal of established annual contracts
• FY 2026 budget amendments for Airport and General Fund
• Settlement agreement for right-of-way acquisition for Kohlenberg Road Project
• Donation agreement with New Braunfels Lions Club for disc golf improvements at Prince Solms Park
• Resolutions approving grant applications for UASI (tactical medical communications, dive trailer, police UTVs), MOU with Comal County for police recruiting materials, Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority catalytic converter grant, and adoption of the Arts & Culture Master Plan
• First reading of ordinance amending police rotation list for incident management tows
• Second reading of ordinance annexing ~10 acres (Mayfair South Ransom Commercial Subdivision)
• Second reading of ordinance updating park rules (Section 86-3) allowing city manager to set park operating hours

Discussion Items

Item 2A: Rezoning 222 & 224 Alves Lane (R-2 to C-1A for assisted living)

• Applicant John Holler and operator Norma Bellew proposed a Type B assisted living facility (max 16 beds, 24/7 staffing, non-medical care) on 1.5 acres. Staff recommended approval, noting compatibility with neighborhood business district. Six responses from nearby property owners were received (not detailed).
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Edwards noted concerns from constituents about changing residential to commercial, but after clarifying traffic/parking impacts (fewer cars than a fourplex), the motion passed 5-2.

Item 2B: Rezoning ~2.112 acres for Dittlinger Mill redevelopment (to MU-B SUP)

• Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney presented the project: redevelopment of the former ADM/Dittlinger Mill (operated 1880-2023) into a mixed-use district with hotel, residential, retail, office, parking garage (500+ spaces), pedestrian bridge over Comal River, and floodplain preservation. The additional 2.112 acres would unify zoning across ~9.5 acres. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval with SUP conditions (parking design, setbacks, landscaping).
• Applicant Ashley Fairman (Killen, Griffin & Farrimond) showed renderings and noted the project aligns with multiple city plans. Eight support/one opposition from neighbors.
• Council Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Spradley recused himself. Council questioned parking, landscaping (native plants), water conservation, and potential need for additional zoning changes. Councilmember Edwards highlighted the economic benefit (current tax revenue ~$10,000/year vs. millions after redevelopment) and removal of heavy industrial uses. A motion to approve with staff recommendations passed 6-1 (one opposed, not named).

Item 2C: Rezoning 226 N. Liberty Ave (R-3 to R-3 SUP for short-term rental)

• Property: 0.2 acre, three-bedroom house with three off-street parking spaces. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. 11 notices sent; two in favor, one opposed.
• Applicant Max Stewart said property would be professionally managed (20 minutes away). Council discussed nearby existing STRs. Motion passed unanimously.

Item 2D: Rezoning 182 Perryman St (C-3 to C-3 SUP for short-term rental)

• Property: 0.25 acre, 1,600 sq ft house with three bedrooms, max occupancy 8, three parking spaces. Staff recommended approval; 18 notices sent; supermajority not required.
• Applicant Nicholas Vargas stated he lives five minutes away and would manage it himself. Motion passed unanimously.

Presentation: Second Annual Update on 2024-2029 Strategic Plan

• Jared Werner (Asst. City Manager) and Jordan Matney presented highlights across five strategic priorities. Key points:
  • 39 objectives, 62 performance measures; 49 in progress, 4 complete.
  • Economic Mobility: Incentives for mixed-use, support for Northeast Lakeview College ($5M commitment), Continental expansion, affordable housing initiatives, Early Matters child care program.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Rio microtransit launched (30,000+ rides), sidewalk inventory (260 miles), ADA transition plan, trail additions (Willard Canyon, Alligator Creek West, Panther Canyon).
  • Community Identity: Arts & Culture Master Plan adopted, historic downtown on National Register, public art installations.
  • Organizational Excellence: Succession planning, 123 fee adjustments since FY23, turnover rate dropped to 12.1%, reduced reliance on primary revenue sources (76.5% to 74.4%).
  • Community Well-being: Mobile Integrated Health program (76% reduction in calls for service, $500K savings), mental health professional dispatch (91 engagements), Parks Master Plan due late 2026.
• Council Questions: Discussion on LDO timeline, Guadalupe River crossing study (meeting with district engineer upcoming), park impact fees (likely increase under LDO update), and need to communicate successes to public.
• No public hearing on this item, but public comment was taken after presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 2A (Alves Lane assisted living rezoning) approved 5-2.
• Item 2B (Dittlinger Mill redevelopment rezoning) approved 6-1.
• Items 2C and 2D (short-term rental permits) approved unanimously.
• Staff will present proposed modifications to the Strategic Plan at the July 10, 2026 summer retreat.
• No action taken on citizens' communications or strategic plan presentation beyond discussion.
• Council adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM (estimated from transcript length).