Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The New Braunfels City Council met on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:16 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Neal Linnartz presided. Councilmembers present included Michael Capizzi, D. Lee Edwards, Lawrence Spradley (Mayor Pro Tem), Mary Ann Labowski, and April Ryan. Councilmember Toni Carter was absent. The meeting opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Salute to the Texas Flag.
The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda. Items included approval of the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes; an ADA right-of-way data agreement with Pape-Dawson Engineers; a contract for municipal prosecutor services; the Roadway Impact Fee report; a fiber internet contract with Spectrum; a license agreement with Neue LLC; a resolution authorizing NBU to sell a 1.043-acre tract; and the second reading of the Solms Landing PID annual service plan update.
Thirteen citizens addressed the Council during Citizens Communications on matters not on the agenda:
Item 2A: NBU Utility System Revenue Program Notes ($25,005,000) Jessica Williams, NBU CFO, proposed a $25,005,000 letter of credit from Wells Fargo to replace $9 million in cash collateral held by ERCOT. This unlocks liquidity for NBU operations while meeting ERCOT trading requirements. Approved unanimously 6-0.
Item 2B: NBU Eminent Domain Authorization (Hernandez Parcel) Mike Short and Bruce Haby of NBU requested authority for a utility easement (0.005 acres permanent, 0.042 acres temporary) to complete a water line project. 33 of 34 easements were secured, but negotiations with the Hernandez family failed after three years. Approved unanimously 6-0.
Item 2C: Zoning Change for Short-Term Rental (1258 W San Antonio St) Second reading of a request by Paul Paniagua to rezone 0.3 acres from C-2 to C-2 SUP for a short-term rental. 18 notices were mailed, with 3 in favor and 1 opposed. Approved 4-2, with Mayor Pro Tem Spradley and Councilmember Labowski voting against.
Item 2D: Zoning Change for Short-Term Rental (284 Perryman St) Second reading of a request by Maria Chavez to rezone 0.2 acres from C-3 to C-3 SUP for a short-term rental. 11 notices were mailed, with 1 in favor and none opposed. Approved unanimously 6-0.
Item 2E: Charter Review Commission Composition and Selection Process City Manager Robert Camareno led a discussion. Council agreed on a composition of seven members (one per district, one at-large) and directed staff to create an open application process. No formal vote was taken. The target to seat the commission is August 10, 2026, with a goal of putting proposed charter amendments to a vote in May 2027.
Good evening. If everybody wants to grab a seat, we'll get started with our meeting. Okay. We're going to call this Monday, June 8th, City Council meeting to order. Mrs. Wilkinson, will you please call roll? Councilmember Carter is not present. Councilmember Capizi. Here. Councilmember Edwards. Here. Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley. Here. Councilmember Lebowski. Here. Councilmember Ryan? Here. And Mayor Leonards. Here, we have a quorum. If you join me in the invocation, followed by the pledges. Heavenly Father, thank you for bestowing upon us as a city council the privilege of serving this wonderful city we call home. Please give us, as the city council open minds and wisdom to do what is best for our community. Thank you, Lord, for all the amazing blessings that you've bestowed upon in this beautiful place that we get to call home. Lord, thank you for the recent rains. We appreciate what you've given us, but we could use more if it's in your will. Lord, be with the family of Juliet Watson as they mourn the confirmation of her passing. Please look after and protect our hardworking city staff as they help us to better serve and improve our community. Lord be with our first responders who work diligently to keep our community safe. Jesus keep us humble and obedient in your word. In your name we pray, amen. I pledge allegiance to the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, and the indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. One state under God, one and indivisible. Mayor, just a reminder, we have overflow and Chahas. I think some of these people standing up are here for our proclamation, but if you're not here for a proclamation and you can't find a seat, we do have overflow seating across the hall. Okay, we get to start the meeting out with some fun proclamations. Our first one up is Make Music Day. If you're here with Make Music Day, come on up. So whereas New Bromfels is a community which supports and celebrates a thriving and welcoming music scene that draws residents and visitors alike. Whereas Make Music Day is an annual celebration on the first day of summer, showcasing free live music throughout the community and inviting all to experience and participate in making music. And whereas on June 21st, 2026, New Bromfels will celebrate its second year participating in Make Music Day, highlighting the city's vibrant culture and local talent while inviting the community and visitors together in celebration of music. Now therefore be it resolved that I, Neil Leonards, Mayor of the City New Bromfels, Texas, hereby proclaim June 21st, 2026 as Make Music Day in New Bromfels.