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Record of Proceedings

New Braunfels City Council Meeting - June 22, 2026: Oaths, Pro Tem Election, and Key Funding Approvals

City Council & Boards — Monday, June 22, 2026
BodyNew Braunfels, Texas
SessionCity Council & Boards
DateMonday, June 22, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:01:44

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

0:01

Good evening.

Unassigned speaker

0:02

We're

Speaker 1

0:03

going to call this city council meeting for the city of New Bromfels to order on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at 6 p.m.

0:10

Mrs.

0:10

Wilkinson, will you please call roll?

Speaker 2

0:13

Councilmember Carter.

0:14

Here.

0:14

Councilmember Capisi.

Speaker 1

0:16

Here.

Speaker 2

0:17

Councilmember Edwards.

Speaker 1

0:18

Here.

Speaker 2

0:19

Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley.

Speaker 1

0:20

Here.

Speaker 2

0:21

Councilmember Lebowski.

0:22

Here.

0:23

Councilmember Ryan.

Speaker 1

0:24

Here.

0:24

And

Speaker 2

0:24

Mayor Leonards.

Speaker 1

0:25

Here.

0:26

We have a quorum.

Unassigned speaker

0:27

And

Speaker 1

0:27

Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley is going to lead us in the invocation, followed by the pledges.

0:35

Please stand.

Speaker 3

0:40

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Unassigned speaker

0:42

may

Speaker 3

0:42

your Holy Spirit cast away fear, doubt, bitterness from this last election.

0:55

Bring hope and love with this new citizens-inspired chapter, New Bromfels.

1:00

We thank you with sincere hearts

Unassigned speaker

1:02

for

Speaker 3

1:02

our outgoing Mayor Leonards and Councilwoman Ryan.

1:05

We're grateful for their service, commitment,

Unassigned speaker

1:07

and

Speaker 3

1:07

the personal sacrifices that they freely devoted

Unassigned speaker

1:10

for

Speaker 3

1:10

the benefit of New Bromfels.

1:12

Lord, open new doors for them, give them peace and renewed strength as they move forward beyond City Hall.

1:18

Lord, we now look to you to entrust our newly elected mayor, French, and incoming councilwoman Shaw into your hands and care.

1:27

Instill in them the wisdom, unwavering integrity,

Unassigned speaker

1:30

and

Speaker 3

1:31

a humble servant's heart for the responsibilities that lay ahead.

1:35

Grant them with vision and empathy to govern justly and fairly.

1:39

May they hear the concerns of every resident

Unassigned speaker

1:41

and

Speaker 3

1:41

lead in ways that advance fairness, opportunity

Unassigned speaker

1:44

for

Speaker 3

1:44

the flourishing of our beloved

Unassigned speaker

1:46

city.

Speaker 3

1:47

Lord, we now ask you for a powerful spirit of unity to bind our city council with our community as we work together for the common good.

1:55

Let us lay aside any divisions, focus on shared goals.

2:01

Help guide our transition with harmony, mutual respect with your divine grace for the benefit of all our citizens and tourists alike.

2:09

We also ask you, Lord, to bless the courageous people who serve and protect us each day,

Unassigned speaker

2:15

our

Speaker 3

2:15

dedicated 911 operators, police officers, and firefighters who stand ready to assist our citizens and our military service members facing evils of this world.

2:27

Lord, protect them all

Unassigned speaker

2:28

and

Speaker 3

2:28

give them strength in their noble calling.

2:31

We're especially grateful to you, God, for the recent rains that have nourished our beloved home

Unassigned speaker

2:37

and

Speaker 3

2:37

the cherished freedoms we enjoy here in America, particularly the sacred right to vote and shape our very own city council one vote at a

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████30%
Fiscal Sustainability█████████████████17%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Economic Development█████5%
Veteran Recognition████4%
Personnel Matters██2%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Summary of Proceedings

New Braunfels City Council Meeting - June 22, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured the swearing-in of new Mayor Michael Alexander French and Councilmember Nikki L. Shaw, recognition of outgoing officials, and a contentious election for Mayor Pro Tem. The council also approved a contract for a public safety training center feasibility study and funding for pedestrian improvements, while deferring a construction phase to July.

Election Actions

  • Certificates of Election: Issued to Mayor-elect Michael Alexander French and Councilmember-elect Nikki L. Shaw for District 6 (minutes confirmed by City Secretary Gayle Wilkinson).
  • Oaths of Office: Administered by Judge Rose Zamora. Mayor French and Councilmember Shaw each addressed the audience.
  • Recognition of Outgoing Officials:
    • Mayor Pro Tem Lawrence Spradley gave the invocation. Former Mayor Neal Linnartz received a proclamation, a street sign ("Linnartz Lane"), and a flag flown over a city building. Former Councilmember April Ryan received a proclamation and a street sign ("High Partisan Part").
  • Election of Mayor Pro Tem: After multiple roll-call votes (3-4 for Carter, 2-5 for Labowski, 2-5 for Capizzi initially), Councilmember Capizzi was elected Mayor Pro Tem on a 4-3 vote (opposed by Carter, Shaw, French). Councilmember Labowski withdrew. The process included assistance from parliamentarian Robert Stinson.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the exception of Item A (minutes pulled by staff for July 13) and Item E (parking fund, pulled by Councilmember Carter for individual consideration). Approved items included:
    • Lease agreement with Ricoh USA for multi-function devices.
    • Budget amendment for FY 2026 Equipment Replacement Fund.
    • Additional contract spend with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group for fire apparatus maintenance and budget amendment.
    • Resolution to consent to addition of 1.735-acre tract to Comal County Water Improvement District No. 3A.

Citizens Communications (Public Comments)

Ten residents spoke during the general public comment period (6:44 PM to 8:10 PM approx.). Key themes included:

  • Call to fire City Manager: George Green, former councilmember, argued the city manager should be terminated based on at-will employment and charter issues.
  • Criticism of establishment: Multiple speakers (David Warmke, Steve Ceh, Joeylynn Mesaros, Steven Fikes, Melissa Meshuta, Stephanie Maddox, Angela Allen, Michael Murphy) expressed frustration with the outgoing council's actions, particularly the Mayor Pro Tem vote which disregarded public support for Councilmember Carter. They cited lack of transparency, corruption, and disrespect to voters. Speakers also criticized the city attorney termination.
  • Water conservation: Bob Moore requested consideration of water conservation in new developments.
  • Specific topics: Steve Ceh spoke against DEI and LGBTQ+ events; Joeylynn Mesaros accused council members of dismissing public will and pledged to campaign against them.

Individual Items for Consideration

E-1) FY 2026 Parking Fund Budget Amendment (pulled by Councilmember Carter):

  • Discussion centered on a $200,000 budget amendment for the downtown parking reinvestment plan (pre-approved in May). Revenue from paid parking (approx. $374,000 expected) funds beautification, safety, and parking supply improvements. Questions were raised about transparency, with residents requesting bank statements and finding the fund structure confusing. Staff clarified that the parking fund is a special revenue fund, not general fund. Public comments included concerns about losing visitors and questioning the need for paid parking. Councilmember Edwards explained that 92-94% of tax revenue goes to public safety, requiring fees for other services.
  • Vote: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Capizzi, seconded by Councilmember Labowski; passed unanimously.

A) Contract Award for Public Safety Training Center Feasibility Study (Randall Scott Architects, Inc., $150,000):

  • Presented by Garry Ford, Police Chief Osbaldo, and Fire Chief Lozano. The study (6-9 months) will evaluate needs for a joint police-fire training facility, produce conceptual design and cost estimates for potential 2027 bond election. Key benefits: co-location savings, improved training (firearms, driving course, scenario simulation), recruitment/retention. Current facilities are inadequate (police lease a range 20 minutes away). Councilmember Edwards noted red tape concerns.
  • Vote: Motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Capizzi; passed unanimously (Councilmember Labowski absent for vote).

B) Resolution for EDC Expenditure – Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2 Design ($405,000):

  • Funding for final design of Alamo Area MPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2 (sidewalks on Peach, Plum, Grape, Hans Drive, Avery Parkway). 80% federal funds (secured) + 20% local match from EDC. Construction expected in 2028. Councilmember Edwards explained the MPO process. Public comment: Timothy Davis questioned phase terminology; Kim Huntsman requested sidewalk at Dollar General (staff noted it's in future plans).
  • Vote: Motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Capizzi; passed unanimously.

C) Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1 Construction Expenditure (requested $700,000; postponed):

  • City Manager Robert Camareno requested postponement to July 13, 2026, for additional work. Motion by Councilmember Edwards, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Capizzi; passed unanimously.

Executive Session

  • The council entered closed session at 9:08 PM to deliberate the appointment of a City Attorney (Texas Gov't Code §551.074). Reconvened at 9:49 PM; no action taken.

Key Outcomes

  • Mayor Pro Tem Elected: Michael Capizzi (District 2) with a 4-3 vote over Toni Carter.
  • Parking Fund Budget Amendment Approved: $200,000 for downtown reinvestment.
  • Public Safety Training Center Feasibility Study Approved: $150,000 contract to Randall Scott Architects.
  • Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2 Design Approved: $405,000 from EDC.
  • Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1 Postponed: To July 13, 2026.
  • No Action on City Attorney: Executive session concluded without vote.

Meeting adjourned at 9:49 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. We're going to call this city council meeting for the city of New Bromfels to order on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at 6 p.m. Mrs. Wilkinson, will you please call roll? Councilmember Carter. Here. Councilmember Capisi. Here. Councilmember Edwards. Here. Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley. Here. Councilmember Lebowski. Here. Councilmember Ryan. Here. And Mayor Leonards. Here. We have a quorum. And Mayor Pro Tim Sbradley is going to lead us in the invocation, followed by the pledges. Please stand. Gracious Heavenly Father, may your Holy Spirit cast away fear, doubt, bitterness from this last election. Bring hope and love with this new citizens-inspired chapter, New Bromfels. We thank you with sincere hearts for our outgoing Mayor Leonards and Councilwoman Ryan. We're grateful for their service, commitment, and the personal sacrifices that they freely devoted for the benefit of New Bromfels. Lord, open new doors for them, give them peace and renewed strength as they move forward beyond City Hall. Lord, we now look to you to entrust our newly elected mayor, French, and incoming councilwoman Shaw into your hands and care. Instill in them the wisdom, unwavering integrity, and a humble servant's heart for the responsibilities that lay ahead. Grant them with vision and empathy to govern justly and fairly. May they hear the concerns of every resident and lead in ways that advance fairness, opportunity for the flourishing of our beloved city. Lord, we now ask you for a powerful spirit of unity to bind our city council with our community as we work together for the common good. Let us lay aside any divisions, focus on shared goals.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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