Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The New Braunfels City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:03 PM at City Hall. All seven councilmembers were present. The meeting included a proclamation for National Hire a Veteran Day, public comments on various topics, approval of routine consent agenda items, individual consideration of several zoning and financial items, a presentation on the Police Department Headquarters bond project, and an executive session. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM.
Items A (minutes), C (second quarter investment report), and G (interlocal cybersecurity agreement) were approved unanimously. Items B, D, E, F, H, and I were pulled for individual consideration.
B-1: Contract with Siddons-Martin for Fire Apparatus Maintenance Pulled by Councilmember Shaw. Fire Chief Lozano explained the reasoning for sole-source contracting. Approved unanimously.
E-1: Modular Building Purchase for Parks Operations ($223,160) Pulled by Councilmember Shaw. Assistant Director Eckmann described the project to replace a lean-to with a conditioned modular building. Approved unanimously.
F-1: Budget Amendment for FY 2026 Special Revenue Fund Pulled by Councilmember Shaw. The amendment increased revenues and expenditures by $2.5 million for radio towers related to an ILA approved in January. Approved 6-1 (Mayor French opposed).
H-1: Lease Amendment with Dietz Gun Shop & Range Pulled by Councilmember Carter. Assistant Director Eckmann noted the lease renewal for five years at $2,000 annually, with the city covering maintenance. Councilmember Carter expressed concern about future property sale. Staff clarified the lease is binding and the city can terminate with 30 days' notice. Approved unanimously.
I-1: Consent to Issuance of Mayfair Bond (Road Facilities) Pulled by David Warmke. Council discussed bond details: $7.2 million, with $6.46 million for construction reimbursement. Mayor French questioned a typo naming "Pulte" instead of "South Star" as developer. City staff clarified the city has no obligation for the debt. Approved 6-1 (Mayor French opposed).
2A: Rezoning at 1038 & 1042 Seidel Street Applicant requested postponement. Approved unanimously to move to August 24, 2026.
2B: Rezoning at 256 East Austin Street to C-O SUP (Short-Term Rental) Staff recommended approval. Applicant Jeremy Coburn spoke in favor, noting the property near the hospital. Councilmember Shaw opposed, citing concerns about transient traffic and loss of housing stock. Approved 6-1 (Shaw opposed).
2C: Rezoning at 474 North Guenther Avenue to M-1 SUP (Short-Term Rental) Applicant requested permission for one residence with short-term rental. Discussion focused on an access easement and potential impact on a quiet zone (no-train-horn crossing) near Union Pacific tracks. Public speakers Wayne Peters and Hale Snyder urged caution. Councilmember Lebowski moved to postpone until access issues are resolved. Approved unanimously.
2D: Certificate of Obligation for Call Street Drainage Project ($9.6 million) Assistant City Manager Werner presented. The debt will be serviced entirely by the EDC (sales tax), not property tax. Public speakers David Warmke, Tiffany Kelly, Angela Keller, and Richard Kelshimer raised questions about transparency and the use of certificates of obligation. Approved unanimously.
2E: Reimbursement Resolution Authorizes the city to reimburse itself from bond proceeds for prior expenditures on the Call Street drainage project. Approved unanimously.
2F: Appointment to Ad Hoc Committee on Boards and Commissions After discussion among volunteers (Carter, Shaw, Spradley, Labowski), a vote was held. Councilmembers Spradley, Labowski, and Shaw received the most support and were appointed unanimously.
2019 Bond Project – Police Department Headquarters Deputy City Manager Matney presented an update on post-warranty repairs, including roof leaks, drywall work, sewer repairs, and concrete replacement. A survey confirmed the building slab has not moved. A structural engineer has been engaged. Council discussed remaining bond funds ($1.2 million) and ongoing investigations. Public comments Angela Keller and David Warmke questioned the use of bond funds and suggested EDC funding for forensic audits.
The council convened in closed session at 9:27 PM to discuss economic development negotiations (Gruene 16), pending litigation (including real estate easements and two court cases), and the appointment of a City Attorney (personnel matter). The meeting reconvened at 10:20 PM with no action taken.
So three, uh, no action was taken in executive session. And ladies and gentlemen, uh, good evening. Thank you so much for showing up. Um I call this regular well, yeah. I call this regular meeting of the new Bronfields City Council to order. Today's date is January 27. July. July 27, and the time is 604. Um we requested all cell phones and other devices be on silent except emergency on call personnel. Um secretary Natalie, can you please call roll? Councilmember Carter. Here Mayor Pro Tim Kapisi. Here. Councilmember Edwards. Here. Councilmember Sproutley here. Councilmember Lebowski here. Councilmember Shaw here. And Mayor French. I am here. So we have a quorum, and for right now, we're going to do the pledges of allegiance, and it's going to be brought to you by Mayor Pro Temp Capisi and salute to the Texas flag and the invocation. Yes, sir. Please stand with me and bow your heads. Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of serving this community. We ask for your wisdom today as we make decisions that affect the lives of our neighbors. Help us to listen with open hearts, speak with kindness, and lead with humility. Your word reminds us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to not only believe that, but actually live that out. Help us to choose grace, understanding, and unity over division. Remind us that while we may not always agree, we all share the same purpose, and that is to serve this community will. We ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.