New Braunfels City Council Regular Meeting – September 28, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM, concluding at 12:40 AM on September 29. All seven council members were present, with Mayor Michael French presiding. The meeting featured extensive public comment, a divided vote on a drought ordinance, unanimous approval of a major bicycle and pedestrian plan, and significant debate over a manufactured home rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously Approved (A, D, E, F, Q, R): Minutes, disaster debris removal contracts, a sign license agreement for Cotton Crossing, a critical illness insurance product for retired first responders, fire and police department position classifications, and parking zone restrictions on Zipp Road, Klein Meadows, and Legend Pond.
• Items Pulled (B, C, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P): A dozen items were pulled from consent by citizens and council members. Over Mayor French’s objection, a motion passed 6-1 to move these items to the end of the agenda, delaying their consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Esther Sandoval (Resident): Requested a moratorium on new third-party consulting studies, arguing the city needs time to digest previously approved plans.
• Lorie Roe (Resident): Stated that the city's ethics complaint process contains significant gaps, including a lack of escalation for procedural failures.
• Anonymous (Texas Privacy Coalition): Expressed strong opposition to Flock automated license plate reader technology, raising concerns about data rights, AI model training, and the potential for centralized surveillance.
• Jim Holster (District 3): Criticized the site selection and environmental management of the Linden Ranch affordable housing project.
• Stephanie Maddox (District 6): Criticized the size and error rate of the consent agenda, holding the city manager accountable for the workload it places on council and the public.
• Angela Keller (ETJ): Urged the council to prioritize fiscal discipline and accountability with taxpayer dollars.
• David Warmke (District 5): Presented an opposing view on the proposed Civic Center expansion and hotel addition downtown.
• Rita McNeal (Resident): Voiced concerns about the rapid pace of development and planning.
• On the Sun Communities Rezone (Item 2E): Several Highland Grove residents (April Rogers, Katherine Wactor, Curtis Yankie, John Wactor) opposed the rezoning, arguing it sets a bad precedent and that the applicant acted improperly by placing homes without permits. Angela Keller supported the concept but urged strict maintenance conditions.

Discussion Items

• Roadway Impact Fee Study (Presentation): Brenadette Faust and Pete Kelly (Kimley-Horn) presented the updated study. Council was asked for general direction. Councilmember Spradley recommended keeping fees at the maximum to manage growth. Public comment highlighted a significant disparity between projected collections ($134M over 10 years) and actual historical collections ($15M over 6 years).
• Drought Ordinance Revisions (2nd & Final Reading): Ryan Kelso (NBU) presented the ordinance, which allows once-per-week watering through Stage 5 and updates surcharges. Passed 4-3. Councilmembers Carter, French, and Shaw voted against it, citing concerns that the surcharge thresholds were too low and would burden residents. The majority argued the measure is necessary for conservation during drought.
• Speed Limit Reduction – Lake Front Ave (1st Reading): Garry Ford and Carly Farmer proposed lowering the speed limit to 25 mph. Staff noted that traffic calming is more effective than signage alone. Passed Unanimously.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan: Garry Ford and Elizabeth Dupont presented the plan. Passed Unanimously. Discussion included connectivity, safety, e-bike regulations, and maintenance of new and existing infrastructure.
• Rezone – 839 Oasis Street: Withdrawn by the applicant.
• Rezone – Sun Communities / 141 Rueckle Road: Christopher Looney (Planning) detailed a request to rezone C-3 to C-3 SUP for manufactured homes after the applicant placed 10 units without valid permits (grandfathered use had expired). Staff recommended denial or an SUP with strict conditions. The applicant expressed willingness to accept conditions. Postponed to October 26, 2026 (5-2 vote). Council opted to delay to negotiate a solution and avoid setting a dangerous precedent.
• ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan: Presented by Scott McClelland, outlining compliance requirements and a living plan for barrier removal. Passed Unanimously.
• Certificates of Obligation – Call Street Project: Jared Werner sought approval for $9.6M in debt to fund drainage and street improvements on Call Street. Debt service will be paid by EDC sales tax. Passed Unanimously.
• Code of Conduct for Boards & Commissions: Pulled by Mayor French and deferred to executive session.
• Postponed Consent Items (End of Meeting):
  • B-1 (NBEDC Trail Lease): Approved 6-1. Debate over EDC governance and long-term city maintenance costs.
  • C-1 (Microsoft Enterprise Agreement): Approved 6-1. Discussion on pricing, discount percentages, and headcount increases.
  • G/H/I/J/K (ROW Acquisitions & Reports): Approved. Mayor French asked detailed questions about the Cobb Fendley contracts.
  • L/M/N/O/P (Resolutions & Ordinances): Approved. Items O (Bond consents for WCIDs) passed with French and Shaw opposed. Item P (Downtown Board Bylaws) passed 5-1 with French opposed.

Key Outcomes

• Drought Ordinance Adopted: The revised drought management plan passed on a narrow 4-3 vote, over concerns about higher surcharges for heavy water users.
• Mult-Year Plans Approved: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan and the ADA Transition Plan were both adopted unanimously, providing roadmaps for future infrastructure and compliance.
• Controversial Rezone Postponed: The decision on the Sun Communities manufactured home park was pushed to October 26 to allow for further discussion on conditions and penalties.
• Significant Financial Commitments Made: Council authorized $9.6 million in debt for the Call Street project and several hundred thousand dollars in right-of-way acquisition services.
• Council Division Evident: Several key votes saw Mayor French in the minority, reflecting a growing divide on procedural and financial matters.