New Braunfels City Council Special Meeting - September 30, 2026

The New Braunfels City Council held a special meeting on September 30, 2026, convening at 6:03 p.m. and adjourning at 10:00 p.m. The meeting included a proclamation, four workshop presentations, an executive session, and the postponement of one item. No binding votes were taken; council provided direction on several proposed code amendments.

Proclamation: National Night Out

• Mayor French proclaimed October 6, 2026, as National Night Out. Chief Flores and police department members accepted. Chief Flores noted 87 neighborhood parties are planned, up from 78 the previous year.

Workshop A: Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program

• Chief Osvaldo Flores and Deputy Chief Hobbs delivered a detailed presentation on the ALPR program, which uses 57 Flock cameras (47 active) on public roadways. The program is primarily funded through Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) grants (80%) with limited city match, totaling approximately $760,000 over four fiscal years. Since implementation in May 2025, ALPR has contributed to 94 arrests (90 adults, 4 juveniles) and supported cases including stolen vehicle recoveries, an armed robbery suspect apprehension, and the safe location of an 85-year-old missing woman with dementia. The department has robust safeguards: monthly internal and quarterly external audits, 30-day data retention, restricted access to authorized personnel, and strict prohibitions against misuse. Data sharing with outside agencies has been disabled since August/September 2026; the department is evaluating formal memoranda of understanding for any future requests. The state grant funding is currently paused, but Flock provided a 90-day grace period with no interruption in service. The chief stated that any future expenditure would require council approval and that he would not immediately seek general fund support if grants are discontinued. Public comment included support from Timothy Davis, Todd Henson (police officers association president), and David Warmke; concerns about privacy and data sharing from Anonymous (Texas Privacy Coalition) and Jason Dunsmore; and questions about public records from Larry Lane. Council members expressed support for the program, with Mayor French emphasizing its value. No action was taken.

Workshop B: New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) Expenditure for Gener8tor Incubator

• Jonathan Packard (Chamber of Commerce) and Robert Pieroni (Gener8tor) proposed a three-year, $1.2 million partnership to bring Gener8tor’s G Beta pre-accelerator program to New Braunfels. The non-dilutive program aims to identify scalable, venture-ready startups, provide intensive seven-week coaching, and connect them to investors without taking equity. Gener8tor has operated in 50 cities, worked with 2,300+ startups, and generated $4 billion in financing and 16,000 jobs. Public comment: David Warmke questioned the fit given New Braunfels’ lack of a major research university, and Julie King opposed, citing existing local resources (Spark, SBDC) and suggesting the funds could be better used elsewhere. Council discussion touched on program metrics, how it complements existing business support, and the requirement for startups to be local. Councilmember Carter expressed hope the program would target professional careers. Several members were generally favorable but sought more detail. No action was taken; the item was a first presentation.

Workshop C: Code Amendments – Parking on Unimproved Surfaces, Sidewalk Installation, Drainage Plans

• Garry Ford and Gwen Estrada outlined three proposed code clarifications. For parking on unimproved surfaces, staff proposed prohibiting parking on grass and requiring pervious or impervious surfaces like pavers or bordered gravel, to address drainage, community appearance, and code enforcement concerns. For sidewalk installation, they proposed adding an escrow fee option for property owners who cannot immediately install sidewalks required at permit, allowing the city to install them later as part of a broader network. For drainage plans at building permits, they proposed clarifying language to require drainage plans for large homes in older subdivisions without master drainage plans, resolving current ambiguity. Public comment: David Warmke asked about sidewalk widths and bike facilities. Council discussion: On parking, opinions were divided between aesthetic and enforcement concerns versus impacts on low-income residents; staff will return with multiple options (full prohibition, allowances with conditions, etc.). The sidewalk escrow option was well-received. The drainage clarification was supported. Staff will draft ordinances and return for formal action.

Workshop D: Code Amendments – Vehicles for Hire (Pedicabs, General Shuttle Services, Horse-Drawn Carriages)

• Garry Ford, Elizabeth Dupont, and Assistant Chief David Blevins presented recommendations. For pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages, staff and police recommended removing them from the code, citing safety, enforcement difficulties, narrow downtown streets, and animal welfare concerns. For general shuttle services (e.g., between downtown and Gruene), staff proposed creating a new ordinance and franchise agreement to permit operations with designated loading zones, addressing increasing interest. Council discussion: Most members opposed pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages, with councilmember Shaw noting animal welfare and councilmember Edwards citing infrastructure limitations. The shuttle service was strongly supported. Direction: staff to draft amendments removing pedicab and horse-drawn carriage provisions (with a potential phase-out period) and to develop a new regulatory framework for shuttle services.

Executive Session

• Council deliberated the terms of employment of the Interim City Attorney under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters). No action was taken in open session.

Adjournment and Postponements

• The presentation on proposed modifications to solid waste residential services rates was moved to the October 12, 2026, city council meeting without objection. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.