San Antonio City Council Meeting Summary – April 2, 2026

The San Antonio City Council convened on April 2, 2026, at 9:05 AM. The meeting began with an invocation, followed by several proclamations (Public Health Week, Fair Housing Month, National Poetry Month), a presentation on Bitcoin ATM fraud, a debate on hiring additional police officers, interviews for the Planning Commission, and a proposed commission to increase voter participation. The council also handled a consent calendar and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar (items 8–28) was approved unanimously after a motion and second. Councilmembers highlighted several items: item 19 (reappointment of Monica Sabino to the Historic and Design Review Commission), items 24–26 (ordinances supporting Metro Health and the UT Health San Antonio dental program), item 9 (park improvements for accessibility), item 18 (appointment to the Transportation Advisory Board), item 15 (TCEQ local air monitoring), item 20 (pet sterilization services), and item 8 (funding for the Easy Bell project). Item 23 was pulled for individual consideration (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Herschel Boyd (opposition to item 12 – Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone): Expressed strong opposition to the city taking his property via eminent domain for a roadway project. He stated the building is historic and he had plans to use it. He urged the council to communicate with affected property owners.
• Jack Finger (on items 21–22, settlements for vehicle accidents): Questioned whether city employees (police officer and garbage truck driver) who caused accidents are ever disciplined. He requested a clear policy on such incidents.
• Amanda Thomas (opposition to item 6 – hiring 65 officers): Argued against hiring more officers before a full budget audit, citing excessive overtime costs ($4.4 million in 2024) and a decrease in crime. She called for transparency and accountability.
• Bianca Maldonado (support for item 6): President of the Monticello Neighborhood Association (District 7), spoke in favor of hiring more officers. She described slow police response times (15 minutes to 2.5 hours) and recent violent incidents in her neighborhood, including a shooting and a burglary. She urged the council to support the resolution.
• Jack Finger (on item 6): Noted that crime statistics show a 13% overall decrease and 16% drop in property crime, but questioned whether all crimes are being reported. He supported hiring the officers promptly.
• Jack Finger (on item 23 – voting commission): Expressed skepticism about the commission's intent, suggesting it might be used to increase voter turnout among certain political groups. He stated he would “get a good laugh” if the council claimed it was nonpartisan.

Discussion Items

• Item 5: Bitcoin ATM Fraud Awareness – Presentation by Councilmember Castillo and Sheriff Salazar. The city has documented 293 Bitcoin machine locations, with 625 fraud reports using cryptocurrency. 50% of victims are over 56 years old, and losses range from $500 to $33,000. The sheriff noted a successful signage campaign in Omaha and recommended a bilingual awareness campaign, warning signs on machines, a 72-hour transaction delay, and a police enforcement plan. Councilmembers expressed strong support, with some calling for zoning changes and a dedicated fraud unit. The item was for information only; a formal ordinance is expected in May.
• Item 6: Resolution to Hire 65 Police Officers for FY2027 – Debate centered on the need for additional officers to achieve a 60/40 proactive-to-reactive patrol ratio. Councilmember White presented data from a 2022 independent study recommending 360 new officers over 3–5 years. Police Chief supported the 60/40 goal, stating it would reduce crime and improve officer morale. Councilmember Villagrán moved to postpone the item to the May 1 Public Safety Committee meeting for further discussion. The motion passed after a lengthy debate where some councilmembers stressed the need for fiscal responsibility and others urged immediate action.
• Item 7: Planning Commission Interviews – 11 candidates were interviewed for 4 vacancies. The council selected Kevin Cooper, Brian Allen Lopez, Naomi Miller, and Barbara Walderston. Councilmember Maki Rodríguez urged the new commissioners to protect community plans and resist unwarranted amendments.
• Item 23: Commission to Increase Voter Participation – Councilmember Castillo proposed a commission to identify barriers to voting, citing recent federal actions (SAFE Act, executive order on voter rolls). A motion to postpone to an April/May Session B meeting passed. Councilmember Villagrán requested clarity on the commission's scope and duration. Councilmember Munguía supported the idea but wanted more details.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Item 6 (Police Hiring) postponed to May 1, 2026, Public Safety Committee meeting.
• Item 23 (Voting Commission) postponed to an April/May Session B meeting.
• Planning Commission appointed: Kevin Cooper, Brian Allen Lopez, Naomi Miller, and Barbara Walderston.
• Bitcoin Fraud – No vote; staff directed to return with a formal ordinance in May 2026.
• Executive Sessions held (12:41 PM – 2:15 PM and 2:30 PM – 4:37 PM) on legal and economic development matters; no decisions were announced.