Public Meetings - San Antonio, Texas

[Meeting Date: 2026-01-28 | Start Time: 2:04 PM | Adjournment: 2:18 PM] The San Antonio Planning Commission convened on January 28, 2026, to consider a consent agenda item and two individual rezoning applications. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (routine approvals) was accepted by a unanimous vote (8-0). The consent agenda excluded items 4 and 6, which were heard individually. Discussion Items Item 4 – Amendment of the Area Plan from Mixed‑Use to Commercial at Rigsby Avenue - Applicant representative Elizabeth Russell requested a plan amendment and rezoning to allow a conditional use for used car sales at a property on Rigsby Avenue. The property is located in the Southeast Area Plan and historically had mixed uses; the applicant argued that the surrounding area remains mixed‑use (commercial, industrial, residential) and that the zoning change would align with historic use. The applicant noted that the property has a large yellow metal building that has stood for 7–8 years or more. The applicant stated there were 10 letters of support from neighbors within 200 feet, as indicated by stickers on the notice responses. - Staff recommended denial, stating the amendment would remove residential use options from the area. - The applicant clarified that only light service (oil changes and lubrication) would be permitted, not heavy repairs. During questioning, Commissioner Bustamante asked about support from adjacent properties; staff explained that “palomitas” (stickers) on the notice responses indicated landowner support. The applicant expressed willingness to drop oil‑change services if that would secure approval. - Motion to approve the amendment was made by Commissioner Sigo and seconded by Commissioner Mylan. The motion passed 8-0 (Commissioners Sigo, Mylan, Sánchez, López, Olet, Bustamante, Profet, and President Peck all voting in favor). Item 6 – Rezoning from Suburban to General Commercial with Conditional Use for Manufactured Homes (Rayburn Hills) - Applicant Matthew Gilbert (representing the property owner) initially sought a change from Suburban tier to General Commercial with a conditional use for manufactured homes. Staff found the request inconsistent with the area, noting it would bring higher density than expected and limit adjacent mixed‑use development. The staff offered an alternative recommendation to rezone to Mixed‑Use instead. - The applicant agreed with the alternative recommendation and stated it would save time. - No public speakers were signed up. - Motion to approve the staff’s alternative recommendation for Mixed‑Use was made by Commissioner Profet and seconded by Commissioner Mylan. The motion passed unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. - Item 4 – Approved 8-0 (amendment to plan and rezoning for used car conditional use). - Item 6 – Approved 8-0 (rezoning to Mixed‑Use per staff alternative). - Director’s Report – None. - Commission Appointments Update – The application window for nomination panel appointments was set to close on the day of the meeting; the commission will review applications soon. - Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 2:18 PM.

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on January 28, 2026, at 2:04 PM and adjourned at 2:18 PM. The meeting included a consent agenda and two individual hearing items. Commissioner Bustamante recused from items 5, 7, and 9 and left the room during the consent agenda vote. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda included all items except items 4 and 6. Items 5 and 7 were withdrawn. The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously via roll call vote (8-0). Discussion Items - Item 4 – Plan Amendment at 1514 Rigsby Avenue: A request to amend the Southeast Community Area Plan from neighborhood mixed use to community commercial. Staff found the proposed land use classification inconsistent with the surrounding area. Applicant Elizabeth Russell (Law Office of Elizabeth Ann Russell) presented, noting the property's historic commercial use, nearby industrial and commercial properties, and client intentions to use the property for used car sales with oil changes for make-ready. The property is in the Salado Creek watershed, and the zoning approval (C2 CD) for motor vehicle sales does not permit oil changes; the applicant stated willingness to forgo oil changes if necessary. No public speakers signed up. The commission voted to approve the plan amendment (8-0). - Item 6 – Plan Amendment at 322 Tarosco Drive: A request to amend the Southeast Community Area Plan from suburban tier to regional center. Staff recommended an alternate request of mixed use center, which would limit commercial intensity. Applicant representative Matthew Gilbert (Ortiz McKnight) agreed with staff's alternate recommendation. No public speakers. The commission voted to approve the alternate recommendation of mixed use center (8-0). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved unanimously. - Item 4 (1514 Rigsby Ave): Approved (8-0) for community commercial land use; applicant must address oil change restrictions per zoning. - Item 6 (322 Tarosco Dr): Approved (8-0) for mixed use center as alternate recommendation. - Director's Report: No report; update on Planning Commission reappointments expected at next meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 2:18 PM.

The Planning and Community Development Committee met on January 27, 2026, at 11:29 AM (end time). Present were Councilmembers Galván, Munguía (President), Castillo, Cor, and others. The meeting began with quorum and approval of the previous meeting's minutes (November 17, 2025). Consent Calendar - Approval of November 17, 2025, meeting minutes – Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony Four residents spoke in opposition to a proposed four‑story apartment complex (referred to as "Gilborg" or "Nuestra Tierra") in District 7, citing concerns about traffic, school capacity, lack of public transit, privacy, and the project's size. Key positions: - David Martínez – Opposed, questioned the determination of an "underutilized commercial area" and asked who would pay for water, drainage, and transportation upgrades. He noted that the project is proceeding under state law SB40. - Jonathan Macart (President, Brunch Station West) – Opposed, representing 285 homeowners concerned about traffic and safety. He asked about regulating campaign signs and requested a maximum of two stories instead of four. - Laura Boderfield (Vice President, neighborhood association) – Opposed, emphasized that the developer should involve the neighborhood and redesign the project to two stories with community amenities. - James Stopper (Resident) – Opposed, worried about loss of privacy, noise, and increased pressure on existing homes. He described the proposed building as a "monstrosity" and asked for height limitations. Discussion Items Item 2 – Report on Permitting Transparency and Agility (CCR Request) Development Services Director Amín Tomás presented an update on improvements since the November 2024 Council Consideration Request from former Councilmember Cabello Havrda. Highlights: - Online tools: A public dashboard tracking building permits, online 24/7 applications, sample applications, and checklists. - Consultations: Free pre‑submission meetings (three staff) for small projects, and after‑hours reviews. - Performance metrics: Small repairs permitted in 1 day, new homes in 3 days, complex projects in 18 business days. In calendar 2025, 3,834 permits were issued with an average processing time of 20 days. - Code adoption: A 90–120 day transition period after approval, with no mid‑project code changes. Councilmembers raised concerns about inconsistent guidance to applicants (particularly small developers and homeowners), training of permit reviewers, and difficulties with historic structure approvals and NSB fence policies. They requested data on the number of cases where residents received contradictory information and asked staff to provide follow‑up reports. Item 3 – Report on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program Policy Verónica García (Neighborhood and Housing Services) presented the existing TIF policy, which includes a Displacement Impact Assessment (DIA) tool. She explained that the policy prohibits projects that cause permanent direct displacement of residents, but allows temporary displacement with return. Councilmember Munguía noted that a recent baseball stadium project (which demolished apartments and provided relocation funds) appeared to cause direct displacement, contradicting the policy's language. Councilmembers agreed to review and clarify definitions of "direct" and "indirect" displacement, and to bring a revised policy to the full council. Items 4 – Resolution Supporting 9% Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit Applications (2026 Round) Erika Corral (Housing Department) presented 16 applicants for competitive 9% housing tax credits; staff recommended supporting 12. All 16 projects have less than 10% of units at 30% AMI, and 14 have additional units at 30% AMI. Three projects include high‑quality pre‑kindergarten. The recommended list includes: Manuel Village, Judy Advida, Julian, NH Culebra, Nuestra Tierra, Razor Love, Village at Ellison, Vista at Culebra, 111 West Travis, Frio Bend, and Westminster Square. Councilmembers praised the applications and noted that the developer of "Nuestra Tierra" (in District 7) is willing to work with neighbors on fence designs. A motion to approve the 12 resolutions passed unanimously. Items 5 & 6 – Resolutions Designating Community Land Trusts (CLTs) Sarah Wemsley Estrada presented two applications for CLT designation: - Max Development Fund – Serving Districts 4, 5, and 6. Plans 10 homes in the first two years (7 at ≤80% AMI, 3 at ≤60% AMI), using San Antonio Housing Trust funds. - Silk Road Community Land Trust – Serving Districts 1, 6, 7, and 8. Received technical assistance in 2025; operations start in 2026. Not yet seeking the 50% property tax exemption (requires a full audit). Both organizations will report annually on inventory. Councilmembers congratulated the applicants and emphasized the importance of CLTs in creating affordable homeownership. Two separate votes were taken: Item 5 (Max Development) and Item 6 (Silk Road). Both passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the November 17, 2025, committee minutes. - Directed staff to provide follow‑up data on permitting inconsistencies and to explore training and guidance improvements for small applicants and historic properties. - Directed staff to revise the TIF policy to explicitly define and address direct vs. indirect displacement, with a report to the full City Council. - Unanimously approved resolutions supporting 12 of 16 proposed 9% Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit projects for 2026. - Unanimously designated Max Development Fund and Silk Road Community Land Trust as official community land trusts, with annual renewal requirements. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The Economic Development and Workforce Committee of the San Antonio City Council met on January 27, 2026, from approximately 2:06 PM to 3:02 PM. The committee considered recommendations for the FY2026 trust fund programs, received an update on the Ready to Work jobs objectives, and approved the creation of a task force to explore city-branded merchandise sales. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously without correction. Discussion Items 1. FY2026 Trust Fund Program Recommendations (Item 2) Sara Paul, Business Development Coordinator, presented the recommendation for the Growth Stage Trust Fund (Chapter 380) and the SBIR/STTR matching fund. Key details: - Growth Stage Trust Fund: Proposed budget of $1 million for FY2026. Pilot results showed that of nine trusts receiving $450,000, four achieved revenue growth totaling $7.06 million in cumulative earnings. Proposed program changes include: - Reducing employee requirement to 100 or fewer full-time employees. - Increasing minimum wage for new hires to $20/hour (up from $17.50). - Targeting five strategic industries: IT infrastructure, corporate services, etc. - Capping awards at $100,000 per recipient. - SBIR/STTR Matching Fund: Previously, 11 trusts received $581,000; eight of those reported growth of $3.36 million. Proposed changes include extending the funding timeframe and allowing up to $100,000 for Phase II. - Timeline: Applications open March 2026, close May/June, recommendations to committee in June, council vote in August, contracts executed by September 2026. Council Discussion: - Councilor Viagran requested a memorandum detailing survey results for the eight trusts that did not show revenue growth, noting that investments in hiring or marketing may still represent growth. - Councilor Galván supported the wage increase and asked about local hiring. Staff confirmed that new hires must be located in San Antonio, though remote work tracking is not currently required. - Councilor Mesa González clarified that the $20/hour wage applies only to new hires after the agreement. She also asked about alignment with the Ready to Work program; staff noted it is not a requirement but encouraged. - Councilor Castillo requested further breakdown of recipients by industry and local hiring metrics. Outcome: Motion to approve the FY2026 Growth Stage Trust Fund at $1 million passed unanimously. 2. Ready to Work Program – Jobs Objectives Update (Item 3) Joe Morko, Assistant of Ready to Work, presented an update on occupational adjustments: - Occupations Removed: Nine occupations were eliminated in January 2026 (e.g., transportation/warehousing, compliance officers, health/nutritionists, roofers, financial advisors) due to low usage or weak market demand. This follows 11 removals earlier and two before that, for a total of 20 occupations removed. The current catalog contains 62 occupations. - High-Performing Occupations: Twenty occupations with at least 70% placement within six months are being marketed, including construction, healthcare, education, and skilled trades. - Performance: To date, 3,617 individuals have been placed in jobs through the program. Council Discussion: - Councilor Viagran raised interest in court reporters, military-to-civilian transition occupations, and emerging AI-related roles. Staff noted court reporter training was previously considered but not pursued due to insufficient openings. - Councilor Galván appreciated the focus on high-demand sectors. - Councilor Castillo emphasized the success of placements, particularly in IT and community health. - Councilor Mesa González requested that future reports include participant counts per occupation. - Staff clarified that participants already enrolled in removed occupations may continue their training. Outcome: Informational item; no vote required. 3. Task Force on City-Branded Merchandise (Item 4) Alex presented samples of existing city merchandise (coasters, t-shirts from Parks & Rec, commemorative tie). The proposal is to create a task force to explore generating supplemental revenue and promoting San Antonio through a physical store, online store, or licensed production. Council Discussion: - Councilor Viagran noted successful examples from other cities (New Orleans, Orlando) and suggested leveraging existing departments (e.g., Parks & Rec, Animal Care, Fire, Library). - Councilor Galván recommended including the Historic Preservation Office (HP) for its graphic design capabilities and iconic structures. - Councilor Castillo volunteered to serve on the task force and suggested airport and fire station merchandise. - Councilor Mesa González supported involving libraries and local artists. Outcome: Motion to proceed with establishing a task force passed unanimously. Councilor Castillo and Councilor Viagran will lead the group, with a report back to the committee in a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved: FY2026 Growth Stage Trust Fund ($1 million) – unanimous. - Approved: Creation of a task force to explore city-branded merchandise – unanimous. - Noted: Ready to Work program update with 20 occupations removed and 62 remaining; 3,617 placements achieved. - Next Steps: Staff to provide memorandum on trust fund survey results; task force to convene and report back to committee.

The Economic and Workforce Development Committee of the San Antonio City Council met on January 27, 2026, at 2:05 PM. The committee approved the minutes, discussed and voted on the FY2026 Growth Stage Grant Program, received a briefing on Ready to Work target occupation updates, and established a work group to explore selling City-branded merchandise. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens were signed up to speak, and no public comments were made. Discussion Items Item 2: Recommendation of Fiscal Year 2026 Growth Stage Grant Program - Sarah Wappel, Business Advancement Coordinator, presented the recommendation for a total program budget of $1 million, split evenly ($500,000 each) between the Second Stage Grant Program and the SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program. - Second Stage Grant Program: Proposed guideline changes include: reducing employee eligibility to 100 or fewer employees (full-time and part-time), increasing the wage requirement for new full-time employees from $17.15/hour to $20/hour to align with Ready to Work OJT program, and focusing on the city's five strategic industries (mobility, corporate services, bioscience, IT/security infrastructure). Maximum grant per award increased to $100,000. - SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program: Proposed changes include requiring an existing federal award within the last two years (to accommodate a federal pause in October 2025) and increasing the maximum phase two award to $100,000 based on company needs. - Staff reported that from the initial Second Stage pilot (nine grantees, $450,000), six-month survey data showed four out of nine reported revenue growth, with a combined cumulative revenue growth of $7.06 million. From the SBIR/STTR pilot (11 grantees, $581,000), eight out of 11 reported revenue growth, with $3.36 million in reported revenue growth. - Committee members raised questions and requested additional information: - Chair Viegra requested a memo explaining why five of nine Second Stage grantees did not report revenue growth (e.g., due to hiring, investment, or other factors). - Council Member Castillo asked whether any grantees left San Antonio (staff confirmed none have left) and requested data on local vs. remote employees. - Council Member Galvan asked for a breakdown of grantees by industry cluster and whether recapture provisions exist if a business leaves. - Council Member Mascarenas inquired about alignment with Ready to Work and requested a report on bioscience incentives. - Motion to approve the FY2026 Growth Stage Grant Program as presented passed unanimously. Item 3: Update on Target Occupations for the Ready to Work Program - Joel Morgan, Assistant Director of Workforce Development, provided an update on the removal and focus of target occupations. - Occupations Removed: The Ready to Work Advisory Board approved removal of nine occupations in January 2026 (compliance officers, dietitians/nutritionists, MRI techs, medical dosimetrists, natural science managers, machinists, roofers, personal financial advisors, and securities/commodities financial service agents). Combined with 11 earlier removals and two prior removals, a total of 22 occupations have been removed since inception. The remaining catalog contains 62 active occupations. - High-Performing Occupations: Staff identified 20 occupations with job placement rates of 70% or higher within six months, including educators, manufacturing trades, construction, health care (paramedics, LVNs, RNs, rad techs). These will receive increased marketing and emphasis. - Committee members discussed: - Chair Viegra suggested exploring court reporters (due to county needs), military-to-civilian transition (e.g., medics), AI-related occupations, and digital navigators. - Council Member Galvan requested raw numbers of jobs created per occupation/sector. - Council Member Castillo asked about reasons for difficulty placing IT and health care graduates; staff cited possible saturation and need for employer-aligned training. - Council Member Mascarenas asked for participant counts by occupation and confirmed that currently enrolled participants are unaffected by removals. - This item was for briefing only; no action taken. Item 4: Establish a Work Group to Explore Sales of City of San Antonio Branded Merchandise - Alex (staff) introduced the item, referencing a background memo and showing sample merchandise (coasters, T-shirts, ties, scarves). The goal is to explore selling branded items to promote San Antonio's global visibility and generate revenue, possibly through a virtual store or licensing arrangements. - Committee members expressed support and suggested potential participants: Office of Historic Preservation, World Heritage, Animal Care Services, Municipal Courts, Fire Department, Library, and Arts & Culture. Council Member Castillo volunteered to serve on the work group alongside Chair Viegra. - Discussion included whether to involve business/retail experts immediately or after initial city-department exploration. The consensus was to start with the internal group and later bring in retail expertise. - Motion to establish the work group passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: FY2026 Growth Stage Grant Program ($1 million total, $500,000 each for Second Stage and SBIR/STTR programs) with revised guidelines. Motion carried unanimously. - Established: Work group (Chair Viegra and Council Member Castillo) to explore City-branded merchandise sales, with a report back to the committee before full council consideration. - Requested Information: Staff to provide memos on: reasons for non-revenue growth among Second Stage grantees; breakdown of grantees by industry; local vs. remote employee data; participant counts by occupation; job numbers per occupation/sector; bioscience incentive report; and recapture provisions for businesses that leave.

The Planning and Community Development Committee (PCDC) met on January 27, 2026, to discuss a range of items including permitting transparency, tax increment financing (TIF) policy updates, resolutions of support for 2026 competitive 9% housing tax credits, and designation of two community land trusts. The meeting included public comments from residents opposed to a proposed four-story affordable housing development in Braun Station. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - David Martinez (District 7 resident) expressed opposition to the proposed Nuestra Tierra four-story, 65-unit apartment building on Gilbo Road, citing concerns about insufficient traffic infrastructure, lack of public transportation, and the bypassing of local zoning under SB 840. He questioned who determines “underutilized commercial areas” and who would pay for water, sewer, and road upgrades. - Johnette McCart (President, Braun Station West HOA) opposed the project, noting 280 signatures from homeowners within 24 hours against the development. She asked whether the city could regulate building height (suggesting one or two stories) and require adequate parking and transportation. - Laura Butterfield (Vice President, Braun Station West HOA) opposed the four-story design, arguing it would create an “us and them” dynamic. She requested that the developer lower the height to two stories, add screening walls, and involve the neighborhood in the process. - James Stopper (Braun Station resident, home directly behind the proposed site) opposed the project, citing negative impacts on privacy, views, traffic congestion on Gilbo Road (a four-lane road without room for expansion), home values, and noise. He stated there are no tall structures within a three-mile radius and that a four-story building is inappropriate. Discussion Items - Permitting Transparency (Item 2): Development Services Director Amin Tomaz presented an overview of current processes, including online dashboards, stakeholder engagement, and performance metrics. For commercial permits, minor repairs take 1 business day; complex projects target 18 calendar days. For residential, new home permits target 3 business days; the FY25 average was 20 days (including customer response time). Councilmember Court criticized the presentation as “too rosy,” citing inconsistent information for infill projects, contradictory reviewer comments, and 73 cases in District One where residents received conflicting guidance. She requested disaggregated data for infill vs. suburban projects. Councilmember Castillo suggested a hyperlink to the Office of Historic Preservation and noted wage-related turnover in DSD. Councilmember Galvan asked for usage data on free pre-application consultations and expressed interest in expanding that team. - Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policy (Item 3): Veronica Garcia (NHSD) reviewed the current TIF policy (last updated December 2022), which includes a provision that projects should not cause “direct residential displacement.” The city also uses a Displacement Impact Assessment (DIA) scoring neighborhoods as low, moderate, or high risk. Councilmember Mungia raised that the recent baseball stadium project involved demolition of apartments (Soapworks) with a displacement fund, arguing it violated the spirit of the policy. Council members agreed to update the policy to define both direct and indirect displacement and require clear disclosure to council. Staff was directed to bring back a revised policy. - 2026 Competitive 9% Housing Tax Credits (Item 4): Erica Ragsdale (NHSD) presented 16 applications received, with 4 withdrawn. Staff recommended resolutions of support for 12 projects: Emanuel Village, Judy and Julian at Vita, NHH Culebra, Nuestra Tierra (Vicino Group), Razor Lofts, Village at Ellison, Vista at Culebra, 111 West Travis (Robert E. Lee Building), Frio Bend, Westminster Square, and Woodlawn Pines. Three projects include high-quality pre-K. Two require waivers for proximity to existing tax-credit properties. The Nuestra Tierra project held a public meeting on January 29, 2026, to gather community input. Councilmember Court noted that even if the city issues support, state scoring determines funding; likely only 2–3 projects will be awarded. The committee voted unanimously to approve the resolutions. - Community Land Trust (CLT) Designations (Items 5 & 6): Sarah Wamsley Estrada (NHSD) presented the first two CLT designations under the city’s October 2024 policy. Mock Development Fund CLT (serving Districts 4,5,6) aims for 55 homes in 5 years, with up to 10 homes in the first two years. It requested a 50% city property tax exemption on unsold homes. Culture Ringuá’s Silk Road CLT (serving Districts 1,6,7,8) aims for 24 homes by 2028 and did not request a tax exemption at this time. Both received Housing Trust technical assistance grants. The committee approved each designation by separate unanimous voice votes. Key Outcomes - Permitting: Staff to provide written follow-up on infill data, reviewer training, and NCD/historic permit coordination. No recommendation for major changes; further briefing may be scheduled. - TIF Policy: City Attorney’s office, NHSD, and staff to draft revised policy with clear definitions of direct and indirect displacement, to be brought back to committee. - Tax Credit Resolutions: Approved 12 resolutions of support for 9% housing tax credits. Projects will proceed to state application; awards expected July 2026. - CLT Designations: Approved designation of Mock Development Fund CLT (with 50% property tax exemption for unsold homes) and Silk Road CLT (without exemption initially). Both must renew annually and report inventory. Next PCDC meeting scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board held its first hearing of the year on January 23, 2026. The board re-elected officers, approved previous meeting minutes, and considered two agenda items: a consent calendar item (122 Potomac Street) that was removed for discussion, and a request to paint the brick exterior of three buildings. No public speakers appeared in person, but a voicemail comment was received. Public Comments & Testimony - Luz Entuntua, president of the Dignity Review Commission, submitted a voicemail regarding agenda item 2025-352 (122 Potomac Street). She agreed with staff recommendations but requested that any blue windows be changed to a single window. The applicant later indicated acceptance of this request. Discussion Items - 122 Potomac Street (Violation Case): Originally on the consent calendar, this item was pulled at the request of a commissioner who had questions about the property's condition and the timeline for repairs. The applicant was not present. Staff noted the property had been vacant for a long time and was in poor condition under a new owner. Commissioners discussed concerns about window changes, but staff clarified that the existing window was not in violation. The board voted unanimously to approve the certificate of appropriateness with staff stipulations. - Case 2025-3424 (Painting of Brick Exterior): The applicant, Eddie Verhel representing Roof Sharks, requested a certificate of appropriateness to paint the brick exterior of three buildings at the property (address not specified). He argued that the brick was deteriorating, finding matching replacement brick was difficult, and that a mineral-based paint would preserve the masonry and allow future removal. He proposed a dark color to blend with neighboring houses. Several commissioners expressed strong opposition, stating that painting brick changes the historic character of the building, that historic guidelines generally prohibit painting brick, and that the proposed color change from yellow to black was too drastic. Commissioner Garcia noted that the Montevista historical association's color recommendations were not city-adopted guidance. The board voted unanimously to deny the request per staff recommendation. The applicant was directed to work with staff to explore alternative solutions. Key Outcomes - Officer Elections: Re-elected Juanita Sepúlveda as president and Jason Vázquez as vice president (both unanimous). - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from December 19, 2025, were approved unanimously (6-0). - 122 Potomac Street: Approved with staff stipulations (unanimous, 6-0). - Case 2025-3424: Denied per staff recommendation (unanimous, 6-0). The board directed the applicant to work with staff on alternative preservation solutions. - The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 AM.

The Historic Compliance and Technical Advisory Board (HCTAB) held its first hearing of the year on January 23, 2026, at 9:38 AM. The meeting was chaired by Juanita Sepulveda and Vice Chair Jason Vasquez. Two agenda items were discussed and voted on. The board also elected its officers for the upcoming year and approved minutes from the December 19, 2025 meeting. Consent Calendar - 122 Potomac (Case 2025-352): The applicant requested approval for work to bring the property into compliance. Public comments were received from Lulu Francois, Chairwoman of the Dignon Witty Hill Historic Neighborhood Review Committee, recommending that a rear elevation window be changed to a one-over-one design. Staff noted that the window in question is existing and not part of the compliance item, so the neighborhood’s recommendation was not included in staff stipulations. Commissioner Vasquez pulled the item from consent for discussion but later made a motion to approve with staff stipulations, which passed unanimously (7-0). Discussion Items - 204 East Rosewood Avenue (Case 2025-342): Applicant Ernie Brindle (representing Roof Sharks) requested approval to paint the exterior of the three existing masonry buildings on the property. The applicant cited difficulty finding replacement brick, damage to existing masonry, and the availability of breathable mineral-based paints as reasons for the request. Staff recommended denial. Board members expressed concerns that painting would alter character-defining features, hide rather than repair damage, and potentially cause long-term issues. The board denied the request unanimously (7-0), directing the applicant to work with staff to find an alternative solution. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Juanita Sepulveda was re-elected Chair and Jason Vasquez was re-elected Vice Chair unanimously. - Minutes: The minutes from December 19, 2025, were approved unanimously. - 122 Potomac: Approved with staff stipulations (7-0). - 204 East Rosewood Avenue: Denied as recommended by staff (7-0). The applicant was advised to consult with the Office of Historic Preservation for alternative solutions.

The San Antonio City Council held a special session on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 1:10 PM, reconvening from executive session at 1:37 PM, and adjourning at 8:23 PM. The meeting focused on the city's legal obligations regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities (ICE), the San Antonio Police Department's (SAPD) role, and extensive public comment. The council heard presentations from the city manager, legal staff, and the police chief, followed by over 100 public speakers, with many expressing strong opposition to any cooperation with ICE. The council discussed legal constraints under state law (SB4), the scope of SAPD's involvement in federal operations, and potential next steps. Consent Calendar - None noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Over 100 members of the public spoke, the majority opposing any cooperation between SAPD and ICE. Many described ICE as a terrorist organization, expressed fear for their families, and recounted instances of ICE operations violating constitutional rights. Several speakers noted the impact on school attendance and community trust in law enforcement. - Commissioner Grant Moody emphasized support for law enforcement and urged zero tolerance for attacks on officers, while also calling for respect for protest rights. - Lidia Hernández, representing a Presbyterian church, called for the city to resist ICE actions. - Frank Zamora, a former CPS worker, argued that the city should not cooperate with ICE, stating that federal agents are violating the law. - Alejandra Payne, a Texas A&M student, asked whether ICE respects the rights of immigrants and whether the city recognizes ICE as an absolute authority. - Several speakers, including Arturo Madrid and Rudy Jimenez, requested transparency, accountability, and the creation of a reporting system for civil rights violations. - A small number of speakers supported cooperation with ICE, arguing it is necessary for public safety and that the focus should be on criminal aliens. Discussion Items 1. Presentation on Legal Obligations: City staff outlined requirements under Texas SB4, which prohibits city policies that limit enforcement of federal immigration laws and requires cooperation with federal agencies. Staff noted that the city was previously sued under SB4 by the police union, but the only successful lawsuit was later overturned on appeal. 2. Police Chief's Presentation: Chief McMahon detailed SAPD's role, emphasizing that SAPD does not enforce immigration law and only provides support (e.g., perimeter security) at federal operations. He stated that in calendar year 2025, SAPD received 2.1 million calls, with only 66 mentioning immigration. Of 158 reports analyzed, 161 did not require federal involvement. In 2025, SAPD arrested over 51,000 individuals, with only 11 involving ICE detainer requests. The chief noted that SAPD lacks authority to act solely on administrative immigration warrants. 3. Specific Operations Discussed: Councilmembers questioned the November 16, 2025, operation on San Pedro Avenue, which involved an FBI-led narcotics warrant. SAPD provided security. A separate ICE request for assistance on December 2, 2025, involved three officers responding to a resisting arrest situation. Councilmember Villagrán requested detailed information on coordination and notifications. Key Outcomes - The council heard extensive public input but took no formal votes or decisions during the session. - Councilmembers Munguía, Castillo, and Core expressed strong opposition to ICE operations, calling for increased transparency and a formal reporting system for civil rights violations. - Councilmember Spears and Councilmember White defended cooperation, citing legal requirements and the need to focus on criminal threats, while also acknowledging the public's concerns. - Several councilmembers requested that city staff provide additional data on ICE operations, including information on detentions of U.S. citizens, and explore legal avenues to challenge unconstitutional actions. - The council agreed to continue discussions and to improve transparency regarding police interactions with federal immigration authorities.