New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Feral Cat Colony Ordinance Review
The city is weighing changes to its feral cat colony ordinance, which governs trap-neuter-return programs and the volunteers who manage colonies. Board members want stronger enforcement "teeth" and better education for people who want to help but don't know proper TNR practice.
Board and Commission Code of Conduct and Free Speech Review
Speakers split over Fire Lieutenant John Weige's anti-Muslim Facebook posts and his placement on leave. Some demanded accountability under city conduct standards; others defended his First Amendment rights and criticized state Rep. Carrie Isaac's intervention.
Automated License Plate Reader Program
Two speakers urged the city to drop its Flock ALPR contract, citing 745,000+ vehicle reads in 30 days, security breaches elsewhere, and little publicized benefit data. One asked the council not to renew when the contract comes up.
Linden Ranch construction noise in District 3
Multiple residents near the Linden Ranch apartment development described rock crushing and construction from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, since August. Staff said the current ordinance allows those hours, is benchmarking amendments, and police will take decibel readings; the developer was urged to skip Sundays.
Installation of 'In God We Trust' Motto in Council Chambers
Councilmember Nikki Shaw brought forward a presentation and discussion regarding whether to install the 'In God We Trust' motto in the council chambers.
Firefighter Drug Use Disqualification Guidelines
The commission is reviewing proposed clarifications regarding drug use disqualifications for entry-level firefighter applicants.
Police Officer Psychological Examination Standards
The commission will consider updates to the psychological exam parameters for beginning police officers to ensure proper screening for candidates.
Police Union Meet and Confer Agreement Amendments
The city and the New Braunfels Police Officers Association scheduled discussions regarding potential updates to their labor agreement.
Legal Briefing on Governance and Open Government
Council members received a closed briefing on open meetings, public information laws, and meeting decorum.
Library Test Proctoring Policy Update
The board discussed potential updates or guidelines for test proctoring services offered through the library under Policy 2.19.
Airport Safety and Communications
The Airport Advisory Board was scheduled to review routine administrative reports and discuss airport construction and improvement projects.
Lake Front Avenue Speed Limit
Residents living near Lake Front Avenue spoke out about dangerous speeding and tight driveways, prompting the board to recommend a 25 mph speed limit. Local leaders hope this change will protect pedestrians and make neighborhood streets safer.
School Resource Officer Staffing
Residents and council members discussed the adequacy of school resource officer coverage across local school campuses, with police leadership detailing rovers and dedicated staffing agreements with NBISD.
Police Officer Disciplinary Appeal
A police officer is appealing their indefinite suspension. This process is a standard legal requirement for civil service employees.
Police Deputy Chief Promotional Process
A scoring discrepancy in the Deputy Chief promotional exam raised questions about whether the Chief's interview should have been converted to a 100-point scale like the written test and assessment center. The Commission ultimately sustained the original eligibility list, so the ranking of candidates for Deputy Chief vacancies stands as-is.
Library Advisory Board Bylaws Revision
The library board updated its governance structure by passing new bylaws and cleaning up old rules about tech lending.
Pending Litigation: City v. Lynn K. Wohlfahrt
The council reviewed an active city lawsuit in a closed-door legal strategy session.
Police Department Headquarters Repairs
Residents and council members raised alarm over severe building defects, soil movement, roof leaks, and humidity at the 2019 bond-funded police headquarters, prompting demands for an independent forensic investigation.
Public Safety Personnel Testing and Certification
The Civil Service Commission certified a new promotional list for Deputy Chief and called for entry-level exams for both police officers and firefighters to ensure fully staffed emergency services.
Ethics Commission Leadership and Administrative Governance
The Ethics Commission reviewed its operating guidelines, deciding to make online instructions clearer for residents filing ethics complaints rather than rewriting the official form.
Public Safety Training Facility
The city is moving forward with a feasibility study to co-locate police and fire training facilities, aiming to improve coordination, training capabilities, and long-term cost efficiency.
Lifeguard staffing at aquatic facilities
The Tube Chute and Landa Park Aquatic Complex are staffed with 40 of 60 lifeguard positions filled — safety coverage is running short this summer.
ADA Accessibility Compliance
The city is working to make sure all public buildings, parks, and websites are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.
Keeping of Wild and Exotic Animals
The advisory board is reviewing local regulations on exotic and wild animals to align them more closely with Texas state health and safety codes.
Animal Restraint and Leash Regulations
The city is updating its leash and restraint rules to require a 6-foot leash in public spaces, aiming to reduce animal conflicts and improve community safety.
Pending Litigation: City v. Estate of Frederick Frueholz, Jr.
The city is involved in a legal dispute regarding the estate of Frederick Frueholz, Jr., which was discussed in a closed executive session.
Landa RV Resort Litigation
The city is discussing legal matters and potential settlement offers regarding the Landa RV Resort.
Police Department Staffing and Public Safety Funding
Citizens debated police staffing levels, officer pay, and whether to pursue a Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) sales tax or rely on existing general fund allocations amid rapid city growth.
Legal Review of City Boards and Commissions
Council members are receiving a legal briefing covering the Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and governance rules to ensure compliance with state laws.
Mental Health Crisis Response
The city is looking to embed mental health experts in the 911 dispatch center to help de-escalate crises and free up police officers for other duties.
Y.C. Partners Ltd. Litigation
The council reviewed the status of a long-running legal case involving the city and the Yantis Company.
Emergency Operations
New Braunfels and Comal County have cranked up their Emergency Operations Center to keep tabs on nasty weather rolling in. Keep your eyes on local alerts just in case a storm decides to hit your block.