New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Library Internet and Electronic Resource Policy Revision
The board is reviewing Library Policy 2.11 to update rules and guidelines surrounding public internet and computer resource usage at the library.
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.
Arts and Culture Master Plan
City commission members will receive training on how to score upcoming grant applications for local arts and heritage programs. This session ensures fair and consistent evaluation of community funding requests.
Downtown Public Infrastructure Tree Improvements
The board will consider funding public infrastructure work specifically focused on downtown trees to enhance the streetscape.
City debt and EDC borrowing practices
Resident Esther Sandoval flagged city debt growing from $265M (2020) to over $400M (2025) and asked for a full debt presentation before the May 2027 bond election. Bob King proposed requiring all future EDC borrowing be non-recourse revenue bonds rather than general-obligation debt backed by taxpayers.
2026 Soul Searching Program
The committee is reviewing the outcomes and feedback from the 2026 Soul Searching event, which engages the community with local cemetery history.
Germany Resident Travel and Communication
The committee is planning to discuss communication efforts and potential future trips for New Braunfels residents visiting Germany, reinforcing international cultural ties.
New Braunfels Utilities State of the Utility
NBU presented its annual update showing strong reliability rankings, lower residential water and electric rates compared to market competitors, and significant investments in capital improvement projects.
210 S. Castell Contract Extension Request
Developers of the former co-op site requested a five-year performance deadline extension due to tenant softening and redesign work. No incentive funds have been disbursed.
Field and Facility Allocation Policy Update
City staff will present updates on how sports fields and park facilities are scheduled and shared among local groups.
Historic District Alteration and Demolition Requests
Property owners in local historic districts are seeking approval for exterior modifications, such as carports and roof replacements, ensuring changes respect local heritage.
Golf Course Operations and Financial Performance
The board reviewed first-quarter financials and discussed updated rules and guidelines for tournament representatives. These measures aim to ensure fiscal health and smooth event execution at the municipal golf course.
Employee Conduct
A local New Braunfels fire lieutenant got benched and put on leave after dropping some offensive, anti-Muslim hate speech on social media. City officials stepped in fast to handle the fallout and make it clear this kind of behavior doesn't fly.
Chapter 138 Vehicles for Hire Amendments
The board will review proposed updates to local regulations governing pedicabs, general shuttle services, and horse-drawn carriages.
Commercial Rezoning at 1283 State Highway 46 South
The commission will consider changing 2.6 acres from residential and agricultural pre-development to commercial office use. This change could pave the way for new business or office development along a major highway corridor.
FY 2027-2032 Financial Projections
The board received a presentation detailing financial forecasts for the next five years, giving insight into future revenues and planned investments.
FY 2027-FY 2032 Financial Projections
A review of long-term financial forecasts for the reinvestment zone and development authority covering fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
Legal Briefing on Governance and Open Government
Council members received a closed briefing on open meetings, public information laws, and meeting decorum.
Carport Setback Variance at 831 East Basel Street
Homeowners are asking for permission to build a carport that reaches 13 feet into the standard 25-foot front yard setback. This will affect how the property lines up with the streetscape in an R-2 residential neighborhood.
Library Test Proctoring Policy Update
The board discussed potential updates or guidelines for test proctoring services offered through the library under Policy 2.19.
Chapter 395 Financial Audit Compliance
Staff presented the five-year financial audit required by state law for roadway impact fees, ensuring proper accounting of past collections and expenditures.
Summer Programming Wrap-Up
Staff presented a review of community participation and outcomes from city-run summer recreation programs.
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.
Westside Community Center Operations
The city is transitioning the Westside Community Center into the Parks and Recreation Department to improve programming, offer climate resilience, and expand group exercise options.
Mission Drive Speed Limit Pilot Study
A pilot project revealed that physical traffic-narrowing measures work better than simply dropping posted speed limits to 25 mph.
Regional Teacher Externship Program
The alliance reviewed success metrics from its first teacher externship program and discussed plans to increase educator participation in future sessions.
Home Occupation Regulations
The city is updating its rules for home businesses to match state law. This means the city will focus on the impact a business has on neighbors—like noise or traffic—rather than just banning specific types of work.
Finance Department Public Educational Workshop
The committee discussed creating a public workshop to help residents understand local government finance and how city funds are managed.
Commissioner Training on Chronicle Software
The committee reviewed plans for community programs such as Field of Graves and Soul Searching to engage residents with local history.
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone Recommendation
The board planned to discuss and potentially recommend establishing a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone to encourage community investment and development.
Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Incidental Take Permit Renewal
Staff briefed the council on the upcoming renewal of the 30-year Incidental Take Permit under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan, ensuring continued legal protection for local water use and river recreation.
AG Sunflower Ridge Development Agreement Amendment
The developer requested more time to complete improvements, pushing the deadline from June to September 2026. The parks board agreed and sent the recommendation to City Council.
Divine Way Parking Restrictions
The board recommended banning parking on both sides of Divine Way near Fayette Drive to fix traffic flow and safety concerns.
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.
Setback and Garage Variances at 307 North Guenther Avenue
Property owners at 307 North Guenther Avenue requested variances to build a detached garage right up to the property line and street right-of-way, citing a narrow lot and historical home placement. Board members expressed hesitation over setting a precedent and whether the need arose from a true land hardship or a backyard pool design.
Revision of Library Borrower Eligibility Policy
The Library Advisory Board was scheduled to review and potentially update its borrower eligibility policies and internal bylaws. These guidelines govern who can access library services and how the advisory board operates.
Utility Assistance
If you're having a hard time paying your utility bills, the city is now offering financial aid to help you catch up. It’s a quick way to get some relief if your monthly expenses are starting to pile up.
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.
TIRZ No. 1 Leadership Appointments
The board selected its leadership for the remainder of 2026, re-appointing John Malik as chair and choosing Mark St. John as vice-chair.
Construction Board of Appeals Bylaws Adoption
The board discussed adopting formal bylaws to govern its operations, procedures, and review processes.
Strategic Plan Progress
The city provided a massive update on its long-term goals, showing progress on everything from road repairs to public safety and new transit options like the 'Rio' microtransit service.
Hobby Haus Program Expansion
The library is expanding its Hobby Haus programming to include adult video and tabletop gaming, needlework, and skills-based classes requiring registration and a library card.
Commercial Parking and Driveway Variance (330 Kessler Street)
A new ultrasound clinic needs to use crushed granite for parking and keep a narrow driveway. The board approved this to help the business open while protecting drainage.
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.
SPARK Small Business Center Q2 Performance Update
The SPARK Small Business Center shared its second-quarter progress and support initiatives for local entrepreneurs.
Towing Ordinance Reform
The city is updating its towing regulations and fee schedules for the first time since 2015 to account for rising operational costs, with new rules proposed for electric vehicles and fuel adjustments.
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.
Western Downtown to Morningside Pressure Zone Conversion Project
The city is working to secure land easements needed to upgrade water and electric utility infrastructure. This project is part of a larger effort to improve pressure zones in the downtown and Morningside areas.
ARPA Fund Reallocation to Public Transportation
Following Comal Habitat for Humanity's voluntary withdrawal from an ARPA grant project, the city reallocated $202,500 to pedestrian mobility and transit projects, specifically the Comal/Faust improvement effort.