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.
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.
2027 Heritage HOT Grant Process
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.
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.
Rezoning Request for Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country (141 Rueckle Road)
Sun Communities installed ten manufactured homes at its Rueckle Road RV park without valid zoning, after city staff mistakenly issued permits that were later revoked. The council denied the retroactive rezone and ordered a compliance review — a precedent-setting stance against 'ask forgiveness' development.
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 Roadway Impact Fee Rate Review
The city updated its five-year roadway impact fee study, with big fee increases especially inside the loop (Service Area 2). The council chose to collect 100% of the maximum fee rather than build an incentive/discount program, with the new rates effective April 1, 2027.
City Leadership Recruitment
The City Council is reviewing the performance of the current City Manager and kicking off the search process for key leadership roles including the City Attorney and City Manager. These decisions shape how city services are administered and how legal matters are handled for residents.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
City Attorney and City Manager Searches
Council discussed the search and selection process for a City Attorney and City Manager behind closed doors. Any actual hiring will happen in a future open meeting.
Right-of-Way Acquisition for Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane
The city plans to spend up to $3.1 million to acquire right-of-way and utility easements needed to move forward with the Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane improvements project.
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.
Downtown Housing and Public Incentives
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
Northwest Park Master Plan Project Update
The 145-acre park plan drew broad support for trails and green space, but Wasser Ranch residents strongly oppose the Pater/Alster secondary entrance, citing school traffic, speeding, and drainage. The Parks Board endorsed the plan 7-0; adoption comes back November 9.
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.
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.
Downtown Public Infrastructure Tree Improvements
The board will consider funding public infrastructure work specifically focused on downtown trees to enhance the streetscape.
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.
2027 River Season Fees and Ordinance Changes
The committee will review proposed changes to Ordinance 86-16 to see if water vessels should be granted access to the last public exit.
Committee Budget and Future Project Funding
Members will look into potential funding sources to establish a dedicated committee budget for upcoming local projects.
Charter Review Committee
Council debated the size and appointment structure of the upcoming Charter Review Commission, deciding on a seven-member board with two alternates to review city governance.
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.
Data Center Regulations
Staff presented proposed zoning code amendments requiring special use permits in heavy industrial districts for data centers, featuring strict standards for noise, setbacks, landscaping, and utility usage.
Downtown Managed Parking Program
City officials reviewed the first year of the paid parking system, highlighting strong turnover and reinvestment funds, while several business owners argued that QR code confusion and lack of parking hurt retail and restaurant traffic.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report
The council is reviewing the city's financial performance and spending halfway through the fiscal year's final stretch.
Dittlinger Mill Redevelopment
Oxbow Development Group presented preliminary plans for the adaptive reuse of the Dittlinger Mill site into a mixed-use district with retail, dining, and public spaces. Residents expressed excitement along with concerns regarding traffic, parking, and building heights.
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.
Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing Impact Fee Waiver
The board debated whether to provide $500,000 in public funds to help cover impact fees for a 76-unit affordable housing development. Supporters emphasized the need for workforce housing, while public commenters questioned developer fees and public subsidies.
Comal and Guadalupe Counties Workforce Study
A comprehensive workforce study is underway to survey industry leaders and gather data on job needs, retention, and training requirements in Comal and Guadalupe counties.
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.
Northwest Park Lease Agreement
The board approved a five-year lease to allow immediate primitive public access and trail development on a newly acquired 130-acre park property.
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.
CTTC Building Tenancy
The board received updates on ongoing capital improvement projects and the Creekside Town Center development. These updates help track how public funds are being used to support local infrastructure and commercial growth.
Solid Waste Residential Services Rate Adjustments
City staff presented a proposal to raise residential solid waste rates for the first time since 2010, moving from a split rate to a combined $20 monthly fee starting in April 2027, followed by annual $2 increases through 2031 to offset surging equipment and disposal costs.
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.
Economic Development Negotiations with Gener8tor
The council considered an Economic Development Corporation recommendation to fund a $1.125 million multi-year entrepreneurship incubator project with Gener8tor, but ultimately decided to postpone the vote.
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.
Chapter 138 Vehicles for Hire Amendments
The board will review proposed updates to local regulations governing pedicabs, general shuttle services, and horse-drawn carriages.
Pahmeyer Road Traffic Calming
Residents and board members weighed a new traffic calming plan designed to slow down speeding drivers on Pahmeyer Road.
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.
Gruene Road Boutique Hotel and Commercial Rezoning
Commissioners pushed back on carving commercial zoning out of one lot in the middle of an R-1 neighborhood — the base zoning stays even if the rental use ends. The applicant himself agreed the city's ordinance forces this awkward rezoning, hinting at a possible rule change the council could consider.
Code Amendments for Unimproved Parking, Sidewalks, and Drainage
A commissioner asked whether short-term rentals trigger sidewalk requirements. Staff explained new primary structures now require sidewalks under an updated ordinance, but STR conversions don't — and council could impose them case-by-case as conditions.
Short-Term Rental Zoning
The commission drew a clear line: a short-term rental wrapped in a commercial rezone inside an established single-family neighborhood got denied, while similar requests in commercial or transitional areas were supported. Expect more of these cases as the city balances tourism housing against neighborhood character.
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.
Firefighter Drug Use Disqualification Guidelines
The commission is reviewing proposed clarifications regarding drug use disqualifications for entry-level firefighter applicants.
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.
FY 2027 Reinvestment Zone and Development Authority Budget
The advisory committee reviewed how parking revenue is reinvested into downtown New Braunfels to support wayfinding, signage, and infrastructure projects that benefit visitors and local businesses.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
The board adopted the upcoming fiscal year budget, which outlines projected revenues, debt obligations, and funding for ongoing community projects.