Mayor· 2026-2029
Michael French
New Braunfels
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 26
- Total speaking time
- 6:00:16
- Avg per meeting
- 13:51
- Segments
- 7827
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Top issues during term (20)
Automated License Plate Reader Program
The city is currently in a grace period and not paying while funding is unresolved.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
Allocates over $20 million in projected expenditures aligned with city-wide financial planning.
2026 Roadway Impact Fee Rate Review
Developers will pay significantly higher road fees — for example, Service Area 2's maximum rose to $319 per vehicle mile, a 5x increase over 2020.
Short-Term Rental Zoning
Short-term rentals can raise property income for owners but neighbors worry about effects on home values and neighborhood character.
Northwest Park Master Plan Project Update
Full buildout estimated at $56.2 million in construction costs alone, unfunded and likely a future bond proposition.
Charter Review Committee
Nominal administrative costs associated with commission meetings and legal counsel support.
Downtown Managed Parking Program
Generated approximately $638,000 in gross revenue, with over 60% reinvested into downtown infrastructure and beautification projects.
City Attorney and City Manager Searches
Leadership salaries and recruitment expenses will impact the administrative budget.
Police Union Meet and Confer Agreement Amendments
Details regarding financial impacts were not provided in the agenda materials.
Commercial Design Standards
The impact depends on whether the deviation affects property values or the aesthetic quality of the IH-35 corridor.
Economic Development Negotiations with Gener8tor
Up to $1,125,000 from Economic Development Corporation funds over multiple years.
Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing Impact Fee Waiver
Up to $500,000 expenditure from the EDC.
FY 2026 Taxpayer Impact Statement
The tax rate directly impacts the annual property tax bill for every homeowner in the city.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
Involves allocation of TIRZ 3 funds for local business improvements.
Pahmeyer Road Traffic Calming
Costs associated with implementing physical traffic calming devices on Pahmeyer Road.
2027 River Season Fees and Ordinance Changes
Changes to the fee structure could alter revenue collected for local river operations and maintenance.
Data Center Regulations
Potential long-term economic development impacts tied to high-tech infrastructure investments.
2026 Soul Searching Program
Event expenses will be offset by sponsorships and potential partnership arrangements.
City Leadership Recruitment
Executive recruitment and compensation packages will involve city administrative expenditures.
Signage Regulations and Alternative Plans
Future removal of an off-site billboard and private investment in industrial flex space.
Decisions during term (214)
Recorded while French was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Consent Agenda (Items A-E, G-K, incl. FY 2027 Investment Policy resolution)
Quickbase software subscription (pulled consent item F)
Barbarosa Road/Saur Lane right-of-way expenditure
Adoption of 2026 Roadway Impact Fee Study
Sun Retreats manufactured home rezone — 141 Rueckle Road
Miller estate rezone — 1283 State Highway 46 South
Coburn short-term rental rezone — 242 East Austin Street
Fritsch short-term rental rezone — 1064 Comal Avenue
Entertainment/tour bus and mobile medical unit permit ordinance
Approval of the city council October 12, 2026, regular and executive session meeting minutes.
Approval for purchases of vehicles with Chastang Autocar, Doggett Freightliner of South Texas, and Bluebonnet Motors Ford for the Solid Waste Division and approval to declare replaced units as surplus.
Approval of purchases of vehicles with Bluebonnet Motors Ford and Caldwell Country Chevrolet for various City Departments and approval to declare replaced units as surplus.
Consent Agenda Approval
Municipal Court Judge Salary Increase
Approval of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Expenditure for Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing
Contract Amendment for 210 S. Castell, LLC
Approval of Consent Agenda
Installation of 'In God We Trust' Motto in Council Chambers
Resolution Declaring Expectation to Reimburse NBU Capital Improvement Expenditures
Voting record (46)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Sun Retreats manufactured home rezone — 141 Rueckle Road
Voted with the majority on the motion to deny.
Municipal Court Judge Salary Increase
Second and Final Reading of Downtown Board Purpose and Bylaws Ordinance
motion to approve this item.
Councilmember Labowski motioned to approve this item.
Councilmember Edwards motioned to approve this item.
approve this item
move to move the pulled consent agenda items to the end and be read after the individual items are considered
postpone this item until the October 26th regular city council meeting
motion to approve this item.
motion to approve this item.
Drought Contingency Plan Amendments (Second Reading)
Postponement of Rezoning Request for 141 Rueckle Road (Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park)
Approval of Series 2026 Certificates of Obligation for South Kowald Lane Drainage
Approval of Pulled Consent Item: NBEDC Trail and Park Lease
Approval of Pulled Consent Item: Microsoft Enterprise Agreement
Ordinance No. 2026-51: 2026 Ad Valorem Tax Rate (First Reading)
Mayor Pro Tem Capizzi motioned to approve this item.
Councilmember Labowski motioned to approve amendment A of this item.
Councilmember Labowski motioned to approve this item.
Councilmember Labowski motioned to approve amendment B of this item.
Divine Way Parking Prohibition Second Reading
Irrigation Drought Surcharges Ordinance Second Reading
Mayfair DDCD Amendments
Mayfair Development Agreement Amendments
Eminent Domain Authorization for Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane
Issuance of Tax Notes Series 2026
Councilmember Spradley motioned to approve this item.
Councilmember Edwards motioned to amend the approval by adding a delay in the billing structure until October 2027.
Councilmember Spradley motioned to approved this item.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items A and G
Drought Contingency Ordinance Amendment (First Reading)
Rezoning for 256 East Austin Street
Retain Law Offices of Ryan Henry for Police Headquarters Investigation
Councilmember Labowski motioned to approve this item.
motioned to approve this item.
Approval of FY 2026 Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment
Approval of Consent for Mayfair Master District Bonds
Appointment of Nathan Brown as Interim City Attorney
to approve this item.
to approve this item.
Approval of Budget Amendment for City Attorney Department
Approval of Loan Forgiveness for New Braunfels National Airport
Election of Mayor Pro Tem
Voted against the appointment of Councilmember Capizzi.