Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
26 issues in public safety
Board and Commission Code of Conduct and Free Speech Review
The council is reviewing legal guidelines regarding free speech rights and the code of conduct expected from members serving on city advisory boards and commissions.
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 local firefighters union are negotiating updates to their labor agreement, which shapes employment terms and public safety operations.
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.
Legal Briefing on Governance and Open Government
Council members received a closed briefing on open meetings, public information laws, and meeting decorum.
Automated License Plate Reader Program
Police Chief Flores presented 2025 crime stats showing a 5% overall crime reduction and discussed independent third-party audits verifying strict privacy compliance for License Plate Readers.
Lake Front Avenue Speed Limit
Residents near Lake Front Avenue raised concerns about dangerous speeding and pedestrian safety issues. The board responded by recommending a speed limit reduction to 25 mph.
Library Test Proctoring Policy Update
The board updated loan periods, renewals, and fine procedures, deciding that patron cards will be placed on hold until fines are paid or items returned.
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
The Civil Service Commission reviewed and certified the promotional lists for Police Corporal and Police Lieutenant, ensuring that supervisory positions can be filled based on recent competitive exams.
Pending Litigation: City v. Lynn K. Wohlfahrt
The council reviewed an active city lawsuit in a closed-door legal strategy session.
Airport Safety and Communications
Council members and residents discussed airport safety, including intermittent ground radio lines and military flight deconfliction with Randolph Air Force Base.
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.
Library Advisory Board Bylaws Revision
The board delayed voting on proposed updates to their bylaws to ensure meeting schedule rules are flexible enough.
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.
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.
ADA Accessibility Compliance
The city is working to make sure all public buildings, parks, and websites are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.
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.
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.