Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
35 issues with medium priority
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.
210 S. Castell Contract Extension Request
Developers working at 210 S. Castell are asking for more time to meet their contract deadlines.
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.
CTTC Building Tenancy
Members will discuss upcoming tenancy arrangements for the CTTC building to support educational and workforce programs.
Golf Course Operations and Financial Performance
The advisory board is reviewing the Q4 financial report and operational updates for the Landa Park Municipal Golf Course. These updates help ensure the course remains financially sustainable and well-maintained for local golfers.
Historic District Alteration and Demolition Requests
The Historic Landmark Commission is reviewing multiple requests for property alterations, sign installations, window replacements, and a potential structure relocation or demolition within local historic districts. These cases test how the city balances property owner needs with preserving historic architectural character.
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.
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
Board members reviewed long-range financial forecasts to understand expected revenue and spending trends over the next five years.
Legal Briefing on Governance and Open Government
Council members received a closed briefing on open meetings, public information laws, and meeting decorum.
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.
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.
2026 Soul Searching Program
The committee will review and consider plans for the 2026 Soul Searching event or program, which engages the community with local history and cemetery heritage.
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 updated loan periods, renewals, and fine procedures, deciding that patron cards will be placed on hold until fines are paid or items returned.
Pending Litigation: City v. Lynn K. Wohlfahrt
The council reviewed an active city lawsuit in a closed-door legal strategy session.
Downtown Housing and Public Incentives
Local businesses received funding support for improvements, and an extension was granted for lagging projects.
Westside Community Center Operations
The Westside Community Center has transitioned to the Parks and Recreation Department to expand fitness opportunities, add new programming, and introduce a $10 monthly membership structure.
Mission Drive Speed Limit Pilot Study
A pilot study on Mission Drive revealed that physical roadway narrowing reduced speeds more effectively than just lowering the posted speed limit to 25 mph.
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.
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.
Arts and Culture Master Plan
The board reviewed recommendations and priority areas for integrating arts and culture into the downtown area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPARK Small Business Center Q2 Performance Update
The board reviewed performance metrics, training programs, and community impact initiatives from the SPARK Small Business Center for the second quarter of the fiscal year.
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.
Faust Hotel Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement
Council approved a financial incentive agreement to support the extensive $10 million restoration of the historic Faust Hotel in downtown New Braunfels. The project will upgrade the landmark, reduce room counts for larger suites, and add high-end lodging and conference space.
Connections Lease Real Property Deliberation
The council discussed terms and due diligence regarding a property lease known as the Connections Lease.
Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Code Amendments
The city is updating how it requires developers to study traffic. The goal is to stop requiring studies on every single street and instead focus on the ones that actually matter, which should save time and money.
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.