On the agenda: New Braunfels City Council — data center (Aug 24)

CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
550 LANDA STREET
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Michael French, Mayor
Lawrence Spradley, Councilmember (District 4)
Toni L. Carter, Councilmember (District 1) Mary Ann Labowski, Councilmember (District 5)
Michael Capizzi, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2)
Nikki Shaw, Councilmember (District 6)
D. Lee Edwards, Councilmember (District 3)
Robert Camareno, City Manager
OUR MISSION
The City of New Braunfels serves the community by planning for the future, responding
to community needs, and preserving our natural beauty and unique heritage.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
CALL OF ROLL: CITY SECRETARY
REQUEST
ALL
PHONES
AND
EMERGENCY ON-CALL PERSONNEL.

OTHER

DEVICES

BE

TURNED

OFF,

EXCEPT

INVOCATION: COUNCILMEMBER CARTER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & SALUTE TO THE TEXAS FLAG
PROCLAMATIONS:

A)

National Payroll Week

26-698

CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS

We will now open Citizens Communications, our public comment period where our citizens are
heard. In the interest of time and structure, this period is specifically for individuals to address the
City Council on issues and items of concern that are not listed on this agenda. There will be no
City Council action at this time. Citizens will be provided with the right to speak on posted
agenda items, which we will recognize later when those specific items are called. In the interest
of protecting the City’s network and data security, we cannot accept flash drives or electronic files
at the podium. (You do need to upload your digital files to the City Secretary's online form two
hours prior to the meeting). Please use hard copies on our overhead projector for the Council to
view. Individuals desiring to speak, please line up behind the podium and be ready. This is your
time to address your City Council. We only ask that you remain respectful and courteous to
everyone in the room. When you reach the podium, please state your name and whether you are
a resident of New Braunfels, a non-resident, or live within our ETJ. Thank you.
1.

CONSENT AGENDA

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

All items listed below are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the City Council and
will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the consent
agenda and considered as part of the normal order of business. Citizens must be present to pull
an item.

Action Items

A)

Approval of the
meeting minutes
meeting minutes.

city council August 3,
and the August 11,

2026 special 26-980
2026 special

Natalie Baker, Deputy City Secretary

B)

Approval
of
a
contract
with
Rucoba
&
Maya 26-785
Construction, LLC for the construction of the Alamo Area
Metropolitan Planning Organization Citywide Pedestrian
Improvement Project Phase 1.
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director

C)

Approval to authorize the City Manager to execute an 26-965
Interlocal Agreement with the Josuha Independent
School District in accordance with Chapter 791 of the
Texas Government Code for goods and services.
Shane Knudson, Fleet Manager

D)

Approval of lease agreement with River Hofbrau NB LLC 26-916
for concession services at Landa Park Golf Course.
Ken Wilson, Director of Parks and Recreation

E)

Approval of a Budget Amendment for the FY 2026 Airport 26-987
Fund.
Becky Wiatrek, Assistant Director of Finance

Resolutions

F)

Approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of 26-1008
New Braunfels, Texas, amending the Meet and Confer
Agreement between the City and the New Braunfels
Police Officers' Association (NBPOA) for a term ending
on September 30, 2028.
Becca Miears, Director of Human Resources

G)

Approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to 26-950
enter into an Advance Funding Agreement between the
City of New Braunfels and the Texas Department of
Transportation for the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

Organization
Phase 2.

Citywide

Pedestrian

Improvements

Project

Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
2.

INDIVIDUAL ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

Individuals desiring to speak to any individual item should line up behind the podium and be
ready to speak when public comment is recognized.

A)

Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance, 26-797
requested by Will Baker of Awe Be Ltd., to rezone
approximately 0.3 of an acre out of the Starlight Terrace
Subdivision Unit 1, Block 2, Lot 9, from M-1 (Light
Industrial
District)
to
R-2A
(Single-Family
and
Two-Family District), currently addressed at 1038 and
1042 Seidel Street.
Matthew Simmont, AICP, Planning Manager
Applicant/Owner: Will Baker with Awe Be Ltd.

B)

Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance, 26-963
requested by Patrick W. Christensen, on behalf of Karma
Enterprises NB LLC, to rezone approximately 2.7 acres
out of the Bentwood Commercial Unit Three, Lot 3, from
APD SUP (Agricultural/Pre-development District with a
Special Use Permit to allow a retail development with
specific uses) to C-1A (Neighborhood Business District),
currently addressed at 2009 South Walnut Avenue.
Matthew Simmont, AICP, Planning Manager
Applicant: Patrick W. Christensen
Owner: Karma Enterprises NB LLC

C)

Discuss and consider the second reading of an 26-996
ordinance to amend Section 126-346 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of New Braunfels to prohibit
parking on both sides of Divine Way from the intersection
with Fayette Drive southwesterly and northeasterly for
approximately 60 feet.
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director

D)

Presentation and possible direction to staff to amend the 26-979
City’s Code of Ordinances regarding data centers.
Michael French, New Braunfels Mayor
Matthew Simmont, Planning Manager

E)

Discuss and consider the second and final reading of an 26-1012

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

ordinance amending Chapter 130, Article IV, Divisions
3,5,6, and of the City’s Code of Ordinances to adjust
residential and landscape irrigation drought surcharges;
revise drought stage destinations and triggers; clarify
definitions and related provisions; repeal conflicting
ordinance; provide a savings clause; and establish an
effective date.
Ryan Kelso, NBU Chief Executive Officer

F)

Discuss
and
consider
approval
of
a
Resolution 26-901
recommending the New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) Board
of Directors exempt capital impact and recovery fees per the NBU Impact Fee Waiver Policy - in an amount up
to $500,000 for the Park at Dogwood, a qualified
affordable housing project in the City of New Braunfels.
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director

G)

Discuss and consider the following Mayfair-related 26-935
amendments, requested by Thad Rutherford, President
and CEO, Southstar at Mayfair Developer, LLC:
a) Public
hearing
and
consideration
of
proposed
amendments to the Mayfair Development and Design
Control Document (DDCD): and
b) Proposed amendments to the Mayfair Development
Agreement.
Matt Greene, Principal Planner
Thad Rutherford, President and CEO of Southstar at Mayfair Developer, LLC

H)

Discuss and consider approval of a resolution of the City 26-993
of New Braunfels, Texas, authorizing the use of eminent
domain proceedings for the acquisition of right-of-way
that is necessary to advance and achieve the public use
of improving Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane to meet the
existing and future needs of the City, in the event
negotiations are unsuccessful:
a. a 0.4592-acre ROW and 0.158-acre Utility Easement
out of the Antonio Maria Esnaurizar Survey, Abstract 20,
Guadalupe County, Texas, out of Lot 2A, Timmerman
Subdivision as recorded in Volume 5, Page 393 A & B,
Map and Plat Records of Guadalupe County, Texas
Located at 2241 Westmeyer Road, New Braunfels,
Texas
78130,
and
Assigned
Guadalupe
County

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

Appraisal District Property ID 43773
Matthew Eckmann, Assistant Director of Public Works

I)

Discuss and consider approval of a contract with BRW 26-984
Architects
to
provide
final
plans,
specifications,
estimates, and construction-phase services for a live fire
training facility and approval to issue a competitive
sealed proposal solicitation as the procurement method
for construction of improvements associated with the live
fire training facility.
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
Ruy Lozano, Fire Chief

J)

Discuss and consider the approval of an ordinance 26-909
authorizing the issuance of City of New Braunfels, Texas
Tax Notes, Series 2026; levying an ad valorem tax in
support of the notes; awarding the sale of the notes;
approving an official statement, a paying agent/registrar
agreement and other agreements relating to the sale and
issuance of the notes; and ordaining other matters
relating to the issuance of the notes.
Jared Werner, Assistant City Manager

3.

PRESENTATIONS;

A)

Presentation on New Braunfels Airport Safety.

26-1017

Toni Carter, New Braunfels Councilmember District 1
4.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Ch. 551.071, the City
Council may convene in a closed session to discuss any of the items listed on this agenda. Any
final action or vote on any executive session item will be taken in open session.

A)

Deliberate
pending/contemplated
litigation,
settlement 26-1011
offer(s),
and
matters
concerning
privileged
and
unprivileged client information deemed confidential by
Rule 1.05 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct in accordance with Section 551.071, of the
Texas Government Code, specifically:
a. Cause No. 2026CV0238, City of New Braunfels v.
Lynn K. Wohlfahrt

B)

Deliberate the appointment and employment of a City 26-684

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

Attorney and City Manager, including matters related to
the search and selection of candidates, pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (Personnel
Matters).
5.

IF NECESSARY, RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION AND
RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

TAKE

ANY

ACTION

ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify the above Notice of Meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the New
Braunfels City Hall.

_____________________________________
Gayle Wilkinson, City Secretary
NOTE: Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids
or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, or large
print, are requested to contact the City Secretary’s Office at (830) 221-4010 at least two (2) work
days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT:

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

TAXPAYER IMPACT STATEMENT
Comal County & Guadalupe County
House Bill 1522, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025, amends section 551.043 of the Texas Government Code to require that the
notice of a meeting required to be posted under section 551.043(a) of the Texas Open Meetings Act, at which a governmental body will
discuss or adopt a budget for the governmental body, must include a taxpayer impact statement showing, for the median-valued
homestead property, a comparison of the property tax bill in dollars pertaining to the property for the current fiscal year to an estimate of
the property tax bill in dollars for the same property for the upcoming fiscal year.
The City of New Braunfels has adopted a budget for FY 2026.
2024 Value of Median-Valued Homestead Property in Comal County
2024 Property Tax Bill for the Current Fiscal Year ($0.0.408936)
2025 Value of Median-Valued Homestead Property in Comal County
Estimated 2025 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming Fiscal Year if the City Adopts the Proposed Budget
and Tax Rate ($0.408936 per $100 of value)
Estimated 2025 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming Fiscal Year if the City Adopts a Balanced Budget
Funded at the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate ($.409475 per $100 of value)

$
$
$

349,106
1,428
354,783

$

1,451

$

1,453

2024 Value of Median-Valued Homestead Property in Guadalupe County
2024 Property Tax Bill for the Current Fiscal Year ($0.0.408936)
2025 Value of Median-Valued Homestead Property in Guadalupe County
Estimated 2025 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming Fiscal Year if the City Adopts the Proposed Budget
and Tax Rate ($0.408936 per $100 of value)
Estimated 2025 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming Fiscal Year if the City Adopts a Balanced Budget
Funded at the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate ($.409475 per $100 of value)

$
$
$

331,133
1,354
311,795

$

1,275

$

1,277

The estimates in this Impact Statement are valid only for the FY 2026 adopted budget and tax rate.

Taxpayer Impact Statement 2027

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

Comal County & Guadalupe County
House Bill 1522, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025, amends section 551.043 of the Texas
Government Code to require that the notice of a meeting required to be posted under section
551.043(a) of the Texas Open Meetings Act, at which a governmental body will discuss or adopt
a budget for the governmental body, must include a taxpayer impact statement showing, for the
median-valued homestead property, a comparison of the property tax bill in dollars pertaining to
the property for the current fiscal year to an estimate of the property tax bill in dollars for the same
property for the upcoming fiscal year.
The City of New Braunfels has proposed a budget for FY 2027.
2025 Value of Median-Valued
Homestead Property in Comal County.....................................$287,080
2025 Property Tax Bill for the Current Fiscal Year ($0.0.408936).....................................$1,174
2026 Value of Median-Valued
Homestead Property in Comal County.....................................$281,180
Estimated 2026 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming
Fiscal Year if the City Adopts the Proposed Budget
and Tax Rate ($0.408936 per $100 of value).....................................$1,150
Estimated 2026 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming
Fiscal Year if the City Adopts a Balanced Budget Funded
at the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate ($.415613 per $100 of value).....................................$1,169
2025 Value of Median-Valued
Homestead Property in Guadalupe County.....................................$246,910
2025 Property Tax Bill for the Current Fiscal Year ($0.0.408936).....................................$1,010
2026 Value of Median-Valued
Homestead Property in Guadalupe County.....................................$237,372
Estimated 2026 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming
Fiscal Year if the City Adopts the Proposed Budget
and Tax Rate ($0.408936 per $100 of value).....................................$971
Estimated 2026 Property Tax Bill for the Upcoming Fiscal Year if the City Adopts
a Balanced Budget Funded at the No-New-Revenue Tax Rate ($.415613 per
$100 of value).....................................$987
The estimates in this Impact Statement are valid only for the FY 2027 proposed budget and tax
rate.
City of New Braunfels, Texas

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City Council Agenda
August 24, 2026

City of New Braunfels, Texas

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