[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6610337,"mediaKeyId","2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838","parentId",2904522,"title","Boerne leaders review results of \"Boerne Listens\" survey and discuss growth, permitting and customer service improvements","audioSeconds",2438,"startMs",1136000,"endMs",3574000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838&start=1136&end=3574","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838/thumbnail_1136000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6610337/Texas/Boerne-leaders-review-results-of-Boerne-Listens-survey-and-discuss-growth-permitting-and-customer-service-improvements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610337-856e453b4c3d519e15716c57ce80cf38/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979030&Signature=czJwaXmmiW0jX70BqVPeXurIgtnr2NC6JdQM21T~X5AGLF5lch6~bVuAVYWx3LWs5IwQM8UG43ucuRFClD-FI595aezD~lY3nAGvevr~kgbgzlH5Ym11uShjFwY0kxv9Y5BfP1olGU-5YqixP7ZW6e~RjyaLAYYSRItHxJqxRd0oSIp5Mm0h2s8yzvZ4T3gQSFlno9rZK3YlX2qT37tYwDZ5ITgj5j95qcpYbgbicb47OVQP1pebc4vpWlGisF3e-fxGWltWViZIFfsYW4rtPqIePS7BG~bYLN8fOxwhF0UQjbYoEoC-1UZlnzbgG~8xrW0IGiQ-jh35eUXLsnvV9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boerne","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","City staff reviewed results from the \"Boerne Listens\" community survey and addressed resident concerns about growth, tree preservation, historic preservation and permitting timelines at the April 8 Boerne City Council meeting.

Ben (city manager) introduced the item and asked Director Crane to present findings and follow-up actions. Director Crane said the city received just under 1,600 survey responses, of which about 75% were from residents within city limits. \"We asked a broad range of questions covering quality of life, city services, infrastructure, safety and importantly, development and growth,\" Crane said, and he presented categorized qualitative comments and suggested staff responses.

Crane summarized Boerne's regulatory framework, noting the interplay of federal and state law, the city's Home Rule authority, the comprehensive plan and the Unified Development Code (UDC) adopted in November 2020. He said many of the active subdivisions and commercial projects were approved before the UDC took effect and therefore do not reflect the 2020 standards. He addressed moratoriums and said those are governed by state statute; staff examined examples where other Texas cities adopted moratoria tied to utility capacity constraints. Crane said Boerne currently has utility capacity for additional growth and therefore does not qualify for a moratorium.

Staff described multiple operational changes intended to respond to public concerns: assigning planners as project managers to provide continuity from pre-application through building permit; promoting Liz Uvalde to development coordinator to assist both commercial and residential applicants; simplifying some drainage-study and accessory-building requirements; creating a searchable online UDC portal; and implementing MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) with step-by-step guidance to speed common permits. Crane said the city aims to reduce first-review plan times (goal: 30 to 20 days) and is working to create a \"24‑hour permit\" pathway for simple items like fences.

Council members and staff also discussed outreach to developers and residents. Crane said staff has run developer roundtables and is planning training for homeowners and small business owners on the new online permitting tools. Council members praised staff improvements, noting measurable reductions in review times: staff reported an 84% faster review for major plats and improved permit-review times despite roughly a 25% year‑over‑year increase in new home permits. Crane said commercial plan review still requires more work but that the city has brought in consultants to help reduce review time.

Council discussion touched on the influence of state legislation on local land-use regulations. Council members reiterated that the city must follow state law and that much of the visible development was approved under older standards. Several council members commended staff for progress while acknowledging continued resident concern about density, trees and construction impacts.

Staff said the city is exploring AI-based tools on permitting pages and intends to load FAQs and process guidance into a chatbot and the permitting system; staff cautioned that any AI tool will include disclaimers and remain coupled with staff oversight. Crane concluded by saying the city will continue to present targeted metrics and to refine customer-service training.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Boerne - City Council on 2025-04-08 6:00 PM - Apr 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented results from the \"Boerne Listens\" community survey and described steps to streamline permitting, add project managers for development reviews, introduce an online permitting portal and explore AI tools; speakers noted most active developments were approved prior to the 2020 Unified Development Code.","taxTitle","Boerne, Kendall County, Texas","taxId",63804,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6610342,"Council authorizes up to $300,000 contract with Kimley‑Horn for SS4A pedestrian and safety planning",290,842000,1132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838&start=842&end=1132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838/thumbnail_842000.jpg","/articles/6610342/Texas/Council-authorizes-up-to-300000-contract-with-KimleyHorn-for-SS4A-pedestrian-and-safety-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610342-971f3187a84b650e630f4d10a842e8c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979030&Signature=W5ex83RSJehkCQxEusaP8ZgRfiQbN1ObB1dDTtMRNYFibDxoKtnCxQosMXBRhTHDfZmObjcpPHLDND0k9gCl9sMsmS6tFKFlyKb1Mq999PBYK6r0J6veJBlvsxEOz3z00~BJFoAf48guMA0NErQvQMuQT~N7RzhzAy5perL0CU3GXb3ZOncuhEaFSn8Y65Sv-WmpjKZ9zNxFOV2VXC9TzEblUOJJIuZbdSpD79vzPOUE57g4hW9nqjm~jXIBJgafZDJ8st2tj85Xx2SsqNFBTdzuNkm8pQLwFjKWWzCv2uD0v3Kr1IqryQWwp6-tBR8DXyOQGYOtlgzGLedDYiK8Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boerne City Council on April 8 authorized the city manager to execute and manage an agreement with Kimley‑Horn and Associates, Inc. for consulting services on a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning project, with the contract not to exceed $300,000. The council approved Resolution 2025‑R25 by a 5–0 vote.

Jeff Carroll, staff member (presenter), summarized the SS4A program and the city's application history. Carroll said Boerne applied in 2022 for an implementation grant and received feedback recommending a planning study before pursuing implementation. The city applied in 2024 for a planning grant and was awarded funding. \"This grant will be a reimbursement grant where the federal government will give us 80% back, of the work that we do,\" Carroll told the council.

Carroll said the project scope includes updating the city's existing safety action plan to meet federal requirements, producing a downtown pedestrian safety action plan and conducting intersection safety audits using crash records. The selection committee solicited qualifications and received three submittals; staff selected Kimley‑Horn, which Carroll said has more than 10 years of experience on transportation and safety work for the city, including prior mobility planning and safety-action work.

Councilor Wolfson asked whether federal funding reimbursement posed a risk; Carroll said the city has signed a contract with the Federal Highway Administration for the SS4A grant and that the program is moving forward. He noted that another federal grant (a bridge program) is under FHWA review and has stalled, but SS4A is active.

Councilor Wilson moved approval of Resolution 2025‑R25 authorizing the city manager to enter into the contract with Kimley‑Horn and Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $300,000; Councilman Bunker seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

Votes at a glance
Resolution 2025‑R25 — Authorize agreement with Kimley‑Horn and Associates, Inc. for SS4A consulting services (not to exceed $300,000): Motion by Councilor Wilson; second by Councilman Bunker; outcome: approved, 5–0.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the meeting transcript.","Boerne approved Resolution 2025‑R25 authorizing the city manager to enter into a consulting agreement with Kimley‑Horn for a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning project, not to exceed $300,000; staff said the federal grant reimburses roughly 80% of eligible costs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6610347,"Boerne council creates five new funds for dispatch, vehicles and equipment replacement",321,512000,833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838&start=512&end=833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838/thumbnail_512000.jpg","/articles/6610347/Texas/Boerne-council-creates-five-new-funds-for-dispatch-vehicles-and-equipment-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610347-e1f84f74f1e7afa70a5ff0c9ffd2df27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979030&Signature=QCm5GiCIjlrZLmrDp8HEM9Cd76jdneSt69SIKsTPIN0GbnCGDLNcI3bzGPP80wp4w1BsLa7mMzdw9uTXMDqZdAThkIPDVfa7boq1bYUAW31mcj5ak0lpK-kGwGhOLZQA7~Pm06ljYXhd69erLz33ERTzhcAbWGuIXfHljKFYmKvCX0efkpBiOsYRtTftXI~fW9tgCgJB4SSAM5p5Y9wxlXWRV~yXz7NiAFzxWhOkGf9O3w23FKQz9hV6siGBoSZkTcOcvVvPE97umOgksTQsVTmSR3SIw1ZAWY4yPveERIw3thx5KA82z9CG4NuXbUDimbNAiN5bgbRIKwBiFfKtXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boerne City Council on April 8 approved Resolution 2025‑R24 to establish five new municipal funds: a dispatch fund; a utility vehicle replacement fund; a government vehicle replacement fund; a utility equipment replacement fund; and a government equipment replacement fund.

Sarah Bakkerlou, staff member (presenter), told council the change pulls line items out of the general fund and places them in dedicated funds to make budgeting and year‑to‑year transparency clearer. \"Essentially, what it's gonna do is it's gonna just make it more transparent, the revenues that are coming in,\" Bakkerlou said of the dispatch fund.

Bakkerlou said the vehicle and equipment funds will allow the city to accumulate proceeds from sales and to schedule large equipment replacement in order to cash-fund purchases and reduce reliance on leasing. \"This enables us to build up the fund balance and maybe cash fund some of those retirements instead of leasing them or having to incur interest,\" she said.

On the dispatch fund, staff said the center is multi‑jurisdictional. Revenue currently flows through the city; partners include Kendall County and the City of Fair Oaks Ranch. Bakkerlou said the partners agreed to the proposed accounting change and that the city manages the dispatch budget. She described the cost‑allocation as based on calls for service, noting the city and the sheriff's office typically account for about 43% of calls and Fair Oaks Ranch about 19% (staff said those percentages vary by year).

Council members asked whether money in the dedicated funds could be drawn back into the general fund; staff said any reallocation of assigned fund balance would require a council action. \"If council assigns a fund balance to these funds, we would have to come back to council and ask for it to be used for a different purpose,\" Bakkerlou said.

Councilman Bunker moved approval of Resolution 2025‑R24; Councilman Scott seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

Votes at a glance
Resolution 2025‑R24 — Create dispatch and four vehicle/equipment replacement funds: Motion by Councilman Bunker; second by Councilman Scott; outcome: approved, 5–0.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the meeting transcript.","The council unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑R24 to set up a dispatch fund and four replacement funds for government and utility vehicles and equipment to improve transparency and budgeting for fleet and dispatch operations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6610351,"Boerne council adopts update to financial management policy to align procurement, reporting and risk rules",331,162000,493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838&start=162&end=493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2904522-24c96e50e3eccec4e39cdffae6fc5838/thumbnail_162000.jpg","/articles/6610351/Texas/Boerne-council-adopts-update-to-financial-management-policy-to-align-procurement-reporting-and-risk-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6610351-a5b3add319e3b2458d349a56f8a2517d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979030&Signature=OA5Yw1gyPmKhLGkB9P4ucvL1FkuuIfo3mH0SDX8D296SDnuYM05dhg2QF3cWfwtW95h4TA2Qpe2sq28Bhu7IfMt4HR1sHrMBKaYOdrO9Ivfynw9vhmi8HJMmA6XoV7zncM9FEXeMe7dKArFmQHQcPOIck91~lMTuEwPR168oWQCzlXydwTZe493-PQqv4AieG4bi4WUcaezLaE1ABnLF~4efxXlsvEl1jc6BeiU7i4hYUxseiRUIKbRuYIlY3rRIlny8G7uqmJ7v0ijrBOaAfvTscgUXQBeu~ZoqTCA6Aq8KHEQpwvMSArZI4~12ykWb1LokalKKBOsDTHfXxrtT4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boerne City Council on April 8 unanimously adopted Resolution 2025‑R23, approving revisions to the city's Financial Management Policy intended to align the document with recently adopted procurement and purchasing-card policies and with applicable accounting and regulatory guidance.

City staff said the update creates a single, unified financial policy handbook that cross-references several stand-alone policies used for audit, employee acknowledgement and regulatory reporting.

Sarah Bakkerlou, staff member (presenter), told the council the city is consolidating and clarifying where specific policies live. \"We're creating a uniform unified financial policy handbook. The financial management policy is the the main policy,\" Bakkerlou said, adding that some policies remain separate because they are provided annually to investors or regulators. She cited the investment policy required by the Public Funds Investment Act and an ERCOT risk-management policy that is submitted annually so the city may participate in ERCOT market mechanisms such as congestion revenue rights.

The measure also included a broader wording \"scrub\" to ensure terminology is consistent with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance, the city's Home Rule Charter and the city's newly adopted procurement and P‑card policies. Bakkerlou said the policy update specifically reworks Section 5 to refer to the stand-alone procurement policy to avoid conflicts.

Councilor Macaluso asked whether the city receives congestion-revenue payments from ERCOT; Bakkerlou said the city sometimes does when it participates in the market but currently is not participating. \"It's one of the many financial tools that we could use if we wanted to participate in it,\" she said, and staff said the council will consider a future briefing on market participation options (for example, congestion revenue rights versus a hedge or swap).

Councilman Williston moved approval of Resolution 2025‑R23; Councilwoman Wright seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

Staff indicated the revisions are intended to improve audit transparency and operational clarity and to reduce the need for piecemeal updates across multiple documents when one policy changes. The council did not request further amendments at the meeting.

Votes at a glance
Resolution 2025‑R23 — Adopt revisions to the Financial Management Policy: Motion by Councilman Williston; second by Councilwoman Wright; outcome: approved, 5–0.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the meetings' official transcript.","The Boerne City Council on April 8 approved Resolution 2025‑R23 to revise the city's Financial Management Policy so it aligns with recently adopted procurement and purchasing-card policies, GASB guidance and other regulatory requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Boerne leaders review results of "Boerne Listens" survey and discuss growth, permitting and customer service improvements

Council authorizes up to $300,000 contract with Kimley‑Horn for SS4A pedestrian and safety planning

Boerne council creates five new funds for dispatch, vehicles and equipment replacement

Boerne council adopts update to financial management policy to align procurement, reporting and risk rules