[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6050220,"mediaKeyId","3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4","parentId",3492348,"title","Council hears plan for Comal Avenue bike improvements; staff proposes summer pilot and evaluation","audioSeconds",3974,"startMs",7066000,"endMs",11040000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4&start=7066&end=11040","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4/thumbnail_7066000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6050220/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Council-hears-plan-for-Comal-Avenue-bike-improvements-staff-proposes-summer-pilot-and-evaluation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050220-6076f9ebb656a57d8317874e5d5bf530/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157379&Signature=dTtA9a5gTU4P4QqohQg3V33UwIUJcIaqy3pGB-MS-TY~66VE5oSMNcw-SARkCKzI3Wpbel3S95L0AjUsvdEhHDJo9ZODWYZM7RxmvjV1p1Y8~zdbUSGKes9XY96IBsi2b7lg7hkC-fnSdGb~tCBDhnzOrZpg5LnsC0q0W6ivf1uni0OpGPlmiTFo~5mtijVUk4gyDdb-bgpUQ~9-tRdx7W~pUIJQV7cYp7875HbLU6G7kfzPPoIsFI1FR5z29TZkuKCUw-R-nX3AeXONhyVAgAozAzlo1CJ5dpPmRhX8trjymIPPZm4vNUK-S-0jvWV9zcyom6r7GuY4kEGPf2VYcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Braunfels City","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","City engineers presented options May 12 for improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety on Comal Avenue and Faust Street, a designated all‑ages route from downtown toward the Faust Street bridge. Staff recommended a pilot program of “option 3,” a striping and low‑profile delineator approach that aims to preserve much on‑street parking while creating protected lanes for bikes; council did not take formal action but directed staff to collect feedback and data.

Why it matters: Comal Avenue links downtown destinations, the riverfront and the planned Waterway Lane trail. The corridor already carries pedestrian and bike traffic, but staff said parking has been allowed in the bike lanes and utility poles and dense driveways limit conventional improvements. The city’s goal is an approachable, “all‑abilities” bike network that protects people walking and biking while balancing residential and business parking needs.

Carly Farmer, assistant city engineer, summarized three alternatives: keep parking on both sides and use shared lanes; remove parking on one side and provide dedicated bike lanes; or a hybrid (option 3) that repurposes part of the wider pavement cross‑section to create separated bike lanes buffered from parked cars by low‑profile devices. Farmer explained the hybrid as a way to gain separated space without full curb reconstruction and said the Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board had unanimously recommended staff’s approach for the Butcher Street request but that Comal/Faust needed broader community input.

Farmer described the recommended pilot: restripe the roadway to a 30‑foot vehicular cross section with two travel lanes and reserve roughly five feet on each side for a protected bike lane separated by low‑profile delineators (sometimes called “tough curb”). She said staff would also add intersection bulb‑outs and an all‑way stop at Comal and Faust where appropriate and monitor traffic speeds, parking utilization and safety metrics.

Public comment was heavily engaged. Jody Baker, a downtown commercial property owner and owner of a bike shop, said he supports one‑side parking with bike lanes on both sides, arguing that the city’s existing condition forces cyclists into traffic when cars park in bike lanes and contributes to collisions: “I like parking on 1 side and then bike lanes on both and then easy auto traffic in both directions.”

Multiple residents who live on Comal or adjacent blocks said the street already experiences high vehicle speeds, summer overflow from river parking and instances of drivers running the stop signs. Longtime residents urged caution: several said seasonal river visitors regularly fill the riverside spaces and that removing residential parking would hurt homeowners who rely on curb parking for guests and family. Lynn Norville, whose family has owned homes on Comal for generations, said the river‑side no‑parking arrangement was obtained after repeated crowding and called for preserving protections granted to riverside homeowners: “The people that live on that street, we have rights too.”

Staff proposed a summer 2025 pilot on the East South Street segment as a proof of concept, with data collection through fall 2025 and a council presentation of findings in October. Farmer said the pilot would be implemented with pavement markings and low‑profile separators, accompanied by public education. If the pilot proves successful, staff might extend the approach along additional blocks; if not, staff said they would revisit option 2 (remove parking on one side) or other measures.

Ending: The council did not adopt any ordinance at the May 12 meeting; staff will continue outreach and return with pilot data and recommendations later in 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","New Braunfels City Hall - Council Chambers 6:00 PM 5/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City engineers presented options May 12 for improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety on Comal Avenue and Faust Street, and staff recommended a pilot that would add separated bike lanes while preserving on‑street parking using low‑profile delineators.","taxTitle","New Braunfels, Comal County, Texas","taxId",2780,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050225,"Council holds first reading on paid downtown parking plan as public reaction splits",3634,2241000,5875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4&start=2241&end=5875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4/thumbnail_2241000.jpg","/articles/6050225/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Council-holds-first-reading-on-paid-downtown-parking-plan-as-public-reaction-splits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050225-e1cb0ebf8dee46ed5f5b818b174c4892/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157379&Signature=jmkfHHWxSMRpQx8NxucVLV96TwaGM5F76In-MznwazKld9EWQ4-BdO9lf6h5MHrA~kOxznB4PjtobJTCb~-HOQ~8ZxqtJOwCeZJAFPoHBpRBrOG0lMHPu4IkpyR-Z7juqU2BXMUoFYPirmTdNe50ryT~yOV5RHboRLnwgDOG2iy7S8UboV98kIv4KpUqLWqMBNWFuT3e73maDJP6L5s7GW4U6RR9hnv780Of~PO4j6P9TYCbYXs5jeACAPDsqp8HECD6WZPrSfLPUO-zhr0lF~CNXM-aXo8hJIofuHEbyt3VYtQ5YZEpnVVVaC10Fk~geP9L7UV6kGvqsh~zk52hRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Braunfels City Council on May 12 heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the city code to establish a managed, paid-parking program for much of the downtown two‑hour zone and held a public hearing that produced mixed reactions from business owners, residents and the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.

The measure under consideration would convert a third of downtown on‑street spaces that are currently in a two‑hour zone into a managed system with a first hour free, $2 per hour thereafter and an all‑day cap of $10; an expanded employee permit program; an opt‑in program for private off‑street lots; and a high‑visibility customer‑service ambassador program operated by the city’s vendor, Interstate Parking. City staff recommended the ordinance for a first reading; council did not record a final vote on adoption during the meeting.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said the program is intended to increase turnover for short‑term parking in front of businesses, reduce congestion from cars circling for spaces, and channel fees into a downtown parking fund to pay for operations and future investments such as property leases or a parking structure. Opponents warned that charging for prime spaces could push long‑term parkers into nearby residential neighborhoods and reduce convenience for customers and residents.

Jeff Jewell, the city’s economic and community development director, opened the presentation by describing the item as the ordinance’s first reading and putting the change in historical context: “Tonight is the first reading of a series of changes to the code of ordinances establishing, some changes in the downtown parking zone,” he told council and the public.

Tony (first name used in presentation) Janowick, an Interstate Parking representative, described how the system would function. He said the pricing structure would be “a first hour free and then a simple $2 an hour thereafter with an all day max of $10.” He also described the vendor’s customer‑service model, including high‑visibility ambassadors on ebikes to assist visitors and a soft rollout in which initial noncompliance would generate informational notices rather than citations.

The city and contractor stressed enforcement would focus on education. Janowick said the vendor does not profit from citations and that immobilization or towing is rare: under the proposed enforcement rules, a vehicle with multiple unpaid citations could eventually be immobilized, but Interstate has moved away from towing in most operations and described immobilization as an uncommon outcome.

Public testimony split along business and residential lines. Jonathan Packer, representing the New Braunfels Chamber, supported the city’s effort, telling the council: “Change is not easy. But it’s often essential.” Downtown business owner Kat Kyle Balmus, who operates The Local on Castell Avenue, said maintaining turnover is critical for shop and restaurant traffic and added she is prepared to adopt business‑level measures such as paying for customer parking when helpful.

Several residents voiced concerns that the new system would push parkers into adjacent neighborhoods, reduce access for elderly visitors and workers, and add costs for downtown employees. One resident asked whether fees would first pay contractor costs; staff said parking fees would first cover contractor payments and that remaining revenues would be deposited in a downtown parking fund for reinvestment. Another frequent concern was how disabled veterans or temporary hang‑tag users would be accommodated; staff said vehicles displaying disabled‑veteran plates would be exempt once registered in the vendor’s system.

City staff said the rollout would include public outreach, two community open houses and education at major downtown events; staff and the vendor also said they would monitor neighborhood spillover and recommend residential permit expansions if problems appear. Jewell noted the council in April had already approved converting enforcement of parking citations from the prior criminal process to a civil one, which staff says makes enforcement and collection more administrable.

The ordinance was presented as a first reading; staff said a second reading was planned for a later May meeting and that the city would target a July 7 activation date if the council approves the change. The council did not record a final adoption vote on the ordinance at the May 12 meeting.

The council asked staff to continue public outreach and to return with data after the soft launch so the program can be adjusted.

Ending note: If adopted, the program will route parking revenues to a dedicated downtown parking fund intended to support enforcement, operations and potential future parking projects.","The New Braunfels City Council on May 12 heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the city code to establish a managed, paid-parking program for much of the downtown two‑hour zone and held a public hearing that produced mixed reactions from business owners, residents and the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050205,"Council certifies May 3 municipal election results for Districts 1 and 2",111,7576000,7687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4&start=7576&end=7687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4/thumbnail_7576000.jpg","/articles/6050205/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Council-certifies-May-3-municipal-election-results-for-Districts-1-and-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050205-17849241e5f8535cf7758f8aa86b2b06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157379&Signature=aK6PGjzhsSXAzuURofyXuMMbXoIXwg7MHv4CawqMwM~7lrgSKpTssd--DZGa0fv5im3BQOi2~zejo-tPpx95fNT8~tsmBFvsrPYAGzSjslinKBf3axDAj02-eVed37cZzPXoa88vtdGkw4Rss4gO1iOxqbk9D-a8G27GLySwt5n15rjniwX8T58IsscgR4C8pfANgYD5Qy9PXy5qbFZZdxVa6UmJdXWkt3HlFGy04CLwd2iSSryP8H~GURY2mUbpdEaVG2GAsdpDamv~EtSGJi8aRR6I9E~mIoOvFB~qmCBU-rDsvdBMPYNhr~7MVDSKnnwtHpiisvdVL5hN4bq6~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Secretary Gail Wilkinson read the results of the May 3 general election during the May 12 meeting and the council adopted an ordinance canvassing and declaring the results.

Wilkinson announced for City Council District 1 (8,45 votes reported) that Tony Carter received 439 votes, George Green 64 and Andres Campos 342; Carter received a majority with 51.95 percent of the combined Comal and Guadalupe county totals. For District 2 (503 votes cast) Michael Capizzi received 287 votes and Christopher Willis 216 votes.

Councilmember LaBoski moved to approve the canvas and declaration of results; the record shows the motion was approved in roll call with recorded ayes by council members and the mayor, and the ordinance declaring the results was adopted on one reading.

Ending: The action formally completes certification of the May 3 election for two council seats.","City staff read the certified vote totals for the May 3 general election; Tony Carter won District 1 with roughly 52% of the vote and Michael Capizzi prevailed in District 2. Council adopted an ordinance declaring and canvassing the results on a single reading.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050210,"Council amends Butcher Street parking: removes restrictions in one segment, maintains no‑parking where pavement is narrow",456,6539000,6995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4&start=6539&end=6995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4/thumbnail_6539000.jpg","/articles/6050210/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Council-amends-Butcher-Street-parking-removes-restrictions-in-one-segment-maintains-noparking-where-pavement-is-narrow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050210-214491cf5b65b87ac6e89a14826308b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157379&Signature=oUr7qNditKkU6j~7hE4MaXXeH9mNZc7tP2fW-v4pXq~L5vnkVOVgdaqsp2KnQXZBRUz8BJhBM4vmQ5YKDpVT1XZ-GqyTzdgKsX9WjHTkURTg-cN5GgYJ6FSfrdWcndeo-rU1HgFuz1NhfC5SRZobyqIwW434dscKYMLxKKZVyFa2nqQJeC5ouMkKssQB~6TP-8xQvGNhT4mOJG5QIUVxKdzeEoDazwzgoTjiGL500ItoWAIhimJ5X~6phi99kcRsE9q9SdK5E79nKFTa0djU4avr~gi1C4RCV61ifQBpNzfHZOnRfp0oYZmWCh3oaivpur~fH1QXgYA9hcjIzwEt3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved an ordinance May 12 to adjust no‑parking zones on Butcher Street after a staff review of pavement widths, driveway density and school drop‑off patterns.

Why it matters: The change affects a local, mostly residential street that serves Carl Schurz Elementary School and nearby multifamily units. Staff said the amendment corrects signage that was installed after an earlier audit and better aligns restrictions with actual pavement widths so that emergency and through traffic maintain the required clearance.

Assistant City Engineer Carly Farmer told council the city’s ordinance requires at least 10 feet of clear roadway for free movement of vehicular traffic and that typical residential streets are designed for a 30‑foot pavement section (eight feet of parking on each side and 14 feet of travel lane). Farmer said sections of Butcher between Magazine and Gunther measure at least 28 feet and could safely accommodate on‑street parking; between Gunther and Business 35 the pavement is narrower (roughly 25–27 feet) and staff recommended continuing all‑hours no‑parking there. The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously recommended the staff proposal.

Farmer recommended removing the school‑day no‑parking restrictions on the wider stretch near the school while maintaining all‑hours restrictions on the narrower segment. She described the city’s relevant ordinance language: “No person shall park any vehicle upon a street other than an alley in such a manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than 10 feet of the width of the roadway for free movement of vehicular traffic.”

Council voted to adopt the ordinance. The changes restore parking on the wider segment of Butcher between Magazine and Gunther and preserve no‑parking rules where the pavement does not provide the minimum maneuvering width.

Ending: Staff said the adjustments correct inconsistently signed restrictions and were intended to improve safety and functional access on the street.","An ordinance changing no‑parking zones on Butcher Street passed after staff recommended removing school‑day restrictions where pavement width is adequate and maintaining all‑hours no‑parking where the roadway is too narrow for safe two‑side parking and through traffic.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050215,"Council approves parameters for $144 million utility refunding bond authorization in first reading and public hearing",605,5914000,6519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4&start=5914&end=6519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492348-c5e587daa3fd272122cbc49281a00ff4/thumbnail_5914000.jpg","/articles/6050215/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Council-approves-parameters-for-144-million-utility-refunding-bond-authorization-in-first-reading-and-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050215-e1e668c6bcbaa958f712e357034566ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157379&Signature=ZUmo5CEQmDNGFltBo9qw7tFwbH0O26YNIXTmXJnUuSBBepBk1Fn8uFgg1Bhhl1z0RBd9mVkQwRzPE6kp1llROBQ4KlRDuFzDhvVpxz54uObAn31nACx09EOkPQgDogTj6TSoofVIx3A~SiO2V-vtkn~32WD5bNt9~exNF-jRJ7k4CmsbI3GA5zhvaNuwLPbJqBgGMNEh3CUHUFncPIJkPL-1yf-thaBUiK1GYm0~GvUHSLuskDgcgrg5SbbCC0kxX9a7wPf7EKF8RtJ4zUOU85p5-qJHlS7FteXhP~HSlTHqfhzIEYy3fiemJnkXIPHV1DfSxTAsqjUVfhNVQ8AH3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of New Braunfels and New Braunfels Utilities presented a proposal May 12 to authorize issuance of up to $144 million in Utility System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2025, to refund outstanding commercial paper and potentially refund 2015 and 2016 bond series for interest‑rate savings. Council approved the parameters for the issuance in a recorded vote during the meeting.

Why it matters: The authorization would allow the city and NBU to refinance short‑term commercial paper at lower, long‑term rates and capture potential savings on older bond series if market conditions are favorable. Staff said the parameter authorization provides flexibility to issue one or more series over a six‑month window while monitoring market rates.

Dwayne (presenter name in transcript) gave a market update and explained the rationale for a parameter order. He said markets had been volatile in the weeks before the meeting but that the parameter approval permits the city to act when conditions are favorable. City staff described the components: refunding approximately $75 million of commercial paper in June, and potentially refunding $8.7 million of 2015 bonds and $55.6 million of 2016 bonds within a six‑month window if savings thresholds are met.

Finance staff recommended a parameter order with a par amount not to exceed $144,000,000, a maximum interest rate not to exceed 6 percent, maturities not to extend past February (parameters as described in staff material), and a present‑value savings threshold of at least 2 percent for refunded bonds.

During public comment Richard Kelsheimer asked whether refunds would reduce utility rates; New Braunfels Utilities staff said the utility is in the budget process and anticipates rate adjustments to support infrastructure needs but that the refinancing is intended to reduce interest cost where possible. Council then voted to approve the parameter authorization. Council member Edwards moved for approval and Council member Ryan seconded. The roll call was recorded as Edwards — Aye; Ryan — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Campos — Aye; Mayor Leonards — Aye. The motion passed.

Ending: Staff said the authorization is valid for up to six months and that the bonds would be priced if market conditions are favorable, with an anticipated initial refunding of commercial paper in June and delivery later in June if conditions allow.","New Braunfels Utilities and city finance staff asked council to approve a parameter order to authorize refunding commercial paper and potentially refund 2015 and 2016 series bonds. Council approved the parameter authorization by recorded vote; staff explained the approval gives flexibility to time issuances within a six‑month window to capture","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears plan for Comal Avenue bike improvements; staff proposes summer pilot and evaluation

Council holds first reading on paid downtown parking plan as public reaction splits

Council certifies May 3 municipal election results for Districts 1 and 2

Council amends Butcher Street parking: removes restrictions in one segment, maintains no‑parking where pavement is narrow

Council approves parameters for $144 million utility refunding bond authorization in first reading and public hearing