[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6050230,"mediaKeyId","3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715","parentId",3492278,"title","Votes at a glance: New Braunfels council approves grants, zoning changes, tower lease extension and childcare ordinance","audioSeconds",3510,"startMs",2230000,"endMs",5740000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715&start=2230&end=5740","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715/thumbnail_2230000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6050230/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-New-Braunfels-council-approves-grants-zoning-changes-tower-lease-extension-and-childcare-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050230-fb8eb12eead9c4dbafdc898168856c11/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185035&Signature=X4JSPqb7MBWsHFY7P9ufMMX21cz4qkqGpMxdnVfYSaD0esg7MBvGv0ZqapNFA2oOv~9T~NH-8-rED4~DebS6y5SYTmGZUqVnnIyQEA~U~gZY-tEhDU9yQfXYyHndj6YNyk2S9dilAl98eIwDGZxhJK-ipgluibOlYWMwdYtZ2nQpfZRmsAb2yr9Pb4ymDRyDbmB8OngN19u4twFnSGqfNnMKLZMvUHxTMqBFBir7aNwu1qdJchn0jsyGeDFjkqwb3IHwBKCos33VOsxhlkAyp5Qz6Rld9PNKAP7v~GhkvZWp5epwdAjzRzAcsjAvwL-~nIHZpcQad4PqHkVExA45-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Braunfels City","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","The New Braunfels City Council on Feb. 24 approved multiple consent items and separate agenda actions ranging from grant ratifications to rezonings and a lease extension. Council approved these items by voice vote during the meeting; most actions passed unanimously.

Key approvals recorded in the meeting include the following: the council ratified the submission of grant applications to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (State Homeland Security Program) to request funding for a tactical robot; a separate DHS‑related grant request for a transport trailer; and two grant applications to the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division for cybersecurity assessment/evaluation and workforce development training for city staff. Staff presented these as consent agenda items and council approved the consent items as presented (one consent item had been pulled for separate consideration).

Council also approved the second and final reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 144 (zoning) to add childcare allowances (the item was moved and approved on second reading). The meeting record shows Council member Ryan moved for approval earlier on related items; the vote on the childcare zoning amendment was recorded as affirmative unanimously.

A third amendment to an existing lease for a communications tower at 350 South Castell Avenue was approved to extend the tenant’s time to remove the tower while it searches for a replacement site. Staff recommended a one‑year extension (to Dec. 31, 2026) plus a six‑month option for a total possible extension of 18 months; the tenant had requested an extension through June 30, 2028, but staff and the tenant agreed a one‑year extension with a six‑month option was the recommended motion. Council member Edwards made the motion and Council member Willis seconded; council approved the amendment with a unanimous vote.

Planning and Development items approved included: a rezoning and special use permit request for the Frank Reale subdivision (Block 1, Lot 1) to R3L with a type‑1 SUP to allow low‑density multifamily (staff and the applicant worked to limit density and include conditions; staff recommended approval with conditions and council approved the request unanimously). The developer indicated a cap of 21 units and a requirement that 50% of parking spaces be inside garages, among other site and landscaping conditions.

The council also approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone a 0.21‑acre Highland Park property to permit short‑term rental use; staff reported public notices and one response in favor. In addition, council approved a rezoning for approximately 25 acres associated with Oakwood Baptist Church from agricultural/predevelopment to C‑1B general business to accommodate a planned worship center and related site improvements; the applicant reported the planned worship center at roughly 43 feet in height, an 800‑seat worship center, 600 new parking spaces and an anticipated completion in fall 2026.

Votes on the listed items were recorded in the meeting as carried by voice vote or unanimous roll call where noted. Several items will require subsequent staff work: final contract language for any consent matters contingent on grant rules, ordinance language and rates for parking implementation (separate item), and building‑permit and development‑plan approvals tied to the rezoning conditions.

The council adjourned after completing the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","New Braunfels City Hall - Council Chambers 6:00 PM 2/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 24 meeting the New Braunfels City Council approved a package of consent resolutions and several zoning and contract items, including grant submissions, a tower lease extension and the second reading of an ordinance adding childcare allowances to the zoning code; multiple zoning requests were approved unanimously.","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},6050235,"City council approves Interstate Parking contract for downtown and river parking management",1023,2622000,3645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715&start=2622&end=3645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715/thumbnail_2622000.jpg","/articles/6050235/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/City-council-approves-Interstate-Parking-contract-for-downtown-and-river-parking-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050235-94bf301dbf40488bce0ebff6a15c4434/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185035&Signature=B~vkB-mnvXDONCYe5takIYX0HuYAQA6Z0HOGkh7L7I9NpCL4TIkXehFe3vLN-xFz6NT~cJKbL0hDOgYiyQTXFjecuUJSKhEUzV1Ze1RKkY6-sRe4Vlch0ThwALRsxX7FpyroPy5Bli4-~T4sTl2ytK5EK8m6x5uyo8qVuMRLqh8ZcingT69rL6O60uSoSHsu-O9LLhajTHTGyFhjB3mYcf2fCVIaGLQJSxtePZbRbJ4wUh7SGUo9L9BBWAt3giuWpsmOeJL1e4Fc~O5rc4McH5lGa8~b1D27~v07m9-vb4NtRq4gxnqAaUiI4Yn5fUwfb8u-QPTxMtZG5i6ecHZw8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Braunfels City Council voted to authorize staff to finalize a contract with Interstate Parking Company to manage parking enforcement and customer-facing ambassador services at select city parks and in downtown New Braunfels.

City staff told council the contract under consideration is a three-year agreement with a $265,672 annual lump-sum fee and two one‑year extension options. Staff and Interstate representatives said the service start date for contract work is planned for March 1 to allow implementation tasks; river enforcement is planned for the opening of river season around May 1. Officials said they anticipate no net fiscal impact because paid parking revenue from parks and future downtown implementation is expected to cover the contract cost.

\"We anticipate that there will be no fiscal impact because the anticipated revenues from the enforcement will cover\" the contract cost, Economic and Community Development Director Jeff Jewell told council during the presentation. Tony Janowick, founder and CEO of Interstate Parking Company, described the firm’s approach as centered on customer service ambassadors and said the company recruits locally for ambassador roles. \"One of the core, fundamental components of the services and the majority of the lump-sum contract actually is for the public service ambassador program,\" Janowick said.

Council and members of the public asked about towing policy, accessibility, device‑based payment barriers and impacts on private lots. Janowick and staff said towing would be a last resort under city policy and that Interstate’s national experience shows tows are rare once a system is in place. The contractor and staff also said the plan calls for a mix of payment options (QR/phone-based payments plus options businesses may help facilitate), a free short grace period for brief downtown visits, and outreach to private •lot owners to coordinate off-street supply.

Public commenters, including Downtown Association President Clarissa DeSanto and resident Richard Kelsheimer, expressed support for better parking management and asked for clear communications to residents and businesses about rollout and pricing. DeSanto offered to assist with public outreach.

Council voted to authorize staff to finalize the contract terms and proceed with implementation work and ordinance changes as needed; the motion carried with unanimous support. Staff said they will return with ordinance language and recommended rates and a communications plan before enforcement begins.

Next steps named in the meeting record include finalizing contract language, staging outreach and communications, publishing an implementation timeline (staff estimated a three‑to‑six‑month downtown rollout), and bringing any rate or penalty changes to council as ordinance items.","Council authorized a 3-year contract with Interstate Parking Company to manage enforcement, ambassadors and paid parking at river parks and downtown; staff said projected revenues will cover the annual $265,672 contract cost and rollout will include public outreach and ordinance changes.",{"_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},6050240,"New Braunfels council unanimously confirms and swears in new police chief",329,141000,470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715&start=141&end=470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3492278-b07e8f6a7ad9eaa8417f3aeadef3d715/thumbnail_141000.jpg","/articles/6050240/New-Braunfels/Comal-County/Texas/New-Braunfels-council-unanimously-confirms-and-swears-in-new-police-chief","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050240-17e05cd7f0b811be97b1c95163bbef8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185035&Signature=hTZGr9XOByKWcgKo0AZ0Xd5K4~QWtJeN9eXWR6DtF4U5YwcJLh~JbqX8OFsSLEE0uRP9SqUixWsjYUMWUgDCAgKdH-bBjP2yPuqEDGAYg~SDLVGGFDtppyX-yRgWDVQHCPJPVyg6y-NgBBeNor5Ns5dQkST1szQ1POk1ik~xtbQsqq63kH2dvGeDPFoKvNflVZFH-jcM48Orsaj0PbGD7sRWz87r2rzwx1QI2WBtznQCtzsiCl4V70vA8~vDDhOAufCkcPFZOJsEPeXGwEtNmplGeIbbwf8F9v-FruF9qoAGfc~eEpw3wYF~sC8p~HLWG32sS4vhF8Bwd9BNpszP8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Braunfels City Council confirmed the city manager’s appointment of the chief of police and swore the appointment into office during its Feb. 24 meeting, with a unanimous 6-0 vote and no public speakers on the item.

City leaders said the department conducted a multi-stage selection process that produced a final appointment. According to the presentation to council, the recruitment yielded 39 initial inquiries; 18 candidates submitted screening videos. Two review panels—one made up of sworn and civilian members of the police department and the other of human resources, fire and city administration staff—reviewed submissions and provided input to the city manager before the appointment was made.

The council opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak, then approved the appointment. \"Council member Edwards moves to approve. Council member Lebowski seconds. All in favor, raise your right hand. Motion carries unanimously,\" the meeting record shows. The council’s roll call at the start of the meeting indicated six members present.

After the vote the new chief was sworn in and addressed the council and audience. In his remarks he thanked city leadership, family and members of the department, and pledged to emphasize community policing, wellness, and technology. \"I will lead through humility, integrity, honor, and faith to cultivate a cohesive team focused on our mission to serve,\" the chief told the council and the audience. He publicly acknowledged Assistant Chief David Blevins, who had served as interim chief, and noted the retirement of Chief Keith Lane after 37 years of service.

Mayor Neil Leonards and other council members praised the department for its internal review and outreach during the selection. The mayor’s introductory remarks noted broad interest from inside and outside the department during the recruitment process.

Council did not attach conditions to the appointment. The chief’s remarks indicated plans to strengthen regional partnerships, focus on officer wellness and training, and continue community engagement and problem‑solving policing.

The department will proceed under the new chief’s leadership; no further formal council action on the appointment was scheduled at the time of the meeting.","On Feb. 24 the New Braunfels City Council confirmed the city manager’s appointment of a new chief of police and administered the oath of office; council voted 6-0 and no members of the public spoke on the item.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: New Braunfels council approves grants, zoning changes, tower lease extension and childcare ordinance

City council approves Interstate Parking contract for downtown and river parking management

New Braunfels council unanimously confirms and swears in new police chief