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