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NEWBRAUNFELS EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5 APRIL 1 30, 2022
ONLINE AT
PRICED OUT OF THE MARKET As housing prices have risen rapidly in New Braunfels, area o cials expressed concern that the lack of a ordable options will increase housing instability among residents.
$
$
RENTAL PRICES
HOME PRICES
As rental prices have increased in New Braunfels, available housing options are becoming less a ordable for residents who make less than the area median income, or AMI.
Median home sales prices have continued to rise in New Braunfels, making it challenging for residents and newcomers to nd a ordable options.
Average rent per month
Max rent at 60% of AMI
Max rent at 80% of AMI
Max rent at 100% of AMI
Median home price rose 23.46% from February 2021 to February 2022.
$1,500
$365K
$1,300
$332K
$1,100
$299K
$900
$266K
In 2020, the median household income was $71,274 , a 0.32% increase compared to $71,044 in 2019.
$700
$233K
In 2019, 30% of New Braunfels households were housing cost burdened.*
$0
$0
2020
2021
2022
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
*COST BURDENED MEANS HOUSEHOLDS SPENT MORE THAN 30% OF THEIR MONTHLY INCOME ON HOUSING COSTS.
SOURCES: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NewBraunfels organizations address housing insecurity as prices soar E orts to bolster services for individuals experi- encing homelessness or at risk of experiencing home- lessness are growing in New Braunfels as the cost of living continues to rise locally. aimed at ending the cycle of homelessness through employment and nancial planning assistance. BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
“With growth comes the uptick of social services. … This is not a new problem, it’s just a growing chal- lenge,” said Mic Biesboer, program director of the Next Steps Program that connects individuals with area mental health services and housing options. “Every nonpro t agency in town is trying to catch up. I think all of us in some way or another are appre- ciative of the growth, but we’re seeing it from even a completely di erent lens.” CONTINUED ON 24
Representatives of several local groups have voiced concerns that the risk of local residents experiencing homelessness or struggling to a ord housing has risen as housing costs surpass a ordability, and addi- tional services are needed to combat the issue. Since 2010, the city’s population grew 56.57%, according to 2020 census data. Housing prices have risen accordingly as demand outpaces supply.
Areanonpro t organizations areworking tomeet the needs of a community that is becoming increasingly una ordable for many residents by developing short- term emergency housing, connecting individuals to long-term residential options and operating programs
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
RETURN TO COLLEGE & FINISH YOUR DEGREE! The NEXT step in your journey star ts at TXST. Learn more: go.txstate.edu/finishyourdegree
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
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FROMHEATHER: In this issue, Reporter Lauren Canterberry provides an update on some new initiatives and services aimed to support our unhoused community members. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out to us at nbfnews@communityimpact.com. Heather Demere, GENERALMANAGER
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FROMERIC: While the primary season came and went other than the few runo s on May 24, May 7 presents New Braunfelsers with the opportunity to have their say on two open City Council seats and two seats each in New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD. We have information about each candidate as well as a link for our website to their questionnaire answers (see Pages 17-19). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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LAUREN CANTERBERRY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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tin-based chain has locations throughout the country and o ers a variety of tacos, sides and alcoholic beverages. www.torchystacos.com 7 A second New Braunfels IHOP loca- tion is slated to open at 2680 Loop 337 at the end of 2022. The restaurant chain specializes in breakfast foods and has locations throughout the country. 830-620-0115. www.ihop.com EXPANSIONS 8 Texas Tito’s , a New Braunfels-based company that sells a variety of individu- ally packaged pickles, is slated to build a new facility near 1286 River Road on a property purchased by the company. The business was founded in San Antonio in 1998 and relocated to New Braunfels in 2000, Texas Tito’s President Chris Snider said in an email. The current facility is located at 1411 FM 1101 and the new facil- ity is expected to be completed in 2023. 830-626-1123. www.texastitos.com 9 Kinnor Co ee , which rst opened in January 2022 at 11335 FM 1863, New Braunfels, in partnership with 5 Stones Artisan Brewery, has expanded to a larger space on the property. According to Aaron Brown, who operates the co ee shop, the new space will allow Kinnor to open earlier outside of taproom hours. A grand opening date for the new space and hours has not been set, Brown said, but he and his team have launched a soft opening in recent weeks. 210-620-0500. Facebook: Kinnor Co ee ANNIVERSARIES 10 Henne Hardware , the oldest contin- ually operating hardware store in Texas,
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NOWOPEN 1 1838 Grill New Braunfels opened March 8 at 123 S. Union Ave., New Braunfels. The restaurant serves Amer- ican fare and is the second location of 1838 Grill in Seguin. 830-609-9022. www.1838grilltx.com 2 On March 23, Handspun Hope reopened its showroom in New Braunfels at 647 S. Seguin Ave. The nonpro t organization was founded in 2007 and works with churches, organizations and leadership in Northern Rwanda to provide women with sustainable employment, community and spiritual counsel. After
cated at 1655 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels. The franchise was founded in 1988 and has locations around the country where shops sell pretzels, dips and drinks. 877-778-9588. www.auntieannes.com 5 The Empress opened at 477 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, in January. The shop sells herbs, crystals, medicinal teas, tinctures, tarot cards and more. 830-627-4230. www.theempressnbtx.com COMING SOON 6 Torchy’s Tacos is slated to open its rst New Braunfels location at 229 FM 306 in late 2022. The Aus-
relocating its headquarters from San Mar- cos to New Braunfels in early 2020, the organization brie y opened the show- room but closed temporarily until this March. The business sells fair trade gifts, clothing, home goods and more. 830-312-0488. www.handspunhope.org 3 Moon River Ultrasound opened at 234 Comal Ave., New Braunfels, in late November 2021. The clinic o ers 4D ultra- sounds, 2D scans, gender scans and more for expectant parents. 830-214-6531. www.moonriverultrasound.com 4 A new Auntie Annie’s location opened in March inside the H-E-B lo-
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Torchy’s Tacos
Henne Hardware
COURTESY TORCHY'S TACOS
LAUREN CANTERBERRY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
will celebrate 165 years in business this year. First opened in 1857, the store is located at 246 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, and sells a variety of tools, hardware, toys and more. 830-606-6707. www.henne-hardware.com 11 Originally founded in 1982 in Mission Bend, Texas, Christian Brothers Auto- motive’s New Braunfels location will celebrate 10 years in business April 23. Located at 1760 W. Hwy. 46, the busi- ness o ers a variety of auto services and has locations across the country. 830-730-5184. www.cbac.com 12 Utility Engineering Group , located at 191 N. Union Ave., New Braunfels, will celebrate ve years in business in April. The engineering rm specializes in public sector utility design work and consulting services. 830-214-0521. www.uegpros.com 13 Mint Physical Therapy celebrated ve years in business at 1551 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 47, New Braunfels, in February. The outpatient physical therapy private practice o ers treatment plans for orthopedic and neurological diagnoses as well as injury recovery. The business also has plans to open a new location in the Spring Branch area in the coming months. 830-358-1151. www.mintphysicaltherapy.com NAME CHANGES 14 TGF Hair Salon, located at 606 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, is slated to become a Supercuts in late April. According to a representative, the management and sta will not change when the business joins the Supercuts
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The new store will be more than 40,000 square feet larger than the original location.
LAUREN CANTERBERRY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON A new H-E-B under construction next to the existing store at 651 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels will soon open to customers and take the place of the existing grocery store. Originally opened in 1994, the roughly 76,000-square-foot grocery store was later joined by two additional stores located on FM 306 and Hwy. 46 that were built to accommodate the growing population, said Katy Segler, a store leader for the New Braunfels H-E-B. In January 2021, a gas station and a shopping center attached to the main grocery store were demolished to make way for the construction of a new, 116,000-square-foot building. “It was time for this part of the New Braunfels community to have a store that could keep up with the growth,” said Julie Beding eld, a public a airs manager with H-E-B. The new facility is slated to open April 29 and will replace the existing store, which will be torn down to make room for additional parking. In addition to the larger square footage, the store will incorporate a two-story True Texas BBQ location that will include in-store seating and a drive-thru. Additionally, customers will have access
to a more extensive cheese selection, bakery, beer and wine section, and house-made tortillas. The original building will be demolished to complete the parking lot, including 26 curbside parking spaces. “That’s a growing part of our business, [that] aspect of people just wanting to save time and order all of this stu online,” Segler said. The store will also be the rst in New Braunfels to have a licensed nutritionist operating inside the store, Segler said. Customers and sta will have access to the nutritionist’s services, including meal-planning assistance. Ahead of the opening, H-E-B is in the process of hiring 150 new employees to join the current sta who will make the transition from the old store, Segler said. “It’s going to be a bittersweet nostalgia,” she said of leaving the old building. “But this is something that our customers and our partners are extremely excited for.”
Bridge crossing Dry Comal Creek
ERIC WEILBACHER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NEWOWNERSHIP 15 Model Nails, located at 651 I-35 Business Loop, Ste. 1110, came under new ownership earlier this year. The nail salon o ers a variety of nail services, including manicures, pedicures and more. 830-745-3404. Facebook: Model Nails at Marketplace 16 Paula Henken took ownership of The Crossing Boutique , located at 322 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, in January. The boutique sells women’s clothing, accessories and more. 830-625-9639. www.thecrossingnb.com COMMUNITY 17 A bridge crossing Dry Comal Creek connecting the Town Creek subdivision and mixed-use community to downtown neighborhoods via North Guenther Avenue opened in March. The bridge provides secondary access to Town Creek, which only had one entrance and exit at the intersection of North Walnut Avenue and North Academy Avenue The $1.5 million bridge project was funded by the developer, Town Creek Partners. There is a two-year warranty from the developer after the city of New Braunfels takes over maintenance of the bridge.
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TO DO LIST
April events
COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY & ERIC WEILBACHER
LIVEMUSIC BRAUNTEX PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels 830-627-0808 www.brauntex.org APRIL 03 Ultimate Blues & Rock & Roll with The Carvin Jones Band 21 Atlanta Rhythm Section 28 Eruption-Tribute to Van Halen 29 Jimmy Fortune (Of the Statler Brothers) GRUENE HALL 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com APRIL 08 Pat Green’s 50th Birthday Bash 09 Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights 22 Sarah Jarosz 29 Dirty River Boys RILEY’S TAVERN 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels 512-392-3132 www.rileystavern.com APRIL 09 Craw sh boil with Zydeco Band 15 The Homebodies 23 The Golden Roses 30 Trevor McSpadden and Mary Cutrufello THEWATERING HOLE SALOON 1390 McQueeney Road, New Braunfels 830-625-0045 www.wateringholesaloon.com APRIL 08 Britt Ballenger Band 09 Jay Eric & Rumor Town 16 Clint Taft & The Buck Wild Band 24 CrossTown Country
and guests can see Lego train exhibits, displays of traveling model railroads and participate in prize drawings and a silent auction. $2 (ages 5-13), $10 (age 14 and over). New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 830-627-2447. www.newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org 10 PEDALWITHOUT VEHICLES Enjoy bicycling down West San An- tonio Street without vehicle tra c during the CycloViva open streets event, part of the Alamo area national bike month. The street will be closed to vehicles from the intersection of Walnut Avenue to South Grape Avenue at the Jaws Skate Park. 1-4 p.m. Free. West San Antonio Street to South Grape Avenue, New Braunfels. www.nbtexas.org/2572/cycloviva 14 DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Join the Rock Haus Foundation for an Easter Dance hosted at the Village Venue. Adults over the age of 18 with special needs and their caregivers can enjoy an evening of music, dancing and refreshments. 6-9 p.m. Free to attend, $1 for drinks. 2032 Central Plaza, New Braunfels. 817-266-6833. info@rockhausfoundation.org 23 HILL COUNTRY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Hosted by the Downtown Rotary Club of New Braunfels, this festival will feature beer from over 30 Texas breweries. Beginning at noon, attendees can enjoy beer samples, live music and food provided by Black’s Barbecue. Age 21 and over. $30 (in advance), $35 (day-of purchase), $85 (VIP package for early access to event). Rockin ‘R’ River Rides, 1405 Gruene Road, New Braunfels. www.hccbf.com 23 HOMEGROWN&HOMESPUN NIGHTMARKET Shop local artisans and crafters during the Homegrown & Homespun Night Market hosted by Hill Country Conferences. Attendees can shop for a variety of goods and enjoy live music and food. 4-9:30 p.m. Free to attend. Gruene Outpost River Lodge, 1273 River Terrace, New Braunfels. 830-488-7814. www.hillcountryconferences.com
APRIL 23
RACE THROUGHTHE CHUTE INACARDBOARDCANOE COMAL RIVER TUBE CHUTE
Create an imaginative cardboard vessel to race others during the 2022 Thru the Chute Boat Race. Teams launch their creations to cheering spectators gathered along the banks of the Comal River at the City Tube Chute. The theme for the 2022 race and exhibit is “Water safety: how to recreate safely in and around water.” All teams must ll out an application. 10 a.m. $30 per team (early registration through April 10), $45 per team (late registration), registration deadline April 20. 830-221-4350. www.nbtexas.org/2536/thru-the-chute-boat-race
APRIL 07 CELEBRATE LOCAL STYLE Shop local fashion during the New Braunfels Downtown Association’s Fashion Plate & Sidewalk Sale. Attendees will be able to browse local vendors, watch a spring style show and enjoy lunch provided by Krause’s Cafe and 2tarts Bakery. Then grab a drink and swag bag at the Huisache Grill. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $50 (per person), $270 (table of six). Krause’s Cafe, 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. www.playinnewbraunfels.com 09 HUNT FOR EGGS BY NIGHT Join the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department for an evening egg hunt. Participants must bring their own ashlight and basket to collect eggs hidden around Cypress Bend Park, and children will be divided into age groups for the search. Pre-registration only. 7:45- 8:45 p.m. $8 (per person). 503 Peace St., New Braunfels. 830-221-4350. www.nbtexas.org/parks 09 BLAST OFFWITH SCIENCE Aspiring rocket scientists can join the Headwaters at the Comal to participate in this Saturday SEAM (science, engineering, art, math) series at which they will make water rockets, stomp rockets, Kool-Aid rockets and PVC rockets.
This program is designed for children in kindergarten through third grade. 10- 11 a.m. $3 (Headwaters member youth: supporter and contributor level), $4 (Headwaters member youth: family level), $5 (general admission). Headwaters at the Comal, 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels. 830-608-8937. www.headwatersatthecomal.com 09 THROUGH 10 LEARN ABOUT LOCAL HERITAGE During Folkfest New Braunfels, attend- ees can watch living history re-enact- ments, listen to live music, participate in children’s crafts and tour the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. Spon- sored by the Heritage Society of New Braunfels, proceeds from the event will bene t the Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture and its historic preservation e orts. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 9-10. Free (children age 6 and younger), $10 (guests over 6). 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels. 830-629-6504. www.texashandmadefurniture.com/ folkfest 09 THROUGH 10 CELEBRATE LOCOMOTIVES Train lovers of all ages can learn more about locomotives during the annual New Braunfels Train Show. Vendors from around the country will be in attendance,
Find more or submit New Braunfels events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES ElizabethAvenue parking slated to open byApril; Hinman IslandDrive to remain closed until May
ONGOING PROJECTS
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BY ERIC WEILBACHER
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The stretch of Elizabeth Avenue from Landa Park Drive to Hinman Island Drive that includes a redirected driving route and new parking is slated to open at the end of March, according to David Ferguson, media and communications coordinator for the city of New Braunfels. The project moves previous parking closer to the Wurstfest grounds with Elizabeth Avenue rerouted along the northern side of the lot near the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department’s o ce and golf course. New Braunfels Utilities will con- tinue work on the section of Elizabeth Avenue that runs from the railroad intersection of Hinman Island Drive to West Torrey Street with an anticipated completion date of April 18 at the earliest, according to Melissa Krause, chief strategic communications and security o cer for NBU. The work is part of the Castell
Conrads Lane/Kohlenberg Road intersection Following the demolition of the Con- rads Lane/Kohlenberg Road overpass, Texas Department of Transportation crews have been working to construct a new underpass. The intersection will connect the roads under a raised portion of I-35. Timeline: October 2021-summer 2022 Cost: $63.8 million Funding source : TxDOT
The rerouted portion of Elizabeth Avenue along with new parking is slated to open by the end of March. (Eric Weilbacher/Community Impact Newspaper)
Avenue 24-inch water line project. NBU hired Spiess Construction as the contractor to complete the construction. Hinman Island Drive will remain closed as the bore pit has about 75% left to ll, Krause said. Foot tra c along Hinman Island Drive is allowed to access the Comal River, and a con- struction update is due in mid-April.
1102
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Goodwin/Conrads lane improvements
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 24. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NBFNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. is nearing completion. The project will widen Goodwin Lane from two to three lanes between FM 306 and Conrads Lane, install sidewalks along the roadway, and conduct road and drainage improvements on Conrads Lane. Construction is slated to begin in 2023 following utility relocation. Timeline: summer 2022-25 Cost: $21.4 million Funding source : 2019 New Braunfels bond Design work on a $21.4 million project on Goodwin Lane and Conrads Lane
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Road closure along Castell Avenue to extend throughApril 11
BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
been ongoing since May 2021. Once complete, the project is expected to replace aging infrastructure and increase water transmission capacity and reliability, according to NBU. For more information about the project and for other road closure updates, visit the NBU website, www.nbutexas.com.
Beginning in early March, a portion of Castell Avenue between Elm Street and Butcher Street will remain closed through April 11, according to a press release from New Braunfels Utilities. The closure is related to the ongoing Castell Avenue 24-Inch Water Line East Project, which has
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EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Comal & New Braunfels ISDs
COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
Comal ISD Meets April 28 and May 19 at 6 p.m. at the CISD District Office, 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org New Braunfels ISD Meets April 11 and May 9 at 7 p.m. at the NBISD Administration Center, 1000 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels. 830-643-5705 • www.nbisd.org MEETINGSWE COVER should investigate the challenges teacher vacancies cause for school districts, according to the letter, and develop recommendations to address the issue. STATE HIGHLIGHT TEXAS In a March 7 letter to Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the TEA to create a task force aimed at addressing ongoing staffing shortages in public schools. The task force NUMBER TOKNOW board of trustees in February, and $4.5 million was allocated to fund the positions. 65 campus-level positions were approved by the Comal ISD
School districts face special education staffing challenges NEWBRAUNFELS & COMAL ISDS Officials are anticipating that their special education departments will likely surpass their budgeted expenses for the 2021-22 school year. During a Feb. 24 board meeting, Comal ISD staff gave an update on difficulties in hiring speech language pathologists and diagnosticians. “While we have felt the greatest impact recently, the staffing shortages have been an area of concern at the state and national level for over 10 years,” said Kristen Lueck, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instructional design for CISD. In January, the New Braunfels ISD board of trustees voted to extend the district’s contract with Trinity Education Services to provide personnel to conduct special edu- cation evaluations. Neither district provided estimates for the cost of these services.
COST OF 4 BUSES EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING: $439,000
INFLATION DRIVES
BUS PRICES The cost of replacement buses rose significantly in recent months, and the district faces longer delivery times for vehicles.
14.21% increase
$501,372
SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NBISDfaces risingcosts for newbuses
NEWBRAUNFELS ISD During a March 7 meeting, the New Braunfels ISD board of trustees discussed a plan to purchase four new school buses to replace older vehicles in the fleet. The diesel buses would be equipped with air conditioning and would be the same model purchased by the district in 2021. Clint McClain, assistant superin- tendent of finance and operations for the district, said the price for the vehicles rose significantly since last year due to inflation. Two firms submitted quotes to provide the buses, and Longhorn
Bus Sales was the less expensive option with a quote of $501,372 for four vehicles. In 2021, the district paid $439,000 for four buses, McClain said. “We bought almost the exact same spec bus last year, and it was $15,000 a bus less than it is right now,” he said. “You want to see inflation? There’s a good example there of it.” Board members are expected to vote on the purchase in April, though if approved by the board, the estimated time until delivery of the vehicles will be eight-to- nine months, McClain said.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
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Customers now have an opportunity to opt-in to the NEW Round Up Program. By participating, the monthly utility bill would be rounded up to the next whole dollar, with the difference being donated to the Headwaters at the Comal. The monthly donation per account would be between one and ninety-nine cents, with a maximum yearly donation of $11.88.
To learn more about the Headwaters at the Comal, NBU’s conservation legacy project, visit headwatersatthecomal.com .
For more information, or to opt-in to the Round Up program, visit nbutexas.com/round-up.
14
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY& COUNTY
News from Comal County & New Braunfels
COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
QUOTEOFNOTE “THE NO. 1 CRITERIA
City selects Ruy Lozano as its newest fire chief NEWBRAUNFELS The city of New Braunfels on March 18 announced that Ruy Lozano has been selected as the next New Braunfels Fire Department chief.
IS SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS,
experience of both candidates, but after careful review, Lozano was selected as the best person to lead the New Braunfels Fire Department,” New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno said in a press release. Lozano has a bachelor’s degree in communication, a Master of Business Administration and is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and is also a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Master Fire ghter and Fire Instructor.
INCLUDINGOUTREACH ANDPROGRAMMING. AND THAT’S SOMETHING THAT WE AT THE LIBRARY DOREALLYWELL.” GRETCHEN PRUETT, DIRECTOR OF THE NEW BRAUNFELS PUBLIC LIBRARY, AFTER THE LIBRARY RECEIVED THE ACHIEVEMENT OF EXCELLENCE IN LIBRARIES AWARD FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR NUMBER TOKNOW hiring bonuses are being o ered by the city of New Braunfels as the parks and recreation department looks to ll more than 150 seasonal positions. Starting pay is $12-$17 per hour for positions including lifeguard, park ranger, camp counselor and more. $250 HIGHLIGHTS COMAL COUNTY The county commissioners on March 24 approved a modi ed burn ban for unincorporated areas of the county. The new ban went into e ect at 6 a.m. on March 25 and will remain in e ect for 90 days. Unlike a traditional ban, county residents will be permitted to burn material on days with more than 25% humidity or when wind speeds are below 15 mph. NEWBRAUNFELS Throughout April, vehicles operated by Roadway Asset Services LLC will drive all roads within New Braunfels to New Braunfels City Council Meets April 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels 830-221-4000 • www.nbtexas.org Comal County Commissioners Court Meets April 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 8:30 a.m. at 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels • 830-221-1100 www.co.comal.tx.us MEETINGSWE COVER collect data about road conditions, according to a city press release. The vehicles are equipped with digital cameras that will collect images of pavement and transportation- related infrastructure that will be used to create a digital image inventory the city can use to prioritize street repairs.
O cials began a nationwide search after former city Fire Chief Patrick O’Connell retired in September. O’Connell worked in public service for 28 years. After more than ve months of searching conducted in partnership with Strategic Government Resources, an executive recruitment rm, two candidates were named as nalists for the position and visited New Braunfels for in-person interviews and community tours in March. Lozano, a 25-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department where he was an assistant re chief, and Gregory Rodgers, current assistant re chief for the city of Schertz who has served in the re service for 39 years, were the nalists. “We were impressed with the quali cations and
Ruy Lozano
The NBFD is expected to open two new re stations this year, Camareno said, and has plans to continue growing as the population grows. “I am excited to be a part of the city’s prospering future, while protecting New Braunfels as a national treasure,” Lozano said in the release.
Animal advisory board postpones pet sales ordinance NEWBRAUNFELS During a March 3 board meeting, members of the New Braunfels Animal Services Advisory Board postponed a recom- mendation to City Council regarding a proposed ordinance that would regulate the commercial sale of dogs and cats within city limits. The decision was made following more than an hour of discussion conducted in closed session in which board members and city sta eval- uated four potential options for the ordinance, said Christopher Looney, planning and development services director for the city. “The board decided that they wanted to take a little more time to examine any other options that might be out there at a subsequent meeting,” Looney said. “Just to make sure that whatever they recommend is legally sound.” Residents have shared concerns about animals sourced from com- mercial breeders at recent council and animal services advisory board meetings, speci cally regarding the recently opened Puppyland store, and the potential e ects of not regulating animal sales locally. Ultimately, any city ordinance that is adopted must be enforceable, understandable to residents and legal, Looney said.
FUNDING THE PURCHASE The New Braunfels Economic Development Corp. will provide approximately $2.18 million in sales tax revenue to the city of New Braunfels to purchase the Union Paci c property.
Total size: 3.62 acres
Approximately $409,000 for design work
Approximately $250,000 in legal expenses
Approximately $1.5million to purchase property
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Commissioners approve proposedNBEDC expenditure related toUnionPaci c site
COMAL COUNTY During a March 17 Commissioners Court meeting, commissioners approved a project expenditure by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corp. to fund the creation of a new Union Paci c rail yard. Union Paci c operates a rail yard between South Castell Avenue and Hill Avenue in downtown New Braunfels, said Je Jewell, director of economic and community development for New Braunfels. The city has been working to acquire the property and relocate the rail yard ahead of the planned South Castell Avenue redevelop- ment project, Jewell said. “As part of this negotiation that’s been really going on for a few years, Union Paci c needs to have a new site,” Jewell said.
“They own property in Comal County that they have identi ed that they would like to relocate their yard facilities to.” Ahead of relocating, Union Paci c would need to conduct design work for the new property. Should the rail yard be moved to the new location, the NBEDC is considering an expenditure of no more than $2.18 million to acquire the downtown site and to construct the new rail yard. Union Paci c has identi ed a property on Bunker Street in Comal County as a potential new location for its facility, Jewell said. County approval is required because the project is outside of the NBEDC jurisdiction, Jewell said, and the court voted unani- mously in favor.
15
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2022
L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections
COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY & ERIC WEILBACHER
D A T E S T O K N O W April 25 First day of early voting
W H E R E T O V O T E
May 7 Election day May 7 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 9 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Comal and Guadalupe counties are vote center counties, meaning residents can vote at any early voting location in their county and at any voting center on election day. Early voting locations can be found on the county’s election website.
April 26 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 3 Last day of early voting
SOURCES: COMAL COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, GUADALUPE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
S A M P L E B A L L O T
NEW BRAUNFELS CITY COUNCIL District 1 Andres Campos-Delgado Jimmy Vallejo Delgado Suzanne Kasey Lynn District 2 Christopher Willis Fabian Castillo Dealva
NEW BRAUNFELS ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES At-large member** Wes Clark* Matthew Sargent Megan Stratemann-Willis James (Randy) Lenard Single-member District 1 Keith Smith* Morgan Renaud
COMAL ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES Single-member District 6 Amanda Jones Amber Bracegirdle Single-member District 7 David Krawczynski Kaila Stovall Stephen Gallets Orlando Dona
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
CANDIDATE INFO
Get to know the candidates running in the election
Answers may have been edited for length and style. Read full Q&A’s at communityimpact.com .
Incumbent
NewBraunfels City Council, District 1
NewBraunfels ISD, at large
ANDRES CAMPOS DELGADO
WES CLARK
Occupation: area manager, Fortune 10 company Relevant experience: 10+ years of leadership, project manage- ment and policy decision making experience in a Fortune 10 Company 830-660-8992 • acamposnb@gmail.com
Occupation: president of Rocky Hill Equipment Rentals Relevant experience: at-large board of trustees member for nine years wesclark@rockyhill.co
JIMMY VALLEJO DELGADO
MATTHEW SARGENT
Occupation: CEO of BlackLetter Business Consulting, a Delgado Paradigm Corp. Relevant experience: I have, since about 1980, interacted with city leaders as I saw them at the time and on various issues including those involving school district policies and the actions of o cials. 210-954-7412 • jimmy.electjimmydelgado2022@gmail.com
Occupation: electrical engineer Relevant experience: 15 years, previous NBISD board of trustees member msargent13@yahoo.com
MEGAN STRATEMANN WILLIS
SUZANNE KASEY LYNN
Occupation: electric distribution designer senior Relevant experience: I am a fth generation New Braunfels na- tive who bleeds blue and is passionate about our school district. I am a 1998 graduate of New Braunfels High School, a mother of future NBISD graduates and come from a long list of Unicorn graduates, a family of teachers and civil servants. I have worked in the municipal electric utility eld for over 18 years and under- stand the responsibility of managing a budget and representing our community with integrity. Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and Master’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. 830-875-0654 • willis4nbisd@gmail.com
Occupation: COBRA specialist/marketing consultant Relevant experience: hospitality management, project manage-
ment, public relations and project coordination 830-488-7212 • suzielynnforccd1@gmail.com
NewBraunfels City Council, District 2
FABIAN CASTILLO DEALVA
Occupation: currently serving in United States Marine Corps, retiring March 2023 Relevant experience: no political o ce ever held, but I am very excited in helping where I can in the future; experience in person- nel management and nance management in the service 972-762-0224 • fabiandealva@yahoo.com
JAMES RANDY LENARD
Occupation: small-business owner, leadership and strategic plan- ning consultant, Tasman Sharp & The Ripsnorters band manager Relevant experience: Husband to Rebecca Kaufmann Lenard, father of three. BA in communication from Texas A&M University, MA in leadership studies from University of Texas, global executive MBA from the University of Miami. 21+ years serving as a leader of Marines in peace and in combat, lieutenant colonel, USMC. 830-660-3971 • nb.randylenard@gmail.com www.facebook.com/voterandylenard
CHRISTOPHER WILLIS
Occupation: retired Relevant experience: U.S. Army Airborne infantry mortarman veteran with one deployment overseas. A degree in social science/ psychology and criminal justice—law enforcement with a minor in forensic psychology. A career in the criminal justice eld with training as a police o cer, juvenile probation o cer and crisis negotiator. Served on several boards and committees in and around the city and volunteered around the city over the last 16 years. 512-710-7703 • vote4willis@gmail.com
NewBraunfels ISD, District 1
KEITH SMITH
MORGAN RENAUD
Occupation: general contractor Relevant experience: 28 years, current NBISD board member k.d.smith3006@sbcglobal.net
Occupation: early childhood and adult ministry coordinator Relevant experience: early childhood ministry teacher, eight previous years in management positions, BA in communication 210-791-2113 • renaudfornbisdschoolboard@gmail.com
18
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2 0 2 2 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY & ERIC WEILBACHER
Comal ISD, District 6
AMANDA JONES
AMBER BRACEGIRDLE
Occupation: nutritional territory manager for Nestle Health Science Relevant experience: Comal Forward Bond Committee 2019-20 voteforjones2022@gmail.com • www.voteforjones2022.com
Occupation: co-founder and chief brand o cer of Mediavine Relevant experience: I hold a bachelor’s in social sciences with con- centration in education. amber@ambeforcisd.com • www.amberforcisd.com
Comal ISD, District 7
DAVID KRAWCZYNSKI
STEPHEN GALLETS
Occupation: retired, do some substituting; I do volunteer charity work for the Garden Ridge Lions Club Relevant experience: Six years as a certi ed teacher in the state of Texas. I served in the Army Corps of Engineers. 254-366-9018 • galleste@sbcglobal.net
Occupation: manager-global cloud services at Rackspace Relevant experience: OpenStack Foundation board member from 2020-21; city of Garden Ridge, commission chair since 2017 210-620-7289 • dkforschoolboard@gmail.com www.dkfrschoolboard.com
KAILA STOVALL
ORLANDO DONA
Occupation: high school ELAR teacher certi ed 7-12 Relevant experience: I have worked with teachers, support sta , administrators, and central o ce employees as a teacher and know the ins and outs of how schools run. 210-478-9424 • kailaforcomal@gmail.com
Occupation: Air Force veteran and retired educator Relevant experience: U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel and with 22 years in education at the secondary and college levels—now retired honorably from Comal ISD. 619-884-5973 • comalteacher@gmail.com
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • APRIL 2022
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