New Braunfels Edition | June 2022

CITY & COUNTY

News from New Braunfels

COMPILED BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY

QUOTE OF NOTE

New economic development plan announced NEW BRAUNFELS A new eco- nomic development strategic plan was introduced to city stakehold- ers and officials during a May 17 quarterly investors meeting of the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation, outlin- ing a plan to attract high-paying jobs, support startups and create office and industry space, among other goals. The plan, titled Confluence Economic Development Strategy, is expected to be implemented over five years beginning in Jan- uary, according to a press release from the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. Confluence will be enacted through a public-private partner- ship among the city, chamber, the foundation, and other entities. PLANNING PRIORITIES The new economic development plan outlines six strategic priorities.

New Braunfels City Council Meets June 13 and 27 at 6 p.m. at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels 830-221-4000 • www.nbtexas.org Comal County Commissioners Court Meets June 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 8:30 a.m. at 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels 830-221-1100 • www.co.comal.tx.us MEETINGS WE COVER CITY HIGHLIGHTS NEW BRAUNFELS The city of New Braunfels is now accepting applications for a portion of the approximately $10.9 million in total American Rescue Plan Act funds that were allocated to the city by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Local nonprofit agencies can submit applications for the funding online, and applications are open through June 9, according to a city press release. Capital improvement projects that are eligible for funding are those that would address health or education disparities, address social health, provide investment in housing and neighborhoods, or promote healthy childhood environments. “MY TOP HOPE IS THAT WE CAN RECRUIT AND HIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO REALLY BE ABLE TO OFFER THE PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE SCHEDULED FOR JULY AND NOT HAVE TO CANCEL ANYTHING ELSE.” STACEY DICKE, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, ON PARKS DEPARTMENT STAFF SHORTAGES

CREATING AN ORDINANCE

The animal services advisory board first discussed the creation of an ordinance in late 2021.

OCT. 2021

Board postpones ordinance recommendation to conduct further research DEC. 2021

MARCH 2022

MAY 2022

Board discusses a potential ordinance for the first time

Decision postponed

Board recommends pet sale ordinance for City Council approval

following closed session meeting

A date for the city to evaluate the ordinance has not been determined.

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

New Braunfels advisory board recommends pet sales limits

NEW BRAUNFELS After more than six months of deliberation, the New Braunfels Animal Services Advi- sory Board on May 4 recommended an ordinance to regulate the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet shops. New Braunfels officials began considering potential regulations in October after City Council members recommended that the board should discuss options for an ordinance to address commercial animal sales. City staff reviewed similar ordi- nances in other cities in Texas when drafting the options, said Christo- pher Looney, planning and develop- ment services director for the city. One option the officials evalu- ated was an ordinance passed by San Antonio in October 2020 that banned the commercial sale of pets within city limits. The newly recommended ordi- nance in New Braunfels prohibits retail pet shops from the sale, lease or transfer of a dog or cat unless the animal was obtained by the shop from an animal shelter or animal

welfare organization, according to city documents. Additionally, the board recom- mended amending the definition of “animal welfare organization” in the existing code of ordinances. Previously, an animal welfare organization was defined as “any not for profit group with 501(c)(3) status whose primary mission includes animal welfare,” according to city documents. The recommended amendment adds the stipulation that such orga- nizations do not include an entity that breeds animals or one that purchases pets from other breeders. As with the ordinance in San Antonio, private breeders who sell directly to the public are not affected by the ordinance. A one-year grace period for existing pet shops to come into compliance has also been included in the recom- mended ordinance, Looney said. A date for the proposed ordi- nance to be presented has not been determined.

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Attract quality jobs in target industries Create competitive office and industry space Support the success of startups Align and optimize workforce assets Improve mobility and transportation options Execute proactive land-use and development strategies

SOURCE: GREATER NEW BRAUNFELS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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6/24 Tommy Elskies and the Bayou Kings 7/1 Rockabilly Friday with The Prairie Rattlers 7/2 Jim Lauderdale

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • JUNE 2022

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