New Braunfels | May 2023

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6 MAY 9JUNE 6, 2023

NBU INVESTMENTS

The population in the city of New Braunfels has increased by 66% from 2012 to 2022, causing New Braunfels Utilities to invest an unprecedented amount of money into capital improvement projects and utility infrastructure. A new rate plan will help fund the costs of the 161 capital improvement projects in design or in progress for scal years 2023-24 through 2027-28.

The Gruene Boot Co. now open in Gruene

Electric

Water

Wastewater

Support services *

Equipment

$250M

Capital Improvement Projects Total $784.63M

$200M

Kayak lessons available in Fischer Park this May

$150M

The total estimated cost of CIPs for water, wastewater and electric utilities being budgeted for the next ve years is $784.63 million, excluding support services and equipment costs.

$100M

Volunteers in Medicine breaks ground

$50M

Wastewater $286.59M Water $310.43M Electric $187.61M

Fiscal Year

*SUPPORT SERVICES ARE THE FUNCTIONS THAT SUPPORT THE CORE LINE OF BUSINESSES.

SOURCES: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT

Roost o ers variety of chicken salads, breakfast

Customers of New Braunfels Utilities will see an increase in their utility bills after the new two-year rate plan goes into eect Aug. 1. The proposed rate adjustments will allow NBU to main- tain prudent nancial operations, appropriate debt cov- erage ratios and adequate reserve fund levels for electric operations while investing in capital improvement proj- ects, according to NBU ocials. Capital projects and utility rates increase with population in New Braunfels Over the last six years, the utility has been working to expedite its capital, according to NBU CEO Ian Taylor. “Our capital plan has grown three times from what it normally was in order to keep up with growth,” Tay- lor said. “And as a result of that we were even having to throttle back development so that we will not approve engineering plans for new developments until our own projects are online.” CONTINUED ON 22 BY SIERRA MARTIN

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Dr. Purser will be joining us this July

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

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Happy Nurses Week to the nurses of New Braunfels and the surrounding communities. This week, we celebrate your calling and your commitment. Together, we do so much good.

CARING. NURSES, THANK YOU FOR You make a difference. HEALTHCARE IS BETTER TOGETHER

NATIONAL NURSES WEEK MAY 6 – 12, 2023

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTERS Sierra Martin, Amira Van Leeuwen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Roger Ibanez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kayla Brooks METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR William C. Wadsack COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nbfnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nbfads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM HEATHER: In this issue, Reporter Sierra Martin takes a look at how New Braunfels Utilities plans to fund over 150 capital improvement projects while maintaining adequate reserves. The utility also needs to get fully sta ed to handle these projects. Next month is our Health Care Edition. Email nbfads@communityimpact.com for advertising inquiries. Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ERIC: New Braunfels increasingly is a place where residents enjoy getting around on their golf carts or other similar small vehicles. City Council revised an ordinance that regulates such activity, and we provided an update on those requirements (See Pages 16- 17). Reporter Amira Van Leeuwen highlights The Chain Link Bicycle Shop as well as Roost, a restaurant in Freiheit Village that specializes in a variety of chicken salad and all-day breakfast (see Pages 20-21). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR

What does SWAG stand for? “Stu We All Get” as CI Patrons

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

306

CREEKSIDE WAY

337

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

Lolli’s Daycare and Preschool

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1101

ELIZABETH AVE.

5 Lolli’s Daycare and Preschool , a Christian-based child care center, opened in New Braunfels on April 3. Located in the heart of New Braunfels at 984 W. San Antonio St., the former site of Hansel & Gretel Child Develop- mental Center, Lolli’s oers day care for children from 18 months to 4 years old and can register up to 82 children. Children attending the day care will have the opportunity to participate in Spanish, sign language and Christian curriculum. 830-629-0772. www.lollisdaycare.com 6 Canopy Luxury RV Resort opened May 1 near Lake Dunlap in New Braunfels. The resort boasts nearly 300 RV lots for both long-term renters and tourists. It features a resort-style pool, a fully equipped gym, lighted pickleball courts, multiple community spaces, dog parks and washing stations, a playground, six bathhouses, card-operated laundry facilities, and a walking trail. Owner Richard McCaleb also noted the RV resort has dedicated ber optic internet for every RV. The full resort is scheduled to open later this spring. 830-310-8511. www.canopyrvresort.com 7 On the Grind Coee opened a new location at Westpointe Village Shopping Center at 2680 Loop 337, New Braunfels on March 2. The New Braunfels-based coee company sells a variety of signature and classic coee drinks. Aside from coee, it also sells teas, Italian sodas and shakes. 830-310-1776. www.otgcoee.com 8 Fast Aid Urgent Care , a veteran-owned and -operated medical care facility located at 229 FM 306, Ste. 103, opened March 15 in New Braunfels. The Urgent Care is a pri- mary provider for minor medical emergen-

LANDA

ISLAND

MAIN PLAZA

306

337

725

1044

LAKE DUNLAP

725

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Faust Brewing Co. , located at 499 S. Castell Ave., reopened April 1. The reopening comes with a change in the company’s liquor license. Now, Faust Brewing can serve an array of mixed drinks. A food trailer sells American pub fare food items with a German twist, including burgers, fries, tacos, spinach artichoke dip, smoked wings and sand- wiches. www.faustbrewing.com 2 Lass Cafe & Cocktails hosted a grand opening celebration at its new location,

993 Loop 337, New Braunfels, on April 15. The event featured a cornhole tourna- ment, food and drink specials, and free popcorn. Owners Brittney Hitzfelder and her sister Michelle Chapa were inspired to name the business after their grand- parent’s prized race horse. The food truck serves its signature item Oma Haecker’s Fried Bologna Sandwich among other sandwiches and burgers on the menu at the bar location where cocktails are served. www.facebook.com/lasscafe 3 P.F. Chang’s , an Asian restaurant, opened in New Braunfels on April 5 at

2982 Cold Spring Drive. The restaurant serves sushi with a small selection of soup and salad options, such as egg drop soup and Asian salads. It also serves a variety of main entree dishes, such as Mongo- lian beef, ma po tofu, sesame chicken, noodles, rice and more. Customers can order or make a reservation online. 830-214-2044. www.pfchangs.com 4 A new Marco’s Pizza location opened April 10 at 1860 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels. Marco’s Pizza serves pizza, wings, salads, sub sandwiches and des- serts. It also delivers. 830-402-1900. www.marcos.com

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On the Grind Co ee

The Mess Around

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY THE MESS AROUND

COMING SOON 11 The Mess Around , an upscale Southern cuisine restaurant, is opening in a shared space with The Crosswalk at the Schmitz, an espresso, coee, smoothie and sandwich cafe, located at 471 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. Owners Jennifer and Dennis Wilson will oer items such as smothered fried chicken, red eye gravy, Parmesan stone-ground yellow grits, braised short rib, po’boys, collard greens and more. They will also oer a selection of Texas-based beer and wine. 830-620-7200. Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_messaround 12 A La-Z-Boy Furniture store will open this summer at 2094 N. I-35, New Braunfels. The store sells recliners, sectionals and sofas alongside similar furniture. La-Z-Boy also oers free design services to help customers determine the correct furniture style for their homes. www.la-z-boy.com ANNIVERSARIES 13 Gruene Estate , a wedding and event venue located at 1030 River Road, New Braunfels, will celebrate its 10-year anni- versary in May. The venue oers an open- air chapel, a large covered reception area with a stage and a catering kitchen space along with lodging for guests both on-site and at several historic buildings in downtown New Braunfels. Owners Daniel and Anna Lisa Tamez purchased the property—which once was the site of the 1856 settlement of Ernst and Antoinette Gruene—in 2011 and began holding weddings in 2013. Tours and inquiries for reservations can be found on its website. 830-318-5582. www.grueneestate.com

cies for patients of all ages and has an x-ray on-site. The company also has locations in San Antonio, Bastrop and La Grange. 830-743-9088. www.fastaiduc.com 9 A new Dunkin’ location opened in New Braunfels at 237 FM 306, Ste. 101 on April 15. The third location of the coee chain in New Braunfels is plan- ning to host its grand opening in May. Dunkin’ serves handcrafted espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches and donuts, among other menu items. 830-214-0242. www.dunkindonuts.com 10 The Pak Medical Center of Excellence held its grand opening in New Braunfels at 1770 Hwy. 46 W. on Feb. 18. The medical center houses ve busi- nesses that provide health care services to senior citizens and other community members, including the New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital Out- patient Therapy Services and River City Imaging Center . Pak Medical Group has a team of primary care physicians and clini- cians that provide care in family practice and internal medicine. 830-730-4125. www.pakmedicalgroup.com. Zenith Integrated Specialists provides neu- rology, rheumatology, podiatry, en- docrinology and infusion therapy services to patients. 830-631-8182. www.zenithspecialists.com. Quest Diagnostics provides diagnostic infor- mation services for patients to make health care decisions. 866-697-8378. www.questdiagnostics.com New Braunfels Glassblowing opened in March. Owner Mikey Pinedo Jr. has nearly 20 years of experience in glass- blowing and runs the business in a shop in his backyard in New Braunfels. Those interested can sign up for private or group classes and learn to make items such as glasses, vases or glass ¢owers. www.nbglassblowing.com

Customers of The Gruene Boot Co. can choose from around 60 styles of Western-style boots.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT EXPANSION A business in Gruene has expanded to oer more Western attire for visitors and residents to purchase at 1601 Hunter Road, Gruene. The Gruene Hat Co. expanded in March to oer a new shop called The Gruene Boot Co . Owner Cody Courtney said he was inspired to bring a Western boot store to New Braunfels to help add to the Southern aesthetic of the area. “We’ve got a fantastic team, and it really kind of drove our condence to say, ‘Let’s take this next step here [and] open up a cowboy boots store,’” Courtney said. “We were just inundated with requests the last four years by people buying a cowboy hat for the rst time. … We were just shocked that there’s really no one within Gruene or New Braunfels, frankly, that had a real cowboy boot presence.” Courtney said the store sells over 60 styles of boots and oers the largest selection of cowboy boots in New Braunfels. Men’s trendy and traditional styles of boots are available from the brands Ariat, Azulado and Horse Power, among others. There is a large style of boots for women to choose from, including from the brands Macie Bean, Liberty Black and Azulado. Courtney said once he learns the customer base, he plans to cater to other popular styles.

“We hope that we’re fullling kind of a niche in the market but also being really just a complement to the overall Gruene experience,” Courtney said. “When patrons go into Gruene, … they could have the opportunity to buy a cowboy hat or have the opportunity buy cowboy boots. … So, we just kind of want to be a part of that nostalgia, if you will.” Similar to the cowboy hats at the Gruene Hat Co., customers of the Gruene Boot Co. can choose to have their cowboy boots customized by branding their initials onto the footwear to create a one-of-a-kind item. 830-626-3334. www.facebook.com/gruenebootco

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

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TODO LIST

May & June events

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN AND SIERRA MARTIN

LIVE MUSIC BRAUNTEX PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE 290 W. San Antonio St.,

New Braunfels 830-627-0808 www.brauntex.org MAY 14 Raul Malo, 7:30 p.m. JUNE 09 Jimmie Vaughan &

MAY 27

LEARN TO KAYAK FISCHER PARK

JUNE 0204

TAP INTO YOUR INNER ARTIST NEW BRAUNFELS ART LEAGUE

The Tilt-a-Whirl Band, 7:30 p.m. GRUENE HALL 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com MAY 19 James McMurtry, 8 p.m. 20 Joshua Ray Walker, 9 p.m. 21 KNBT Americana Music Jam: Acoustic Edition, 12:30 p.m. THE PHOENIX SALOON 193 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels 830-643-1400 www.thephoenixsaloon.com MAY 19 Soul Sessions featuring Robert Carter, 8:30 p.m. 20 Natchet Taylor & The High Lonesome, 9 p.m. 27 Cadillac Drive, 8:30 p.m. JUNE 02 Chris Max Band, 9 p.m. 09 3 Man Front, 8:30 p.m. 17 Groove Monkey, 8:30 p.m. THE SIDECAR 295 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels 830-255-7432 www.sidecarnb.com MAY 14 Chris Vu Quartet, 8 p.m.

Learn to kayak while exploring the waters of Fischer Park. Individuals will learn the basic techniques of entering a boat, launching from a pier and paddling. Equipment is provided, and participants should expect to get wet. Preregistration is required. 9-10:30 a.m. $12. 1946 Monarch Way, New Braunfels. 830-221-4378. www.newbraunfels.gov

Explore the texture of glass in transparent watercolor with a three-day workshop at the New Braunfels Art League. The workshop will be led by artist Monika Pate. Attendees must be age 18 or older. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $460 (NBAL members), $495 (nonmembers). 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830-629-8022. www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com

MAY 16 LEARN ABOUT WATER CONSERVATION The Comal County Conservation Alliance will host a presentation with Robert Mace from the Meadow Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University on conservation eorts that private landowners might consider to help protect land and water for future generations. The presentation will delve into creative solutions, what is happening now and what can be expected in the future. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. www.comalconservation.org 19 THROUGH 21 ROCK THE WEEKEND AWAY Booker-E-Entertainment will host Hill Country Rockabilly Weekender 2023 at the Gruene Outpost River Lodge. On May 19, there will be a nautical pool party, a food truck, live music, dance lessons and an Elvis Presley look-a-like contest. On May 20, there will be a poolside fashion show by Glitz Glam & Rebellion and vendors. The weekend

event will conclude May 21 with more food trucks and vendors. 3-11 p.m. (May 19), 8 a.m.- 10 p.m. (May 20), 8 a.m.-noon (May 21). 1273 River Terrace, New Braunfels. https://bit.ly/3ADoHdy 20 THROUGH 21 GEAR UP FOR THE OUTDOORS The New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center is hosting its second annual New Braunfels Sports & Outdoorsmen Show. The two-day show will have over 100 exhibitors related to hunting, shing, camping and boating. Attendees can nd hunting apparel, tree stands, blinds, camping gear and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (20), 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. (May 21). Free (age 3 and under), $5 (children), $7 (MIL/seniors), $10 (adults). 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 830-488-7814. www.hillcountryconferences.com 20 RAISE MONEY FOR VETERANS The Legendary, Legionary 5K Bier Run and 1K will take place in New Braunfels to raise funds to support the Walton F. Homann American Legion Post 179’s eorts in aiding veterans. The race is chipped, and runners will have the

opportunity to compete in age group categories. The race begins and ends at Post 179. 7:30 a.m. $40. Walton F. Homann American Legion Post 179, 410W.CollSt.,NewBraunfels.210-428-6255. www.personalbestevents.com JUNE 03 SUPPORT CHILD LITERACY The Friends of the New Braunfels Public Library will host its annual Children’s Book Sale at the Friends of the Library bookstore. Funds will benet programming at this library. The nonprot organization provides support to the public library primarily through book sales. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. 700 E. Commons St., New Braunfels. https://bit.ly/3VcNzSM 03 TOUR A CEMETERY The city of New Braunfels will host a guided, interactive tour of two historic cemeteries. Attendees will listen to stories about the city’s founders and use dowsing rods to nd unmarked graves. 6-8 p.m. $20. Comal Cemetery, 301 Peace Ave., New Braunfels. 830-221-4370. www.parksonline.newbraunfels.gov

15 Trad Police, 8 p.m. 18 Brett Cline, 7 p.m.

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.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

CONRADS LN.

UPCOMING PROJECT

2 Loop 337 widening Loop 337 from River Road to

1102

Hillcrest Drive has been expanded from two lanes to four lanes each direction and an overpass has been added at River Road. Further improvements on the proj- ect will include additional sidewalks and bike lane accommodations. Timeline: 2017-TBA Cost: $13.5 million Funding source: Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 3 FM 725 expansion A Texas Department of Transportation project will expand FM 725 from County Line Road to Zipp Road from two lanes to four with a median, sidewalks and bike lanes. Timeline: 2022-TBA Cost: $12.1 million Funding source: AAMPO 4 I-35 frontage road improvements This project includes ramp revisions as well as intersection and frontage road operational improvements from Creekside Crossing northbound to the

306

COMMON ST.

Congestion has increased on Hwy. 46 as seen here near FM 1101.

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

KOHLENBERG RD.

337

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 14. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NBFNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Commissioners Court and Guadalupe County Commissioners Court have also led resolutions in favor. I-35 connector to SH 130 proposed Bills in the Texas Legislature—House Bill 2795 and Senate Bill 1071—seek to build a nontolled connector between I-35 and SH 130 near New Braunfels. New Braunfels City Council unanimous- ly passed a resolution April 10 calling for such a connector to relieve tra c on East Hwy. 46, FM 725 and FM 1044 between New Braunfels and Seguin. If passed, the bill would secure funding for such a road. SH 130 connects to I-10 near Seguin along a tollway to 183 South. The city of Seguin, Comal County

FAIR LN.

1101

HILLCREST DR.

337

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Goodwin Lane/Conrads Lane Reconstruction The city of New Braunfels will begin a full-depth reconstruction of sidewalks,

curbs, utilities and drainage structures from FM 306 to Conrads Lane. Timeline: scheduled to begin in 2024 Cost: $10.7 million Funding source: 2019 bond

York Creek overpass. Timeline: 2019-TBA Cost: $12 million Funding source: AAMPO

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Summer Leagues beginning in June!

The Alarming Connection Between Cognitive Decline and Untreated Hearing Loss How New Braunfels Most Advanced Audiological Team Can Help Through Cognitive Screenings Untreated Hearing Loss Increases Cognitive Decline 1 2 3 4 5 Normal hearing Mild loss Moderate loss Severe loss

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2023

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Immerse yourself in our curated cultural Lifestyle+ program!

Featured May Event KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY Thursday May 18th at 5pm Off to the Races! Join us for Mint Julips and Southern Fare! Live music and entertainment fun for everyone!

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830-327-7299 • LarkspurAtCreekside.com 2825 Sophie Lane • New Braunfels, TX 78130

Larkspur is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. Pricing and availability subject to change. Please contact your Larkspur at Creekside team member for full details.

Know Your Water Stages

New Braunfels Utilities monitors the Edwards Aquifer level and implements water restrictions to encourage conservation and protect natural resources in times of drought. Drought status follows a series of numbered stages, each with unique water use guidelines.

Providing you with the best care and service you deserve. Traditional Burial Services • Cremation Services • Monuments Pre-arranged Funeral Plans

To learn more about community water stages, visit nbutexas.com .

Please call us at (830)-626-2020 415 S. Business IH-35

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HEALTH CARE

Groundbreaking held for new 9,000-square-foot medical clinic

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

allow the clinic to care for uninsured individuals more e ciently. VIM sta and volunteers will collaborate to provide an array of services to patients, which will be funded through donations from local churches, civic organizations, foundations and individuals. Ray Still, senior pastor at Oakwood Church, said the church celebrated its 40th anniversary and sought to “give a gift to the community.” “Originally our goal was $2 million, and it came in at $2.5 million, which was good because the project went up to $2.5 million with ination and stu like that,” Still said. Wesson thanked those who have been involved in the process. Construction is expected to begin within the next two months. The project is estimated to be completed in spring 2024.

Oakwood Church held a ground- breaking ceremony April 26 at 1225 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, to begin the construction of a new facility that will be home to New Braunfels Christian Ministries Volunteers in Medicine. Members of Oakwood Church raised $2.5 million in donations for the construction of the facility. The building will be 9,000 square feet with a design that will allow for more e cient patient care and privacy as well as being rent free. The funding was raised between October and January. VIM has been caring for uninsured adults for 15 years in its current build- ing. According to Jim Wesson, New Braunfels Christian Ministries exec- utive director, the new facility will nearly double its workspace, which will help support future growth and

Clinic sta and Executive Director Jim Wesson break ground on a new facility.

RISING TO THE NEED

What does VIM do? Provides medical, dental care at no charge to uninsured adults in Comal and Guadalupe counties How do you qualify for services? Be sure to bring: • Current driver’s license • Utility bill • Household income (last four paycheck stubs, last year’s tax return, food stamp award letter, child support) The new clinic will serve as an expanded facility for the healthcare outreach Volunteers in Medicine does for those in the community who are uninsured or underinsured. How can you help? • Volunteer • Donate unopened, unexpired medication in original packaging • Donate supplies To nd out more about New Braunfels Ministries Volunteers in Medicine, call 830-999-6226 or visit www.nbcm.org/vim.

SOURCE: OAKWOOD CHURCHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from New Braunfels & Comal ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The 2023 Silver Unicorn Award was given to three individuals who have given outstanding service to children in the community. Donna Lemley, a teacher at New Braunfels High School; Blanca Sanchez, retired custodian and volunteer at Maria’s Closet; and Health Services Coordinator Karen Schwind were honored by the board of trustees April 3. The school district began the Silver Unicorn award program in 1965. Comal ISD will meet May 18 and June 8 at 6 p.m. at the CISD District Oce, 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org New Braunfels ISD will meet June 19 at 7 p.m. at the NBISD Administration Center, 1000 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels. 830-643-5705 • www.nbisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW paying o a 2015 bond early. $9M The amount Comal ISD will potentially save by

Lone nalist for NBISD top spot announced

WHAT IS A DISTRICT OF INNOVATION?

The District of Innovation concept gives traditional public school districts the exibility available to Texas charter schools, allowing districts to have more local control to suit their individual needs. 938 out of 1,026 school districts in the state are districts of innovation.

Plan to begin a District of Innovation could give Comal ISD more exibility

NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The district’s board of trustees named Laurelyn Arterbury the lone nalist for superintendent of schools April 26. Arterbury is the chief of sta for Leander ISD. NBISD board President BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

BY SIERRA MARTIN

innovation plan and the list of the six approved Texas Educa- tion Code exemptions. Of the state’s 1,026 school districts, 938 are districts of innovation, including neigh- boring New Braunfels ISD. Comal ISD began the process to become a District of Innovation in November and appointed a District of Innova- tion planning committee. The exemptions would be in place for ve years until the district reapplies and can at that time add or subtract items.

COMAL ISD The district is looking for more exibility with class sizes, school start dates, teaching certi cations, attendance requirements and other possible exemptions with a District of Innovation designation. The board of trustees voted to adopt the nal version of the District of Innovation plan during a regular meeting April 27. Next, Superintendent John Chapman will notify the Texas Education Agency of the local

Laurelyn Arterbury

Eric Bergquist said he and the board were happy to welcome Arterbury and her family to New Braunfels. “She surpassed all of our expectations, and we have no doubt she will be a great leader for this growing community,” Bergquist said. “She upholds our beliefs and will lead us to the next level.” By state law, the board must wait 21 days before voting on the approval of her contract.

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CITY & COUNTY

News from Comal County & New Braunfels

COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN

New Braunfels City Council will meet May 22 and June 12 at 6 p.m. at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels. 830-221-4000. www.newbraunfels.gov Comal County Commissioners Court will meet May 18 and 25 and June 1 and 8 at 8:30 a.m. at 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels 830-221-1100. www.co.comal.tx.us MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS COMAL COUNTY A passport acceptance program will soon be available at the Comal County Tax Oce in New Braunfels after commissioners voted to approve the program during an April 20 meeting. The oce will be open by appointment only and oer photo services on-site and charge an execution fee of $35 per application and $15 per photo. NEW BRAUNFELS Pool owners who were previously prevented from doing so can ll up their swimming pools while Stage 3 drought conditions continue as of April 24. Previously the city’s drought management plan prohibited the construction, installation and lling of new swimming pools.

Regulations including license plates, headlights for golf carts, similar recreational vehicles enacted

Public speaking time remains unchanged for City Council NEW BRAUNFELS An amendment to an ordinance that would reduce public speaking time allotted per resident at council meetings from ve

NEW RULES TO INCREASE SAFETY

Braunfels residents, live in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction or are nonresidents. After hearing concerns about stating addresses during public meetings—with some residents citing harassment that resulted in stating their address—council determined it would be bene cial to remove the requirement. Council considered limiting the public speaking time from ve

minutes to three. The cumulative time for a group or organization to speak would have remained at 30 minutes for any one group or organization to speak on a speci c issue. Mayor Rusty Brockman cited increasing meeting eciency and being able to increase the number of public speakers as reasons. Ultimately the item was approved 6-1, with Mayor Brockman dissenting.

On April 10, New Braunfels City Council approved amendments to the city ordinance regarding driving golf carts and similar vehicles on designated city streets. Failure to follow these regulations can result in a citation. Recreational o-highway vehicles and utility task vehicles have been added to the list of allowed vehicles on certain city streets. Passengers on golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles, ROVs and UTVs must be over the age of 4. Allowed vehicles can only drive 5 miles from the location where the vehicle is usually parked. An operational horn is required for all allowed vehicles. A valid state license is required of the driver of all allowed vehicles. Cost of Citation First o ense: $100 minimum ne $500 maximum ne Second o ense: $500 minimum ne

NEW BRAUNFELS Riding golf carts and similar recreational vehicles within city limits may be safer with additional nes, rules and regulations added to a city ordinance. New Braunfels City Council voted to approve the nal reading of an item during an April 10 meeting to make amendments to an ordinance allow- ing recreational o-highway vehicles, or ROVs, and utility task vehicles, or UTVs, on designated public streets. “In 2019, the Texas Legislature allowed other types of vehicles to be on public streets, but it’s at the discretion of the local government as to what they would allow,” said Greg Malatek, public works director for the city of New Braunfels. “So there were requests from residents to bring on some vehicles, so discus- sions with council and the trans- portation and trac advisory board [took place].”

All-terrain vehicles—or ATVs— and sand rails will be prohibited on public streets except when crossing certain streets outlined in the ordinance, as authorized by the Texas Transporta- tion Code. In the current ordinance, opera- tional headlamps, tail lamps, side reectors, parking brake and rearview mirrors are already required to drive within designated public streets. Nighttime driving will remain prohib- ited. Additional equipment include an operational horn and Texas license plate and registration. Malatek said the city will discuss oering a grace period for drivers of o-highway recreational vehicles to become aware of the changes to the city ordinance. “We can have that conversation with the police department and talk to Chief Lane as far as giving any kind of a grace period or warnings if they

stopped somebody to kind of let them know,” Malatek said. The current ordinance only allows recreational vehicles to travel 2 miles from where it is normally parked, but the amended ordinance would allow the o-highway vehicle to travel up to 5 miles from its origin. The ROVs or UTVs have to be driven by someone with a valid driver’s license and not on sidewalks or hiking trails. Higher penalties would also be put into place, increasing the minimum ne to $500 for a second oense instead of waiting for a third oense to be ned. If the violation is made of having a passenger under 4 years old on the recreational vehicle, the minimum ne would be $250 instead of $100. A communication plan will be carried out to inform residents of the new changes. According to Malatek, there were around nine violations that resulted in tickets in the past year.

to three minutes was voted down. What did change at the April 10 meeting was an amendment to the ordinance that will eliminate the need for citizens to provide their addresses when speaking publicly and instead only state if they are New

New Braunfels Utilities CEO Ian Taylor to retire, leave position in June

NEW BRAUNFELS CEO Ian Taylor announced he will retire from public service at the end of June, after 17 years with New Braunfels Utilities. Taylor has worked in public utilities for 22 years and was appointed CEO of NBU in 2016. According to NBU, Taylor will con- tinue in an advisory role and work with the board of trustees to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“Years ago, I chose public service because I wanted my time away from family and friends to be spent in ser- vice to others,” Taylor said. “I never imagined I would get to serve with a team of professionals that would give of themselves in such extraordinary ways during extraordinary times to ensure the delivery of essential services to an entire community. This NBU team seems to have no end to

their capacity to give. No matter the situation— record growth,

Ian Taylor COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri or any other calamity— they perform out of a sense of duty and get the job done. I love them all and will miss them dearly.”

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT

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News from the 88th legislative session AT THE CAPITOL Senate puts $2B toward mental health care expansion

QUOTE OF NOTE

NUMBER TO KNOW That’s how much Texas lawmakers have allocated for the 2024-25 state budget. Members from the House and Senate will meet to hammer out the details of the budget before it heads to the governor’s desk. $161B UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS DELIVERING LASTING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AND ADDRESSING SKYROCKETING APPRAISAL VALUES.” DADE PHELAN, HOUSE SPEAKER, ON THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL 2, THE CHAMBER’S $17 BILLION PLAN TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES “MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS HOUSE HAVE SENT AN UNEQUIVOCAL MESSAGE THAT THEY HEAR THE CONCERNS FROM FELLOW TEXANS ABOUT

BY HANNAH NORTON

BUILDING MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES The Texas Senate’s $2.3 billion plan includes the construc- tion of new mental health facilities and upgrading existing facilities to increase capacity in Austin, San Antonio, North Texas, Montgomery County, El Paso and Tyler.

The Texas Senate has proposed a $2.3 billion investment in the state’s mental health care system, including upgrades to and construction of several state mental health facilities. Money will be allocated to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission by Senate Bill 30, a supplemental funding bill. The Senate unanimously passed SB 26 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, RBrenham, on April 13. The bill would create a $15 billion “innovation grant” program to help local mental health centers provide early intervention and treatment for children and their families. At an April 13 news conference, Kolkhorst said mental health needs have increased signicantly in Texas since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said roughly 1,000 Texans were on waitlists for forensic hospital beds, which are used for people in the criminal justice system who have mental illnesses, before the pandemic. Since then, Kolkhorst said the waitlist has “exploded to nearly 2,500.” Many state hospitals, state-supported living centers and local mental health facilities are also facing stang issues. The Senate passed SB 25, a nursing education bill, with a unanimous vote March 30. The bill would create scholar- ships, grants and a loan repayment program for nursing students.

New construction/ upgrades

North Texas State hospital

Terrell State hospital UT Tyler

Amarillo State hospital

Lubbock State hospital Sunrise Canyon

El Paso psychiatric center

Uvalde behaviorial health center

San Antonio State hospital

Montgomery County mental health

Victoria County

Rio Grande State center

SOURCE: TEXAS SENATE AND TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION COMMUNITY IMPACT

Narcan to be distributed across the state

Bill would send state funds to private schools

STATE SEN. DONNA CAMPBELL District 25 New Braunfels Republican Elected: 2012

BY HANNAH NORTON

RELEVANT BILLS During his State of the State address in February, Gov. Greg Abbott des-

Gov. Greg Abbott announced on April 6 that the opioid overdose reversal medication Narcan will be provided to law enforcement in every county in Texas. Over 2,000 Texans died from fentanyl poisoning in 2022, Abbott said. An initial 20,000 units of Narcan, which helps people over- dosing on opioids keep breathing, are available immediately. Counties can apply for an allotment from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, according to the governor’s oce. Abbott also announced the launch of a $10 million multimedia campaign to educate Texans about the dangers of fentanyl, as well as how to prevent, recognize and reverse overdoses. The campaign is an extension of Abbott’s existing “One Pill Kills” initiative. Funding for the plans comes from multiple settlements that Texas is receiving from opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies, ocials said.

BY HANNAH NORTON

The Texas Senate approved on April 6 a proposal to use state money to help parents pay for enrollment in private schools. Senate Bill 8, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, RConroe, would create an education savings account pro- gram, commonly known as private school vouchers. Parents who pull their children out of public schools could receive $8,000 per student to help send them to private schools. The money, which would come from taxes paid to the state, could be used to cover private school tuition or other educational expenses, such as textbooks or transportation. Current public school students and those enrolling in kindergarten or prekindergarten for the rst time could apply for ESAs. Creighton announced that about 62,500 low-income students who are already enrolled in private schools would also be eligible for the program.

SB 164 This bill was most recently referred to the House Public Education Committee on April 28 and outlines that a public elementary or secondary school must display a durable or framed poster of the national motto “In God We Trust” and the founding documents of the United States in a conspicuous place.

ignated combating the fentanyl crisis as one of his top priorities for the current legislative session. Texas lawmakers have passed bills related to the crisis, including: Senate Bill 645 Goal: enable murder charges for lacing drugs with fentanyl, a deadly opioid Action: establish a rst-degree felony for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl that leads to someone’s death House Bill 362 Goal: help Texans safely test other drugs for fentanyl Action: legalize manufacturing and possession of fentanyl test strips, which are used to check if other drugs contain the deadly opioid

STATE REP. CARRIE ISAAC District 73 Dripping Springs Republican Elected: 2022

HB 3658 This bill requires monitoring of emissions from concrete facilities. Permitted facilities would be required to conduct fence line monitoring of emissions. The bill was last left pending in committee on April 10. Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE TEXAS GOVERNOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

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