PRESENTER: Presenter
Mandi Scott, Manager of Economic & Community Development
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve an expenditure for an eligible public infrastructure improvement of downtown trees.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic & Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1, 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This presentation includes background information on a proposed effort to expand and sustain the urban tree canopy within the City’s right-of-way in New Braunfels Downtown. Trees are known to increase property values, encourage foot traffic, support retailers and restaurants, reduce urban heat, and improve visitor experience.
Downtown currently contains 37 trees, with many being more than 30 years old. To preserve and expand the existing tree canopy, the proposal includes 18 new trees with supporting infrastructure that includes seating, lighting and electrical upgrades to accommodate seasonal décor and event programming.
Kimley-Horn completed a preliminary design in FY26 to locate the additional trees and develop concepts for integrated seating, lighting, and a new street tree curb. The proposed project is broken into three categories:
Improve Existing Tree Wells
• Raise and reconstruct existing tree wells
• Install 5 incorporated benches
• Add electrical to 5 tree wells currently without power
• Install 1 decorative drain grate and 2 decorative tree grates
• Perform concrete and paver removal and replacement
• Complete bed preparation and fill (base, soil, mulch)
Add 18 Trees with Power, Raised Seat Wall, Tree/Curb
• Plant 18 new trees with integrated electrical power
• Construct concrete curb walls with stone veneer at new tree wells
• Install a raised, lighted seat wall near the Annex on East San Antonio
• Add new tree and curb improvements near New Braunfels Title on South Seguin Avenue
Tree Uplighting with Wi-Fi
• Install two programmable uplights per tree at 40 total locations
• Install Wi-Fi boxes to support synchronized lighting effects and programming
The proposed project does not include irrigation; manual watering will be required during establishment.
Preliminary design by Kimley Horn projects expenses for the three categories to total $450,000. The expense is proposed to be shared between the city’s Tree Mitigation Fund, the Downtown Parking Revenue Fund and TIRZ 3. Other funding partners will be approached for consideration.
The proposed project schedule:
- Notice to Proceed with full design to Kimley Horn: February 2027
- Preliminary Construction Plans 90%: April 2027
- Final Deliverables: June 2027
- Bidding Process: July 2027 through September 2027
- Construction Start: October 2027 to allow for planting in November (beginning of the optimal planting season)
The TIRZ 3 Project and Financing Plan addresses categories for eligible project costs to include: Public Infrastructure Improvements, Economic Development Incentives, Parking Improvements, and Administration & Implementation. Within the Public Infrastructure category, “Street trees/planters” is specifically identified as a permitted project authorized for TIRZ 3 funding.
As with all TIRZ 3 recommendations, final approval is required from the City Council at a future meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed TIRZ 3 contribution is $65,000 based on the TIRZ 3 Project Plan’s budgeted amount for Public Infrastructure Improvements applied to its current fund balance, after encumbrances. (51.7% x $125,000 = $65,000)
The TIRZ 3 Fund has available capacity for this proposed expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of the proposed downtown tree project expenditure with funding commitments from other sources such as the Tree Mitigation Fund and Downtown Parking Revenue Fund.