PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of recommended changes to the New Braunfels Downtown Board Bylaws, including the creation of a Standing Committee and a recommendation for City Council to appoint applicants
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1, 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At the November 18, 2025 meeting, the Downtown Board approved changes to their Bylaws. Bylaw changes require City Council approval before final adoption.
Portions of Article VI in Bylaws:
Section 6.1 - Standing Committees
The Board may create standing committees and shall delineate the duties of such committees. In consultation with Standing Committee Chairs, the Chair or City Council shall recruit and approve members from the NBDB and interested residents of the City of New Braunfels to be members of the Standing Committees…
Change includes adding City Council
Approval will add oversight of City Council and the City Secretary’s Office in the application and appointment of Standing Committee and Special Committee members.
Section 6.2 - Special Committees
The Board may create special committees with limited purposes or goals to perform specific functions and activities as specified by the Board… The Chair or City Council shall recruit and approve members from the Board and interested residents of the City of New Braunfels to be members of the Special Committees…
Change includes adding City Council
Approval will add oversight of City Council and the City Secretary’s Office in the application and appointment of Standing Committee and Special Committee members.
These bylaw changes will allow City Council to appoint applicants to the newly created Downtown Parking Revenue Advisory Standing Committee - a Standing Committee of the New Braunfels Downtown Board, created November 18, 2025 by a quorum at a special-called meeting.
This standing committee will advise the Downtown Board and will be comprised of seven (7) members:
- One (1) Downtown Board Member
- One (1) Downtown Association Board Member
- One (1) Chamber/CVB Representative
- Two (2) Downtown Business Representatives/Property Owners
- Two (2) New Braunfels City Residents - At Large
Applicants will process through the City Secretary’s Office - like all other Boards/Commissions. This standing committee shall meet no less than twice per fiscal year and will be tasked with creating a plan for parking revenue reinvestments into Downtown.
Portions of Article XIII in Bylaws:
“These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the NBDB by a quorum and provided that all members were given seven (7) days prior written notice of the amendment.”
Change includes modifying fifteen (15) days to seven (7)
Approval will increase the efficiency and process for future bylaw changes.
Current Bylaws allow for bylaw amendments to occur at any regular or special meeting - by a quorum - provided that all members are given notice of the change fifteen (15) days prior. The Board was notified of the proposed changes on October 31, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for amending the Downtown Board’s Bylaws or creating a Standing Committee
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the revised Downtown Board Bylaws as attached to this agenda item.