The New Braunfels City Council had a brief agenda to cover Jan. 28. Here are some key takeaways from the meeting that lasted just under one hour.

1. New fire academy will educate citizens

Fire Marshal Ethan Lindner offered a presentation regarding the introduction of the New Braunfels Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy. According to Linder, the first round citizens will take part in the three-month program from March through May by attending classes every Tuesday and on a few Saturdays. Participants will learn about emergency medical services, the training of firefighters and special rescue operations. They will also spend time at fire stations and riding with the fire department to emergency calls. Fifteen cadets will be accepted into the academy. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be 18 years or older and complete a criminal background check. For more information, call the city fire administration office at 830-221-4200.

2. City to seek land for southeast library branch

City Council approved an item that allows City Manager Robert Camareno to move forward with pursuing a piece of property that will serve as the future site of a new library branch on the city’s southeast side. Once a suitable piece of property—approximately five acres—is identified, Camareno will negotiate a price and enter into a letter of intent agreement. Councilman Justin Meadows, District 2, made a motion to move forward with the initiative, which passed unanimously. Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Barron Casteel approved a proclamation declaring February 2019 as Love My Library Month, a movement that celebrates libraries of all types.

3. March 3 iCycloVIVA! event gets final approval

City Council unanimously approved the closure of a 1.7-mile section of West San Antonio Street that will take place March 3 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. for the iCycloVIVA! event. Ylda Capriccioso, park development manager for the city, explained the event is modeled after a program that began in Columbia 45 years ago where citizens enjoy weekly car-free streets. Today, similar events are found all over the world. “[CycloiVIVA!] will give citizens the opportunity to explore our city from a different perspective,” Capriccioso said, adding that it will highlight some of the businesses on the city’s west side. The West San Antonio Street closure will span from Walnut Avenue to Spur Street as it is temporarily transformed into a car-free space for activities such as biking and walking. Festivities will take place from 1-4 p.m. and feature activity hubs centered around health and family, culture and heritage, and mobility. Stacey Dicke, director of parks and recreation, said the department hopes to make the event an annual happening.