City Manager Robert Camareno began the meeting with an update on the city’s response to COVID-19 and reiterated that essential services will continue to be provided.
In response to a public comment from Manny Gagliardi, Camareno said that restrictions on local businesses could be lifted soon after Gov. Greg Abbott issues an executive order on the topic.
"Once the governor does issue that executive order, we will then immediately begin to use the guidance provided by the governor to develop our plan to reopen businesses here in New Braunfels," Camareno said.
Abbott told reporters on Monday that he would outline a strategy this week for reopening businesses, and that an order was on the way.
Amanda Pina asked the council why more community members were not being tested.
“We have begun to ramp up testing,” Camareno said. “The testing, as you know and I’m sure as you hear, is an issue nationwide and the availability of tests—and certain components of those tests—have been an issue as well.”
The city partnered with the county and several local organizations to open a drive-thru testing facility. Coronavirus testing is also available at several urgent care clinics and standalone emergency rooms.
Gagliardi and another resident questioned the city's authority to close businesses or issue a stay-at-home order. The mayor and council members are prohibited from responding during public comments, but the New Braunfels’ disaster declaration states its power to enact such measures comes from the Texas Disaster Act of 1975.
The relevant emergency management provisions of the Texas government code states that “The county judge or the mayor of a municipality may control ingress to and egress from a disaster area under the jurisdiction and authority of the county judge or mayor and control the movement of persons and the occupancy of premises in that area.”
Citizen forums held this week should allow for discussions between council members, the mayor and residents.
